cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Profiles in Science: Ralph M. Steinman, 2011 Nobelist for Physiology or Medicine

The life and work of Ralph Steinman (1943–2011), one of the winners of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology, is outlined. Particularly featured are his extraordinary role in elucidating the function of dendritic cells in adaptive immunity, his devotion to sustaining the prestige of the Journal of Experimental Medicine, and the over 70,000 citations to his work made by his colleagues worldwide over the course of his career.
Amorphous Phase of Propylene/Ethylene Copolymers Characterized by Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy

Recent advances in catalyst technology make it possible to synthesize high molecular weight propylene copolymers with a high degree of isotacticity and high levels of an α-olefin comonomer. The primary objective of this study is to systematically characterize the rubbery amorphous phase of propylene/ethylene (P/E) copolymers over a range in comonomer content. A series of new experimental P/E copolymers prepared with a group IV transition metal-based post-metallocene catalyst are compared with a series of P/E copolymers prepared with a conventional metallocene catalyst. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is used to obtain the temperature dependence of the free volume hole size. The PALS measurements are supplemented with bulk volume−temperature measurements. It is found that the free volume hole size and the amorphous phase density at ambient temperature strongly depend on crystallinity. Densification of the amorphous phase is attributed to constraint imposed on rubbery amorphous chain segm...
Teen Services at Baltimore's Pratt Library: A Long History and Sustained Emphasis

This article is a first‐person account of the development of teen services at Pratt Library in Baltimore, MD. The piece places special emphasis on the development of public access computing, particularly of computing by children, especially teens.
Analysis of astigmatic focusing and push-pull tracking error signals in magnetooptical disk systems.

Methods of geometrical optics are used in deriving a simple expression for the focus error signal in terms of the parameters of an astigmatic system. The extent of validity of this result is then examined by comparison with diffraction calculations. Diffraction analysis also permits the study of push–pull tracking error signal from pregrooved disk surfaces.
793. Induction of Molecular Chimerism in NOD Mice Is Resistant to the Occurrence of Type I Diabetes Induced by Blockade of the Programmed Death-1 Pathway

Top of pageAbstract Introduction: We have recently shown that induction of molecular chimerism by reconstitution of NOD mice with autologous bone marrow cells reconstituted with retrovirus carrying genes encoding MHC class II |[beta]| chains (either IA|[beta]|d or IA|[beta]|k) from protective haplotypes can induce central deletion of auto-reactive T cells and prevent occurrence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in NOD mice. Studies have also shown that blockade of programmed death (PD-1) pathway using anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody results in precipitated occurrence of T1D in na|[iuml]|ve NOD mice. Here we show that induction of molecular chimerism in NOD mice is resistant to the occurrence of T1D induced by anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment. Methods: Bone marrow cells were harvested from 4-week old NOD mice treated with 5-fluorouracil (150mg/kg) 7 days prior and then transduced with retrovirus carrying genes encoding either a protective MHC class II |[beta]| chain or GFP alone as a control. 4 weeks old recipient NOD mice were lethally irradiated and reconstituted the following day with either IA|[beta]|d-GFP or GFP transduced bone marrow. 4 weeks after reconstitution, recipient mice were treated with anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody or rat IgG as a control. Results: 75% of the mice reconstituted with control GFP transduced bone marrow and treated with anti-PD-L1 antibody developed diabetes by 85 days after antibody treatment (Median onset time (MOT) = 32 days), while 67% of the mice reconstituted with control GFP transduced bone marrow and treated with control rat IgG developed diabetes by 134 days (MOT = 129 days, p<0.001), suggesting that anti-PD-L1 treatment precipitates the occurrence of T1D in NOD mice reconstituted with control GFP transduced bone marrow. In contrast, all the mice that reconstituted with IA|[beta]|d-GFP transduced bone marrow and treated with control rat IgG remained normoglycemic 180 days after reconstitution at which time point our experiments terminated. Only 1 out of 12 mice reconstituted with IA|[beta]|d-GFP transduced bone marrow and treated with anti-PD-L1 treatment developed diabetes. Conclusion: Induction of molecular chimerism in NOD mice is resistant to the occurrence of T1D induced by anti-PD-L1 treatment.
Finiteness marking in boys with fragile X syndrome.

Purpose The current study investigated finiteness marking (e.g., he walks, he walked) in boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS); the boys were grouped based on receptive vocabulary (i.e., borderline, i...
The Gilbreths' quality system stands the test of time

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the work of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and how it is still a fundamental part of business in the twenty‐first century. It is also proposed that the system developed by the Gilbreths could be added as a supplement, or even considered as a replacement to certain modern process management systems.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative methodology is used and the Gilbreths' system as described in their original works are compared and contrasted with modern process management systems appearing in contemporary literature.Findings – It is found that most modern process management systems are based on the work of the Gilbreths and other seminal thinkers. However, it is suggested that by paying more attention to the human element, the Gilbreths might have developed a more comprehensive system in comparison with current ones.Originality/value – This paper attempts to reemphasize the role and importance of Frank and Lillian's work as foundational to modern process management...
Tropical Cyclone Storm Surge Risk

Tropical cyclone storm surge represents a significant threat to communities around the world. These surge characteristics vary spatially and temporally over a range of scales; therefore, conceptual frameworks for understanding and mitigating them must be cast within a context of risk that covers the complete range of hazards, their consequences, and methods for mitigation. A review of primary overlapping time scales and associated spatial scales for tropical cyclone surge hazards covers two scales of particular interest: (1) synoptic-scale predictions used for warnings and evacuation decisions and (2) long-term estimation of hazards and related risks needed for coastal planning and decision-making. Factors that can affect these estimates, such as episodic variations in tropical cyclone characteristics and longer-term climate change and sea-level rise are then examined in the context of their potential impacts on hazards and risks related to tropical cyclone surges.
Family, Self, And Sociocultural Contributions To Body-Image Attitudes Of African-American Women:

This study examined factors that influenced body-image attitudes of 90 African-American college women. Participants completed two instruments assessing body image attitudes and measures of social self-esteem, racial identity attitudes, and family and personal characteristics. Data analyses indicated that self and sociocultural variables were associated with evaluations of physical appearance, fitness, and investment in health. Dissatisfaction with the total body was predicted with family variables, whereas family and self variables were related to satisfaction with body areas. Fathers' education; body mass and fathers' education; body mass and social self-esteem; internalization of racial attitudes; and social self-esteem best predicted body areas satisfaction, appearance evaluation, fitness evaluation, and health orientation, respectively. Implications for the divergence/convergence of subjective measures of body image are discussed and suggestions offered for future studies.
Interface interactions in one-dimensional models of the Frenkel-Kontorova type

Abstract Studied are the interactions between interfaces connecting two distinct commensurate phases in one-dimensional models of the Frenkel-Kontorova type, which describe commensurate-incommensurate phase transitions. Asymptotic formulas are obtained for multi-interface interactions at large distances of separation. The formulas can be used, in conjunction with the method employed by Fisher and Szpilka and its extension, to analyze certain features of the phase diagram.
COMMERCIAL‐BANK TREATMENT OF BAD‐DEBT LOSSES: RELATIONSHIP TO ECONOMIC AND ACCOUNTING CONCEPTS OF INCOME MEASUREMENT AND EFFECTS OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX REQUIREMENTS

THE REQUIREMENTS of the federal income tax regulations have historically determined the procedure followed by commercial banks in handling bad-debt losses. No specific procedure was established by the Bureau of Internal Revenue before late 1947, and banks usually charged off accounts on a current basis when they were deemed uncollectable. The bureau established a formula in December, 1947, that could be used for setting up valuation reserves to provide for the treatment of bad-debt losses. A supplemental ruling was issued during 1954 which provided an alternative bad-debt formula. These rulings have not been completely accepted by bankers; they have been criticized as inadequate and not in conformity with historical bad-debt-loss experience. This study was undertaken to determine the significance and relationship of the bad-debt deduction to commercial-bank income and to determine the basis for the bad-debt deduction that would result in the most accurate measurement of income. The amounts and timing of bad-debt losses were found to be one of three major influences on bank earnings before income taxes. Therefore, it was considered of utmost importance that the correct amount be used as the deduction to determine annual net income before income taxes. The financial structure and operating results of all insured commercial banks in the United States were examined. A study was made of thirty-four commercial banks, and the percentage ratios for the two groups were compared, with special emphasis on the relationship of bad-debt losses. The study of all insured commercial banks revealed the close relationship between bad-debt charge-offs and net profits after income taxes. Income measurement was considered an
Blackness and the Politics of Memory in the New Orleans Second Line

Popular memorial practices, including traditional jazz funeral processions, are continually being refashioned and re-appropriated for devotional, commercial, and political purposes in New Orleans. Belying nostalgic representations of the jazz funeral as a “dying tradition,” neighborhood-based parades produced by working-class African Americans continue to provide a space for the articulation of local subjectivities, particularly for those most affected by the violence of contemporary urban life, [blackness, memory, New Orleans, urban space, performance, violence, heritage]
Activities of the Centers for Disease Control in AIDS Education

The aim of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is to educate individuals about protecting themselves from becoming infected with HIV because there is no vaccine or therapy; this approach can be effective in controlling the epidemic. An estimated 1-1.5 million Americans are infected with HIV; the people are largely asymptomatic. The educational programs are designed to modify behaviors that affect the spread of HIV; namely sexual intercourse with an infected person using needles an infected person has used or having a baby while infected with the virus. Within the Public Health Service CDC has an AIDS prevention program that includes information and education programs directed toward the general public school and college-age youth persons at increased risk for infection and health workers. 1 group at risk is teenagers because of their behaviors in sexual activity and drug use. Since 1987 the CDC school health program has been carried out by the Office of School Health and Special Projects Division of Health Education. The program includes working with 15 state and 12 local departments of education in areas with a high cumulative incidence of AIDS. Additionally national AIDS education training centers have been established to help personnel plan and implement programs; 15 national private section organizations help schools provide effective AIDS education. Educational resources also are developed and disseminated by CDC such as a computerized bibliography and guidelines for education. National working meetings about AIDS education have been held by CDC for private local state and national departments and organizations.
Propane/propylene separation by pressure swing adsorption: sorbent comparison and multiplicity of cyclic steady states

Abstract The separation of propane/propylene mixtures is an important yet difficult separation. Two types of adsorbents, namely a π -complexation sorbent (AgNO 3 /SiO 2 ), and a steric (based on size exclusion) sorbent (AlPO 4 -14), were previously proposed to be highly effective materials for C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 separation using a vacuum pressure swing adsorption (PSA) cycle. In this work, high pressure C 3 H 6 and C 3 H 8 adsorption isotherms have been measured for the AgNO 3 /SiO 2 . The performance of the AgNO 3 /SiO 2 sorbent has been compared with that of AlPO 4 -14 by simulating a four-step PSA cycle with two different grades of feed. The adsorption step was carried out at 7 atm while desorption was conducted at either 1 or 0.2 atm . It was found that although both sorbents provided more than 99% product purity at reasonably high recovery, the performance of AgNO 3 /SiO 2 was better than the AlPO 4 -14 sorbent. The advantage of performing adsorption at a superatmospheric pressure was that the olefin product could be obtained at a higher pressure than that possible with a vacuum-swing cycle. For C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 separation using AlPO 4 -14 sorbent, multiplicity of cyclic steady states was observed under certain operating conditions. One unstable and two stable steady states were observed within these regions for identical cycle conditions depending upon the initial temperature or sorbate concentration in the PSA bed at startup. The exact initial bed temperature and concentration at which there was a switch in the stable steady states was identified.
The rotary and kinetic moments of charged particle in fluctuational thermal electric field in condensed matter upon the action of external magnetic field

Presented are common and distinctive mechanisms of behavior of rotary and kinetic moments of an individual free charged particle, which particle is located in the potential well of condensed matter, depending on the type of the applied external magnetic field (MF): constant and alternating fields are orthogonal or co-linear (the combined field). It is shown, that the action of combined MF leads to energy resonance of rotary moment and to amplification of kinetic moment, whereas the action of orthogonal MF leads to magnetic resonance. The problem of appearance of additional magnetization of matter depending on the type of MF is discussed.
Twenty minutes of passive stretching lowers glucose levels in an at-risk population: an experimental study.

Question Can passive static stretching lower blood glucose in an at-risk population? Design Randomised, within-participant experimental study. Participants 22 adults (17 males) either at increased risk of Type 2 diabetes or with Type 2 diabetes. Intervention The participants reported to the laboratory 2hr after eating a meal, and drank 355ml of fruit juice (~43g carbohydrate). Thirty minutes later, they underwent either a 40min passive static stretching regimen or a mock passive stretching regimen. Stretching consisted of six lower body and four upper body static passive stretches. For the mock stretches, the same positions were adopted, but no tension was applied to the musculature. Outcome measures Blood glucose levels for both the stretching and mock stretching were analysed from a finger prick sample using a hand-held glucometer. Values were obtained at baseline (0min), during the regimen (20min), and after the regimen (40min) on both study days. Results Compared to mock stretch, stretching resulted in a significantly greater drop in blood glucose at 20min (mean difference 28mg/dL, 95% CI 13 to 43; or 1.57mmol/L, 95% CI 0.72 to 2.39). This effect was also statistically significant at 40min (mean difference 24mg/dL, 95% CI 9 to 39; or 1.35mmol/L, 95% CI 0.50 to 2.17). Conclusion These results suggest that passive static stretching of the skeletal muscles may be an alternative to exercise to help lower blood glucose levels.
Abstract LB-316: Pharmacokinetic modeling optimizes direct inhibition of the ‘undruggable’ target EWS-FLI1 of Ewing Sarcoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Chimeric transcription factors have long been considered ideal anti-cancer targets since they are only present in tumor cells, however, their lack of enzymatic activity has placed them in a category of ‘undruggable’ proteins. The EWS-FLI1 fusion protein of Ewing Sarcoma (ES) has been validated as an anticancer target both alone and as a partner of RNA Helicase A (RHA). Our prior work identified the small molecule YK-4-279 as a specific inhibitor of EWS-FLI1 by blocking the interaction with RHA. Blocking this interaction leads to apoptosis. Data suggests that relatively long exposures of drug are necessary to keep EWS-FLI1 and RHA apart. We have modeled YK-4-279 treatment using cell lines (TC71, TC32, A4573, SK-ES, and RD-ES) to establish the duration of YK-4-279 exposure that leads to apoptosis. Apoptosis was measured by caspase-3 cleavage. A validated plasma detection method allows for HPLC measurement of YK-4-279. Pharmacokinetic (PK) models of YK-4-279 for both intraperitoneal (IP) and intravenous (IV) administration were developed in SD rats and BL6 mice. ES cell lines were exposed to YK-4-279 over a time-course, followed by a caspase-3 activity assay that demonstrated a minimum of 16 hours exposure was necessary to achieve maximal apoptosis using either 3 or 10 microM compound. A dose-dependency assay demonstrated that while apoptosis could be achieved with 30 - 80 microM YK-4-279 after 4 hours of treatment, caspase-3 activity was less than or equal to 3 microM for 16 hours. Rat PK modeling demonstrated a t1/2 of 30 minutes following IV administration. BL6 mice demonstrated similar kinetics to the rat. SCID/bg mice, which are necessary for tumor efficacy studies, demonstrated approximately 50% faster clearance than either rat or BL6 mice. Absolute bioavailability for IP administration was 41%. Models that use cell culture based targets for plasma levels and duration of exposure will be created to optimize IP dosing regimen. The optimized IP dosage and dosing intervals will be evaluated in tumor bearing animals in order to advance development of YK-4-279. The results of these studies will be used to guide toxicology studies in animals. In addition, pharmacodynamics models are being developed to compare YK-4-279 levels with functional activity. The combined results of these investigations will lead to human clinical trials for this first-in-chemical class, first-in-mechanism drug candidate. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-316. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-316
Observing complete gravitational wave signals from dynamical capture binaries

We assess the detectability of the gravitational wave signals from highly eccentric compact binaries. We use a simple model for the inspiral, merger, and ringdown of these systems. The model is based on mapping the binary to an effective single black hole system described by a Kerr metric, thereby including certain relativistic effects such as zoom-whirl-type behavior. The resultant geodesics source quadrupolar radiation and, in turn, are evolved under its dissipative effects. At the light ring, we attach a merger model that was previously developed for quasicircular mergers but also performs well for eccentric mergers with little modification. We apply this model to determine the detectability of these sources for initial, Enhanced, and Advanced laser interferometer gravitational-wave observatory across the parameter space of nonspinning close capture compact binaries. We conclude that, should these systems exist in nature, the vast majority will be missed by conventional burst searches or by quasicircular waveform templates in the advanced detector era. Other methods, such as eccentric templates or, more practically, a stacked excess power search, must be developed to avoid losing these sources. These systems would also have been missed frequently in the initial laser interferometer gravitational-wave observatory data analysis. Thus, previous null coincidence results with detected gamma-ray bursts cannot exclude the possibility of coincident gravitational wave signals from eccentric binaries.
Incidence of re-operation and subjective outcome following in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the failure rate of in situ decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome as determined by the need for additional surgery. We performed a comprehensive chart review of 56 adult patients who had undergone in situ decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome in 69 extremities with more than 1 year follow-up. The patients completed a comprehensive questionnaire concerning preoperative and postoperative pain, numbness, and weakness. After decompression, symptoms were improved substantially or resolved. Five limbs (7%) with persistent symptoms postoperatively were treated successfully with anterior submuscular transposition. These data suggest that in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve is a reliable treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome and has a low failure rate. The uncommon patient with continued symptoms after decompression can be treated effectively with transposition of the ulnar nerve.
Vascular surgeons—Are they for sale?*

I have been worried for a number of years about the propriety of relationships between vascular surgeons and the companies that manufacture and sell the products we use to treat our patients. These concerns were heightened in December 1990 when the American Medical Association (AMA), through its Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, issued an opinion on gifts to physicians from industry. This opinion has been incorporated into the AMA's code of ethics for the medical profession. The AMA guidelines prompted the Joint Council of our two vascular societies to arrive at the decision announced last year requesting our industrial sponsors to stop lavish entertainment at our national meetings and to adopt instead the format tried out for the first time this year (i.e., an industry-wide cocktail party of more 'modest dimensions as a part of the social program). I am aware that this decision was not universally popular with the membership of our societies, many of whom, myself included, thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment supplied in the past by several of the industrial companies exhibiting at our meetings. Nevertheless, I respectfully suggest that those of you who feel that the Joint Council has become both pompous and puritanical might take a second look at the ASL& guidelines. After a decade of stumbling into Resource-Based Relative Value Scale, the AMA was bound to do something right. In fact, the AMA guidelines are not easy to dispute. The actions they prohibit include, first, no
Lessons from system dynamics modeling

The power and utility of system dynamics is best achieved by going beyond a model to implications and generalizations that can be drawn from the process of modeling. System dynamics papers too often stop with the description of a model. But models should become part of a more persuasive communications process that interacts with people's mental models, creates new insights, and unifies knowledge. In doing so, modeling uses the full range of available information-the mental data base and the written data base, as well as the numerical data base. The last century has been devoted to exploring the frontier of physical science. The next century will be the time for exploring the dynamic nature of social systems and using the resulting knowledge for improving institutions and economies.
Plant-scale study of controlled cyclic distillation

Abstract A dual-purpose column for testing the controlled cycling concept was designed, installed and operated successfully. The column had 15 perforated trays and was 12 in. dia. The throughput for the column using the controlled cycle mode of operation was 2 or more times the throughput obtainable with conventional operation. The separation obtainable in the cycling mode was demonstrated to be nearly equivalent to that in the conventional mode.
Armenia’s trade performance in 1995-2002 and the effect of closed borders: a cross-country perspective

The paper deals with two issues. First, it focuses on the analysis of Armenia’s trade performance based on the utilization of standard statistical models and develops comparative estimates of this performance relative to the peer countries. The comparison is undertaken in terms of trade openness, diversification, and composition. The main finding is that Armenia has been lagging in its export development relative to most CIS countries. The recent improvements in exports helped somewhat to reduce the gap. The second part of the paper provides for re-estimation of the “costs of blockade” effect. Armenia’s trade under-performance cannot be explained in terms of distorted government policies, because Armenia is recognized as a reform leader in the CIS.
ACYL-LIPID DESATURASE2 Is Required for Chilling and Freezing Tolerance in Arabidopsis

Fatty acid desaturation of membrane lipids is a strategy for plants to survive chilling or freezing temperature. To further characterize enzymes involved in this stress response pathway, ACYL-LIPID DESATURASE2 (ADS2; Enzyme Commission 1.14.99) was studied using genetic, cell, and biochemical approaches. ads2 mutant plants appear similar to the wild type under standard growth conditions but display a dwarf and sterile phenotype when grown at 6°C and also show increased sensitivity to freezing temperature. Fatty acid composition analysis demonstrated that ads2 mutant plants at 6°C have reduced levels of 16:1, 16:2, 16:3, and 18:3 and higher levels of 16:0 and 18:0 fatty acids compared with the wild type. Lipid profiling revealed that 34C species of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) content in ads2 mutants were lower and phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, lyso-phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylserine were higher than the wild type. Subcellular localization of C- and N-terminal enhanced fluorescence fusion proteins indicated that ADS2 localized primarily to the endoplasmic reticulum, although signal was also confirmed in Golgi and plastids. A double mutation with a putative plastid ADS3 paralog exacerbates the growth defects of ads2 mutant plants under low temperature. These observations suggest that ADS2 encodes a 16:0 desaturase of MGDG and PG. We hypothesize that a low temperature–induced shift from the plastid to endoplasmic reticulum pathway for membrane lipid biosynthesis is required for the cold stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana, and ADS2 is essential to adjust the acyl composition of organelle membrane lipid composition in response to cold stress.
Restricted conceptus mobility results in failure of pregnancy maintenance in mares.

Cycling pony mates were bred and used to test the effect of restricted conceptus mobility on luteal maintenance (i.e. maternal recognition of pregnancy). In Experiment 1, uterine horns were ligated to restrict conceptus mobility to one uterine horn, Group 1; one horn plus the uterine body, Group 2; or one horn, the body and approximately 80% of the second horn, Group 3. Pregnancies were monitored with real-time ultrasonography. Four of five mares in Group I and two of four mares in Group 2 returned to estrus (Day 16.0 ± 1.9 and 14.5 ± 0.7, respectively) and subsequently lost the embryonic vesicles (Day 17.2 ± 1.2 and 15.7 ± 0.7, respectively).None of the four mares in Group 3 lostthe vesicles. There was a significant effect of the interactionof treatment (amount of uterus available to the conceptus) and day on plasma progesterone (P) concentration (p<O.005). In Experiment 2, conceptus mobility was restricted to one uterine horn in two groups of mares, of which the second was treated with the synthetic progestin, Regu-Mate (allyl trenbolone). In the first group, each of three mares lost the vesicle (Day 17.3 ± 4.3). In the second group, four of five mares maintained the pregnancies, indicating that pregnancy failure was due to the effects of declining P. These data indicate that restricted conceptus mobility results in luteolysis in the mare, and that the subsequent decline in P leads to embryonic death. This supports the notion that unrestricted mobility of the equine conceptus, allowing it to interact with most of the uterine endometrium, is necessary for luteal maintenance and conceptus survival.
On globally optimal real-time encoding and decoding strategies in multi-terminal communication systems

We consider a communication system consisting of two encoders communicating with a single receiver over a noiseless channel. The two encoders make distinct partial observations of a discrete-time Markov source. Each encoder must encode its observations into a sequence of discrete variables. The sequence is transmitted over a noiseless channel to a receiver which attempts to reproduce the output of the Markov source. The system must operate in real-time, that is, the encoding at each encoder and decoding at the receiver must be performed without any delay. The goal is to find globally optimal real-time encoding and decoding strategies to minimize an expected distortion metric over a finite time horizon. We determine qualitative properties of optimal real-time encoding and decoding strategies. Using these properties, we develop a sequential decomposition of the problem of finding globally optimal real-time encoding and decoding strategies. Such a sequential decomposition reduces the complexity of the global optimization problem.
A thymic epithelial cell line induces both positive and negative selection in the thymus

TCR engagement in the thymus results in both survival and elimination signals for developing thymocytes. To examine whether both signals can be provided by the same cell type, we investigated the ability of a thymic epithelial cell (TEC) line 427.1, previously shown to allow positive selection in the thymus, to induce clonal deletion of immature thymocytes. [H-2b/s-->H-2s] bone marrow chimeras are non-responsive to antigens in the context of H-2b. However, chimeras that underwent intrathymic injection of H-2b/s 427.1 cells expressing vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) nucleocapsid antigen acquired the ability to raise influenza, but not VSV specific H-2b restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. The ability of 427.1 cells to delete CD4+CD8+ thymocytes was determined using mice transgenic for the TCR specific for ovalbumin (OVA) in the context of H-2Kb. OVA transfected, but not mock transfected 427.1 TECs, induced in vitro deletion of CD4+CD8+ TCR transgenic thymocytes manifested as a down-modulation of CD4 and CD8 molecules, a shift in the side versus forward scatter characteristics of thymocytes, and appearance of thymocytes with subdiploid content of DNA indicated the ongoing process of DNA fragmentation. The finding that the same TEC line is capable of inducing both positive and negative selection in the thymus suggests that thymocytes bearing TCRs specific for self peptides expressed by positively selecting thymic epithelium can be deleted. Therefore the expression of a unique set of MHC associated peptides by TECs does not appear to be the basis for the positive outcome of the TCR ligation on immature thymocytes.
Democracy, Political Stability, and Economic Growth in Developing Countries: Some Evidence on Olson's Theory of Distributional Coalitions

Mancur Olson has theorized recently that interest groups and “distributional coalitions” are a major factor in the rise and decline of nations. He argues that the tendencies of these organizations to multiply and to support distributive policies lead to economic and political stalemate, particularly in the most stable, democratic societies in which pluralism has its greatest scope. The bulk of evidence for Olson's theory comes from the industrialized world; in this article I test three of its propositions against the experience of seven stable liberal democracies in the developing world. The theory predicts that with time such societies will reduce investment for the sake of consumption, will expand their public sectors, and will grow slowly in economic terms. Economic trends in the sample countries fail to confirm the first two propositions but offer tentative support for the third.
Virtual-memory-mapped network interfaces

In today's multicomputers, software overhead dominates the message-passing latency cost. We designed two multicomputer network interfaces that significantly reduce this overhead. Both support virtual-memory-mapped communication, allowing user processes to communicate without expensive buffer management and without making system calls across the protection boundary separating user processes from the operating system kernel. Here we compare the two interfaces and discuss the performance trade-offs between them. >
Developing and Modifying Behavioral Coding Schemes in Pediatric Psychology: A Practical Guide

OBJECTIVES: To provide a concise and practical guide to the development, modification, and use of behavioral coding schemes for observational data in pediatric psychology. METHODS: This article provides a review of relevant literature and experience in developing and refining behavioral coding schemes. RESULTS: A step-by-step guide to developing and/or modifying behavioral coding schemes is provided. Major steps include refining a research question, developing or refining the coding manual, piloting and refining the coding manual, and implementing the coding scheme. Major tasks within each step are discussed, and pediatric psychology examples are provided throughout. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral coding can be a complex and time-intensive process, but the approach is invaluable in allowing researchers to address clinically relevant research questions in ways that would not otherwise be possible. Language: en
Sequencing emm-specific PCR products for routine and accurate typing of group A streptococci

Rapid sequence analysis of specific PCR products was used to accurately deduce emm types corresponding to the majority of the known group A streptococcal (GAS) M serotypes. The study involved 95 M type reference GAS strains and a survey of 74 recent clinical isolates. A high percentage of agreement between M type serology and the previously published 5' sequences of the emm genes of M type reference strains was noted. The 5' sequences for six established M protein genes--the emm-32, emm-34, emm-38, emm-40, emm-42, and emm-71 genes--were determined to supplement the existing emm sequence database. Rapid sequence analysis differentiated serologically M-nontypeable strains and was used to establish the probable.
Experimental reorganization of the cerebellar cortex. VII. Effects of late x-irradiation schedules that interfere with cell acquisition after stellate cells are formed.

In Long-Evans rats the area of the cerebellum was irradiated with multiple doses of low-level X-ray beginning on day 12 after the bulk of stellate cells were acquired. The treatment spared basket, stellate and early-forming granule cells but led to a substantial reduction in the total granule cell population and a correlated miniaturization of the cerebellar cortex. Nevertheless most Purkinje cells had normally shaped planar dendritic arbors, with an upward directed stem dendrite, several smooth branches and a multitude of spiny branchlets. The frequent piling up of spiny branchlets near the surface was attributed to the truncation of the bed of parallel fibers by this radiation schedule. In this last paper of the series the accumulated results are summarized and evaluated. The hypothesis is offered that while the growth of the Purkinje cell perikaryon is an autonomous process, the oriented perpendicular growth of a single stem dendrite depends on the presence of basket cell axons, the outgrowth of smooth branches on the presence of stellate cell axons, and the proliferation of spiny branchlets on interaction with parallel fibers. The parallel fibers are responsible for the orthogonal, planar growth of the dendritic arbor and a hypothesis is offered about the mechanisms involved.
Participation in the transcendental meditation program and frontal eeg coherence during concept learning

This study assesses variation in frontal bilateral EEG coherence among normal subjects during trials of a concept learning task; the task used a concept-reversal paradigm found from prior research ...
Evaluating Architectural Legibility: Way-Finding in the Built Environment

One potentially significant yet little investigated criterion for postoccupancy evaluation is the "legibility" of a setting—the degree to which a building facilitates the ability of users to find their way within it. The present study evaluated the legibility of a sample of ten university buildings. Self-report data indicated way-finding to be a problem for a substantial minority. The impact upon way-finding of several theoretically derived visual/spatial variables was also assessed. Two aspects of the floor plan configurations of these settings, as judged from highly significant relationships to frequency of disorientation. One of these variables, judged simplicity of floor plan configuration, was able to account for 56% of the variance in these data. One other potentially important variable, respondents' own familiarity with these buildings, was able to account for but 9% of the variance in frequency of disorientation data.
Spotting sunspots: Some evidence in support of models with self-fulfilling prophecies

Abstract This paper adds financial assests to Roger Farmer's business cycle model with increasing returns and self-fulfilling beliefs. By using information from the financial markets in conjunction with the structure of the model, we can uncover from financial data the belief shocks that drive the model. Specifically, we assume that belief shocks drive both economic fluctuations and asset returns. The financial market information allows us to identify these shocks. We use our methods to generate dynamic simulations of the model and show that it has incremental predictive power for key US time series.
Coral fauna of the Imo Formation, uppermost Chesterian, north-central Arkansas

The Chesterian Imo Formation of northern Arkansas represents the highest Mississippian strata present on the Ozark platform and contains a unique, although sparse, coral fauna that is transitional between Mississippian and Pennsylvanian assemblages. Of the four most abundant genera represented, Lophophyllidium, Bradyphyllum, and Tectamichelinia are characteristic of Pennsylvanian assemblages and only Amplexizaphrentis is a typical Mississippian form. The fauna is interpreted as part of a shallow-water, muddy bottom community. Of the 11 rugosans and single tabulate coral described, the following are new: Bradyphyllum lesliense n. sp., Amplexizaphrentis maneri n. sp., Lophophyllidium imoense n. sp., and Tectamichelinia mangeri n. gen. and sp.
Ethical issues in the use of genetic information

Advances in molecular genetics promise to deepen our understanding of the biological basis of human behavior and shed light on the pathophysiology of mental illness. Genetic research is likely to improve our ability to develop somatic treatments for psychiatric syndromes as well as to identify targets for environmental intervention. However, population-screening tests for disorders with multifactorial inheritance may offer little clinical benefit to outweigh their potential for misuse. Relevant legal issues surrounding the use of genetic information in psychiatry include the perceived need for laws to prevent insurance and employment discrimination, and concerns about genetic status as a possible excuse for criminal behavior. Relevant ethical issues include threats to patient privacy and confidentiality and the importance of fairly distributing the benefits and burdens of genetic advances.
Brachypodium distachyon Genetic Resources

Brachypodium distachyon is a well-established model species for the grass family Poaceae. It possesses an array of features that make it suited for this purpose, including a small sequenced genome, simple transformation methods, and additional functional genomics tools. However, the most critical tool for any model species is an accumulation of genetic resources that can be exploited to explore the genetic and molecular basis of traits of interest that exhibit natural variation. The recent emergence of B. distachyon as a model species has led to an inversion in the normal progression of resource development, with genome resource development emerging faster than genetic resource development for B. distachyon. During the last several years, the scientific community has been collecting new B. distachyon germplasm and releasing freely available inbred lines from many regions of Europe. These resources will be critical for B. distachyon research. Despite having small flowers, crossing methods have been developed for B. distachyon, and this has led to the development of segregating populations that have been, and will continue to be, important resources for mapping and isolating genes of interest. This chapter provides a history of B. distachyon genetic resource development.
Surface contact stimulates the just‐in‐time deployment of bacterial adhesins

The attachment of bacteria to surfaces provides advantages such as increasing nutrient access and resistance to environmental stress. Attachment begins with a reversible phase, often mediated by surface structures such as flagella and pili, followed by a transition to irreversible attachment, typically mediated by polysaccharides. Here we show that the interplay between pili and flagellum rotation stimulates the rapid transition between reversible and polysaccharide-mediated irreversible attachment. We found that reversible attachment of Caulobacter crescentus cells is mediated by motile cells bearing pili and that their contact with a surface results in the rapid pili-dependent arrest of flagellum rotation and concurrent stimulation of polar holdfast adhesive polysaccharide. Similar stimulation of polar adhesin production by surface contact occurs in Asticcacaulis biprosthecum and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Therefore, single bacterial cells respond to their initial contact with surfaces by triggering just-in-time adhesin production. This mechanism restricts stable attachment to intimate surface interactions, thereby maximizing surface attachment, discouraging non-productive self-adherence, and preventing curing of the adhesive.
An analytic Riemann-Hilbert correspondence for semi-simple Lie groups

Geometric Representation Theory for semi-simple Lie groups has two main sheaf theoretic models. Namely, through Beilinson-Bernstein localization theory, Harish-Chandra modules are related to holonomic sheaves of D modules on the flag variety. Then the (algebraic) Riemann-Hilbert correspondence relates these sheaves to constructible sheaves of complex vector spaces. On the other hand, there is a parallel localization theory for globalized Harish-Chandra modules—i.e., modules over the full semi-simple group which are completions of Harish-Chandra modules. In particular, Hecht-Taylor and Smithies have developed a localization theory relating minimal globalizations of Harish-Chandra modules to group equivariant sheaves of D modules on the flag variety. The main purpose of this paper is to develop an analytic Riemann-Hilbert correspondence relating these sheaves to constructible sheaves of complex vector spaces and to discuss the relationship between this “analytic” study of global modules and the preceding “algebraic” study of the underlying Harish-Chandra modules.
Reduction of Cellular Stress by TolC-Dependent Efflux Pumps in Escherichia coli Indicated by BaeSR and CpxARP Activation of spy in Efflux Mutants

Escherichia coli has nine inner membrane efflux pumps which complex with the outer membrane protein TolC and cognate membrane fusion proteins to form tripartite transperiplasmic pumps with diverse functions, including the expulsion of antibiotics. We recently observed that tolC mutants have elevated activities for three stress response regulators, MarA, SoxS, and Rob, and we suggested that TolC-dependent efflux is required to prevent the accumulation of stressful cellular metabolites. Here, we used spy::lacZ fusions to show that two systems for sensing/repairing extracytoplasmic stress, BaeRS and CpxARP, are activated in the absence of TolC-dependent efflux. In either tolC mutants or bacteria with mutations in the genes for four TolC-dependent efflux pumps, spy expression was increased 6- to 8-fold. spy encodes a periplasmic chaperone regulated by the BaeRS and CpxARP stress response systems. The overexpression of spy in tolC or multiple efflux pump mutants also depended on these systems. spy overexpression was not due to acetate, ethanol, or indole accumulation, since external acetate had only a minor effect on wild-type cells, ethanol had a large effect that was not CpxA dependent, and a tolC tnaA mutant which cannot accumulate internal indole overexpressed spy. We propose that, unless TolC-dependent pumps excrete certain metabolites, the metabolites accumulate and activate at least five different stress response systems.
THE PATTERNS OF NATURAL VARIATION IN HUMAN GENES

▪ Abstract Currently, more than 10 million DNA sequence variations have been uncovered in the human genome. The most detailed variation discovery efforts have focused on candidate genes involved in cardiovascular disease or in susceptibilities associated with exposure to environmental agents. Here we provide an overview of natural genetic variation from the literature and in 510 human candidate genes resequenced for variation discovery. The average human gene contains 126 biallelic polymorphisms, 46 of which are common (≥5% minor allele frequency) and 5 of which are found in coding regions. Using this complete picture of genetic diversity, we explore conservation, signatures of selection, and historical recombination to mine information useful for candidate gene association studies. In general, we find that the patterns of human gene variation suggest that no one approach will be appropriate for genetic association studies across all genes. Therefore, many different approaches may be required to identify ...