cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of DNA Organization in Hypotrichous Ciliatesa

: Profound changes have been introduced into the germline (micronuclear) and somatic (macronuclear) genomes of hypotrichous ciliates during evolution. First, multiple, short, unique, noncoding sequences, called IESs, have been inserted into micronuclear genes. IESs are spliced out of each gene, and the gene segments, called MDSs, are ligated during conversion of the micronuclear genome to a macronuclear genome after cell mating. The IESs in a particular gene can change dramatically in number, position, length, and sequence during speciation. Once inserted, IESs can shift along the DNA of a gene 1 or 2 bp at a time by a mutational mechanism that does not alter the coding sequence of the gene. Second, the MDSs in the same genes have been rearranged into random or nonrandom, scrambled disorder. The origin of nonrandom scrambling patterns can be explained by a model of simultaneous insertion of multiple IESs into a germline gene during evolution. Subsequent recombinations among the IESs may change the MDS arrangement from a nonrandomly scrambled to a randomly scrambled pattern, including inversions of MDSs. Third, during the conversion of a micronucleus to a macronucleus after cell mating, MDSs are ligated in the unscrambled, orthodox order in association with IES excision, and the genes are then removed from the chromosomes as individual, short DNA molecules. These gene-size molecules are amplified many-fold to produce a mature macronucleus. All of these phenomena attest to a remarkable fluidity of the hypotrich genome both over evolutionary time and in the conversion of a germline genome to a somatic genome. The significance of this fluidity for the life and evolution of these organisms is still obscure. Recombination among IESs could shuffle MDSs and facilitate faster evolution of new genes.
Metamaterial-based slow wave structure for travelling wave tubes

The advent of strong relativistic electron beams has led to the development of high power microwave sources. These devices generate high peaks of microwave power by transferring the kinetic energy in the electron beam to electromagnetic waves guided within a slow wave structure (SWS). Among these devices, traveling-wave tubes (TWTs) and backward wave oscillators (BWOs) are based on this principle, referred to as Cerenkov radiation. Strong interest also exists in employing the Cerenkov Maser (microwave amplification via stimulated emission of radiation) as a TWT due to its simplicity and tunability. This TWT is lined with a dielectric coating to slow down the electromagnetic waves. However, as noted by Shiffler et al. (Shiffler et al., IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci., 2010), dielectrics become vulnerable to charging and surface breakdowns. A way to avoid charging is to employ purely metallic metamaterial-based slow wave structures that emulate the behavior of a dielectric liner.
Estimation of Spectra from Moments—Application to the Hubbard Model

We discuss the approximate calculation of a Green's function and its spectral density from its low-order moments by the use of ratio-extrapolation techniques to estimate and factor off the dominant shape of the band edges. The techniques are illustrated, following Brinkman and Rice, on the problem of a single hole propagating in ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and random electron-spin configurations in the atomic limit of the Hubbard model; the methods are, however, of wider applicability.
The luminescence of lanternfish (myctophidae): Spontaneous activity and responses to mechanical, electrical, and chemical stimulation

Abstract Spatial and temporal aspects of luminous responses in several common species of Southern California lanternfish (Myctophidae) were analyzed using T.V. image intensifier and photomultiplier techniques. The two principal types of luminous tissue, photophores and luminous tissue patches, responded in strikingly and consistently different ways to both mechanical and electrical stimulation. While typically producing a variable intensity glow spontaneously, the entire photophore array proved capable of coordinated, simultaneous activation by electrical stimulation. Although never active in undisturbed shipboard animals, luminous tissue patches, primarily, supra- and infracaudal organs, produced brilliant, rapid, transient displays to both mechanical and electrical stimulation. Light from the supra- and infracaudal organs is produced by 3–9 visually distinct subunits capable of both simultaneous and temporally variable activation. Electrical excitation gave maximum response rates of up to 30 flashes/sec in the luminous patches of all the species tested, whether tissue was from caudal organs or ventral or supraorbital patches. Chemical stimulation never triggered luminous responses from luminous tissue patches, and gave only ambiguous results with photophores. The results are discussed in terms of effector control and functional potential of the various luminous displays.
HPLC–ESI-MS/MS analysis of hemoglobin peptides in tryptic digests of dried-blood spot extracts detects HbS, HbC, HbD, HbE, HbO-Arab, and HbG-Philadelphia mutations

Abstract Background Hemoglobinopathies are mutations resulting in abnormal globin chain structure; some have clinically significant outcomes such as anemia or reduced lifespan. Five β-globin mutations are (c.20A>T, p.E6V), (c.19G>A, p. E6K), (c.79G>A, p.E26K), (c.364G>C, p.E121Q), and (c.364G>A, p.E121K), resulting in HbS (sickle-cell hemoglobin), HbC, HbE, HbD-Los Angeles, and HbO-Arab, respectively. One α-globin mutation is (c.[207C>G or 207C>A], p.N68K), resulting in HbG-Philadelphia. Methods HPLC–ESI-MS/MS analysis of dried-blood spot (DBS) punches from newborns extracted with a trypsin-containing solution provides greater than 90% coverage of α-, β-, and γ-globin amino acid sequences. Because the (c.20A>T, p.E6V), (c.19G>A, p. E6K), (c.79G>A, p.E26K), (c.364G>C, p.E121Q), (c.364G>A, p.E121K), and (c.[207C>G or 207C>A], p.N68K) mutations generate globin peptides with novel amino acid sequences, detecting one of these peptides in DBS extracts is indicative of the presence of a hemoglobinopathy in the newborn. Results The method described here can distinguish normal β-globin peptides from the mutant HbS, HbC, HbE, HbD-Los Angeles and HbO-Arab peptides, as well as normal α-globin peptide from the mutant HbG-Philadelphia peptide, allowing the identification of unaffected heterozygotes such as HbAS, and of compound heterozygotes such as HbASG-Philadelphia. Conclusions This HPLC–ESI-MS/MS analytical approach provides information that is not available from traditional hemoglobin analyses such as isoelectric focusing and HPLC–UV. It is also capable of determining the amino acid sequence of hemoglobin peptides, potentially allowing the detection of numerous hemoglobinopathies resulting from point mutations.
Flexure Pivot Tilting Pad Hybrid Gas Bearings: Operation With Worn Clearances and Two Load-Pad Configurations

Gas film bearings enable the successful deployment of high-speed microturbomachinery. Foil bearings are in use; however, cost and lack of calibrated predictive tools prevent their widespread application. Other types of bearing configurations, simpler to manufacture and fully engineered, are favored by commercial turbomachinery manufacturers. Externally pressurized tilting pad bearings offer a sound solution for stable rotor support. This paper reports measurements of the rotordynamic response of a rigid rotor, 0.825 kg and 28.6 mm in diameter, supported on flexure pivot tilting pad hybrid gas bearings. The tests are performed for various imbalances, increasing supply pressures, and under load-on-pad (LOP) and load-between-pad (LBP) configurations. Presently, the initial condition of the test bearings shows sustained wear and dissimilar pad clearances after extensive testing reported earlier, (Zhu, X., and San Andres, L., 2007, "Rotordynamic Performance of Flexure Pivot Hydrostatic Gas Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery," ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, 129, pp. 1020-1027). In the current measurements, there are no noticeable differences in rotor responses for both LOP and LBP configurations due to the light-weight rotor, i.e., small static load acting on each bearing. External pressurization into the bearings increases their direct stiffnesses and reduces their damping, while raising the system critical speeds with a notable reduction in modal damping ratios. The rotor supported on the worn bearings shows an ∼10% drop in first critical speeds and roughly similar modal damping than when tested with pristine bearings. Pressurization into the bearings leads to large times for rotor deceleration, thus demonstrating the little viscous drag typical of gas bearings. Rotor deceleration tests with manually controlled supply pressures eliminate the passage through critical speeds, thus paving a path for rotordynamic performance without large amplitude motions over extended regions of shaft speed. The rotordynamic analysis shows critical speeds and peak amplitudes of motion agreeing very well with the measurements. The synchronous rotor responses for increasing imbalances demonstrate the test system linearity. Superior stability and predictable performance of pressurized flexure pivot gas bearings can further their implementation in high performance oil-free microturbomachinery. More importantly, the measurements show the reliable performance of the worn bearings even when operating with enlarged and uneven clearances.
Effects of Corticosteroids on Coagulation of the Blood

HYPERCOAGULABILITY of the blood in individuals who were receiving large doses of corticosteroids or adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) has been observed1–3. This effect has also been observed in patients receiving ACTH for cirrhosis of the liver4, a condition that usually depresses certain clotting factors. For investigation of this problem heparin and antithrombic activity were evaluated, fibrinogen level and platelet counts were determined1,4. Shortening of the clotting time was the most consistent coagulation finding in persons who were on cortico-steroid or ACTH1,4. The effect has been observed, particularly in siliconized tubes, in as little as 2–4 h after administration of 10 mg of prednisone5,6. This effect was somewhat less marked after administration of 25–50 units of ACTH5,6.
A 3-D analytic eddy current model for a finite width conductive plate

Purpose – A 3-D analytic modeling technique for calculating the eddy current distribution, force and power loss in a conductive plate of finite width and thickness is presented. The derived equations are expressed in a general form so that any magnetic source can be utilized. The model assumes the length of the conductive plate is large and the thickness of the plate is thin but not negligible. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The conducting and non-conducting regions are formulated in terms of decoupled magnetic vector potential components. In order to accurately compute the eddy current fields and forces the source field only needs to be applied on the surface of the conducting plate. The primary focus is on reducing the eddy current computational time. Findings – The accuracy of the presented approach is verified by utilizing a magnetic rotor that has both a rotational and translational motion. The proposed method is computationally efficient and its accuracy is val...
Racial identity and self-esteem: problems peculiar to biracial children.

This report illustrates several identity problems peculiar to a child of black and white parentage, who was reared by a white maternal grandmother in the South. The pervasive racial bigotry of the child's family and community is contrasted with the child's intrapsychic struggle for positive identity and self-esteem. The course of dynamic psychotherapy with this child is portrayed, with pertinent treatment issues dilineated and recommendations for therapy proposed.
Accelerating commercialization: a new model of strategic foundation funding

Venture philanthropy presents a new model of research funding that is particularly helpful to those fighting orphan diseases, which actively manages the commercialization process to accelerate scientific progress and material outcomes. This paper begins by documenting the growing importance of foundations as a source of funding academic research as traditional funding from industry and government sources decline. Foundations are known for their innovative techniques and we consider the evolution of the ways that foundations fund academic research and form partnerships across academia and industry. We examine the example of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the development of the drug Kalydeco® as a demonstration of the principals of strategic foundation funding. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation adapted to a venture philanthropy model and took an active role in drug development, stewarding the commercialization process from funding basic scientific work in academic institutions, to making an equity investment in a start-up firm. We conclude by evaluating the advantages and disadvantages to venture philanthropy for the academic researchers, industry partners, foundations, and universities and consider an agenda for future research.
HIERARCHIES OF CITIES AND THE SPATIAL FILTERING OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

The spatial division of labor and external economies associated with the nation's hierarchical system of cities are postulated to be part of the process involved in the spatial filtering of industrial development. In this process high labor costs in metropolitan areas cause less competitive industries to restructure their operations or be priced out of the larger labor markets. The industries priced out of the markets locate all or some of their operations in smaller settlements in more distant areas where labor costs are lower, given sufficient external economies. The research supports this general proposition but reveals differences based upon the types of industries and the location of their headquarter facilities. It also reveals significant differences in the locational patterns and site selection criteria of different types of plants established by local, national and foreign firms; these differences foster the development of spatially bifurcated or dual labor markets that are associated with regional city size distributions.
Not a “sound” decision: Is cochlear implantation always the best choice?

Abstract Objective To review the candidacy criteria used to counsel parents of profoundly deaf children, to determine if these criteria have changed over time, and to evaluate eventual communication outcomes for these patients. Design Retrospective review of 483 pediatric cochlear implant candidates from September 1995 to December 2006 seen at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Results Out of 483 implant candidates, 191 patients were initially felt not to be favorable candidates based on CI team evaluation. Of this group, 3 had insufficient records to review and were excluded. The remaining 188 patients underwent a detailed analysis of specific possible contraindications to implantation. This included audiologic, medical and psychosocial parameters. The data was divided into two time periods: Group 1 included 44 patients from 1995 to 2000, and Group 2 included 144 patients from 2001 to 2006. In Group 1, there was a higher percentage of children with language deprivation and developmental concerns and patients not ready, compared to Group 2 which had a higher percentage of families not ready and inadequate support systems. Group 1 had a higher percentage of patients who ultimately underwent cochlear implant, but otherwise the two groups were largely similar. Conclusion Analysis of our data showed that the degree of concern that the cochlear implant team has in relationship to specific candidacy criteria has changed over time. Recommendations against a cochlear implant were often revisited after initial concerns were addressed. The use of a team approach, in conjunction with a validation tool, is important for establishing criteria for successful cochlear implantation in children to support appropriate counseling of patients and families and to plan post-implant management.
A mathematical approach to medical diagnosis: Application to polycythemic states utilizing clinical findings with values continuously distributed☆

Abstract Certain clinical findings, largely laboratory data, which help to distinguish the various polycythemic states, are continuously distributed. These continuous distributions were used as probability functions from which elements of Bayes' formula for conditional probability were derived. This formula was written into a computer program which calculates a probability value for each of the diagnostic possibilities. A preliminary trial of the program employing this technique was applied to 103 cases that were either normal or known to have polycythemia rubra vera. When presented with the initial patient data the mathematical probability diagnosis was correct 95% of the time. Three hematologists were 76% correct whereas three general practitioners were correct in 65% of the same cases.
Musings on the Fat City: Are Obesity and Urban Forms Linked?

Earlier last year, residents of Houston won a dubious distinction that hit them right at their waistlines. For the second year in a row, Houston has been ranked “America’s Fattest City,” according to the fourth annual report on the rankings of U.S. fat cities in Men’s Fitness magazine, published Jan. 8, 2002. Among the “fat cities,” Houston ranks first, followed by Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Dallas (Table 1). Using a similar methodology, this group of researchers commissioned by Men’s Fitness also comes up with a list of the fittest cities in the United States (Table 1). To arrive at their findings, the researchers evaluated the nation’s 50 largest cities between July, 2001, and September, 2001. Cities were assessed in 16 commensurate cat-
Racial Self-Designation and Disorder in African American Psychiatric Patients:

This study examined the relationship between racial self-designation and disorder in a sample of 156 African American psychiatric inpatients. It tested the hypothesis that self-identified African A...
Synthesis techniques for insensitive aircraft control systems

Comparative evaluation of seven insensitive synthesis techniques applied to the control of the longitudinal axis and symmetric flexure modes of the C-5A is described. These techniques have the common goal of achieving insensitivity to parameter uncertainties and unmodeled dynamics. For this comparison the "complete" model was assumed to consist of rigid body dynamics, fifteen flexure modes, unsteady aerodynamics, gust dynamics, and first order actuators for two control inputs. Thirteen flexure modes and the unsteady aerodynamics were treated as neglected dynamics. Dynamic pressure, structural frequency and damping, and the stability derivative Mw were treated as uncertain parameters. Design specifications consisted of a transient response criterion, statistical response criteria, eigenvalue criteria and stability margins. A nominal controller designed without regard to sensitivity served as a benchmark for performance comparisons of the insensitive controllers.
Numerical ellipsometry: enhancement of new algorithm for real-time, in situ film growth monitoring

Abstract The equations associated with the popular models of film deposition of a material on a substrate tend not to be invertible in practical situations. Thus, development of numerical techniques for obtaining approximate solutions to these equations has become necessary. The variably damped least squares (VDLS) algorithm of Levenberg and Marquardt is commonly used, although it requires accurate initial estimates and is typically to slow for real-time applications. Another algorithm combines the speed of an artificial neural network (ANN) for accurate initial estimates, and the real-time refinement capability of VDLS for real-time performance; however, substantial off-line processing (from hours to days) is necessary to train ANNs. A third algorithm (called 2C) has been developed, which is fast enough for reliable real-time solutions without requiring either accurate initial estimates or any off-line processing. The algorithm 2C employs the techniques of dynamic step adjustment, overrelaxation and reduction in dimensions, as well as curve following and curve intersection location techniques developed by the authors. The performance of the new 2C algorithm in terms of speed and convergence is comparable with the ANN-VDLS algorithms for Ni and BK7 glass.
No secrets: Rigoberta's Guarded truth

(1991). No secrets: Rigoberta's Guarded truth. Women's Studies: Vol. 20, Women's Autobiographies, pp. 51-72.
Dynamics of small loops in DNA molecules

The kinetics and thermodynamics of loop formation by short segments of double-stranded DNA was studied by computer simulation. The DNA molecule was modeled as a discrete wormlike chain. Brownian dynamics was used to simulate the dynamic properties of the chain. Since the average time of loop formation, τa, grows sharply when the loop size drops below DNA persistence length, we were unable to simulate the process directly for such small loops. Instead, we used the relationship between the equilibrium probability of loop formation, P, τa, and the average time of loop decay, τd. The values of P and τd were simulated directly. A new Monte Carlo algorithm was developed allowing efficient calculation of P for small DNA loops. The algorithm is also applicable to more complex models of a polymer chain, particularly to DNA models with intrinsic curvature. We also considered loop formation by a segment of a DNA molecule and found that the values of τd and τa are weakly affected by the total chain size. Our results ...
Phase-plate performance for the production of circularly polarized X-rays

Abstract We have constructed a monolithic two-crystal phase-plate for use with high energy synchrotron radiation. The phase-plate can rotate the plane of polarization of an incident linearly polarized beam, or can be used to transform a linearly polarized beam to elliptically or circularly polarized X-rays. The X-ray optics of the phase-plate will be discussed along with test results at X-ray energies above 20 keV performed at CHESS.
T-Cell Vaccine Strategies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the Virus with a Thousand Faces

HIV's rapid global spread and the human suffering it has left in its wake have made AIDS a global heath priority for the 25 years since its discovery. Yet its capacity to rapidly evolve has made combating this virus a tremendous challenge. The obstacles to creating an effective HIV vaccine are formidable, but there are advances in the field on many fronts, in terms of novel vectors, adjuvants, and antigen design strategies. SIV live attenuated vaccine models are able to confer protection against heterologous challenge, and this continues to provide opportunities to explore the biological underpinnings of a protective effect (9). More indirect, but equally important, is new understanding regarding the biology of acute infection (43), the role of immune response in long-term non-progression (6,62, 81), and defining characteristics of broadly neutralizing antibodies (4). In this review we will focus on summarizing strategies directed towards a single issue, that of contending with HIV variation in terms of designing aT-cell vaccine. The strategies that prove most effective in this area can ultimately be combined with the best strategies under development in other areas, with the hope of ultimately converging on a viable vaccine candidate. Only two large HIV vaccine efficacy trials have been completed and both have failed to prevent infection or confer a benefit to infected individual (23,34), but there is ample reason to continue our efforts. A historic breakthrough came in 1996, when it was realized that although the virus could escape from a single antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, it could be thwarted by a combination of medications that simultaneously targeted different parts of the virus (HAART) (38). This revelation came after 15 years of research, thought, and clinical testing; to enable that vital progress the research and clinical communities had to first define and understand, then develop a strategy to counter, the remarkable evolutionary potential of the virus. HAART, for the first time, provided an effective treatment to help those with living with HIV stay healthy. Nonetheless, the treatment has limitations. People with HIV face a lifetime of expensive daily multi-drug regimens, often with side effects; drug resistance at the individual and population level are issues (56); and universal access, despite substantial progress, is a dream not yet realized for many of the millions of the world's poor who are living with HIV (68). These issues, combined with the growing numbers of people infected globally and impact of HIV on society, make the development of an HIV vaccine or a prophylactic prevention strategy a crucial if elusive goal. In some ways, the history of HIV vaccine deVelopment has paralleled the early stages of designing effective therapy. We had to test the simple strategies first, but meanwhile the story of the impact of diversity from an immunological perspective is still unfolding, and novel ideas countermeasures are being explored.
Proton Radiography of Inertial Fusion Implosions

A distinctive way of quantitatively imaging inertial fusion implosions has resulted in the characterization of two different types of electromagnetic configurations and in the measurement of the temporal evolution of capsule size and areal density. Radiography with a pulsed, monoenergetic, isotropic proton source reveals field structures through deflection of proton trajectories, and areal densities are quantified through the energy lost by protons while traversing the plasma. The two field structures consist of (i) many radial filaments with complex striations and bifurcations, permeating the entire field of view, of magnetic field magnitude 60 tesla and (ii) a coherent, centrally directed electric field of order 10 9 volts per meter, seen in proximity to the capsule surface. Although the mechanism for generating these fields is unclear, their effect on implosion dynamics is potentially consequential.
Excited triplet states used to study biological macromolecules at room temperature

Overview of factors influencing the appearance and disappearance of the triplet state molecule . . . 3 A. Population of the triplet state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 B. Phosphorescence decay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 C. Delayed fluorescence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 D. Quenching by neighboring molecules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 E. Influence of diffusion on quenching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
An Analysis of the p63/α-Methylacyl Coenzyme A Racemase Immunohistochemical Cocktail Stain in Prostate Needle Biopsy Specimens and Tissue Microarrays

We studied the usefulness of a p63/P504S immunostain "cocktail" in evaluation of prostate biopsy specimens containing atypical acini suspicious for adenocarcinoma (AASA), high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HPIN), and small foci of adenocarcinoma and tested the sensitivity and specificity of the immunostain with tissue microarrays (TMAs) constructed from prostatectomy and lymphadenectomy specimens. We selected 40 cases containing a focus of adenocarcinoma (14 cases), AASA (7 cases), AASA with HPIN (7 cases), HPIN (6 cases), and atypical favor benign (6 cases). After p63/P504S immunostaining, 13 cases (33%) were reclassified: AASA with HPIN to HPIN only in 5 cases (13%), atypical favor benign to benign in 4 cases (10%), AASA to adenocarcinoma in 2 cases (5%), and atypical favor benign to AASA and atypical favor benign to HPIN in 1 case (3%) each. The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was supported by immunostain in 14 cases. In TMA studies, the p63/P504S immunostain for adenocarcinoma and HPIN had sensitivity values of 97.2% and 86.2%, respectively, and specificity values of 99.7% and 81.6%, respectively. P504S stained 64 (74%) of 87 cores of metastatic cancers, and no p63-positive cells were identified in the metastases. The p63/P504S immunohistochemical stain is a sensitive, specific marker for prostatic adenocarcinoma and HPIN and useful in the evaluation of AASA in biopsy specimens.
Neoliberalism. Transnationalization, and Rural Poverty: A Case Study of Michoacan, Mexico

Neoliberalism. Transnationalization, and Rural Poverty:. Case Study of Michoacan, Mexico. John Gledhill. Boulder, CO. Westview Press, 1995. xi. 243 pp., figures, tables, references, index.
Genebank development for the conservation of livestock genetic resources in the United States of America

The USDA established the National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) to conserve livestock genetic resources in 1999. The NAGP is primarily concerned with the development of cryopreserved germplasm and tissue samples from U.S. livestock species. To execute the program's mission, subcomponents dealing with genetic diversity, cryopreservation, and database development have been initiated. An early decision was made to develop collections on all U. S. livestock breeds. Since that decision, collections on 119 breeds have been initiated and ten of the collections have reached the collection goal. An example of selecting animals for the collection is given using Jersey cattle. The selection procedure utilizes the coefficient of genetic relationship as a basis to cluster candidates for the collection and as a method for assessing how complete a breed's collection may be. By using this approach it was determined that 86% of the clusters were presently represented in the collection. With this information collection efforts could be planned to fill in the missing gaps. Performance information from a sample of the in-situ population and the collection were compared. This analysis indicated that there were no significant differences between the means for the Core Collection and the in-situ population sample for milk production, milk protein and net merit index. A significant difference was found for milk fat. While the total collection effort is not complete, samples have been distributed from the repository to perform QTL and genetic distancing studies, creation of a research population, and to introduce genetic variation into a rare cattle breed. Progress has been made in starting breed collections however, significant efforts are needed to: acquire additional accessions for the collection, develop the information system, and quantify levels of genetic diversity within and among breeds.
Approximation and heuristic algorithms for delay constrained path selection under inaccurate state information

Given a communication network modeled as a directed graph with a delay parameter associated with each link, we consider the problem of determining the most probable delay constrained path from a source node to a destination node. Assuming that the link delays are random variables with continuous and differentiable probability density function and using the central limit theorem this problem can be formulated as a path problem which involves simultaneously optimizing two additive path parameters. Two cases arise. When there is one path with mean delay less than the delay bound, we present an exact pseudo polynomial algorithm, a fully polynomial time /spl epsi/-approximation algorithm and a strongly polynomial heuristic algorithm. In the unlikely case when this assumption is violated, the problem is shown to be NP-hard and no constant factor approximation algorithm exists if P /spl ne/ NP. We also study the path protection problem under inaccurate state information.
Digital filtering and model updating methods for improving the robustness of near-infrared multivariate calibrations.

Fourier transform near-infrared (NIR) transmission spectra are used for quantitative analysis of glucose for 17 sets of prediction data sampled as much as six months outside the timeframe of the corresponding calibration data. Aqueous samples containing physiological levels of glucose in a matrix of bovine serum albumin and triacetin are used to simulate clinical samples such as blood plasma. Background spectra of a single analyte-free matrix sample acquired during the instrumental warm-up period on the prediction day are used for calibration updating and for determining the optimal frequency response of a preprocessing infinite impulse response time-domain digital filter. By tuning the filter and the calibration model to the specific instrumental response associated with the prediction day, the calibration model is given enhanced ability to operate over time. This methodology is demonstrated in conjunction with partial least squares calibration models built with a spectral range of 4700–4300 cm−1. By using a subset of the background spectra to evaluate the prediction performance of the updated model, projections can be made regarding the success of subsequent glucose predictions. If a threshold standard error of prediction (SEP) of 1.5 mM is used to establish successful model performance with the glucose samples, the corresponding threshold for the SEP of the background spectra is found to be 1.3 mM. For calibration updating in conjunction with digital filtering, SEP values of all 17 prediction sets collected over 3–178 days displaced from the calibration data are below 1.5 mM. In addition, the diagnostic based on the background spectra correctly assesses the prediction performance in 16 of the 17 cases.
Sympathetic Reinnervation of the Sinus Node and Exercise Hemodynamics After Cardiac Transplantation

Background—Sympathetic cardiac reinnervation occurs variably after cardiac transplantation (CT) in humans. We hypothesized that sinus node reinnervation would partially restore normal chronotropic response to exercise. Methods and Results—Thirteen recent CT recipients, 28 late CT recipients (≥1 year after CT), and 20 control subjects were studied. Sinus node sympathetic reinnervation was determined by heart rate (HR) change after tyramine injection into the artery that perfused the sinus node. HR changes of <5 and ≥15 bpm were defined, respectively, as denervation and marked reinnervation. During treadmill exercise, HR, blood pressure, and expired O2 and CO2 were measured. All early transplant recipients exhibited features typical of denervation (basal HR, 88±2 bpm; peak HR, 132±4 bpm, peaking 1.8±0.3 minutes after exercise cessation and slowly declining after exercise). A similar pattern was found in the 12 late transplant recipients with persistent sinus node denervation. However, in patients with marke...
Serial concatenated MSK modulated space-time block coding

In this article, we propose iterative noncoherent (without knowledge of fading phase) and non-CSI (without knowledge of fading phase and amplitude) decoding for space-time block coding (STBC) by employing MSK modulation instead of commonly used PSK. Beyond a simple replacement, MSK modulated STBC (MSK-STBC) reduces the smallest resolvable time interval from STBC code duration, necessary for differential space-time coding (DST), to MSK symbol duration, and thus presents consistent and enhanced system performance in fast fading channels. The efficiency of our schemes is validated and illustrated via theoretical analysis and numerical simulations.
Community Involvement and Disadvantaged Students: A Review

This review discusses the effects of community involvement on students who face multiple impediments to success in schools. The first part of the article conceptualizes community involvement as a typology of four processes of social change: conversion, mobilization, allocation of resources, and instruction. Illustrations of these processes are drawn from research and programmatic literature. The second part of the article considers the effects of the varied forms of involvement in a review of 13 evaluations of interventions implemented with significant input from community entities. Overall, the studies indicate that programs can have positive effects on school-related behavior and achievement as well as attitudes and risk-taking behavior. The concluding section identifies gaps in the research and offers a framework for future studies.
Smoothed nonparametric estimation for current status competing risks data

We study the nonparametric estimation of the cumulative incidence function and the cause-specific hazard function for current status data with competing risks via kernel smoothing. A smoothed naive nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator and a smoothed full nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator are shown to have pointwise asymptotic normality and faster convergence rates than the corresponding unsmoothed nonparametric likelihood estimators. Using the smoothed estimators and the plug-in principle, we can estimate the cause-specific hazard function, which has not been studied previously. We also propose semi-smoothed estimators of the cause-specific hazard as an alternative to the smoothed estimator and demonstrate that neither is uniformly more efficient than the other. Numerical studies show that a smoothed bootstrap method works well for selecting the bandwidths in the smoothed nonparametric estimation. The use of the estimators is exemplified by an application to cumulative incidence and hazard of subtype-specific HIV infection from a sero-prevalence study in injecting drug users in Thailand. Copyright 2013, Oxford University Press.
The Distribution Function Inequality and Products of Toeplitz Operators and Hankel Operators

Abstract In this paper we study Hankel operators and Toeplitz operators through a distribution function inequality on the Lusin area integral function and the Littlewood–Paley theory. A sufficient condition and a necessary condition are obtained for the boundedness of the product of two Hankel operators. They lead to a way to approach Sarason's conjecture on products of Toeplitz operators and shed light on the compactness of the product of Hankel operators. An elementary necessary and sufficient condition for the product of two Toeplitz operators to be a compact perturbation of a Toeplitz operator is obtained. Moreover, a necessary condition is given for the product of Hankel operators to be in the commutator ideal of the algebra generated by the Toeplitz operators with symbols in a Sarason algebra.
Comparative Analysis of the Mucosal Adjuvanticity of the Type II Heat-Labile Enterotoxins LT-IIa and LT-IIb

Cholera toxin (CT) and the heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (LT-I) are members of the serogroup I heat-labile enterotoxins (HLT) and can serve as systemic and mucosal adjuvants. However, information is lacking with respect to the structurally related but antigenically distinct serogroup II HLT, LT-IIa and LT-IIb, which have different binding specificities for ganglioside receptors. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of LT-IIa and LT-IIb as mucosal adjuvants in comparison to the prototypical type I HLT, CT. BALB/c mice were immunized by the intranasal (i.n.) route with the surface protein adhesin AgI/II of Streptococcus mutans alone or supplemented with an adjuvant amount of CT, LT-IIa, or LT-IIb. Antigen-specific antibody responses in saliva, vaginal wash, and plasma were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mice given AgI/II with LT-IIa or LT-IIb by the i.n. route had significantly higher mucosal and systemic antibody responses than mice immunized with AgI/II alone. Anti-AgI/II immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody activity in saliva and vaginal secretions of mice given AgI/II with LT-IIa or LT-IIb was statistically similar in magnitude to that seen in mice given AgI/II and CT. LT-IIb significantly enhanced the number of AgI/II-specific antibody-secreting cells in the draining superficial cervical lymph nodes compared to LT-IIa and CT. LT-IIb and CT induced significantly higher plasma anti-AgI/II IgG titers compared to LT-IIa. When LT-IIb was used as adjuvant, the proportion of plasma IgG2a relative to IgG1 anti-AgI/II antibody was elevated in contrast to the predominance of IgG1 antibodies promoted by AgI/II alone or when CT or LT-IIa was used. In vitro stimulation of AgI/II-specific cells from the superficial lymph nodes and spleen revealed that LT-IIa and LT-IIb induced secretion of interleukin-4 and significantly higher levels of gamma interferon compared to CT. These results demonstrate that the type II HLT LT-IIa and LT-IIb exhibit potent and distinct adjuvant properties for stimulating immune responses to a noncoupled protein immunogen after mucosal immunization.
A Dynamic Medial Axis Model for Sensor Networks

An important property in a sensor network is the monitoring of temporal changes of hazardous situations such as forest fires. Rescue groups need to be aware of dynamic changes that affect their rescue efforts. In this paper, we discuss a sensor network model that provides a good abstraction of geometric and topological features of a dynamically changing sensing environment. This model enables efficient path planning and navigation using localized algorithms. We propose a dynamic medial axis model that represents shapes and changes of shapes in a geometric space. We develop distributed algorithms to capture the dynamic network topologies. Dynamic medial axis allows rescue teams to find a short path to safety in a changing environment. We show that our dynamic medial axis algorithms provide good approximations to the true medial axis and our routing scheme generates short and safe routes. The simulation results show that the routes found by our scheme are near-optimal.
THE INABILITY OF THE TEXAS “BROWN TIDE” ALGA TO USE NITRATE AND THE ROLE OF NITROGEN IN THE INITIATION OF A PERSISTENT BLOOM OF THIS ORGANISM1

A planktonic alga similar in general morphology and pigments to Aureococcus anophagefferens Hargraves and Sieburth has caused persistent and ecologically damaging blooms along the south Texas coast. Experiments using 100 μM NO3−, NO2−, and NH4+ demonstrated that the alga could not use NO3− for growth but could use NO2− and NH4+. Doubling iron or trace metal concentrations did not permit growth on NO3−. Chemical composition data for cultures grown in excess NO3− or NH4+, respectively, were as follows: N·cell−1 (0.88 vs. 1.3 pg), C:N ratio (25:1 vs. 6.4:1), C:chlorophyll a (chl a) (560:1 vs. 44:1), and chl a·cell−1 (0.033 vs. 0.16 pg). These data imply that cells supplied with NO3− were N-starved. Culture addition of 10 mM final concentration chlorate (a nitrate analog) did not affect the Texas isolate while NO3− utilizing A. anophagefferens was lysed, suggesting that the NO3− reductase of the Texas isolate is nonfunctional. Rates of primary productivity determined during a dense bloom indicated that light-saturated growth rates were ca. 0.45 d−1, which is similar to maximum rates determined in laboratory experiments (0.58 d−1± 0.16). However, chemical composition data were consistent with the growth rate of these cells being limited by N availability (C:N 28, C:chl a 176, chl a·cell−1 0.019). Calculations based on a mass balance for nitrogen suggest that the bloom was triggered by an input of ca. 69 μM NH4+ that resulted from an extensive die-off of benthos and fish.
Wave Packets and Life Cycles of Troughs in the Upper Troposphere: Examples from the Southern Hemisphere Summer Season of 1984/85

Abstract In this paper, reanalysis data for the Southern Hemisphere summer season of 1984/85, produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, have been analyzed to examine wave packets and life cycles of baroclinic waves. A semiobjective algorithm has been devised to track wave packets. It is found that the perturbations in the upper troposphere are dominated by wave packets. Some of these wave packets can be tracked for several weeks, during which they can make up to two trips around the latitude circle. The energy life cycles of waves that make up several of these wave packets were analyzed, and apart from the incipient waves that started the wave packets, most of the subsequent wave development was found to be dominated by convergence and divergence of energy fluxes rather than due to baroclinic or barotropic conversions, demonstrating that these wave packets are indeed coherent entities that propagate due to downstream development (or dispersion). The energy life cycle of the most ...
Automatic data layout generation and kernel mapping for CPU+GPU architectures

The ubiquity of hybrid CPU+GPU architectures has led to renewed interest in automatic data layout generation owing to the fact that data layouts have a large impact on performance, and that different data layouts yield the best performance on CPUs vs. GPUs. Unfortunately, current programming models still fail to provide an effective solution to the problem of automatic data layout generation for CPU+GPU processors. Specifically, the interaction among wholeprogram data layout optimizations, data movement optimizations, and mapping of kernels across heterogeneous cores pose a major challenge to current programming systems. In this paper, we introduce a novel two-level hierarchical formulation of the data layout and kernel mapping problem for modern heterogeneous architectures. The bottom level formulation deals with the data layout problem for a parallel code region on a given processor, which is NPHard, and we provide a greedy algorithm that uses an affinity graph to obtain approximate solutions. The top level formulation targets data layouts and kernel mapping for the entire program for which we provide a polynomial-time solution using a graph-based shortest path algorithm that uses the data layouts for the code regions (sections) for a given processor computed in the bottom level formulation. We implement this data layout transformation in the new Heterogeneous Habanero-C (H2C) parallel programming framework and propose performance models to characterize the data layout impact on both the CPU and GPU. Our data layout framework shows significant performance improvements of up to 2.9x (geometric mean 1.5x) on a multicore CPU+GPU compared to the manually specified layouts for a set of parallel programs running on a heterogeneous platform consisting of an Intel Xeon CPU and an NVIDIA GPU. Further, our framework also shows performance improvements of up to 2.7x (geometric mean 1.6x) on just the multicore CPU, demonstrating the applicability of our approach to both heterogeneous and homogeneous hardware platforms.