cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
13C, 15N and 1H backbone and side chain chemical shift assignment of acid-stress bacterial chaperone HdeA at pH 6

HdeA is a small chaperone found in the periplasm of several common pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri and Brucella abortus) which are the leading causes of dysentery worldwide, especially in developing countries. Its job is to protect other periplasmic proteins from aggregating as the bacteria pass through the low pH environment of the human stomach on their way to infect the intestines. HdeA is an inactive folded dimer at neutral pH, but becomes a disordered active monomer at pH < 3. To initiate NMR characterization of HdeA at pH 6, 94% of the backbone and 86% of the side chain chemical shifts have been assigned. The loop linking helices B and C remains largely unassigned due to missing peaks in the (1)H-(15)N HSQC and other spectra, most likely due to intermediate timescale chemical exchange. Many of the weakest intensity backbone peaks correspond to residues that surround this loop within the tertiary structure. Assignment experiments have therefore helped to provide preliminary clues about the region of the protein that may be most responsible for initiating unfolding as the pH drops, and constitute an important first step in improving our understanding of, and ultimately combatting, HdeA activity.
No surprises: measuring intrusiveness of smartphone applications by detecting objective context deviations

We address the challenge of improving transparency for smartphone applications by creating tools that assesses privacy risk. Specifically, we invented a framework for qualitatively assessing and quantitatively measuring the intrusiveness of smartphone applications based on their data access behaviors. Our framework has two essential components. The first component is the Privacy Fingerprint, a novel visualization that is concise yet holistic. It captures each app's unique access patterns to sensitive personal data, including which types of behaviors and under which privacy-relevant usage contexts the data are collected. The second component is a new Intrusiveness Score that numerically measures out-of-context data collection, based on real data accesses gathered from empirical testing on 33 popular Android apps across 4 app categories. Specific attention is paid to the proportion of data accesses that occurs while the user is idle, raising the perceived level of intrusiveness and exposing the profiling potential of an app. Together, these components will help smartphone users decide whether to install an app because they will be able to easily and accurately assess the relative intrusiveness of apps. Our study also demonstrates that the Intrusiveness Score is helpful to compare apps that exhibit similar types of data accesses.
Drug Transport VI: Functional Integrity of the Rat Everted Small Intestine with Respect to Passive Transfer

Mucosal-to-serosal flux of a number of solutes across the rat everted small intestine was determined as a function of time. Certain compounds including aniline, benzocaine, salicylamide, and antipyrine, which demonstrated initial clearance values of >1 ml./hr., showed little change in permeability over the entire 2-hr. period of study under the experimental conditions. On the other hand, the transfer rates of compounds which were initially cleared at substantially lower rates, such as pralidoxime, riboflavin, methyl orange, eosine blue, and bromthymol blue, increased markedly and continually during the time course of the experiment. Determination of drug transfer rates after the intestine was incubated in buffer revealed that the marked increase in the clearance of these polar compounds with time is due, in part, to a loss of functional integrity of the preparation. The permeability of the everted intestine with respect to riboflavin and methyl orange increased by a factor of about two after only 30 min. of incubation in drug-free buffer solution.
Evaluation apprehension, hypothesis awareness, and the weapons effect

The present study was designed to extend Turner and Simons' (1974) investigation of possible experimental artifacts in aggression research. Employing a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, 60 male subjects were given either a low or high evaluation apprehension treatment, and then were either exposed or not exposed to weapons in an otherwise close replication of the seven shock-unassociated weapons condition of Berkowitz and LePage (1967). Based on an objectively worded postexperimental questionnaire, subjects were classified as being aware or not aware that the procedures were designed to make them give more shock to their partners. The findings, which were consistent with the analysis of Berkowitz (1974) and Turner and Simons (1974), indicated that the weapons-no weapons comparison was significant only for non-apprehensive, nonaware subjects. The results were interpreted as suggesting that evaluation apprehension, hypothesis awareness, and sophistication in aggression experiments may produce inhibitions which can modify the effects of experimental manipulations.
Energy-aware profit maximizing scheduling algorithm for heterogeneous computing systems

With the advent of energy-aware scheduling algorithms, it is now possible to find solutions that trade-off performance for decreased energy usage. There are now efficient algorithms to find high quality Pareto fronts that can be used to select the desired balance between makespan and energy consumption. One drawback of this approach is that it still requires a system administrator to select the desired operating point. In this paper, a market-oriented technique for scheduling is presented where the high performance computing system administrator is trying to maximize the return on investment. A model is developed where the users pay a given price to have a bag-of-tasks processed. The cost to the system administrator for processing this bag-of-tasks is strongly related to the energy consumption for executing these tasks. A novel algorithm is designed that efficiently finds the maximum profit resource allocation and tightly bounds the optimal solution. In addition, this algorithm has very desirable runtime and solution quality properties as the number of tasks and machines become large.
Architectural design of an encoder for a visually motivated real-time image compression scheme

Abstract This paper discusses architectural issues in the design of the encoder for a real-time image compression scheme. A visual model is the basis for the compression method. Its simplicity and regularity make it very suitable for real-time implementation in hardware. The scheme is realized through two families of algorithms—one based on quad trees and the other on region growing. Architectural issues involved in the realization of these algorithms are presented, and comparisons made between various alternatives.
Low-frequency signals support perceptual organization of implant-simulated speech for adults and children

AbstractObjective: Using signals processed to simulate speech received through cochlear implants and low-frequency extended hearing aids, this study examined the proposal that low-frequency signals facilitate the perceptual organization of broader, spectrally degraded signals. Design: In two experiments, words and sentences were presented in diotic and dichotic configurations as four-channel noise-vocoded signals (VOC-only), and as those signals combined with the acoustic signal below 0.25 kHz (LOW-plus). Dependent measures were percent correct recognition, and the difference between scores for the two processing conditions given as proportions of recognition scores for VOC-only. The influence of linguistic context was also examined. Study sample: Participants had normal hearing. In all, 40 adults, 40 seven-year-olds, and 20 five-year-olds participated. Results: Participants of all ages showed benefits of adding the low-frequency signal. The effect was greater for sentences than words, but no effect of di...
Sonic logging in deviated boreholes penetrating an anisotropic formation: Laboratory study

Development of deepwater fields requires drilling deviated or horizontal wells. Many formations are highly anisotropic, that is, the P- and S-wave velocities vary with propagation direction. Sonic logs acquired in these wells need to be corrected for anisotropy effects before the logs can be used in formation evaluation and seismic applications. In this study, we use a laboratory model made of an orthorhombic Phenolite block to study acoustic logging in deviated wells. We first measure the qP-, qSV-, and SH-wave group velocities by using body waves at angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° relative to the slowest P-wave principal axis of the Phenolite block. We then drill holes at the same angles in the block. We record monopole and dipole sonic waveforms in these holes and extract the qP-, qSV-, SH-, and Stoneley-wave velocities by using the slowness-time semblance method. The velocities measured through the use of monopole logging and dipole logging vary with borehole deviations. We find that an equivalent transversely isotropic (TI) model can fit the measured qP-, qSV-, and Stoneley-wave velocities very well. The S-wave velocities at low to medium borehole deviations can be used to differentiate an orthorhombic material from a TI one.
Multi-resolution deformation in out-of-core terrain rendering

Large scale terrain rendering in real-time is a well known problem across the computer graphics community which has garnered many solutions relying on dynamic level of detail changes to the terrain. These algorithms typically fit into two categories: in-core and out-of-core. Out-of-core algorithms usually require data to remain static, thus disallowing terrain modification whereas in-core algorithms allow for deformation, but usually require updating of modified data through a data hierarchy which can potentially be a slow process. This paper presents a solution for out-of-core deformable terrain rendering that works in real-time. Since the requirements of in-core deformable terrain do not scale to an out-of-core system, the need for data propagation and recalculation of error bounds has been eliminated.
Transolecranon fracture-dislocation of the elbow.

Objective:To characterize the prevalence, morphology, and prognosis of anterior (transolecranon) fracture-dislocations of the elbow.Design:Retrospective case series.Setting:A consecutive series of thirteen patients from a single level-one trauma center, plus four patients from the practices of two o
Do You Learn Just in Time or Just in Case

If a company wants employees to learn a particular review technique or programming language, it will make sure they get "just in time" training: they learn exactly what they need, exactly when they need it. However, far fewer companies are interested in "just in case" training, keeping their employees current in their fields. The author discusses how much time the "top 100 places to work" (according to a Computerworld survey) set aside for training. He then suggests a relatively new approach to training and continuing education-peer-based in-service training.
The preparation and crystal structures of [Ru(bpy) (η2-tpy)(CO)CH2OAc]PF6 and [Ru(η3-tpy)(CO)CH2OAc] PF6 (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″ terpyridine)

The first titled compound, 1, was obtained by treating [Ru(bpy)(η2-tpy)(CO)CH2OH]PF6 with acetic anhydride. Heating 1 in acetonitrile afforded 2, [Ru((η3-tpy)(MeCN)(CO) CH2OAc]PF6. Allowing 2 to stand in CH2Cl2 followed by concentration and precipitation afforded the second titled compound, 3 ([Ru((η3-tpy)(CO)–CH2OAc]PF6), in which the acetoxymethyl group had become bidentate. Crystal data for 1, monoclinic crystal system, space group C2/c, a=26.001(4) A, b=13.0395(18) A, c=20.718(3) A, β=107.700(2)°, V=6691.7(16) A3, Z=8; for 3, monoclinic crystal system, space group P21/n, a=10.864(2) A, b=16.922(4) A, c=11.127(2) A, β=90.907(3)°, V=2045.4(8) A3, Z=4.
Persistent mechanical effects of decreasing length during isometric contraction of ovarian ligament smooth muscle

When isometrically-contracting strips of ovarian ligament smooth muscle were suddenly shortened by 10–20% of their length, force fell rapidly and then redeveloped along an exponential time course. The amount of force recovered fell short of that expected in an isometric contraction at the new length, and this force deficit was proportional to the magnitude of the length step (approximately 80% of force was recovered after a 10% shortening). A sudden imposed decrease in length was more effective in reducing subsequent force than was isotonic shortening. Early in the recovery phase the stiffness of the muscle was decreased to less than its expected value; stiffness recovered to expected levels on an exponential time course approximately three to four times faster than force recovery itself. Force-velocity curves made during the redevelopment phase showed a reduced maximal force (Fmax) and an increased maximal shortening velocity (Vmax) when compared with control contractions matched in force, time and length. The curves crossed at approximately 10% of Fmax. During isometric relaxation the muscles showed an increase in their expected stiffness; prior imposed shortening (as above) reduced the relaxation stiffness increase in proportion to the prior force deficit. The persistent effects of early events on the later phases of the contraction, as well as the increase in shortening velocity with very light loads, are consistent with the hypothesis that the sudden shortening detaches crossbridges and that same fail to reattach during force recovery. During isotonic shortening of unperturbed muscle some slowly-cycling crossbridges may act as an internal load and reduce shortening velocity.
Implementation of CAPIO for Composite Adaptive Control of Cross-Coupled Unstable Aircraft

This paper presents an implementation of a recently developed control allocation algorithm CAPIO (a Control Allocation technique to recover from Pilot Induced Oscillations) for composite adaptive control of an inertially cross coupled unstable aircraft. When actuators are rate-saturated due to either an aggressive pilot command, high gain of the ight control system or some anomaly in the system, the phase shift between the desired and the actual aircraft outputs and the eective time delay can increase. This eective time delay may degrade the performance or, depending on the severity of rate saturation, even destabilize the closed-loop system. The CAPIO reduces the eective time delay by minimizing the phase shift between the commanded and the actual attitude accelerations. While the original intent of CAPIO was to mitigate pilot induced oscillations, we have also found that CAPIO can help automatic ight controllers, in particular, adaptive ight controllers, avoid and recover from similar conditions caused by rate saturation eects. In the paper we report simulation results for a challenging scenario of an unstable aircraft with cross-coupling controlled by a composite adaptive controller in the presence of rate saturation. The simulations conrm the capability of CAPIO to serve as an eective rate saturation compensator in adverse conditions.
A MEMS Sensor for Gas Detection in High Voltage Oil Filled Equipment

Abstract - This paper addresses protection of oil insulated power equipment, e.g. transformers, using a MEMS sensor system to augment or replace existing protection techniques. Traditional technologies used for protection and analysis involve pressure and temperature sensing, gas chromatography and/or a Buchholz relay. A MEMS sensor is described to augment or replace such sensors. The proposed device is immersed within the insulating fluid, e.g. oil, and primarily consists of multiple micro scale turbines centrally shafted to a MEMS generator. The device utilizes relative differences in velocity, pressure and flow rate, of gas emanating from stressed or degrading insulation. A differential electrical output is produced which can be RF or photon coupled to a user interface.
Locking the virtual filing cabinet

Highlights? Researchers are often unaware of how data can be lost or stolen from Internet-connected servers. ? Many researchers do not have the time or ability to read complex technical manuals or documentation, and thus do not implement basic security practices (i.e. strong, non-shared passwords). ? Ignorance of data security leading to a breech can have serious consequences including removal of grant funding and IRB inquiries. As the Internet has grown in popularity, the opportunity it provides for conducting research has also become too large for researchers to ignore. Thus many have flocked to put surveys, experiments, and other data collection measures online in an attempt to gather empirical evidence in a variety of fields. While some choose a commercial provider to host surveys or experiments, others require the additional flexibility that comes with creating and maintaining a custom server. Herein lies a crucial problem: Most researchers lack the skills necessary to design, implement, and manage a server end-to-end. To overcome this limitation, they often hire programmers and administrators, who while usually competent, are not ultimately accountable to granting agencies funding research or Institutional Review Boards overseeing the research. This puts the researcher in a position of accountability in data security, confidentiality, and privacy concerns. The goal of the present paper is to outline a typical server setup, and highlight issues pertaining to data security in language accessible to researcher. This paper also presents data collected and analyzed from an anonymous distributed survey asking researchers questions assessing their management of research data. Our findings from the responses confirmed the legitimacy of our concerns by demonstrating the evident need for stricter security measures in research settings. By reading this paper, we hope that researchers will be cognizant of the optimal security practices which can be equipped to avoid the extreme consequences of data security breaches and gain a deeper understanding of the software they use to collect research data.
IMPELLER CLEARANCE EFFECT ON OFF BOTTOM PARTICLE SUSPENSION IN AGITATED VESSELS

The effect of impeller off bottom clearance on the power input requirement for off bottom solid suspension was examined for 45° pitched blade impellers in flat and round bottom fully baffled agitated vessels. Results showed a similar dependence as obtained for radial flow impellers when similar flow patterns were observed. The dependence appears to be independent of the impeller diameter to tank diameter ratio and vessel shape.
Utility of endoscopic biopsy samples to quantitate human duodenal ion transport

Duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion (DMBS) prevents acid-peptic damage and facilitates nutrient absorption. DMBS is diminished in patients with duodenal ulcers and is normalized after Helicobacter pylori eradication. The measurement of DMBS in human patients in vivo requires intubation with a multi-lumen balloon tube and permits limited testing with putative agonists and antagonists. Our purpose was to develop a means to investigate transport events in human duodenal biopsy samples in vitro. After validation studies in a modified mini-Ussing chamber were performed, duodenal transport events were examined in proximal endoscopic biopsy samples from normal volunteers (n = 17). Tissues were mounted in modified mini-Ussing chambers (volume 2.5 ml, surface area 3.8 mm2). Short circuit current (Isc), potential difference (PD), and bicarbonate secretion were determined under basal conditions and after stimulation with graded doses of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)(10(-8) to 10(-4) mol/L) and dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP)(10(-4) to 10(-2) mol/L). Duodenal tissues remained viable for at least 2 hours and exhibited stable basal HCO3(-) secretion and electrical parameters. Stimulation with PGE2 and db-cAMP resulted in dose-related increases in both Isc and HCO3(-) secretion (P < .05) that were abolished by ouabain and anoxia. It is concluded (1) that human duodenal bulb biopsy samples maintain their inherent transport function in mini-Ussing chambers and (2) that by using this novel method it will be possible to define the transport events that modulate human duodenal secretion, in particular bicarbonate secretion, in both health and disease.
International Joint Ventures: Economic and organizational perspectives

In April 1992, the Center for Research in Conflict and Negotiation at The Pennsylvania State University held a symposium on International Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances. The purpose of the symposium was to take a cross-disciplinary look at economic and managerial issues affecting joint-venture formation, operation, and performance. Executives, policy makers, and scholars from several fields discussed issues ranging from the impact of international trade policy to cross-cultural communication on joint-venture operations. The outcome was a more complete understanding of joint ventures as a mode of entry into domestic and international markets.
Photoactivation perturbs the membrane-embedded contacts between sensory rhodopsin II and its transducer.

The photoactivation mechanism of the sensory rho-dopsin II (SRII)-HtrII receptor-transducer complex of Natronomonas pharaonis was investigated by time-resolved Fourier transform infrared difference spectroscopy to identify structural changes associated with early events in the signal relay mechanism from the receptor to the transducer. Several prominent bands in the wild-type SRII-HtrII spectra are affected by amino acid substitutions at the receptor Tyr199 and transducer Asn74 residues, which form a hydrogen bond between the two proteins near the middle of the bilayer. Our results indicate disappearance of this hydrogen bond in the M and O photointermediates, the likely signaling states of the complex. This event represents one of the largest light-induced alterations in the binding contacts between the receptor and transducer. The vibrational frequency changes suggest that Asn74 and Tyr199 form other stronger hydrogen bonds in the M state. The light-induced disruption of the Tyr199-Asn74 bond also occurs when the Schiff base counterion Asp75 is replaced with a neutral asparagine. We compared the decrease in intensity of difference bands assigned to the Tyr199-Asn74 pair and to chromophore and protein groups of the receptor at various time points during the recovery of the initial state. All difference bands exhibit similar decay kinetics indicating that reformation of the Tyr199-Asn74 hydrogen bond occurs concomitantly with the decay of the M and O photointermediates. This work demonstrates that the signal relay from SRII to HtrII involves early structural alterations in the deeply membrane-embedded domain of the complex and provides a spectroscopic signal useful for correlation with the downstream events in signal transduction.
Helicobacter bilis Colonization Enhances Susceptibility to Typhlocolitis Following an Inflammatory Trigger

Aberrant mucosal immune responses to antigens of the resident microbiota are a significant cause of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), as are genetic and environmental factors. Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that Helicobacter bilis colonization of immunocompetent, defined microbiota mice induced antigen-specific immune responses to the resident microbiota, yet these mice failed to develop colitis, suggesting that the immunological provocation induced by H. bilis alone was insufficient to induce disease. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the introduction of a bacterial provocateur such as H. bilis enhances the host’s susceptibility to IBD following an inflammatory event. Defined microbiota (DM) mice colonized with H. bilis were administered low dose (1.5%) dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 5 days followed by a 4-day restitution period. Severity of lesions was assessed grossly and microscopically. Differential expression of select mucosal genes and histopathologic lesions was characterized. Helicobacter bilis colonization increased the severity of intestinal inflammation induced by an inflammatory trigger in the form of low-dose DSS. An analysis of the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with H. bilis colonization revealed significant increases in expression of mucosal genes associated with lymphocyte activation and inflammatory cell chemotaxis as well as increased infiltration of mucosal macrophages and T cells in mice colonized with H. bilis prior to DSS treatment versus DSS treatment alone. These results indicate that prior colonization with H. bilis heightens the host’s sensitivity to enteric inflammation by altering mucosal homeostasis and initiating immune cell activation and migration.
Monitoring Of Direct Reactions During Etching Of Silicon

We present evidence of a direct reaction occurring when a hyperthermal fluorine atom beam (4.8 eV) impinges on a fluorinated silicon surface under steady-state etching conditions. When monitoring in-situ and in real time reactive scattering products by means of a quadrupole mass spectrometer, SiF3+ and SiF2+ are detected with bimodal time of flight distributions. The slow component can be described by a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution at the surface temperature. However, the fast component is leaving the surface with velocities substantially higher than thermal and with a flux which does not obey the cosine law. Its translational energy increases with the angle of incidence of the hyperthermal fluorine beam. Etching in the direct reaction mode should result in highly anisotropic profiles by overcoming product desorption limitations.
Suitable regions for date palm cultivation in Iran are predicted to increase substantially under future climate change scenarios

The objective of the present paper is to use CLIMEX software to project how climate change might impact the future distribution of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Iran. Although the outputs of this software are only based on the response of a species to climate, the CLIMEX results were refined in the present study using two non-climatic parameters: (a) the location of soils containing suitable physicochemical properties and (b) the spatial distribution of soil types having suitable soil taxonomy for dates, as unsuitable soil types impose problems in air permeability, hydraulic conductivity and root development. Here, two different Global climate models (GCMs), CSIRO-Mk3.0 (CS) and MIROC-H (MR), were employed with the A2 emission scenario to model the potential date palm distribution under current and future climates in Iran for the years 2030, 2050, 2070 and 2100. The results showed that only c. 0·30 of the area identified as suitable by CLIMEX will actually be suitable for date palm cultivation: the rest of the area comprises soil types that are not favourable for date palm cultivation. Moreover, the refined outputs indicate that the total area suitable for date palm cultivation will increase to 31·3 million ha by 2100, compared with 4·8 million ha for current date palm cultivation. The present results also indicate that only heat stress will have an impact on date palm distribution in Iran by 2100, with the areas currently impacted by cold stress diminishing by 2100.
No Increased Risk of Spinal Cord Ischemia in Delayed AAA Repair Following Thoracic Aortic Surgery

Objective:To examine the results of open or endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair following prior open or endovascular thoracic aortic surgery.Methods:A retrospective review of all patients who underwent AAA repair in a delayed fashion following prior thoracic aortic surgery at a single university hospital between 1999 and 2011 was performed.Results:Thirteen patients underwent AAA repair following prior thoracic aortic repair. Mean age was 68.9 ± 6.9 years and 77% (n = 10) were male. Three patients experienced transient delayed-onset spinal cord ischemia (SCI) following initial thoracic surgery. Mean time interval between initial thoracic aortic surgery and subsequent AAA repair was 2.0 ± 1.8 years. Overall rate of SCI and 30-day mortality after delayed AAA repair was 0%.Conclusions:This series does not demonstrate any evidence of increased risk of perioperative mortality or SCI in patients undergoing delayed AAA repair after prior thoracic aortic surgery.
Family Beliefs and Behaviors About Smoking and Young Children's Secondhand Smoke Exposure.

INTRODUCTION Home smoking bans (HSBs) reduce children's secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe), a contributor to health disparities. General psychosocial characteristics and SHSe beliefs and behaviors within the family may relate to HSB existence. This study's aim was to identify general psychosocial characteristics and SHSe beliefs associated with HSB presence and lower SHSe among children living with a smoker. METHODS Caregivers (n = 269) of Head Start preschool students (age 1-6 years) living with a smoker reported on HSBs, caregiver depressive symptoms and stress, family routines, SHSe beliefs, and household smoking characteristics. SHSe biomarkers included air nicotine in 2 areas of the home and child salivary cotinine. RESULTS One-quarter of families reported complete HSBs, and HSBs were more common among nonsmoking (37%) versus smoking caregivers (21%; p < .01). Perceived importance of HSBs differed between nonsmoking (9.7±1.0) versus smoking caregivers (9.1±2.0; p < .01). Smoking caregivers, more smokers in the home, and lower self-efficacy and intent to implement an HSB were consistently associated with lower likelihood of HSB existence and children's higher SHSe. Caregiver SHSe beliefs were more consistently associated with HSBs and SHSe than were general psychosocial factors. CONCLUSIONS Despite greater HSB likelihood and higher perceived importance of HSBs among nonsmoking versus smoking primary caregivers, SHSe reduction self-efficacy and intent are protective for Head Start students at high-risk for exposure. Pediatric healthcare providers and early education professionals may be able to support SHSe reduction efforts (e.g., smoking cessation, HSB implementation) and reduce children's SHSe with counseling strategies to address caregivers' HSB self-efficacy, intent, and related behaviors.
A model of inter-cohort cannibalism and paedomorphosis in Arizona Tiger Salamanders, Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum

Cannibalism is widespread in size-structured populations. If cannibals and victims are in different life stages, dominant cohorts of cannibals can regulate recruitment. Arizona Tiger Salamanders, Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum, exhibit facultative paedomorphosis in which salamander larvae either metamorphose into terrestrial adults or become sexually mature while still in their larval form. Although many salamanders exhibit cannibalism of larvae, the Arizona Tiger Salamander also exhibits cannibalism of young by the aquatic adults. We formulate a differential equations model of this system under the assumption that the terrestrial adults do not impact the system beyond their contribution to the birth of young larvae. We establish non-negativity, boundedness and persistence of the salamander population under certain assumptions. We consider the equilibrium states of the system in the presence or absence of a birth contribution from the terrestrial or metamorph adults. Constant per capita paedomorphosis leads to asymptotically stable equilibria. The per capita paedomorphosis rate of the larvae must be density dependent in order for periodic solutions to exist. Furthermore, the stage transition rate must be sufficiently decreasing in order to guarantee the existence of an unstable equilibrium. Periodic solutions are only possible in the presence of a unique nontrivial unstable equilibrium. Our results conform to previous theory on paedomorphosis which suggests general applicability of our results to similar systems.
Mutation databases and other online sites as a resource for transfusion medicine: history and attributes.

Recent advances in molecular biology and technology have provided evidence, at a molecular level, for long-known observations that the human genome is not unique but is characterized by individual sequence variation. At the present time, documentation of genetic variation occurring in a large number of genes is increasing exponentially. The characterization of alleles that encode a variety of blood group antigens has been particularily fruitful for transfusion medicine. Phenotypic variation, as identified by the serologic study of blood group variants, is required to identify the presence of a variant allele. Many of the other alleles currently recorded have been selected and identified on the basis of inherited disease traits. New approaches document single nucleotide polymorphisms that occur throughout the genome and best show how the DNA sequence varies in the human population. The primary data dealing with variant alleles or more general genomic variation are scattered throughout the scientific literature and only within the last few years has information begun to be organized into databases. This article provides guidance on how to access those databases online as a source of information about genetic variation for purposes of molecular, clinical, and diagnostic medicine, research, and teaching. The attributes of the sites are described. A more detailed view of the database dealing specifically with alleles of genes encoding the blood group antigens includes a brief preliminary analysis of the molecular basis for observed polymorphisms. Other online sites that may be particularly useful to the transfusion medicine readership as well as a brief historical account are also presented.
Eigenvalue‐based model selection during latent semantic indexing

In this study amended parallel analysis (APA), a novel method for model selection in unsupervised learning problems such as information retrieval (IR), is described. At issue is the selection of k, the number of dimensions retained under latent semantic indexing (LSI). Amended parallel analysis is an elaboration of Horn's parallel analysis, which advocates retaining eigenvalues larger than those that we would expect under term independence. Amended parallel analysis operates by deriving confidence intervals on these “null” eigenvalues. The technique amounts to a series of nonparametric hypothesis tests on the correlation matrix eigenvalues. In the study, APA is tested along with four established dimensionality estimators on six standard IR test collections. These estimates are evaluated with regard to two IR performance metrics. Additionally, results from simulated data are reported. In both rounds of experimentation APA performs well, predicting the best values of k on 3 of 12 observations, with good predictions on several others, and never offering the worst estimate of optimal dimensionality.
Radiation Pressure in Stellar Atmospheres with Application to Solar Spicules

Radiation pressure due to absorption in spectral lines can play an important role in the equilibrium conditions in the outer portions of the stellar atmosphere. In particular, it is suggested that spicules ejected from the upper solar chromosphere as well as other fine structural features of the chromosphere may very likely be a result of radiation pressure from Ly-α. Numerical computation of the radial radiation pressure due to Ly-α in the chromospheric model of Vernazza et al. (1973) gives a maximum outward pressure gradient due to radiation that is 0.06 of the gravitational pressure gradient. The model chromosphere of Vernazza et al. is a spherically symmetric model that reproduces the average Sun Ly-α intensity and profile. Super-granule borders (network), where spicules arise, are known to have a Ly-α brightness some ten times the average Sun brightness. It is suggested, therefore, that in the network areas the pressure gradient due to radiation is comparable to (and oppositely directed to) that due to gravitation and that in local areas of unusual brightness the net pressure gradient is outwards. An estimate of the expected outwards velocity of spicule material driven by radiation pressure was made by equating the kinetic energy flux (1/2ϱV 3) to the Ly-α energy flux. This gives values of υ that are comparable to observed spicule velocities. Also, the maximum outwards radiation pressure occurs in the upper chromosphere where the material density in the model of Vernazza et al. is close to the value 4 × 10−14 g cm−3, which is about a factor of two less than the currently accepted value for spicules. Increased density in the network areas could easily remove this minor difference.
Cross-power spectrum phase for automated registration of multi/hyperspectral data-cubes for efficient information retrieval

A robust, feature-independent method of registration using the difference in phase between two images is applied in this work to the automated as well as fast registration of multi/hyperspectral spatial planes. Phase-difference is obtained using the cross spectrum of the two images of interest; properties of the cross spectrum allow its use in determining both rotation and translation compensation. In addition, dimension reduction of a sixty-band registered hyperspectral data-cube was implemented via principal component analysis. The eigenvectors generated during the diagonalization of the data's covariance matrix were then used to reconstruct the cube's original sixty spectral bands to various degrees of precision depending on the level of dimensional reduction previously performed.
Perception-based granular probabilities in risk modeling and decision making

Our focus is on the issue of decision making in risky situations. We discuss the need for using decision functions to aid in capturing the decision maker's preference among these types of uncertain alternatives. The use of fuzzy rule based formulations to model these functions is investigated. We discuss the role of perception based granular probability distributions as a means of modeling the uncertainty profiles of the alternatives. Various properties of this method of describing uncertainty are provided. Tools for evaluating rule based decision functions in the face of perception based uncertainty profiles are presented. Consideration is given to the situation in which our uncertainty profiles are expressed in terms of a cumulative distribution function. We introduce the idea of a perception based granular cumulative distribution and describe its representation in terms of a fuzzy rule-based model
RADIATIVE DECAYS OF THE PSI-PRIME TO ALL PHOTON FINAL STATES

A sample of 1.8 x 10/sup 6/ produced psi's collected by the Crystal Ball detector at SPEAR is used to measure branching ratios of selected radiative psi' decays to non-charmonium states which decay into photons. A sample of 2.2 x 10/sup 6/ produced J/psi's is used to measure the same radiative decays from the J/psi. The ratios BR(psi' ..-->.. ..gamma..f)/BR(J/psi ..-->.. ..gamma..f) = 9 +- 3%, BR(psi' ..-->.. ..gamma..theta)/BR(J/psi ..-->.. ..gamma..theta) .. ..gamma..eta)/BR(J/psi ..-->.. ..gamma..eta) .. ..gamma..eta')/BR(J/psi ..-->.. ..gamma..eta') < 2.6% have been obtained. (Upper limits are 90% confidence level. The upper limit for the radiative decay to the theta is uncertain due to the possible presence of an f' signal in the J/psi data). Assuming these decays proceed via the annihilation of the initial quark and antiquark to a photon and two gluons, these ratios are predicted by lowest order QCD to be the same as the ratio of leptonic branching ratios of the psi' and J/psi, or 12.0 +- 2.2%. There currently exists no compelling explanation for the discrepancy between the ratios measured for the last two decays and the theoretical expectation.
Heavy traffic limits in a wireless queueing model with long range dependence

High-speed wireless networks carrying multimedia applications are becoming a reality and the transmitted data exhibit long range dependence and heavy-tailed properties. We consider the heavy traffic approach in working towards queue models under these properties, extending the model in R.T. Buche and H.J. Kushner (2002). Our focus is on the scalings used in the heavy traffic approach which are determined by combinations of the source rate of an infinite source Poisson model of the arrival process, the tail distribution of data transmitted by these sources, and the rate of variation of the random process (channel process) modeling the wireless medium. A fundamental inequality between the exponent in the power tail distribution of the data from the source and the parameter specifying the rate of channel variations is obtain. This inequality is important in both the "fast growth" and "slow growth" regimes for the arrival process and along with the source rate is used to define the possible cases for obtaining limit models for the queueing process. Across the cases, the possible limit models include reflected Brownian motion, reflected stable Levy motion, or reflected fractional Brownian motion.
Distinguishing iron-reducing from sulfate-reducing conditions.

Ground water systems dominated by iron- or sulfate-reducing conditions may be distinguished by observing concentrations of dissolved iron (Fe 21 ) and sulfide (sum of H2S, HS 2 , and S ¼ species and denoted here as ‘‘H2S’’). This approach is based on the observation that concentrations of Fe 21 and H2S in ground water systems tend to be inversely related according to a hyperbolic function. That is, when Fe 21 concentrations are high, H2S concentrations tend to be low and vice versa. This relation partly reflects the rapid reaction kinetics of Fe 21 with H2S to produce relatively insoluble ferrous sulfides (FeS). This relation also reflects competition for organic substrates between the iron- and the sulfate-reducing microorganisms that catalyze the production of Fe 21 and H2S. These solubility and microbial constraints operate in tandem, resulting in the observed hyperbolic relation between Fe 21 and H2S concentrations. Concentrations of redox indicators, including dissolved hydrogen (H2) measured in a shallow aquifer in Hanahan, South Carolina, suggest that if the Fe 21 /H2S mass ratio (units of mg/L) exceeded 10, the screened interval being tapped was consistently iron reducing (H2 ~0.2 to 0.8 nM). Conversely, if the Fe 21 /H2S ratio was less than 0.30, consistent sulfate-reducing (H2 ~1 to 5 nM) conditions were observed over time. Concomitantly high Fe 21 and H2S concentrations were associated with H2 concentrations that varied between 0.2 and 5.0 nM over time, suggesting mixing of water from adjacent iron- and sulfatereducing zones or concomitant iron and sulfate reduction under nonelectron donor–limited conditions. These observations suggest that Fe 21 /H2S mass ratios may provide useful information concerning the occurrence and distribution of iron and sulfate reduction in ground water systems.
Physician Opinions Regarding Elective Bilateral Salpingectomy With Hysterectomy and for Sterilization

Abstract Study Objective To gather opinions about the benefits and concerns of performing bilateral salpingectomy without oophorectomy during hysterectomy for benign indications and as a sterilization procedure. Design Survey study (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting Practicing physicians in US institutions that have obstetrics and gynecology residency programs listed on the FREIDA website were surveyed electronically. Intervention A validated, standardized questionnaire designed to gather opinions about bilateral salpingectomy performed during hysterectomy or for sterilization was administered via SurveyMonkey to practitioners of obstetrics and gynecology. Measurements and Main Results Results were compiled and presented as percentages of total responders. A total of 234 surveys were returned. Fifty-four percent of physicians perform bilateral salpingectomy during hysterectomy, most commonly to reduce the risks of cancer (75%) and repeat operation (49.1%). Of the 45.5% of physicians who do not perform bilateral salpingectomy during hysterectomy, most (69.4%) believe there is no benefit. Fifty-eight percent of practitioners believe that bilateral salpingectomy is the most effective method of sterilization after age 35 years but choose this method only in patients in whom one sterilization procedure has failed or because of tubal disease. Only 7.2% of surgeons prefer it as an interval sterilization procedure. Conclusion Most practitioners believe that bilateral salpingectomy is beneficial. Most also believe that bilateral salpingectomy is the most effective sterilization procedure; however, only 7.2% use this method as an interval procedure. More data are needed to evaluate the prophylactic effect of bilateral salpingectomy against postoperative sequelae.
Inflow thrombosis does not adversely affect thrombolysis outcomes of symptomatic iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis

Objective The presence of popliteal or tibial vein clot is thought to adversely affect thrombolysis for iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We examined the effect of inflow thrombosis on functional and anatomic outcomes. Methods Data for 44 patients treated for symptomatic iliofemoral DVT between 2006 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were treated by pharmacomechanical thrombectomy with local lytic therapy. Catheter-directed lysis and vena cava filters were used sparingly. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. The independent variable used in the logistic regression model was symptom relief. Results Forty-four patients (mean age, 52.1 ± 15.8 years) presented with symptoms averaging 13.4 ± 9.9 days in duration. Twenty (45.4%) had symptoms for >14 days. Seventeen patients were treated in one session, but 27 patients required lytic infusion for residual thrombus. Iliac stenting was required in 49% of limbs. Successful lysis (>50%) was achieved in 91% of patients, and symptom resolution or improvement in 91%. All patients became ambulatory, with no or minimal limitation. No major systemic bleeding complications occurred. Freedom from DVT recurrence and reintervention was 84% at 24 months by life-table analysis. Preoperative ultrasound imaging showed 89% had popliteal and tibial clots. A thrombosed popliteal vein was accessed for treatment and was corroborated by venographic findings. One patient required simultaneous tibial lysis. At a mean follow up of 8.7 ± 6.3 months, 41 patients (93%) had no symptom recurrence, 82% had preserved valve function and no reflux on duplex imaging, with a mean CEAP class of 1.4 and Villalta score of 3.3. Inflow thrombus had no adverse effect on symptom relief, treatment duration, patency, CEAP class, or valve reflux. Interestingly, 90% of patients with initial popliteal thrombus had a patent popliteal vein on postlysis ultrasound imaging, and the presence of tibial thrombus on presentation was predictive of symptom relief with thrombolysis (odds ratio, 13.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-165.58; P = .048). Conclusions Inflow thrombosis is common and does not preclude successful thrombolysis of iliofemoral DVT. Valve function is preserved on midterm follow-up, with maintained CEAP class and symptom relief.
Phenomenological Implications of Deflected Mirage Mediation: Comparison with Mirage Mediation

We compare the collider phenomenology of mirage mediation and deflected mirage mediation, which are two recently proposed “mixed” supersymmetry breaking scenarios motivated from string compactifications. The scenarios differ in that deflected mirage mediation includes contributions from gauge mediation in addition to the contributions from gravity mediation and anomaly mediation also present in mirage mediation. The threshold effects from gauge mediation can drastically alter the low energy spectrum from that of pure mirage mediation models, resulting in some cases in a squeezed gaugino spectrum and a gluino that is much lighter than other colored superpartners. We provide several benchmark deflected mirage mediation models and construct model lines as a function of the gauge mediation contributions, and discuss their discovery potential at the LHC.