cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A stable clustering formation infrastructure protocol in mobile ad hoc networks

In most MANET clustering protocols, the clusterhead nodes take on a special role in managing routing information. However, the frequent changes of the clusterheads affect the performance of the routing protocol. Eventually, the clustering stability in MANET would be significantly affected. The route between two nodes changes constantly as the clusterhead set changes. Also, since the clusterhead has the recent routing information in the cluster-based routing protocol, a collapse of the cluster leads to loss those information that was stored at its clusterhead. To elect a new clusterhead, exchanging messages to reform the cluster which considered communication overhead are needed. The goal then would be to keep the average cluster residence time for such a node in a cluster as long as possible. This time is defined as the time a node remains associated with a given cluster not a given clusterhead. This can be done by deploying a secondary clusterhead for each clusterhead which we call here primary clusterhead. This secondary clusterhead, which is a regular member node, is identified and assigned by its primary to be the future leader of the cluster. Since the future clusterhead is known by the cluster members, the cluster leadership is transferred smoothly and the cluster is reformed immediately with no need to invoke the clustering algorithm. Hence, the smooth clusterhead transfer from a node to another aims at increasing the cluster residence time which sustains the stability of the network, decrease the clustering communication overhead and minimize the time spent by each node to join or to reform a cluster.
State of XCS Classifier System Research

XCS is a new kind of learning classifier system that differs from the traditional kind primarily in its definition of classifier fitness and its relation to contemporary reinforcement learning. Advantages of XCS include improved performance and an ability to form accurate maximal generalizations. This paper reviews recent research on XCS with respect to representation, internal state, predictive modeling, noise, and underlying theory and technique. A notation for environmental regularities is introduced.
MERGERS WITH BUNDLING IN COMPLEMENTARY MARKETS

This paper develops a simple model to analyze the effects of mergers in complementary system markets when the merged firm is able to engage in bundling. In particular, I analyze the impact of (mixed) bundling on pricing decisions for existing generations of products and derive welfare implications of mergers. The basic model is then extended to analyze industry dynamics where the implications of mergers for innovation incentives and technical tying/compatibility decisions are explored. I also consider the possibility of counter-merger and derive implications of the policy prescription that prohibits bundling as a condition for merger.
Ex Vivo Rapamycin Generates Donor Th2 Cells That Potently Inhibit Graft-versus-Host Disease and Graft-versus-Tumor Effects via an IL-4-Dependent Mechanism

Rapamycin (sirolimus) inhibits graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) and polarizes T cells toward Th2 cytokine secretion after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Therefore, we reasoned that ex vivo rapamycin might enhance the generation of donor Th2 cells capable of preventing GVHD after fully MHC-disparate murine BMT. Using anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 costimulation, CD4+ Th2 cell expansion was preserved partially in high-dose rapamycin (10 microM; Th2.rapa cells). Th2.rapa cells secreted IL-4 yet had reduced IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 secretion relative to control Th2 cells. BMT cohorts receiving wild-type (WT) Th2.rapa cells, but not Th2.rapa cells generated from IL-4-deficient (knockout) donors, had marked Th2 skewing post-BMT and greatly reduced donor anti-host T cell alloreactivity. Histologic studies demonstrated that Th2.rapa cell recipients had near complete abrogation of skin, liver, and gut GVHD. Overall survival in recipients of WT Th2.rapa cells, but not IL-4 knockout Th2.rapa cells, was constrained due to marked attenuation of an allogeneic graft-vs-tumor (GVT) effect against host-type breast cancer cells. Delay in Th2.rapa cell administration until day 4, 7, or 14 post-BMT enhanced GVT effects, moderated GVHD, and improved overall survival. Therefore, ex vivo rapamycin generates enhanced donor Th2 cells for attempts to balance GVHD and GVT effects.
Attentional selection and the processing of task-irrelevant information: insights from fMRI examinations of the Stroop task.

In this chapter, we discuss our research that reveals how attentional mechanisms can modulate activity of posterior brain regions responsible for processing the unattended attribute of a stimulus. To do so, we utilized fMRI to reveal patterns of regional brain activity for variants of the Stroop task that differ in the nature of the task-irrelevant stimulus attribute. In all variants, individuals had to identify the ink color in which an item was presented. To vary attentional demands, we manipulated whether or not the task-irrelevant information contained conflicting color information. The variants differed in whether the conflicting color information was contained in a word naming a color (e.g. the word 'red' in blue ink), a word naming an object highly associated with a specific color (e.g. the word 'frog' in red ink), or a line drawing of an object highly associated with a specific color (e.g. a drawing of a frog in red ink). When the unattended stimulus attribute contained color information that conflicted with an item's ink color, increased activity was observed in the posterior brain region that processes the aspect of the task-irrelevant attribute related to color. Increased activity was observed in the left precuneus and left superior parietal cortex when the conflicting information arose from a color word; in the middle temporal gyrus and insular cortex when the word named an object highly associated with a specific color, and included extensive regions of early portions of the ventral visual processing stream when a line drawing was highly associated with a specific color. These areas have been implicated in word processing, semantic processing, and visual processing, respectively. Our results suggest that attentional selection can occur by: (1) increasing the gain on all posterior regions responsible for processing information related to the task demands, regardless of whether that information is contained in the task-relevant or task-irrelevant dimension; (2) limiting the processing of task-irrelevant information in order to reduce interference; and (3) modulating the processing of representations varying from those of a low-level perceptual nature up through those of a higher-order semantic nature.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Rimonabant Against Isoniazid Induced Liver Damage In Albino Wistar Rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the rimonabant against isoniazid-induced liver damage in albino wistar rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced by daily dose of isoniazid (250mg/kg p.o.) for 14 days as manifested by statistically significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and bilirubin level. Pretreatment of rats with the rimonabant at doses of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg prior to isoniazid dosing at 250mg/kg p.o statistically lowered the serum liver enzyme activities. The activity of the rimonabant was comparable to the standard drug, silymarin (50mg/kg, p.o.). Results obtained from histopathological studies also supported hepatoprotective activity against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus the study demonstrates that rimonabant possess antihepatotoxic effect against isoniazid.
Microwave conductivity of SmB6

Microwave (9-GHz) conductivity measurements are reported in the intermediate-valence compound SmB6. The absence of a frequency-dependent conductivity strongly suggests that a gap develops in the density of states at low temperatures, in agreement with earlier transport and optical studies. © 1984 The American Physical Society.
SO YOU ALREADY HAVE A SURVEY DATABASE?—A SEVEN‐STEP METHODOLOGY FOR THEORY BUILDING FROM SURVEY DATABASES: AN ILLUSTRATION FROM INCREMENTAL INNOVATION GENERATION IN BUYER–SELLER RELATIONSHIPS

Across business disciplines, the importance of database research for theory testing continues to increase. The availability of data also has increased, though methods to analyze and interpret these data lag. This research proposes a method for extracting strong measures from survey databases by a progression from qualitative to quantitative techniques. To test the proposed method, this study uses the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) survey database, which includes data from firms in several European countries. The proposed method consists of two phases and seven steps, as illustrated in the context of the firm's incremental innovation generation for buyer–seller relationships. This systematic progression moves from a broad but valid empirical case study to the development of a narrow and reliable measure of incremental innovation generation in the IMP database. The proposed method can use supply chain survey databases for theory development without requiring primary data collection, assuming certain conditions.
A study of the murexide test for caffeine and theobromine

Abstract 1. Very few organic compounds were found to give the Murexide test. 2. The interferences of a large number of organic compounds with the Murexide test for caffeine have been determined when these compounds were present in varying amounts as impurities.
Using orthographic projection with geographic information system (GIS) data to constrain the kinematics the Central Range Fault zone, Trinidad

Abstract Fold geometry versus axis orientation can be used to constrain the kinematics of transpressional plate boundaries. This approach is typically based on bedding orientation data collected in the field, however, in some regions outcrop quality is insufficient to provide enough measurements. We extract orientation data from a georeferenced geologic map and a digital elevation model and to constrain the kinematics of a poorly exposed, active transpressional boundary: the Central Range Fault zone in Trinidad. Strike-and-dip orientations are calculated based on contact positions extracted from the digital geologic and topographic datasets. The uncertainties in the both horizontal position and elevation of the contact are propagated into the final kinematic analysis. Analysis of folds adjacent to the Central Range Fault suggests the angle of oblique convergence in transpression ( α ) varies from 20° to 85°. The majority of folds, however, are consistent with a large component of contraction (i.e. α > 50°). The analysis also suggests folding in the Central Range records a minimum of 3–9 km of contraction, 3 km of strike-slip motion, and 4–9 km of total plate motion. The range of values reflects uncertainties in the position of the folded contacts. We interpret the overall kinematics of deformation, amount of shortening, and homogeneity of the finite strain field to indicate that active deformation on the Central Range Fault zone has not yet accumulated enough strain to overprint the effects of earlier (pre-strike-slip; pre-Middle Miocene) fold-and-thrust style tectonics.
Altered expression of caveolin-1 and increased cholesterol in detergent insoluble membrane fractions from liver in mice with Niemann-Pick disease type C.

Abstract Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by impaired cholesterol homeostasis due to a defect in the intracellular transport of unesterified cholesterol. While accumulation of lysosomal cholesterol is the most apparent microscopic finding, cholesterol has also been shown to accumulate in the trans -cisternae of the Golgi apparatus. Caveolin-1, a cholesterol-binding protein that cycles between the Golgi apparatus and the plasma membrane, has been hypothesized to participate in cholesterol transport. Using the BALB/c murine model for NPC disease, we found that the expression of caveolin-1 in total liver homogenates from heterozygous and homozygous affected animals was altered. Immunoblot analysis of liver homogenates from heterozygous mice revealed that caveolin-1 is significantly ( p p p
Constraints on the self-consistent relativistic Fermi-sea particle formalism in the quantum hadrodynamical model.

The self-consistent relativistic Fermi-sea particle formalism in the quantum hadrodynamics is discussed in terms of properties of conserving approximations. The relativistic Dirac-Hartree-Fock approximation (\ensuremath{\sigma}, \ensuremath{\omega}, \ensuremath{\rho}, and \ensuremath{\pi}), for example, is examined from the point of view of the Hugenholtz--Van-Hove theorem and thermodynamics as a check for internal consistency. These two conditions sufficient for constructing conserving approximations are strict constraints on modification and simplification of the Fermi-sea particle approximations and should be used in order to define consistent quasiparticle approximations. It is shown that the pion vertex and retardation which enters through exchange corrections prevent conserving properties to be maintained in the Dirac-Hartree-Fock approximation, and this suggests a careful analysis of self-consistency in the relativistic formalism when correlation effects are considered. The relativistic Fermi-sea particle approximations can be defined uniquely when both constraints are incorporated into self-consistency of the approximations.
Mucin (MUC) and estrogen receptor (ER) expression profile in Barrett’s esophagus, dysplasia, adenocarcinoma (ADC) sequence in the esophagus

METHODS: Tissue samples were obtained from the archives of patients with histologic evidence of BE progressing to ADC. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using mouse monoclonal antibodies for MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, ER-Alpha,and ER-Beta. Semiquantitative scoring of histologic staining was performed using a linear scoring system: 0-staining absent; 1-staining in 0-25%; : 0-staining absent; 1-staining in 0-25%; 2-staining in 2550%; and 3-staining of 50-75% of the epithelium. The Binomial test was used to explore trends and differences in frequency of mucin expression along the pathologic sequence.
Nursing home residents, families, and decision making: Toward an understanding of progressive surrogacy

Abstract This article examines surrogate decision making for nursing home residents and offers a description of progressive surrogacy based on a three-year in-depth study of residents 75 years and older in four nursing homes. The authors describe and provide case study examples of progressive decline in health and cognitive ability among nursing home residents and discuss the parallel progressive loss of decision-making capacities. Evidence is presented that the need for surrogate decision making covers a full range of decisions affecting the daily lives of residents and their quality of life and not just quality of treatment and health care. Findings from the study suggest that families are highly involved in providing decision making assistance to their relatives or substitute decision making for those who cannot participate in decisions. Families are not abandoning relatives to the decision-making authority of nursing homes.
Extending the frequency range of femtosecond lasers

The development of a Ti:sapphire-based femtosecond system capable of producing high repetition rate and high power output that is tunable from the near-ultraviolet to the mid- infrared is reported. This is achieved using the nonlinear optical processes of optical parametric oscillation and second-harmonic generation that results in sub-100 fs pulses and hundreds of mW of power across the full tuning range.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Response of a Helix Made of a Fractional Viscoelastic Material

Under investigation is the effective response of a helical strand (helix) made of a viscoelastic material governed by a constitutive relation with fractional-order (i.e., not integer-order) derivatives. The relation involves a 5-parameter model, which is well known to represent a real response much better than the conventional, integer-order models with the same number of parameters. We employ the correspondence principle of viscoelasticity to pass from the level of the strand’s material to that of an effective, coupled axial-torsional response of the helix. The resulting fractional-order differential equation is more complex (i.e., it involves higher derivatives) than the constitutive equation governing the material per se. Also, the use of a fractional-order model results in more complexity of the helix’ effective viscoelastic response than does an integer-order model with the same number of parameters. It is shown that shear deformations are more important than dilatational deformations. Lastly, a standard relaxation test is studied and an analytic solution is derived. DOI: 10.1115/1.2745401
The evaluation of fuzzy models derived from experimental data

Abstract Whilst there are many possible ways of defining a fuzzy model, this paper is concerned only with relational descriptions of dynamic process behaviour. The quality of the model is seen to be a multi-faceted concept encompassing complexity, accuracy and uncertainty. Two examples show the application of these ideas to real process data.
Extending the lifetime of a WSN by partial covers

While extending the lifetime of a wireless sensor network (WSN) with full coverage has been extensively studied, it was found recently that the lifetime of a WSN can be prolonged significantly if partial covers are used instead. In this paper, we formally define the problem of extending the lifetime of a WSN using partial covers. (Throughout this paper, we assume that each point of the given target region is covered at least k times by the input sensors.) We first present a centralized algorithm using an optimal subroutine which computes the densest strip with width 2r, where r is the minimum sensing radius of all sensors. By using a known 1-D algorithm, we can cover the center of the strip with k full covers and the remaining subproblems can be solved recursively to have the eventual k partial covers. We then introduce a distributed algorithm without any assumption on the coordinates and directions of sensors, as long as each sensor knows the presence of other sensors within its sensing region. Finally, we present some experimental results comparing the performance of these algorithms with the previous homological partial cover solution. In all small instances the results generated by our algorithms are significantly better than those generated by the homological method. For two larger instances (a larger domain with n around 1000), the homological method cannot finish while both of our algorithms generate promising results.
Identifying women with indicators of subfertility in a statewide population database: operationalizing the missing link in assisted reproductive technology research.

Objective To identify a group of deliveries to mothers with indicators of subfertility (SUBFERTILITY). Design Longitudinal cohort study. Setting Hospital. Patient(s) A total of 334,152 deliveries to Massachusetts mothers in a Massachusetts hospital between July 1, 2004, and December 31, 2008. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Subfertility was defined by an indication on a current or past birth certificate or hospital utilization data of infertility or assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle before index delivery and no indication of ART use with index delivery. Result(s) Initially, 12,367 deliveries met the inclusion criteria for SUBFERTILITY (8,019 from birth certificates, 2,777 from hospital data, 1,571 from prior ART treatment). Removing deliveries from more than one data source resulted in 10,764 unique deliveries. Removing deliveries resulting from ART treatments left 6,238 deliveries in the SUBFERTILITY category. Demographic analysis indicated that deliveries in SUBFERTILITY were more similar to those in the ART population than to those in the fertile population. Conclusion(s) We have demonstrated the feasibility of using existing population-based linked public health data sets to identify SUBFERTILITY deliveries, and we have used ART data to distinguish ART and SUBFERTILITY births. The SUBFERTILITY category can serve as a comparison group of subfertile patients for studies of ART delivery and longitudinal health outcomes.
The Influence of Complexity of Maternal Thoughts on Sensitive Parenting and Children's Social Responsiveness

Abstract This study examined whether complexity in mothers' early thoughts of child development related directly to later child social responsiveness versus indirectly via maternal interactive behaviors. Two hundred eighty-seven families with a low socioeconomic status were evaluated longitudinally across 1, 2, and 4 1 ⧸ 2 years of age. The study included children known to vary in their early development to examine whether variability in children's early cognitive and perceptual–motor skills were also important in understanding mothers' parenting behaviors and children's later social responsiveness. As hypothesized, the influence of early maternal thoughts on children's later social responsiveness was indirect through its relation with mothers' warm sensitivity at 2 years of age, which showed a direct, positive influence on children's social responsiveness at 4 1 ⧸ 2 years of age. Although variability in children's early developmental skills did not directly influence their later social responsiveness, these skills did significantly predict mother's use of maintaining, which was significantly related to warm sensitivity. Results demonstrated the importance of a parent's ability to think complexly about children to understand the use of behaviors that promote more optimal social outcomes.
Influence of structure on the properties of an amorphous UFe alloy

Abstract Several physical and mechanical properties have been determined for two amorphous alloys which are based on the same U-14.3at.% Fe composition. One alloy has been produced by liquid quenching and the other has been produced by neutron irradiation. Compared with the liquid-quenched glass, the irradiation-produced amorphous alloy has (a) a lower density, (b) a smaller resistivity, (c) a higher superconducting transition temperature and (d) a lower hardness. The properties are correlated with previously obtained X-ray diffraction and calorimetry data and are interpreted in terms of structural relaxation phenomena associated with a decreased degree of short-range order in the irradiation-produced amorphous alloy. Significant differences exist in the superconducting transition temperatures measured by resistive and inductive techniques, also reflecting structural differences between the alloys. The results are also correlated with the properties of the compound U6Fe, which is the crystalline counterpart of these amorphous alloys.
A generalized random mobility model for wireless ad hoc networks and its analysis: one-dimensional case

In wireless ad hoc networks, the ability to analytically characterize the spatial distribution of terminals plays a key role in understanding fundamental network QoS measures such as throughput per source to destination pair, probability of successful transmission, and connectivity. Consequently, mobility models that are general enough to capture the major characteristics of a realistic movement profile, and yet are simple enough to formulate its long-run behavior, are highly desirable. We propose a generalized random mobility model capable of capturing several mobility scenarios and give a mathematical framework for its exact analysis over one-dimensional mobility terrains. The model provides the flexibility to capture hotspots where mobiles accumulate with higher probability and spend more time. The selection process of hotspots is random and correlations between the consecutive hotspot decisions are successfully modeled. Furthermore, the times spent at the destinations can be dependent on the location of destination point, the speed of movement can be a function of distance that is being traveled, and the acceleration characteristics of vehicles can be incorporated into the model. Our solution framework formulates the model as a semi-Markov process using a special discretization technique. We provide long-run location and speed distributions by closed-form expressions for one-dimensional regions (e.g., a highway).
320-Gbit/s (8×40-Gbit/s) WDM transmission over 367-km zero-dispersion-flattened line with 120-km repeater spacing using carrier-suppressed return-to-zero pulse format

We demonstrate an +11 dBm-per-channel 320-Gbit/s WDM transmission experiment over 367-km zero-dispersion-flattened line with 120-km repeater spacing using a non-linear-tolerant carrier-suppressed return-to-zero format.
State of the Art Sources: Visual Arts Encyclopedias

The recent announcement that Macmillan (London) is planning to publish an art counterpart to its New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians creates an excuse to consider what is already available in general encyclopedic reference works in the fields of art history and architectural history. Obviously, a new art encyclopedia, like the massive, authoritative New Grove Dictionary, would change the picture completely; but what are art and general reference librarians using currently to satisfy patrons with short‐range information needs in the visual arts? This survey will attempt to answer this by examining available references in some detail. Because of space limitations, works containing only biographical information on artists or only definitions of term, will not be considered.
SEARCH FOR CLINICAL EVIDENCE OF AN EXOERYTHROCYTIC STAGE IN MICE EXPOSED TO PLASMODIUM GALLINACEUM INFECTION.

SummaryWhen mice were bitten by A. aegypti mosquitoes infected with P. gallinaceum sporozoites, and portions of their spleens were subsequently implanted intra-peritoneally in clean chicks after intervals of 4 to 7 days, the latter did not develop infections in any instance. When similar implantations were made from bitten chicks, there resulted an impressive number of infections that were not easily ascribable to transfer of infected erythrocytes from the blood-stream. The evidence strongly suggests that the well-known exoerythrocytic cycle of P. gallinaceum in the chick, a species that is fully susceptible to infection with sporozoites of the organism, does not find a counterpart in the mouse, a species that is not demonstrably susceptible to such sporozoite infection.Grateful acknowledgement is made of the technical assistance of Esther W. Nadolny.
Gradient approximation of vector fields

Abstract In this paper, we consider an approximation problem which arose in optimal control theory. We seek conditions on a compact subset K of Euclidean n-space such that every continuous vector field on K may be uniformly approximated (on K) by vector fields with strictly positive integrating factors. We prove that such approximation is possible for all K in a particular subclass of the compact sets with topological dimension less than or equal to 1.
West Germany's efforts to close the nuclear fuel cycle: Strategies for radioactive waste management

West Germany's efforts to reach a mature nuclear economy by [closing] the [back end] of the nuclear fuel cycle are discussed with special emphasis on radioactive waste management strategies. the radioactive wastes that would be generated in a closed nuclear fuel cycle are described. A brief discussion is given of the motives that underlie the current international disagreement regarding the desirability of, and the need for, closing the nuclear fuel cycle. West Germany's concept for closing the nuclear fuel cycle is outlined including institutional arrangements and responsibilities. A discussion of radioactive waste classification follows. Expected volumes and inventories of radioactive wastes are pointed out. Current practices, and research and development work in the treatment and disposal of radioactive wastes are outlined. A final section is devoted to the history, circumstances and implications of the current requirement for a [solution] for the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle as a precondition for continued expansion of nuclear power in West Germany.
Comment on "Nonmonotonic models are not necessary to obtain shear banding phenomena in entangled polymer solutions".

A Comment on the Letter by J. M. Adams and P. D. Olmsted, Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 067801 (2009). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Production systems as control structures for programming languages

Production systems have recently found considerable favor as the control structure for systems in artificial intelligence. This work has lead other researchers to suggest the creation of languages which have production systems as a primary or alternative control structure. This paper explores some of the possibilities available in these languages; an experimental language with a production system control structure is presented, along with an example program written in it. Appropriate application domains for languages of this type are discussed, and the potential for using them with future hardware architectures is explored.
Hypoglycemia leads to age-related loss of vision

The retina is among the most metabolically active tissues in the body, requiring a constant supply of blood glucose to sustain function. We assessed the impact of low blood glucose on the vision of C57BL/6J mice rendered hypoglycemic by a null mutation of the glucagon receptor gene, Gcgr. Metabolic stress from moderate hypoglycemia led to late-onset loss of retinal function in Gcgr−/− mice, loss of visual acuity, and eventual death of retinal cells. Retinal function measured by the electroretinogram b-wave threshold declined >100-fold from age 9 to 13 months, whereas decreases in photoreceptor function measured by the ERG a-wave were delayed by 3 months. At 10 months of age Gcgr−/− mice began to lose visual acuity and exhibit changes in retinal anatomy, including an increase in cell death that was initially more pronounced in the inner retina. Decreases in retinal function and visual acuity correlated directly with the degree of hypoglycemia. This work demonstrates a metabolic-stress-induced loss of vision in mammals, which has not been described previously. Linkage between low blood glucose and loss of vision in mice may highlight the importance for glycemic control in diabetics and retinal diseases related to metabolic stress as macular degeneration.
PNG1, a Yeast Gene Encoding a Highly Conserved Peptide:N-Glycanase

It has been proposed that cytoplasmic peptide:N-glycanase (PNGase) may be involved in the proteasome-dependent quality control machinery used to degrade newly synthesized glycoproteins that do not correctly fold in the ER. However, a lack of information about the structure of the enzyme has limited our ability to obtain insight into its precise biological function. A PNGase-defective mutant (png1-1) was identified by screening a collection of mutagenized strains for the absence of PNGase activity in cell extracts. The PNG1 gene was mapped to the left arm of chromosome XVI by genetic approaches and its open reading frame was identified. PNG1 encodes a soluble protein that, when expressed in Escherichia coli, exhibited PNGase activity. PNG1 may be required for efficient proteasome-mediated degradation of a misfolded glycoprotein. Subcellular localization studies indicate that Png1p is present in the nucleus as well as the cytosol. Sequencing of expressed sequence tag clones revealed that Png1p is highly conserved in a wide variety of eukaryotes including mammals, suggesting that the enzyme has an important function.
Randomized Trials of a Neuraminidase Inhibitor to Prevent Influenza.

daily, or a placebo for a 6-week period during the winter flu season of 1997 to 1998. Volunteers returned for evaluation 3, 6, and 8 weeks after starting medication (with the last visit 2 weeks after completing treatment) and when they had symptoms of influenza-like illness. Virus cultures were obtained when symptoms occurred, and all patients had serologic tests for influenza virus infection done prior to and at the completion of the study. A fourfold rise in hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody or isolation of an influenza virus within 2 days of the onset of symptoms was considered proof of infection. There were four culture-proven influenza-like illnesses among the 1040 (0.4%) patients assigned to receive oseltamivir compared with 15 culture-proven cases in the 519 (2.9%) placebo recipients (protective efficacy 87%; P<0.001; 95% CI, 65% to 96%). There were seven (0.7%) laboratory-confirmed influenza infections with fever of 37.8°C or higher among the oseltamivirtreated volunteers, compared to 19 (3.7%) among the placebo recipients (protective efficacy 82%; P<0.001; 95% CI, 60% to 93%). Oseltamivir was well tolerated by the volunteers. Ninety-two percent and 93% of the volunteers assigned to once- and twice-daily oseltamivir, respectively, were 90% or greater compliant with treatment compared with 91% of the placebo recipients. Nausea was reported by 12.1%, 14.6%, and 7.1% of the volunteers assigned to receive oseltamivir once daily, oseltamivir twice daily, and placebo, respectively. Vomiting was reported by 2.5% and 2.7% of the once- or twice-daily oseltamivir recipients, respectively, and by 0.8% of the placebo recipients. However, only six subjects (three each receiving the drug once or twice daily) stopped medication because of these gastrointestinal side effects.
Mechanical Aging Behavior of Pb(Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -PbTiO 3 and Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -PbTiO 3 Single Crystals

Single crystals of complex lead perovskite have attained great importance in recent times due to their exceptionally high piezoelectric and electromechanical constants. The application of these materials in practical devices will to a large extent depend on the aging and fatigue characteristics of these crystals. With this aim, the aging characteristics of -oriented Pb(Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -PbTiO 3 (PZN-PT) and Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -PbTiO 3 (PMN-PT) single crystals have been studied under electrical and mechanical drive. Under continuous bipolar drive, a significant increment in the magnitude of hysteretic loss and decrement in the piezoelectric constant was observed. Subsequently, a novel experimental setup was fabricated to characterize the mechanical fatigue behavior of the piezo-single crystals. In this method, the crystals are placed between the two magnetostrictive plates and clamped. The cyclic mechanical stress is applied using strong magnetic fields. It was found that the piezoelectric consta...
Characterization of cytochrome c-550 from cyanobacteria

Abstract Cytochrome c -550 has been purified from several cyanobacteria. It is a low-potential, auto-oxidizable cytochrome. This cytochrome should not be confused with a degradation product of cytochrome ƒ which may be formed during the isolation of the latter protein. Cytochromes c -550 are distinctive in size, amino-acid composition and N-terminal amino-acid sequence.
Traction diverteculum: A complication of cervical esophagostomy

Cervical esophagostomy has become a preferred technique for a long-term enteral alimentation in chronically ill patients. It has relatively few complications and many benefits. We present a case of traction diverticulum as a complication of the procedure. This complication will probably become more prevalent as more esophagostomas are reversed. Management of the complication by a “tack-up” operation is discussed.
Polymorphism of Hh-1, the mouse hemopoietic histocompatibility locus.

The major goal of these studies is to more fully assess the polymorphism of the hemopoietic histocompatibility (Hh) genetic system. H-2 homozygosity is required for optimal immunogenicity of bone marrow cell (BMC) grafts, and “hybrid resistance” to grafts of parental strain BMC by irradiated H-2 heterozygous F1 hybrid mice suggests that Hh-1 antigens are inherited recessively. The Hh-1 antigens are also expressed on other normal hematopoietic cells and lymphoid tumors, and natural killer cells are the effectors which mediate the elimination of BMC grafts in an Hh-specific manner. Previous studies have demonstrated three different antigens mapping to the Hh-1 locus near H-2D. We test the expression of Hh-1 on BMC of all nonrecombinant H-2 haplotypes of independent origin and H-2j, a presumed natural recombinant. Hh-1 typing is based on the pattern of growth and rejection in a panel of hosts. F1 hybrids with H-2b, H-2d, and H-2k are produced and used as donors and hosts to confirm the phenotype. Grafts of b-, d-, and j-haplotype marrow serve as prototypical examples of determinants that are provisionally designated as 1, 2, and 3, respectively. We describe a new determinant, 4, in the k haplotype. It is non-codominantly expressed, maps to H-2D, and is also expressed on H-2b BMC. NZW, H-2Z grafts exhibit a phenotype similar to k, but express a unique determinant 5 which can be distinguished from determinant 4. This additional determinant is also expressed by the b haplotype. The d, f, and p haplotypes all express determinant 2, and grafts of j-haplotype marrow are found to express determinants 2 and 5 in addition to determinant 3. The q and r haplotypes are null for all known determinants. Finally, we describe a phenotype which is a new combination of previously described determinants: s-haplotype grafts express determinants 1, 2, and 4. The polymorphism of Hh-1 detected thus far consists of seven alleles which are combinations of five distinct determinants.
Detection of Arcobacter species in gastric samples from swine.

Swine stomachs were surveyed for evidence of Arcobacter spp. and Helicobacter spp. infections associated with gastric ulceration. A nested PCR test targeted to the 16S rRNA was developed to detect many Arcobacter spp. and Helicobacter spp. An internal oligonucleotide probe was used for differentiation and confirmation of the PCR product. Tissue samples were obtained from the nonglandular and glandular regions of 86 swine stomachs. Evidence of infection with these microbes was detected in 51%, with 77% of the positive samples being identified as A. butzleri using a highly specific probe. Nonglandular stomach samples (44%) were more likely to be positive by PCR than samples from the glandular (23%) region. Gross lesions of any stage of gastric ulceration, ranging from parakeratosis, erosions and ulceration, were observed in 24% of stomachs examined. Of 21 samples with lesions, 52% were positive by the broadly reactive PCR assay for Arcobacter spp. and Helicobacter spp. The majority of PCR-positive samples (75%) had no gross lesions. When a single step PCR assay that was more specific for Arcobacter spp. was used on the nonglandular stomach samples, 10.4% of the 86 samples were positive. Arcobacter spp. were culture from four of the sample stomachs. Partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified the isolates as A. butzleri (n = 2), A. cryaerophilus, (n = 1), and a mixed culture of A. butzleri and another Arcobacter spp. (n = 1). A single step PCR assay targeted to the urease gene and culturing methods were used to screen for H. pylori or other closely related urease positive bacteria, but none were found.
A sensor for the on-line inspection of drilled hole dimensional parameters†

The on-line hole inspection system consists of a circular rod made of ceramic material, containing four small capacitive sensors at its circumference. When inserted into the hole, the capacitance of each sensor element varies as a function of its distance from the hole wall. Each capacitor is connected to an electronic oscillator/demodulator unit whose output signal is sampled by a microcomputer. In its present version, the hole probe is designed to measure the geometry of holes up to 50 mm long, making measurements every 100 um. The accuracy of the hole diameter measurement is better than 10 um as long as the distance from the probe tip to the hole wall is below 0.5 mm. Because the capacitive probe tips are completely encapsulated by hard ceramic material, the sensor is rugged and suitable for operation in a production environment.
Medication-assisted Spinal Manipulation

Abstract Background context: The acceptance of spinal manipulation as a reasonable method of treating certain patients with spinal pain over the past decade has led to a renewed interest and increased use of these techniques performed in conjunction with commonly used medications and procedures. Manual therapy is increasingly being used in conjunction with anesthetics, sedatives or analgesics as well as local, epidural and intra-articular injections. Purpose: This report provides a review of the literature and presents a description of current clinical practice methods for the application of the different techniques of medication-assisted spinal manipulation therapy followed by a discussion of the current clinical support and the published indications, contraindications and complications for each of these procedures. Study design/setting: This technical report integrates a literature review with information gathered through personal interviews, review of medicine-assisted manipulation courses and observations of clinical procedures. Methods: A PubMed search from 1966 to the present was performed to identify appropriate articles concerning the combination of spinal manipulation therapy with such medical procedures as the use of anesthetic, conscious sedation, local injection of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and proliferant agents and intra-articular injections. Additional articles and information were gathered through review of pertinent references, attendance of various technique specific seminars and communication with experts familiar with these procedures. Results: Four categories of medication-assisted manipulation were identified: manipulation under general anesthesia or sedation, manipulation under epidural anesthesia with or without epidural steroid injection, manipulation under joint anesthesia/analgesia, and manipulation with injectants, such as steroids or proliferant agents. The literature consists primarily of case reports and case series with two randomized controlled trials and one cohort study. Conclusions: Medicine-assisted spinal manipulation therapies have a relatively long history of clinical use and have been reported in the literature for over 70 years. However, evidence for the effectiveness of these protocols remains largely anecdotal, based on case series mimicking many other surgical and conservative approaches for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes of musculoskeletal origin. There is, however, sufficient theoretical basis and positive results from case series to warrant further controlled trials on these techniques.
Single-Crystal Electrical Resistivities of Some Ta-Rich Chalcogenides

Abstract Vapor phase transport synthesis of several Ta-rich chalcogenides affords us good single crystals for four-probe measurements of their electrical resistivities. A comparison of the temperature dependent resistivities of Ta 2 S and Ta 3 S 2 show that the latter compound is a considerably poorer conductor for all temperatures from 15 to 270 K, as predicted in our earlier band structure study of these materials and consistent with the recent work of Nozaki and coworkers. In both cases, resistivities were measured along the direction parallel to the 1 x [Ta 5 Ta] chains that serve as these materials' basic structural building blocks. The compounds Ta 9 M 2 S 6 ( M = Fe, Co, Ni) show normal metallic behavior over the same range of temperatures. A distortion that leads to a doubling of the c -axis length for the Fe and Co containing compounds seems to have no significant effect on the electronic density of states at the Fermi level in either material. In contrast, the compounds Ta 11 M 2 Se 8 ( M = Fe, Co, Ni) exhibit markedly different resistivities as a function of temperature. While Ta 11 Fe 2 Se 8 and Ta 11 Ni 2 Se 8 behave much like the structurally similar Ta 9 M 2 S 6 compounds, the resistivity of Ta 11 Co 2 Se 8 shows a curiously weak temperature dependence and a high residual value at the lowest temperatures of measurement (15 K). Powder diffraction data for this compound suggests that crystals prepared at low temperature have lower symmetry than the Pnnm space group originally reported.
Poster 13: Huntington's Disease Disrupts Motor Control Mechanisms That Rely on Internal Models

Background Previous studies demonstrated that Huntington's disease (HD) impairs the ability to perform to perform online adjustments during reaching movements. It is not clear whether the difficulty is in responding to errors in observed or predicted trajectory. Do patients have trouble observing deviations of the hand from its goal, or does the difficulty lie in predicting where the hand should be based on internal models of the effects of motor commands? Methods We compared corrections made to two visuomotor perturbations that were equivalent in sensory space, but differed in the nature of the resulting error (goal-related vs effector-related). Subjects made planar reaching movements to guide a screen cursor to a target. Interspersed with baseline trials were perturbation trials, in which either the target jumped to a new location (target jump) or the direction of the cursor was rotated relative to the starting point (rotation). The target jump (to a new direction, ±30 degrees away) and the rotation (±30 degrees) were spatially matched so as to require the same change in hand movement direction in order to acquire the target. The target jump required a change in movement goal (external error), whereas rotation introduced a mismatch between actual hand position and hand position predicted by subject's visuomotor map (internal model error). Results and Discussion The corrections made by patients to target jumps were only slightly abnormal, with increased variability and slight undershoot. Their corrections to visuomotor rotation trials, on the other hand, were considerably abnormal. There was a systematic delay in the onset of the correction, and the amplitude of the correction was incomplete. These findings establish a selective impairment in monitoring errors in computation of predicted hand position. A function of the circuits affected by HD may be to monitor internal motor control models that are necessary to guide movements to their targets.
Measuring raft size as a function of membrane composition in PC-based systems: Part 1--binary systems.

The heterogeneity of cell membranes, specifically the presence of lipid rafts, has been hypothesized to play a role in a large number of cellular processes. Although extensive work has been carried out to show the function of lipid rafts in these processes, the characterization of lipid rafts has proven to be extremely difficult. It is known that raft size is relevant to the function of cellular processes and that raft coalescence may be a driving factor for these processes; however, it remains unclear what factors influence raft size and coalescence in natural cell membranes. In this work, we study two ternary model phospholipid and cholesterol systems using two steady-state fluorescent techniques to detect and characterize membrane domains. Domain size is determined through the use of a model to relate experimental Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements to domain size. Domains in the range of 3−15 nm were detected in a dioleoylphosphatidylcholine-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine-cholesterol...