cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influenza virus proteins. II. Association with components of the cytoplasm.

Abstract Cytoplasmic extracts of influenza virus-infected BHK21-F and MDBK cells were separated by equilibrium sedimentation into fractions containing smooth membranes, rough membranes, and free ribosomes and polysomes. Analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that viral polypeptides were associated with all cytoplasmic fractions. Smooth membranes contained large amounts of viral glycoproteins, as well as the nonglycosylated polypeptide (M) thought to be associated with the viral membrane. Rough membranes also contained the uncleaved hemagglutinin glycoprotein (HA), and results of pulse-chase experiments suggest that this polypeptide is synthesized in association with the rough membranes and accumulates in smooth membranes. The nucleoprotein subunit NP was located mainly in the soluble fraction as well as a cell fraction of intermediate density. The nonstructural viral polypeptide NS (∼25,000 MW) appeared to be associated specifically with ribo-some-containing fractions.
Distributed forward checking may lie for privacy

DisFC is an ABT-like algorithm that, instead of sending the value taken by the high priority agent, it sends the domain of the low priority agent that is compatible with that value. With this strategy, plus the use of sequence numbers, some privacy level is achieved. In particular, each agent knows its value in the solution, but ignores the values of the others. However, the idea of sending the whole compatible domain each time an agent changes its value may cause a privacy loss on shared constraints that was initially overlooked. To solve this issue, we propose DisFClies, an algorithm that works like DisFC but it may lie about the compatible domains of other agents. It requires a single extra condition: if an agent sends a lie, it has to tell the truth in finite time afterwards. We prove that the algorithm is sound, complete and terminates. We provide experimental results on the increment in privacy achieved, at the extra cost of more search.
Stress, Health Risk Behaviors, and Weight Status Among Community College Students

The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between stress, weight-related health risk behaviors (e.g., eating behaviors, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, cigarette smoking, and binge drinking), and weight status using cross-sectional data on 2-year community college students enrolled in a randomized controlled weight gain prevention trial. Modified Poisson regression and linear regression were used to examine crude and adjusted cross-sectional associations. Higher stress was associated with higher prevalence of overweight/obesity (crude prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.01, 1.09]), though the relationship was no longer statistically significant after controlling for a wide range of weight-related health risk behaviors (adjusted PR = 1.04; 95% CI [1.00, 1.08]). Stress levels were significantly associated with meal skipping and being a current smoker. Future research should investigate the mechanisms through which stress is related to obesity risk and examine the causes of stress among this understudied population to inform the design of appropriate interventions.
Estimating Orientation Distribution Functions with Probability Density Constraints and Spatial Regularity

High angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) has become an important magnetic resonance technique for in vivo imaging. Current techniques for estimating the diffusion orientation distribution function (ODF), i.e., the probability density function of water diffusion along any direction, do not enforce the estimated ODF to be nonnegative or to sum up to one. Very often this leads to an estimated ODF which is not a proper probability density function. In addition, current methods do not enforce any spatial regularity of the data. In this paper, we propose an estimation method that naturally constrains the estimated ODF to be a proper probability density function and regularizes this estimate using spatial information. By making use of the spherical harmonic representation, we pose the ODF estimation problem as a convex optimization problem and propose a coordinate descent method that converges to the minimizer of the proposed cost function. We illustrate our approach with experiments on synthetic and real data.
Validation of the Teaching Engineering Self-Efficacy Scale for K-12 Teachers: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Background Teacher self-efficacy has received attention because of its direct relationship with teachers' classroom behaviors. Since engineering has been increasingly introduced in K-12 (precollege) education, development of an instrument to measure teachers' self-efficacy in the context of teaching engineering has been needed. Purpose (Hypothesis) This study reports the development and validation of the Teaching Engineering Self-Efficacy Scale (TESS) for K-12 teachers. Design/Method The items for the TESS were constructed through a comprehensive review of the literature regarding K-12 engineering education, the development of teachers' self-efficacy instruments in STEM areas, and K-12 teachers' reflections on integrating engineering into their classrooms. During the content and face validity process, we used structural equation modeling to identify and confirm the factor structure of the TESS, and used item-analyses for reliability evidence. Results With data from 434 teachers in 19 states, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using structural equation modeling resulted in the TESS consisting of 23 items loading across four factors: engineering pedagogical content knowledge, engineering engagement, engineering disciplinary self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy. Cronbach's α ranged from 0.89 to 0.96 and exhibited high internal consistency reliability coefficients for the TESS. Conclusions Teacher self-efficacy is a situation-specific construct because teachers' efficacy beliefs depend on the content area and teaching environment. Use of the TESS, as an instrument tailored for the engineering teaching context, can contribute to the literature on K-12 engineering education and improve the teaching of precollege engineering.
Isolation of microtubules and a dynein-like MgATPase from unfertilized sea urchin eggs.

Taxol was used to prepare microtubules from unfertilized eggs of sea urchins Lytechinus pictus, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis , and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. By electron microscopy, these microtubules possessed normal morphology and were decorated with projections. The polypeptides present were tubulin plus microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) which included various high molecular weight polypeptides, and a Mr = 80,000 polypeptide. These MAPs were extracted from the microtubules by differential centrifugation in high ionic strength buffers, yielding a pellet of microtubules which were not decorated with projections. The Mr = 80,000 and high molecular weight MAPs were separated using Bio-Gel A-1.5 m chromatography, and shown to bind taxol-stabilized microtubules assembled from purified bovine brain tubulin. A dynein-like MgATPase activity is present in sea urchin egg extracts. 10-20% of this MgATPase co-pelleted with the taxol-assembled microtubules, under conditions where greater than 90% of the tubulin pelleted. During subsequent fractionation of the microtubules, by (i) high salt extraction followed by gel filtration or sucrose density gradient fractionation or (ii) ATP extraction, the MgATpase co-purified with high Mr MAPs. The MgATPase which remained in the microtubule-depleted egg extract was partially purified by (NH4)2SO4 fractionation, followed by Bio-Gel A-5 m and hydroxylapatite chromatography. The high Mr MAP MgATPase and the hydroxylapatite MgATPase both contained a prominent polypeptide (Mr approximately 350,000), which co-migrated on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels with the major heavy chain of dynein extracted from sperm axonemes. Our data suggest that this Mr approximately 350,000 polypeptide is cytoplasmic dynein.
Inverse limits on [0, 1] using piecewise linear unimodal bonding maps

In this paper we investigate inverse limits on [0, 1] using a single bonding map chosen from a two-parameter family of piecewise linear unimodal bonding maps. This investigation focuses on the parameter values at the boundary between an hereditarily decomposable inverse limit and an inverse limit containing an indecomposable continuum.
Multi-objective genetic algorithm based innovative wind farm layout optimization method

Abstract Layout optimization has become one of the critical approaches to increase power output and decrease total cost of a wind farm. Previous researches have applied intelligent algorithms to optimizing the wind farm layout. However, those wind conditions used in most of previous research are simplified and not accurate enough to match the real world wind conditions. In this paper, the authors propose an innovative optimization method based on multi-objective genetic algorithm, and test it with real wind condition and commercial wind turbine parameters. Four case studies are conducted to investigate the number of wind turbines needed in the given wind farm. Different cost models are also considered in the case studies. The results clearly demonstrate that the new method is able to optimize the layout of a given wind farm with real commercial data and wind conditions in both regular and irregular shapes, and achieve a better result by selecting different type and hub height wind turbines.
Regulatory T Cells, Frailty, and Immune Activation in Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study

Background Both HIV infection and frailty have been associated with chronic immune activation. One possible explanation for this chronic immune activation could be low levels of CD4(+) T regulatory cells (Tregs), which suppress immune responses. Methods HIV-uninfected (HIV-) and HIV-infected (HIV+) men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) were classified as frail (or nonfrail) if they expressed (or did not express) the Fried frailty phenotype at two consecutive study visits. Percentages and absolute numbers of total Tregs, and percentages of different subsets of Tregs and of activated T cells were measured by flow cytometry. The function of Tregs was measured by suppression of T-cell proliferation. Results Percentages of Tregs were higher, rather than lower, in frail men than in nonfrail men, and this difference was significant for HIV- men. Percentages of subsets of Tregs did not differ significantly by frailty status. Among HIV+ men, the suppressive function of Tregs was similar between frail and nonfrail men. Percentages of Tregs and activated T cells were negatively correlated in nonfrail men (HIV- and HIV+) and in frail HIV- men, but this correlation was strongly positive in frail HIV+ men. Conclusion These data suggest that: (a) Tregs were not deficient in frail men; and (b) the immunological pathophysiology of frailty may differ by HIV status.
A new role for microcontroller courses: integrating EE curricula

A new electrical engineering (EE) course on microcontrollers has been developed at Penn State. This new course differs from previously required computer engineering (CMPEN) courses on microprocessors or computer organization in several important respects. Among the differences are the addition of a hardware laboratory and changes in the relative emphasis on computer organization, programming and interfacing. More importantly, the course has been designed to serve three new purposes: to broaden the vision of the students, to integrate material from throughout the EE curriculum and to provide greater background for general engineering practice. The objective of the new course is to introduce the application of microcontrollers in electronic and electromechanical systems. Accordingly, the course includes a three-hour per week laboratory in which students utilize a commercially available microcontroller for an LCD and keypad-based user/system interface, a digital thermometer; a stepper motor controller; and a dc servo motor controller.
A Note on John Milbank and Thomas Aquinas

The emergence in the 1980s and 1990s of a renewed Thomistic moral theology showed that the same could and should be attempted in dogmatic theology, with full weight given to the biblical, patristic, and spiritual emphases of the Ressourcement movement
Spectrum/Orbit Utilization Program for Geostationary Satellites

Mutual interferences among geostationary satellite communication systems determine the permitted spacing between satellites and the limits on the capacity of the orbit/spectrum resources available. This paper describes the "Spectrum/Orbit Utilization Program," a computer program for analyzing the mutual interferences among communication satellite systems. Capabilities of the program are described. Inputs, models used, program operations, and program outputs are given. To show application of the program, an example scenario is analyzed for fixed satellites providing domestic service to North America.
Biochemical genetics of Chinese hamster cell mutants with deviant purine metabolism: Characterization of Chinese hamster cell mutants defective in phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase and phosphoribosylglycinamide synthetase and an examination of alternatives to the first step of purine biosynthesis

Activities of the first three enzymes in the de novo purine biosynthetic pathway have been measured in cell-free extracts of the Chinese hamster ovary cell (CHO-K1) and two purine-requiring auxotrophs of this cell. Ade−A has been found to be defective in phosphoribosylpryophosphate (PRPP) amidotransferase while Ade−C has been found to be defective in glycinamide ribonucleotide (GAR) synthetase. Neither enzyme deficiency is due to the presence of an excess of diffusible inhibitor, and mixed extracts of Ade−A and Ade−C are capable of performing both enzymatic steps in a coupled assay. Assays of GAR formyltransferase show that it is present in Ade−A and Ade−C, indicating that these cell types are defective in only one enzyme each of the early purine biosynthetic enzymes. Using the Ade−A mutant, analysis of alternatives to PRPP plus glutamine as substrates for the first step in the purine biosynthetic pathway showed that a common genetic unit must direct the synthesis for both PRPP plus glutamine and PRPP plus ammonia activities. Although ribose-5-phosphate plus ammonia can be used in cell-free extracts to perform the first step in purine biosynthesis, it is shown that this activity is apparently not used by intact CHO-K1 cells.
A Brief Note on How Writing Errors are Judged

A brief business letter was written, then ten versions were madeup—each having from four to twenty-nine errors systematically introduced. Three hundred students read one version of the letter, then answered questions about the letter's contents and judged the “author” (is he intelligent, a good writer, etc.). The results pointed to misspelling as the most often noticed class of errors. Readers judged the author most harshly when spelling errors were present, but did not reach the same conclusion in the face of errors of syntax or punctuation. Finally, people labeled all classes of errors “misspelling,” and did not identify syntactic problems.
Total and subtotal abdominal hysterectomy.

Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed operations in the world, accounting for 500 000–600 000 procedures annually in the USA; the abdominal route for hysterectomy is the preferred route in 60–80% of these operations. Although the number of total abdominal hysterectomies performed annually has decreased, the number of subtotal abdominal hysterectomies increased by >400%. The major indications for abdominal hysterectomy include abnormal uterine bleeding, myomata uteri, adenomyosis, endometriosis, neoplasia, and chronic salpingitis. The basis for selection for subtotal versus total hysterectomy has little in the way of factual data to support it and may actually present some significant disadvantages, such as continued menstruation and cervical prolapse. The detailed technique for performing intrafascial abdominal hysterectomy relies heavily on precise knowledge of pelvic anatomy and compulsive detail to tissue handling. The consistent and correct usage of prophylactic antimicrobials, measures to prevent thromboemboli, and procedures to avoid urinary retention are key to the overall success of the surgery.
Note on the Generation Gap

Studies assessing the attitudes of adolescents and adults toward contemporary issues are evaluated in terms of providing evidence for the absence or presence of the “Generation Gap.” Issues are noted which need to be addressed by future research before a final determination about the existence of this “phenomenon” can be made.
Gene–environment interactions in human disease: nuisance or opportunity?

Many environmental risk factors for common, complex human diseases have been revealed by epidemiologic studies, but how genotypes at specific loci modulate individual responses to environmental risk factors is largely unknown. Gene–environment interactions will be missed in genome-wide association studies and could account for some of the ‘missing heritability' for these diseases. In this review, we focus on asthma as a model disease for studying gene–environment interactions because of relatively large numbers of candidate gene–environment interactions with asthma risk in the literature. Identifying these interactions using genome-wide approaches poses formidable methodological problems, and elucidating molecular mechanisms for these interactions has been challenging. We suggest that studying gene–environment interactions in animal models, although more tractable, might not be sufficient to shed light on the genetic architecture of human diseases. Lastly, we propose avenues for future studies to find gene–environment interactions.
Combat wounds in operation Iraqi Freedom and operation Enduring Freedom

BACKGROUND: There have been no large cohort reports detailing the wounding patterns and mechanisms in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. METHODS: The Joint Theater Trauma Registry was queried for all US service members receiving treatment for wounds (International Classification of Diseases-9th Rev. codes 800-960) sustained in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom from October 2001 through January 2005. Returned-to-duty and nonbattle injuries were excluded from final analysis. RESULTS: This query resulted in 3,102 casualties, of which 31% were classified as nonbattle injuries and 18% were returned-to-duty within 72 hours. A total of 1,566 combatants sustained 6,609 combat wounds. The locations of these wounds were as follows: head (8%), eyes (6%), ears (3%), face (10%), neck (3%), thorax (6%), abdomen (11%), and extremity (54%). The proportion of head and neck wounds is higher (p < 0.0001) than the proportion experienced in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam wars (16%-21%). The proportion of thoracic wounds is a decrease (p < 0.0001) from World War II and Vietnam (13%). The proportion of gunshot wounds was 18%, whereas the proportion sustained from explosions was 78%. CONCLUSIONS: The wounding patterns currently seen in Iraq and Afghanistan resemble the patterns from previous conflicts, with some notable exceptions: a greater proportion of head and neck wounds, and a lower proportion of thoracic wounds. An explosive mechanism accounted for 78% of injuries, which is the highest proportion seen in any large-scale conflict. Language: en
An exploratory investigation of sport management students' attraction to sport jobs

This study was designed to explore the determinants of sport management students' attraction to jobs in sport. The sample was composed of 231 registrants from 27 schools in 13 states in US who attended a sport management conference for professional development. The results of this study suggest that job seekers were largely attracted to jobs in sport because they perceived a good fit between their preferences for future work and the sport environment. The results also suggest that this perception of fit with the environment was based upon (a) interests in sport and (b) assessment of industry prestige. Other antecedents were also explored but were not statistically significant. Findings are discussed in light of theoretical explanations and future research recommendations are given.
Asymmetric PSK Constellation Design to Minimize Distortion in PCM Data Transmission

An analog signal sent over a digital communication infrastructure must undergo sampling, quantization and compression. Although most practical source coders are multiresolution in character (i.e., overall quality of the decoded information are not contributed evenly from different portions of the source data), this factor is rarely taken into account in traditional digital wireless communication systems design. For instance, in pulse-coded modulation (PCM) of speech signals, the importance of the most significant bit far outweighs that of the least significant bit. Multiresolution modulation schemes that consist of nonuniformly spaced symbols allow for unequal error protection (UEP) of transmitted bits within a symbol according to their importance. In this article, we investigate the problem of matching asymmetrical phase shift keying (PSK) modulations with multiresolution temporal waveform coding scheme to minimize the effect of transmission errors in 1D and 2D analog signals. In particular, we capitalize on the concept of generalized hierarchical PSK constellations and propose a simplified PSK constellation which is capable of providing more than two levels of unequal error protection. Numerical results reveal that both mean and variance of signal distortion can be reduced considerably, especially in bad channel conditions, by mapping the PCM bits to a suitable asymmetric PSK constellation. This embedding gain may be translated into energy or spectral efficiency improvement over the baseline uniform PSK case for a specified distortion level.
The Dolbeault complex in infinite dimensions III. Sheaf cohomology in Banach spaces

We prove that the sheaf cohomology groups Hq(Ω,?) vanish if Ω is a pseudoconvex open subset of a Banach space with unconditional basis, and q≥1.
The relationship between ethics, common sense, and rationality

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to re‐think the definition of three commonly used terms; discuss links between ethics, common sense and rationality; offer a model integrating these; and present findings regarding the understanding of common sense and rationality.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports on data collected from a convenient sample on their definitions of common sense and rationality. A constant comparison method of analysis is used to identify common themes in the definitions from this sample of 38 responses. Percentages and Yule's Q statistical data as well as descriptive statistics of demographics are obtained and examined.Findings – Our findings indicate that a much higher percentage of respondents understand common sense to have a very similar meaning to the literary definition than those understanding the literary meaning of rationality. Statistical analysis of the findings agree.Research limitations/implications – Further research should include a random sample and defini...
Human cell transformation in the study of sunlight-induced cancers in the skin of man

Abstract Human cell transformation provides a powerful approach to understanding - at the cellular and molecular levels - induction of cancers in the skin of man. A principal approach to this problem is the direct transformation of human skin cells by exposure to ultraviolet and/or near-UV radiation. The frequency of human cells transformed to anchorage independence increases with radiation exposure; the relative transforming efficiencies of different wavelengths implies that direct absorption by nucleic acids is a primary initial event. Partial reversal of potential transforming lesions by photoreactivation suggests that pyrimidine dimers, as well as other lesions, are important in UV transformation of human cells. Human cells can also be transformed by transfection with cloned oncogenes, or with DNAs from tumors or tumor cell lines. Cells treated by the transfection procedure (but without DNA) or cells transfected with DNAs from normal mammalian cells or tissues show only background levels of transformation. Human cells can be transformed to anchorage-independent growth by DNAs ineffective in transformation of NIH 3T3 cells (including most human skin cancers), permitting the analysis of oncogenic molecular changes even in tumor DNAs difficult or impossible to analyze in rodent cell systems.
Too Few and Too Little: Barricades to the Pursuit of Health

Academic responsibilities in the field of international health are considered. Too often the instructional process neglects essential aspects of the natural history and the control of infectious diseases. Few scientists are able to teach from a background of practical experience in the field. Little emphasis is placed on the continuum of problems deriving from an ever-changing human ecology. The program of "Health for All" of the World Health Organization and the recognition by the World Bank of health as an integral component of the developmental process are salutary events. Yet, progress depends on dedicated, informed leadership. Past examples can be found in the global contributions of the International Health Division of The Rockefeller Foundation, at the national level in Costa Rica where disease preventable by immunization has disappeared, and at the community level in the successes of Drs. Warren and Gretchen Berggren in Haiti. While new "magic bullets" are to be anticipated, the resurgency of yaws, in spite of penicillin, emphasizes the need for leadership in achieving a sustained, societal effort based on sound ecologic considerations.
Oxygen dynamics during partial liquid ventilation in a sheep model of severe respiratory failure

Abstract Background. We evaluated the relationship of dose of perflubron and gas tidal volume to oxygen dynamics during partial liquid ventilation in the setting of respiratory failure. Methods. Lung injury was induced in 16 sheep by using right atrial injection of 0.15 ml/kg oleic add. Animals were ventilated with 15 ml/kg gas tidal volume and stabilized. Animals were then divided into three groups: (1) gas ventilation with a tidal volume of 15 ml/kg (control, GV, n = 5); (2) partial liquid ventilation at a gas tidal volume of 15 ml/kg with 10 ml/kg incremental pulmonary dosage of perflubron from 10 to 50 ml/kg (best fill, BF, n = 6); (3) administration of 35 ml/kg perflubron pulmonary dose with 5 ml/kg incremental increase in gas tidal volume from 10 to 30 ml/kg (best tidal volume, BTV, n = 5). Results. Arterial oxygen saturation increased with increasing dose of perflubron and gas tidal volume (BF, p = 0.01; BTV, p = 0.001). A simultaneous trend toward a reduction in cardiac index was observed with increasing dose of perflubron (BF, p = 0.01). Maximal increase in mixed venous oxygen saturation was observed in the BF and BTV groups at a cumulative perflubron dose of 40 ml/kg and a gas tidal volume of 20 ml/kg, respectively. Conclusions. In this sheep lung injury model oxygenation improves with incremental increases in perflubron dose or gas tidal volume, and the mixed venous oxygen saturation appears to be optimal at a cumulative perflubron dose of 40 ml/kg and a gas tidal volume of 20 ml/kg.
Crime, social disorganization, and social structure: A research note on the use of interurban ecological models

The social disorganization perspective, as set forth by Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay, has enjoyed renewed interest in criminological explanations of crime and delinquency. This paper extends this perspective beyond the traditional intraurban focus of the neighborhood to a more encompassing interurban model, using 682 SMSA counties. The results using these counties were generally consistent with neighborhood studies, demonstrating the robustness of the social disorganization model.
Quantification of mitral flow by Doppler color flow mapping.

Abstract This study was performed to develop and validate Doppler color flow methods for quantifying forward transmitral flow rates and volumes with isovelocity aliasing contours. We undertook computer modeling of flows and studied an animal model with strictly controlled mitral flows. Finite element analysis was first used to establish the isovelocity surface contours reconstructed from the magnitudes and directions of the velocity vectors proximal to the normal mitral orifice. We modeled finite element-simulated Doppler color flow isovelocity surfaces and computed non-angle-dependent simulated isovelocities to compare them. Then 24 pharmacologically induced hemodynamic states in six sheep in which mitral regurgitation had been previously created surgically were studied. Three methods were used for peak flow (PF) computation: (1) the classic hemispheric methods: PF=2 π r 2 · aliasing velocity; (2) a modified hemispheric method: PF=2 π r 2 · aliasing velocity · Vo/Vo-aliasing velocity; and (3) a new segment of sphere method: PF=π p 2 · aliasing velocity, where p is the chord from the zenith of the first aliasing contour to the circumference at its base. Mean volume flow was also calculated in combination with phasic flow information from continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography: mean volume flow - PF · VTI/V max · heart rate, where VTI and V max are the velocity-time integral and maximal velocity of mitral inflow by continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography. Compared with the flow rates obtained by electromagnetic flowmeters, different correlations and agreements were achieved for these methods. Correlation ( r = 0.86) and agreement were best for the segment of sphere method for computation of forward mean volume flows in our model. Color flow Doppler quantitation with a segment of sphere or modified hemispheric method appears applicable for quantification of forward transmitral valve flow rates and volumes with reasonable accuracy.
Servo characteristics of single-phase spindle motor in DVD-ROM

The single-phase DC motor has the low-cost advantage over 3- phase DC motor owing to its easy-assembling and high yield- rate, however, it has larger torque ripple and cogging torque. Single-phase DC motor is currently applied to low profit margin products such as cooling fan. In order to utilize single-phase DC motor to high precision system, for instance, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), the vibration caused by torque ripple and cogging torque needs to be solved. In this paper, focusing error, tracking error, seeking ability and some velocity control performances are studied when single-phase DC motor is used in DVD related products.
Speech babble: Analysis and modeling for speech systems

Speech babble represents the most challenging noise interference in all speech systems, yet no research has been performed at a systematic level to model the underlying structure. For the first time, this study establishes a working foundation for the analysis and modeling of babble speech. We first address the underlying model for multiple speaker babble speech - considering the number of conversations versus the number of speakers. Next, based on this model, we develop an algorithm to detect the range of speakers within an unknown babble speech sequence. Evaluation is performed using 110 hours of data from the SWITCHBOARD corpus. The number of simultaneous conversations ranges from 1-9, or 1 to 18 subjects speaking. A speaker conversation stream detection rate in excess of 80% is achieved with a speaker window size of plusmn 1 speaker. This study is the first in developing an effective speaker babble model to contribute to robust speech systems.
Flow-based scatterplots for sensitivity analysis

Visualization of multi-dimensional data is challenging due to the number of complex correlations that may be present in the data but that are difficult to be visually identified. One of the main causes for this problem is the inherent loss of information that occurs when high-dimensional data is projected into 2D or 3D. Although 2D scatterplots are ubiquitous due to their simplicity and familiarity, there are not a lot of variations on their basic metaphor. In this paper, we present a new way of visualizing multidimensional data using scatterplots. We extend 2D scatterplots using sensitivity coefficients to highlight local variation of one variable with respect to another. When applied to a scatterplot, these sensitivities can be understood as velocities, and the resulting visualization resembles a flow field. We also present a number of operations, based on flow-field analysis, that help users navigate, select and cluster points in an efficient manner. We show the flexibility and generality of this approach using a number of multidimensional data sets across different domains.
Space shuttle observations of collisionally excited outgassed water vapor

The analysis of CIRRIS 1A (Cryogenic InfraRed Radiance Instrumentation for Shuttle) interferometric and radiometric data obtained during the flight of STS-39 (28 Apr–6 May 1991) reveals the presence of IR emission in the 400–900 cm−1 (11–25 μm) region not attributable to atmospheric emission. In this paper, data are shown which identify the signal as near-field water vapor present during all CIRRIS 1A observations. Variability of the near-field water vapor emissions is characterized, and further investigation indicates that the water is excited to high effective temperatures, possibly in excess of 2000 K. The data presented support the conclusion that water outgassed from the shuttle tiles is highly excited by collisions with atmospheric O, classifying it as a type of shuttle-induced glow whose spectrum has never previously been measured in the LWIR. Measured results are compared to current models which predict radiance for collisionally excited outgassed molecules.
Sequential patterns of gene expression by bovine monocyte-derived macrophages associated with ingestion of mycobacterial organisms.

Abstract We investigated mechanisms involved in killing of mycobacterial organisms by comparing the response of bovine monocyte-derived macrophages to ingestion of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis or M. avium subsp. avium organisms. Previous studies have shown that bovine macrophages have the capacity to kill M. avium subsp. avium organisms in vitro but cannot kill M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis organisms. We used bovine cDNA microarray technology to investigate sequential gene expression by bovine monocyte-derived macrophages and function assays to correlate gene expression with biological activity. Results of the gene expression studies indicated substantial differences between macrophages phagocytizing the two organisms. At 2, 6, and 24 h after infection, 12, 53, and 19 genes, respectively, were differentially expressed. Over all time periods, approximately twice as many genes had lower expression in M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis -infected macrophages than had greater expression. Differentially regulated genes of most interest to antimicrobial responses included inflammatory molecules (transforming growth factor-β, thrombospondin 1, monocyte chemokine, and cathepsin K), phagosome–lysosome-related genes (H + ATPases, lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2, vesicle trafficking protein, and solute carrier protein), and apoptosis-related genes (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2, and tumor protein p 53 binding protein). Function assays indicated that M. avium subsp. avium -infected macrophages had a greater capacity to acidify phagosomes and a greater percentage of apoptotic cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that a complex interaction between macrophages and mycobacterial organisms is involved in determining the fate of the organism. Although multiple genes and metabolic pathways are involved, the capacity of cells to acidify phagosomes and induce apoptosis appears to play a prominent role.
Cranial shape in fruit, nectar, and exudate feeders: Implications for interpreting the fossil record

At least 29 species of fossil primates have been referred to fruit, nectar, and/or exudate feeding dietary niches. Many studies have detailed the morphological correlates of fruit feeding in comparison to insectivory and folivory. In contrast, few studies have sought to differentiate the morphological correlates of fruit feeding from those of nectar and exudate feeding. This study investigates the differences between fruit, nectar, and exudate feeders using 22 cranial and dentary shape variables representing 28 species of living marsupials, bats, and primates. Discriminant function analysis is used to investigate the differences between these dietary categories using both the complete data set and a reduced data set composed of variables that might reasonably be available from fragmentary fossil material. The success rates of post-hoc classifications are 94 and 88%, respectively. These results demonstrate that it is possible to discriminate among fruit, nectar, and exudate feeders among fossil taxa with a reasonable degree of certainty using the data and techniques outlined here. Nectar feeders exhibit a unique combination of features that are associated with reduced masticatory strength and their role as pollination agents. Exudate feeder skulls and dentaries exhibit a combination of features that reflect the high stresses encountered by the anterior dentition through bark gouging behavior. Fruit feeders are morphologically diverse, exhibiting cranial and mandibular shape values that overlap with both nectar and exudate feeders. It is suggested that this diversity reflects the variety of physical properties represented among fruits, and the tendency for individual frugivore species to specialize on particular fruits.
Arthroscopic Versus Open Dorsal Ganglion Cyst Excision

Dorsal ganglion cysts can be approached with either open or arthroscopic surgical treatment. With open excision, there are concerns for wrist stiffness, poor aesthetics, and cyst recurrence. Attempts to mitigate unsatisfactory results have motivated the application of wrist arthroscopy in treating these cysts. Proponents of the arthroscopic technique cite excellent outcome after prospective clinical studies, suggesting that arthroscopic excision may be superior to open excision with a notably negligible risk of recurrence. However, long-term randomized clinical outcomes, including a direct comparison of the relative costs of treatment, are still lacking. Although arthroscopic excision is arguably becoming widely accepted, open excision is a straightforward surgical technique, and the choice between the two methods remains one of surgeon experience and/or patient preference.
Agricultural Diseases on the Move Early in the Third Millennium

With few exceptions, the diseases that present the greatest risk to food animal production have been largely similar throughout the modern era of veterinary medicine. The current trend regarding the ever-increasing globalization of the trade of animals and animal products ensures that agricultural diseases will continue to follow legal and illegal trade patterns with increasing rapidity. Global climate changes have already had profound effects on the distribution of animal diseases, and it is an inevitable reality that continually evolving climatic parameters will further transform the ecology of numerous pathogens. In recent years, many agricultural diseases have given cause for concern regarding changes in distribution or severity. Foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and African swine fever continue to cause serious problems. The expected announcement of the global eradication of rinderpest is one of the greatest successes of veterinary preventative medicine, yet the closely related disease peste des petits ruminants still spreads throughout the Middle East and Asia. The spread of novel strains of bluetongue virus across Europe is an ominous indicator that climate change is sure to influence trends in movement of agricultural diseases. Overall, veterinary practitioners and investigators are advised to not only maintain vigilance against the staple disease threats but to always be sufficiently broad-minded to expect the unexpected.
Phosphorylation of a Carboxyl-terminal Serine within the κ-Opioid Receptor Produces Desensitization and Internalization

G-protein receptor kinase and beta-arrestin mediated desensitization of the rat kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) was previously shown using Xenopus oocyte expression to require serine 369 within the C terminus of KOR. To define the effects of phosphorylation of this residue in desensitization and internalization processes in mammalian expression systems, wild-type KOR-green fluorescent protein (KOR-GFP) and KOR(S369A)-GFP were stably expressed in AtT-20 and HEK293 cells. Using whole-cell patch clamp recording in transfected AtT-20 cells, agonist activation of either kappa receptor form produced equivalent activation of the intrinsic G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel. Incubation for 60 min with the kappa agonist U50,488 (100 nm) desensitized the response in cells expressing wild-type KOR-GFP by 86% but had no effect on KOR(S369A)-GFP-expressing cells. Phosphorylation of serine 369 was detected using a phosphospecific antibody (KOR-P) able to distinguish the phosphorylated form of the receptor. The agonist-induced increase in KOR-P labeling was dose-dependent, blocked by co-treatment with the kappa antagonist norbinaltorphimine, and prevented by co-expression of the dominant negative form of the G-protein receptor kinase, GRK2(K220R). In contrast, agonist-induced increase in KOR-P labeling was not evident in KOR(S369A) expressing cells. Prolonged activation resulted in receptor internalization that was also blocked by KOR(S369A) substitution, but interestingly, KOR-P labeling was evident at lower agonist concentrations than required to induce internalization. Following the removal of agonist, receptor dephosphorylation detected by loss of KOR-P labeling was complete within 60 min, could be blocked by okadaic acid, and was not blocked by sucrose inhibition of receptor internalization. These results demonstrate that GRK-mediated phosphorylation of serine 369 mediates rat KOR desensitization and internalization.
A mathematical model of the systemic circulatory system with logistically defined nervous system regulatory mechanisms

A mathematical model is developed that accurately describes the pressure, volume and flow dynamics of the systemic circulatory system over the full physiological range of human pressures and volumes. At the heart of this model are mathematical representations for the autonomic and central nervous system reflexes which maintain arterial pressure, cardiac output and cerebral blood flow. These representations involve functions in which a maximum effect and a minimum effect are smoothly connected by a logistic transition. A new approach to modelling the pressure – volume relationship in a vessel with smooth muscle contraction is also presented. To test the model, simulations of cardiac arrest and various haemorrhagic situations were conducted, and predicted results were compared with clinical observations. Near-perfect agreement was obtained between predicted and observed values of the mean circulatory filling pressure, cardiac output and arterial pressure decay in the face of significant haemorrhage, and the...
A Critique of ‘Neoliberal Autonomy’: The Rhetoric of Ownership Society

The rhetoric of the Ownership Society defined by the Cato Institute has been integral to framing the motivation behind the Social Security reform introduced by George W. Bush. This motivational frame involves a fierce advocacy of what we will call ‘neoliberal autonomy’ in a Hayekian and Friedmanite sense. For Hayek and Friedman, the social adequacy component of Social Security is problematized in the name of self-reliance and individual choice, which rejects any authoritative standards as morally indefensible. Nevertheless, the rhetoric of the Ownership Society, though it glorifies the neoliberal notion of autonomy, does not explicitly question the moral basis of Social Security. Rather, by defining the terms of debate, it frames the meaning of Social Security along neoliberal lines in an attempt to make a supposedly detached economic case for private retirement accounts. In this ‘pro-privatization’ framework, the social adequacy component of the Social Security system fades away as individual equity, or actuarial fairness, comes to the fore as the chief theme. We suggest a ‘pro-social’ rhetoric that recognizes the pursuit of social standards as providing the element of autonomy.
Mughul gardens revisited

A color grammar that describes the composition and landscaping of Mughul gardens is discussed.
Time-Dependent Reliability Analysis Using the Total Probability Theorem

A new reliability analysis method is proposed for time-dependent problems with limit-state functions of input random variables, input random processes and explicit in time using the total probability theorem and the concept of composite limit state. The input random processes are assumed Gaussian. They are expressed in terms of standard normal variables using a spectral decomposition method. The total probability theorem is employed to calculate the time-dependent probability of failure using a time-dependent conditional probability which is computed accurately and efficiently in the standard normal space using FORM and a composite limit state of linear instantaneous limit states. If the dimensionality of the total probability theorem integral (equal to the number of input random variables) is small, we can easily calculate it using Gauss quadrature numerical integration. Otherwise, simple Monte Carlo simulation or adaptive importance sampling is used based on a pre-built Kriging metamodel of the conditional probability. An example from the literature on the design of a hydrokinetic turbine blade under time-dependent river flow load demonstrates all developments.Copyright © 2014 by ASME