cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A note on memoryless operators

The class of readout maps of the early state space literature and the class of operators which are both causal and anticausal are compared. The first class is a subset of the second and is shown by example to be a proper subset. A characterization of the smaller class in terms of causality structure is presented. We denote this characterization by the term completely memoryless.
Convergence of the maximum zeros of a class of Fibonacci-type polynomials

Let a be a positive integer and let k be an arbitrary, fixed positive integer. We define a generalized Fibonacci-type polynomial sequence by Gk,0(x) = −a, Gk,1(x) = x − a, and Gk,n(x) = xkGk,n−1(x) + Gk,n−2(x) for n ≥ 2. Let gk,n represent the maximum real zero of Gk,n. We prove that the sequence {gk,2n} is decreasing and converges to a real number βk. Moreover, we prove that the sequence {gk,2n+1} is increasing and converges to βk as well. We conclude by proving that {βk} is decreasing and converges to a.
Empirical research in Taiwan on factors underlying differences in fertility.

The attention given to fertility levels, trends and differentials in recent years has resulted in an increase both in empirical research, designed to establish facts and relationships, and in theory development, which has sought to synthesise this rapidly expanding body of knowledge. Conceptual models of a social, psychological, and economic nature have been advanced (see as examples Freedman, 1967; Fawcett, 1970; T. W. Schultz, 1973).
Using the Multiple Intelligences Theory in International Business

Abstract This research (a) provides an overview learning theories, focusing on the multiple intelligences theory, (b) shows the benefits of personalizing learning by using the multiple intelligences when teaching and learning international business; (c) presents the results of having students take an online multiple intelligences inventory in management classes; (d) provides methods for implementing the multiple intelligences theory; and (e) lists teaching/learning strategies appropriate for international business.
Adenosine inhibits glutamatergic input to basal forebrain cholinergic neurons.

Adenosine has been proposed as an endogenous homeostatic sleep factor that accumulates during waking and inhibits wake-active neurons to promote sleep. It has been specifically hypothesized that ad...
The Argonaute family: tentacles that reach into RNAi, developmental control, stem cell maintenance, and tumorigenesis

In conclusion, Argonaute proteins comprise a highly conserved protein family that is involved in a variety of RNA silencing phenomena in a diverse set of organisms. Perhaps through RNAi-related pathways or possibly also through distinct mechanisms, Argonaute family members have a variety of biological roles. These include regulation of development and determination of stem-cell character. Through an ever-advancing understanding of the biochemistry and genetics of the Argonaute family, we may ultimately reveal the reach of these pathways into the basic biological mechanisms that underlie a variety of human diseases.
Phosphatidylinositol Transfer Protein in Lung: Cellular and Subcellular Localization

Determination of the cellular distribution of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein in rat lung by immunocytochemistry revealed that the protein is more readily observed in the nonciliated bronchial epithelial cells (Clara cells) than in other lung cells. By light microscopy, the phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PtdIns-TP) was localized to the dome-shaped apical region of Clara cells that were identified by staining with an antibody to Clara cell protein. Further investigation by electron microscopy revealed that the PtdIns-TP accumulated at the limiting membrane surrounding secretory granules and at the apical plasma membrane. This localization is compatible with the proposed roles for PtdIns-TP in formation of vesicles and exocytosis of secretory granules and, when considered in the context of the proposed role of PtdIns-TP in phosphatidylinositide metabolism, suggests that phosphatidylinositides may be involved in the mechanisms regulating Clara cell secretion.
Increased tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β expression in the lungs of calves with experimental pneumonic pasteurellosis

Abstract We used a well characterized pneumonic pasteurellosis model in calves to determine whether increased proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression and secretion were associated with pneumonic lesions. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, lavage cells consisting of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils with degenerative changes, and lung tissues were analyzed for the presence of TNF-α and IL-1β approximately 48 h following endobronchial inoculation of logarithmic phase Pasteurella haemolytica 12296 organisms. Levels of TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA were significantly increased in lavage cells of P. haemolytica-infected animals but not in cells from phosphate buffered saline (PBS) inoculated controls based on in situ hybridization analysis. Significantly increased levels of TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA were also expressed within the pneumonic lesions from P. haemolytica-infected calves. In contrast, lung tissues from PBS-inoculated control calves had cytokine mRNAs expressed at extremely low levels. Increased levels of bioactive IL-1 and immunoreactive (not bioactive) TNF-α were found in lavage fluids from P. haemolytica-infected calves compared with lavage fluids from PBS-inoculated calves. These findings indicate that the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1, may be associated with pathogenesis of lung injury in bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis.
Expression Pattern of Messenger Ribonucleic Acid for Follistatin and the Inhibin/Activin Subunits during Follicular and Testicular Development in Gallus domesticus

The expression of mRNA for follistatin and the inhibin/activin subunits was investigated in the follicles of laying hens and the testes of immature and mature roosters. Total RNA was isolated from immature and mature testes and from individual granulosa layers of the F 1 through F 5 follicles, from a pool of the F 6 -F 8 follicles, from the small yellow follicles, and from the combined granulosa and theca layers of the large white follicles. Northern blot analysis was performed, and a follistatin mRNA transcript of approximately 2.4 kilobases (kb) was detected in immature testes and in the following follicles: F 5 , the pool of F 6 -F 8 , and small yellow and large white follicles. The greatest expression of follistatin occurred in the small yellow follicles, and in this tissue two minor transcripts of approximately 1.7 and 3.7 kb were also detected. The inhibin α subunit was expressed in both testes samples and in all of the follicles except the large white follicles. Expression of the α subunit was greatest in the F 5 follicle, and expression decreased with follicle maturity. As previously reported, the inhibin/activin β A subunit was found in the greatest abundance in the F 1 follicle, with lesser amounts detected in the other hierarchical follicles and immature testes. In contrast to the β A subunit, the inhibin/activin β B subunit was not detected in the four largest hierarchical follicles but was expressed in greatest abundance in the pool of F 6 -F 8 and small yellow follicles. This represents the first report, to our knowledge, of the detection of follistatin mRNA in the hen ovary and rooster testes. The restriction of follistatin mRNA expression to the small follicles suggests that follistatin, by regulating activin and/or inhibin availability, may play a critical role in early follicular development.
ROLE OF CYCLIN A AND P27 IN ANTI-IGM-INDUCED G1 GROWTH ARREST OF MURINE B-CELL LYMPHOMAS

Cross-linking surface immunoglobulin (Ig)M on the WEHI-231 B-cell lymphoma results in decreased cell size, G1/S growth arrest, and finally DNA cleavage into oligonucleosomal fragments that are the classical features of apoptotic cells. Treatment of WEHI-231 cells with anti-IgM in early G1 phase prevents phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma gene product (pRb) and inhibits entry into S phase. Using unsynchronized cells, we previously demonstrated that cyclin A-associated and Cdk2-dependent GST-pRb kinase activity were inhibited in WEHI-231 cells treated with anti-IgM. We now show that progression of elutriated early G1 phase WEHI-231 cells from early into late G1 phase is accompanied by an increase in the abundance of cyclin A protein and cyclin A-associated kinase activity. Treatment of early G1 cells with anti-IgM prevented this increase in cyclin A-associated kinase activity at late G1, despite minimal changes in the overall level of cyclin A and Cdk2 proteins. Late G1 cells, which already possess high cyclin A-associated kinase activity, were insensitive to anti-IgM treatment and were able to complete the cell cycle. We also found that anti-IgM-treated cells contained increased amounts of the Cdk inhibitor protein p27Kip1. Essentially all of the cyclin A in treated cells was associated with p27, a result which we propose explains the lack of cyclin A/Cdk2 kinase activity. Accumulation of p27 in cyclin A kinase complexes, however, did not decrease the amount of Cdk2 bound to cyclin A. Thus, cross-linking IgM on growth-inhibitable B-cell lymphomas affects cyclin A kinase activity by increasing the levels of p27 in this complex, thus preventing productive pRb phosphorylation and leading to cell cycle arrest and subsequent apoptosis. These results are discussed in terms of the cell cycle restriction points that regulate lymphocyte function, as well as the lineage-specific differences in cell cycle control.
Treatment of advanced vascular disease with intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy followed by arterial dilatation.

A patient with severe arterial insufficiency was successfully treated with a combination of intra-arterial low-dose streptokinase and percutaneous trans luminal dilatation. The judicious use of a combination of these two techniques may extend the application of each technique and allow salvage of some severely ischemic extremities.
Finiteness properties of local cohomology modules (an application of D-modules to Commutative Algebra)

The main goal of this paper is to establish finiteness properties of local cohomology modules in characteristic 0 that would be analogous to those proven by C. Huneke and R. Sharp in characteristicp>0. Our method, based on the theory of algebraicD-modules, seems to be the first application ofD-modules to Commutative Algebra.
Kilovolt AlGaN/GaN HEMTs as Switching Devices

SiC devices have been the focus for several years as potential high voltage switches working at high temperature with very low on-resistance. Another competitive candidate for this application is the GaN HEMT (high electron mobility transistor). GaN has slightly wider bandgap, higher electric strength, and higher saturated velocity than SiC. The most prominent is that by utilizing the AlGaN/GaN heterojunction, the GaN HEMT has much higher charge density (up to 2 × 10 13 cm -2 ) and mobility (up to 2200 cm 2 /Vs) in the channel compared to SiC MOSFET or JFET, yielding much lower on-resistance than SiC devices. GaN grown on SiC substrate also takes the advantage of high thermal conductivity of SiC. A GaN HEMT with a breakdown voltage of 1050 V was fabricated with a specific on-resistance of 3.4 mΩ cm 2 and current density of 4 kA cm -2 . State-of-art power device figure of merit of V 2 BR /R on = 3.24 × 10 8 [V 2 Ω -1 cm -2 ] was achieved on this device. Projected performance of GaN HEMTs is also discussed and compared with SiC devices in this paper.
Field Emission of Hot Electrons from Tungsten

Field emission of hot electrons is observed from a laser-illuminated tungsten tip. The field dependence of the total current is accurately described by a simple theory of barrier penetration.
IMPROVED SEPARATION METHOD FOR DETERMINING ACTINIDES IN SOIL SAMPLES

Radionuclides have been identified as a significant source of contamination at many United States Department of Energy (DOE) sites. As a result, reliable and accurate methods to determine actinide content in environmental samples have become increasingly important. Therefore, an improved analytical scheme using a series of actinide-selective extraction chromatography (Tru-Spec™, Teva-Spec™) and ion-exchange (Diphonix™) resins was designed to satisfy the requirements of both alpha spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Alpha spectrometry required the sequential isolation of the actinides, whereas ICP-MS required only a group separation of the actinides. The separation schemes were designed to allow analysis of the actinides in soil, whether the soils were acid leached or totally dissolved through fusion. For those analytes present as contaminants (239/240Pu,241Am), the laboratory results agreed favorably with the accepted values for several reference soils. However, for the acid digestion procedure, the results for matrix constitutents (238U,234U,232Th) were quite low because the silicate matrix was not decomposed. The sodium hydroxide fusion technique described allowed accurate analysis of both matrix constituents and contaminants because a total dissolution was achieved.
Human powered submarine hull construction

The application of emerging technologies and materials to HPS hull construction can lead to gains in hull strength and robustness, while also eliminating many of the constraints of conventional construction technique as used by the 2001-02 University of California, San Diego HPS Team. This procedure as well as past conventional procedures will be compared and the gains specifically outlined.
Ligand-dependent stimulation of introduced mammalian brain receptors alters spicule symmetry and other morphogenetic events in sea urchin embryos

Zygotes of S. purpuratus were injected with synthetic mRNAs encoding rodent brain neurotransmitter receptors, and specific developmental phenotypes were produced on addition to the sea water of the respective ligands. Most of these experiments were carried out with a mouse serotonin receptor (5HT-R) mRNA, though exactly comparable results were obtained with a rat muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (MAChR) mRNA; these receptors are expected to couple to the same endogenous signal transduction system. We show by whole mount in situ hybridization that the injected mRNAs diffuse to all of the early blastomeres, and that they are translated in vivo. Three specific phenotypes were reproducibly observed. The most severe, occurring at highest levels of injected mRNA, was a cleavage arrest phenotype in which no overtly differentiated cells ever appear, though the embryos remain alive for at least 72 h. A gastrular arrest (GA) phenotype is generated in appreciable fractions of embryos developing from eggs injected with lower levels of mRNA. In GA embryos the blastocoel is filled with disorganized mesenchyme cells, including pigment cells and skeletogenic cells; there is no archenteron; and the entire ectoderm expresses an oral ectoderm cell surface marker. The least severe phenotype that we recognized displays an altered arrangement of spiculogenic foci (RSE phenotype), generating a ring of extra spicules that are properly positioned with respect to the animal/vegetal axis, but that lack any reference to the oral/aboral axis. However, use of cytological and molecular markers demonstrates that RSE embryos retain normal spatial patterns of aboral and oral ectoderm. They develop a fully formed archenteron, but fail to form either a stomodaeum or a ciliated band. RSE embryos can be produced in embryos expressing the 5HT-R by exposure to serotonin, beginning as late as 12 h postfertilization (pf). All of the morphogenetic processes affected in RSE embryos depend in normal embryos on intercellular interactions occurring at the blastula-gastrula stages of development.
Buffer allocation for a class of nonlinear stochastic knapsack problems

In this paper, we examine a class of nonlinear, stochastic knapsack problems which occur in manufacturing, facility or other network design applications.Series, merge-and-split topologies of series-parallelM/M/1/K andM/M/C/K queueing networks with an overall buffer constraint bound are examined. Bounds on the objective function are proposed and a sensitivity analysis is utilized to quantify the effects of buffer variations on network performance measures.
Defining the role of magnetic resonance imaging in unifocal bone lesions of langerhans cell histiocytosis

Localized Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) of bone often presents as a diagnostic challenge. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently used to better delineate most solitary bony lesions. The authors present two cases that illustrate and better define the role of MRI in the evaluation of solitary bone lesions of LCH. In a 3-year-old boy with left-sided hip pain, MRI showed a focal lesion involving the proximal left femur with low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. A tumor was suspected because of the overall imaging characteristics and increased uptake on three-phase nuclear scintigraphy. In a 6-year-old boy with right thigh pain, MRI showed a fluid-containing lesion in the mid-diaphysis of the right femur, suggestive of chronic osteomyelitis and Brodie abscess. MRI was instrumental in showing the extent of the lesions in both cases; however, the final diagnosis of LCH was achieved only with histopathologic confirmation, illustrating the limited diagnostic power of this imaging tool.
Exercise-induced asthma: critical analysis of the protective role of montelukast

Exercise-induced asthma/exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIA/EIB) is a prevalent and clinically important disease affecting young children through older adulthood. These terms are often used interchangeably and the differences are not clearly defined in the literature. The pathogenesis of EIA/EIB may be different in those with persistent asthma compared to those with exercise-induced symptoms only. The natural history of EIA is unclear and may be different for elite athletes. Leukotriene biology has helped the understanding of EIB. The type and intensity of exercise are important factors for EIB. Exercise participation is necessary for proper development and control of EIA is recommended. Symptoms of EIB should be confirmed by proper testing. Biologic markers may also be helpful in diagnosis. Not all exercise symptoms are from EIB. Many medication and nonpharmacologic treatments are available. Asthma education is an important component of managing EIA. Many medications have been tested and the comparisons are complicated. Montelukast is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved asthma and EIB controller and has a number of potential advantages to other asthma medications including short onset of action, ease of use, and lack of tolerance. Not all patients improve with montelukast and rescue medication should be available.
Turbidity currents generated by seafloor impact of geotextile fabric containers

The disposal of waste material via a geosynthetic fabric container (GFC) may produce a turbidity current when the GFC impacts with the seafloor. Under this heretofore unrecognized scenario, rupture of a GFC could result in dispersal of contaminants over the seafloor by the turbidity current for far greater than expected distances. Simple estimates indicate that a turbidity current could carry entrained contaminants several kilometers from the GFC impact site.
Market automation: self-regulation in a distributed environment

Initial studies of the stock market crash of October 1987 indicate that insufficient linkages between related securities markets, exacerbated by computerized trading, can lead to market instability. This paper examines how the market mechanism can be made more “intelligent,” so that it can provide much of the stabilization currently left to the computer-driven arbitrage activities of independent traders while at the same time enhancing market liquidity. This intelligent market mechanism employs techniques derived from concurrent control theory to link markets together in a way that effectively creates new, synthetic securities markets that coexist with current securities markets. This mechanism permits continuous trade in all markets so that the stabilizing activities of arbitrage occur as a direct by-product of the basic operation of the market mechanism. When the speed of communication between markets is fast relative to the pace of trading, this mechanism will operate so that at the operational level it is completely transparent to traders in the market, giving the appearance of a single, fully-linked free market system. This mechanism and the principles upon which it is based have broader applications to computerized markets in manufacturing and the service industries beyond financial markets.
Real-time global motion blur detection

Most video exploitation algorithms operate on individual frames. To effect good results in such applications, the algorithms require good frames with which to work. However, videos may contain artifacts such as blur which inhibit the extraction of inherent and useful information. This paper proposes an algorithm that detects poor video frames induced by global motion blur. The proposed algorithm is divided into two steps: the first of which creates a single image blur metric, and the second of which adds temporal information. The blur metric is derived from a linear least squares fit to the log distribution of the highest subbands in a wavelet-based Haar filters. The second part of the algorithm correlates adjacent frames to boost performance. The ideas presented in this paper are low in complexity yet high in performance. Additionally, the proposed algorithm has been tested on natural video data as well as synthesized blur, and comparisons to state of the art show an advantage in using wavelet-based thresholding.
The Next Step: Strengthening the Social Science Voice in Environmental Governance

ABSTRACT This editorial proposes that the time has come to both individually and collectively take proactive steps to strengthen the social science voice in environmental governance. The ISSRM symposiums, SNR journal, and IASNR society provide an important and necessary “intellectual home” for the human dimensions movement, but we must now leverage this social and intellectual capital into policy and management innovations on the ground. We can learn much from more established professional societies about how to achieve these objectives. Practical strategies advanced include the formation of association policy committees and task forces as well as the drafting of association policy positions and white papers. It is time now to build on the successes of the human dimensions movement by bringing this collective social capital to bear on the most pressing natural resource policy, management, and education issues of our time.
Religious Expression and Symbolism in the American Constitutional Tradition: Governmental Neutrality, But Not Indifference

In this article, I describe and analyze three principles of First Amendment doctrine. First, the Establishment Clause generally forbids governmental expression that has the purpose or effect of promoting or endorsing religion. Second, and conversely, private religious expression is broadly defined and is strongly protected by the Free Speech Clause. Third, as an implicit exception to the first principle, the government itself is sometimes permitted to engage in expression that seemingly does promote and endorse religion, but only when the expression is noncoercive, nonsectarian, and embedded within (or at least in harmony with) longstanding historical tradition. Comparing these three principles to the demands of French laicite , I conclude that the United States and France share fundamental common ground on the first principle, but that the second and third principles demonstrate that the American approach is in some respects more protective and tolerant of religious expression in the public domain. I suggest that these variations are not accidental, but rather are the product of historical, philosophical, and cultural differences.
Microstructural evolution of cerium-based coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloys

Abstract The evolution of microstructure and chemistry was studied for AZ31 Mg alloy substrates after grinding, acid cleaning, alkaline cleaning, cerium-based conversion coating (CeCC) deposition, and phosphate post-treatment. Grinding provided a homogeneous surface with comparable amounts of oxides and hydroxides species. After acid treatment, this layer was ~ 90 nm thick, predominantly composed of oxide species (~ 85 at.%), and Mg deficient compared to the alloy chemistry. Treatment in an alkaline solution selectively removed Al species and produced a porous hydroxide layer. Immersion of the substrate in a cerium solution resulted in spontaneous deposition of a CeCC. Analysis revealed that the as-deposited CeCC contained more than 60 at.% Ce(IV) species with nodular CeO 2 nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous Ce(III)-rich matrix. After post-treatment in a phosphate solution, the coating was transformed into a dense, homogenous layer with fewer cracks than the as-deposited CeCC and the content of Ce(IV) species decreased to ~ 50 at.%. The post-treated CeCC had a nodular morphology and contained a mixture of CeO 2 /CePO 4 •H 2 O nanocrystal species embedded in an amorphous matrix. Electrochemical results of as-deposited and post-treated CeCCs indicated an increase of ~ 4 × in the corrosion resistance compared to ground uncoated AZ31 Mg alloys in a 0.05 M NaCl electrolyte. However, the impedance spectra of the CeCCs at low frequencies showed that post-treated coatings not only have higher impedance but may also act as a barrier for active corrosion species. In general, each of the five processing steps had functionalized the surface of the AZ31 Mg alloy by reducing active cathodic sites, modifying the chemistry, changing the structure or forming protective layers. Understanding the coating evolution has provided insights on the surface preparation of Mg alloys and a basis for studying the response and evolution of these coatings after exposure to corrosive and ambient environments.
Optically activated opening switches

Superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-x films, 8000 angstroms thick, were deposited on MgO substrates and irradiated by 150-ps pulses from a Nd:YAG laser (wavelength equals 1.064 micrometers ). In addition to the bolometric response, a faster nonbolometric component has been observed. A simulation of the bolometric response involving the solution of 1-D heat flow equation in the film and the substrate and electrical modeling of the film was done to confirm the thermal origin of the shower component of the observed photoresponse.
A simple method for plasma membrane isolation from embryonic tissue using positively charged microcarriers.

Abstract A method for the isolation of plasma membranes from embryonic tissue using positively charged microcarriers is described. With this technique, approximately 20% of the cellular protein can be obtained as relatively purified plasma membrane protein. Compared to whole cell homogenates, greater than 60% of plasma membrane enzyme-specific activities remained with the plasma membrane fraction, whereas other cellular enzyme specific activities were reduced by greater than 96%. In addition, the specific activity of [ 3 H]mannose-containing plasma membrane glycoconjugates was enhanced threefold above values obtained with whole cells. With this technique, it is now feasible to characterize plasma membrane components from small quantities of embryonic tissue.
Development of a totally implantable electromechanical total artificial heart: Baylor TAH.

Abstract: A totally implantable, one-piece. electromechanical total artificial heart (TAH) intended for permanent human use has been developed. It consists of left and right pusher-plate pumps (63 cc design stroke volume) sandwiching a thin center piece with a compact electromechanical actuator. The pusher-plates are shaped conically to accommodate an actuator in the space between them. The actuator consists of an efficient and durable planetary roller screw and direct current brushless motor. The left master alternate pumping mode was implemented utilizing the left pump pusher-plate position signal. The blood-contacting surface was coated with a dry gelatin to yield long-term clot-free performance. Trileaflet tissue valves of 27 and 23 rnm are used in the inflow and outflow ports. The diameter and thickness of the TAH are 97 and 82 mm, the overall volume is 510 cc, and the weight is 620 g. Anatomic fit was confirmed in 26 heart transplant recipients (body weight 78 kg and surface area 2 m?) without compressing adjacent organs. The pump performance study revealed that the TAH can yield outputs of 3–8 L/ min against the 100 mm Hg afterload with 1–10 mm Hg filling pressure. The input power to the motor ranged From 7 to 12 W, with an efficiency of 18% to 14%. A one-week in vivo calf study demonstrated adequate performance of the TAH, particularly the regulation of atrial pressures. Good anatomic fit and good biocompatibility were also demonstrated.
Geoarchaeology of the lower Mississippi Valley

Abstract The geomorphological description of the Lower Mississippi Valley (LMV) as presented by Harold N. Fisk in 1944 differed from most other representations in that morphogenesis was always implied. The intellectual climate of the times was highly conducive to the multidisciplinary approach. Then archaeologists were accepting the premise that the cultural history of the New World involved a few millennia rather than just several dozen centuries. It is fortunate that some of the most active archaeologists came on the scene with strong backgrounds in geology and related earth sciences. These prehistorians were sensitive to the role of the environment in shaping the relationships of man and land. Virtually every archaeologist who worked in the LMV immediately came to respect and utilize the concepts of Fisk. Because, in part, to the introduction of radiocarbon dating, archaeologists of the last half century have furthered the refinement of Fisk's chronology but the basic concepts have remained. This is not to say that there have not been vigorous challenges to Fisk, but they have not destroyed the usefulness of this monumental contribution.
Effect of inhibitors of transmethylation on histamine release from human basophils

Abstract Methylation reactions mediated by S- adenosyl- l -methionine (AdoMet) play an important role in a number of biological reactions including bacterial and human monocyte chemotaxis. This study evaluated the role of methylation reactions in histamine release from human basophils. Methylation was blocked by several methods. Erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine (EHNA), an inhibitor of adenosine deaminase (EC 3.5.4.4), blocked the IgE-mediated histamine release with an ic 50 (concentration of drug required to produce 50 per cent inhibition) of 0.33 mM. Preincubation of leukocytes with adenosine caused some inhibition of IgE-mediated histamine release. This inhibition by adenosine was potentiated by the addition of 1 × 10−5 M EHNA which alone did not affect histamine release. Further addition of l -homocysteine thiolactone at 1 × 10−4 M potentiated the inhibitory effect of EHNA plus adenosine. The effect of l -homocysteine thiolactone was dose dependent. 3-Deazaadenosine (DZA), an inhibitor of S- adenosyl- l -homocysteine hydrolase (EC 3.3.1.1) inhibited IgE-initiated histamine release from human basophils with an ic 50 of ~1 mM. This inhibition was potentiated by l -homocycsteine thiolactone. The inhibition by DZA was not potentiated by two different phospho-diesterase inhibitors suggesting that the action of DZA was not through changes in intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. DZA inhibited during the Ca2+-independent activation step of IgE-mediated basophil histamine release. In contrast, when histamine release was induced by the calcium ionophore A23187, f'Met-Leu-Phe or zymosan-activated serum, there was either no inhibition or enhancement of histamine release by these inhibitors of transmethylation. These results suggest that AdoMet-mediated methylation plays an important role in IgE-initiated histamine secretion from human basophils and that release induced by A23187, fMet-Leu-Phe, or C5A, bypasses this reaction step.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa adaptation to human hosts

Bacterial whole-genome sequencing of longitudinally collected isolates enables the investigation of evolutionary trajectories, which may inform both the prevention and treatment of human-associated pathogen infections. A new study explores the adaptation of multiple lineages of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the lungs of young patients with cystic fibrosis and finds evidence of convergent molecular evolution and historical contingencies.
An Intramolecular Interaction Involving the N Terminus of a Streptococcal Adhesin Affects Its Conformation and Adhesive Function

The adhesin P1 is localized on the surface of the oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans and facilitates an interaction with the glycoprotein complex salivary agglutinin that is comprised primarily of the scavenger receptor gp340. Recent crystal structures of P1 display an unusual structure in which the protein folds back upon itself to form an elongated hybrid helical stalk with a globular head at the apex and a globular C-terminal region at the base. The N terminus of P1 has not yet been characterized. In this report we describe the contribution of an interaction between the N-terminal and C-terminal portions of the protein that is required for proper function of P1 on the surface of S. mutans. Utilizing recombinant N-terminal and C-terminal fragments, we employed isothermal titration calorimetry and native gel electrophoresis to demonstrate that these fragments form a high affinity and stable complex in solution. Furthermore, circular dichroism and surface plasmon resonance measurements indicated that the N-terminal fragment contributes to the folding and increases the functionality of the C-terminal fragment in trans. Finally, we utilized circular dichroism, surface plasmon resonance, and differential scanning calorimetry to show that an N-terminal 106-amino acid segment within P1 contributes to the proper folding and function of the full-length recombinant molecule and increases the stability of its elongated hybrid helical stalk.
Evaluation of the role of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in a rodent model of chronic venous hypertension.

Abstract Purpose. To evaluate the role of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in cutaneous leukocyte trapping in venous disease, we used our rodent model of venous hypertension (VH). Materials and methods. VH was created in adult rats by ligation of the inferior vena cava, bilateral common iliac veins, and bilateral common femoral veins. In the Phase I experimental (exptl) group, anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody (1A29) was given intravenously prior to venous ligations. Acute venous pressures were measured in the exptl and control (ctrl) (ligation only) groups. Bilateral forelimb and hindlimb skin specimens were harvested for myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. In Phase II, VH was created in a chronic group; in a sham-operated group, ties were placed around the same vessels without ligations. Two weeks later, venous pressures were measured and radiolabeled ( 125 I and 131 I) monoclonal antibody (mAb) to ICAM-1 was injected and allowed to circulate for 5 min before the level of radiolabeled antibody within forelimb and hindlimb specimens was measured. Results. In the acute study with 1A29, hindlimb pressures were significantly elevated in both the ctrl ( n = 4) and exptl ( n = 4) hindlimbs (15.4 ± 0.239 and 13.8 ± 1.89 mm Hg, respectively) compared with ctrl and exptl forelimbs (1.38 ± 0.554 and 1.50 ± 0.612 mm Hg, respectively). However, MPO activity was significantly elevated in the hindlimbs of the ctrl group compared with the hindlimbs of the exptl animals (19.8 ± 1.54 U vs 6.71 ± 2.46 U). In the chronic VH rats ( n = 5) given radiolabeled anti-ICAM-1 mAb, the hindlimb pressures (10.1 ± 4.52 mm Hg) were significantly elevated ( P n = 4) (1.63 ± 0.813 and 4.25 ± 2.13 mm Hg, respectively). However, there was not a significant difference in the quantity of ICAM-1—hindlimb versus forelimb or chronic VH versus sham. Conclusions. Anti-ICAM-1 mAb decreased MPO activity in hypertensive hindlimb skin, supporting the instrumental role of ICAM-1 in cutaneous leukocyte trapping. However, the constituent endothelial ICAM-1 is not elevated by VH.
On Extrapolating Past the Range of Observed Data When Making Statistical Predictions in Ecology.

Ecologists are increasingly using statistical models to predict animal abundance and occurrence in unsampled locations. The reliability of such predictions depends on a number of factors, including sample size, how far prediction locations are from the observed data, and similarity of predictive covariates in locations where data are gathered to locations where predictions are desired. In this paper, we propose extending Cook’s notion of an independent variable hull (IVH), developed originally for application with linear regression models, to generalized regression models as a way to help assess the potential reliability of predictions in unsampled areas. Predictions occurring inside the generalized independent variable hull (gIVH) can be regarded as interpolations, while predictions occurring outside the gIVH can be regarded as extrapolations worthy of additional investigation or skepticism. We conduct a simulation study to demonstrate the usefulness of this metric for limiting the scope of spatial inference when conducting model-based abundance estimation from survey counts. In this case, limiting inference to the gIVH substantially reduces bias, especially when survey designs are spatially imbalanced. We also demonstrate the utility of the gIVH in diagnosing problematic extrapolations when estimating the relative abundance of ribbon seals in the Bering Sea as a function of predictive covariates. We suggest that ecologists routinely use diagnostics such as the gIVH to help gauge the reliability of predictions from statistical models (such as generalized linear, generalized additive, and spatio-temporal regression models).
Prune, Plum, and Nectarine as Hosts of Trichothecium roseum in California Orchards.

Trichothecium roseum (Pers.:Fr.) Link was frequently observed (up to 21%) on mummified peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), nectarine (P. persica (L.) Batsch var. nectarina (Aiton) Maxim.), plum (P. salicina Lindl.), and prune (P. domestica L.) fruits in orchards during a 1995 to 1996 survey. Pink mold rot caused by T. roseum was also frequently observed (at about the 1 to 2% level) on a number of samples of prune fruit collected from commercial orchards in Glenn, Butte, Madera, Fresno, and Tulare counties in 1996, after storage at 4°C for 7 days and then 20°C for 4 days. Wounded and nonwounded prune (cv. French), plum (cv. Casselman), peach (cv. Fairtime), and nectarine (cv. Spring Bright) fruits were infected after inoculation with a drop (20 μl) of T. roseum suspension (5 × 105 conidia/ml). Characteristic pink sporulation covered the surface of most fruit 7 days after inoculation. Conidia of T. roseum completely covered all wounded and nonwounded prune fruit, sparsely on the wounded plum fruit, and densely on both wounded and nonwounded peach and nectarine fruits (lesion diameter = 1 to 7 cm) 2 weeks after inoculation. T. roseum sporulated more rapidly and better on the fruits that were contaminated with either Monilinia fructicola (G. Wint.) Honey, or a Cladosporium sp. Peach has been listed as a host of T. roseum (California Plant Disease Host Index, Part 1: Fruits and Nuts, A M. French, ed., 1987), but this is the first report on the pathogenicity of this fungus on prune, plum, and nectarine from California.
Recommendations for Preparing and Scoring Constructed-Response Items: What the Experts Say

We determined the recommendations for preparing and scoring constructed-response (CR) test items in 25 sources (textbooks and chapters) on educational and psychological measurement. The project was similar to Haladyna's (2004) analysis for multiple-choice items. We identified 12 recommendations for preparing CR items given by multiple sources, with 4 of these given by at least half of the sources; and 13 recommendations for scoring CR items given by multiple sources, with 5 given by at least half of the sources. Many recommendations received minority support or were unique to individual sources. Research is needed both on the effect of the recommendations for measurement properties and the extent to which the recommendations are adopted in practice.
The High Performance Storage System

The National Storage Laboratory (NSL) was organized to develop, demonstrate and commercialize technology for the storage systems that will be the future repositories for the national information assets. Within the NSL four Department of Energy laboratories and IBM Federal Systems Company pooled their resources to develop an entirely new High Performance Storage System (HPSS). The HPSS project concentrates on scalable parallel storage systems for highly parallel computers as well as traditional supercomputers and workstation clusters. Concentrating on meeting the high end of storage system and data management requirements, HPSS is designed using network-connected storage devices to transfer data at rates of 100 million bytes per second and beyond. The resulting products will be portable to many vendor's platforms. The three year project is targeted to be complete in 1995. This paper provides an overview of the requirements, design issues, and architecture of HPSS, as well as a description of the distributed, multi-organization industry and national laboratory HPSS project.
A simulation based approach to pricing reactive power

We investigate the simulation of real and reactive power spot markets. While spot pricing of real power remains a viable option for the creation of a power system market, the future of a reactive power spot market remains cloudy. The large capital investment portion needed in pricing reactive power as well as the highly volatile nature of reactive power spot prices makes the creation of such a market difficult. In spite of this, a portion of the pricing scheme that is used for reactive power will likely be based on the spot pricing approach as this provides the most accurate signal for near real time system operation. The paper builds on a simple modification to the standard optimal power flow (OPF) in order to simulate the spot markers for real and reactive power. To achieve this, price dependent load models are introduced for both real and reactive power.
The Architecture of Participation: Does Code Architecture Mitigate Free Riding in the Open Source Development Model?

This paper argues that the architecture of a codebase is a critical factor that lies at the heart of the open source development process. We define two observable properties of an architecture: (1) modularity and (2) option value. Developers can often make informed judgments about modularity and option value from early, partially implemented code releases. We show that codebases that are more modular or have more option value (1) increase developers' incentives to join and remain involved in an open source development effort and (2) decrease the amount of free riding in equilibrium. These effects occur because modularity and option value create opportunities for the exchange of valuable work among developers, opportunities that do not exist in codebases that are not modular or have no option value.
Facilitating Demand Risk-Sharing with the Percent Deviation Contract

Suppliers do not have much incentive to build capacity for supply chains with stochastic demand in which the buyer bears little or no inventory risk. This hinders the supply chain from satisfying the optimal amount of customer demand from a channel perspective. We describe and analyze the percent deviation contract as an innovative mechanism to improve the overall performance of this type of supply chain. This contract induces a dynamic game of perfect information, and we characterize the subgame-perfect Nash Equilibria under various contract scenarios. We establish ways to set the contract parameters to coordinate the supply chain under uncertainty and show that the percent deviation contract is able to achieve channel coordination in some cases where the quantity flexibility contract fails. In order to aid the implementation of the percent deviation contract in practice, we develop ways to set the parameters to satisfy the buyer’s individual-rationality constraint.
Family History of Problem Drinking Is Associated With Less Sensitivity of Alcohol Demand to a Next-Day Responsibility

Objective:Behavioral economic demand curves measure alcohol consumption as a function of price and may capture clinically relevant individual differences in alcohol-reinforcing efficacy. This study used a novel, behavioral-economic, hypothetical demand-curve paradigm to examine the association between family history of alcohol misuse and individual differences in both alcohol demand and the relative sensitivity of alcohol demand to next-day responsibilities.Method:Participants were 207 college students (47% male, 68.5% White, 27.4% African American, Mage = 19.5 years) who reported at least one heavy drinking episode (5/4 or more drinks on one occasion for a man/woman) in the past month and completed two versions of an alcohol purchase task (APT) that assessed hypothetical alcohol consumption across 17 drink prices. In one APT (standard), students imagined they had no next-day responsibilities, and in the other, they imagined having a 10:00 a.m. test the next day.Results:A series of analyses of covariance ...
Spanish Achievement in a Maintenance Bilingual Education Program: Language Proficiency, Grade and Gender Comparisons

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediational effects of a student's fluent or limited Spanish proficiency and gender across selected grade levels on Spanish achievement in a maintenance bilingual education (MBE) program. Reading and mathematics achievement for grades 1-8 were examined for 676 subjects, while achievement in social studies and science across grades 2-8 was investigated for 518 subjects. The overall results indicated the following: (1) fluent Spanish proficient (FSP) subjects consistently outperformed their limited Spanish proficient (LSP) counterparts for each of the four subtests; (2) girls achieved significantly higher reading scores than boys, but no gender differences were noted for the other three subtests; and (3) 16 of the 18 grade mean scores were equal to or significantly above the Texas norms of La Prueba, while two were significantly below that level.