cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast detection and display of symmetry in outerplanar graphs

Abstract The automatic construction of good drawings of abstract graphs is a problem of practical importance. Symmetry appears as one of the main criteria for achieving goodness. Algorithms are developed for enumerating all planar axial and rotational symmetrics of a biconnected outerplanar graph, and it is shown how to construct a drawing which simultaneously displays all these symmetries. These results are then expanded to obtain algorithms for the detection and display of outerplanar axial and rotational symmetry in the entire class of outerplanar graphs. All algorithms run in both time and space which are linear in the size of the graph, and hence are optimal to within a constant factor.
Security vulnerabilities: from measurements to design

This paper presents a study that uses extensive analysis of real security vulnerabilities to drive the development of: 1) runtime techniques for detection/masking of security attacks and 2) formal source code analysis methods to enable identification and removal of potential security vulnerabilities. The presentation will describe the hardware architecture of a Reliability and Security Engine (RSE) that embodies the proposed techniques, to provide run-time checking at the processor level.
Identification of chemical compounds by computer matching of low resolution mass spectra and retention indices

The GC-MS-computer system is a powerful tool for identifying chemical compounds, although it does not always give positive identification. Both the GC retention index and the mass spectrum for matching unknown peak and library data improve efficiency and reliability, and have been used successfully.
A Ghost's Memoir: The Making of Alfred P. Sloan's My Years with General Motors . By John McDonald. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. Pp. xvii, 202. $24.95.

Who wrote Alfred Sloan's My Years with General Motors? a. Alfred Sloan b. John McDonald c. Alfred Chandler d. A group of more than 20 persons, known and unknown Fans of the old Groucho Marx quiz show might be tempted to choose answer a. John McDonald, in his posthumous memoir being reviewed here, argues for b. But I am inclined to think the best answer is d.
Site preference of dilute transition metal solutes in Fe3Si

Abstract Dilute alloys of the type Fe 3− x T x Si (0⩽ x ⩽0.2), with T = V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ta, and W, were studied by means of neutron diffraction. The results indicate that V, Cr and Mn have a clear preference for the Fe site with 8 Fe first neighbors, Co for the Fe site with 4 Fe and 4 Si first neighbors, while only tentative conclusions can be drawn for Ta and W.
Airline Buyout: Evolutionary Systems Design and Problem Restructuring in Group Decision and Negotiation

We discuss problem restructuring involving evolution of the problem representation in group decision and negotiation support systems. We develop the evolutionary systems design ESD approach to restructuring involving a heuristic controls/goals/values referral process and other domain-independent methodological knowledge, such as constraint relaxation, contingency planning, coalition formation and flexible goal target. These ideas are applied to multiple problem restructuring in a scenario motivated by labor-management negotiations and buyout in the airline industry, in particular, a composite of negotiations at Eastern Airlines, TWA and UAL.
A Class VI Unconventional Myosin Is Associated with a Homologue of a Microtubule-binding Protein, Cytoplasmic Linker Protein–170, in Neurons and at the Posterior Pole of Drosophila Embryos

Abstract. Coordination of cellular organization requires the interaction of the cytoskeletal filament systems. Recently, several lines of investigation have suggested that transport of cellular components along both microtubules and actin filaments is important for cellular organization and function. We report here on molecules that may mediate coordination between the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. We have identified a 195-kD protein that coimmunoprecipitates with a class VI myosin, Drosophila 95F unconventional myosin. Cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding the 195-kD protein reveals that it is the first homologue identified of cytoplasmic linker protein (CLIP)–170, a protein that links endocytic vesicles to microtubules. We have named this protein D-CLIP-190 (the predicted molecular mass is 189 kD) based on its similarity to CLIP-170 and its ability to cosediment with microtubules. The similarity between D-CLIP-190 and CLIP-170 extends throughout the length of the proteins, and they have a number of predicted sequence and structural features in common. 95F myosin and D-CLIP-190 are coexpressed in a number of tissues during embryogenesis in Drosophila. In the axonal processes of neurons, they are colocalized in the same particulate structures, which resemble vesicles. They are also colocalized at the posterior pole of the early embryo, and this localization is dependent on the actin cytoskeleton. The association of a myosin and a homologue of a microtubule-binding protein in the nervous system and at the posterior pole, where both microtubule and actin-dependent processes are known to be important, leads us to speculate that these two proteins may functionally link the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons.
RADIAL FLOW CHROMATOGRAPHY IN COMPRESSED PANCAKE-SHAPED BEDS

High compression of sorbent powders promotes flow uniformity and reduces interstitial porosity. These features were exploited in a radial flow configuration to show that good peak resolution was possible for applications to analytical chromatography. An exact analytical solution was uncovered to predict the transient response of an elementary pulse of solute in a flowing inert gas. Experiments on the system methane on alumina are compared quite favorably with theory, showing that the key dissipative force for band broadening is radial diffusion
On a Question of Gowers

We show that any subset of density \( \frac{100}{log_*^{1/4} n} \)of an n by n square in \( \mathbb{Z}^2 \) contains an isoceles right-angle triangle with a fixed orientation whose sides are parallel to the axes, for all sufficiently large n.
Lactate Dehydrogenase Isozymes: Dissociation and Recombination of Subunits

Lactate dehydrogenase from beef tissues may be resolved electrophoretically into five isozymes each of which is a tetramer. These tetramers can be dissociated into monomers by freezing in 1M sodium chloride. On thawing, reassociation into functional tetramers occurs. On the basis of charge and amino acid composition there are two kinds of monomers. Lactate dehydrogenase-1 contains one kind of monomer and lactate dehydrogenase-5 the other kind. A mixture of equal quantities of these two isozymes, after dissociation and reassociation, leads to the production of all five isozymes in the expected proportions of 1:4:6:4:1.
Heat sensitivity, thermotolerance and protein synthesis of granulocyte and macrophage progenitors from mice and from long-term bone marrow cultures.

Ex-vivo purging of leukaemic cells by single or fractionated heating during bone marrow transplantation for acute myeloid or lymphoblastic leukaemias may be possible since many leukaemic cells may be more sensitive to killing by heat than normal bone marrow colony-forming unit-granulocyte and macrophages (CFU-GM). In these studies we have compared heat response, thermotolerance response and heat shock protein (HSP) synthesis of bone marrow progenitors from intact mice or bone marrow obtained from 37°C or 33°C long-term bone marrow cultures (LTBMCs). Such studies were done to examine whether CFU-GM responses to heat are influenced by in vitro growth conditions. In terms of heat response CFU-GM progenitors from LTBMCs showed increased heat sensitivity when compared to CFU-GM from mice, with CFU-GM from 33CC cultures being more heat-sensitive than those from 37°C cultures. The kinetics of thermotolerance development and decay in CFU-GM were similar from all three systems. Thermotolerance was maximum at 3–9 h...
Noradrenergic involvement in pinealectomy induced convulsions in gerbils.

Abstract Gerbils treated with various noradrenergic compounds were pinealectomized (PINX) or sham-operated (SHAM) and observed for convulsive activity. Although declines in cortical and hypothalamic norepinephrine content were found after α-methylparatyrosine (αMPT) or PINX, treatment with αMPT did not produce convulsions in SHAM gerbils or in gerbils which were PINX one week earlier. Likewise, αMPT did not increase the number or severity of convulsions observed in acutely PINX gerbils. Treatment with propranolol or isoproterenol did not have any effect on convulsive activity of PINX gerbils, except that isoproterenol increased the excitability of all the gerbils. In conclusion, reducing catecholamine content or modifying β-noradrenergic receptor activity was not able to alter the convulsive activity which occurs after acute PINX.
An idiographic and nomothetic approach to the study of Mexican-origin adolescent mothers' socio-cultural stressors and adjustment.

The current study examined the longitudinal relations of socio-cultural stressors (i.e., acculturative stressors, enculturative stressors, ethnic discrimination) and Mexican-origin adolescent mothers’ depressive symptoms and risk-taking behaviors. Utilizing an idiographic and nomothetic approach, we conducted lagged analyses to examine how individuals’ fluctuations in stressors predicted subsequent adjustment. Further, we investigated potential threshold effects by examining if the impact of fluctuations in stressors differed at varying levels of stressors. Mexican-origin adolescent females (N = 184) participated in yearly in-home assessments across 5 years and reported on their experiences of acculturative and enculturative stressors, ethnic discrimination, depressive symptoms, and risk-taking behaviors. Findings revealed that within-person fluctuations in acculturative stressors and, to a lesser extent, perceived discrimination related to youths’ depressive symptoms. For risk-taking behaviors, however, only within-person fluctuations in enculturative stressors emerged as significant. Further, a threshold effect emerged in the link between enculturative stressors and risk-taking behaviors, suggesting that fluctuations in enculturative stressors predicted changes in risk-taking behaviors at high levels of enculturative stressors but not low levels. Our findings highlight the differential relations between socio-cultural stressors and adolescent females’ adjustment and suggest that prevention programs aimed at reducing depressive symptoms should attend to any degree of change in socio-cultural stressors, whereas programs focused on risk-taking behaviors should be especially attuned to levels of enculturative stress.
Simulation of Radiation Quantities for Accelerator-Based Experiments

Results of the MARS15 code application to the design of target stations for two experiments – a muon-to-electron conversion experiment Mu2e and the prospective multi-purpose ProjectX Energy Station at Fermilab – are presented. A detailed MARS15 analysis has been carried out focusing on the most important radiation quantities such as displacements per atom (DPA), peak temperature and power density in the coils, absorbed dose in the insulation, dynamic heat load; DPA and neutron volumes, tritium production are also simulated for the ProjectX target, a benchmark of the neutron fission model is presented.
An effective method of completely removing contaminating genomic DNA from an RNA sample to be used for PCR

A simple method for removing contaminating genomic DNA from an RNA preparation is presented. The method involves digestion of the RNA with RNase-free DNase I at room temperature followed by inactivation of the enzyme at 65°C in presence of EDTA. This method produces an RNA sample that is negative for genomic DNA by PCR.
Factors affecting delivery of high-efficiency dialysis using temporary vascular access

The effectiveness of hemodialysis depends, in part, on the delivery of the prescribed rate of blood flow and the amount of blood recirculation. Studies evaluating the magnitude of recirculation in double-lumen catheters at blood flow rates ≥300 mL/min have not been performed. We therefore examined the effects of prescribed blood flow rate and placement site on measured blood flow, recirculation and effective clearance using double-lumen catheters in 17 patients. Double-lumen catheters were placed in the internal jugular (12.5 cm), subclavian (20 cm), and femoral veins (15 cm and 24 cm). Recirculation studies were performed in triplicate with a two-needle method at blood flow rates of 250, 300, 350, and 400 mL/min. Blood flow rate was measured with an ultrasonic flow meter placed on the venous line. The arterial line pressure was continuously monitored. Mean arterial line pressure was −105 ± mm Hg at 250 mL/min and −231 ± mm Hg at 400 mL/min prescribed blood flow rates in the internal jugular, subclavian, and 15-cm femoral vein catheters. Patients with 24-cm femoral catheters had a mean arterial line pressure of −196 ± mm Hg at 250 mL/min and −327 ± mm Hg at 400 mL/min. In spite of the change in arterial line pressure, measured blood flow rate increased appropriately at all set blood flows and with all catheter sites studied. Recirculation was low in the internal jugular, subclavian, and 24-cm femoral catheters (4% ± 1%9 5% ± 2%, and 10% ± 3%, respectively) at a set blood flow of 250 mL/min and did not increase at blood flow rates up to 400 mL/min. In contrast, recirculation with the 15-cm femoral catheters was 18% ± 7% at 250 mL/min and increased to 38% ± 14% at 400 mL/min. In five of six patients, the increase of recirculation with higher blood flow rates led to no change or to an actual decrease in effective clearance. This study suggests that it is possible to deliver high-efficiency dialysis through temporary vascular access placed in the internal jugular and subclavian veins. On the other hand, larger amounts of recirculation in the 15-cm femoral catheters led to a failure of high blood flow rates to enhance dialysis efficiency.
Inelastic analysis of R/C coupled shear walls

This paper presents a method of analysis capable of calculating the response of an R/C coupled shear wall structure subjected to strong earthquake motion without major complications existing in the method itself. The relative simplicity is achieved while retaining reasonable reliability in the computed response. The reliability of the computed results are tested against 1- the measured responses of a cantilever column member and a 6-storey coupled shear wall system under static cyclic lateral loads; and 2- the measured responses of two coupled shear wall structures which were subjected to simulated earthquake motions on the University of Illinois Earthquake Simulator. The effects of moment-axial force interaction in the wall members on the computed overall responses of the coupled shear wall structures and on the behaviour of each individual wall are discussed.
Effects of beta-aminopropionitrile fumurate (BAPN) on early heart development

Abstract Collagen is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the early developing heart. The role of mature cross-linked collagen has not been demonstrated in cardiac morphogenesis, although investigators using other developmental systems have suggested that collagen can act as an inducer. The injection of 500 μg of BAPN (beta-aminopropionitrile fumurate), a known inhibitor of cross-linking, into the pericardial region of chick embryos prior to valvular and septal morphogenesis (Stage 12 to 14) was without effect on the appearance or migration of cushion tissue mesenchyme in the ECM. However, by Stage 22 to 23 BAPN-treated embryos exhibited truncal aneurysms which resulted in death. Ultrastructural examination of the hearts of BAPN-treated embryos showed an alteration in the cell surface of both the endocardium and myocardium as evidenced by the deposition of very electron dense material. Biochemical analysis confirmed that BAPN-treated organisms were indeed lathyritic. These studies suggest that the continued synthesis and deposition of mature cross-linked collagen is not required for initiation and migration of cushion tissue mesenchyme nor for the appearance and maintenance of specific endocardial shape changes referred to as “flutes”. It is suggested that collagen is primarily a structural macromolecule in the early heart, rather than an inducer. These studies further suggest that, in addition to its effect on collagen cross-linking, BAPN may cause cardiac anomalies by modifying collagen: proteoglycan interaction within the ECM.
Mass transport phenomena at the liquid metal/substrate (metal, carbide) interface

Abstract We have developed a model that describes surface mass transport in dissimilar materials such as liquid metal/substrate (metal, structural ceramic) and verified the model with experimental data taken from the literature and generated in our research on liquid aluminum and silicon carbide at 933 and 1253 K. Knowing the size of contact angles of drops on substrates as a function of time and temperature in a controlled atmosphere allows the calculation of apparent surface diffusion coefficients that are characteristic of the systems under consideration. Apparent surface diffusion appear to be two components related to adhesional wetting (physical effect), Ds, and reactive wetting (chemical effect), Dr, and can be expressed by the following equation: Ds +Dr = (γLV/ η) cos πeλLT= constant, where γLV and η are the surface tension and viscosity of the liquid, respectively; λ is a geometrical roughness of the solid surface; and πe is a contact angle at equilibrium.
Hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage

Twenty-four consecutive cases of putaminal hemorrhage diagnosed by the technique of computerized axial tomography are reported. The anatomy of the hemorrhages as visualized by CT scanning showed excellent correlation with the pathological findings in 3 autopsied patients. The size of the hemorrhage, as measured from the scan, was correlated with the occurrence and severity of several features of the clinical examination and with the clinical outcome. The relatively low overall mortality of 37% reflected the inclusion in this series of many small, nonfatal hemorrhages that would likely have escaped diagnosis before computerized axial tomography became available.
Biochemistry of selective toxicity and biodegradability: comparative O-dealkylation by aquatic organisms.

Abstract 1. 1. Female Gambusia affinis have a greater capacity for O-dealkylation of p-nitrophenyl ethers and DDT analogues and the formation of acid-labile conjugates than to mosquito larvae, fat-head minnows, or two species of pulmonate snails. 2. 2. The p-nitrophenyl ethers are O-de-ethylated most readily by all species, while the DDT analogues are O-demethylated most readily. 3. 3. Fish absorb the greatest amount of insecticide in a 24-hour period; the excretion rate is highest in Gambusia and lowest in the minnow. 4. 4. The toxicity of DDT analogues correlates with metabolism data, except in snails, which are naturally tolerant to chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Apparatus for the determination of the band absorption of gases at elevated pressures and temperatures

Apparatus for the measurement of the band absorption of gases at pressures up to 10 atmos and temperatures up to 1400 K is described. An optical path of 15 in. is maintained with an accuracy of 1% by a nozzle seal system which allows measurements to be made without the use of windows in the high temperature zone. Use of KBr windows for the pressure seal permits measurements to 23 μ.
Lack of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α in mice enhances methionine and choline deficient diet-induced steatohepatitis

Abstract Pathogenesis of steatohepatitis, a common liver disease, remains controversial. It is proposed that fatty liver with a second hit capable of inducing necroinflammation results in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Long chain and very long chain fatty acids are considered important in induction of steatohepatitis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) plays an important role in β-oxidation of long chain and very long chain fatty acids and mitogenic effect caused by peroxisome proliferators in the liver. To determine the role of PPARα in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis and compensatory liver cell hyperplasia, we have used PPARα null mice and methionine and choline deficient nutritional model. Male and female PPARα null mice and wild type mice were fed methionine and choline deficient diet (MCDD) or normal chow for 4 weeks. Livers were analyzed morphologically for steatosis, steatohepatitis and hepatocyte proliferation (PCNA labeling) and biochemically for triglyceride levels. In addition, serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and triglyceride levels were measured. In MCDD fed PPARα null mice there was severe steatohepatitis and very high liver triglyceride levels compared to wild type mice. Serum aspartate transaminase levels were also significantly higher in MCDD fed PPARα null mice compared to wild type mice. The severity of steatohepatitis in MCDD fed male and female PPARα null mice was greater compared to wild type mice fed the same diet. The PCNA labeling index was similar in PPARα null mice and wild type mice fed MCDD, and significantly higher in both the groups compared to the mice fed control diet. These findings indicate that defective fatty acid oxidation aggravates steatohepatitis caused by methionine and choline deficiency and further establishes the role of long chain and very long chain fatty acids in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis. In addition, the results of this study also indicate that there is no difference between males and females in the severity of steatohepatitis induced by MCDD and lack of PPARα does not affect compensatory hyperplasia in the liver.
Use of Drinking Protective Behavioral Strategies in Association to Sex-Related Alcohol Negative Consequences: The Mediating Role of Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol use has been implicated as a risk factor for sexual negative consequences, such as unprotected sexual intercourse. The present research was conducted to examine the relationship between drinking protective behavioral strategies and consensual sex-related alcohol negative consequences, and whether this relationship varied by gender. Additionally, typical number of drinks during sexual behavior was evaluated as a potential mediator of this association. Heavy drinking, sexually active college students (N = 297, 50.2% women) completed self-report measures of drinking protective behavioral strategies, alcohol consumption, and sex-related alcohol negative consequences. Findings indicated that women who used drinking protective behavioral strategies more frequently were less likely to experience sex-related alcohol negative consequences whereas this relationship was not significant for men. For women, this relationship was mediated by the typical number of drinks consumed during sexual behavior. The current research demonstrates that use of drinking protective behavioral strategies is related to a reduction in women's sex-related risks when drinking. Findings are discussed in terms of alcohol myopia theory. Implications for interventions aimed to reduce higher risk sexual behavior among college students are discussed.
The importance of Phase I/II trials in pediatric oncology

Clinical trials in pediatric oncology over the past 30 years have led to the situation today where most children with newly diagnosed cancer can be treated effectively, and many are cured. Despite this dramatic improvement in outcome for many children diagnosed with cancer, about 30-40% of children will die of their disease [1]. Although some attempts have been made to improve outcome by increasing the dose intensity of existing therapies, intolerable side effects and marginal increases in cancer cell kill limit this approach. Clearly, effective new anti-cancer agents are necessary to significantly improve the survival and quality of life in children with cancer. Well-organized pediatric Phase I trials to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and Phase II trials to establish efficacy, are critical to the identification of new anti-cancer agents.
Electronic Records Management in Local Government Agencies: The Case of the Clerk of Courts Office in Lake County Florida

Local governments must provide public access to records such as court proceedings, deeds, marriage licenses, birth, and death records, and so on, often on tight budgets. This article focuses on how a local agency, the Clerk of Courts office in Lake County, Florida, used a planning process developed by the National Center for State Courts. This process was loosely coupled with the principles of sensemaking (Weick, 1995) to stay ahead of the curve concerning changes that would significantly affect its records management system. By applying the scanning methods, the organization was able to paint a plausible picture of its future environment that allowed it to attack the issues related to legislative changes in its electronic records management (ERM) practices proactively rather than reactively.
Risk Perception and Climate Adaptation in Tuvalu: A Combined Cultural Theory and Traditional Knowledge Approach

At the local level, where the most adaptation to climate impacts takes place, adaptation decision making and planning are closely tied to how people perceive climate risks. In Tuvalu, a low-lying Pacific island nation, ways of perceiving climate risks encompass both understandings about potential hazards wrought by a changing climate as well as culturally informed understandings about appropriate responses to the threats born from those hazards. An analysis of risk perception that combines the Cultural Theory of Risk with an examination of traditional environmental knowledge is used to understand how climate impacts are perceived in Nanumea, Tuvalu. The argument is made that adaptive decisions which reflect community risk priorities and cultural worldviews are more likely to be successful than efforts that may claim community engagement but do not reflect community members' perceptions and worldviews.
In-hospital maternal mortality risk by cesarean and vaginal deliveries in two less developed countries--a descriptive study.

Cesarean deliveries are increasing in both developed countries and less developed countries (LDCs). Recent studies in the U.S. have revealed a significantly higher mortality risk for women who delivered abdominally than for those who delivered vaginally, even when the effect of the conditions which necessitated cesarean delivery was taken into account. We chose for study from an international maternity monitoring network, five centers from two LDCs that reported an in-hospital maternal mortality rate (MMR) of around 10 per 1000 parturient women. The pooled data revealed an MMR of 5.1 per 1000 women with vaginal deliveries. For women with cesarean delivery, the total MMR was 36.2 and the MMR attributable to cesarean section was estimated to be 12.8; both rates were per 1000 procedures. The leading cause of death was eclampsia for the vaginal deliveries and sepsis for the cesarean deliveries. The risk of maternal mortality inherent with the cesarean section procedure per se (not counting the risk associated with the labor and delivery complications that necessitated cesarean section) as well as the practical avoidability of maternal deaths for either mode of delivery in these LDC hospitals are discussed.
Recruitment Limitation, Mortality, and Population Regulation in Open Systems: A Case Study

In most populations of mammals and birds offspring live with (and initally may depend upon) their parents. Consequently, population size is strongly influenced by local fecundity. In contrast, most species of marine invertebrates have a dispersive larval stage, so that local fecundity has little or no effect on the establishment of new individuals. Similarly, many insects, amphibians, and fish have multiple life stages that live apart. Population regulation in such open systems is fundamentally different from more closed populations. I investigated the role of recruits in determining and regulating local population size of a sessile colonial invertebrate, Cellepora pumicosa (Bryozoa, Ascophora). Recruitment into a field population of C. pumicosa over an 18—mo period was less than post—recruitment mortality, causing a decline from 230 to 64 colonies (6.1 to 2.3% cover). The mortality rate was density independent. Colony growth rate declined among larger individuals, which usually regressed in size (shrank) before they died. The mechanics of recruitment limitation was further investigated using a simple demographic model. The model was designed to mimic an open population in which recruits were added to the local adult population at a rate independent of local fecundity or density. After they recruited, colonies could grow, shrink, or die at rates determined in the field. There were no density—dependent terms in the model, yet the population attained an equilibrium size and structure that was determined by a balance between rates of recruitment and size—specific mortality (i.e., storage) of recruited individuals. The equilibrium occurred because the per capita number of recruits declined as more and more individuals became established. Modelling based on the measured demography of C. pumicosa demonstrates that the observed levels of recruitment and mortality will limit the population size to very low levels, although relatively small increases in numbers of recruits would yield a substantially large population. In comparison, post—recruitment mortality would have to decrease greatly and remain density independent to achieve the same result. In contrast to the result for short—lived animals such as C. pumicosa, the population size of longer lived organisms is more sensitive to changes in mortality than recruitment, even when mortality is density independent and populations are recruitment regulated.
Deep MMT Transit Survey of the Open Cluster M37 IV: Limit on the Fraction of Stars with Planets as Small as 0.3RJ

We present the results of a deep (15 r 23), 20 night survey for transiting planets in the intermediate-age open cluster M37 (NGC 2099) using the Megacam wide-field mosaic CCD camera on the 6.5 m MMT. We do not detect any transiting planets among the ~1450 observed cluster members. We do, however, identify a ~1RJ candidate planet transiting a ~0.8 M ? Galactic field star with a period of 0.77 days. The source is faint (V = 19.85 mag) and has an expected velocity semiamplitude of K ~ 220 m s-1(M/MJ ). We conduct Monte Carlo transit injection and recovery simulations to calculate the 95% confidence upper limit on the fraction of cluster members and field stars with planets as a function of planetary radius and orbital period. Assuming a uniform logarithmic distribution in the orbital period, we find that <1.1%, <2.7%, and <8.3% of cluster members have 1.0RJ planets within extremely hot Jupiter (EHJ; 0.4 < P < 1.0 day), very hot Jupiter (VHJ; 1.0 < P < 3.0 day), and hot Jupiter (HJ; 3.0 < P < 5.0 day) period ranges, respectively. For 0.5RJ planets, the limits are less than 3.2% and less than 21% for EHJ and VHJ period ranges, respectively, while for 0.35RJ planets we can only place an upper limit of less than 25% on the EHJ period range. For a sample of 7814 Galactic field stars, consisting primarily of FGKM dwarfs, we place 95% upper limits of <0.3%, <0.8%, and <2.7% on the fraction of stars with a 1.0RJ EHJ, VHJ, and HJ, respectively, assuming that the candidate planet is not genuine. If the candidate is genuine, the frequency of ~1.0RJ planets in the EHJ period range is 0.002% < f EHJ < 0.5% with 95% confidence. We place limits of <1.4%, <8.8%, and <47% for 0.5RJ planets, and a limit of <16% on 0.3RJ planets in the EHJ period range. This is the first transit survey to place limits on the fraction of stars with planets as small as Neptune.
Scan Loss Pattern Synthesis for Adaptive Array Ground Stations

We present several techniques for maximizing the contact time between low Earth orbiting satellites (LEOs) and a ground station (GS). The GS comprises an adaptive array of electronically steered space-fed lenses (SFLs). Each SFL is manufactured as a low-cost printed circuit with the result that it exhibits scanning loss. By differently orienting the boresights of the SFLs in the adaptive array, the SFL's scanning losses can be made to optimally complement the path loss of the LEO, thereby reducing the cost of the GS while maximizing the download capacity of the satellite link. The optimization, implemented with a genetic algorithm (GA), can be viewed as a kind of pattern synthesis. Such arrays will benefit Earth exploration satellite service (EESS) and telemetry applications, promising a decreased cost and increased reliability as compared with GSs consisting of a large dish antenna. We show that a network of these GSs comprising a total of fourteen small antennas can achieve an average daily data rate that is comparable with that of a single large dish antenna for the Earth Observing One (EO-1) satellite, without increasing the output power of the satellite. We also analyze the case in which the satellite transmits with a variable bit rate (VBR). Furthermore, we show that by selectively populating the focal surface of the SFL with feeds, simultaneous communications with multiple satellites can be achieved with a single GS.
Analysing a patient's health using computers.

Abstract This research consists of the development of a computerised technique for assisting the physician in analysing a patient's health. Using the patient's physical examination, the technique (1) summarises the patient's prior medical data, (2) determines if the patient is normal or abnormal, (3) identifies those clinical variables which are significantly affecting the patient's health, and (4) observes any drift in the patient's health.
Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiographic Evidence of SVC Compression by a Bronchogenic Cyst.

BRONCHOGENIC CYSTS ARE UNCOMMON congenital lesions located within the mediastinum. These lesions usually are asymptomatic and rarely require surgical intervention. The authors present a unique case demonstrating intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic evidence of superior vena cava (SVC) compression by a bronchogenic cyst without any preoperative clinical or sonographic evidence of vascular compromise. These findings suggest that transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) potentially can be a useful modality in monitoring mediastinal masses to manage patients and guide surgical excision during the intraoperative course.
Technology and science education: starting points, research programs, and trends

Over the past 25 years, information and communication technologies have had a convoluted but ultimately advantageous impact on science teaching and learning. To highlight the past, present, and future of technology in science education, this paper explores the trajectories in five areas: science texts and lectures; science discussions and collaboration; data collection and representation; science visualization; and science simulation and modeling. These trajectories reflect two overall trends in technological advance. First, designers have tailored general tools to specific disciplines, offering users features specific to the topic or task. For example, developers target visualization tools to molecules, crystals, earth structures, or chemical reactions. Second, new technologies generally support user customization, enabling individuals to personalize their modeling tool, Internet portal, or discussion board. In science education, designers have tailored instructional resources based on advances in unders...
A method for selecting and ranking quality metrics for optimization of biometric recognition systems

In the field of biometrics evaluation of quality of biometric samples has a number of important applications. The main applications include (1) to reject poor quality images during acquisition, (2) to use as enhancement metric, and (3) to apply as a weighting factor in fusion schemes. Since a biometric-based recognition system relies on measures of performance such as matching scores and recognition probability of error, it becomes intuitive that the metrics evaluating biometric sample quality have to be linked to the recognition performance of the system. The goal of this work is to design a method for evaluating and ranking various quality metrics applied to biometric images or signals based on their ability to predict recognition performance of a biometric recognition system. The proposed method involves: (1) Preprocessing algorithm operating on pairs of quality scores and generating relative scores, (2) Adaptive multivariate mapping relating quality scores and measures of recognition performance and (3) Ranking algorithm that selects the best combinations of quality measures. The performance of the method is demonstrated on face and iris biometric data.
Circle Maps, Measured Laminations, and Free Group Actions on IR‐trees

This paper explores the connection between homeomorphisms of the unit circle, codimension-1 measured laminations on closed surfaces, and free actions of surface groups on IR-trees.
POST-HARVEST PHYSIOLOGY AND STORAGE BEHAVIOUR OF POMEGRANATE FRUITS

Elyatem, S.M. and Kader, A.A., 1984. Post-harvest physiology and storage behaviour of pomegranate fruits. Scientia Hortic., 24: 287--298. Tested pomegranate fruits had a low respiration rate and a non-climacteric respiratory pattern. They produced trace amounts of C2H 4 and showed no response to exogenous C2H 4 treatments as measured by changes in skin colour, and juice colour and composition. Both CO2 and C2H 4 production rates increased with temperature. The Q10 values for respiration were 3.4 between 0 and 10°C, 3.0 between 10 and 20°C, and 2.3 between 20 and 30°C. Storage at 5°C or lower resulted in chilling injury to the fruits, and the severity of the symptoms increased with time and temperature-decrease below 5°C. Chilling-injury symptoms, which became more visible after transfer to 20°C for 3 days, included brown discoloration of the skin, surface pitting, and increased susceptibility to decay organisms. Internal symptoms were manifested as pale colour of the arils and brown discoloration of the white segments separating the arils (locular septa). Fruits held at 5°C for 8 weeks showed only a slight brown discoloration of the locular septa. Temperature during storage for up to 3 months had little effect on soluble solids content, pH, and titratable acidity of the juice.
Use of Cerclage in Triplet Pregnancies With an Asymptomatic Short Cervix

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of triplet pregnancies in women with asymptomatic cervical shortening with and without a cervical cerclage. Methods A retrospective review of all triplet pregnancies with biweekly serial cervical length surveillance was performed. Cervical shortening was defined as a cervical length of 2.5 cm or less before 24 weeks' gestation. Patients with cervical shortening managed with cerclage were compared to those managed expectantly. The primary outcome was the gestational age at delivery, with secondary outcomes including birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit length of stay, and composite neonatal outcome. Statistical significance was defined as P Results Sixteen patients underwent cerclage placement versus 8 managed expectantly (control group). The median gestational ages at delivery were similar between the groups (cerclage, 31.3 weeks; interquartile range [IQR], 29.3-32.3 weeks; control, 29.8 weeks; IQR, 27.5-32.4 weeks; P = .71). The median birth weights were also similar between the groups (cerclage, 1283 g; IQR, 800-1626 g; control, 1109 g; IQR, 776-1500 g; P = .54). There was no significant difference in composite neonatal outcomes between the cerclage and control groups (P = .67). Conclusions In this limited case-control study, we found no benefit in terms of pregnancy prolongation or neonatal outcomes with cerclage placement for triplet gestations complicated by an asymptomatic short cervix.
Cushing's syndrome after treatment: Changes in cortisol and ACTH levels, and amelioration of the depressive syndrome

Twenty-three patients with pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome were studied before and after treatment. The relationship between the amelioration of the depressive syndrome and changes in cortisol and ACTH levels was investigated. There was a significant difference in mean change in 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) excretion for changes in the depressed mood score from first to last visit. There were also significant correlations between decreases in UFC and decreases in both the depressed mood score and the modified Hamilton depression score. These relationships were not found for ACTH. Furthermore, with cortisol decreased to normal levels, continued high ACTH levels did not prevent improvement in depressed mood. The possibility that cortisol may also play a role in the pathogenesis and/or maintenance of the mood disorder in psychiatric patients is discussed.
Relationships of exotic plant communities with native vegetation, environmental factors, disturbance, and landscape ecosystems of Pinus ponderosa forests, USA.

Invasions by exotic plant species can threaten forest ecosystems in numerous ways. Theories on relationships of exotic species invasions with native vegetation, resource availability, and disturbance could assist in managing exotic plants by identifying parts of the landscape and ecological conditions most susceptible to invasion. However, generality of these theories is complicated by considerable variation among landscapes and ecology of individual species. We assessed hypotheses on relationships of exotic plant communities with native vegetation, environmental (soil, topographic, and climate), and disturbance (roads and grazing) variables using data from 66 plots within a 110,000-ha Pinus ponderosa forest landscape in northern Arizona, USA. We further assessed exotic plant relationships with ecosystem classification, which has a long history of use in forest ecology and management but has been underutilized for understanding exotic species distributions. Plots contained a total of 251 native and 20 exotic plant species. As hypothesized for distributional studies, native and exotic species were positively correlated, but the correlation varied with scale for species richness (m2, r = 0.65; 500 m2, r = 0.41) and was weaker for cover (r = 0.32). Multiple regression, including native vegetation and environmental variables, accounted for similar amounts of variation in exotic species richness (50% of variation) and cover (51%). Disturbance variables only entered regression models when native vegetation was excluded from models. Exotic species richness m−2, cover, and community composition were strongly related to the ecosystem classification. For example, mean exotic cover ranged from <0.1% in ecosystems with volcanic cinder soils to 7% in ecosystems containing Populus tremuloides. As hypothesized, moist ecosystems were generally most invaded. However, also considering factors such as past management of the ecosystems and literature on the introduction histories (e.g., intentional seeding for range improvement) of the species, we hypothesize that the ecosystem classification integrated co-varying environmental, disturbance, and management variables related to exotic plant communities. Ecosystem classification was a useful framework for understanding distributions of exotic plant communities across the landscape.
Development of Multimodal Processing in Infancy

A number of studies have investigated infants' abilities to extract and discriminate number from multimodal events. These results have been mixed for several possible reasons, including aspects of the experimental design that provide perceptual cues that are unrelated to number, and are known to influence looking preferences. This experiment used a preferential looking paradigm to investigate whether 6- to 9-month-old infants can extract the amodal property of number from an arbitrarily related multimodal event sequence when nonnumerical confounds are removed. Results demonstrate that female infants discriminate number from a multimodal presentation by 6 months, whereas males do so by 8 months. Further, the study underscores the importance of controlling for low-level perceptual cues in looking time experiments aimed at examining infants' cognitive abilities.
The immune response to sand fly salivary proteins and its influence on leishmania immunity.

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease transmitted by bites of phlebotomine sand flies. During Leishmania transmission, sand fly saliva is co-inoculated with parasites into the skin of the mammalian host. Sand fly saliva consists of roughly thirty different salivary proteins, many with known roles linked to blood feeding facilitation. Apart from the anti-hemostatic capacity of saliva, several sand fly salivary proteins have been shown to be immunogenic upon multiple contacts with a mammalian host. Immunization with single immunogenic salivary proteins or exposure to uninfected bites can produce protective immune responses against leishmaniasis. These sand fly salivary proteins induce cellular immune responses and/or antibodies. Antibodies to saliva are not required for protection in a mouse model against leishmaniasis. A strong body of evidence points to the role for saliva-specific T cells producing IFN-γ in the form of a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction at the bite site as the main protective response. Herein, we review immunity to sand fly salivary proteins in the context of its vector-parasite-host combinations and vaccine potential, as well as some recent advances to shed light on the mechanism of how an immune response to sand fly saliva protects against leishmaniasis.
Population biology of northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and initial documentation of a spawning area

Growth, maturity, and age structure of the northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) population were characterized from samples collected during a stratified, random bottomtrawl survey conducted in May 2000. The survey was conducted on the continental shelf of the east coast of the US and utilized a commercial squid fishing vessel and standardized sampling protocols and gear. Statolith increment counts of 391 individuals, representing the full maturity spectrum from juveniles to mated females (34e250 mm), ranged in age from 69 to 215 d. Substantial variability in the precision of individual age estimates was encountered. The population consisted of a predominant winter cohort of maturing and mature squid (hatched during OctobereFebruary, with a peak in January) and a spring cohort of juveniles (hatched during February and March, with a peak in March). Recruitment patterns to northern and southern fishing grounds are discussed. The first evidence of a spawning area, located on the continental shelf in the Mid-Atlantic Bight, is presented. Growth in length and weight was best described by a Gompertz model and a power model, respectively. The age range of mated females (115e215 d) indicated a shorter lifespan than expected based on maturity and age information for Newfoundland squid. A latitudinal cline in female size-at-maturity was evident, whereby maturity stages of squid in the southern part of the survey area were more advanced than those in the northern part. Also, females from US waters reach maturity and spawn at smaller sizes and younger ages than females from Newfoundland waters. The results suggest that females from the Mid-Atlantic Bight may exhibit faster rates of growth and maturation, and possibly a shorter lifespan, than their Newfoundland counterparts.