cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Chess Gambits

A dual engine experimental design previously described (Munshi, Evaluation of alternative continuations of chess openings, 2015) is used to evaluate the effectiveness of chess gambits by comparing ten gambit continuations with their closest mainline non-gambit twin in terms of the probability vector that generates chess game outcomes. Six of the gambits were found to be failed innovations because they changed the probability vector in favor of the opponent. The other four gambits were found to be benign innovations with two of them showing no change in the probability vector and the other two showing that the probability vector was changed in a neutral direction. More than these specific findings, however, the real purpose of the study is to offer an objective and quantitative method that may be used to evaluate any gambit.
MDM2 Case Study: Computational Protocol Utilizing Protein Flexibility Improves Ligand Binding Mode Predictions

Recovery of the P53 tumor suppressor pathway via small molecule inhibitors of onco-protein MDM2 highlights the critical role of computational methodologies in targeted cancer therapies. Molecular docking programs in particular, have become an essential tool in computer-aided drug design by providing a quantitative ranking of predicted binding geometries of small ligands to macro-molecular targets based on binding free energy, and allows for the screening of large chemical libraries in search of lead compounds for cancer therapeutics. In this study, we found improved ligand binding mode predictions of small medicinal compounds to MDM2 using AutoDock and AutoDock Vina while adopting a rigid ligand/flexible receptor protocol. Crystal structures representing small molecule inhibitors bound to MDM2 were selected from the protein data bank and a total of 12 rotatable bonds was supplied to each complex and distributed systematically between the ligand and binding site residues. A docking run was performed for each configuration and evaluated in terms of the top ranked binding free energy and corresponding RMSD from the experimentally known binding site. Results show lowest RMSD values coincide with the ligand having no or few rotatable bonds, while the protein retained all, or the majority of flexibility. Further, we found AutoDock Vina mirrored these results, while requiring substantially less computational time. This study suggests the future implementation of a rigid ligand/flexible receptor protocol may improve accuracy of high throughput screenings of potential cancer drugs targeting the MDM2 protein, while maintaining manageable computational costs. The continued evaluation and optimization of these programs complimented by advanced computer architecture will aide in reducing the cost of cancer drug development, as well as foster new insights into bio-molecular binding processes.
High School Composition and Health Outcomes in Adulthood: A Cohort Study.

Background: A multitude of empirical evidence documents links between education and health, but this focuses primarily on educational attainment and not on characteristics of the school setting. Little is known about the extent to which aggregate characteristics of the school setting, such as student body demographics, are associated with adult health outcomes. Methods: We use the U.S. nationally representative National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort to statistically assess the association between two different measures of high school student composition (socioeconomic composition, racial/ethnic composition) and two different health outcomes at age 40 (self-rated health and obesity). Results: After adjusting for confounders, high school socioeconomic composition, but not racial/ethnic composition, was weakly associated with both obesity and worse self-rated health at age 40. However, after adding adult educational attainment to the model, only the association between high school socioeconomic composition and obesity remained statistically significant. Conclusions: Future research should explore possible mechanisms and also if findings are similar across other populations and in other school contexts. These results suggest that education policies that seek to break the link between socioeconomic composition and negative outcomes remain important but may have few spillover effects onto health.
3D Echo Planar Time-resolved Imaging (3D-EPTI) for ultrafast multi-parametric quantitative MRI

Multi-parametric quantitative MRI has shown great potential to improve the sensitivity and specificity of clinical diagnosis and to enhance our understanding of complex brain processes, but suffers from long scan time especially at high spatial resolution. To address this long-standing challenge, we introduce a novel approach, termed 3D Echo Planar Time-resolved Imaging (3D-EPTI), which significantly increases the acceleration capacity of MRI sampling, and provides high acquisition efficiency for multi-parametric MRI. This is achieved by exploiting the spatiotemporal correlation of MRI data at multiple timescales through new encoding strategies within and between efficient continuous readouts. Specifically, an optimized spatiotemporal CAIPI encoding within the readouts combined with a radial-block sampling strategy across the readouts enables an acceleration rate of 800 folds in the k-t space. A subspace reconstruction was employed to resolve thousands of artifact-free high-quality multi-contrast images spaced at a time interval of ~1 ms. We have demonstrated the ability of 3D-EPTI to provide robust and repeatable whole-brain simultaneous T1, T2, T2*, PD and B1+ mapping at high isotropic resolution within minutes (e.g., 1-mm isotropic resolution in 3 minutes), and to enable submillimeter multi-parametric imaging to study detailed brain structures.
Managing Employee Compensation Risk

We analyze a principal-agent model in which the principal (e.g., shareholders) and the agent (e.g., an employee) can personally trade securities tied to the outcome of an uncontrollable event affecting output. The model is employed to address two questions. First, under what conditions does compensation risk management at the individual level substitute for compensation risk management at the firm level? Second, if compensation risk management at the firm level is optimal, how should the compensation risk be managed?
Toward a Cladistic View of Phytoplankton Physiological Ecology

AbstractAdvanced techniques in phytogeny reconstruction have the potential for providing new insights into phytoplankton ecology and physiology. Recent analysis of the phytogeny of algal groups has demonstrated that the traditional biological oceanographic concept of chlorophyll c containing algae (chromophytes) as a natural group is erroneous. This error can lead to problems in experimental design that can affect some models of global primary production. Cladistic analyses of character distributions can be used to identify traits that have adaptive value for ecological physiology. The prospective union of systematics and biological oceanography is threatened by a worldwide decline in the availability of training in systematics.
Zakharov-Shabat Inverse Scattering

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an introduction to Zakharov–Shabat inverse scattering. The original ZS-AKNS settings allow only finitely many simple poles, and with some algebraic extension, the case of finitely many multiple poles can also be accommodated. The inverse scattering problem is to construct q from the scattering data v by solving the Riemann–Hilbert problem (RHP). In general, a matrix RHP cannot be solved explicitly (except in the scalar case). However, the considered RHP is equivalent to a Fredholm singular integral equation, which can be used to derive various properties of the inverse scattering transform. The nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation is not the only equation that can be solved by the inverse scattering method (ISM) of ZS-AKNS. In fact, by using different V in the Lax pair, one may solve simultaneously an infinite hierarchy of (independent) evolution equations.
ATP sulfurylase from Penicillium chrysogenum: Measurements of the true specific activity of an enzyme subject to potent product: Inhibition and a reassessment of the kinetic mechanism☆

Abstract Homogeneous ATP sulfurylase from Penicillium chrysogenum has been reported to have an extremely low activity toward its physiological inorganic substrate, sulfate. This low activity is an artifact resulting from potent product inhibition by 5′-adenylylsulfate (APS) ( K i 35 S incorporation from 35 SO 4 2− into charcoal-adsorbable [ 35 S]APS are nonlinear with time, even in the presence of a large excess of inorganic pyrophosphatase. However, in the presence of excess APS kinase (along with excess pyrophosphatase), the ATP sulfurylase reaction is linear with time and the enzyme has a specific activity ( V max ) of 6 to 7 units mg protein −1 corresponding to an active site turnover number of at least 400 min −1 . Monovalent oxyanions such as NO 3 − , ClO 3 − , ClO 4 − , and FSO 3 − are competitive with sulfate (or molybdate) and essentially uncompetitive with respect to MgATP. However, thiosulfate (SSO 3 2− ), a true sulfate analog and dead-end inhibitor of the enzyme (competitive with sulfate or molybdate), exhibited clear noncompetitive inhibition against MgATP. Furthermore, APS was competitive with both MgATP and molybdate in the molybdolysis assay. These results suggest (a) that the mechanism of the normal forward reaction may be random rather than ordered and (b) that the monovalent oxyanions have a much greater affinity for the E · MgATP complex than for free E. In this respect, FSO 3 − , ClO 4 − , etc., are not true sulfate analogs although they might mimic an enzyme-bound species formed when MgATP is at the active site. The nonlinear ATP sulfurylase reaction progress curves (with APS accumulating in the presence of excess pyrophosphatase or PP i accumulating in the presence of excess APS kinase) were analyzed by means of “average velocity” plots based on an integrated rate equation. This new approach is useful for enzymes subject to potent product inhibition over a reaction time course in which the substrate concentrations do not change significantly. The analysis showed that ATP sulfurylase has an intrinsic specific activity of 6 to 7 units mg protein −1 . Thus, the apparent stimulation of sulfurylase activity by APS kinase results from the continual removal of inhibitory APS rather than from an association of the two sulfate-activating enzymes to form a “3′-phospho-5′-adenylylsulfate synthetase” complex in which the sulfurylase has an increased catalytic activity. The progress curve analyses suggest that APS is competitive with both MgATP and sulfate, while Mg PP i is a mixed-type inhibitor with respect to both substrates. The cumulative data point to a random sequence for the forward reaction with APS release being partially rate limiting.
Genetic studies of bacterial isozymes

ABSTRACT . Two methods, based on data from zone electrophoresis and specific enzyme stains, were developed to identify electrophoretically distinguishable gene-products and to map the corresponding structural genes in enteric bacteria. The first method employed induced mutations which resulted in electrophoretically detectable enzyme variants (Shaw et al., 1973). Such variants are mapped by linkage as unselected markers following Hfr X F − crosses. Their precise position is determined by linkage with known markers in PI transduction. These methods have positioned the structural gene for malate dehydrogenase (mdh) at approximately 62.3 min. The second method is based on the construction of Escherichia coli/Salmonella typhimurium merodiploids. These are formed by introducing F'-episomes carrying various regions of the E.coli chromosome into S. typhimurium . Each interspecies F-merodiploid is tested for a number of isozymes whose separate species-forms are identifiable by starch gel electrophoresis. The malate dehydrogenase gene (mdh) was found to reside on F' 141. F' 152 carried the gene for phosphoglucomutase (pgm) , and the banding patterns in the hybrid were interpreted to indicate the possibility of non-identical subunits in the active form.
Control of firing patterns through modulation of axon initial segment T-type calcium channels

Spontaneously active neurons typically fire either in a regular pattern or in bursts. While much is known about the subcellular location and biophysical properties of conductances that underlie regular spontaneous activity, less is known about those that underlie bursts. Here, we show that T-type Ca(2+) channels localized to the site of action potential initiation in the axon initial segment play a pivotal role in spontaneous burst generation. In auditory brainstem interneurons, axon initial segment Ca(2+) influx is selectively downregulated by dopaminergic signalling. This regulation has marked effects on spontaneous activity, converting the predominant mode of spontaneous activity from bursts to regular spiking. Thus, the axon initial segment is a key site, and dopamine a key regulator, of spontaneous bursting activity.
Sex differences in the response of rats to pentobarbital sodium

Abstract 1.1. Pentobarbital disappears from the blood of pregnant rats relatively more slowly than from the blood of nonpregnant females. From the eighth through the twelfth hour after injection the blood level remains significantly higher in the pregnant animal. 2.2. Brain levels remain significantly higher in the pregnant rat from the sixth hour. Two to 4 hours after injection fetal brain levels are 90 per cent of maternal values and up to 12 hours fetal levels remain approximately 75 per cent of that of the mother. 3.3. Similarly, the drug level remains higher in the liver of the pregnant rat than in the nonpregnant rat. Fetal liver has a slightly higher affinity for barbiturate than does the fetal brain. It is doubtful, however, that the fetal rat liver contains enzymes capable of detoxifying the drug. 4.4. Pentobarbital is also present in small amounts in amniotic fluid, but its disappearance from this site is slower than from the fetal tissues. 5.5. Thus, when the nonpregnant female is given drug, the brunt of detoxification falls upon the liver at once. The respiratory, circulatory, and temperature regulatory mechanisms are severely depressed until detoxification is achieved within a few hours, and the drugged rat awakens relatively early. 6.6. In the pregnant rat, on the other hand, the liver does not receive the full burden of the drug as rapidly. It crosses the placental barrier and pools in fetal tissues and in amniotic fluid, only to be fed back into maternal tissues gradually. The fetal tissues play no role in detoxification, but merely serve to decrease the load thrown upon the mother at one time. Thus, maternal barbiturate levels remain high and sleep is prolonged. 7.7. In light of the higher barbiturate levels in pregnancy, the failure of the pregnant rat to become as severely depressed as the nonpregnant female remains enigmatic. A possible cause could lie in alterations of protein-binding in pregnancy. 8.8. Two unknowns remain to be solved: (1) Is the assumption that fetal rats are incapable of detoxifying barbiturate valid as in neonatal rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice? (2) To what degree is protein-binding of pentobarbital altered in pregnancy?
Evaluation of Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the juvenile justice system and its history. This chapter also provides an overview of a number of clinical issues critical to understanding adolescents and their involvement in the juvenile justice system. Central to forensic assessments of juveniles charged with an offense are three substantive clinical issues: (1) psychosocial maturity and developmental status, (2) risk for future offending or violence, and (3) the nature and extent of the juvenile's antisocial behavior and character. The chapter reviews each of these areas and discusses the specific psycholegal questions to which they most frequently are applied. Whether juvenile offenders are processed in the adult or juvenile justice system, issues regarding the risk for future violence are present at almost every stage. Assessments of violence risk in children and adolescents differ from parallel assessments with adults. The key reason for this difference is that juveniles are in a significant and simultaneous state of transition in multiple spheres of development. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the forensic evaluation of juveniles.
Pancreatic α-Cell function in idiopathic reactive hypoglycemia☆☆☆

Idiopathic reactive hypoglycemia (IRH) is a well-documented but overdiagnosed syndrome. The presence of transient hypoglycemia and enhanced insulin secretion and/or increased insulin sensitivity before the onset of IRH is well documented. However, the data regarding glucagon secretion are sparse. Therefore, this study assessed glucagon and insulin responses to (1) oral ingestion of 100 g glucose oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and (2) a 100-g protein meal after an overnight fast in a randomized sequence at intervals of 7 to 10 days in five subjects with previously well-documented IRH and six normal subjects. Basal plasma glucose and insulin levels were not significantly different in both groups. However, basal glucagon was significantly higher (P < .025) in IRH subjects (347 +/- 83 ng/L) compared with normals (135 +/- 20 ng/L). In IRH subjects during the OGTT, hypoglycemia (2.7 +/- 0.11 mmol/L) occurred at 150 +/- 16 minutes and was preceded by a markedly higher (P < .01) peak glucose concentration (11.7 +/- 0.6 mmol/L) at 36 +/- 6 minutes in comparison to normals (8.8 +/- 0.4 mmol/L), indicating the presence of impaired glucose tolerance in these subjects. Similarly, the plasma insulin increase was significantly higher (P < .01) but delayed in IRH subjects compared with normals. In contrast, glucagon suppression was not significantly different in both groups, although glucagon failed to increase following hypoglycemia in IRH. During a protein meal, plasma glucose declined in both groups, with a significantly (P < .05) greater decrease in IRH subjects (-0.8 +/- 0.2 mmol/L) compared with normals (0.5 +/- 0.1 mmol/L). However, the glucagon increase was significantly (P < .01) blunted in IRH subjects (61% +/- 15%) in comparison to normals (152% +/- 39%). Thus, basal hyperglucagonemia with normal glucose concentration may suggest the presence of a hyposensitivity of the glucagon receptor in IRH. Moreover, the lack of appropriate suppression during the OGTT despite marked hyperglycemia, the lack of an increase at the onset of hypoglycemia, and the inhibited response to a protein meal in IRH subjects compared with normals denote altered glucagon secretion in IRH. Therefore, it is likely that glucagon receptor downregulation and impaired glucagon sensitivity and secretion may contribute to postprandial hypoglycemia in IRH.
ANALOGS BETWEEN CLASS-INTERVAL SELECTION AND LOCATION-ALLOCATION MODELS

Significant parallels exist between the problem of locating multiple facilities to serve numerous demand points and the problem of dividing data values into categories for choroplethic mapping. Heuristic techniques developed for solving location-allocation problems can be used to solve the statistical part of the class-interval problem using a variety of objective criteria. Psychophysical research on map perception should attempt to determine measurable properties of a map pattern that are important in increasing visual effectiveness and that can be employed either in objective functions or as constraints for computerized optimization algorithms. Il existe des paralleles significatifs entre le probleme de localisation d'installations multiples pour desservir de nombreux points de demande et le probleme de la division de la valeur de donnees en categories pour la cartographie choroplethe. Les techniques heuristiques developpees pour resoudre des problemes de situation et d'affectation peuvent etre utilisee...
Development and Application of a Gas−Liquid Contactor Model for Simulating Advanced Oxidation Processes

Commercial and municipal applications of advanced oxida tion processes have preceded a complete understanding of their chemical mechanisms. Understanding these processes is difficult because of the large number of chemical species and reactions involved. We developed a flexible and extensible, mechanistically based model to aid in understanding these processes. The model allows for multiple chemical species in each phase, multiple chemical reactions among species within each phase, and mass transfer between the gas and aqueous phases. We implemented a specific formulation of this model for the case of ozone−hydrogen peroxide oxidation of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene. This formulation was used to describe data from a full-scale demonstration plant and shown to provide a reasonably accurate representation.
Children Sexually Abused by Multiple Perpetrators Familial Risk Factors and Abuse Characteristics

This study investigates familial characteristics, as measured by the Family Environment Scale, and characteristics of the initial abuse experience as risk factors for multiple sexual victimization. Subjects were 324 college women including 16 with a history of sexual abuse by more than one perpetrator, 146 with a history of sexual abuse by a single perpetrator, and 162 with no history of abuse. Multiple-perpetrator victims characterized their families as displaying less cohesion, less expressiveness, more conflict, and more hierarchical rigidity in rule-governed behavior than did either single-perpetrator victims or nonvictims. In addition, both multiple-perpetrator victims and single-perpetrator victims reported that their families displayed less organization than did nonvictims. Multiple-perpetrator victims were both more likely to be abused by an intrafamilial perpetrator at first abuse, and to be younger at the onset of the first abuse, than were single-perpetrator victims. Initial abuse characteristi...
Extremes,extreme spacings and outliers in the tukey and weibull families

In this paper we analyze the tail character of the generalized Tukey lambda and extended Weibull distributions and in the process demonstrate that the details of convergence in law of the extreme spacings are graphically descriptive of the tail-lengths and the associated outlier proneness. In terms of the classical extreme value theory, it is seen that the two shape parameters of the generalized Tukey lambda family separately determine the nature of the two tails individually and that the family is sparse in medium tailed distributions. For the extended Weibull (or generalized extreme value) family on the other hand, the right tail is always medium, while the left tail can be either long or short. An analysis based upon the limiting distribution of extreme spacings especially O p ·, the high probability order of magnitude for large samples, is used to refine and clarify the classical tail classification. The derivations involve elementary enough methods to make the results pedagogically suitable even at i...
Prevalence of Primary Fungal Infections in Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Background/Aims: Prophylactic use of carbapenems (meropenem and imipenem) and other broad-spectrum antibiotics in necrotizing pancreatitis has been suggested as a risk factor for pa
Preliminary Evaluation of the Use of Nitrogen Stable Isotope Ratios to Establish Escapement Levels for Pacific Salmon

Abstract Research over the last decade has established the ecological significance of the nutrients and organic matter deposited by Pacific salmon in the freshwater habitats where they spawn. A large proportion of the nitrogen in plants and animals in streams where salmon are abundant may be derived from spawning fish, and juvenile salmonids exhibit higher growth rates at locations where carcasses are available. Currently, no method is available to establish salmon escapement goals that meet the nutritional needs of streams. We examined the relationship between the abundance of spawning coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and the nitrogen stable isotope ratio of coho salmon parr to determine whether a saturation level for salmon-derived nitrogen could be identified. Coho parr were collected from 26 sites in western Washington in late winter. The isotope ratio in the coho parr was related to the abundance of salmon spawning at that site the previous autumn. The amount of carcass-derived nitrogen increased w...
Molecular genetics and clinical applications for RH

Rhesus is the clinically most important protein-based blood group system. It represents the largest number of antigens and the most complex genetics of the 30 known blood group systems. The RHD and RHCE genes are strongly homologous. Some genetic complexity is explained by their close chromosomal proximity and unusual orientation, with their tail ends facing each other. The antigens are expressed by the RhD and the RhCE proteins. Rhesus exemplifies the correlation of genotype and phenotype, facilitating the understanding of general genetic mechanisms. For clinical purposes, genetic diagnostics of Rhesus antigens will improve the cost-effective development of transfusion medicine.
How the Source, Inevitability and Means of Bringing About Harm Interact in Folk-Moral Judgments

Means-based harms are frequently seen as forbidden, even when they lead to a greater good. But, are there mitigating factors? Results from five experiments show that judgments about means-based harms are modulated by: 1) Pareto considerations (was the harmed person made worse off?), 2) the directness of physical contact, and 3) the source of the threat (e.g. mechanical, human, or natural). Pareto harms are more permissible than non-Pareto harms, Pareto harms requiring direct physical contact are less permissible than those that do not, and harming someone who faces a mechanical threat is less permissible than harming someone who faces a non-mechanical threat. These results provide insight into the rich representational structure underlying folk-moral computations, including both the independent and interacting roles of the inevitability, directness and source of harm.
Evoked potentials to auditory probes as indices of cerebral specialization of function—replication and extension

Abstract This study was an attempt to replicate findings from previous work in our laboratory as well as to study the relationship between vertex-referenced and linked mastoid-referenced responses under conditions purported to produce differential hemispheric activation. Auditory evoked potentials were recorded between T 4 -C z , T 3 -C z , T 4 -A 1 A 2 , and T 3 -A 1 A 2 to task-irrelevant tone pips superimposed on a baseline condition and on two experimental conditions (verbal and music) hypothesized to differentially activate areas of the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Significant AEP amplitude asymmetries were obtained as a function of the ongoing tasks, replicating our previous findings. Higher amplitude AEPs were recorded from temporal-to-vertex leads from the hemisphere thought to be most involved in the ongoing task. In addition, temporal-linked mastoids placements showed an effect opposite to that seen for the vertex-referenced leads with lower amplitude AEPs occurring from the hemisphere purported to be most activated by the task. Mastoid-referenced placements were also less sensitive to task effects than vertex-referenced placements.
High-performance implementations of the Descartes method

The Descartes method for polynomial real root isolation can be performed with respect to monomial bases and with respect to Bernstein bases. The first variant uses Taylor shift by 1 as its main subalgorithm, the second uses de Casteljau's algorithm. When applied to integer polynomials, the two variants have co-dominant, almost tight computing time bounds. Implementations of either variant can obtain speed-ups over previous state-of-the-art implementations by more than an order of magnitude if they use features of the processor architecture. We present an implementation of the Bernstein-bases variant of the Descartes method that automatically generates architecture-aware high-level code and leaves further optimizations to the compiler. We compare the performance of our implementation, algorithmically tuned implementations of the monomial and Bernstein variants, and architecture-unaware implementations of both variants on four different processor architectures and for three classes of input polynomials.
Monomeric Yeast PCNA Mutants Are Defective in Interacting with and Stimulating the ATPase Activity of RFC

Yeast PCNA is a homo-trimeric, ring-shaped DNA polymerase accessory protein that can encircle duplex DNA. The integrity of this multimeric sliding DNA clamp is maintained through the protein−protein interactions at the interfaces of adjacent subunits. To investigate the importance of trimer stability for PCNA function, we introduced single amino acid substitutions at residues (A112T, S135F) that map to opposite ends of the monomeric protein. Recombinant wild-type and mutant PCNAs were purified from E. coli, and they were tested for their properties in vitro. Unlike the stable wild-type PCNA trimers, the mutant PCNA proteins behaved as monomers when diluted to low nanomolar concentrations. In contrast to what has been reported for a monomeric form of the β clamp in E. coli, the monomeric PCNAs were compromised in their ability to interact with their associated clamp loader, replication factor C (RFC). Similarly, monomeric PCNAs were not effective in stimulating the ATPase activity of RFC. The mutant PCNAs ...
Computer science in a liberal arts context

This issue is devoted to the curriculum guidelines from the Liberal Arts Computer Science Consortium. These guidelines provide a coherent and important model for computing education within a liberal arts context, giving primacy to critical reason, rigorous methods, and student engagement in the research process. In this regard, they are at the same time both conservative, by giving low priority to the latest technologies, and radical by resisting the managerial impulse that at its worst commidifies and devalues higher education.
Liking for Touchers as a Function of Type of Touch

Each of 18 men and 18 women had a series of get-acquainted sessions with a confederate. At the end of one session, the confederate touched the subject on the arm while at the end of another session the confederate patted the subject on the back. Subjects rated their liking for the confederate at the end of each session. When the subject and the confederate were of opposite sex, mean liking for the confederate was significantly greater when a subject received an arm touch than a back pat.
Managing Cuscuta gronovii (Swamp Dodder) in cranberry requires an integrated approach.

Dodders (Cuscuta spp.) are parasitic plants that threaten the sustainability of many crops. Because this parasite is very adept and successful from biological and ecological perspectives, a single control strategy is unlikely to provide sufficient economic control. Dodder (C. gronovii) is a particularly serious pest in commercial cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) production. Multiple viable strategies must be integrated and tailored into a weed management plan to provide acceptable control. The key to sustainable management of this serious pest will require a combination of chemical and cultural approaches, supported by understanding the complicated nature of dodder biology. Research from small fruit production systems like cranberry into the biology of dodder (e.g., germination patterns, host preference, use of plant growth regulators) may provide insights that could ultimately be useful for other crop system management plans. This paper will present the current knowledge base for integrated management of dodder in cranberry as well as highlight relevant research from other crops and potential topics for future research.
Stack Zooming for Multifocus Interaction in Skewed-Aspect Visual Spaces

Many 2D visual spaces have a virtually one-dimensional nature with very high aspect ratio between the dimensions: examples include time-series data, multimedia data such as sound or video, text documents, and bipartite graphs. Common among these is that the space can become very large, e.g., temperature measurements could span a long time period, surveillance video could cover entire days or weeks, and documents can have thousands of pages. Many analysis tasks for such spaces require several foci while retaining context and distance awareness. In this extended version of our IEEE PacificVis 2010 paper, we introduce a method for supporting this kind of multifocus interaction that we call stack zooming. The approach is based on building hierarchies of 1D strips stacked on top of each other, where each subsequent stack represents a higher zoom level, and sibling strips represent branches in the exploration. Correlation graphics show the relation between stacks and strips of different levels, providing context and distance awareness for the foci. The zoom hierarchies can also be used as graphical histories and for communicating insights to stakeholders and can be further extended with annotation and integrated statistics.
The reaction of the content of the isolated duodenum.

The reaction of the content of the isolated duodenum is alkaline, with a pH of from 7.10 to 8.15. The alkalinity is caused by weak alkalies or buffer substances which fluctuate quantitatively. This fluctuation in reaction of the duodenal content probably depends on the realtive proportions of its major constituents: pancreatic juice, bile, and duodenal secretion. The pancreatic juice has approximately twice the alkalinity of the bile.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM): Instrumentation and Applications

Abstract The new and novel techniques of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI)∗∗ and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) provide the investigator with the capacity to quantitate two-dimensional fluorescence intensity distributions and lifetimes. The concept, theory, and instrumentation of FLI and FLIM are reviewed in this paper. The implementation of FLIM instrumentation with conventional and confocal microscopic systems is discussed. These instruments permit the quantitative measurement of molecular interactions and chemical environment from samples in biological, physical, and environmental sciences. Numerous applications in the biomedical sciences for FLIM instrumentation are also discussed. ∗∗ We refer to the measurement of fluorescence lifetime images for macrosamples (e.g., cuvette) without use of a microscope as fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI). whereas measurements obtained with a microscope are termed fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).
THE COPRECIPITATION OF PU AND OTHER RADIONUCLIDES WITH CACO3

The record of fallout plutonium concentrations in annual bands of corals is strikingly similar to the record of atmospheric deposition of 90Sr. This similarity implies that corals may incorporate Pu from seawater with a constant partition coefficient (constant discrimination). To investigate physicochemical aspects of Pu incorporation, the following have been coprecipitated with CaCO3 (calcite and aragonite): oxidized and reduced Pu; americium, thorium and uranium as analogs to Pu oxidation states (III, IV, VI), respectively; and 210Pb as a particle-reactive nuclide which may be incorporated by corals with constant discrimination. Americium, thorium and lead adsorb onto both calcite and aragonite, with more than 99% of the recovered activity found associated with the solids. Uranium exhibits a behavior consistent with lattice substitution. Partition coefficients for U in aragonite range from 1.8 to 9.8 and vary inversely with pH and/or rate of precipitation. The partition coefficient for U in calcite is less than 0.2 and may be as low as 0.046. Reduced Pu sorbs with 3 to 4% remaining in solution. Oxidized Pu may both sorb and coprecipitate. The coral record for Pb and U results primarily from biological, rather than physicochemical, effects; it is likely that the Pu coral record also reflects biological discrimination.
Influence of the H-2u haplotype on immune function in F1 hybrid mice. II. F1 antiparent mixed lymphocyte reactivity.

Recently we reported that antigen-primed T cells from (H-2u × H-2s)F1 and (H-2u × H-2q)F1 mice responded poorly in vitro to antigen in the context of antigen-presenting cells of the non-H-2u parent. It was suggested that this effect might be due to unbalanced expression of parental antigens in the F1 hybrid with the result that the non-H-2u A antigens were greatly reduced or absent in these mice. If this were the case, non-H-2u Ia-A cells might be expected to stimulate a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) when cultured with Fl responder cells. When tested, (SJL × PL)F1 responder cells reacted strongly to SJL stimulator cells. There was no significant reaction to PL stimulator cells. The use of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) congenic mice showed the stimulatory antigens to be associated with the MHC. The MLR could be blocked significantly by monoclonal A-specific antibody of the appropriate specificity. When a monoclonal antibody reactivewith a private epitope associated with As was used to probe for the presence of As on the surface of (SJL × PL)F1 spleen cells, no antigen could be detected, indicating loss or alteration of this antigen. These findings suggest that an alteration of the expression of the parental As molecule may be responsible for this phenomenon.
An interactive play mat for deaf-blind infants

There is a great need for the development of interactive toys for deaf-blind infants (1-3 year olds) to motivate their exploration of their environment, and develop their motor and cognitive skills. We describe relevant design criteria, gleaned from the literature and a discussion with professionals who work with deaf-blind children. We then present a toy consisting of a play mat with three activity areas: one for remembering and repeating vibration patterns and two for matching textures. Vibrators which turn on as the infant moves in the direction of an activity area, measured by pressure sensors, are used to encourage the infant to explore in that direction.
Approximation formulas for the microphysical properties of saline droplets

Microphysical theory has proven essential for explaining sea spray's role in transferring heat and moisture across the air–sea interface. But large-scale models of air–sea interaction, among other applications, cannot afford full microphysical modules for computing spray droplet evolution and, thus, how rapidly these droplets exchange heat and moisture with their environment. Fortunately, because the temperature and radius of saline droplets evolve almost exponentially when properly scaled, it is possible to approximate a droplet's evolution with just four microphysical endpoints: its equilibrium temperature, Teq; the e-folding time to reach that temperature, τT; its equilibrium radius, req; and the e-folding time to reach that radius, τr. Starting with microphysical theory, this paper derives quick approximation formulas for these microphysical quantities. These approximations are capable of treating saline droplets with initial radii between 0.5 and 500 μm that evolve under the following ambient conditions: initial droplet temperatures and air temperatures between 0 and 40 °C, ambient relative humidities between 75% and 99.5%, and initial droplet salinities between 1 and 40 psu. Estimating Teq, τT, and τr requires only one-step calculations; finding req is done recursively using Newton's method. The approximations for Teq and τT are quite good when compared to similar quantities derived from a full microphysical model; Teq is accurate to within 0.02 °C, and τT is typically accurate to within 5%. The estimate for equilibrium radius req is also usually within 5% of the radius simulated with the full microphysical model. Finally, the estimate of radius e-folding time τr is accurate to within about 10% for typical oceanic conditions.
Kinematic evidence for a relativistic Keplerian disk - Arp 102B

Line profiles were calculated for a Keplerian disk with allowance made for relativistic effects. Excellent agreement was found between the resulting double peaked asymmetric profiles and the H-alpha line of Arp 102B; this yielded an accurate determination of several disk parameters. It is believed that the line profile of Arp 102B shows the most convincing direct kinematic evidence for rotation in any AGN. 39 refs.
Hyperacuity and amblyopia

The most frequent cause of visual loss in childhood is functional amblyopia, an abnormality of visual acuity usually associated with either anisometropia (unequal refractive errors) or strabismus (turned eye) during early development. The usual clinical investigation of the visual acuity of amblyopes involves discrimination of the high contrast letters of a Snellen chart; however, there are other aspects of acuity, for example, grating acuity (the high spatial frequency limit of vision) and Vernier acuity (the smaller perceptible misalignment). Because of the extreme precision of Vernier acuity compared with either grafting or Snellen acuity, it is considered to be a form of hyperacuity which requires very precise positional information. In an effort to understand the nature of the neural abnormalities which cause the reduced acuity of amblyopes, we have measured here the Vernier acuity of amblyopic observers using an extended Vernier grating stimulus, and compared these results with their Snellen acuity and grating acuity. The results showed that different acuity losses are associated wih anisometropic versus strabismic amblyopia. When scaled with respect to their grating acuity, anisometropic amblyopes, like normals, showed hyperacuity, even at high spatial frequencies, while strabismic amblyopes showed severe losses in Vernier acuity. Snellen letter acuity showed a similar deficit relative to grating acuity in strabismic but not in anisometropic amblyopes. Contrary to some previous theories which have considered that all forms of amblyopia share a common neural basis, these results strongly support the view that different neural losses are associated with amblyopias of different aetiologies.
Peer Acceptance and Social Adjustment in Preschool and Kindergarten

Research on the relation between social behavior and peer acceptance in preschool children and the long-term consequences of peer acceptance or rejection is reviewed. Preschool children who exhibit aggressive behavior tend to be rejected by peers at an early age and these first impressions have a lasting effect on peer acceptance, in spite of subsequent changes in the child's behavior. Social behaviors that are related to peer popularity vary by age and sex. Children who experience high levels of peer acceptance in preschool and who have friends entering kindergarten with them make a better adjustment to school. Recommendations for fostering social development in preschoolers are discussed.
Prospective, controlled study of vinyl glove use to interrupt Clostridium difficile nosocomial transmission.

Abstract purpose: Despite recognition that Clostridium difficile diarrhea/colitis is a nosocomial infection, the manner in which this organism is transmitted is still not clear. Hands of health care workers have been shown to be contaminated with C. difficile and suggested as a vehicle of transmission. Therefore, we conducted a controlled trial of the use of disposable vinyl gloves by hospital personnel for all body substance contact (prior to the institution of universal body substance precautions) to study its effect on the incidence of C. difficile disease. patients and methods: The incidence of nosocomial C. difficile diarrhea was monitored by active surveillance for six months before and after an intensive education program regarding glove use on two hospital wards. The interventions included initial and periodic in-services, posters, and placement of boxes of gloves at every patient's bedside. Two comparable wards where no special intervention was instituted served as controls. results: A decrease in the incidence of C. difficile diarrhea from 7.7 cases/1,000 patient discharges during the six months before intervention to 1.51,000 during the six months of intervention on the glove wards was observed (p = 0.015). No significant change in incidence was observed on the two control wards during the same period (5.71,000 versus 4.21,000). Point prevalence of asymptomatic C. difficile carriage was also reduced significantly on the glove wards but not on the control wards after the intervention period (glove wards, 10 of 37 to four of 43, p=0.029; control wards, five of 30 to five of 49, p=0.19). The cost of 61,500 gloves (4,505 gloves/100 patients) used was $2,768 on the glove wards, compared with $1,895 (42,100 gloves; 3,532 gloves/100 patients) on the control wards. conclusions: Vinyl glove use was associated with a reduced incidence of c. difficile diarrhea and is indirect evidence for hand carriage as a means of nosocomial C. difficile spread.
Differential regulation of myelin gene expression in SV40 T antigen-transfected rat glioma C6 cells.

Rat glioma C6 cells were stably transfected with a pSV3-neo plasmid containing SV40 T antigen gene, and geniticin-resistant transfectants (designated C6T cells) were cloned. The C6T cells grew as well-defined foci of cells showing squamous or irregular morphology. The doubling time for transfected cells was reduced by approximately 40% as compared to control C6 cells. The transfection with T-antigen also affected the expression of genes coding for structural myelin proteins and for myelin-associated enzymes. The steady-state level of proteolipid protein (PLP)-specific mRNA in C6T cells was 44% lower than in parental C6 cells. On the other hand, the transfection upregulated the expression of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) by 153%. The activity of 2′∶3′cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (CNP) was increased by approximately 80 % in the C6T cells as compared to untransfected, control cells. The activity of calcium-activated neutral proteinase (CANP) was also significantly elevated in the transfectants by approximately 50% and 220% for millimolar and micromolar form respectively. The results indicate that T antigen affects the expression of myelin genes, although, individual genes appear to be differently regulated implying the existence of several independent regulatory mechanisms.
Ultrafast electron transfer between molecule adsorbate and antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles.

Ultrafast transient IR spectroscopy has been used to examine the effect of doping on interfacial electron transfer (ET) dynamics in Re(dpbpy)(CO)3Cl (dpbpy = 4,4‘-(CH2PO(OH)2)2−2,2‘-bipyridine) (ReC1PO3) sensitized ATO (Sb:SnO2) nanocrystalline thin films. In films consisting of particles with 0%, 2% and 10% Sb dopant, the rates of electron injection from the adsorbate excited state to ATO were independent of and the rates of the recombination increased with the doping level. The observed similar forward electron injection rates were attributed to negligible changes of available accepting states in the conduction band at the doping levels studied. The dependence of the recombination rate on conduction band electron density and a possible mechanism for the recombination process were discussed.