cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seed banks alter metacommunity diversity: the interactive effects of competition, germination, and survival

Abstract Dispersal and dormancy are two common strategies allowing for species persistence and the maintenance of ecological diversity in variable environments. However, theory and empirical tests of spatial diversity patterns tend to examine either mechanism in isolation. Here, we developed a stochastic, spatially explicit metacommunity model incorporating seed banks with varying germination and survival rates. We found that dormancy and dispersal had interactive, nonlinear effects on the maintenance and distribution of metacommunity diversity, where scale-dependent effects of seed banks were modified by local competitive interactions and dispersal. The interplay between seed germination and survival regulated the benefits of seed banks for diversity. Our study shows that the role of seed banks depends critically on spatial processes, and that classic predictions for how dispersal affects metacommunity diversity can be strongly influenced by dormancy. Together, these results highlight the need to consider both temporal and spatial storage when predicting multi-scale patterns of diversity.
WE-D-303-04: 4DCBCT-Based Dose Assessment for SBRT Lung Cancer Treatment

Purpose: To develop a 4DCBCT-based dose assessment method for calculating actual delivered dose for patients with significant respiratory motion during the course of SBRT or anatomical changes between treatment days. Methods: To address the limitation of 4DCT-based dose assessment, we propose to calculate the delivered dose using time varying (‘fluoroscopic’) 3D patient images generated from a 4DCBCT-based motion model. The method includes four steps: (1) before each treatment, 4DCBCT data is acquired with the patient in treatment position, based on which a patient-specific motion model is created using a principal components analysis (PCA) algorithm. (2) During treatment, 2D time-varying kV projection images are continuously acquired, from which time-varying ‘fluoroscopic’ 3D images of the patient are reconstructed using the motion model. (3) Lateral truncation artifacts are corrected using planning 4DCT images. (4) the 3D dose distribution is computed for each timepoint in the set of 3D fluoroscopic images, from which the total effective 3D delivered dose is calculated by accumulating deformed dose distributions. This approach is validated using six modified XCAT phantoms with lung tumors and different respiratory motions derived from patient data. The estimated doses are compared to that calculated using ground-truth XCAT phantoms. Results: For each XCAT phantom, the delivered tumor dose values generally follow the same trend as that of the ground truth and at most timepoints the difference is less than 5%. For the overall delivered dose, the normalized error of calculated 3D dose distribution is generally less than 3% and the tumor D95 error is less than 1.5%. Conclusions: XCAT phantom studies indicate the potential of the proposed method to accurately estimate 3D tumor dose distributions for SBRT lung treatment based on 4DCBCT imaging and motion modeling. Further research is necessary to investigate its performance for clinical patients data.
Recirculating HIV-target T lymphocytes at the mucosal surface of the female genital tract are associated with progesterone increases during the menstrual cycle (MUC2P.938)

The Female Genital Tract (FGT) provides a means of entry to opportunistic infections, including HIV, yet immune cell populations at this mucosal surface are poorly defined. We initiated a study of 20 healthy women to characterize resident T cell populations in the lower FGT from lavage and patient-matched blood samples. Surprisingly, we report FGT T cells were primarily CCR7 hi memory CD4 T cells ( P = hi T cells exhibited more frequent expression of HIV susceptibility markers CCR5 and CD38 compared to blood (0.6% vs. 13.6%, P =0.0017), yet retained the ability to migrate to CCR7 ligands, suggesting these cells could migrate from the genital tract into afferent lymphatics. Finally, we demonstrate the frequency of FGT CCR7 hi target cells increased during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (51.7-72.7), and correlated to progesterone from patient-matched blood ( r =0.5176, P =0.0024). These data show that a majority of CD4 T cells at the surface of the FGT in humans do not express canonical resident memory T cell markers, but are primarily a central memory T cell phenotype with the ability to traffic across the mucosal epithelium into underlying tissue. Our findings suggest HIV may directly infect recirculating memory CD4 T cells that traffic virus across the FGT mucosal barrier and progesterone changes throughout the menstrual cycle may predict availability of these cells HIV target cells.
Measuring Wing Profile Drag using an Integrating Wake Rake

An integrating wake rake concept is discussed here as very suitable for in-flight profile-drag measurements on gliders. The experimental setup is in essence the same as used with other integrating wake rakes, which uses a series of Pitot tubes that feed into a single manifold to measure the averaged total pressure deficit in the wake of an airfoil. The difference compared to those conventional integrating wake rakes lies in the post-measurement data reduction. In an iterative approach, the measured pressures are corrected in order to account for the unknown shape of the wake-deficit region and other unidentified parameters. With this approach, the possible accuracies in profile drag are similar to those obtained using a traversing wake survey system. Thus, in contrast with conventional wake rakes, it is possible to measure accurate absolute drags of an actual section of a wing in flight that can be compared with previous wind-tunnel results and/or theoretical predictions. The general theory of this drag measurement device is discussed in this paper. Furthermore, the experimental apparatus developed at Saint Louis University is introduced. Preliminary results of a comparison study demonstrate the capability of the system and the approach to measure profile drag during flight.
Drugs that Act on the Immune System: Immunosuppressive and Immunostimulatory Drugs

Abstract The Side Effects of Drugs Annual is a series of volumes in which the adverse effects of drugs and adverse reactions to them are surveyed. The series supplements the contents of Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs: the International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions. This review of the January 2016 to December 2016 publications on immunosuppressive and immunostimulatory drugs covers belatacept, cyclosporine, everolimus, fingolimod, glatiramer, leflunomide, mycophenolic acid (mycophenolate mofetil and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium), sirolimus (rapamycin), tacrolimus, temsirolimus, thiopurines and the immunoenhancing drug levamisole. A special review of genetic associations with thiopurine side effects is presented.
Further development of a digital library curriculum: evaluation approaches and new tools

This paper is a follow-up to our ICADL 2006 paper, reporting on our progress over the past year in developing a digital library curriculum. It presents and describes the current curriculum framework, which now includes ten modules and 41 sub-modules. It provides an overview of the curriculum development lifecycle, and our progress through that lifecycle. In particular, it reports on our evaluation of the modules that have been drafted. It concludes with a description of two new technologies - Superimposed Information (SI) to help resource presentation in a module and Visual User model Data Mining (VUDM) to help long-term module upgrade by visualizing the user community and its trends.
Susceptibility of young-of-the-year fishes to downstream displacement by flooding

Abstract I examined downstream displacement of young-of-the-year fishes (primarily centrarchids and cyprinids less than 25 mm total length, TL) by field sampling of drift during floods and by an experiment conducted in a 4.9-m-long artificial stream channel. The pattern of drift during a June 1985 flood (stage increase of 3.2 m) in Brier Creek, Oklahoma, indicated that both centrarchids and cyprinids smaller than 10 mm TL were extremely susceptible to downstream displacement. Drift rates of larger fish (10–25 mm) during both the June flood and a smaller flood (stage increase of 0.4 m) in July 1985 suggested that these fishes were much less susceptible to displacement. The rapid decline in susceptibility to displacement with increase in size from the field study coincided with results obtained in the artificial channel. These results suggest that the effects of floods on stream fish communities can depend on small differences in the timing of reproduction and of flooding.
Measurement Error Regression with Unknown Link: Dimension Reduction and Data Visualization

Abstract A general nonlinear regression problem is considered with measurement error in the predictors. We assume that the response is related to an unknown linear combination of a multidimensional predictor through an unknown link function. Instead of observing the predictor, we instead observe a surrogate with the property that its expectation is linearly related to the true predictor with constant variance. We identify an important transformation of the surrogate variable. Using this transformed variable, we show that if one proceeds with the usual analysis ignoring measurement error, then both ordinary least squares and sliced inverse regression yield estimates which consistently estimate the true regression parameter, up to a constant of proportionality. We derive the asymptotic distribution of the estimates. A simulation study is conducted applying sliced inverse regression in this context.
Teacher Candidates' Perceptions of Nonnative-English-Speaking Teacher Educators in a TESOL Program: "Is There a Language Barrier Compensation?".

A great deal of research has examined the status of nonnative-English-speaking (NNES) professionals in TESOL from multiple perspectives, including graduate students (Brutt-Griffler & Samimy, 2001; Liu, 1999; Park, 2012), program administrators (Clark & Paran, 2007; Nemtchinova, 2005), and ESL/EFL learners (Arva & Medgyes, 2000; Butler, 2007; Ma, 2012a). Little research has addressed native-English-speaking (NES) teacher candidates' perspectives on the NNES-NES divide in TESOL. To fill this void, this study examined the perceptions of teacher candidates from mainstream U.S. backgrounds toward NNES teacher educators. Seventy-six students in a TESOL program completed a web-based self-administered questionnaire. The rating data show no statistically significant differences between NNES and NES teacher educators in personal qualities, teaching preparation, and feedback to students, whereas NNES teacher educators scored lower than their NES counterparts in material presentation, interaction with students, and cultural awareness. The narrative data suggest that, although the NNES teacher educators' English variety was viewed as a barrier in classroom communication, the teacher candidates perceived admirably the strategies to compensate for their lack of Standard English competence through preparation and various communication techniques. The NNES teacher educators' bilingual, multicultural experience was viewed as a form of cultural capital for teacher preparation.
A study of an in vivo method of testing enteric coatings using radioactive tracer techniques

An in vivo method for testing enteric coatings is described which involves coating small pills containing radiosodium, administering them to a rat, and determining the time of disintegration by the appearance of radiosodium in the circulation and the site of disintegration by direct observation of the gastrointestinal tract. The results of the method have been compared to the results of an in vitro method.
5-Fluorouracil Cardiotoxicity: Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Effect of Coronary Vasodilators

Seven patients developed clinical features simulating myocardial ischemia less than 72 hours after 12 of 13 separate intravenous 5-fluorouracil administrations; 9 episodes were associated with chest pain, 3 with hypotension, 3 with ventricular tachycardia and 1 with cardiogenic shock. Left ventricular dysfunction was demonstrated by echocardiography in 5 separate episodes, 2 with interval improvement upon repeat echocardiograms. Pretreatment with nitrates and/or calcium channel blockers failed to prevent recurrence of cardiotoxicity during 5 of 6 repeat 5-fluorouracil administrations. Therapy with 5-fluorouracil is associated with cardiotoxicity simulating myocardial ischemia with left ventricular dysfunction. Pretreatment with coronary vasodilators may not prevent this phenomenon.
Nuclear options for our energy future

A brief review is presented of the nuclear options for our energy future. It is demonstrated that a strong correlation exists between the standard of living enjoyed by the citizens of a country and the consumption of inexpensive energy. Until now, the World's energy has been dominated by the burning of hydrocarbons in the form of coal, oil, and natural gas. However, the fear that rising levels of the greenhouse gas, CO 2 , will induce irreversible climate change has stimulated the search for alternative energy sources, one of which is nuclear. The current nuclear power industry, which supplies about 20% of the US electricity and about 16% of electrical energy World-wide, is based entirely upon thermal neutron fissioning of 235U 92 and 239Pu 94 , which is formed in situ, with the reactors in the US being divided between Boiling (Light) Water Reactors (BWRs, 40%) and Pressurized (Light) Water Reactors (PWRs, 60%). These Generation II and III reactors are efficient and reliable, and they produce electrical energy economically. Generation IV high temperature reactors, which are now being developed World-wide offer higher thermodynamic efficiencies, less waste, fuel-flexibility, and passive safety. However, the materials challenges are immense. Over the long term (100+ years) fusion power is expected to become practical, which will provide humankind with an unlimited amount of energy and is expected to fuel the development of the undeveloped world and to raise the standards of living of its citizens, while producing minimal waste in the form of helium. It will also spell the end to humankind's reliance on fossil fuels and hence will end the threat of global warming.
Polymeric electro-optic digital optical switches with low switching voltage

Digital optical switches based on electro-optic polymers have been designed and fabricated. They are suited for use as spatial switches in optical-controlled phase-array radars. The switches show step-like responses to driving voltages with 7 V switching voltage for dual-arm driving and high extinction ratio. This non-resonant switch design can be driven by push–pull configurations without bias.
Scanning ion microscopy: Elemental maps at high lateral resolution☆☆☆

Abstract The use of ultra-fine Ga+ ion probes for secondary ion mass spectometry and SIMS imaging microanalysis is discussed. The design of a new instrument using a liquid metal ion source is described in detail. Illustrative applications include studies in metallography, geology, biology and semi-conductor technology.
Storage and retrieval of medical images from data warehouses

As our applications continue to become more sophisticated, the demand for more storage continues to rise. Hence many businesses are looking toward data warehousing technology to satisfy their storage needs. A warehouse is different from a conventional database and hence deserves a different approach while storing data that might be retrieved at a later point in time. In this paper we look at the problem of storing and retrieving medical image data from a warehouse. We regard the warehouse as a pyramid with fast storage devices at the top and slower storage devices at the bottom. Our approach is to store the most needed information abstract at the top of the pyramid and more detailed and storage consuming data toward the end of the pyramid. This information is linked for browsing purposes. In a similar fashion, during the retrieval of data, the user is given a sample representation with browse option of the detailed data and, as required, more and more details are made available.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optimistic parallel simulation of reliable multicast protocols

Parallel discrete-event simulation offers the promise of harnessing the computational power of multiple processors in order to reduce the time needed for simulation-based performance studies. In this paper, we investigate the use of optimistic parallel simulation techniques in simulating reliable multicast communication network protocols. Through empirical studies (using the TeD simulation programming language, the Georgia Tech time warp simulator, and a 12-processor SGI Challenge), we find that these parallelized simulations can run noticeably faster than a uniprocessor simulation and, in a number of cases, can make effective use of parallel resources. These results are somewhat surprising because reliable multicast protocols require considerable communication (and hence synchronization) among different network entities.
High-Throughput Compression of FASTQ Data with SeqDB

Compression has become a critical step in storing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data sets because of both the increasing size and decreasing costs of such data. Recent research into efficiently compressing sequence data has focused largely on improving compression ratios. Yet, the throughputs of current methods now lag far behind the I/O bandwidths of modern storage systems. As biologists move their analyses to high-performance systems with greater I/O bandwidth, low-throughput compression becomes a limiting factor. To address this gap, we present a new storage model called SeqDB, which offers high-throughput compression of sequence data with minimal sacrifice in compression ratio. It achieves this by combining the existing multithreaded Blosc compressor with a new data-parallel byte-packing scheme, called SeqPack, which interleaves sequence data and quality scores.
On the relations between the polarization propagator, the principal propagator, and the particle‐hole propagator

It is demonstrated that the polarization propagator, the principal propagator, and in some cases also the particle-hole propagator calculated through the same order in perturbation theory all yield the same excitation energies, while only the residues of the polarization can be identified with electronic transition moments in methods which go beyond the random-phase approximation. The extra terms appearing in the second-order polarization propagator approach account for up to 10% of the individual electronic transition moments.
Red Blood Cell Invasion by Plasmodium vivax: Structural Basis for DBP Engagement of DARC

Plasmodium parasites use specialized ligands which bind to red blood cell (RBC) receptors during invasion. Defining the mechanism of receptor recognition is essential for the design of interventions against malaria. Here, we present the structural basis for Duffy antigen (DARC) engagement by P. vivax Duffy binding protein (DBP). We used NMR to map the core region of the DARC ectodomain contacted by the receptor binding domain of DBP (DBP-RII) and solved two distinct crystal structures of DBP-RII bound to this core region of DARC. Isothermal titration calorimetry studies show these structures are part of a multi-step binding pathway, and individual point mutations of residues contacting DARC result in a complete loss of RBC binding by DBP-RII. Two DBP-RII molecules sandwich either one or two DARC ectodomains, creating distinct heterotrimeric and heterotetrameric architectures. The DARC N-terminus forms an amphipathic helix upon DBP-RII binding. The studies reveal a receptor binding pocket in DBP and critical contacts in DARC, reveal novel targets for intervention, and suggest that targeting the critical DARC binding sites will lead to potent disruption of RBC engagement as complex assembly is dependent on DARC binding. These results allow for models to examine inter-species infection barriers, Plasmodium immune evasion mechanisms, P. knowlesi receptor-ligand specificity, and mechanisms of naturally acquired P. vivax immunity. The step-wise binding model identifies a possible mechanism by which signaling pathways could be activated during invasion. It is anticipated that the structural basis of DBP host-cell engagement will enable development of rational therapeutics targeting this interaction.
The New American McCarthyism: Policing Thought about the Middle East

September 11 ushered in a sustained campaign by the American Right and the Bush administration to delegitimise critical thought about the Middle East, Islam and the Arab world. The Middle East Studies Association (MESA) has borne much of the brunt of this campaign, some of it conducted by think-tanks with close links to Israel’s ruling circles. Such attacks on MESA date back to 1967 and the Arab-Israeli war. The role of organisations such as ADL, AIPAC, AVOT and ACTA is examined, as is Campus-Watch and the attempt to introduce legislation in 2003 to place university-level Middle East studies under much closer government control (via HR 3077).
Limbic and prefrontal contributions to somesthetic learning in monkeys.

Abstract Monkeys with forebrain commissurotomies and either lateral temporal, medial temporal, dorsal prefrontal, or ventral prefrontal removals from the right hemisphere were compared with control animals in learning tactual discriminations and reversal with the left hand. The lateral temporal removal yielded no effect, confirming the modality-specific roles of this sector in audition (superior temporal gyrus) and vision (inferior temporal gyrus). The dorsal prefrontal removal yielded a deficit in discrimination learning, possibly as a result of the contralateral sensory neglect or the spatial disorder produced by this lesion. Each of the two remaining lesions, medial temporal and ventral prefrontal, yielded deficits in both discrimination learning and reversal; and the effects of combined removal of these two limbic sectors appeared to be additive. Taken together with earlier findings in vision and audition, the results indicate that the two limbic sectors contribute to learning in all sensory modalities, and that they do so through cortico-cortical interaction with the sensory systems.
Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by model phenolic compounds.

Abstract A variety of model phenolic compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit the beef heart mitochondrial NADH-oxidase and succinoxidase enzyme systems in vitro . Specifically, we determined the hydroxy and methoxy configurations of the model phenolic compounds that were mandatory for inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. Data are presented that supported the conclusion that the relative potency of inhibition of the beef heart mitochondrial succinoxidase enzyme system was methyl hydroquinone > hydroquinone > 4-methyl catechol > 3-methyl catechol > catechol, whereas o -cresol, p -cresol, resorcinol, 2- methyl resorcinol and orcinol were non-inhibitory. None of the model phenolic compounds tested were inhibitory toward the beef heart mitochondrial NADH-oxidase enzyme system. These findings indicate that the site of inhibition for the catechol and hydroquinone derivatives is in complex II. Furthermore, it is proposed that a capacity for ortho- or para-quinone formation is mandatory for inhibition of mitochondrial succinoxidase activity by model phenolic compounds.
Laser-Generated Thermoelastic Waves in an Anisotropic Infinite Plate: FEM Analysis

ABSTRACT In recent years, the study of thermoelastic waves generated by focused laser beams has been undertaken by several researchers because the technique provides a means for noncontact generation of ultrasonic waves. Laser-generated ultrasonic waves have diverse applications ranging from material characterization to nondestructive testing of defects. Transient ultrasonic guided waves generated in an anisotropic infinite plate by a pulsed laser beam are investigated in this study. A semi-analytical finite element method (SAFEM) is adopted for this purpose. In this method, the plate is divided into parallel layers through its thickness and the displacement and temperature in each layer are approximated by quadratic polynomials in the thickness direction (z). They are assumed to be continuous functions of time and in-plane cartesian coordinates (x, y). Transient response is calculated using Fourier transformations in time and space variables (x, y). The analysis technique is applicable to a generally ani...
Antibodies to ependymin block the sharpening of the regenerating retinotectal projection in goldfish

Abstract The regenerating optic nerve of goldfish first reestablishes a rough retinotopic map on the tectum, then goes through an activity dependent refinement that appears to involve the elimination of inappropriate branches from early regenerated arbors. Retinotopically appropriate branches and synapses may be stabilized because the normally correlated firing of neighboring ganglion cells could cause summation of their postsynaptic responses, making them more effective. Thus, refinement of the map may be similar in several ways to associative learning. In this study, we therefore tested whether ependymin, a major protein component of the extracellular fluid that has been implicated in synaptic changes thought to be associated with learning a simple task in goldfish, may also be involved in refinement of the retinotopic map. Goldfish that had undergone unilateral optic nerve crush received intraventricular infusion of antiependymin IgG or of control IgG's beginning at 21 days postcrush. Textal recordings from these fish at 39–56 days postcrush showed that the projection had failed to sharpen, much as in the fish with activity blocked or synchronized; the average size of the multiunit receptive fields was 31° vs 11° normally. The field potentials elicited from these tecta by optic nerve shock were not significantly smaller than in controls, suggesting normal levels of synaptogenesis. Control projections, identically treated but infused with either unrelated IgG or Ringer's alone regenerated normally, giving multiunit receptive fields of 12°. Intact (non-regenerating) projections of the experimental fish were not rendered abnormal by the IgG treatment. Histology showed the retinas and tecta of the infused fish to be normal in appearance. The results show a specific block of sharpening by antiependymin IgG. The ependymal glia of the tectum stain positively for ependymin in normal fish, particularly the cell bodies in the ependymal layer. The tectum, particularly the ependymal layer, stains more intensely during regeneration, which appears to trigger increased synthesis of ependymins in the ependymal glia. This increase and the block of sharpening by specific antibodies to ependymin suggest a possible role for ependymin in activity dependent synaptic stabilization, possibly through its polymerization when calcium is focally depleted at active synapses.
Toward Resource-Optimal Consensus Over the Wireless Medium

We carry out a comprehensive study of the resource cost of averaging consensus in wireless networks. Most previous approaches suppose a graphical network, which abstracts away crucial features of the wireless medium, and measure resource consumption only in terms of the total number of transmissions required to achieve consensus. Under a path-loss model, we study the resource requirements of consensus with respect to three wireless-appropriate metrics: total transmit energy, elapsed time, and time-bandwidth product. First, we characterize the performance of several popular gossip algorithms, showing that they may be order-optimal with respect to transmit energy but are strictly suboptimal with respect to elapsed time and time-bandwidth product. Further, we propose a new consensus scheme, termed hierarchical averaging, and show that it is nearly order-optimal with respect to all three metrics. Finally, we examine the effects of quantization, showing that hierarchical averaging provides a nearly order-optimal tradeoff between resource consumption and quantization error.
Crystal field effects on the ground and lowest excited triplet states of benzene isotopes in a borazine host crystal

Abstract The phosphorescence spectra of the C6H6C6H5D1 p-C6H4D2 symp-C6H3D3, C6D6 and 13CC5D in a borazine host crystal are analyzed at high resolution. The spectral lines are sharp (∼2 cm−1 wide) indicating that the impurity molecules occupy a unique site in the borazine lattice which is probably substitutional. The phonon sidebands are weak,giving clean, well-resolved spectra much like those of isotopic mixed crystals. In contrast, however, the crystal field effects on the ground state vibrational levels are much smaller than those found for isotopic mixed crystals. The gas-to-crystal shifts are very small, the vibrational degeneracies are not removed and orientational splittings are only observable for a few select vibrational levels. For most vibrational levels and for the derivation of selection rules one can asume the effective crystal site symmetry to be D3d. The data provide the first conclusive evidence that the splitting observed in the benzene phosphorescence spectrum results from a distortion of the molecule when excited to the zeroth vibrational level of the T1 state. Furthermore, the data suggest that the distortion is intrinsic in nature (i.e.,is not caused by the crystal field).
Determination of the base composition of deoxyribonucleic acid from its buoyant density in CsCl.

A comprehensive study of the buoyant density of DNA as a function of composition has been made. The linear relation previously reported has been confirmed. Based on a value of 1·710 g cm−3 for DNA from Escherichia coli the following relation was obtained from the best fit of measurements on 51 different DNA samples: ρ = 1 ⋅ 660 + 0 ⋅ 098 ( G C ) where ρ refers to buoyant density and (GC) to the mole fraction of guanine plus cytosine. On this basis the composition of DNA from 36 other sources, not previously reported, has been estimated. Several specific observations were made. Bimodal distributions in the density-gradient band patterns were found in DNA from calf thymus and salmon sperm. The DNA of the commonly studied T-even bacteriophages exhibits altered densities due to the presence of gluco-sylated hydroxymethylcytosine. The DNA of φX174 phage is abnormally heavier suggesting less base-pairing than normal denatured, single-stranded DNA.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa galU is required for a complete lipopolysaccharide core and repairs a secondary mutation in a PA103 (serogroup O11) wbpM mutant

Insertional inactivation of wbpM in Pseudomonas aeruginosa serogroup O11 strain PA103 resulted in mutants exhibiting three distinct lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phenotypes. One mutant, PA103 wbpM-C, had a truncated LPS core and lacked O antigen. These defects were not complemented by the cloned wbpM gene, suggesting a secondary mutation was present. When the wild-type galU gene was introduced into strain PA103 wbpM-C containing the cloned wbpM gene, both LPS defects were corrected. Construction of galU mutants in P. aeruginosa serogroups O11, O5, O6 and O17 strains led to truncation of the LPS core, indicating the involvement of GalU in P. aeruginosa LPS core synthesis.
MuGard, an oral mucoadhesive hydrogel, reduces the signs and symptoms of oral mucositis in patients with lichen planus: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study

Objective To determine if MuGard, a mouthwash shown to reduce the severity of oral mucositis when started before initiating antineoplastic therapy for head and neck cancers, is effective when painful, oral lesions are present in patients with biopsy-proven erosive oral lichen planus. Study Design This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study at a college of dental medicine. Twenty patients with oral lichen planus were randomly assigned to receive either MuGard (n = 10) or saline-bicarbonate control (n = 10). One teaspoonful of the assigned mouthwash was swished for 1 minute, 5 times a day, for 14 days. Outcome measures (Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale scores and visual analog scale pain scores) were obtained before the start of treatment and repeated on days 2, 7, and 14. Results Significant reductions in all outcome measures occurred in the MuGard-treated group. Number-needed-to-treat (NNT) to achieve a >50% reduction in averaged pain from baseline was 1.25, and to obtain complete relief, the NNT was 2.5. Conclusions MuGard significantly reduces pain and ulceration associated with oral mucositis in patients with lichen planus.
The Effect of Collision Avoidance for Autonomous Robot Team Formation

As technology and research advance to the era of cooperative robots, many autonomous robot team algorithms have emerged. Shape formation is a common and critical task in many cooperative robot applications. While theoretical studies of robot team formation have shown success, it is unclear whether such algorithms will perform well in a real-world environment. This work examines the effect of collision avoidance schemes on an ideal circle formation algorithm, but behaves similarly if robot-to-robot communications are in place. Our findings reveal that robots with basic collision avoidance capabilities are still able to form into a circle, under most conditions. Moreover, the robot sizes, sensing ranges, and other critical physical parameters are examined to determine their effects on algorithm's performance.
Magnetoresistance of the Kondo insulator Ce3Bi4Pt3

Abstract The magnetoresistance (MR) of the narrow-gap Kondo insulator Ce3Bi4Pt3 and its non-magnetic analog La3Bi4Pt3 have been measured in magnetic fields to 10 T and in the temperature range 2–300 K. Ce3Bi4Pt3 exhibits a large negative MR component below 7 K. At higher temperatures this negative component progressively decreases and a positive contribution becomes evident. Above 75 K the MR is positive at all fields and saturates to a value of a few percent. The non-magnetic analog La3Bi4Pt3 exhibits the same positive magnetoresistance present in Ce3Bi4Pt3 as well as a conventional positive H2 term at low temperatures. We discuss potential mechanisms for both the common positive effect and the large negative MR present in Ce3Bi4Pt3.
Factors determining the upper limit of giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera Agardh, along the Monterey Peninsula, central California, USA

Abstract Abiotic and biotic factors determining the upper (shallow or nearshore) limit of giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera Agardh, were examined along a wave exposure gradient on the Monterey Peninsula, central California, USA. Wave modeling, analysis of aerial photographs from 1986 to 1989 and SCUBA surveys from 1993 to 1995 indicated a significant positive relationship between wave intensity and depth of the upper limit of giant kelp; increased wave intensity resulted in the upper limit moving offshore into deeper water presumably due to direct removal of adult giant kelp plants by waves. Further, during periods of high wave intensity, plants with canopies were restricted to deeper water than those without canopies, suggesting that wave-induced giant kelp mortality was related to plant biomass (i.e. drag). Removal of giant kelp from shallow water (≤2.5 m depth) during periods of high wave intensity may have facilitated the development of dense algal turf assemblages by reducing light limitation; clearing experiments indicated that algal turf inhibited giant kelp recruitment at depths ≤2.5 m. Under extended periods of low wave intensity, however, giant kelp can establish populations in shallow water as indicated by the shallower depth of continuous giant kelp canopies with decreasing wave exposure. Thus, algal community structure in these shallow subtidal regions along the Monterey Peninsula appears to be determined by disturbance-mediated competition; with a lack of disturbance favoring giant kelp, disturbance favoring algal turf. These data support the hypothesis that the upper limit of giant kelp is controlled by an interaction between abiotic and biotic factors.
3D sensor algorithms for spacecraft pose determination

Researchers at the Michigan Aerospace Corporation have developed accurate and robust 3-D algorithms for pose determination (position and orientation) of satellites as part of an on-going effort supporting autonomous rendezvous, docking and space situational awareness activities. 3-D range data from a LAser Detection And Ranging (LADAR) sensor is the expected input; however, the approach is unique in that the algorithms are designed to be sensor independent. Parameterized inputs allow the algorithms to be readily adapted to any sensor of opportunity. The cornerstone of our approach is the ability to simulate realistic range data that may be tailored to the specifications of any sensor. We were able to modify an open-source raytracing package to produce point cloud information from which high-fidelity simulated range images are generated. The assumptions made in our experimentation are as follows: 1) we have access to a CAD model of the target including information about the surface scattering and reflection characteristics of the components; 2) the satellite of interest may appear at any 3-D attitude; 3) the target is not necessarily rigid, but does have a limited number of configurations; and, 4) the target is not obscured in any way and is the only object in the field of view of the sensor. Our pose estimation approach then involves rendering a large number of exemplars (100k to 5M), extracting 2-D (silhouette- and projection-based) and 3-D (surface-based) features, and then training ensembles of decision trees to predict: a) the 4-D regions on a unit hypersphere into which the unit quaternion that represents the vehicle [Q X , Q Y , Q Z , Q W ] is pointing, and, b) the components of that unit quaternion. Results have been quite promising and the tools and simulation environment developed for this application may also be applied to non-cooperative spacecraft operations, Autonomous Hazard Detection and Avoidance (AHDA) for landing craft, terrain mapping, vehicle guidance, path planning and obstacle avoidance.
Relative dominance among males is expressed in the electric organ discharge characteristics of a weakly electric fish

The spectral characteristics of the electric organ discharge (EOD) of a species of pulse-type electric fish, Hypopomus occidentalis, can rapidly change during aggressive interactions. Pairs of animals were matched in aggressive displacement tests to score for dominace. The winning males displayed a reduction in the peak-power frequency of their EODs within 2 days. In addition, a correlation was found between the maintenance of dominant status and the display of the largest-amplitude EOD. Thus, in an interacting group of this species, a male with an EOD characterized by a lowest peak-power frequency and largest-amplitude holds the dominant status. Mechanisms are discussed as to how aggressive behavioural interactions may rapidly effect physiological changes in the EOD.
Horizontal Curves, Signs, and Safety

Although the safety of horizontal curves has been researched, data availability and quality have been the Achilles' heel of many studies. Furthermore, safety at horizontal curves has become more significant in view of the changes in the latest Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices with respect to traffic control devices at horizontal curves. The objective of this research was to evaluate the safety of horizontal curves through the use of curve geometric characteristics and sign data. The focus was on collecting a good-quality large data set to develop models and explore the relationship between safety at horizontal curves and sign types, specifically curve and turn signs. The data set included curves on different types of roads to determine the difference in safety characteristics that had not been examined in the literature. The crash prediction models displayed highly significant variables, which showed a positive relationship with annual average daily traffic, posted speed, and curve length, and a ...
Biosynthesis of Nitrogenase FeMoco

Biosynthesis of nitrogenase FeMoco is a highly complex process that requires, minimally, the participation of nifS, nifU, nifB, nifE, nifN, nifV, nifH, nifD and nifK gene products. Previous genetic analyses have identified the essential factors for the assembly of FeMoco; however, the exact functions of these factors and the precise sequence of events during the assembly process had remained unclear until recently, when a number of the biosynthetic intermediates of FeMoco were identified and characterized by combined biochemical, spectroscopic and structural analyses. This review gives a brief account of the recent progress toward understanding the assembly process of FeMoco, which has identified some important missing pieces of this biosynthetic puzzle.
Femoral Axillary Bypass: An Alternative Approach to Occlusive Disease of the Aortic Arch Vessels in High-Risk Patients:

Although axillo-femoral bypass grafts have proven to be an effective alternative to the usual anatomic reconstructions for peripheral vascular insufficiency, there are only a few scattered case reports of the reversed flow, femoro-axillary bypass for treatment of the potentially more serious condi tions of cerebral ischemia associated with occlusive disease of the major aortic arch branches. This unique alternative approach becomes particularly compelling in the high-risk patient with occlusive lesions of all the aortic arch vessels. Although theoretically feasible, the effectiveness, practicality, safety, and long-term patency of this approach remain to be proven.The case of a 59-year-old woman with cerebral ischemia secondary to occlusive disease of all aortic arch branches treated by femoro-axillary bypass is presented, and some of the observations of previous case reports are reviewed. The operative course, clinical and hemodynamic changes, and important observations in this unusual case are described...
The effect of dietary fat on breast cancer survival among Caucasian and japanese women in Hawaii.

182 Japanese and 161 Caucasian breast cancer patients participated in an epidemiologic case-control study from 1975–1980. They were subsequently followed until the end of 1987 to determine their survival status. Among the Japanese, patients with regional or distant disease had a relative risk (RR) of death of 13.0 (95% Confidence Interval (CI), 4.3–39.1) compared to those within situ or localized disease, and obese patients had a RR of death of 3.5 (95% CI, 1.3–10.0) compared to non-obese subjects. Among the Caucasians, patients with advanced disease had a RR of death of 4.3 (95% CI, 1.8–10.5) compared to those within situ or localized disease, and patients with a high fat intake had a RR of 3.2 (95% CI, 1.2–8.6) compared to subjects with a low fat intake. Menopausal status (pre- or postmenopausal) and replacement estrogen use were not related to survival from breast cancer in either ethnic group. When Japanese and Caucasian patients were compared with each other, there was no significant difference in survival between them.
Experimental modification of structures at the periphery of the liver cell nucleus

This paper deals with the morphological effects of various experimental treatments on structures at the periphery of isolated liver cell nuclei. The results demonstrate that the outer and inner nuclear membranes, the pore-annulus complex, the fibrous lamina, and the perinuclear chromatin layer are interconnected, and together constitute an integrated cortex surrounding the nucleus in these interphase cells. Treatment with Triton X100 removes both the outer and inner nuclear membranes.
Wrangling Rumors of Corruption: Institutional Neutralization of the Jerry Sandusky Scandal at Penn State University

The Jerry Sandusky scandal erupted nationally in November 2011, dragging with it accusations of child molestation, manipulation, perjury, and ultimately a blatant disregard for the suffering of 10 young victims. This article examines how senior university officials covered up the scandal and inevitably allowed Sandusky to continue molesting children for over 15 years. University officials broke the law by failing to report the abuses, and later when they lied to the investigating grand jury assigned to the case. Using Sykes and Matza’s techniques of neutralization, we explain how university officials downplayed these victimizations to preserve the reputation of Penn State.
On the Computational Complexity of Finite Cellular Automata

We study the computational complexity of several problems with the evolution of configurations on finite cellular automata. In many cases, the problems turn out to be complete in their respective classes. For example, the problem of deciding whether a configuration has a predecessor is shown to be NLOG-complete for one-dimensional cellular automata. The problem is NP-complete for all dimensions higher than one. Similarly, the question whether a target configuration occurs in the orbit of a source configuration may be P-complete, NP-complete or PSPACE-complete, depending on the type of cellular automaton.
Depression and Anxiety Predict Decline in Physical Health Functioning in Patients with Heart Failure

Few studies have examined the prospective influences of depression and anxiety on physical health functioning in heart failure (HF) patients. Prior studies were also limited by employing psychological measures containing somatic items confounded with HF symptoms. This study examined whether depression, anxiety, social support, and their changes predicted the decline of physical functioning in HF patients over 6 months. Participants were 238 HF patients among whom 164 provided follow-up data. The depression and anxiety measures did not contain somatic items. After controlling for baseline physical functioning and demographic and medical covariates, baseline depression and its increase, as well as baseline anxiety and its increase, independently predicted greater decline in physical functioning at 6 months. Social support and its change were not associated with either concurrent or follow-up physical functioning. Depression, anxiety, and their changes independently predicted the decline of physical health functioning over 6 months.
Pulse polarography at the hanging mercury drop electrode

Abstract The reduction of cadmium and nickel at the hanging mercury drop electrode was studied and compared with reduction at the dropping mercury electrode. Variables investigated include potential scan rate, pulse magnitude, electrode area, and differential and integral modes. Increased sensitivity was attained at the hanging mercury drop electrode owing to increased surface area. Resolution of reversible substances was comparable to that at the dropping mercury electrode, but irreversible peaks were more drawn out. A major advantage of the HMDE is that the electrode can be easily and reproducibly renewed.
Long‐term efficacy of biologics in the treatment of psoriasis: what do we really know?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that often requires life-long treatment. Conventional therapies have not fully met the needs of psoriatic patients, because of limited efficacy, adverse effects with cumulative use, and patient inconvenience. In the past decade, biologic immunotherapies have become accepted treatments for psoriasis as a result of perceived efficacy and safety on the part of patients and practitioners. However, most data on these medications come from relatively limited short-term trials. In this review, we will focus on the available long-term data on the efficacy of the biologic agents. We will emphasize the strengths and weakness of the available data of the biologic agents that are Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis (alefacept, efalizumab,* etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab), with the inclusion of a newer agent currently under FDA evaluation (ustekinumab).