cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of Impaired Antitumor Immunity by Fusion of MHC Class II-Deficient Dendritic Cells with Tumor Cells

To dissect the role of Ag presentation through MHC class I and/or II pathways by dendritic cell (DC)-tumor fusion cells, we have created various types of DC-tumor fusion cells by alternating fusion cell partners. Fusions of MC38/MUC1 carcinoma cells with DC from wild-type (WT-DC), MHC class I knockout (IKO-DC), class II knockout (IIKO-DC), or class I and II knockout (I/IIKO-DC) mice created WTDC-fusion cells (FC), IKO-FC, IIKO-FC, and I/IIKO-FC, respectively. MHC class II- and MUC1-positive fusion cells were constructed by fusion of B16/MUC1 melanoma cells with IKO-DC (IKO/B16-FC). Immunization of MUC1 transgenic mice with 5 x 10(5) WTDC-FC, IKO-FC, IIKO-FC, or I/IIKO-FC provided 100, 91.7, 61.5, and 15.4% protection, respectively, against tumor challenge with MC38/MUC1 cells. In contrast, all mice immunized with irradiated MC38/MUC1 tumor cells or WT-DC developed tumors. One group of mice was immunized with 5 x 10(5) IKO/B16-FC and then challenged with B16/Ia(+)/MUC1 on one flank and MC38/MUC1 on the other flank. Immunization of these mice with IKO/B16-FC resulted in 100 and 78.6% protection against B16/Ia(+)/MUC1 and MC38/MUC1 tumor challenge, respectively. The antitumor immunity induced by immunization with IKO/B16-FC was able to inhibit the growth of MHC class II-negative tumor. In addition, in vivo results correlated with the induction of Ag-specific CTL. Collectively, the data indicate that MHC class II Ag presentation targeting activation of CD4 T cells is indispensable for antitumor immunity.
Independent additive heuristics reduce search multiplicatively

This paper analyzes the performance of IDA* using additive heuristics. We show that the reduction in the number of nodes expanded using multiple independent additive heuristics is the product of the reductions achieved by the individual heuristics. First, we formally state and prove this result on unit edge-cost undirected graphs with a uniform branching factor. Then, we empirically verify it on a model of the 4-peg Towers of Hanoi problem. We also run experiments on the multiple sequence alignment problem showing more general applicability to non-unit edge-cost directed graphs. Then, we extend an existing model to predict the performance of IDA* with a single pattern database to independent additive disjoint pattern databases. This is the first analysis of the performance of independent additive heuristics.
On Modeling Real Gnp: Non-Normality and Non-Linearity, But No Long Memory

We examine quarterly U.S. real GNP data for evidence of non-linearity and long memory. Since the statistical evidence on non-linearities in the conditional mean could be influenced by the presence of outliers, or by a failure to model changing volatilities, we explicitly account for outliers by assuming that the innovations are drawn from the stable family, and model time-varying volatility by a GARCH(1,1) process. Our results indicate statistically significant non-linearities in the conditional mean. Evidence on long memory is weak, and is sensitive to the specification of the short-run dynamics. Linear Gaussian models, and non-linear conditionally heteroskedastic models of the GARCH class, seem inadequate for understanding the dynamics of this time series.
Queueing Theory: Further Observations †

The mathematical theory of congestion is associated with delays while waiting in a line or queue for service in a system. Examples of such systems include banks, post offices, and supermarkets as well as telecommunication systems involving telephones, computer networks, the Internet/the World Wide Web, inventory, and manufacturing processes. The early development of the field was motivated by telephone systems and the ways in which they could be made to operate more efficiently. Much of the theory relies heavily on the use of probability theory and stochastic processes, and as such is widely viewed as a subfield of stochastic modeling and applied probability. There is also significant interplay with other fields such as scheduling theory, inventory theory, and insurance risk theory; it is a central part of operations research. Keywords: queueing-risk duality; mathematical congestion; queueing networks; queueing theory; ruin probabilities; stochastic recursions; sojourn times
Device Chip Fabrication

We have discussed bubble materials that can be deposited as films and patterns that can be overlaid or implanted to provide a device chip. In this chapter we review the steps involved in the fabrication of chips and some of the fundamental concepts that underlie the specification of those process steps. After the chips have been made they must be enclosed in a package that supplies electrical contact, the required bias and rotating drive field, etc. We shall discuss the packaging of the chips into a storage module in the next chapter.
Differentiation of human fetal osteoblastic cells and gap junctional intercellular communication

Gap junctional channels facilitate intercellular communication and in doing so may contribute to cellular differentiation. To test this hypothesis, we examined gap junction expression and function in a temperature-sensitive human fetal osteoblastic cell line (hFOB 1.19) that when cultured at 37 degrees C proliferates rapidly but when cultured at 39.5 degrees C proliferates slowly and displays increased alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin synthesis. We found that hFOB 1.19 cells express abundant connexin 43 (Cx43) protein and mRNA. In contrast, Cx45 mRNA was expressed to a lesser degree, and Cx26 and Cx32 mRNA were not detected. Culturing hFOB 1. 19 cells at 39.5 degrees C, relative to 37 degrees C, inhibited proliferation, increased Cx43 mRNA and protein expression, and increased gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Blocking GJIC with 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid prevented the increase in alkaline phosphatase activity resulting from culture at 39.5 degrees C but did not affect osteocalcin levels. These results suggest that gap junction function and expression parallel osteoblastic differentiation and contribute to the expression of alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker for fully differentiated osteoblastic cells.
Single venous return for mitral valve operations.

OBJECTIVE : Most cardiac surgeons routinely perform bicaval venous cannulation for mitral valve operations. We describe the technique and advantage of a single-venous cannulation strategy. METHODS/RESULTS : Single venous cannulation with a 29-French small-bore cannula (facilitated by vacuum-assisted venous drainage) yields reliable decompression of the right heart and affords outstanding exposure of the mitral valve. CONCLUSIONS : We recommend and use this technique for all mitral valve operations not requiring opening the right atrium.
Residue 19 of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) modulates ligand interaction with the juxtamembrane region of the PTH-1 receptor.

Recent data suggest that the binding of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-(1−34) to the PTH-1 receptor (P1R) involves a high-affinity interaction between the C-terminal (15−34) domain of the ligand and the amino-terminal extracellular (N) domain of the receptor and a low-affinity interaction between the N-terminal (1−14) portion of PTH and the juxtamembrane (J) region of the receptor, with the latter interaction giving rise to signal transduction. We investigated whether residues C-terminal of position 14 in PTH(1−34) contribute to the J component of the interaction mechanism by comparing the capacity of PTH analogues N-terminally modified to improve J domain affinity and C-terminally truncated at position 14, 20, or 34 to stimulate cAMP formation in COS-7 cells transiently transfected with P1R-delNt, a P1R construct that lacks most of the N domain. In these cells, the potency of [M]PTH(1−34) (M = Ala1,3,12,Gln10,Har11,Trp14,Arg19) was 120-fold greater than that of [M]PTH(1−14) (EC50s = 3.0 ± 0.8 and 360 ± 90 nM,...
Controlling All Interstory Displacements in Highly Nonlinear Steel Buildings Using Optimal Viscous Damping

A gradient-based optimization algorithm is used to simultaneously control all interstory displacements in nonlinearly degrading steel buildings using optimal viscous dampers. Optimal damping ratios are computed in each mode of vibration such that the sum of the errors between the interstory displacements and the “just-yielded” performance objectives is minimized. A representative damping formulation is used to determine the sizes and locations of the damper devices. The members of the buildings are assumed to degrade smoothly according to a constitutive rule that was developed to model the behavior of kinematically strain-hardened materials. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate the ability of the algorithm to control potential damages in a 10-story building and also in an 8-story building responding at significant higher modes of vibration. It is found that the interstory displacements in the 10-story building are very adequately controlled. Although demands in the 8-story building are significantly...
Do Picture Books About Starting Kindergarten Portray the Kindergarten Experience in Developmentally Appropriate Ways

This study examines the illustrations and the texts of thirteen picture books for young children on the topic of preparing for and starting kindergarten to assess whether, and to what extent, they depict forty-nine criteria for developmentally appropriate kindergarten practice. Results show that the books vary in quality and coverage, but they are strongest at foregrounding developmentally appropriate learning contexts, depicting child-sized play areas, and accurately representing 5-year-old child development. There is a pressing need, however, for authors and illustrators to pay increasing attention to portraying positive child/teacher interactions, racial and ethnic diversity, family involvement, and quiet time and private spaces.
Economic variables affecting punishment warmup

Keypeck responding of a pigeon was maintained by a variable-interval (VI) 3-min schedule of positive reinforcement and punished according to a VI 30-sec schedule of electric shock presentations. During the short-session conditions, sessions lasted approximately 1 h and the subject was postfed immediately after the session. During the long-session condition, sessions lasted approximately 3 h and the subject was postfed approximately 12 h after the session. The short-session conditions consistently produced periods of low-rate responding, with a gradual increase in response rates at the beginning of the sessions. The long-session condition attenuated this warmup period. During the different conditions, the subject’s behavior produced different proportions of the subject’s total food intake. These results, therefore, may reflect the influence of economic context on response strength and the resulting effectiveness of a particular set of punishment parameters.
Quantifying avoided fuel use and emissions from solar photovoltaic generation in the Western United States.

The electric power system in the Western United States was simulated to evaluate the potential of solar photovoltaics (PV) in reducing fossil-fuel use and associated emissions. The simulations used a utility production cost model to evaluate a series of PV penetrations where up to 10% of the region’s electricity is derived from PV. The analysis focused on California, which uses gas for a large fraction of its generation and Colorado, which derives most of its electricity from coal. PV displaces gas and electricity imports almost exclusively in California, with a displacement rate of about 6000−9000 kJ per kWh of PV energy generated. In Colorado, PV offsets mostly gas at low penetration, with increasing coal displacement during nonsummer months and at higher penetration. Associated reductions in CO2, NOx,, and SO2 emissions are also calculated.
Electron stimulated desorption of Ch3OH and (CH3)2NH from partially oxidized copper

Abstract Electron stimulated desorption (ESD) mass spectra of CH3OH and (CH3)2NH adsorbed on partially oxidized polycrystalline copper exhibit mass fragments larger than H+ for multilayer and submonolayer coverages, in contrast to previous photon stimulated desorption (PSD) studies of organic adsorbates on metal surfaces, for which only protons were observed at submonolayer coverages. For both molecules, the parent peak is absent from the mass spectrum of the adsorbed species even though present in the ESD spectrum of the gas phase. The (parent + H) ion is observed for both molecules at multilayer and submonolayer coverages, indicating the presence of the undissociated molecules at the surface, and also indicating that the absence of the parent ion from the ESD mass spectra of the adsorbed species is due to adsorbate-substrate interaction. These results demonstrate that ESD is a potential probe of both adsorbate structure and adsorbate-substrate interaction.
Determination of kinetic parameters for interfacial enzymatic reactions on self-assembled monolayers.

This paper reports a method to characterize the kinetic constants for the action of enzymes on immobilized substrates. This example uses cutinase, a serine esterase that hydrolyzes 4-hydroxyphenyl valerate moieties that are immobilized on a self-assembled monolayer of alkanethiolates on gold. The product of the enzyme reaction is a hydroquinone, which is redox active and therefore permits the use of cyclic voltammetry to monitor the extent of reaction in situ. A kinetic model based on the Michaelis−Menten formalism is used to analyze the dependence of initial rates of reaction on both the substrate density and the enzyme concentration. The resulting value of kcat/KM for the interfacial reaction is comparable to that for a homogeneous phase reaction with a substrate of similar structure. This strategy of using monolayers presenting substrates for the enzyme and cyclic voltammetry to measure reaction rates provides quantitative and real-time information on reaction rates and permits a level of analysis of i...
What happened to the oil price-macroeconomy relationship?

Abstract Strong evidence is found that oil prices no longer Granger cause many U.S. macroeconomic indicator variables in data after 1973. A number of potential explanations are explored: that sample stability issues are responsible, that oil prices are now endogenous, and that linear and symmetric specifications misrepresent the form of the oil price interaction. None of these hypotheses are supported by the data. The OPEC price increases do appear to have had significant impacts, while the effects of the price declines of the 1980s are smaller and harder to characterize. These results have potentially important implications for the large body of research which utilizes oil prices as an instrumental or explanatory variable.
New ultrafast switching mechanism in semiconductor heterostructures

A new switching mechanism in a two‐terminal semiconductor heterolayer structure is proposed which capitalizes on nonlinear electron temperature effects in adjacent heterolayers. The estimated switching speed of an optimized heterostructure hot electron diode should be extremely fast, perhaps as fast as 200 fs. Data are presented on prototype devices which show the expected negative differential resistance and indicate that the basic physical model is correct.
The effects of beta-arrestin1 deletion on acute cannabinoid activity, brain cannabinoid receptors and tolerance to cannabinoids in mice.

AbstractContext: Previous studies have indicated a role for beta-arrestin2 in the regulation of brain cannabinoid effects and cannabinoid CB1 receptors, but whether beta-arrestin1 has a role has not been investigated. Objective: To determine the role of beta-arrestin1 in cannabinoid activity. Materials and methods: Beta-arrestin1 −/− mice and their wild-type (+/+) counterparts were assayed for antinociceptive and temperature-decreasing effects of two ligands, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CP55940, after both single and repeated administration. In vitro assays examined the effects of deletion on CB1 receptor density, agonist-binding and G-protein activation. Results: Deletion of beta-arrestin1 diminished the effects of CP55940 in both antinociception (latency to tail withdrawal) and temperature-depression assays in mice. However, deleting beta-arrestin1 had no effect on the actions of THC in either assay. Antagonist radioligand ([3H]SR141716A) saturation binding indicated no difference between beta-arr...
Computer-Based Feedback and Goal Intervention: Learning Effects

This study investigated how a goal intervention influences the learning effects gained from feedback when acquiring concepts and rules pertaining to the topic of descriptive statistics. Three feedback conditions; knowledge of correct response feedback (KCRF), principle-based feedback (PBF), and no-feedback (NF), were crossed with two goal conditions; goal and no goal, to form six experimental conditions. Learning was measured by comparing correct answer performance, among the experimental conditions, on the second and third administration of a 24-item multiple-choice test. The four groups who received feedback (KCRF and PBF) performed significantly better on tests two and three than those who had not received feedback. However, group performance on tests two and three did not differ between the PBF and KCRF conditions. More importantly, although the goal intervention had little influence for the KCRF and NF conditions, those participants who were given PBF performed significantly better on test three when given a goal intervention than when not given a goal intervention.
Lithium-induced periodic alternating nystagmus.

Lithium, a well-known cause of downbeat nystagmus, has been implicated in several other ocular motor disorders.1 We report a woman on long-term lithium therapy who developed periodic alternating nystagmus (PAN). A 61-year-old woman, who had taken up to 1 g of lithium a day since bipolar affective disorder was diagnosed 16 years earlier, noticed “something wrong with her vision while driving.” The symptom persisted, but she denied any other eye or neurologic symptoms. The patient was hypothyroid and was on levothyroxine and fluoxetine. Her family history was not contributory. At the time of neuro-ophthalmic consultation, 4 months after the onset of the visual disturbance, her visual acuities were 20/20 in each eye. She had horizontal jerk nystagmus that beat …
Natural convection between confocal horizontal elliptical cylinders

Abstract Steady two-dimensional natural convection in the annulus formed by confocal elliptic cylinders oriented at an arbitrary angle a with respect to the gravity force is formulated in terms of an elliptic coordinate system. The method of spectral series expansion is used to reduce the governing coupled partial differential equations to three sets of second-order ordinary equations. These equations are truncated and then numerically integrated using COLSYS, [1] a finite-element collocation code for boundary value differential equations. Overall equivalent conductivities for the inner surface are determined for the eases with: Rayleigh number based on the gap width, Ra L = 100,1000, and 10000; eccentricity of the inner ellipse, e = 0.0,0.5 and 1.0; Prandtl number, Pr = 0.7; and various angles of orientation, a, of the elliptical annulus with respect to gravity. The special case of e = 1.0, corresponding to the convective flow within the annulus formed by an ellipse surrounding a flat plate is investigated in detail. The results are presented in terms of fluid flow patterns, isotherms, graphs ofvorticity and local Nusselt numbers on the plate's surface for various values of alpha.
People Tracking in Camera Networks: Three Open Questions

Camera networks provide opportunities for practical video surveillance and monitoring, but tracking people across the network presents many computational and modeling hurdles that researchers have yet to surmount.
Developmental Plasticity of Scaphiopus Couchii Tadpoles in an Unpredictable Environment

Couch's spadefoot toads (Scaphiopus couchii) breed in ephemeral desert ponds of variable duration. Pond duration depends on initial water depth and frequency of rainfall. In four years on Tornillo Flat (Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA), larvae metamorphosed only from low—density ponds, or ponds that refilled before drying. With sufficient food S. couchii larvae developed very rapidly (8—16 d). Rapid development maximized the probability of completing development before the pond dried, but resulted in small size at metamorphosis. I raised larvae in a factorial field experiment manipulating food level, larval density, and pond duration to test if timing of metamorphosis can be altered by pond drying and to test if the response to drying is affected by growth history. Both pond duration and growth history affected timing of metamorphosis, but pond duration explained most of the variation in timing of metamorphosis. For a given pond duration, larvae in high—food ponds metamorphosed earlier than did larvae in low—food, low—density ponds. Short pond duration accelerated metamorphosis at a smaller size and with relatively smaller hindlimbs. Larvae may actively avoid desiccation by metamorphosing earlier from short—duration ponds, but probably benefit by delaying metamorphosis in longer duration ponds. The similar relations between pond drying and metamorphosis in experimental ponds and natural ponds indicate that developmental plasticity may play an important role in the ecology of this population.
Co-operative microbuckling of two fibres in a model composite

Cooperative fibre microbuckling, a compressive failure mechanism in unidirectional fibre-reinforced composites, was studied in a model system composed of two polyamide fibres in a transparent silicone matrix. The transparent matrix permitted direct observation of fibre microbuckling during compression. In all cases fibres buckled in a sinusoidal pattern with a critical wavelength characteristic of the fibre diameter and the modulus ratio of the fibre and matrix as observed previously with single fibre composites. At smaller separation distances, the two fibres microbuckled co-operatively in the common plane. At larger separation distances, the fibres microbuckled non-co-operatively in different planes. A stress overlap criterion based on the in-plane shear stress is proposed for co-operative fibre microbuckling.
Intraoperative single fraction high-dose-rate brachytherapy for head and neck cancers •

Abstract Purpose To report on the use of single fraction high-dose-rate brachytherapy in delivering localized intraoperative radiation therapy to sites in the head and neck region inaccessible to intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy (IOERT). Methods and materials After maximal surgical resection, 7.5–20 Gy intraoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy (IOHDR) was delivered to 65 patients using custom-made surface applicators. Results The 1-, 3-, and 5-year local control rates for the entire group were 77%, 69%, and 59%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 83%, 63%, and 42%, respectively, with a median overall survival of 50 months. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusions IOHDR can be used to treat selected locally advanced head and neck tumors arising at sites inaccessible to IOERT or at institutions not using IOERT. A prospective multi-institutional study with a larger number of patients treated with IOHDR is needed to firmly establish the efficacy of IOHDR in this population group.
Restless leg syndrome in young children with orofacial cleft

Introduction Periodic limb movements (PLMs) and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) are related conditions which are increasingly being recognized in children. The prevalence of PLMs is believed to be approximately 8–12% in childhood although it occurs in up to 25% of children with attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Children with orofacial clefts are at increased risk of behavioral difficulties, including inattention and hyperactivity. However, no study has investigated the prevalence of PLMs or RLS in these children and the association with behavioral morbidity. The goal of the current study, therefore, was to investigate the frequency of PLMs and RLS in young children with orofacial cleft and to determine the relationship to inattentive and hyperactive behaviors. Materials and methods Families of children aged 2–6 years with orofacial clefts were invited to participate. All families completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) which included the following subscales: PLMS (6-items), snoring and sleepiness (4 items each). A total score ⩾ 0.33 on any subscale indicated a positive screen. Items about RLS and growing pains were also analyzed separately. In addition, families completed the Conners Early Childhood Assessment questionnaire which included several behavioral domains including hyperactivity/inattention. Results Thus far 36 children have been enrolled. Mean age was 5.0 ± 1.3 years, 53% were boys and 61% Caucasian. Overall 19% of children screened positive for PLMs and a positive response to the RLS and growing pains items was reported in 15% and 12% of children respectively. Children with PLMs had a higher sleepiness score than those without (0.32 vs. 0.06; p = 0.008). Those with RLS, compared to children without, tended towards a higher sleepiness score (0.25 vs. 0.09; p = 0.18), as did those with growing pains (0.25 vs. 0.07; p = 0.12). There were no associations between PLMs or RLS with snoring scores (0.25 vs. 0.21; p = 0.75 and 0.20 vs. 0.21; p = 0.97 respectively). Children with PLMs had higher inattention/hyperactivity scores than those without (66.7 ± 17.0 vs. 53.9 ± 13.5; p = 0.039), as did children with RLS (70.4 ± 19.1 vs. 54.1 ± 13.6; p = 0.026). Conclusion Daytime sleepiness and inattentive/behavioral problems are associated with symptoms of PLMs and RLS in young children with orofacial cleft. Screening for such sleep problems may be important in this pediatric population. Acknowledgements Dr. Moraleda-Cibrian is supported in part by Fundacio Universitaria Agusti Pedro i Pons.
The concept of negation

Using Evidence Logic (EL), a logic which is conceptually to Classical Logic and which is equipped with both gradational confirmatory predications and gradational refutatory predications, further investigation of some of the persistent problematic aspects of negation is facilitated. This perspective helps to illuminate distinction of “absence of evidence”, and may help further understanding of the semantics of negation.
Effects of 5-azacytidine on transfer RNA modification: comparative study on normal and malignant tissues.

Abstract In general, the treatment of animals with 5-azacytidine (1-β-D-ribofuranosly-4-amino- s -triazine-2(1 H )-one) was found to lead to a specific reduction of the 5-methylcytidine (m5C) content of tRNA in tissues, e.g. liver, hepatoma, mammary tumor, and spleen; however, the effect of the drug on post-transcriptional tRNA modification was more general in lymph nodes and in leukemic cells. Many base modifications of L1210 cell tRNA were inhibited, with m5C and dihydrouridine (hU) being affected the most. A positive correlation existed between the extent of inhibition of the formation of m5C and other modified nucleosides and the antitumor activity of the drug.
Identification of a Naturally Occurring Ligand for Thymic Positive Selection

In the thymus, positive and negative selection shape the T cell repertoire. It has previously been shown that positive selection, like negative selection, is the result of the interaction of the TCR with self-peptides bound to MHC. However, little is known about the number or nature of the self-peptide ligands that mediate positive selection in vivo. We devised a novel assay with enhanced sensitivity for low affinity TCR ligands to identify self-peptides that may be biologically relevant. At least eight K(b)-bound self-peptides were detected by this assay using thymocytes bearing the OT-I TCR (specific for OVAp/K(b)). The sequence of one of these peptides was determined using the recently developed technique of membrane preconcentration-capillary electrophoresis-tandem mass spectrometry. This peptide, CP alpha1, has limited sequence similarity to OVAp, yet was found to induce positive selection of OT-I thymocytes in fetal thymic organ culture.
Themes from a Longitudinal Study of Family Reaction to Childhood Cancer

Thirty-three predominantly white, rural, Midwestern families with a child diagnosed as havin cancer were followed in a t longitudinal study. After five years, 1 of the children were still alive and 17 had died. Fifteen themes emerged from an analysis of the data derived from interviews with the parents during the fiveear period after their child's diagnosis. These themes ranged from icing unprepared for the cancer diagnosis and the need to normalize family life as quickly as possible to fear that the cancer would recur and fear that a sibling would develop the disease. The authors also discuss nursing interventions suggested by the themes that should be helpful to families who have a child diagnosed with cancer.
Diagnostic Assessment with Ordered Multiple-Choice Items

In this article we describe the development, analysis, and interpretation of a novel item format we call Ordered Multiple-Choice (OMC). A unique feature of OMC items is that they are linked to a model of student cognitive development for the construct being measured. Each of the possible answer choices in an OMC item is linked to developmental levels of student understanding, facilitating the diagnostic interpretation of student item responses. OMC items seek to provide greater diagnostic utility than typical multiple-choice items, while retaining their efficiency advantages. On the one hand, sets of OMC items provide information about the developmental understanding of students that is not available with traditional multiple-choice items; on the other hand, this information can be provided to schools, teachers, and students quickly and reliably, unlike traditional open-ended test items.
TU-C-103-06: A Simple Method for Simulating Reduced-Dose Images for Evaluation of Clinical CT Protocols

Purpose: To develop a simple method using readily‐available software and equipment to simulate clinically‐realistic dose reduction levels for CT images from regular‐dose clinical images. The resulting images will be used to demonstrate the effects of dose reduction on image quality to clinicians and aid in guiding protocol revision. Methods: A reconstruction of an anthropomorphic phantom scanned under a clinical protocol was imported into MATLAB. The image was converted to attenuation coefficients before forward‐projecting using the built‐in radon function. Noise was added to the projections using a Poisson statistics model. The original radon projections were then subtracted from the simulated projections to produce noise‐only projections, which could then be reconstructed using the iradon function with a custom filter. The filter was calculated by first measuring the radial average of the two‐dimensional noise power spectrum (NPS) in a noise‐only image generated from subtracted back‐to‐back scans of a water cylinder. The filter used by the scanner is proportional to the square‐root of the radially‐averaged NPS after normalizing it to radial frequency. The final noise‐only reconstruction is then added to the original clinical image to simulate a reduced‐dose scan. Results: The noise‐only reconstructions show accurate structure and texture for both the standard and bone reconstructions of the head phantom. The final simulated images (with the noise reconstruction added to the original reconstruction) closely match the appearance of the actual reduced‐dose images. Conclusion: Previous methods for noise simulation that rely on raw data access and advanced system knowledge allow for very low dose levels to be accurately simulated. However, these ultra‐low dose levels are often too low to be of clinical significance. This work provides a simple and accurate tool for dose reduction simulations that are more clinically realistic. In addition, this method only requires measurements that can be acquired using standard procedures and phantoms.
An InP solar cell with a light-trapping front surface

Abstract Low-angle (311) V-grooves can be produced on a (100) InP surface by a maskless anisotropic etch. This can reduce the surface reflectivity of a glass-covered InP solar cell. Light reflected from grooved surface is trapped by total internal reflection at the glass/air interface and directed back to the solar cell. Results from ITO/InP solar cells on low-angle V-grooved substrates are presented, showing a 5.8% increase in short-circuit current, and a nearly equal rise in efficiency.
On the Probability of Observing Misleading Statistical Evidence

Abstract The law of likelihood explains how to interpret statistical data as evidence. Specifically, it gives to the discipline of statistics a precise and objective measure of the strength of statistical evidence supporting one probability distribution vis-a-vis another. That measure is the likelihood ratio. But evidence, even when properly interpreted, can be misleading—observations can truly constitute strong evidence supporting one distribution when the other is true. What makes statistical evidence valuable to science is that this cannot occur very often. Here we examine two bounds on the probability of observing strong misleading evidence. One is a universal bound, applicable to every pair of probability distributions. The other bound, much smaller, applies to all pairs of distributions within fixed-dimensional parametric models in large samples. The second bound comes from examining how the probability of strong misleading evidence varies as a function of the alternative value of the parameter. We ...
The probabilistic approach to the effects of radiations and variability of sensitivity.

The calculation of the size of the “sensitive volume” or “control center” in biological effects of radiations is discussed from the viewpoint of the probabilistic theory of these phenomena based on the concept of random “effective events”. On the bases of that theory, the resistivity of a microorganism to radiation is defined as its “mean life” under a radiation of one roentgen per minute. This mean is calculated for processes with and without recovery. The case of variable sensitivity, as it occurs for instance during mitosis, is discussed in detail. Methods are given to calculate this variability from survival curves or similar experimental data. The theory is applied to experiments of A. Zuppinger on irradiation ofAscaris eggs with X-rays.
Serge Diaghilev’s Last Passion—The Book

Abstract This article is based on fresh archival and manuscript material found in the Library of Congress and the Harvard College Library. The author discusses the last two years in Diaghilev’s life and the beginnings of his obsessive collecting of Russian (and Rossica) rare books and manuscripts. More specifically the article treats the dealers and other sources of Diaghilev’s acquisitions, the nature of what he acquired, and the fate of his collections after his untimely passing in August, 1929.
Schedule-induced nitrogen “drinking” in the rat

Rats working on an FI60 food reinforcement schedule with lick-contingent nitrogen puffs available from a drinking spout exhibited interpellet “drinking” similar to schedule-induced polydipsia. The data were interpreted in terms of a thirst-adventitious reinforcement interaction; the implications for other schedule-induced behaviors were discussed.
A Work Minimization Approach to Image Morphing

An algorithm is presented for morphing two images, often with little or no user interaction. For two similar images (such as different faces against a neutral background) the algorithm generally can create a pleasing morph completely
Studies of absorption spectra of GeH4 in the 2–17 μ region☆

Abstract Several infrared-active vibration-rotation fundamental, overtone, and combination bands of germane were studied. Spectroscopic constants and absolute line intensities were obtained for ν 3 and 2 ν 3 .
Key to species of the Mouhotia Castelnau (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

A key is provided for the species of the Southeast Asian ground beetle genus Mouhotia Castelnau. Diagnostics for the three species, Mouhotia batesi Lewis, Mouhotia convexa Lewis and Mouhotia glorio...
Genetic algorithms with noisy fitness

The convergence properties of genetic algorithms with noisy fitness information are studied here. In the proposed scheme, hypothesis testing methods are used to compare sample fitness values. The ''best'' individual of each generation is kept and a greater-than-zero mutation rate is used so that every individual will be generated with positive probability in each generation. The convergence criterion is different from the frequently-used uniform population criterion; instead, the sequence of the ''best'' individual in each generation is considered, and the algorithm is regarded as convergent if the sequence of the ''best'' individuals converges with probability one to a point with optimal average fitness.
Core dynamics on a vortex column

Through a detailed study of vortex core dynamics we show that variations in core size play a crucial role in the dynamics in 3D-vortex flows and that they in general cannot be ignored as has previously been assumed. To arrive at this conclusion we examine the core dynamics of an isolated axisymmetric vortex column with a nonuniform core. In this simple and idealized configuration, the effects of the core dynamics are seen most clearly because they are decoupled from other effects, such as interactions with other vortices and selfinduced displacement of the axis. We show analytically that the core dynamics results from a distinct physical mechanism, namely differential rotation along axisymmetric vortex surfaces. Furthermore, we show that the core dynamics is neither pure wavemotion nor pure mass transport, but a combination of both. We show and explain why core dynamics is highly Re-sensitive. Moreover, we find that the core variations—which are likely in practical flow situations—do not disappear by inviscid effects. By examining viscous dissipation we find that core dynamics results in a significantly higher dissipation rate and that dissipation is the only effect that reduces core size variations. In fact, we find that the frequency of the core size oscillations increases with Re, but to a finite limit as Re → ∞. A striking, newly observed feature resulting from core dynamics is the appearance and disappearance of low enstrophy pockets inside the vortex.
Field level analysis for heap space optimization in embedded java environments

Memory constraint presents one of the critical challenges for embedded software writers. While circuit-level solutions based on cramming as many bits as possible into the smallest area possible are certainly important, memory-conscious software can bring much higher benefits. Focusing on an embedded Java-based environment, this paper studies potential benefits and challenges when heap memory is managed at a field granularity instead of object. This paper discusses these benefits and challenges with the help of two field-level analysis techniques. The first of these, called the field-level lifetime analysis, takes advantage of the observation that, for a given object instance, not all the fields have the same lifetime. The field-level lifetime analysis demonstrates the potential benefits of exploiting this information. Our second analysis, referred to as the disjointness analysis, is built upon the fact that, for a given object, some fields have disjoint lifetimes, and therefore, they can potentially share the same memory space. To quantify the impact of these techniques, we performed experiments with several benchmarks, and point out the important characteristics that need to be considered by application writers.
Manuscripts as Sources for Linguistic Research A Methodological Case Study Based on the Mirror of Lights

This article explores the problematic issue of using editions as sources for studies of English historical morpho-syntax. It presents a methodological case study of the variation between he and it in reference to inanimate objects (such as mercury) in Mirror of Lights, an alchemical text that survives in multiple copies from the 15th and 16th centuries. The study reveals that the manuscript versions differ greatly in how they employ he and it, underscoring that linguistic studies based on one version would provide very different results from those using another version as the source. The article argues that it is crucial that such manuscript variation is taken into consideration in morpho-syntactic studies. It suggests that an electronic edition that incorporates all copies of the text would make the full variation available to linguists, while a traditional critical edition would highlight the pattern of one version but obscure or ignore the patterns of other manuscripts. The article also discusses the more general problem of including a multiversion text such as the Mirror of Lights into a corpus, and suggests some possible solutions.
Lowering Kraft Black Liquor Viscosity by Ultrafiltration

Abstract High viscosity is a major factor limiting the percentage total dissolved solids (%TDS) to which kraft black liquor (KBL), a spent pulping liquor, can be concentrated before it is burned to recover its fuel value and its inorganic chemicals. The effect on black liquor viscosity of removing high molecular weight lignin by ultrafiltration of 16% and 24% TDS liquors was studied. Viscosities of ultrafiltration permeates were reduced relative to feed black liquors. When a permeate was concentrated to higher %TDS levels, its viscosity decreased yet further relative to feed samples evaporated to similar solids levels. Retentate viscosity was very high relative to both feed and permeate. Ultrafiltration was carried out at 75[ddot]C using polysulfone membranes in a plate-and-frame or hollow fiber system. Flux rates varied greatly depending upon the specific liquor used. Flux was enhanced by increased temperature and increased linear velocity. The membrane molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) typically used was 5...
True RMS Voltage Discriminator

This paper discusses the circuitry, the electrical specifications, the environmental specifications, and the method of calibration of a completely transistorized true root-mean-square voltage discriminator. The circuitry is broken into four separate operational circuits, each of which is discussed in relation to what it does and what its relationship to the other configurations is. The specifications of the discriminator are discussed along with a detailed explanation of the method employed in calibration of the module with nonsinusoidal waveforms.
Optimal training and data power allocation for distributed transmit beamforming

Performing distributed transmit beamforming across multiple cooperative radios can focus energy at a receiver to significantly improve the power, rate, and range tradeoff. In frequency division duplexed systems, the transmit beamformer is estimated at the receiver from a training signal and fed back to the transmitters. A caveat is that the training signal is not focused and as transmitters are added training becomes a large fraction of the total transmit power. We determine the optimal allocation of power between training and data that minimizes the outage probability. Results depend on the target spectral efficiency, coherence time, SNR per receiver, and number of transmitters and receivers.
Particle sorting due to off-road vehicle traffic in a high andean paramo

Summary In the Paramo de Piedras Blancas (Venezuelan Andes), unrestricted access by off-road vehicles (ORV's) within the past 10 years has caused widespread soil damage by generating numerous tire tracks. Pebbles and vagant lichens ( Thamnolia vermicularis ) have been sharply segregated in the vicinity of the tracks; both are concentrated in the elongated depressions, creating an unusual type of sorted stripes. Materials migrate to tire tracks due to frequent ground frost and formation of needle ice, a ubiquitous geomorphic agent of this high paramo. Lichens also have been concentrated in the tracks by wind activity. The role of needle ice in transporting pebbles to hollow depressions is discussed and illustrated with other examples of recent patterned ground from this paramo.
Attentional response at eight weeks in prenatally drug-exposed and preterm infants

To evaluate the effect of prenatal polydrug exposure on infant attention, 105 8-week-old African-American infants were presented a series of stimuli and their heart rates (HRs) were recorded. Infants were identified postnatally based on mothers' substance use. Four groups were tested: 1) preterm drug-exposed infants (n = 25); 2) full-term, drug-exposed (n = 32); 3) preterm nonexposed (n = 22); and 4) full-term, nonexposed (n = 26). Preterm infants' ages were corrected. Infant's baseline HRs were recorded and then stimuli presented in the following order: auditory (rattle), visual (red ring), and social (examiner's face and voice). There were no HR differences at baseline or in auditory or visual conditions. However, significant differences (F(2, 103) = 6.54, p < 0.01) were seen in response to social stimuli. Drug-exposed infants showed an acceleratory HR indicating distress or arousal and control infants showed a deceleratory response indicating focused attention and there was an interaction due to greater HR response in preterms. Hierarchical regression indicated cocaine (R2 = 0.034, p < 0.05) but not other drug use and instability in parenting (R2 = 0.137, p < 0.001) accounted for the observed differences.
Deciphering the molecular pathways disrupted in normal and neoplastic colonic tissue in inherited colorectal cancer syndromes

Background Genetic profiling by RNA microarray of normal and neoplastic colonic tissue is used to identify biomarkers for development of a diagnostic tool for the inherited colon cancer syndromes. The utility of this method is to 1) properly classify patients where genetic diagnosis is incomplete 2) suggest molecular pathways that are shared between the syndromes and 3) identify molecular targets for prevention and treatment.
Effects of mild zinc deficiency, plus or minus acute phase response, on CCl4 hepatotoxicity

Low zinc (Zn) intake could be expected to compromise resistance to oxidative stress, even when accompanied by a normally protective acute phase response pretreatment. Mildly Zn deficient rats showed very high degrees of CCl4-induced hepatic cell membrane injury as assessed by serum sorbitol dehydrogenase activities. Rats pair-fed adequate Zn also showed above normal degrees of injury, but much less than rats fed low Zn. An acute phase response, elicited by leg inflammation, strongly protected rats consuming adequate Zn, either ad libitum or pair-fed, against the CCl4-induced rise in sorbitol dehydrogenase. However, the effect was partially absent in rats fed low Zn. Zinc intake had no effect on CCl4-produced microsomal injury, assessed by glucose-6-phosphatase activities. Rats fed low Zn showed normal hepatic levels of metallothionein, a Zn protein with proposed antioxidant functions, but did not show the rise in metallothionein levels normally associated with acute phase response. In summary, mild Zn deficiency caused poor resistance to CCl4-induced plasma membrane injury and partially negated acute phase response protective effects. Metallothionein was not involved in the former effect, but may have contributed to the latter.