cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitatively Reduced Participation of Anti-Nuclear Antigen B Cells That Down-Regulate B Cell Receptor during Primary Development in the Germinal Center/Memory B Cell Response to Foreign Antigen

The peripheral B cell compartment contains high levels of "polyreactivity" including autospecificities. We have described a pathway that certain autoreactive B cells may take in gaining stable access to the foreign Ag-responsive peripheral compartment. This pathway was revealed in mice expressing a targeted Ig H chain transgene encoding BCRs with "multireactivity" for the hapten arsonate and DNA-based autoantigens. B cells expressing such BCRs develop to mature follicular phenotype and locale, and are not short-lived. These B cells express very low levels of BCR, indicating that they are not "ignorant" of self Ag, but do not display features of anergy in in vitro assays. Nonetheless, a variety of states of lymphocyte anergy has been described, and some may only be manifested in vivo. As such, we analyzed the ability of these B cells to participate in a T cell-dependent immune response to arsonate in vivo. These B cells mount an early primary response similar to control B cells, including homing to follicles, migration to the T-B interface, and induction of costimulatory molecules, proliferation, differentiation to AFCs, class switching, and entry into GCs and somatic hypermutation. Nonetheless, these B cells display reduced participation in the latter stages of the GC response and in the anamnestic AFC response. In total, these data suggest that while the autoreactivity of this type of B cell does not result in anergy, the ability of such B cells to participate in a cross-reactive immune response to foreign Ag is compromised.
Changing dimensions of libraries in the internet era: Grey literature and scholarly communication

The landscape of scholarly communication is constantly shifting. Library workers and researchers are always challenged to find useful and reliable sources of information to enrich collections and access to them by future scholars. Here citation analysis is applied to reference citations in two highly reputed journals in the area of planning and development to determine how scholarly research is being affected by new media and accessibility. References from these journals are captured, classified and examined to see if trends in citation are developing that might affect our students and our scholars and in what ways this will occur.
Parallel symbolic computation in ACE

We present an overview of the ACE system, a sound and complete parallel implementation of Prolog that exploits parallelism transparently (i.e., without any user intervention) from AI programs and symbolic applications coded in Prolog. ACE simultaneously exploits all the major forms of parallelism – Ordparallelism, Independent Anddparallelism, and Dependent Anddparallelism – found in Prolog programs. These three varieties of parallelism are discussed in detail, along with the problems encountered in their practical exploitation. Our solutions to these problems, incorporated in the ACE system, are presented. The ACE system has been implemented on Sequent Symmetry and Sun Sparc Multiprocessorss performance results from this implementation for several AI programs are presented, which confirm the effectiveness of the choices made.
Prediction of the material with highest known melting point from ab initio molecular dynamics calculations

Using electronic structure calculations, we conduct an extensive investigation into the Hf-Ta-C system, which includes the compounds that have the highest melting points known to date. We identify three major chemical factors that contribute to the high melting temperatures. Based on these factors, we propose a class of materials that may possess even higher melting temperatures and explore it via efficient ab initio molecular dynamics calculations in order to identify the composition maximizing the melting point. This study demonstrates the feasibility of automated and high-throughput materials screening and discovery via ab initio calculations for the optimization of “higher-level” properties, such as melting points, whose determination requires extensive sampling of atomic configuration space.
An STR melt curve genotyping assay for forensic analysis employing an intercalating dye probe FRET.

Abstract The most common markers used in forensic genetics are short tandem repeats (STRs), the alleles of which are separated and analyzed by length using capillary electrophoresis (CE). In this work, proof of concept of a unique STR genotyping approach has been demonstrated using asymmetric PCR and a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based hybridization analysis that combines fluorophore-labeled allele-specific probes and a DNA intercalating dye (dpFRET) in a melt match/mismatch analysis format. The system was successfully tested against both a simple (TPOX) and a complex (D3S1358) loci, demonstrated a preliminary detection limit of <10 genomic equivalents with no allelic dropout and mixture identification in both laboratory-generated and clinical samples. With additional development, this approach has the potential to contribute to advancing the use of STR loci for forensic applications and related fields.
Bacterial diversity and successional patterns during biofilm formation on freshly exposed basalt surfaces at diffuse-flow deep-sea vents

Many deep-sea hydrothermal vent systems are regularly impacted by volcanic eruptions, leaving fresh basalt where abundant animal and microbial communities once thrived. After an eruption, microbial biofilms are often the first visible evidence of biotic re-colonization. The present study is the first to investigate microbial colonization of newly exposed basalt surfaces in the context of vent fluid chemistry over an extended period of time (4 to 293 days) by deploying basalt blocks within an established diffuse-flow vent at the 9o50’N vent field on the East Pacific Rise (EPR). Additionally, samples obtained after a recent eruption at the same vent field allowed for comparison between experimental results and those from natural microbial re-colonization. Over 9 months, the community changed from being composed almost exclusively of Epsilonproteobacteria to a more diverse assemblage, corresponding with a potential expansion of metabolic capabilities. The process of biofilm formation appears to generate similar surface-associated communities within and across sites by selecting for a subset of fluid-associated microbes, via species sorting. Furthermore, the high incidence of shared operational taxonomic units (OTUs) over time and across different vent sites suggests that the microbial communities colonizing new surfaces at diffuse-flow vent sites might follow a predictable successional pattern.
10-yr follow-up results of NSABP B-32, a randomized phase III clinical trial to compare sentinel node resection (SNR) to conventional axillary dissection (AD) in clinically node-negative breast cancer patients.

LBA505 Background: NSABP B-32 is the largest prospective randomized phase III trial designed to determine in SN negative patients that SNR alone results in the same survival and regional control as SNR + AD while reducing morbidity. It was designed to detect a survival difference of 2% between the 2 groups at 5 years. Methods: 5,611 women with operable, clinically N0, invasive breast cancer were randomized to SNR + AD (Group 1) or to SNR alone with AD only if SNs were positive (Group 2). 3,989 (71.1%) of the 5,611 patients were SN negative and followed for events. 99.9% of these SN negative patients had follow-up information: 1,975 in Group 1 and 2,011 in Group 2. Median time on study was 95.3 months. Patients were well balanced across clinical strata. Log-rank tests for unadjusted analyses and Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for study stratification variables were used to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups. Two-sided p-values were used. HR values...
Human Endometrial Transforming Growth Factor-α: A Transmembrane, Surface Epithelial Protein That Transiently Disappears During the Midsecretory Phase of the Menstrual Cycle

Objectives:To characterize the forms of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) in normal human endometrium, to evaluate the regional and temporal changes in TGF-α expression, and to correlate the pattern of TGF-α expression with physiologic events in the endometrium.Methods:Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses were performed using two TGF-α antisera, one raised against the active extracellular N-terminus and the other recognizing the intracellular carboxy terminus of the protein. Immunohistochemistry was performed on hysteroctomy specimens from premenopausal women with normal menstrual cycles. Soluble and membrane-bound endometrial proteins were isolated from fresh tissue for Western blot analysis.Results:Antibodies recognizing the intracellular and extracellular domains of TGF-α exhibited identical immunohistochemical staining patterns. Transforming growth factor-α localized primarily to endometrial epithelial cells, and the most intense staining was in the luminal surface epithelium. In the ...
Using a tourism importance-performance typology to investigate environmental sustainability on a global level.

A major issue surrounding the tourism industry is the trade-off between the positive and negative impacts of increased visitation. Countries welcome tourism's positive effects on their economy but fear tourism's impact on culture and environment. There is also debate about tourism's effectiveness in reducing poverty and sharing economic benefits across residents. In this study, 120 countries were grouped on the basis of the relative importance of tourism to their economies and their relative performance in terms of international tourism receipts per capita. Then, the profiles for the categories derived from this tourism importance–performance typology were examined, and their environmental performance compared across categories using indicators that measure environmental health and ecosystem vitality. The majority of countries fell into the categories with a consistent level of importance and performance (i.e. low importance/low performance and high importance/high performance). Overall, the countries in ...
Diuretics and Bone Loss in Rats With Aldosteronism

Objectives: We hypothesized that the increased urinary Ca2+and Mg2+excretion and bone loss that accompanies aldosteronism is aggravated with furosemide and is attenuated by spironolactone.Backgroun...
Partition Chromatography of Some Estrogenic Diols

A partition chromatograhic system, comprising NaOH solution fixed on Celite as the immobile phase and benzene as the mobile phase in the separation of estrogenic diols, and various factors affecting the system are presented in detail. Procedures are described using a short column to permit ready separation of the estradiols and dihydroequilins as a group from the dihydroequilenins and a longer column to separate the estradiols from tge dihydroequilins. Partition coefficients have been determined for β-estradiol and α-dihydroequilin over the range 20–35°. By the application of the Martin and Synge theory to the behavior of these estrogens on the column, it has been found that observed elution volumes agree reasonably well with values expected from the partition coefficients. Threshold and cut-off volumes for the estrogens are linear functions of the total volume required to remove the zone of maximum concentration from the column. Using these relations, the limits of separation of estrogens attainable by this system can be estimated from their partition coefficients or their behavior on a column. Relative partition coefficients determined from the columns are given for α- and β-estradiols, α- and β-dihydroequilins, and β-dihydroequilenin.
Nutrition analysis of prosthodontic patients

A program of nutrition training has been included in the undergraduate curriculum of the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Data obtained indicated that involved patients were receptive and that many showed improvement in dietary habits. Nutritional analysis and counseling can be introduced into a private-practice environment with very little increase in the dentist's work time. Procedures have been suggested that are efficient and effective. It is recommended that nutritional analysis and counseling be used routinely on all prosthodontic patients. This training should be included in the dental school curriculum so that students can become competent and comfortable in its use. To meet this objective, in-service training programs for faculty members are required. Careful attention to systemic factors such as nutrition will allow dentists to provide an enhanced level of care for patients. Concern for the general health of patients must continue to be a necessary part of prosthodontic care.
A phase I study of temsirolimus and thoracic radiation in non--small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract Background The addition of targeted agents to thoracic radiation has not improved outcomes in patients with locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To improve cure rates in locally advanced NSCLC, effective targeted therapies need to be identified that can be given safely with radiation therapy. Temsirolimus is an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and has single-agent activity in lung cancer. Inhibition of the mTOR pathway has been found to augment the cytotoxic effect of radiation in preclinical studies. There is scant clinical experience with mTOR inhibitors and radiation. Patients and Methods This was a phase I study evaluating the combination of temsirolimus with thoracic radiation in patients with NSCLC. Results Ten patients were enrolled in the study. The dose-limiting toxicities included sudden death, pneumonitis, and pulmonary hemorrhage. The maximum tolerated dose of temsirolimus that could be administered safely with concurrent radiotherapy (35 Gy in 14 daily fractions) was 15 mg intravenously weekly. Of the 8 evaluable patients, 3 had a partial response and 2 had stable disease. Conclusion The combination of temsirolimus 15 mg weekly and thoracic radiation is well tolerated and warrants further investigation, perhaps in a molecularly defined subset of patients.
A Gossip Method for Optimal Consensus on a Binary State From Binary Actions

In this paper, we study the problem of distributed hypothesis testing in cooperative networks of agents over a given undirected graph. All the agents try to reach consensus on the state of nature based on their private signals and the binary actions of their neighbors. This is a challenging problem because the exchanged information of the agents regarding their observations used for making decisions is highly compressed. We propose a set of gossip-type methods for which two communicating agents reach the optimal local consensus with probability one by a few exchanges of binary actions at every time slot. We prove that the decision of each agent converges in probability to the optimal decision held by a fictitious fusion center. We also provide theoretical results on how the edge selection probability effects the expected time at which a consensus of all the agents is reached. Simulation results that demonstrate the communication cost and the convergence time of the method are provided.
Praxis and pedagogy as related to the arts and humanities

Based on a review of its historical evolution and the contributions of significant writers in the field, this article addresses perennial questions of purpose, content and pedagogy in education in the arts and humanities and, more broadly, liberal education. Taking cognizance of the educational significance of service-learning and practical knowledge, it calls for a revitalization of arts and humanities education by drawing on elements of feminist theory as expounded by Jane Roland Martin and the emphasis on praxis, service and pedagogy in the writings of Paulo Freire, Ira Shor and others in the tradition of critical pedagogy.
Structural and electrochemical characterization of a cerium(IV) hydroxamate complex: implications for the beneficiation of light rare earth ores.

Reaction of N-phenyl-pivalohydroxamic acid with CeIII precursors leads to a homoleptic hydroxamate complex: CeIV[tBuC(O)N(O)Ph]4. Electrochemical experiments indicate a significant stabilization of the CeIV cation at Ep,c = −1.20 V versus SCE in the hydroxamate ligand framework. The spontaneous oxidation of CeIII in a hydroxamate ligand field is discussed in the context of beneficiation of the light rare earths from the fluorocarbonate mineral bastnasite.
The influence of solvents on the basicity of dipolar amines

The relative basicities of six monosubstituted dipolar trimethylamines (XCH2NMe2) were determined in nine different solvents from potentiometric titration. Solvation effects on basicity variations were analyzed by the solvatochromic parameters (π*, α and β). Non-specific solvation of the substituted dimethylammonium ions is not reflected adequately by the solvent's dipolarity–polarizability constant, π*. A better representation of non-specific interaction between solvents and the monosubstituted dipolar trimethylammonium ions is gained from the product of π* and the solvent dipole moment (μ). For these ions where the dipolar substituents are separated from the reaction center by one methylene unit, there is an interaction between the charge of the ammonium ion and the dipolar substituent. As a result, solvent molecules must not only solvate the dipolar substituents, but must also gain access between the lines of force of the dipolar substituent and the charge. Bulky solvents, such as nitrobenzene, cannot access adequately the region between the dipolar substituents and the reaction center to accomplish similar solvation as less bulky solvents.
Physics-based modeling for fretting behavior of nominally flat rough surfaces

A physics-based modeling approach for fretting behavior of nominally flat rough contact is proposed. This approach employs physics-based models for partial slip of spherical contacts to formulate the contact forces at asperity tips. The individual asperity forces are added by a statistical method to obtain the fretting response of a flat rough contact. This approach suggests the plasticity index as an important parameter for studying the surface roughness effects on fretting. Fretting responses obtained by one of the models favorably compare with experimental results obtained from bolted steel lap joints. Tangential stiffness and energy loss per cycle obtained from the experiments and the model predictions deviate at higher preloads. This discrepancy is due to limitations of the modeling approach in accounting for plastic response to tangential loading.
Development of a multidisciplinary programme for the treatment of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy

Abstract X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, a peroxisomal disorder, is the most prevalent inherited leukodystrophy. Boys with the childhood cerebral form of the disease present with progressive neurological dysfunction, visual loss and adrenal insufficiency. Stem cell transplantation arrests the neurological progression of the disease when performed early. The multidisciplinary clinical and stem cell transplantation program developed at the Mayo Clinic is described.
Setting Out the (Un)Welcome Mat: A Portrayal of Immigration in State Standards for American History

This article frames history education as a social construction designed to create a national identity through the inclusion, exclusion, and treatment of various societal groups. Using this lens, the author analyzes curriculum standards from nine states that annually assess student knowledge of American history to better understand the depiction of immigration within the American narrative. The results suggest that state standards are yet another way for public education to perpetuate a canonical version of American history by testing students on information related to the traditional narrative and largely ignoring or marginalizing elements of diversity.
Systematic study of back pressure and anode stoichiometry effects on spatial PEMFC performance distribution

Abstract A segmented cell system was applied to investigate the effects of the anode and cathode back pressure and hydrogen stoichiometry on fuel cell performance in terms of overpotential distributions along the flow field. The segmented cell system was designed with closed loop Hall sensors and a data acquisition system allowing simultaneous spatial electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) measurements. It was determined that an increase in back pressure for the tested serpentine flow field design results in an improvement of the cell performance and uneven improvement of individual segments’ performance. In general, the performance and the overpotentials become more uniform downstream with an increase in the back pressure due to a decrease in activation and mass transfer losses. Spatial EIS data for the PEMFC operated at different back pressures support the overpotential analysis. Hydrogen stoichiometry variations do not affect the performance of the cell or the individual segments at low current density because there is no significant hydrogen concentration gradient in the flow field. However, at high current densities a reduction in hydrogen stoichiometry produces a slight decrease in performance for inlet segments while outlet segments showed a noticeable performance loss. The decrease in performance is attributed to an increase in mass transfer losses due to nitrogen diffusion from the cathode to the anode. This effect becomes more pronounced for the outlet segments due to a downstream nitrogen accumulation. Under high current density conditions, the cell is locally fuel starved even with a high fuel stoichiometry creating conditions leading to cell degradation by carbon corrosion. More importantly, this local degradation is masked by the overall cell performance which remains largely unaffected.
The Distribution of Income in the Presence of Appropriative Activities

We examine the distribution of income when agents allocate their initial endowments between production and appropriation (arms investments, influence or rent-seeking activities). Final output depends on the productive contributions of the agents but is divided between them according to their relative contributions in appropriation. Various possible improvements in an agent’s useful productivity reduce the agent’s equilibrium share of income, but increases in initial endowments increase an agent’s share. We contrast our results to those that would obtain in the competitive counterpart to our model and discuss its relevance both for history and for the present. The results extend to a class of models where distribution is determined between two groups of agents, with agents within each group behaving non-cooperatively but without exhibiting the free-rider problem.
Mechanistic insights into Bardet-Biedl syndrome, a model ciliopathy

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a multisystemic disorder typified by developmental and progressive degenerative defects. A combination of genetic, in vitro, and in vivo studies have highlighted ciliary dysfunction as a primary cause of BBS pathology, which has in turn contributed to the improved understanding of the functions of the primary cilium in humans and other vertebrates. Here we discuss the evidence linking the clinical BBS phenotype to ciliary defects, highlight how the genetic and cellular characteristics of BBS overlap with and inform other ciliary disorders, and explore the possible mechanistic underpinnings of ciliary dysfunction.
SHORT COMMUNICATION Comparison of the activity of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and the diglyceride glycerol 1-myristate 2-acetate

Diglycerides function as analogs of the phorbol ester tumor promoters. We compare here the activity of glycerol 1-myristate 2-acetate (GMA) with the corresponding phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). GMA inhibited phorbol ester binding to reconstituted protein kinase C, stimulated protein kinase C enzymatic activity, and, upon addition to intact 3T3 cells, inhibited [125I]EGF binding. Its potency was much less than that of PMA, however (2.9 X 10(4)-fold less for phorbol ester binding, greater than 1.2 X 10(5)-fold less for inhibition of EGF binding), and its activity on the intact cells was more transient. The marked difference in potency contrasts with the much smaller differences found previously for the corresponding pairs of dilaurate and dioleate derivatives.
Incorporating the Option Value of Product Family Variants in Material and Process Selection

In the modern competitive environment, firms have to offer a variety of products to their customers in a cost effective manner. One way of achieving this goal is through the use of product platforms and product families. The choice of product materials and manufacturing processes has a significant effect on the ability to derive variants from these product platforms and families. Unfortunately, most economic analyses of materials selection rarely include the effect on the product family, and if they do they are viewed as static and passive investments. In reality, the decision to produce an additional variant is a “right, but not an obligation” — it can be viewed as a real option. A methodology to value the option of producing a follow-on variant product for an a posteriori (or bottom up) product family is proposed. This method uses inputs that are readily available for most product development teams. An automotive instrument panel beam case study is used to illustrate the method. Results from the case study show that while the follow-on variant option did not affect the relative economic preference of the materials, the value of the options associated follow-on variants accounted for a significant portion of total development project value. Valuations performed using both the binomial and Black-Scholes methods did not show significant differences between the methods. Material and manufacturing process characteristics are shown to have an effect on follow-on variant option value. The product lifetime and annual production volume of the follow-on variant are shown to have significant effects on option value. Initial variant product lifetime and underlying asset risk are shown to have less of an effect on option value.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Activation of the smooth muscle-specific telokin gene by thyrotroph embryonic factor (TEF).

Transcription of the telokin gene is restricted to smooth muscle cells throughout development, making this gene an excellent model for unraveling the mechanisms that regulate gene expression in smooth muscle tissues. To identify proteins that bind to the telokin promoter, the AT-rich/CArG core of the promoter was used as a probe to perform a Southwestern screen of a mouse bladder cDNA library. Four clones corresponding to two distinct isoforms of mouse thyrotroph embryonic factor (TEFα and TEFβ) were identified from this screen. The two TEF isoforms differ from each other at their amino termini and result from alternative promoter usage. An RNase protection assay showed that both TEF isoforms are expressed at high levels in mouse lung, bladder, kidney, gut, and brain. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that purified TEF protein can specifically bind to an AT-rich region within the core of the telokin promoter. Furthermore, when overexpressed in 10T1/2 cells, TEF significantly increased the activity of a telokin promoter-reporter gene; this activation was further augmented by elevated intracellular calcium levels. In contrast, overexpression of TEF had no effect on reporter genes driven by SM22α, smooth muscle α-actin, or smooth muscle myosin heavy chain promoters. Consistent with these results, overexpression of TEFα and TEFβ in A10 cells, using adenoviral vectors, increased expression of endogenous telokin without altering expression of myosin light chain 20, SM22α, smooth muscle α-actin, or calponin. These findings suggest that TEF factors contribute to the activation of the telokin promoter in smooth muscle cells in a calcium-dependent manner. These data also suggest that distinct transcription factors are required to control the expression of different smooth muscle genes in a single tissue.
Fluorescein Derivatization of Fibrinogen for Flow Cytometric Analysis of Fibrinogen Binding to Platelets

Dog and human fibrinogen were derivatized with N-hydroxysuccinimidofluorescein and utilized for flow cytometric estimation of fibrinogen binding to activated platelets. Fluorescein-fibrinogen binding fulfilled the criteria for specific binding to platelets; the binding was saturable, dependent on agonist activation, and inhibited by unlabeled fibrinogen. In addition, EDTA and barbourin, a KGD-containing peptide, were found to inhibit the binding of fluorescein-fibrinogen. Fluorescein-fibrinogen bound to dog platelets with an apparent affinity of 0.31 μM after stimulation with either adenosine-5′-diphosphate (ADP) or plateletactivating factor. The labeled fibrinogen was also used to study the fibrinogen binding capacity of aged, biotinylated platelets. Aged platelets were indistinguishable from young platelets with regard to fibrinogen binding in response to ADP. These studies document that direct derivatization of fibrinogen with fluorescein generates a useful probe for analyzing fibrinogen binding to platelets with flow cytometry. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
It all starts at the server ~World Wide Web and FastCGI\

Recently, the words "browser war" have filled the Internet headlines. Each browser comes up with new schemes to be faster and to support newer, more powerful standards. Sometimes we seem to forget that behind the browser is a server, and, just like any other client-server architecture, the server's quality, functionality, robustness and efficiency are important to the well-being of the entire system. There is a technology that promises to combine the benefits of both the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) and the application program interface (API): FastCGI, brought to the Web world by OpenMarket. Each FastCGI program runs in its own process and can be accessed by the server in one of two ways: through a direct pipe if the Web server and FastCGI processes are running on the same machine, or through a TCP/IP connection if the FastCGI is running on a different machine. The FastCGI model seems ideal in terms of server-side extensions. It combines the safety of a separate process with server software independence, yet without the overhead of starting that separate process on every request.
A collective data generation method for speech language models

Recently we began using Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT), an Internet marketplace, to deploy our spoken dialogue systems to large audiences for user testing and data collection purposes. This crowdsourcing method of collecting data contrasts with the time- and labor- intensive developer annotation methods. In this paper, we compare these data in various combinations with traditionally-collected corpora for training our speech recognizer's language model. Our results show that AMT text queries are effective for initial language model training for spoken dialogue systems, and that crowd-sourced speech collection within the context of a spoken dialogue framework provides significant improvement.
Label-free flow cytometry using multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (MCARS) for biological analysis

Label-free flow cytometry using MCARS is performed on a live culture of S. cerevisiae at up to 100 cells/second using elastic scatter measurements and background-free spectra obtained through a Kramers-Kronig transform.
Characteristics of the visually guided escape response of the Mexican free-tailed bat, Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana

Abstract The visually guided escape response of wild Mexican free-tailed bats was studied in relation to acoustic and visual cues, time of day, light intensity and age. Adults exhibited a positive response towards light; however, when presented in combination, acoustic cues were preferred over visual cues. Bats displayed a reduced positive light response at times corresponding to their morning return to the cave roost from foraging. Individuals decreased their preference for light as light intensity increased and shifted to a positive dark response when the intensity was raised to levels approximating daytime illumination at the front of the cave. This change in orientation to light may explain why bats disturbed during the day fly toward the cave mouth but then circle back rather than leave the cave. In contrast to adults, very young and non-volant pups oriented toward the dark. This behaviour may serve to facilitate growth by keeping the pups closer to a thermoneutral environment. The transition in response from dark-orienting pups to light-orienting adults occurred at about 7 weeks, the age at which pups become volant.
An efficient multiscale method for time-domain waveform tomography

This efficient multiscale method for time-domain waveform tomography incorporates filters that are more efficient than Hamming-window filters. A strategy for choosing optimal frequency bands is proposed to achieve computational efficiency in the time domain. A staggered-grid, explicit finite-difference method with fourth-order accuracy in space and second-order accuracy in time is used for forward modeling and the adjoint calculation. The adjoint method is utilized in inverting for an efficient computation of the gradient directions. In the multiscale approach, multifrequency data and multiple grid sizes are used to overcome somewhat the severe local minima problem of waveform tomography. The method is applied successfully to 1D and 2D heterogeneous models; it can accurately recover low- and high-wavenumber components of the velocity models. The inversion result for the 2D model demonstrates that the multiscale method is computationally efficient and converges faster than a conventional, single-scale method.
The humor of the scholars: the autobiography of Ni'mat Allah al‐Jaza'iri (d. 1112/1701)

(1989). The humor of the scholars: the autobiography of Ni'mat Allah al‐Jaza'iri (d. 1112/1701) Iranian Studies: Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 47-81.
Numerical relativity: challenges for computational science

We describe the burgeoning field of numerical relativity, which aims to solve Einstein's equations of general relativity numerically. The field presents many questions that may interest numerical analysts, especially problems related to nonlinear partial differential equations: elliptic systems, hyperbolic systems, and mixed systems. There are many novel features, such as dealing with boundaries when black holes are excised from the computational domain, or how even to pose the problem computationally when the coordinates must be determined during the evolution from initial data. The most important unsolved problem is that there is no known general 3-dimensional algorithm that can evolve Einstein's equations with black holes that is stable. This review is meant to be an introduction that will enable numerical analysts and other computational scientists to enter the field. No previous knowledge of special or general relativity is assumed.
Silyl sulfonate approach to the synthesis of a block copolydimethylsiloxane-polydioxepane

Block copolydioxepane-polydimethylsiloxane has been synthesized by the “silyl sulfonate approach.” The nucleophilic macromer, lithium polydimethylsiloxane, was reacted with chlorodimethylsilane or allylchlorodimethylsilane to produce the corresponding macromers with a labile substituent, namely an allyl or a hydride, on silicon. These macromers were then converted to the electrophilic polydimethylsiloxane arylsulfonates, which initiated the cationic polymerization of 1,3-dioxepane to yield block polydimethylsiloxane-polydioxepane in the presence of 2,6-di-t-butylpyridine.
Aberrant Central Nervous System Responses to the Valsalva Maneuver in Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is associated with aberrant autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, with altered responses to blood pressure and breathing challenges that appear to reflect abnormal central nervous system function. The authors used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine whether the Valsalva maneuver, an ANS challenge, would show abnormal responses in ANS regulatory areas of the brain in HF. Brain fMRI signal changes in 5 HF patients (left ventricular ejection fraction, 0.15±0.08; age, 50±10 years) and 14 controls (age, 47±11 years) were assessed during 3 successive Valsalva maneuvers. The hypothalamus, hippocampus, putamen, amygdala, mid-cingulate, right insula, and cerebellar cortex showed exaggerated and phase-shifted fMRI responses in HF; other areas showed inverted signals from those found in controls. Central ANS control areas have altered phase, extent, and direction of responses to Valsalva maneuvers in a small sample of HF patients. These findings suggest that therapeutics that address neuroprotective aspects may be useful interventions for the condition.
Effect of beta-propiolactone on complement-fixing antigens of St. Louis encephalitis virus.

SummaryA method is described for preparing a complement-fixing antigen of SLE virus which is non-infective for mice. The antigen is treated in an early stage in its preparation with Beta-propiolactone, a potent virucidal agent. The liquid antigen is relatively stable on storage at 4°C and may be lyophilized without significant loss of reactivity. The BPL-treated antigen exhibits the same degree of cross-reaction with other members of the encephalitis group as untreated preparations and previously described antigens. Tests with paired patients' sera have indicated its usefulness as a diagnostic aid. The use of BPL as a virucidal agent in the preparation of non-infectious inactivated viral antigens should constitute a distinct advantage over previously described technics.
PryGuard: a secure distributed authentication protocol for pervasive computing environment

Handheld devices have become so commonplace nowadays that they are an integral part of our everyday life. Proliferation of these mobile handheld devices equipped with wide range of capabilities has bolstered widespread popularity of pervasive computing applications. In such applications many devices interact with each other by forming ad hoc wireless networks. The necessity of such unavoidable inter-device dependency along with volatile nature of connectivity and the lack of a fixed infrastructure for authentication and authorization, devices are susceptible and vulnerable to malicious active and passive snoopers. If a device registers a malicious device as its valid neighbor, the security and privacy of entire system might be jeopardized. Such sensitivity to malevolent activity necessitates the need for a robust mechanism to maintain a list of valid devices that will help to prevent malicious devices from authenticating successfully. In this paper, we present the feasibility of using a decentralized protocol in order to prevent malicious devices from participating illicitly into the ad hoc networks.
Unlighting the Parthenon

We present a method that extends techniques in [Yu and Malik 1998] and [Debevec 1998] to estimate the surface colors of a complex scene with diffuse surfaces lit by natural outdoor illumination. Given a model of the scene’s geometry, a set of photographs of the scene taken under natural illumination, and corresponding measurements of the illumination, we can calculate the spatially-varying diffuse surface reflectance. The process employs a simple iterative inverse global illumination technique to compute the surface colors for the scene which, when rendered under the recorded illumination, best reproduce the appearance in the photographs. The results can then be used to render the scene under novel illumination.
Changing experience with dual chamber (DDD) pacemakers

Dual chamber (DDD) or “universal” pacemakers have had a significant impact on the advancement of artificial pacemakers by providing a more physiologic approach to cardiac pacing. However, with the early generation of DDD pacemakers (pacemakers that sense and pace in both the atrium and the ventricle), a significant number of patients experienced pacemaker-mediated tachycardia because intact ventriculoatrial conduction was sensed in the atrium and a reentrant tachycardia was induced. Newer generation DDD pacemakers have provided longer atrial refractory periods, which should correct this problem. In this study the first and second years of a 2 year experience with DDD pacemakers were compared to determine if the newer generation devices have allowed maintenance of pacing in the DDD mode as opposed to reprogramming to some alternate mode because of pacemaker-mediated tachycardia or other pacing problems. The results showed a significant decrease in pacemaker-mediated tachycardia during the second year and continuation of pacing in the DDD mode in a higher percent of patients. This improvement is attributed to improvement in the pulse generator as well as better patient selection.
Isotopic tungsten targets

In order to explore the isospin dependence of the quasifission process, a set of reactions with a wide range of N/Z was required. To maximize the sensitivity of the measurement to the isospin effects it was required that the Z of the projectile and target be fixed. Therefore, a set of isotopic targets spanning a relatively large N/Z range was desired. Tungsten, having five stable isotopes, provided a 6 neutron difference from 180W to 186W and can be obtained with high enrichment. Therefore, the production of enriched 180,182,184,186W targets was needed. Additionally, the targets were required to be relatively thin (<100 μg/cm2) in order to minimize the energy loss and scattering of the fission or quasifission fragments resulting from the reactions. Details of the W target preparation as well as target performance will be presented.
Pervasive late Paleozoic–Triassic remagnetization of miogeoclinal carbonate rocks in the Basin and Range and vicinity, SW USA: regional results and possible tectonic implications

Abstract Relatively unmetamorphosed Paleozoic miogeoclinal carbonate rocks in the Basin and Range of E Nevada, SW Nevada and adjacent California, and W Utah yield low-inclination magnetizations that reflect pervasive, regional remagnetization around the close of the Paleozoic. The rocks range in age from mid-Cambrian through Pennsylvanian and lie generally in a broad belt between the mid-Paleozoic Roberts Mountain Thrust and the late Cretaceous Sevier thrusts. Most of the magnetizations reside in magnetite, but at one site the magnetization is evidently carried by pyrrhotite. Preliminary rock-magnetic data suggest samples with magnetite-borne remanences have wasp-waisted hysteresis curves typical of remagnetized carbonates. The origin of the remagnetization is problematic and probably polygenetic: both the Permo-Triassic Sonoma orogeny and deformation associated with the Ancestral Rockies seem too spatially limited, but magnetite from smectite destruction seems difficult to reconcile with the great stratigraphic extent of late Paleozoic remagnetization unless combined with thermal resetting of the lowermost units. A number of sites also appear to have undergone some vertical-axis rotation, and the sense and magnitude of these rotations are grossly consistent with independent geologic evidence. However, the probably large age range of the low-inclination components complicates their use for resolving tectonic rotations. Younger, intermediate-stability components of magnetization, probably of Cretaceous or Cenozoic age, are also found in many sites and also probably have multiple origins. At sites farther W, the late Paleozoic component is not found, which probably reflects its destruction by later Mesozoic or Cenozoic heating. At sites farther E, on and near the Colorado Plateau, gray carbonates yield only Cenozoic magnetizations. Some reddish, oxidized carbonates there locally contain a hematite-borne magnetization of late Paleozoic age. However, it is probably related to the development of thick continental redbed sequences in overlying strata on the plateau rather than to the remagnetization process(es) in the miogeocline.
Effect of poliovirus infection on histone synthesis in the HeLa cell.

SummaryThe distribution of incorporated C14-arginine was determined among fractions (acid soluble his tones, acid insoluble protein and DNA) of deoxyribonucleoprotein from HeLa cells. During the early stages of infection of cells with poliovirus, the synthesis of the his tones was stimulated. This was followed (third hour) by a depressed rate of synthesis of both histones and a markedly reduced incorporation of arginine into DNA. The interrelations of these effects of infection on components of the histone-DNA-RNA synthetic sequence of the host cell are considered.
Atom and cluster diffusion on Re(0001)

Abstract Diffusion of Re and W adatoms and Re clusters has been surveyed on the close-packed (0001) surface of rhenium, the first study of atom motion on an hcp metal. From the temperature dependence of the diffusivity, the activation energies to diffusion are found to be 11.11±0.43 and 11.04±0.34 kcal mol−1 for Re and W adatoms. The respective prefactors amount to 6.13(×2.6±1)×10−6 and 2.17(×2.7±1)×10−3 cm2 s−1. The energy barrier for single adatom motion over the step edge is estimated to be 15.7±0.4 and 19.3±0.4 kcal mol−1 for Re and W. Before descending the step edge, the adatoms become trapped at the edge, and have to overcome a barrier of ∼13 kcal mol−1 to return to the plane's center. The behavior of clusters containing from two to eight Re atoms has also been examined. Rotational Brownian motion is observed for Re4 under the influence of a strong imaging field. The activation energies for diffusion of Re clusters on Re(0001) are found to bear a striking resemblance to those of Ir clusters on the Ir(111) surface. Comparison of single atom diffusion on Re(0001) with that on other densely packed surfaces reveals that the diffusion barriers do not scale quantitatively with the cohesive energy.