cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deletion of the K1L gene results in a vaccinia virus that is less pathogenic due to muted innate immune responses, yet still elicits protective immunity

All viruses strategically alter the antiviral immune response to their benefit. The vaccinia virus (VACV) K1 protein has multiple immunomodulatory effects in tissue culture models of infection, including NF-κB antagonism. However, the effect of K1 during animal infection is poorly understood. We determined that a K1L-less vaccinia virus (vΔK1L) was less pathogenic than wild-type VACV in intranasal and intradermal models of infection. Decreased pathogenicity was correlated with diminished virus replication in intranasally infected mice. However, in intradermally inoculated ears, vΔK1L replicated to levels nearly identical to those of VACV, implying that the decreased immune response to vΔK1L infection, not virus replication, dictated lesion size. Several lines of evidence support this theory. First, vΔK1L induced slightly less edema than vK1L, as revealed by histopathology and noninvasive quantitative ultrasound technology (QUS). Second, infiltrating immune cell populations were decreased in vΔK1L-infected ears. Third, cytokine and chemokine gene expression was decreased in vΔK1L-infected ears. While these results identified the biological basis for smaller lesions, they remained puzzling; because K1 antagonizes NF-κB in vitro, antiviral gene expression was expected to be higher during vΔK1L infection. Despite these diminished innate immune responses, vΔK1L vaccination induced a protective VACV-specific CD8+ T cell response and protected against a lethal VACV challenge. Thus, vΔK1L is the first vaccinia virus construct reported that caused a muted innate immune gene expression profile and decreased immune cell infiltration in an intradermal model of infection yet still elicited protective immunity.IMPORTANCE The vaccinia virus (VACV) K1 protein inhibits NF-κB activation among its other antagonistic functions. A virus lacking K1 (vΔK1L) was predicted to be less pathogenic because it would trigger a more robust antiviral immune response than VACV. Indeed, vΔK1L was less pathogenic in intradermally infected mouse ear pinnae. However, vΔK1L infection unexpectedly elicited dramatically reduced infiltration of innate immune cells into ears. This was likely due to decreased expression of cytokine and chemokine genes in vΔK1L-infected ears. As such, our finding contradicted observations from cell culture systems. Interestingly, vΔK1L conferred protective immunity against lethal VACV challenge. This suggests that the muted immune response triggered during vΔK1L infection remained sufficient to mount an effective protective response. Our results highlight the complexity and unpredictable nature of virus-host interactions, a relationship that must be understood to better comprehend virus pathogenesis or to manipulate viruses for use as vaccines.
Academic Careers for the 21st Century: More Options for new Faculty

As American colleges and universities move into the twenty-first century, their faculty members now number approximately one million (Kirshstein, Mattheson & Jing, 1997). This expansion in the numbers of faculty has been accompanied by changes in the traditional academic career to accommodate numerous and varied institutional and individual needs. Today, the majority of faculty members no longer occupy tenure-eligible positions. Twenty-eight percent of the full-time faculty members are not eligible for tenure, and 42% are part-time (Gappa, 2000). The proliferation of faculty careers and employment arrangements raises a critically important question: how do colleges and universities make and keep the academic career attractive to the most promising current and potential faculty members?
Alternating direction method of multipliers for sparse zero-variance discriminant analysis and principal component analysis

We consider the task of classification in the high-dimensional setting where the number of features of the given data is significantly greater than the number of observations. To accomplish this task, we propose sparse zero-variance discriminant analysis (SZVD) as a method for simultaneously performing linear discriminant analysis and feature selection on high-dimensional data. This method combines classical zero-variance discriminant analysis, where discriminant vectors are identified in the null space of the sample within-class covariance matrix, with penalization applied to the discriminant vectors to induce sparse solutions. We propose a simple algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers for approximately solving the resulting nonconvex optimization problem. Further, we show that this algorithm is applicable to a larger class of penalized generalized eigenvalue problems, including a particular relaxation of the sparse principal component analysis problem. Theoretical guarantees for convergence of our algorithm to stationary points of the original nonconvex problem and the results of numerical experiments evaluating performance of our classification heuristic on simulated data and data drawn from applications in time-series classification are also provided. ∗Department of Computing + Mathematical Sciences, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd., Mail Code 305-16, Pasadena, CA, 91125, bpames@caltech.edu †Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, 117 Pleasant Street SE, Walter Library RM 455, Minneapolis, MN, 55406, mhong@umn.edu
WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW ABOUT THE FREE NUCLEON-NUCLEON INTERACTION

The purpose of this talk is to show what we currently believe about the free NN system, and to compare it with what is actually being used in nuclear calculations. I will touch on four aspects: (i) present theory; (ii) the potentials produced by that theory as well as by NN experiment; (iii) the relevant NN amplitudes (phase shifts) and (iv) how to choose NN potentials and amplitudes for nuclear calculations.
Sequence-Dependent Interfacial Adsorption and Permeation of Dipeptides across Phospholipid Membranes

We investigate permeation of three blocked dipeptides with different side chain polarity across a phospholipid membrane and their behavior at the water–membrane interface by way of molecular dynamics simulations. Hydrophilic serine-serine dipeptide is found to desorb from the interface to aqueous phase, whereas hydrophobic phenylalanine–leucine and amphiphilic serine-leucine tend to accumulate at the interface with a free energy minimum of −3 kcal/mol. All three dipeptides exhibit free energy barriers to permeation across the membrane located at the center of the bilayer. The height of the barrier is strongly sequence dependent and increases with the dipeptide polarity. It is equal to 3.5, 6.4, and 10.0 kcal/mol for phenylalanine-leucine, serine-leucine, and serine-serine, respectively. The corresponding permeability coefficients are equal to 4.6 × 10–3, 4.5 × 10–5, and 8.7 × 10–8 cm/s. The apparent insensitivity of membrane permeability to hydrophobicity of dipeptides, found in some experiments, is attri...
Sex differences in fear discrimination do not manifest as differences in conditioned inhibition

Distinguishing safety from danger is necessary for survival, but is aberrant in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While PTSD is more prevalent in women than men, research on sex differences in safety learning is limited. Here, female rats demonstrated greater fear discrimination than males in a CS+/CS- paradigm. To determine if this sex difference transferred to fear inhibition, rats were tested for conditioned inhibition in a summation test with the CS+ and CS- presented in compound; no sex difference emerged. The results suggest sex differences in the neural mechanisms of discrimination learning but not recall of a fear inhibitor.
Differential effects of chronic and acute simulated seawater intrusion on tidal freshwater marsh carbon cycling

Tidal freshwater ecosystems experience acute seawater intrusion associated with periodic droughts, but are expected to become chronically salinized as sea level rises. Here we report the results from an experimental manipulation in a tidal freshwater Zizaniopsis miliacea marsh on the Altamaha River, GA where diluted seawater was added to replicate marsh plots on either a press (constant) or pulse (2 months per year) basis. We measured changes in porewater chemistry (SO42−, Cl−, organic C, inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus), ecosystem CO2 and CH4 exchange, and microbial extracellular enzyme activity. We found that press (chronic) seawater additions increased porewater chloride and sulfate almost immediately, and ammonium and phosphate after 2–4 months. Chronic increases in salinity also decreased net ecosystem exchange, resulting in reduced CO2 and CH4 emissions from press plots. Our pulse treatment, designed to mimic natural salinity incursion in the Altamaha River (September and October), temporarily increased porewater ammonium concentrations but had few lasting effects on porewater chemistry or ecosystem carbon balance. Our findings suggest that long-term, chronic saltwater intrusion will lead to reduced C fixation and the potential for increased nutrient (N, P) export while acute pulses of saltwater will have temporary effects.
Within-individual variation in signal production limits female choice in noisy treefrog choruses

In acoustically communicating animals such as anurans and orthopterans, individual signalers can display remarkable variation in signal traits, even within a single bout of calling. This within-individual variation has the potential to “mask” the between-individual variation that is the target of sexual selection. Thus, receivers may not always be able to discriminate among males based on properties of their acoustic signals, even when female choice is well documented in the lab. The effect of within-individual variation may be compounded by noise generated by breeding choruses of conspecifics, which can prevent signal detection or discrimination. We manipulated within-individual variation in two signal traits (call rate and pulse rate) that are critically important for mate choice in Hyla chrysoscelis, Cope’s gray treefrog. We replicated our design at three realistic levels of chorus noise. Within-individual variation in signal traits reduced the strength of sexual selection on one of two traits, and receivers were less likely to discriminate against lower-quality signals under conditions of realistic chorus noise. Our results suggest that preference functions generated using stimuli that lack within-individual variation, under ideal listening conditions, may chronically over-estimate the strength of sexual selection on signal traits in natural populations.
High-confidence discrimination of explosive materials on surfaces using a non-spectroscopic optical biomimetic sensing method

Field detection of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threats requires the development of highly selective sensors with low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-c). Recent developments have demonstrated that an optical biomimetic sensing approach, based on human-eye color detection can provide high-confidence discrimination of target chemicals while rejecting potential interferents with similar chemical structures. This biomimetic sensing method operates by identifying differences in the overlap between target and interferent chemical infrared absorption bands utilizing three, overlapping, optical bandpass filters. This method is non-spectroscopic and requires only the use of commercially available, off-the-shelf optical components. This approach has been demonstrated for volatile chemical vapors in the mid-wave-infrared (3 – 5 μm). Based on this success, experimental studies of this biomimetic sensing approach have been expanded further into the long wave infrared spectral region (6 – 12 μm) and for detection of explosives on surfaces, including aluminum and plastics. We present discrimination results using this biomimetic sensing approach for explosive samples on surfaces in both the mid- and long- wave infrared. Numerical data, along with experimentally collected data, are discussed. We demonstrate that this method is capable of discriminating between similar explosives on surfaces as well as between these explosives and potential environmental interferents. We present the results of these experiments and discuss potential transition of this approach to future field-ready stand-off devices and applications.
Ascertainment of a Twin Sample by Computerized Record Matching, with Assessment of Possible Sampling Biases

We review progress made in ascertaining a twin sample by computerized record matching. A target sample of 1856 female like-sex twin pairs born 1975–1983, and believed to be both still living, was identified from state birth records. In 30 months, during 1995–1997, contact with 86% of families was established, although the success rate was lower for minority (principally African-American) families (74%). An estimated 15% of school-aged twin pairs were discordant either for school grade level or for school attendance and would have been missed in any school-based ascertainment scheme. Equal proportions of majority and minority families were living in state at the time they were traced (85.6 versus 85.3%). Using a conservative adjustment for the reduced probability of finding out-of-state (“mobile”) families, we project that 80% of families were still living in the state where the twins were born. Mobile families on average had better-educated parents, had higher incomes, and were more likely to remain two-parent families but did not differ in rates of parental psychopathology (alcoholism or depression). Hard-to-find families—those in which time to completion of a first-contact interview was greater than the 90th percentile—were more likely to be African-American, to have an alcoholic biologic father, to be living out of state, and to be larger and poorer. Adjusting for undersampling of out-of-state residents had little impact on conclusions about genetic and environmental contributions to offspring risk of behavioral problems, as assessed by parental ratings of the twins' oppositional symptoms and school grades.
Physical Data Base Design

The data described by a (logical) data base schema are not available to application programs or user inquiries until it has been realized physically, using the software and devices of the user’s installation. Physical data base design includes the preparation of a plan for that realization and its accomplishment. In the terminology of traditional systems design, physical design is analogous to the selection of a file organization, preparation of file record layouts, and the creation of the file itself.
Catalysis in Direct Coal Liquefaction

Coal liquefaction can be defined as the conversion of solid coal to products which are liquid at ambient temperatures. Usual methods for direct liquefaction processing are pyrolysis, solvent extraction or hydrogenation. These processes can all be enhanced by the use of catalysts (for example, catalytic pyrolysis or catalytic hydropyrolysis, Exxon Donor Solvent Process and catalytic two-stage liquefaction). Catalysis is necessary because there are many reactions possible at the conditions used for liquefaction and only certain ones are desirable, such as bond cleavage and chain termination. Since coal is such a chemically heterogeneous material, no single-function catalyst appears able to satisfy all of the requirements for successful implementation of catalysts to full-scale coal liquefaction. If suitable catalyst combinations can be identified and developed for coal liquefaction this fact alone could lead to greatly increased possibilities for a coal liquefaction industry to compete with decreasing and eventually more expensive liquids from petroleum. Since coal liquefaction was first commercialized in Germany, many improvements have been made in the use of catalysts. Although not complete, our understanding of the chemistry of coal and the reactions whicw must be catalyzed has advanced considerably. The application of both dispersed and supported catalysts is now possible and the feasibility of direct coal liquefaction more viable.
Emerging Adults’ Public and Private Discussions of Substance Use on Social Media:

Substance use increases during emerging adulthood and may relate to higher concurrent and future problems. For a community sample of 140 emerging adults, this study explores the associations betwee...
Polymer-filled macroporous hydrogel for low friction

Abstract This paper demonstrates that macroporous hydrogels, filled with mobile polymer chains, markedly reduce friction. We fabricate a macroporous hydrogel by freeze and thaw, soak the macroporous hydrogel in an aqueous solution of mobile polymer chains, and slide the polymer-filled macroporous hydrogel against glass. The polymer-filled macroporous hydrogel reduces friction compared to a neat hydrogel with or without mobile polymer chains, and to a macroporous hydrogel with water (no mobile polymer chains). Furthermore, the polymer-filled macroporous hydrogel maintains low friction after long-time sliding. The polymer-filled macroporous hydrogel mimics a division of labor between the pores and mobile polymers in a synovial joint. Both the mobile polymer chains and the macropores contribute to low friction.
Concordance of Early and Late End Points for Community-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia Trials.

Background While there are ongoing regulatory convergence efforts, differences remain in primary endpoints recommended for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) trials. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends assessing CABP symptom resolution at an early time point (3-5 days after randomization). Other regulatory agencies recommend assessing overall clinical response at a later time point (5-10 days after therapy ends). Methods We analyzed participant-level data from six recent CABP trials submitted to the FDA (n=4,645 participants) to evaluate concordance between early and late endpoint outcomes. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with discordance. Results Early and late endpoint outcomes were concordant for 85.6% of participants. The proportions of early endpoint responders that ultimately failed and early endpoint non-responders that ultimately succeeded were similar (6.0% vs 8.4%, respectively). Early endpoint response was highly predictive of late endpoint success (positive predictive value 92.9%). Multivariate logistic regression identified early endpoint responders/late endpoint failures as less likely to be obese and more likely to be infected with Chlamydophila pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus, have received antibacterial drug therapy prior to randomization, and have severe chest pain at baseline. The most common investigator-provided reasons for failure among early endpoint responders/late endpoint failures were receipt of non-study antibacterial drug therapy and loss to follow-up. Conclusion Early and late endpoint outcomes were highly concordant. These data may be useful in the continuing efforts to reach international regulatory convergence on CABP clinical trial design recommendations.
Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning for Infectious Disease Control with Application to COVID-19 Spread

Severe infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pose a huge threat to public health. Stringent control measures, such as school closures and stay-at-home orders, while having significant effects, also bring huge economic losses. A crucial question for policymakers around the world is how to make the trade-off and implement the appropriate interventions. In this work, we propose a Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning framework to facilitate the data-driven decision making and minimize the long-term overall cost. Specifically, at each decision point, a Bayesian epidemiological model is first learned as the environment model, and then we use the proposed model-based multi-objective planning algorithm to find a set of Pareto-optimal policies. This framework, combined with the prediction bands for each policy, provides a real-time decision support tool for policymakers. The application is demonstrated with the spread of COVID-19 in China.
An Unscented Kalman Filter Based Approach for the HealthMonitoring and Prognostics of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cel

Poor long-term performance and durability combined with high production and maintenance costs remain the main obstacles for the commercialization of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). While on-line diagnosis and operating condition optimization play an important role in addressing the durability issue of the fuel cell, health-monitoring and prognosis (or PHM) techniques are of equally great significance in terms of scheduling condition-based maintenance (CBM) to minimize repair and maintenance costs, the associated operational disruptions, and also the risk of unscheduled downtime for the fuel cell systems. In this paper, an unscented Kalman filter (UKF) approach is proposed for the purpose of damage tracking and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of a PEMFC. To implement this model-based PHM framework, a physics-based, prognostic-oriented catalyst degradation model is developed to characterize the fuel cell damage that establishes the relationship between the operating conditions and the degradation rate of the electro-chemical surface area (ECSA). The model complexity is kept minimal for on-line prognostic purpose. Simulation is carried out for validation of the proposed algorithm, using a more detailed catalyst degradation model.
Measure for characterizing heavy-tailed networks

This paper introduces the Cooke-Nieboer Index to identify networks with heavy-tailed degree distributions which is non-asymptotic and does not presume a power-law form.
New lower bounds for the number of conjugacy classes in finite nilpotent groups

P. Hall's classical equality for the number of conjugacy classes‎ ‎in $p$-groups yields $k(G) ge (3/2) log_2 |G|$ when $G$ is nilpotent‎. ‎Using only Hall's theorem‎, ‎this is the best one can do when $|G| = 2^n$‎. ‎Using a result of G.J‎. ‎Sherman‎, ‎we improve the constant $3/2$ to $5/3$‎, ‎which is best possible across all‎ ‎nilpotent groups and to $15/8$ when $G$ is nilpotent and $|G| ne 8,16$‎. ‎These results are then used to prove that $k(G) > log_3(|G|)$ when $G/N$ is nilpotent‎, ‎under ‎‎‎‎natural conditions on $N trianglelefteq G$‎. ‎Also‎, ‎when $G'$ is nilpotent of class $c$‎, ‎we prove that $k(G) ge (log |G|)^t$ when $|G|$ is large enough‎, ‎depending only on $(c,t)$‎.
Capital development within supportive adult relationships: processes of positive adaptation for marginalized youth

Supportive adults offer adolescents a positive resource for building a resilient profile, as they generally provide guidance, encouragement, and emotional support. These transformative relationship...
Role of Lymphadenectomy During Radical Cystectomy for Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Results From a Multi-Institutional Experience

Introduction:While lymph node dissection (LND) at radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has been studied extensively, the role of LND for non-muscle invasive bladder can...
Comparative Public Budgeting: Global Perspectives on Taxing and Spending

Every government engages in budgeting and public financial management to run the affairs of state. Effective budgeting empowers states to prioritize policies, allocate resources, and discipline bureaucracies, and it contributes to efficacious fiscal and macroeconomic policies. Budgeting can be transparent, participatory, and promote democratic decision-making, or it can be opaque, hierarchical, and encourage authoritarian rule. This book compares budgetary systems around the world by examining the economic, political, cultural, and institutional contexts in which they are formulated, adopted, and executed. The second edition has been updated with new data to offer a more expansive set of national case studies, with examples of budgeting in China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, and Nigeria. Chapters also discuss Brexit and the European Union's struggle to require balances budgets during the Euro Debt Crisis. Additionally, the authors provide a deeper analysis of developments in US budgetary policies from the Revolutionary War through the Trump presidency.
Measurements of blood flow to individual glomeruli in the ophidian kidney

Continuous measurements of the instantaneous rate of blood flow to individual glomeruli in a normal vertebrate kidney were made in the garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis. Epifluorescence video microscopy was used to visualize and record blood flow in the afferent arterioles of superficial nephrons. The dual-slit method was used for the determination of red blood cell (RBC) velocity from the video replay. Simultaneous measurements of the vessel diameter allowed the continuous determination of the instantaneous rate of blood flow. A total of 100 glomeruli was surveyed in 12 animals. These glomeruli displayed both constant and highly variable rates of blood flow, with 21% of all nephrons displaying intermittent glomerular perfusion. The mean single-nephron blood flow rate (SNBFR) for all individuals was 23.9 +/- 10.3 (SD) nl/min (n = 12). The percentage of nephrons with intermittent flow for an individual animal increased significantly with increasing plasma osmolality. Intermittency was associated with low SNBFR values; SNBFR averaged 13.5 +/- 10.2 (SD) nl/min (n = 21) in intermittent nephrons and 29.2 +/- 19.0 (SD) nl/min (n = 79) in continuous flow nephrons, the difference being significant (P less than 0.001). Nephrons with continuous perfusion displayed a much greater range of SNBFR values than intermittent nephrons. This suggests that, although changes in whole kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in reptiles need not involve glomerular intermittency, intermittency may lower GFR.
Toward measurement of attention as a function of risk and risk preference in man-machine systems.

An experimental paradigm is presented which measures an operator's attention or sampling behavior as a function of the minimum number of variables necessary to structure the problem: (1) the operator's risk preference, (2) a controlled variable, and (3) costs of sampling and loss of control. Two normative models are compared with experimental data.
Humans and Other Animals: A Biological and Ethical Perspective

The first thing to be said about our title is that all humans are animals. Our biological kinship with the whole of animated nature, to use an oldfashioned phrase, in one Great Chain of Being should be unequivocally clear. In this connexion should also be included our intimate relationship to the world of inanimate nature, precisely because it is inanimate, for it speaks to us in a voice no less appealing and meaningful than that other, of animate nature. In our Father’s house, we are members of one family, but in its mansions we are guests in common with all its other inhabitants, neither superior nor inferior, but members of an extended family, a kingdom of animate and inanimate nature comprising several millions of variegated species, and sustaining a physical environment the most wonderful and beautiful to behold. As an anatomist, a biological anthropologist, and social biologist, I have learned that we are made of the same essential materials as are all other animals, that ultimately, indeed, we are constructed of the same stuff as is our world, and that our kinship is with the whole of nature, that we are guests upon this earth, and should conduct ourselves accordingly, with sensitivity, thoughtfulness, reverence, enjoyment, and gratitude.
Empiric model applications

This portion of the book is almost exclusively devoted to a single model and its applications. In U.S. planning practice the empiric model, beginning with work done by the Traffic Research Corporation for the Boston Regional Planning Project in 1963 and continuing through the early 1970’s, has been the single most widely applied urban land use model. Its success, despite the barrage of criticism which has been leveled at it (as described in the following pages) is due in no small measure to its robustness in terms of its fit to base year data, and to the concerted development and sales efforts of its progenitors and their successors (T.R.C. and Peat Marwick Mitchell respectively).
Leisure Context, Parental Control, and Resistance to Peer Pressure as Predictors of Adolescent Partying and Substance Use: An Ecological Perspective

Using an ecological model we explored factors that contributed to the amount of time adolescents spent partying and consequent substance use. This study derived from secondary data analysis on self...
An EQT-cDFT approach to determine thermodynamic properties of confined fluids

We present a continuum-based approach to predict the structure and thermodynamic properties of confined fluids at multiple length-scales, ranging from a few angstroms to macro-meters. The continuum approach is based on the empirical potential-based quasi-continuum theory (EQT) and classical density functional theory (cDFT). EQT is a simple and fast approach to predict inhomogeneous density and potential profiles of confined fluids. We use EQT potentials to construct a grand potential functional for cDFT. The EQT-cDFT-based grand potential can be used to predict various thermodynamic properties of confined fluids. In this work, we demonstrate the EQT-cDFT approach by simulating Lennard-Jones fluids, namely, methane and argon, confined inside slit-like channels of graphene. We show that the EQT-cDFT can accurately predict the structure and thermodynamic properties, such as density profiles, adsorption, local pressure tensor, surface tension, and solvation force, of confined fluids as compared to the molecular dynamics simulation results.
10. Acoustic measurements in gases

Abstract Cylindrical acoustic resonators developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are routinely used to measure the speed of sound in gases with uncertainties of 0.01% or less. The pressure dependence of the data is fitted with model intermolecular potentials to obtain virial coefficients as well as gas densitiesand heat capacities C p with uncertainties of 0.1%. The model intermolecular potentials are also used to estimate the viscosity η and thermal conductivity λ of gases with uncertainties of less than 10%. These techniques have been applied to numerous gases, and the results are tabulated. The gases include candidate replacement refrigerants, helium-xenon mixtures used in thermoacoustic machinery, and very reactive gases used in semiconductor processing. The viscosity can be measured directly with uncertainties of less than 1% using the Greenspan acoustic viscometer, a novel acoustic resonator developed at NIST. A second novel resonator is used to measure the Prandtl number ( Pr ∈η C p /λ) with uncertainties on the order of 2%. The thermal conductivity is determined by combining the Prandtl number with the acoustically determined density, viscosity, and heat capacity. Spherical acoustic resonators are used to measure the speed of sound with the highest possible accuracy. An argon-filled spherical resonator was used to redetermine the universal gas constant R with a fractional standard uncertainty of 1.7×10 −6 . The same resonator was used to measure imperfections of the internationally accepted temperature scale (ITS-90) in the range 217 to 303 K. This work is being extended to 800 K. In effect, very accurate speed-of-sound measurements will be used to calibrate thermometers.
Use of pop‐up satellite archival tags to identify oceanic‐migratory patterns for adult Atlantic Sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus Mitchell, 1815

Summary Oceanic-migratory behavior of adult Atlantic Sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus, was examined using pop-up satellite archival tags (PSAT). Twenty-three Atlantic Sturgeons were caught and tagged with PSATs in the Hudson River, New York during 2006 and 2007. Fifteen of those fish returned to the ocean (with PSATs attached) 6–132 days after tagging. These PSATs remained attached to fish for a period of 108–360 days archiving light, temperature, and depth, before releasing from fish, ascending to the surface, and transmitting data to satellites. The location of PSATs was measured to within ±150 m by satellites using Doppler shift of radio transmissions within hours after tags reached the surface. Positions prior to pop up were initially estimated using only archived-light data and the tag manufacturers’ proprietary software. Positional error associated with light-based estimates is high, especially with regard to latitude. This error was reduced by applying depth, distance, and temperature filters. Thirteen of the 15 Atlantic Sturgeons that left the Hudson River with PSATs attached remained within the Mid-Atlantic Bight for up to 1 year after tagging. Their geographic distributions generally extended from Long Island, New York to Chesapeake Bay at depths between 5 and 40 m. Aggregation areas were identified off southwest Long Island, along the New Jersey coast, off Delaware Bay, and off Chesapeake Bay. Depth distribution was seasonal; fish inhabited deepest waters during winter and shallowest waters during summer and early fall. Two Atlantic Sturgeons traveled outside of the Mid-Atlantic Bight. One migrated north to Cobequid Bay (terminal end of the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia), whereas the other traveled south to the coast of Georgia.
Gameplay-driven terrain generation in Scorched Earth

In this paper, we propose a hybrid method to procedurally generate terrains in Scorch Earth. It features both the fast computing speed of random techniques and the wide variety of details of fractal techniques. We indirectly evaluate terrains by analyzing the gameplay data. We create an AI agent to model players' behaviors to produce gameplay data. The agent is capable to shoot and move in different scenarios. Finally we introduce metrics for gameplays to select good terrains.
A practical algorithm for retiming level-clocked circuits

A new approach for fast retiming of level-clocked circuits is presented. The method relies on the relation between clock skew and retiming, and computes the optimal skew solution to translate it to a retiming. Since clock skew optimization operates on the latches (rather than the gates as in conventional retiming), it is much faster because of a smaller problem size; the translation to the retiming solution is computationally cheap. The minimum period retiming for each of the ISCAS89 circuits was obtained within minutes by this algorithm.
Two-Tier Moral Codes

A moral code consists of principles that assign moral status to individual actions – principles that evaluate acts as right or wrong, prohibited or obligatory, permissible or supererogatory. Many theorists have held that such principles must serve two distinct functions. On the one hand, they serve a theoretical function, insofar as they specify the characteristics in virtue of which acts possess their moral status. On the other hand, they serve a practical function, insofar as they provide an action-guide: a standard by reference to which a person can choose which acts to perform and which not. Although the theoretical and practical functions of moral principles are closely linked, it is not at all obvious that what enables a principle to fill one of these roles automatically equips it to fill the other. In this paper I shall briefly examine some of the reasons why a moral principle might fail to fill its practical role, i.e., be incapable of guiding decisions. I shall then sketch three common responses to this kind of failure, and examine in some detail the adequacy of one of the most popular of these responses.
Global warming and the tipping point

Global warming is a contentious issue. Depending on one's point of view, causes and outcomes can be quite different. It is certain, however, that the earth is constantly changing, evolving into different sets of environmental conditions. The changes, interpreted as good or bad, are conditioned by perspective and personal impact. Geologists tend to take a long‐term view of environmental change, e.g. glacial–interglacial cycles and fluctuation of sea level. Global environmental change, such as planetary warming cycles, is triggered by tipping points related to planetary physics viz. the familiar luni‐solar cycles. A tipping point or critical moment may be abrupt or multiple, leading to pronounced changes in environmental conditions. Human beings have undeniable powers to damage the environment and to accelerate rates of change catastrophically. Yet Nature has a long‐term record for occasionally striking back. Whatever the present trend, the last word will always be political.
Quantification of the Effects of Age on the Dose Response of Variola major in Suckling Mice

ABSTRACT Dose-response data for Variola major (V. major), the causative agent of smallpox, were obtained from the open literature, summarized, and fitted with three dose-response models. It is known from prior outbreak experience that there is generally a difference in infectivity of the agent and its subsequent mortality depending on the age of the patient. A source of animal dose-response data were found with age delineation for the exposure group (suckling mice, intraperitoneal exposure). This delineation was used to adapt current dose-response models to include an age dependency parameter. The degree of the models' fit to the data was ascertained using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). The effect of host age could be described quantitatively using modifications to the beta Poisson and exponential dose-response models. The modifications improvement in the accuracy of risk prediction by 72% for the beta Poisson model and 7% for the exponential model, compared to the original (unmodified) models.
Chiral SU ( 3 ) ⊗ SU ( 3 ) as a Symmetry of the Strong Interactions

Starting with the modern developments of current algebra and the hypothesis of partially conserved axial-vector current, it has gradually become apparent that the strong interactions are almost invariant under the group $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{SU}(3)$. In the limit that symmetry breaking is neglected, $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{SU}(3)$ does not appear as a symmetry of the particle states as $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ does, but rather as a symmetry realized by eight Goldstone bosons, i.e., the pseudoscalar octet. Most papers on $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{SU}(3)$ symmetry have been concerned with soft-meson theorems and their connection with effective Lagrangians. This paper is devoted to other aspects of the symmetry. Part of the paper is frankly pedagogical. The physics behind a symmetry realized by way of Goldstone bosons is brought out through a study of the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model. Then the general principles are stated abstractly and applied to the hadrons. One of the new results presented here is that there are two distinct ways in which $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{SU}(3)$ can be realized. In both cases there is an octet of massless pseudoscalar mesons. The two possibilities differ in the residual symmetry of the hadron spectrum: In one case, it is only $\mathrm{SU}(3)$; in the other, it is $\mathrm{SU}(3)$ times a discrete symmetry, which leads to parity doublets. It is conjectured that some of the observed parity doubling in nucleon resonances is a consequence of this new discrete symmetry. Symmetry breaking is discussed in detail and is found to be very complex. In particular, it is shown that, at least for the pseudoscalar-meson masses, octet enhancement can never occur for first-order perturbations around an $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{SU}(3)$-symmetrical limit. Since octet enhancement is an empirical fact, one is forced to conclude that lowest-order perturbation theory is not a good approximation. In connection with octet enhancement, we show how one can use a principle of pole dominance in the angular momentum plane to replace scalar "tadpole" mesons with Regge trajectories.
Chronic sinusitis: symptoms versus CT scan findings.

Purpose of review The association between symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis and findings on a sinus CT scan remains controversial. Although the 1997 Task Force on Rhinosinusitis definition of chronic rhinosinusitis includes only symptoms and signs, many clinicians use CT scans for diagnosis and assessment of disease severity. Recent findings Two prospective studies evaluated associations between symptoms and CT scan findings. One study compared the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis with findings using a validated CT staging system; the CT findings were poorly predictive of the presence or absence of chronic sinusitis. The other study used a nonvalidated assessment of symptoms and several measurements from CT scans and identified a few significant associations. Summary There are few recent studies explicitly addressing symptom severity and CT scan findings in chronic sinusitis. Most studies conclude that there is little correlation between CT findings and symptoms but that both are important in the evaluation of sinusitis.
The sounds of silence: cessation of singing and song pausing are ultrasound-induced acoustic startle behaviors in the katydid Neoconocephalus ensiger (Orthoptera; Tettigoniidae).

Previous studies of acoustic startle in insects have dealt with behavioral and/or neural mechanisms employed in evading aerially hawking, echolocating bats; however, insects also face terrestrial predators. Here we describe an acoustic startle response of the nocturnal katydid, Neoconocephalus ensiger. Stridulating males disturbed in the field perform obvious anti-predatory behaviors – cessation of singing, freezing, jumping, and evasive flight. Under controlled laboratory conditions we found that cessation of singing and song pausing are ultrasound-specific behaviors: when stimulated with pulsed ultrasound (20–100 kHz), but not audio-sound (<20 kHz), males cease mate calling or insert pauses in their song. A second factor influencing acoustic startle is the phase of stimulation: an acoustic startle response occurs only when the pulse of ultrasound arrives during the window of silence between stridulatory syllables. The average startle threshold and response latency was 70 ± 5 dB SPL and 34.2 ± 6.0 ms, respectively. N. ensiger is particularly useful for examining acoustic startle responses of non-flying insects because (1) its calling song is broadband and contains ultrasound, thus the possibility exists of confusion over the biological meaning of ultrasound, and (2) this species shows the classic bat-avoidance response while flying, so a direct comparison between two types of acoustic startle is possible within the same species.
Public Health Issues in Geriatric Dentistry in the United States

The aging United States population living in the new millennium has dental needs that are very different and more complex than those experienced by previous older adult cohorts during the twentieth century. The type of dental care to be provided for older Americans goes way beyond emergency care, extractions and denture care. Dental caries is still clearly a public health problem for subgroups of older Americans, such as those of lower socioeconomic status, with dementia, who are homebound and who are institutionalized. These are also the subgroups experiencing greater barriers to accessing dental care. Stakeholders, including dental professionals and the dental benefits industry, need to work together to develop innovative dental financing programs that will increase older Americans access to dental care.
15-100 keV variability in her X-1 observed by HEAO-1

Abstract During the 18 month mission lifetime of HEAO-1, Her X-1 was observed for 183 days of scanning by the UCSD/MIT Hard X-Ray and Low Energy Gamma-Ray Experiment, producing 14 hours of on-source livetime over five 35 day cycles. Included in this time are 13 pointed observations made at various 35 day phases, accounting for 29 hours of livetime on-source. Four complete main-ons were observed to have varying durations. Two complete short-ons and two partial short-ons were also observed. We present here results on pulse shape variations with 35 day phase as well as with energy, spectral variations with pulse phase, and pulse fractions with energy and phase. These results may indicate that the the 35d intensity profile is not due to a simple blocking mechanism at the distance of the accretion disk, and that repeatable changes in the accretion geometry near the pulse formation region may be occurring with 35d phase.
PRODUCTIVITY, INTRAGUILD PREDATION, AND POPULATION DYNAMICS IN EXPERIMENTAL FOOD WEBS

Theory predicts that productivity and the relative efficiency of resource utilization determine the outcome of interactions between intraguild predators and prey. Interactions between two freshwater protists, Colpidium striatum (the intraguild prey) and Blepharisma americanum (the intraguild predator), in laboratory microcosms support the predictions of intraguild predation theory. Colpidium competitively excluded Blepharisma when bacterial production was low, even though Blepharisma had a potential advantage conferred by its ability to consume Colpidium. In contrast to competitive exclusion at low productivity, Colpidium and Blepharisma coexisted for many generations at higher levels of bacterial production. Theory predicts a similar transition from competitive exclusion to coexistence as productivity increases, if intraguild predators use resources less efficiently than intraguild prey/competitors. Other experiments showed that Colpidium depresses bacterial densities more than Blepharisma, a result consistent with greater efficiency of resource utilization by Colpidium. These results indicate that simple mathematical models can provide important insights into the population dynamics of intraguild predators and prey under different levels of productivity.
The cardiodynamic effects and mechanism of action of bretylium tosylate.

Abstract Bretylium tosylate has been found to have a positive inotropic effect on the isolated, supported canine heart. There is also an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption associated with bretylium administration. Both of these effects are completely blocked by propranolol. The inotropic effects of bretylium tosylate are, therefore, felt to be due to release of cardiac catecholamines.
A computer-controlled pulse radiolysis system

Abstract A computer-controlled pulse radiolysis unit for gathering data related to transient optical absorption has been developed around the PDP-8 minicomputer (Digital Equipment Corporation) and Biomation 8100 transient recorder. A substantial number of manual operations are eliminated and provisions are made for storage of kinetic and spectral data on paper or magnetic tape. It is shown that such a system may be constructed using facilities commercially available in the computer system with a minimum of additional circuitry required. Formats for storage and presentation of information are illustrated by application of the apparatus to several chemical systems.
Divide and prosper? When partitioned prices make sense

Purpose – This research seeks to investigate the relationship between product bundling strategies and brand value.Design/methodology/approach – Three studies were conducted, two using student subject pools and another using data collected from online auctions. The impacts of brand and bundling strategy stimuli on the dependent variables product choice and price paid were measured.Findings – Bundles offered by low‐tier brands are more attractive when they are offered in a combined price format than in a partitioned price format. Bundles offered by high‐tier brands are more attractive when they are offered in a partitioned price format than in a combined price format.Research limitations/implications – The cost of bundle elements to the firm, which may influence consumer reference prices, is not considered in this research. Also, the impacts of bundle pricing strategies are evaluated on the bundles only; the influence of a given strategy on a product portfolio is left for future research.Practical implicati...