cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blockade of inhibition in a pathway with dual excitatory and inhibitory action unmasks a capability for LTP that is otherwise not expressed.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) can be readily elicited in a number of hippocampal pathways, but has not been seen in the dentate commissural pathway. The dentate commissural pathway is similar to the commissural/Schaffer collateral projection to CA1 except that it produces powerful inhibition that occurs nearly concurrently with the excitation. The present study evaluates whether this inhibition prevents the pathway from expressing LTP. Acute neurophysiological experiments were carried out in urethane anesthetized rats. To locally block inhibition in the dentate gyrus, a recording micropipette filled with 8 mM bicuculline was positioned in the dentate gyrus. A control saline-filled micropipette was positioned nearby. The commissural pathway was activated by stimulating electrodes in the contralateral CA3/CA4 region. Brief high-frequency stimulation of the commissural pathway reliably elicited LTP at the bicuculline electrode but not at the control electrode. This LTP required a threshold level of stimulation for its initiation, suggesting that like most other examples of LTP, the LTP in the commissural system depended upon activation of a voltage-dependent receptor. The high-frequency stimuli used to induce LTP produced an extracellular negativity at the bicuculline electrode that was not present at the control electrode. This negative potential was selectively blocked by ketamine and MK801, suggesting that the negative potential reflectsN-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. Taken together, these results suggest that LTP is not normally expressed by the dentate commissural pathway because the simultaneous inhibition prevents the depolarization-related relief of Mg2+ blockade of the NMDA receptor.
Behaviorally induced reproductive compromise in women and men

Behaviors that activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroidal (HPT) axis can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in women and men. Individuals with functional hypothalamic hypogonadism typically display a combination of behaviors that serve as psychogenic stressors and metabolic challenges. Complete recovery of gonadal function depends upon restoration of the HPA and HPT axes. Hormone replacement strategies have limited benefit, because they do not achieve this objective and they mask deficits that accrue from altered HPA and HPT function. Although fertility can be restored with exogenous administration of gonadotropins or pulsatile gonadoropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), fertility management alone will not permit the HPA and HPT axes to recover. Thus, for complete recovery to ensue, biopsychosocial interventions that address the individual's unique set of psychogenic factors and metabolic challenges must be devised.
A construct definition study of a standardized ESL vocabulary test

This paper reports a construct definition study of a standardized English as a second language (ESL) vocabulary test. The test, which contained 20 stimulus word items and 17 context word items, was administered to two different samples of ESL students at different proficiency levels and to a sample of native speakers of English. The item responses for the 40 items were used as the dependent variable in a stepwise multiple regression, construct specification equation and 12 variables (measures of the stimulus words' and keyed responses' fluency, distribution, abstractness, length, affective impact, and prototypicality) were used as predictors. Only six of the predictors accounted for a significant amount of variance in the dependent variable, and the number and arrangement of significant predictors varied across proficiency strata, indicating the utility of incorporating the examinees' stages of learning into construct validation studies.Construct definition studies such as the current one permit the state...
Evaporation of Multicomponent Droplets

ABSTRACT The evaporation of multicomponent drops having diameters on the order 10 /am was investigated using electrodynamic levitation and light-scattering measurements. Multicomponent drops representative of diesel fuels and binary drops were studied. The binary system consisted of the halogenated compounds 1-iododocane and 1-bromotetradecane, and the model fuel drops were composed of hexadecane, 1-methyl naphthalene, and cis- and trans-decahydronaphthalene (decalin). The effect of an additive, tertiary butyl peroxide, on the evaporation of the multicomponent system was explored, and some data are reported for the additive ethyl hexyl nitrate. The additives were found to have negligible effect on the evaporation rate. The measured evaporation rates are compared with a theoretical analysis based upon diffusion-controlled evaporation using the UNIFAC (Reid et al., 1987) model for liquid phase activity coefficients. The model was found to be in good agreement with experiment.
Late Onset of Syringomyelia After Traumatic Brain Injury: Association With Chiari 1 Malformation

Syringomyelia should be suspected when progressive weakness or sensory loss develops. It most commonly occurs as a congenital malformation but has also been associated with spinal cord injury and the Chiari malformation. Symptomatic Chiari malformation after head injury is rare and usually presents with signs of acutely increased intracranial pressure. This article describes syringomyelia as a late onset complication of head injury in the presence of an underlying Chiari malformation. A possible causal relationship between head injury, the brain malformation, and an extensive syrinx is postulated.
Transferrin saturation with intravenous irons: An in vitro study

Transferrin saturation with intravenous irons: An in vitro study. Background Iron deficiency anemia in chronic kidney disease is commonly treated with one of three intravenous irons—iron dextran, iron sucrose, or iron gluconate. Substantial pharmacologic differences between drugs exist, but their ability to saturate transferrin has not been compared. Drugs that may lead to rapid transferrin saturation may lead to greater efficacy but also increased toxicity if transferring-mediated uptake of iron is the basis of this toxicity. Methods We studied the in vitro ability of the three intravenous irons to donate iron to transferrin. Transferrin saturation was studied by direct visualization of the transferrin bands by urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), as well as a functional assay that evaluated the ability of iron to half saturate transferrin in a dose-dependent (0 to 100 μg/mL) and time-dependent (15 to 180 min) manner. Half-maximal dose (EC 50 ) of iron needed to saturate transferrin was evaluated. Results Nondextran irons were able to saturate transferrin in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. There was more rapid transferrin saturation with iron gluconate compared to iron sucrose. The slope of the EC 50 versus dose iron gluconate titration curve was -0.021 nmol/μg/mL (95% CI -0.025 to -0.017, P P = 0.002), and for iron dextran -0.001 nmol/μg/mL (95% CI -0.004 to 0.003, P > 0.2). The least square mean EC 50 computed for mean iron concentration was 5.95 nmol for iron gluconate (95% CI 5.82 to 6.08), 6.73 nmol for iron sucrose (95% CI 6.59 to 6.86), and 7.24 nmol for iron dextran (95% CI 7.11 to 7.38). Similar results were seen for the time-dependent transferrin saturation (drug × time interaction, F 6.0, P Conclusion Substantial heterogeneity in direct iron transfer from iron pharmaceuticals in vitro suggests that differences may exist in safety and efficacy of these drugs in vivo. In vivo studies are needed to compare the safety and efficacy of existing nondextran parenteral irons to better define the therapeutic ratio.
Preparation of ZnO Powder from Clinker Digestion Solution of Zinc Oxide Ore

The ZnO powder was successfully obtained by calcining the basic zinc carbonate, which was synthesized from clinker digestion solution of zinc oxide ore using analytical Na2CO3. The factors of mol ratio of Na2CO3 to ZnSO4 and reaction temperature were discussed at stirring intensity 400 rpm. Both the obtained basic zinc carbonate and ZnO powders were characterized using XRD, EDS and SEM. The thermal decomposition of basic zinc carbonate was also investigated below 600°C. The results show that the ZnO powder was wurzite hexagonal structure and the well-crystallized ZnO powder was uniformly spherical particles and distributed in a narrow range.
Unified view of BRST anomaly and its cancellation in string amplitudes

Abstract Radiative corrections to the scattering amplitude generate, in general, BRST anomalies due to the massless particle tadpoles, the on-shell external two-point function singularities, and the intermediate unphysical cut singularities. It is demonstrated that they originate from the boundaries of moduli space. Unitarity and analyticity, and BRST invariance are restored only after we add appropriate local counterterms to the anomalous scattering amplitude. We show that counterterms have physical interpretations as the Fischler-Susskind mechanism, the mass renormalization, and the contact interactions respectively.
To Change the World: James Davison Hunter’s “Faithful Presence” Meets Political Theologies on the Margins:

In To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World, James D. Hunter offers an alternative to prominent Christian strategies to change the world and the theologies and theories of cultural change that support them. Rather than seeking to change the world, a goal Hunter considers misguided, Hunter's proposal for “faithful presence” seeks to honor God by “being fully present” to “each other…to our tasks…within our spheres of influence” (243–247). This review essay places this proposal in conversation with political theologies on the margins, noting important points of convergence and divergence. It argues that engagement with feminist theologies would alleviate a residual church/world dualism that persists in Hunter's reflections on culture; attention to feminist and womanist critiques of redemptive suffering would allow Hunter to more thoroughly embrace his concern for “the least privileged” and the “most disadvantaged” (271); and attention to King would all...
Hepatitis B virus with a proposed genotype I was found in Sichuan Province, China.

To date, eight hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes, A–H, have been designated, and two additional genotypes, I and J, have also been proposed. A serological survey targeting children in difficult-to-reach vaccination areas was carried out in remote counties of Sichuan Province, China. HBV genotypes and serotypes were also determined from HBsAg-positive serum samples by direct sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed two strains isolated from the Yi ethnic children clustered with the proposed genotype I. The pairwise genome genetic distance was 7.5% between genotypes I and C, and ranged from 8.4% to 15.2% between genotype I and other genotypes, except genotype C. Grouping Scan analyses of the two strains revealed apparent recombination events between an unknown genotype and genotype C. Two out of four HBV strains isolated from the Yi ethnic children were confirmed to be genotype I, suggesting widespread circulation and common infection with genotype I HBV in the local Yi population. High prevalence of HBsAg and low hepatitis B vaccination coverage indicated that additional efforts are needed to control HBV infection in those areas. J. Med. Virol. 84:866–870, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heparan sulphate proteoglycans fine-tune mammalian physiology

Heparan sulphate proteoglycans reside on the plasma membrane of all animal cells studied so far and are a major component of extracellular matrices. Studies of model organisms and human diseases have demonstrated their importance in development and normal physiology. A recurrent theme is the electrostatic interaction of the heparan sulphate chains with protein ligands, which affects metabolism, transport, information transfer, support and regulation in all organ systems. The importance of these interactions is exemplified by phenotypic studies of mice and humans bearing mutations in the core proteins or the biosynthetic enzymes responsible for assembling the heparan sulphate chains.
Formalizing the interference temperature model

To combat recent spectral overcrowding in unlicensed bands, the FCC has been investigating new ways to manage RF resources. The idea is to let people use licensed frequencies, provided they can guarantee interference perceived by the primary license holders will be minimal. With advances in software and cognitive radio, practical ways of doing this are on the horizon. In 2003, the FCC released a memorandum seeking comment on the interference temperature model (ITM) for controlling spectrum use. Formally defining and analyzing techniques for implementing this model are the primary goals of this paper. Two interpretations of the ITM are developed and for each, we examine tradeoffs between power, bandwidth, and capacity. From these relationships, algorithms for computing RF transmission parameters are developed. These algorithms seek to maximize both capacity and spectral efficiency for a given RF environment. Additionally, we describe ways to choose a center frequency that will optimize future performance, subject to the constraints of the ITM. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The opinions expressed in this document represent those of the author, and should not be considered an official opinion or endorsement by the Department of Defense or US Federal Government.
Sex and the City (of God): Is Sex Forfeited or Fulfilled in Augustine’s Resurrection of Body?

Reading Augustine’s hypothetical description of resurrection bodies through Freud and his critics’ construction of "sexuality," I suggest that Augustine’s mature writings on the resurrection include some-thing like post-Freudian ideas of sexuality, even though the concept itself was not part of Augustine’s conceptual universe. Historicizing "sexuality" frees the concept for revision so that sexuality can be thought of as embedded in social assumptions and arrangements rather than individual, as part rather than essence of the self, and as gendered rather than universal. Collecting and composing hints and clues scattered in Augustine’s sermons and treatises, I sketch a post-Augustinian proposal for an ideal sexuality that is not incompatible with, but extends, elaborates, and refines Augustine’s description of resurrection bodies.
Intricately Regulated: A Cellular Toolbox for Fine-Tuning XBP1 Expression and Activity.

Stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signaling mechanism that allows cellular adaptation to ER stress by engaging pro-adaptive transcription factors and alleviating protein folding demand. One such transcription factor, X-box binding protein (XBP1), originates from the inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease 1 (IRE1) UPR stress sensor. XBP1 up-regulates a pool of genes involved in ER protein translocation, protein folding, vesicular trafficking and ER- associated protein degradation. Recent data suggest that the regulation of XBP1 expression and transcriptional activity may be a tissue- and stress-dependent phenomenon. Moreover, the intricacies involved in “fine-tuning” XBP1 activity in various settings are now coming to light. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying XBP1 expression and activity and discuss the significance of these new insights.
Coals catalyze the reduction of nitroaromatics by hydrazine and the decomposition of hydrazine

The reduction of nitroaromatics to anilines by hydrazine in refluxing isopropanol is catalyzed by: three anthracites, anthracite culm, Beulah Zap lignite, and Illinois No. 6 coal. The anthracites and the culm are very effective catalysts while the coals are less effective. The decomposition of hydrazine is also catalyzed by the anthracites and anthracite culm.
Bunch Beam Production And Microwave Generation In Reditrons

We have discovered in our two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations that the oscillation of virtual cathodes in reditrons can produce a highly modulated electron beam. Full (100%) current modulation of the leakage electron beam was observed in our simulations. The modulation is at the frequency of the oscillating virtual cathode and the transverse magnetic mode generated by the reditron. We had further incorporated an inverse diode with a line impedance of 50 ohms in the reditron and showed that 28% of the kinetic energy of the modulated electron beam was converted into transverse electromagnetic waves with peak power of 1 GW.
Encoding Of Subband Images Using Adaptive Vector DPCM

This paper describes an adaptive vector differential pulse code modulation (VDPCM) for the encoding of subband images. These subband images are obtained by splitting an image into subbands, using quadrature mirror filter (QMF) banks, followed by a 2:1 decimation. Linear phase FIR filters are used for the QMF filter bank. In this work, only one level of splitting, four bands partition, is performed. The subband images are encoded using adaptive VDPCM to a achieve bit rate of 0.5 bit per pixel. Each of the subband images is divided into small blocks of size M by M, at the encoder, and K-dimensional vectors are formed from subblocks of k by 1. Linear block prediction is then performed along the rows and the prediction error is quantized using a matrix quantizer within the VDPCM loop. As the energy distribution among the subband images is not even each of the subbands are encoded at different rates. Since the low low (LP LP) band has the highest energy and carries all the essential details of the original image in a compressed form, it is encoded at a higher rate as compared to the other bands.
Validation of the Spence-Helmreich Attitudes towards Women Scale:

In order to evaluate the validity of the Spence-Helmreich Attitudes Towards Women Scale, 13 women members of the National Organization of Women (NOW) were administered the scale, which purports to measure attitudes towards the rights and roles of women in contemporary society. In comparison with normative data for female college students and mothers of college students reported by Spence and Helmreich, the attitudes of the NOW members were significantly more feministic, suggesting that the scale is a valid measure of such attitudes.
The use of stable isotopes at Columbia University's College of physicians and surgeons

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Strain Hardening and ‘Strain-Rate Hardening’

The limitations of power-law strain hardening and 'strain-rate hardening' descriptions are reviewed. It is found that significant advantages can be gained by using, instead, the Voce relation, especially in the proposed modification that accounts for the rate sensitivities of flow stress and of strain hardening. Considerable further predictive value can be derived from differential constitutive relations, which can be integrated over arbitrary paths. The material parameters to be measured are the (linear) strain-hardening rate and the rate sensitivity of the flow stress, both as a function of (pre)stress and (current) strain rate. These are history independent over substantial regimes of unidirectional deformation, where a mechanical equation of state exists.
A comparison of the effect of clozapine with typical neuroleptics on cognitive function in neuroleptic-responsive schizophrenia.

Abstract Clozapine has been reported to improve selected aspects of cognitive function in neuroleptic-resistant schizophrenia. In this study, we report the first direct comparison of the effect of clozapine and typical neuroleptic drugs on cognitive function in neuroleptic-responsive schizophrenia. Sixty-four patients with recent onset, neuroleptic-responsive schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomly assigned to either clozapine ( n =35) or typical neuroleptics ( n =29) and followed for 12 months. They were administered a comprehensive cognitive test battery at baseline and at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after initiating drug treatment. Treatment with clozapine improved psychomotor speed and attention [Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)] and verbal fluency [Category Instance Generation and Controlled Word Association Test (CWAT)] at 6 weeks. The improvement in these measures was maintained throughout the 12-month period. Treatment with typical neuroleptics produced no sustained improvement in any cognitive measure, except for a tendency to improve delayed recall memory (Verbal List Learning Test). The improvement in the DSST and CWAT was significantly greater with clozapine treatment compared to that with typical neuroleptics. These improvements were not related to improvement in psychopathology. These results suggest that clozapine is superior to typical neuroleptics in improving specific types of cognitive function in recent onset, neuroleptic-responsive schizophrenia.
Estimating covariances of parameter estimates from different models

Abstract This note presents a technique for estimating the covariances of parameter estimates from different models. This technique is useful for hypothesis testing for a non-linear function of the parameter estimates from different models with correlated observations.
Structure, dynamics and biophysics of the cytoplasmic protein–protein complexes of the bacterial phosphoenolpyruvate: sugar phosphotransferase system

The bacterial phosphotransferase system (PTS) couples phosphoryl transfer, via a series of bimolecular protein–protein interactions, to sugar transport across the membrane. The multitude of complexes in the PTS provides a paradigm for studying protein interactions, and for understanding how the same binding surface can specifically recognize a diverse array of targets. Fifteen years of work aimed at solving the solution structures of all soluble protein–protein complexes of the PTS has served as a test bed for developing NMR and integrated hybrid approaches to study larger complexes in solution and to probe transient, spectroscopically invisible states, including encounter complexes. We review these approaches, highlighting the problems that can be tackled with these methods, and summarize the current findings on protein interactions.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF CRANIOMANDIBULAR OSTEOPATHY IN A DOG

This report describes the use of computed tomography (CT) to evaluate the tympanic bullae and angular processes of the mandible in a West Highland White Terrier with craniomandibular osteopathy. The patient presented initially for swelling of the right forelimb. The report illustrates the use of computed tomography for evaluation of craniomandibular osteopathy, initial presentation with longbone pathology, and remarkable resolution of osseous changes.
Otolaryngologic manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Although HIV is still a deadly disease, impressive strides have been made in controlling its manifestations in the last 10 years. Through the use of antiretroviral drugs, patients can keep the virus in a latent state for a longer period of time than ever before. As a consequence, patients live longer with infection and have a higher quality of life during the course of the disease. Some of the differences in how HIV patients are treated today versus 10 years ago have to do with this overall control of the course of immunosuppression caused by the virus. Concentration seems to have shifted from identifying new manifestations of the disorder, which are now more commonly known and identified, to controlling the devastation caused by the disorder through new treatments and strategies to preserve immune function medically for as long as possible. In addition, study of the disorder has allowed an improved understanding of the mechanistic behavior of viruses, especially as they relate to the causation of malignancies. As a result the otolaryngologist is often called on to help control known disease processes with established treatment strategies that can directly improve quality of life.
Perimetry with Stimuli of Minimal Duration

Conclusions1. A method is described in which a rapid light flash is made use of as a perinietric target. 2. The technique of the examination is simple, neither the observer nor the patient become fatigued by tlie procedure and the perception of the flash being critical. The flash is recognized or it is not seen. Field defects are discovered to a degree not detectable by the older, far more painstaking method, which required greater cooperation and intelligeiice on the part of the patient. 3. Although a complete interpretation of all the findings delineated by this method must await further case study and subsequent confirmation by biopsied and autopsied materials, it appears that the method has certain advantages in localization of lesions of the optic pathways.
Lipids in Silicone Rubber Valve Prostheses After Human Implantation

Fourteen prosthetic valves were obtained from human recipients at autopsy or valve replacement surgery. The silicone rubber poppets were extracted with lipid solvent and examined by thin-layer chromatography, infrared absorption spectroscopy, and phosphorus analysis. The significant findings were: (1) No phospholipid was present in any of the valves; neither was there any protein. (2) The relative content of cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, fatty acid, and triglyceride varied widely. (3) Residual uncured silicone polymers were found in all valves; in one patient these appeared to combine with lipid and form a component with unusual chromatographic behavior.
The Volitional and Strategic Effects of Planning on Task Performance and Goal Commitment

This study integrates action-control theory and goal-setting theory research on planning by examining whether the volitional (e.g., implementation intention and implemental mind-set) and intellectual (e.g., strategic) benefits of planning have independent and interactive effects on performance and goal commitment. Results show that individuals who formed implementation intentions performed better than individuals who did not form implementation intentions, even after controlling for strategy variables. In addition, the volitional and strategy variables interacted to predict performance, suggesting that the volitional benefits of planning depend, in part, on strategy quality. Although the implemental mind-set and implementation intention manipulations did not influence goal commitment, strategy quality was positively related to goal commitment.
Characterization of phage peptide interaction with antibody using phage mediated immuno-PCR.

Real-time immuno-PCR (RT-IPCR) is a powerful technique that combines ELISA with the specificity and sensitivity of PCR. RT-IPCR of phage-displayed peptides exploits the unique physical associations between phenotype (the displayed peptide) and genotype (the encoding DNA) within the same phage particle. Previously, we identified phage peptides specific for recombinant antibodies (rAbs) prepared from clonally expanded plasma cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) brain. Herein, we applied phage-mediated RT-IPCR to study reactivity of these specific phage peptides for the rAbs. Compared to standard ELISA, which required greater than 104 or 105 phage particles to detect binding to rAbs, RT-IPCR detected binding with as few as 100 phage particles. RT-IPCR was also superior to ELISA in determining relative affinities of rAbs for phage peptides and was effective in screening MS CSF for IgG reactivity to phage peptides. Phage-mediated RT-IPCR is a rapid, high-throughput technology that avoids the requirement for synthetic peptides and will facilitate the identification of candidate peptides that react with the IgG in MS CSF.
Supercomputer simulation of liquid drop formation, fall, and collision

Abstract A generic molecular-type model of liquid drops is developed and studied. Drop formation, fall, and collision are simulated on a CRAY X-MP/24 supercomputer, and associated modes of oscillation are described. Methods for application to particular fluids with known Lennard-Jones parameters are given.
Genome-Wide Expression of MicroRNAs Is Regulated by DNA Methylation in Hepatocarcinogenesis

Background. Previous studies, including ours, have examined the regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) by DNA methylation, but whether this regulation occurs at a genome-wide level in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. Subjects/Methods. Using a two-phase study design, we conducted genome-wide screening for DNA methylation and miRNA expression to explore the potential role of methylation alterations in miRNAs regulation. Results. We found that expressions of 25 miRNAs were statistically significantly different between tumor and nontumor tissues and perfectly differentiated HCC tumor from nontumor. Six miRNAs were overexpressed, and 19 were repressed in tumors. Among 133 miRNAs with inverse correlations between methylation and expression, 8 miRNAs (6%) showed statistically significant differences in expression between tumor and nontumor tissues. Six miRNAs were validated in 56 additional paired HCC tissues, and significant inverse correlations were observed for miR-125b and miR-199a, which is consistent with the inactive chromatin pattern found in HepG2 cells. Conclusion. These data suggest that the expressions of miR-125b and miR-199a are dramatically regulated by DNA hypermethylation that plays a key role in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Arbitrary Beam Shaping Using 1-D Impedance Surfaces Supporting Leaky Waves

A technique for generating an arbitrary, prescribed radiation pattern from a 1-D leaky-wave antenna is presented. The technique is applied to leaky-wave impedance surfaces. A homogenized model for an impedance surface is used so that the work is not limited to particular geometries. The model consists of a grounded, uniaxial dielectric substrate topped by a reactance sheet. To synthesize prescribed aperture fields, the leakage constant $\alpha_{\Vert}$ and phase constant $\beta_{\Vert}$ along the antenna are tailored. The aperture field is determined by adapting the Orchard–Elliott method used in array synthesis to continuous line sources. The aperture field is related to $\alpha_{\Vert}$ and $\beta_{\Vert}$ using a well-known approach, then the transverse resonance technique is employed to analytically relate $\alpha_{\Vert}$ and $\beta_{\Vert}$ to the electrical parameters of the impedance surface. Specifically, the extraordinary index and sheet reactance are used to control $\alpha_{\Vert}$ and $\beta_{\Vert}$ . The designs presented demonstrate the synthesis of a variety of far-field patterns. Full-wave simulations show an improvement over previous beam synthesis techniques based on geometrical optics. Moreover, the numerical techniques demonstrate an efficient, gradient search method as an alternative to the iterative FFT methods explored previously, which have not generated radiation patterns with such high accuracy.
A rule-based question answering system for reading comprehension tests

We have developed a rule-based system, Quarc, that can read a short story and find the sentence in the story that best answers a given question. Quarc uses heuristic rules that look for lexical and semantic clues in the question and the story. We have tested Quarc on reading comprehension tests typically given to children in grades 3--6. Overall, Quarc found the correct sentence 40% of the time, which is encouraging given the simplicity of its rules.
There is no roughening singularity at finite temperature

Abstract It is shown, for any non-zero temperature and finite coupling, that there are large transverse fluctuations in the electric flux tubes connecting quark-antiquark pairs. For large q q separation L , the average distance of the flux tube from its equilibrium position diverges like √ L . Hence the flux tube is rough. The consequent absence of a roughening singularity may imply that rotational invariance and the continuum limit are approached more gradually than at zero temperature.
Organizational Image Construction in a Fragmented Online Media Environment

This article examines the role of different online and social media channels in constructing organizational image. Bimodal network analysis was used to examine 6 months of self-presentation by natural supermarket chain Whole Foods through its online press room, blog, and microblogging account. The channels converged on a core set of terms, and overlapped in others, but each channel also addressed divergent aspects of the organization's projected image. This study suggests that the structural and social characteristics of these channels give them varying roles in the image construction process, creating new challenges for the public relations function in coordinating image management among various new media.
Interferon gamma inhibits luteinized human granulosa cell steroid production in vitro.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether interferon gamma affects luteinized human granulosa cell progesterone, estrone, and estradiol production in the presence and absence of associated white blood cells by either cytotoxic or antiproliferative mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN: Luteinized granulosa cells were isolated by Percoll centrifugation from women during in vitro fertilization cycles. Some cell suspensions were further treated with anti-CD45 magnetic immunobeads to remove associated white blood cells. Granulosa cells with and without white blood cells were cultured in the presence of interferon gamma (0.5 to 50 ng/ml) for 48 hours. Medium was changed at 24-hour intervals, and spent medium was assayed for progesterone, estrone, and estradiol. In separate experiments granulosa cell viability was assessed with the tetrazolium salt reduction assay. RESULTS: Interferon gamma significantly inhibited granulosa cell progesterone production in both basal and human chorionic gonadotropin stimulated cells cocultured with white blood cells in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas cells cultured free of white blood cells demonstrated less inhibition. In the absence of interferon gamma a more profound increase in granulosa cell progesterone synthesis was found in human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated cultures without associated white blood cells. Interferon gamma inhibited granulosacell estrone and estradiol production in basal cultures containing white blood cells in both a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Estrone production was not affected by interferon gamma in human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated granulosa cell cultures containing white blood cells, whereas estradiol secretion was decreased at 48 hours with 50 ng/ml interferon gamma. Both estrone and estradiol synthesis were inhibited by 50 ng/ml interferon gamma in granulosa cel cultures free of white blood cells. In cultures free of interferon gamma, granulosa cell estrone and estradiol secretion was not affected by human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation compared with basal controls regardless of the presence or absence of white blood cells. All concentrations of interferon gamma used had no effect on granulosa cell viability at any time point tested. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that interferon gamma affects granulosa cell steroid production both independently and in synergy with associated white blood cells and further supports the hypothesis that interferon gamma may be an important intraovarian regulator of ovarian steroid production during the luteal phase.
Variation in chemical wet deposition with meteorological conditions

Abstract Analysis of hourly sequential precipitation samples collected at Brookhaven National Laboratory over a 4-y period shows systematic relationships between amounts of chemicals deposited in precipitation and meteorological conditions. Samples were taken by an automatic, sequential sampler and measured for pH, conductivity and the concentrations of major ions. Concurrent measurements and observations were made of the synoptic situation, precipitation type and rate, wind speed and direction, and temperature. Deposition per unit area was computed for subsets of the data classified by meteorological and time parameters. Results demonstrate that precipitation amount alone is not an adequate predictor of chemical wet deposition because of the variability of concentration in precipitation which is a complex function of emission rates and atmospheric processes. Results, however, document those conditions under which most material is deposited and those circumstances in which deposition occurs at the greatest rate. When classified by season, hydrogen and sulfate ion deposition are greatest in the summer when precipitation is lowest and least in the winter when precipitation is greatest. Nitrogen in both nitrate and ammonium has a similar but less extreme pattern. By synoptic type, all chemicals are deposited most heavily in warm front precipitation but the fraction of hydrogen and sulfate deposited in cold front and squall line hours is greater than the fraction of precipitation. All chemicals are deposited most heavily in steady rain when examined by precipitation type but thundershowers deposit chemicals of anthropogenic origin in amounts disproportionate to precipitation amounts. Results are also presented from data classified by other parameters.
Automating the CAD/CAE dimensional reduction process

Dimensional reduction is a simplification technique that eliminates one or more dimensions from a boundary value problem. It results in significant computational savings with minimal loss in accuracy. Existing dimensional reduction methods rely on a lower-dimensional geometric entity called the mid-element that is unfortunately ill defined for irregular thin solids.The main objective of this paper is to propose a new theory of 'skeletal dimensional reduction' that is superior to existing mid-element based methods in that it unambiguous and can be easily automated. The proposed method is based on a popular skeletal representation of geometry that is well defined for all thin solids. By exploiting the unique properties of a skeletal representation it is shown how boundary value problems, specifically 2-D Laplacian problems, over complex 'beam-like' solids can be systematically reduced to lower-dimensional problems over the skeleton. Further, in the special case of a regular thin solid, the skeletal reduction simplifies, as expected, into a mid-element based dimensional reduction.
Marsh vegetation types of the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain

Marshes of the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain represent 17% of the coastal marshes in the continental United States. However, only a few detailed descriptions of the diverse plant communities that occur in this large expanse of wetlands exist and none are based on detailed vegetation analysis. The objective of this study was to quantitatively analyze the vegetation data collected in the wetlands of the Barataria and Terrebonne estuary to determine naturally occurring vegetation associations. Two-way indicator species analyses (TWINSPAN) revealed nine vegetation types: polyhaline mangrove, polyhaline oystergrass, mesohaline mix, mesohaline wiregrass, oligohaline wire grass, oligohaline mix, fresh bulltongue, fresh maidencane, and fresh cutgrass. These nine types form a logical expansion on the four salinity zone described for the region by previous studies and form a basis to compare the vegetation types of the Mississippi River Delta region with other regions of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
A Review of Interprofessional Dissemination and Education Interventions for Recognizing and Managing Dementia

The number of individuals with dementia is expected to increase dramatically over the next 20 years. Given the complicated clinical, sociobehavioral, and caregiving skills that are needed to comprehensively assess and manage individuals with dementia, the gold standard of care requires involvement of interprofessional teams. This systematic review examined 4,023 abstracts, finding 18 articles from 16 studies where an interprofessional dissemination program was performed. Most studies found some improvement in clinician knowledge or confidence, or patient outcomes, though methods and patient and clinician populations were disparate. Although a significant evidence base for assessing and managing individuals with dementia has been developed, few studies have examined how to disseminate this research, and even fewer in an interprofessional manner. These findings suggest that greater emphasis needs to be placed on disseminating existing evidence-based care and ensuring that programs are interprofessional in n...
Velocity of Sound in Tubes at Audible and Ultrasonic Frequencies

The velocity of sound in air contained in glass tubes ranging in diameter from 0.1 cm to 3.0 cm was measured at ultrasonic frequencies over a frequency range from 30 to 200 kilocycles per second by using quartz crystals as sound oscillators, and the Kundt's dust tube method. The results do not agree with those calculated by use of Helmholtz-Kirchhoff equation ${V}^{1}={V}_{0}(1\ensuremath{-}\frac{C}{2R{(2\ensuremath{\pi}N)}^{\frac{1}{2}}}).$ An equation of the form ${V}^{1}={V}_{0}(1\ensuremath{-}\frac{C}{{D}^{2}}\ensuremath{-}\frac{K}{D{(N)}^{\frac{1}{2}}})$ is fairly satisfactory for both audible and ultrasonic frequencies. In this equation ${V}_{0}=331.77$ m/sec., $C=0.001512$, $K=0.174$, $N=\mathrm{frequency}$ and $D=\mathrm{diameter}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{the}\mathrm{tube}$. The agreement between experimental and calculated values is better for the larger tubes than for the smaller.
Variational transition state theory calculations of thermal rate coefficients for the O(3P)+HCl reaction

Abstract Variational Transition State Theory (VTST) calculations of the thermal rate coefficients of the reaction of O(3P) with HCl are presented. Four potential surfaces for the 3A″ state are studied, three of them due to Ramachandran, Senekowitsch and Wyatt (RSW), based on fits to scaled MR-CISD+Q energies, and the fourth due to Koizumi, Schatz and Gordon (KSG), based on scaled MP2/6-31G(d,p) energies. Using the program POLYRATE, version 7.3, the rate coefficients are calculated using Improved Canonical Variational Theory (ICVT) with the microcanonical Optimized Multidimensional Tunneling (μOMT) approximation over the temperature range 200–1500K. These results are compared to available experimental data, which lie in the range 293–1486K. It is found that the RSW surfaces yield thermal rate coefficients that are in reasonable agreement with experimental data over this range, and in very good agreement for T>500K, while those computed on the KSG surface are somewhat higher. These comparisons indicate that one of the RSW surfaces may establish an upper limit for the correct reaction barrier for this reaction, while the KSG surface could provide a lower limit.
Variation in leaf-cutter ant (Atta sp.) densities in forest isolates: the potential role of predation

The potential role of predation as a factor underlying variation in leaf-cutter ant (Atta sp.) densities was investigated on recently isolated land-bridge islands in Lago Guri, Venezuela. A survey of mature Atta colonies revealed a sharp increase in densities on small and medium islands (5.6 and 2.3 colonies ha-' respectively) compared to large islands (0.72 colonies ha-') and the mainland (0 nests in 5.5 ha). Incipient colonies showed the reverse trend with higher densities on larger landmasses. Cage experiments were conducted to test the impacts of predation on the survival of incipient and young Atta colonies. Protection by wire- mesh cages increased the survival of both incipient and young colonies at all sites. The survival of unprotected incipient and young colonies was significantly reduced on larger landmasses relative to small islands. These results are consistent with burrow survey data that provided indirect evidence of higher armadillo densities on larger landmasses. Findings suggest that reduced predation is a potentially important factor underlying observed variation in Atta density patterns in the Guri islands.
Vertically stratified flows in microchannels. Computational simulations and applications to solvent extraction and ion exchange.

In this paper, we describe the conditions under which two immiscible fluids flow atop one another (viewed perpendicular to the plane on which the channel is inscribed) in a shallow microfluidic channel. First, we predict the behavior of a two-phase system using fluid dynamic simulations with water−butanol and water−chloroform as model systems. We numerically model the effect of various physical parameters, such as interfacial surface tension, density, viscosity, wall contact angle, and flow velocity on the type of flow observed and find that interfacial surface tension and viscosity are the parameters responsible for formation of vertically stratified, side-by-side, or segmented flows. As predicted by numerical simulations, a water−chloroform system never assumes a vertically stratified configuration, but a water−butanol system does when the two liquids flow at sufficiently high flow velocities. In actual experiments, we test conditions under which potentially useful two-phase systems form stable vertical...
Carotenoid replacement in Drosophila: freeze-fracture electron microscopy.

Because of the consequent lack of photopigment chromophore, carotenoid/retinoid (vitamin A) deprivation during the larval period ofDrosophila leads to decreased rhodopsin in adult photoreceptors. Decreased density of P-face particles in photoreceptor membrane (rhabdomeric microvilli) is a prominent ultrastructural feature of this rhodopsin deficiency. When adults are fed carotenoid, the rhabdomeric P-face particle density-which reflects the concentration of rhodopsin-increases halfway to the replete control level during the first 12 hours, and is fully restored by 2 days. Based on freeze-fracture replicas, there is a continuity of membrane between rhabdomeric microvilli and the parent retinula cell. That confluence is relevant to turnover of photoreceptive membrane. Microvillar and retinula cell P-face particle densities covary. The relevance of the demonstration of rapid recovery from chromophore depletion is discussed in relation to hypotheses that the chromophore and/or related retinoids regulate opsin gene transcription, and/or post-translational processing and deployment from the endoplasmic reticulum to the rhabdomere.