cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EBV binds to lymphocytes of transgenic mice that express the human CR2 gene

Abstract Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is unable to bind to or infect normal mouse lymphocytes. A construct containing the human complement receptor type 2 (CR2) gene, the receptor for EBV, was placed under the control of the IgH/c-fos enhancer/promoter and microinjected into single cell embryos. A total of five transgenic mouse lines were established and four expressed hCR2 mRNA. Flow cytometry and immunostaining revealed that approximately 15–30% of the lymphocytes from the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes expressed hCR2 protein on their surface and bound EBV. Despite this binding, less than 1% of the cells showed evidence that the virus was internalized or replicated. Transgenic mouse lymphocytes, expressing hCR2, could not be immortalized with EBV. It is concluded that the simple expression of hCR2 receptor on mouse lymphocytes is not sufficient for efficient infection.
Inhibition of Growth of Malignant Cells in vitro by a Component of Normal Adult Connective Tissue

NUMEROUS reports during the past 30 years support the thesis that biologically active factors present in normal adult tissue, growth-stimulating and growth-inhibiting substances, form a complex which regulates the growth of normal adult tissue. Upset of this balance may result in the unrestrained growth of cancer1–7. We have described the extraction by mild tryptic digestion of constituents of normal adult connective tissue (aorta, tendon, and skeletal muscle) which were growth-stimulating or growth-inhibitory to normal fibroblasts in tissue culture8. The effect on growth in vitro varied according to the conditions of extraction. Inhibitory extracts and crude precipitates from them further inhibited the growth in primary tissue culture of a series of human tumours from 75 to 100 per cent (refs. 9, 10).
Equation for peak capacity estimation in two-dimensional liquid chromatography.

Two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2DLC) is a very powerful way to greatly increase the resolving power and overall peak capacity of liquid chromatography. The traditional “product rule” for peak capacity usually overestimates the true resolving power due to neglect of the often quite severe under-sampling effect and thus provides poor guidance for optimizing the separation and biases comparisons to optimized one-dimensional gradient liquid chromatography. Here we derive a simple yet accurate equation for the effective two-dimensional peak capacity that incorporates a correction for under-sampling of the first dimension. The results show that not only is the speed of the second dimension separation important for reducing the overall analysis time, but it plays a vital role in determining the overall peak capacity when the first dimension is under-sampled. A surprising subsidiary finding is that for relatively short 2DLC separations (much less than a couple of hours), the first dimension peak capacity ...
Effects of message encoding and decoding on synchronized chaotic optical communications

Chaotic optical communication at 2.5 Gb/s is experimentally investigated using three major encoding and decoding schemes, namely chaos shift keying (CSK), chaos masking (CMS), and additive chaos modulation (ACM). The effects of message encoding and decoding on the chaotic dynamics, the chaos synchronization, and the chaotic communication performance are compared among the three schemes. In the schemes of CSK and ACM, it is found that a small amount of message injected into the chaotic dynamics can increase the complexity of the chaotic state dramatically. In the CMS scheme, the chaotic dynamics are found not to be influenced by the encoded message. The synchronization quality deteriorates dramatically with an increase in the message strength in CSK and CMS. The ACM scheme is found to have the best synchronization quality among the three schemes when there is an encoded message. Message recovery is demonstrated for each of the three schemes. The ACM scheme is found to have the best communication performance.
Cloning and characterization of an α-enolase of the oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans that binds human plasminogen

Streptococcus mutans is the etiologic agent of dental caries and is a causative agent of infective endocarditis. While the mechanisms by which S. mutans cells colonize heart tissue is not clear, it is thought that bacterial binding to extracellular matrix and blood conponents is crucial in the development of endocarditis. Previously, we have demonstrated that S. mutans cells have the capacity to bind and activate plasminogen to plasmin. Here we report the first cloning and characterization of an α-enolase of S. mutans that binds plasminogen. The functional identity of the purified recombinant α-enolase protein was confirmed by its ability to catalyze the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate. The protein exhibited a Km of 9.5 mM and a Vmax of 31.0 mM/min/mg. The α-enolase protein was localized in the cytoplasmic, cell wall and extracellular fractions of S. mutans. Binding studies using an immunoblot analysis revealed that human plasminogen binds to the enolase enzyme of S. mutans. These findings identify S. mutans α-enolase as a binding molecule used by this oral pathogen to interact with the blood component, plasminogen. Further studies of this interaction may be critical to understand the pathogenesis of endocarditis caused by S. mutans.
Polymorphism of the MHC class II Eb gene determines the protection against collagen-induced arthritis

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is an animal model of auto immune polyarthritis, sharing similarities with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Paradoxally, susceptibility to mouse CIA is controlled by the H2A loci (DQ homologous) while RA is linked to HLA.DR genes (H2E homologous). We recently showed that the Eβd molecule prevents CIA development in susceptible H2 q mice. We addressed the question of whether H2Eb polymorphism will influence CIA incidence as HLA.DRB1 polymorphism does in RA. In F1 mice, only H2Ebd and H2Ebs molecules showed protection. Using recombinant B10.RDD (Eb d/b) mice, we found that CIA protection was mediated by the first domain of the Eβd molecule. Using peptides covering the third hypervariable region of the Eβ chain, we found a perfect correlation between presentation of Eβ peptides by the H2Aq molecule and protection on CIA. Therefore, the mechanism by which H2Eb protects against CIA seems to rely on the affinity of Eβ peptides for the H2Aq molecule.
Dendritic cell depletion exacerbates acetaminophen hepatotoxicity

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is one of the most frequent causes of acute liver failure in the United States and is primarily mediated by toxic metabolites that accumulate in the liver upon depletion of glutathione stores. However, cells of the innate immune system, including natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, and Kupffer cells, have also been implicated in the centrilobular liver necrosis associated with APAP. We have recently shown that dendritic cells (DCs) regulate intrahepatic inflammation in chronic liver disease and, therefore, postulated that DC may also modulate the hepatotoxic effects of APAP. We found that DC immune-phenotype was markedly altered after APAP challenge. In particular, liver DC expressed higher MHC II, costimulatory molecules, and Toll-like receptors, and produced higher interleukin (IL)-6, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Conversely, spleen DC were unaltered. However, APAP-induced centrilobular necrosis, and its associated mortality, was markedly exacerbated upon DC depletion. Conversely, endogenous DC expansion using FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) protected mice from APAP injury. Our mechanistic studies showed that APAP liver DC had the particular capacity to prevent NK cell activation and induced neutrophil apoptosis. Nevertheless, the exacerbated hepatic injury in DC-depleted mice challenged with APAP was independent of NK cells and neutrophils or numerous immune modulatory cytokines and chemokines. Conclusion: Taken together, these data indicate that liver DC protect against APAP toxicity, whereas their depletion is associated with exacerbated hepatotoxicity. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Characteristics of multi-attribute resources/queries and implications on P2P resource discovery

Though resource discovery is a fundamental requirement in collaborative peer-to-peer, grid, and cloud computing, very little is known about resource/query characteristics and their impact on resource discovery. Fundamental design choices for distributed resource advertising and querying are evaluated in the context of existing practical systems. First, a generic model for cost of resource discovery is presented. Second, multi-attribute resource and query characteristics from Planet-Lab and SETI@home are presented. We observe that attributes of both resources and queries are highly skewed, correlated, queries are less specific, and Generalized Pareto distribution is suitable for capturing the distribution of most dynamic attributes and their rate of change. Based on these observations, different design choices are evaluated for resource discovery in terms of their cost of advertising/querying, latency, load balancing, and routing table size. The findings indicate that superpeer-based architectures have the potential to support large-scale resource aggregation as they simultaneously balance the cost and load.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin expression in the lung is increased by airway delivery of gene-transfected macrophages.

Inadequate antiprotease activity in the lungs due to alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is a factor of early-onset emphysema. We propose a new approach to gene therapy that involves the intratracheal delivery of macrophages expressing human A1AT (hA1AT). Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) plasmids encoding the hA1AT gene were packaged into virions using 293 cells, and transgenic progeny virus was purified from the cells. The murine macrophage cell line J774A.1 was infected in vitro with the recombinant hA1AT rAAV virus. The hA1AT-producing macrophages were delivered intratracheally into mechanically ventilated C57BL/6J mice, a strain with low endogenous levels of A1AT. Transcription of hA1AT mRNA was detected in the transfected cells by RT-PCR, and protein expression was verified by immunohistochemistry. Levels of hA1AT in the cell culture medium and in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were assayed by ELISA. The concentration of hA1AT in J774A.1 cell-conditioned medium increased from undetectable levels prior to transfection, to 60 mg/l at 24 h post-transfection. At 1, 3 and 7 days after intratracheal delivery of transfected macrophages, hA1AT protein in BAL from C57BL/6J mice increased from undetectable levels to 2.5±0.9, 2.6±1.1 and 2.2±0.8 mg/l, respectively. These results suggest that airway delivery of macrophages overexpressing hA1AT may be an effective approach to enhance alveolar protection in A1AT deficiency.
An imperfect competition on scale-free networks

Abstract We study an imperfect quantity competition on networks that represent rivalry relationships among firms. We show that the more heterogeneous the underlying network is, the more the output and the price are. The output and the price on scale-free networks are counter-intuitively the same as those in the monopoly regardless of the number of rival firms. We also show that any inverse demand function represented by a network has the corresponding utility function, which justifies the inverse demand function.
Within- and between-day stability of treadmill walking VO2 in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: Stability of walking VO2 in children with CP

Within- and between-day stability in locomotor energy use was quantified in 13 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). During testing, subjects were familiarized with the laboratory environment (Session 1), performed three 5 min level treadmill walks (Trials 1-3) at 0.67 m*s(-1) (Session 2), and completed a single 5 min walk (Trial 4) at 0.67 m*s(-1) (Session 3). In Sessions 2 and 3, heart rate (HR) was assessed and expired air was collected and analyzed to determine VO2. Data analyses revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in either net VO2 (ml kg(-1)*min(-1)) or EEI(HR) (b*m(-1)) across the three trials performed in Session 2 and between average measures of net VO2 and EEI(HR) quantified in Session 2 and those obtained in Session 3. Mean within-day coefficient of variation (CV) values for net VO2 and EEI(HR) were 8.6% +/- 8.5% and 13.9% +/- 7.8%, respectively. Analysis of between-day variability and energy expenditure revealed a between-day CV value of 13.1% for net VO2 and 24.0% for EEI(HR). In addition, significant inverse relationships between Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) scores and within- (r = -0.61) and between-day (r = -0.58) CV values for net VO2 were detected. Viewed in concert, these data suggest that fairly stable within- and between-day measures of locomotor energy expenditure during level treadmill walking can be achieved in subjects with hemiplegic CP if testing is preceded by a short period of treadmill accommodation. However, children with greater motor dysfunction may require an extended period of treadmill accommodation to reduce trial-to-trial variability in walking energy use.
Expressivism, constructivism, and the supervenience of moral properties

One of the most familiar arguments for expressivist metaethics is the claim that the rival theory, moral realism, cannot provide a satisfying explanation of why moral properties supervene on natural properties. Non-cognitivism, however, has its own problems explaining supervenience. Expressivists try to establish supervenience either by second-order disapproval of type-inconsistent moral evaluations or by pragmatic considerations. But disapproval of inconsistency is merely a contingent attitude that people happen to have; and pragmatic justification does not allow for appraisers to take their own moral attitudes seriously enough. What has been overlooked is a third alternative. The metaethical theory that can best account for supervenience is neither realist nor non-cognitivist but an objectivist version of constructivism. On the constructivist theory, right and wrong are determined by the principles that people would (hypothetically) consent to under ideal conditions. Type-consistency is a required featu...
Severity of hand osteoarthritis and its association with upper extremity impairment in a population of disabled older women: the Women's Health and Aging Study.

Most severity indices of osteoarthritis (OA) include measures of physical function which render them unsuitable for assessing the impact of OA on disability. Data from 1002 moderate to severely disabled community-dwelling women ≥65 years were used to develop hand OA severity indices which are independent of functional status. Baseline exams and strength tests were conducted by trained nurse examiners. Each distal and proximal interphalangeal joint, and first carpo-metacarpal joint (20 joints in all) was scored for the presence of a) bony enlargement or deformity, and b) pain on motion or tenderness on palpation. Severity indices were then created: Deformity index (DEF) = sum of joints with bony changes (0–20); Pain/Tenderness index (PT) = sum of joints with pain or tenderness (0–20); and Combined Deformity/Pain index = sum of DEF and PT (0–40). These indices were then validated against grip and pinch strength. All three indices showed a significant trend for weaker grip strength as severity index scores increased. When the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles were used to divide each severity index into levels of involvement, a threshold effect was observed with significantly poorer grip strength performance above the 75th percentile for each index. Similar results were seen for pinch strength. In conclusion, these hand OA severity indices, based on examination findings alone, help distinguish disease status, and may provide a valuable research tool for investigating the role of hand OA in impairment and disability.
Cell biology: when the tail wags the dog.

Flagella are whip-like structures that power the movement of certain cells. Analysis of a single-cell parasite, the African trypanosome, reveals that flagella are also essential for viability in this organism.
Infrared imaging of sub-retinal structures in the human ocular fundus

The interaction of infrared light with the human ocular fundus, particularly sub-retinal structures, was studied in vivo. Visible and infra-red wavelengths and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope were used to acquire digital images of the human fundus. The contrast and reflectance of selected retinal and sub-retinal features were computed for a series of wavelengths or modes of imaging. Near infrared light provides better visibility than visible light for sub-retinal features. Sub-retinal deposits appear light and thickened; the optic nerve head, retinal vessels, and choroidal vessels appear dark. Contrast and visibility of features increases with increasing wavelength from 795 to 895 nm. Optimizing the mode of imaging improves the visibility of some structures. This new quantitative basis for near infrared imaging techniques can be applied to a wide range of imaging modalities for the study of pathophysiology and treatment in diseases affecting the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane, such as age-related macular degeneration.
Quantifying Absolute Protein Synthesis Rates Reveals Principles Underlying Allocation of Cellular Resources

Quantitative views of cellular functions require precise measures of rates of biomolecule production, especially proteins—the direct effectors of biological processes. Here, we present a genome-wide approach, based on ribosome profiling, for measuring absolute protein synthesis rates. The resultant E. coli data set transforms our understanding of the extent to which protein synthesis is precisely controlled to optimize function and efficiency. Members of multiprotein complexes are made in precise proportion to their stoichiometry, whereas components of functional modules are produced differentially according to their hierarchical role. Estimates of absolute protein abundance also reveal principles for optimizing design. These include how the level of different types of transcription factors is optimized for rapid response and how a metabolic pathway (methionine biosynthesis) balances production cost with activity requirements. Our studies reveal how general principles, important both for understanding natural systems and for synthesizing new ones, emerge from quantitative analyses of protein synthesis.
Global dynamics of parametrically excited nonlinear reversible systems with nonsemisimple 1:1 resonance

Abstract In this paper, we analytically investigate the global dynamics associated with the nonlinear reversible systems that exhibit Hopf bifurcation in the presence of one-to-one nonsemisimple internal resonance. The effect of periodic parametric excitations is examined on such systems near the principal subharmonic resonance in presence of dissipation. The nonlinear and nonautonomous system is simplified considerably by reducing it to the corresponding four-dimensional normal form. The normal form associated with the reversible systems is obtained as a special case from the general normal form equations obtained in [N. Sri Namachchivaya, M.M. Doyle, W.F. Langford and N. Evans, Normal form for generalized hopf bifurcation with non-semisimple 1:1 resonance, Z. Angew. Math. Phys. (ZAMP) 45 (1994) 312–335]. Under small perturbations arising from parametric excitations and nonreversible dissipation, two mechanisms are identified in such systems that may lead to chaotic dynamics. Explicit restrictions on the system parameters are obtained for both of these mechanisms which lead to this complex behavior. Finally, the results are demonstrated through a two-degree-of-freedom model of a thin rectangular beam vibrating under the action of a pulsating follower force.
Viscous stability of compressible axisymmetric jets

C of the viscous, spatial stability characteristics of a compressible axisymmetric jet are presented. The asymptotic solutions to the stability equations in regions of constant mean flow properties are developed and used as the boundary conditions for a numerical integration of the compressible stability equations in cylindrical coordinates. Increasing the Mach number is found .to stabilize the flow, as • is decreasing the Reynolds number. The helical mode is found to be more unstable than the axisymmetric mode for higher Mach numbers.
Immunohistological approaches to human prostatic epithelial cells

Specific anti-acid phosphatase antisera were prepared by the use of purified prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) from prostatic tissue and lysosomal acid phosphatase (L-AcP) from diploid fibroblast (WI-38) as antigen. Since the antigenic difference between the PAP and L-AcP was established, distribution of these enzymes among various tissues and tissue culture cells was investigated by the indirect immunofluorescence method and the unlabeled antibody method [14]. The L-AcP has been detected as granules localized in a perinuclear portion of all of the epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and peripheral blood cells except erythrocytes. Presence of the PAP was limited to the prostatic epithelial cells. It is also noted that the biosynthesis of the PAP is strikingly diminished in the long-term culture of prostatic epithelial cells. However, because of the antigenic difference between the PAP and L-AcP, and because of the high concentration of PAP in the cytoplasm of prostatic epithelial cells, it is feasible to apply the anti-PAP immunofluorescence method to the identification of metastatic prostatic carcinoma cells in the biopsy materials.
Utilization of Decadal Tritium Variation for Assessing the Residence Time of Base Flow

An iterative algorithm is presented that allows the user to model the subsurface residence time of shallow ground water comprising stream base flow based on decadal scale variation of tritium concentrations. The algorithm accounts for the effects of radioactive decay, the shallow subsurface mixing of ground water with precipitation, and ground water flux. The inverse of the best-fitting modeled flux through the saturated zone is equivalent to the residence time. The data required for this model include at least two measurements of tritium in base flow for a given stream location made at least a decade apart and the long-term tritium input in precipitation for the region of interest. The model is sensitive to relatively small changes in tritium concentrations and is limited by analytic uncertainties to an accuracy of approximately +/-5 years. The algorithm was applied to stream base flow for several basins in the Piedmont Province of Georgia in which tritium concentrations were measured during the early 1990s and again in the 2000s. The model results produced highly concordant residence times for three hydrogeologically similar basins in the Upper Ocmulgee Basin in North Central Georgia. The best estimate of the average residence time for ground water comprising base flow in this Piedmont basin using this new method is between approximately 14 and 18 years. These results are generally consistent with calculations made in previous studies, and these relatively long residence times can be attributed to the storage of water in the clay soils that dominate Piedmont Province watersheds.
Studies on the interaction of water with ethylcellulose: effect of polymer particle size.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the interaction of water with ethylcellulose samples and assess the effect of particle size on the interaction. The distribution of water within coarse particle ethylcellulose (CPEC; average particle size 310 μm) and fine particle ethylcellulose (FPEC; average particle size 9.7 μm) of 7 cps viscosity grade was assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic vapor sorption analysis. The amounts of nonfreezing and freezing water in hydrated samples were determined from melting endotherms obtained by DSC. An increase in water content resulted in an increase in the enthalpy of fusion of water for the two particle size fractions of EC. The amount of nonfreezable water was not affected by the change in particle size at low water contents. Exposure of ethylcellulose to water for 30 minutes is sufficient to achieve equilibration within the hydrated polymer at 47% wt/wt water content. The moisture sorption profiles were analyzed according to the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) and Young and Nelson equations, which can help to distinguish moisture distribution in different physical forms. The amount of externally adsorbed moisture was greater in the case of FPEC. Internally absorbed moisture was evident only with the CPEC. In light of these results, and explanation is offered for the success of FPEC in wet-granulation methods where CPEC was not successful.
Ocular melanomas and melanocytic lesions of the eye

This article describes several melanocytic lesions of the eye. Benign and malignant lesions will be discussed as well as a review of the dysplastic nevus syndrome and its proposed association with ocular melanoma. Ocular melanomas arise from the same embryologically derived melanocytes as their cutaneous counterparts. However, ocular and cutaneous melanomas differ in many respects. The diagnosis and management of these ocular tumors rely heavily on the ophthalmologist. However, knowledge of melanocytic lesions will aid the dermatologist in detection and in proper referral of these patients.
Bias Within Because of Threat From Outside The Effects of an External Call for Terrorism on Anti-Muslim Attitudes in the United States

Prejudice against Muslim Americans increased after 9/11, but little is known about the extent to which anti-Muslim attitudes shift in response to external events, in particular calls for terrorism ...
Concepts Relating to the Development of Modern Exposure Guidelines for Radiofrequency Fields

Abstract The determination of levels of safe exposure of humans to radiofrequency fields is based principally on relating the threshold for harmful effects in exposed animals to the whole-body mass averaged absorbed energy density or specific absorption rate (SAR). The SAR, given in units of watts per kilogram, is a complex function of the source configuration, shape, and size of the exposed subjects, their orientation of the subject with respect to the source, and the frequency. To relate observed biological effects in exposed laboratory animals to safe exposure levels for humans, both the fields within the environment and the SAR within the exposed tissues must be determined. A combination of experimental and theoretical techniques, each valid for a particular model over a particular frequency range, has been used to determine whole-body average and peak SAR in humans and animals exposed to plane-wave radiation. Based on a review of the literature on animal research, the American National Standards Inst...
Complex species interaction in tropical backreef communities

A complex interaction between the sea urchin, Tripneustes ventricosus, and snail, Cerithium litteratum, has emerged in lagoonal backreefs of Jamaica. These two species are spatially correlated in most of the habitats that were examined. In field and laboratory observations, urchins pick up and cover their tests with as many as 40 live snails continuously for up to two days. I examined whether urchins cover to avoid predation, and whether growth and survival of snails is negatively affected by this behavior. The presence of predators prompted urchins to collect ten times as many snails, which gained 47% less tissue weight and 75% less shell lip thickness than snails unassociated with urchins. However, the survival rate of snails positioned on urchins was three times greater than that of free snails on sandy backreef substratum. Results of this study imply a biomass gain versus survival trade-off, and provide insights into complex interactions.
What to expect from a residency program: Answers from a directory of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology

Abstract Objective: To answer questions about obstetric-gynecologic resident salary, night call, vacation, outside employment, gender mix, and training experiences using data from a national directory of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology. Methods: The 259 US civilian residency programs were analyzed, using information from the 1996 directory database. We compared programs by size (four or fewer residents per year versus more than four residents per year) and geographic region for each of the questions. We used parametric and nonparametric statistical tests to determine statistical significance. Results: First-year residents earn an average of $31,414 annually and receive a 5% increase each year, although salary varies significantly by region. Residents are on call an average of every 3rd night (twice a week) in the 1st year and every 4th or 5th night in the chief year. Residents in small programs take more night call than those in large programs. A separate night call rotation was more common in large programs. Vacation time varied by year of training and region. Male-to-female ratios in training differed significantly by year in training, program size, and region. The median number of training experiences was identified in each of the categories required by the Residency Review Committee in obstetrics and gynecology. Training experiences varied significantly by program size in three of the 15 categories. Conclusion: Program size and geographic region should be considered when comparing programs with regard to pay, work, time off, outside employment, gender mix, and training experiences. Program advisors and potential applicants are encouraged to use this information in comparing programs.
Bayesian sparse channel estimation and tracking

It is recognized that wireless channels often exhibit a sparse structure, especially for wideband and ultra-wideband systems. In order to exploit this sparse structure and make it more feasible for practical applications, this article investigates sparse channel estimation for OFDM from the perspective of Bayesian learning. Under the Bayesian learning framework, the large-scale compressed sensing problem, as well as large time delay for the estimation of the doubly selective channel over multiple consecutive OFDM symbols, can be avoided. In addition, the time-varying channel can be tracked naturally by iteratively updating the maximum likelihood function of the channel impulse response. Simulation studies show a significant improvement in channel estimation and promising performance for channel tracking with reduced the number of pilot tones.
Neurilemoma of the Posterior Tibial Nerve and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is defined as a compressive neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve in the tarsal canal. A neurilemoma is an uncommon, benign, encapsulated neoplasm derived from Schwann cells. We present a case of tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by this rare space-occupying lesion.
Energy coupling mechanisms in optical maser-induced gas discharges

Summary form only, as given. A study has been made of the variation of optical maser-induced gas breakdown threshold intensity with gas pressure and maser radiation wavelength.
Socializing the knowledge transfer problem

A central issue in acquiring knowledge is its appropriate transfer beyond the contexts and contents of first acquisition. In contrast to dominant "common elements" transfer theory, an inrerpretive perspective is developed, according to which "appropriate transfer" is a concept socioculturally rather than objectively defined. "Elements" perceived by the thinker as common between the current and a prior situation are not given in the nature of things but "read in terms of the thinker'sculturally-influend categorization system, of problem types. A synthesis of cognitive research findings identifies specific features of thinking-skills instruction effective for promoting transfer. These include learning about and practicing knowledge application in multiple contexts of use, constructively participating in bridginginstruction acrossschool and nonrhool problem situations, thinking and self-management skills taught within domains, and synergistic integration of the learning of different subjects. Recommendations are made for developing new learning technologies that build upon these conditions for enhancing knowledge transfer.
Efficient numerical evaluation of the Kirchhoff field scattered from a hollow circular cylinder

A convenient and simple algorithm is derived for computing the Kirchhoff approximation for the field scattered by an acoustically hard tubular obstacle. Special Weber function evaluations are explicitly avoided through the use of the fast Fourier transforms (FFT) approximation for Fourier coefficients. Selected scattered diagram predictions are contrasted with the accurate solution of the Neumann boundary value problem.
Transformative learning and the urban context

The urban context generates a barrage of disorienting dilemmas for urban learners, thereby complicating and challenging the promotion of transformative learning.
A survey of neurologists on self-treatment and treatment of their families.

Background.—Although neurologists commonly self-treat for migraine and other conditions, little is known about the patterns of self-treatment by physicians in the United States. Objectives.—The aim was to obtain information about neurologist's self-treatment and treatment of family members and their attitudes about self-treatment by other physicians. Methods.—A survey was performed among neurologists attending the Texas Neurological Society's Winter Conference using a questionnaire about self-treatment and treatment of family members during the prior 12 months and attitudes about self-treatment by other physicians. Results.—Among 186 physicians invited to participate, the response rate was 48%. Although 76% reported having primary care physicians, neurologists reported the following behaviors: 38% self-diagnosed or self-treated medical conditions including migraine in 25%; 56% started themselves on prescription medications including 21% who used triptans and 15% who used migraine preventive medications; 33% ordered blood tests on themselves; and 20% ordered imaging studies on themselves. Sixty percent reported missing no work due to illness, 87% missed 2 days or less, and 99% reported missing 1 week or less. Eighty percent reported treating their family members for acute minor illnesses and 33% for chronic conditions. The following percentage of participants reported that they would be likely to self-diagnose and self-treat the following hypothetical illnesses: 70%, migraines which were not severe; 19%, new onset frequent headaches; and 48%, chronic daily headaches. The following percentage of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the following behaviors were acceptable for physicians: 94%, self-treat acute minor illnesses; 37%, self-treat chronic conditions; 42%, order blood test for diagnostic purposes; 40%, order imaging studies for diagnostic purposes; 87%, treat family members for acute minor conditions; and 36%, treat family members for chronic conditions. Conclusions.—Neurologists commonly treat themselves and family members.
Asymmetric recognition of nonconsensus AP-1 sites by Fos-Jun and Jun-Jun influences transcriptional cooperativity with NFAT1

Many regulatory elements in eukaryotic promoters do not correspond to optimal recognition sequences for the transcription factors that regulate promoter function by binding to the elements. The sequence of the binding site may influence the structural and functional properties of regulatory protein complexes. Fos-Jun heterodimers were found to bind nonconsensus AP-1 sites in a preferred orientation. Oriented Fos-Jun heterodimer binding was attributed to nonidentical recognition of the two half-sites by Fos and Jun. Jun bound preferentially to the consensus half-site, whereas Fos was able to bind nonconsensus half-sites. The orientation of heterodimer binding affected the transcriptional cooperativity of Fos-Jun-NFAT1 complexes at composite regulatory elements in mammalian cells. Jun dimerization with Fos versus ATF2 caused it to bind opposite half-sites at nonconsensus AP-1 elements. Similarly, ATF2 bound to opposite half-sites in Fos-ATF2-NFAT1 and ATF2-Jun-NFAT1 complexes. The orientations of nonconsensus AP-1 sites within composite regulatory elements affected the cooperativity of Fos-Jun as well as Jun-Jun binding with NFAT1. Since Jun homodimers cannot bind to AP-1 sites in a preferred orientation, the effects of the orientations of nonconsensus AP-1 sites on the stabilities of Jun-Jun-NFAT1 complexes are likely to be due to asymmetric conformational changes in the two subunits of the homodimer. Nonconsensus AP-1 site orientation also affected the synergy of transcription activation between Jun homodimers and NFAT1 at composite regulatory elements. The asymmetric recognition of nonconsensus AP-1 sites can therefore influence the transcriptional activities of Fos and Jun both through effects on the orientation of heterodimer binding and through differential conformational changes in the two subunits of the dimer.
Modeling the Defense-Growth Relationship around the Globe

One of the most important questions stemming from the end of the cold war is how reductions in defense spending will affect economic performance. This question has significant policy implications for countries facing public demands for defense cutbacks and countries still maintaining high levels of military spending for security. However, previous studies on the defense-growth relationship have reported mixed findings. Thus, this study investigates how the changes in defense burden will affect economic growth by testing the economic effects of defense spending on growth in 80 countries using a nonlinear defense-growth model that includes technological progress. The results reveal that two thirds of the countries under investigation may expect a “peace dividend” due to the negative relationship between defense spending and economic growth.
Phonon Transport in SiGe-Based Nanocomposites and Nanowires for Thermoelectric Applications

Silicon-germanium (SiGe) superlattices (SLs) have been proposed for application as efficient thermoelectrics because of their low thermal conductivity, below that of bulk SiGe alloys. However, the cost of growing SLs is prohibitive, so nanocomposites, made by a ball-milling and sintering, have been proposed as a cost-effective replacement with similar properties. Lattice thermal conductivity in SiGe SLs is reduced by scattering from the rough interfaces between layers. Therefore, it is expected that interface properties, such as roughness, orientation, and composition, will play a significant role in thermal transport in nanocomposites and offer many additional degrees of freedom to control the thermal conductivity in nanocomposites by tailoring grain size, shape, and crystal angle distributions. We previously demonstrated the sensitivity of the lattice thermal conductivity in SLs to the interface properties, based on solving the phonon Boltzmann transport equation under the relaxation time approximation. Here we adapt the model to a broad range of SiGe nanocomposites. We model nanocomposite structures using a Voronoi tessellation to mimic the grains and their distribution in the nanocomposite and show excellent agreement with experimentally observed structures, while for nanowires we use the Monte Carlo method to solve the phonon Boltzmann equation. In order to accurately treat phonon scattering from a series of atomically rough interfaces between the grains in the nanocomposite and at the boundaries of nanowires, we employ a momentum-dependent specularity parameter. Our results show thermal transport in SiGe nanocomposites and nanowires is reduced significantly below their bulk alloy counterparts.
SM3: A dynamically partitionable multicomputer system with switchable main memory modules

The architecture of a multicomputer system with switchable main memory modules (SM3) is presented. This architecture supports the efficient execution of parallel algorithms for non-numeric processing by 1) allowing the sharing of switchable main memory modules between computers, 2) supporting network partitioning, and 3) employing global control lines to efficiently support inter-processor communication. By allowing some main memory modules to be switched between processors, the data transfer time is reduced to memory switching time. Network partitioning gives a common bus network system the capability of a MIMD machine while performing global operations. The global control lines establish a quick and efficient high-level protocol in the system. The network is supervised by a Control Computer which oversees network partitioning and other global functions. The hardware involved is quite simple and the network is easily extensible. An analytical study using parallel algorithms for common database operations has been carried out to compare the SM3 System with several other architectures. The results of the study are presented.
INDIVIDUAL AND STATUS RECOGNITION IN THE CRAYFISH, ORCONECTES RUSTICUS: THE EFFECTS OF URINE RELEASE ON FIGHT DYNAMICS

This study examined individual and status recognition in dyadic interactions between crayfish and determines how blocking the release of urine, a known source of chemical cues, may influence recognition. Behavioral characteristics of agonistic interactions were compared between crayfish pairs that fought each other previously (familiar) and pairs derived from individuals with past status history but no previous experience with one another (unfamiliar). To address the role of urine born chemical cues in recognition, fight dynamics were examined in urine blocked and non-blocked familiar and unfamiliar pairs. Our results indicate the existence of status recognition in crayfish as first fights were longer than second fights and the statistical interaction between fight number and familiar/unfamiliar treatment was similar. Urine cues play a role in social recognition in that fights are longer and more intense when urine cues are absent than when urine cues are present. Communication of behavioral state through urine appears to play an important role in the agonistic interactions of crayfish.
Temporal order in mammalian cells. I. The periodic synthesis of lactate dehydrogenase in the cell cycle.

Chinese hamster cells were synchronized by the Colcemid-selection system. In cells with a division cycle time of 11.5–12 hr, the activity of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) underwent marked oscillations with a 3.5-hr period. Precipitation of labeled LDH enzyme with specific antibody indicated that the enzyme activity changes were the result of intermittent enzyme synthesis and relatively constant degradation. Inhibition of normal DNA replication with 4 mM of thymidine, while reducing the amount of new enzyme synthesized, did not prevent oscillations from occurring. Similarly, actinomycin D (AcD) added at the time of synchronization allowed some new enzyme synthesis to proceed in an oscillatory manner. LDH synthesis went on at nearly normal rates when AcD was added in the middle of S phase. However, addition of cycloheximide to cultures at any time in the cycle caused an immediate drop in levels of activity and in enzyme protein. The half-life of LDH, calculated either from loss of enzyme activity or precipitable radioactivity in cycloheximide-treated cultures, was between 2 and 2.5 hr.
Increasing student motivation through teacher communication: six essential skills every physical educator should master

(2010). Increasing Student Motivation Through Teacher Communication. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 81, No. 2, pp. 29-39.
Analysis of the bands of the B2Σ+-X2Σ+ transition in 12C16O+ and 13C16O+

Abstract The First Negative bands of 12 C 16 O + and 13 C 16 O + , in the spectral region 40 000–46 000 cm −1 , have been photographed at a resolution sufficient to resolve the spin-doubled components. These data for 12 C 16 O + , along with previously reported data of the same transitions, as well as microwave transitions of 12 C 16 O + in the ground state, have been explicitly included in a least-squares fit to determine the most precise set of molecular constants to date for the B 2 Σ + and X 2 Σ + states of 12 C 16 O + . Furthermore, we report a rotational analysis of the First Negative bands of 13 C 16 O + for the first time. Several molecular constants characterizing 13 C 16 O + in the B 2 Σ + and the X 2 Σ + states, including spin-doubling parameters, have been determined.
124 COMPARISON OF TWO EMBEDDING SYSTEMS FOR FOLLICULAR CULTURE

Recent research has focused on developing secondary, preantral follicles as a new way to collect female gametes to develop in vitro or to study folliculogenesis. Secondary follicles are abundant in ovaries of almost all females, and can be isolated from the ovarian cortex of fresh or cryopreserved tissue. These follicles must be matured to obtain mature oocytes, but the mechanism for early follicle development is not well understood. Currently, culture techniques are being developed to promote the growth and quality of these follicles. The aim of this preliminary study was to compare 2 embedding systems for porcine follicles to improve preantral follicle culture. We collected secondary preantral follicles isolated from porcine ovaries recovered from the abattoir. Ovaries were transported to our laboratory in saline solution (0.9% NaCl) and cut into smaller fragments with a scalpel. Follicles were further mechanically isolated with a 23 1/2-gauge needle and placed into a dish with medium TCM199 plus Hepes (Lonza 12–117F) supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Secondary follicles less than 300 µm were selected. Furthermore, only clear follicles with dark oocytes and no antrum were used. The selected follicles were randomly divided into 5 different treatment groups: 1) embedded in 0.5% alginate gel; 2) 1.0% alginate gel; 3) 1.0% agarose gel; 4) 2.0% agarose gel; and 5) control. Three follicles were placed in each well with 280 µL of α-minimal essential medium supplemented with 3.5 μg mL–1 of insulin 10 μg mL–1 of transferrin, 100 μg mL–1 of l-ascorbic acid, and 7.5% porcine serum and cultured for 4 days at 39°C at 5% CO2. Media (140 µL) from each well was changed on Day 2 and saved for metabolic and functional analysis. Initial diameters and measurements on Day 2 and 4 were taken to analyse dimensional growth. We evaluated 6 follicles per group per replicate, for a total of 3 replicates (18 per group). All recorded parameters were subjected to a 2-way ANOVA using the procedure of the Generalized Linear Model (SPSS, 18th version, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Independent variable was the result of the balance between the size on Day 2 and 0 and the size on Day 4 and 0 time of observation. Data were normally distributed. Least squares means tests were used to perform statistical multiple comparisons. The α level was set at 0.05. All data were expressed as quadratic means and mean standard errors. The results in the Table 1 show that at Day 2 there was no difference between groups. However, after 4 days of development, the group agar 2% and alginate 1% showed a statistical difference when compared with the control. These results suggest that there is a positive effect when the follicles are embedded during culture. Table 1.Growth of Follicles (in μm) since Day 0 in different embedding systems