cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pre- and post-treatment with MK-801 but not pretreatment alone reduces neocortical damage after focal cerebral ischemia in the rat.

Abstract The effect of treatment with the potent, non-competitive NMDA receptor-channel antagonist (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a, d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK-801) on ischemia-induced brain damage was studied in a well-characterized model of focal neocortical infarction in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Anesthesia exposure was minimized to the surgical procedure and the infarcts were allowed to mature over a 24-h period. Pretreatment with 5 mg/kg i.p. MK-801 (n = 11control, n = 12treated animals) 30 min before induction of focal cerebral ischemia had no statistically significant influence on infarct volumes. However, pre- and post-treatment with MK-801 5 mg/kg i.p. 30 min before induction of ischemia and 2.5 mg/kg each at 8 and 16 h after onset of ischemia, reduced infarct volumes in two separate studies by 29% (investigator J.T.,n = 5control andn = 7treated animals) and 20% (investigator U.D.,n = 8control andn = 8treated animals), respectively. The combined reduction in infarct volume in MK-801-treated animals for both investigators was 23% (P = 0.016,ANOVA). The findings indicate a smaller neuroprotective effect of MK-801 in spontaneously hypertensive rats subjected to focal ischemia than in previous reports using normotensive animals.
Damos: Twenty Years of Dredged Material Disposal Site Monitoring. Isn'st That Enough?

Abstract Since 1977, the US Army Corps of Engineers Disposal Area Monitoring System (DAMOS) has monitored New England's offshore dredged material disposal sites. DAMOS has shown that by using monitoring information to make management decisions, open water disposal of dredged sediments is possible with minimal environmental impact. Over the past two decades, DAMOS has answered many of the key questions about dredged material impacts. Yet the need for such a programme remains strong from both the technical and public interest perspectives. the programme continues to monitor projects that are extending our knowledge in the areas of deeper water capping, geotechnical behaviour of capping and capped materials, and biological response to contaminants. These investigations, along with the need for specific disposal site surveys, will continue to provide valuable technical information needed by the public, policy makers, and regulators to make critical decisions on dredged sediment management.
Christian-Muslim Experiences in Poland

The reality of Christian-Muslim encounters in Eastern Europe is often overlooked because problems that states and societies of Western Europe face in relation to Muslim presence tend to be placed in the focal positions of contemporary debates on Christian-Muslim relations. Refection given in this article is presented from a Polish perspective marked by the dominance of one religious tradition, namely Roman Catholic. The Muslim population of Poland is tiny at present — estimated at 0.04-0.08% of the total population. The argument presented here is that even in such an imbalanced situation interreligious contacts can effectively contribute to rethinking, renewing and strengthening of the identities of those involved in the contacts. For the RC Church it is an opportunity of learning to “make space for the others” without a feeling of giving in under pressure. After giving some attention to a question whether Poland is “multicultural”, brief characteristics of Muslim communities in Poland will be given with some attention devoted to the problem whether they are marginal or involved in the main stream of the Polish society. This will form a framework for acquaintance with examples of interreligious experiences/ encounters, and with their results and significance. The article was written before the outbursts of controversies around the construction of a mosque in Warsaw in March 2010.
Turnover of polysomes in amino acid-starved Escherichia coli☆

Abstract Valyl-tRNA deprivation causes a threefold reduction of the polysome content of stringent cells but not of relaxed cells. The polysomes of valyl-tRNA-deprived stringent and relaxed cells decay in the presence of rifampin at a rate very similar to that observed in growing cells. Polysome assembly and decay were studied in valyl-tRNA-deprived stringent and relaxed strains after first causing the pre-existing polysomes to be converted to monosomes by glucose starvation. The capacity for polysome assembly is normal in relaxed cells and is reduced by a factor of three in stringent cells. The polysomes which reassemble in glucose-starved cells also decay in the presence of rifampin at a rate similar to that of the polysomes of growing cells. The polysomes which assemble in relaxed cells are potentially functionally competent, as shown by their ability to incorporate amino acids in an in vitro proteinsynthesizing system. Valyl-tRNA deprivation causes an intense shift in the polysome size distribution in stringent cells, but only a moderate shift in relaxed cells. A model for the control of the polysome level in amino acid-starved cells, based on these observations, is presented here.
Surface transport of 2,4‐D from small turf plots: observations compared with GLEAMS and PRZM‐2 model simulations

A three-year field study was conducted using twelve 7.4 × 3.7 m plots and simulated rainfall to investigate pesticide run-off following application to a golf course fairway. The plots were sprigged with 'Tifway 419' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C transvaalensis). The dimethylamine salt of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] was applied as foliar sprays at a rate of 2.24 kg AI ha -1 . Simulated rainfall was applied at an intensity of 29 mm h -1 one day before and 1, 2, 4, and 8 days after the pesticide applications for 0.92, 1.75. 1.75, 0.92, and 0.92 h, respectively. Water run-off was measured using a tipping-bucket apparatus and sub-samples were analyzed for pesticide residues. Data collected from the study were also compared with the GLEAMS and PRZM-2 model simulations for surface water and 2,4-D run-off. Mass and concentration of 2,4-D in run-off decreased rapidly, with 74.5% of the total run-off of 2,4-D occurring in the first run-off event after treatment. When calibrated to the site-specific characteristics, the GLEAMS and the PRZM-2 models adequately simulated the average of surface water run-off over all plots, with normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) and coefficient of determination for linear regression (R 2 ) being 22.8% and 0.917 for GLEAMS, and 23.7% and 0.879 for PRZM-2, respectively. However, both GLEAMS (NRMSE = 82.1%, R 2 = 0.776) and PRZM-2 (NRMSE = 125.8%, R 2 = 0.513) less accurately simulated 2,4-D concentrations in run-off.
Dark and Photometabolism of Sugars by a Blue Green Alga: Tolypothrix tenuis

The carbohydrate metabolism of the autotrophically grown blue-green alga, Tolypothrix tenuis , was studied. The alga respires glucose, fructose, galactose, and ribose. About 60% of the glucose consumed is converted by starved cells into a glucose polysaccharide. Glucose uptake and O 2 consumption are not inhibited by 0.01 m arsenite or by 0.005 m iodoacetamide. The distribution of 14 C in the polysaccharide glucose was established after feeding of glucose-1- 14 C, -2- 14 C, -6- 14 C, ribose-1- 14 C, and fructose-6- 14 C. Randomization of isotope between the 2 halves of the glucose from polysaccharide is limited when the experiments are carried out in the dark. After an extended incubation glucose-2- 14 C yields a glucose molecule with isotope labeled approximately equal in C-1, C-2 and C-3. When the labeled glucoses were fed at a light intensity of compensation point, and in the presence of carbon dioxide, a greater degree of randomization of isotope occurred. The enhanced randomization of isotope is thought to result from an additional supply of triose phosphates as a result of photosynthesis which creates an environment favorable to the reversal of the glycolytic reactions. To account for the labeling patterns and the resistance of respiration to the inhibitors, it is proposed that the oxidative pentose phosphate cycle is the major pathway of carbohydrate breakdown in this alga.
The T7 RNA Polymerase Intercalating Hairpin Is Important for Promoter Opening during Initiation but Not for RNA Displacement or Transcription Bubble Stability during Elongation

The recently described crystal structures of a T7RNAP−promoter complex and an initial transcription complex reveal a β-hairpin which inserts between the template and nontemplate strands of the promoter [Cheetham, G. M., et al. (1999) Nature 399, 80; Cheetham, G. M., et al. (1999) Science 286, 2305]. A stacking interaction between the exposed DNA bases and a valine at the tip of this hairpin may be especially important for stabilizing the opened promoter during initiation. It has been suggested that this hairpin may also be important for holding the transcription bubble open during transcript elongation, and a proposed model for how the RNA exits the transcription complex implies that this hairpin may also help displace the RNA from the template strand. To test these hypotheses, we have characterized both point and deletion mutants of this element. We find that these mutants exhibit reduced activity on linear, double-stranded templates but not on supercoiled or partially single-stranded templates. Probing ...
Lateral geniculate spikes, muscle atonia and startle response elicited by auditory stimuli as a function of stimulus parameters and arousal state.

We have investigated the motor and ponto-geniculo-occipital (PGO) wave response to startle eliciting stimuli in the unanesthetized cat. We found that the amplitude of the PGO spike recorded in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) increases monotonically with increasing intensities of auditory stimuli. In contrast, the motor response to low intensity (< 75 dB) stimuli is characterized by electromyographic (EMG) suppression, while at higher intensities and EMG excitation is superimposed on this suppresion. Thus PGO elicitation is accompanied by EMG suppression at low intensities and by a net EMG excitation at high intensities. While the amplitude of the auditory elicited PGO response is a graded function of stimulus intensity, somatic stimuli tend to elicit the PGO response in an all-or-none fashion. Both the motor and PGO responses to sensory stimulation change with behavioral state. The EMG suppression by auditory stimulation increases in duration during the transition to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Elicited PGO amplitude is highest in transitional sleep, lower in quiet waking and REM sleep and lowest in active waking. Prepulse inhibition of PGO spikes is greatly attenuated during transitional and REM sleep. We hypothesize the existence of 3 phasic response systems, a motor suppression system, a motor excitation (startle) system and a PGO elicitation system. While these systems are triggered concurrently by intense phasic stimuli in waking, they are modulated independently by stimulus intensity and behavioral state, and have different rates of habituation. These systems act in concert to produce behavioral responses to suddent onset stimuli.
Bond quality of soy-based phenolic adhesives in southern pine plywood

Increased demand for wood adhesives, environmental concerns, and the uncertainty of continuing availability of petrochemicals have led to recent attention on protein-based adhesives. This study was conducted to investigate the glue bond qualities of soy-based phenolic adhesive resins for southern pine plywood. Two types of soy-based resins were formulated and tested. The first was made by cross-linking soy flour with phenol-formaldehyde (pf) resins at neutral pH. The second type was obtained by cross-linking soy flour hydrolyzates with pf resin under alkaline conditions. Plywood bonded with the neutral phenolic soy resins containing 70% soy flour and 30% 1.6 g/cm2 pf without the use of extenders and fillers compared favorably with the traditional southern pine pf glue mixes. Plywood bonded with alkaline phenolic soy resins, containing 40 or 50% 0.5 g/cm2 PF with the addition of extender (19% corn-cob powder), provided better adhesive glue bond properties than traditional southern pine pf glue mixes. These results suggest that soy-based phenolic adhesive resins have potential for the production of exterior southern pine plywood.
Therapeutic potential of β-arrestin- and G protein-biased agonists

Members of the seven-transmembrane receptor (7TMR), or G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), superfamily represent some of the most successful targets of modern drug therapy, with proven efficacy in the treatment of a broad range of human conditions and disease processes. It is now appreciated that β-arrestins, once viewed simply as negative regulators of traditional 7TMR-stimulated G protein signaling, act as multifunctional adapter proteins that regulate 7TMR desensitization and trafficking and promote distinct intracellular signals in their own right. Moreover, several 7TMR biased agonists, which selectively activate these divergent signaling pathways, have been identified. Here we highlight the diversity of G protein- and β-arrestin-mediated functions and the therapeutic potential of selective targeting of these in disease states.
ASSESSMENT OF STEROID RESPONSIVENESS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION

Abstract A simple steroid trial was conducted to assess whether 31 patients with chronic airflow obstruction would benefit from oral steroid therapy. Peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ), and ratio of FEV 1 , to forced vital capacity (FVC) were monitored during a 6-month period (when patients were on maximum bronchodilator therapy), after 2 weeks on placebo and after 2 weeks on prednisolone 30 mg daily. Patients also measured their PEF at home thrice daily. None had a significant degree of steroid reversible airflow obstruction. The preliminary observation period (of at least 3 months) is important to prevent an improvement being attributed to steroids, when it has in fact occurred spontaneously or is the result of bronchodilator therapy or cessation of smoking.
Crystal, molecular and electronic structure of methyltin triiodide

The crystal structure of methyltin triiodide (CH 3 SnI 3 ) has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It belongs to the orthorhombic space group Cmc 2 1 , with a 10.3421(15), b 13.1403(15) and c 6.5700(8) A. The CH 3 SnI 3 molecules are found to be discrete and loosely packed in the crystalline state. This observation is contrary to most methyltin halide structures in which the geometry at the tin atom is distorted from the ideal tetrahedron due to intermolecular coordination. The average SnI bond length of 2.6692(11) A is shorter than those reported in similar compounds. Theoretical molecular orbital calculations show a small back-donation from the iodine atoms to the tin atom. The failure of the point charge model to predict the 119 Sn Mossbauer quadrupole splitting of CH 3 SnI 3 is attributed to the partial double bond character of the SnI bonds.
Utility of outcome measures after treatment for intracranial aneurysms : A prospective trial involving 520 patients

Background and Purpose— As different intracranial aneurysm treatments are compared in upcoming trials, complete characterization of patient outcomes will be critical. Currently, graded scales such as the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) or the Rankin scale are commonly used. Our objective was to test the utility of different outcome instruments in patients after aneurysm treatment. Methods— A prospective trial comparing 6 outcome instruments at 3 to 12 months after aneurysm treatment: the Rankin and GOS, the Barthel Index (activities of daily living), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS) (neurological examination), the Short Form-36 (subjective experience of recovery), and the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) (cognitive recovery). All tests were administered to each patient at the same time by an independent grader. The Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated between instruments (with 1 representing complete correlation). Results— In 4 years, 520 patients with 618 ruptured or unr...
The structure of semiperfect rings

(1977). The structure of semiperfect rings. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 219-229.
Sensor integration and testing in an airborne environment

The U.S. Army Redstone Technical Test Center (RTTC) has been supporting captive flight testing of missile sensors and seekers since the 1980's. Successful integration and test of sensors in an airborne environment requires attention to a broad range of disciplines. Data collection requirements drive instrumentation and flight profile configurations, which along with cost and airframe performance factors influence the choice of test aircraft. Installation methods used for instrumentation must take into consideration environmental and airworthiness factors. In addition, integration of test equipment into the aircraft will require an airworthiness release; procedures vary between the government for military aircraft, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the use of private, commercial, or experimental aircraft. Sensor mounting methods will depend on the type of sensor being used, both for sensor performance and crew safety concerns. Pilots will require navigation input to permit the execution of accurate and repeatable flight profiles. Some tests may require profiles that are not supported by standard navigation displays, requiring the use of custom hardware/software. Test locations must also be considered in their effect on successful data collection. Restricted airspace may also be required, depending on sensor emissions and flight profiles.
Drug Abuse, Hopelessness, and Suicidal Behavior

This study focused on assessing variables which may differentiate suicidal drug abusers from nonabusers. Data from a sample of drug abusing (n = 86) and nonabusing (n = 298) suicide attempters were subjected to a stepwise multiple regression analysis to identify factors related to suicidal intent. The analysis revealed that in our sample of suicide attempters, drug abuse status was not a significant contributor to the severity of suicidal intent. However, it was found that hopelessness accounted for a significant proportion of the variance of intent. The findings suggest that hopelessness among drug abusers, an important determinant of suicidal behavior, presents an important target for therapeutic intervention.
External spin-orbit coupling on the 3n,π* state of several cycloalkanones

Abstract The results of a study on the external spin-orbit coupling on the triplet state of several cyclic aliphatic ketones by optically detected magnetic resonance are reported.
Synthesis of fluorous and nonfluorous polycyclic systems by one-pot, double intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides.

Under microwave irradiation, a one-pot, double intramolecular [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of azomethine ylides leads to formation of a novel hexacyclic ring system. The major diastereomer is isolated, and its stereochemistry is determined by X-ray crystal structure analysis.
Dynamic and Thermodynamic Response of the Ras Protein Cdc42Hs upon Association with the Effector Domain of PAK3

Abstract Human cell division cycle protein 42 (Cdc42Hs) is a small, Rho-type guanosine triphosphatase involved in multiple cellular processes through its interactions with downstream effectors. The binding domain of one such effector, the actin cytoskeleton-regulating p21-activated kinase 3, is known as PBD46. Nitrogen-15 backbone and carbon-13 methyl NMR relaxation was measured to investigate the dynamical changes in activated GMPPCP·Cdc42Hs upon PBD46 binding. Changes in internal motion of the Cdc42Hs, as revealed by methyl axis order parameters, were observed not only near the Cdc42Hs–PBD46 interface but also in remote sites on the Cdc42Hs molecule. The binding-induced changes in side-chain dynamics propagate along the long axis of Cdc42Hs away from the site of PBD46 binding with sharp distance dependence. Overall, the binding of the PBD46 effector domain on the dynamics of methyl-bearing side chains of Cdc42Hs results in a modest rigidification, which is estimated to correspond to an unfavorable change in conformational entropy of approximately − 10 kcal mol− 1 at 298 K. A cluster of methyl probes closest to the nucleotide-binding pocket of Cdc42Hs becomes more rigid upon binding of PBD46 and is proposed to slow the catalytic hydrolysis of the γ phosphate moiety. An additional cluster of methyl probes surrounding the guanine ring becomes more flexible on binding of PBD46, presumably facilitating nucleotide exchange mediated by a guanosine exchange factor. In addition, the Rho insert helix, which is located at a site remote from the PBD46 binding interface, shows a significant dynamic response to PBD46 binding.
Astrobiology, the transcendent science: the promise of astrobiology as an integrative approach for science and engineering education and research

Abstract Astrobiology is rapidly gaining the worldwide attention of scientists, engineers and the public. Astrobiology’s captivation is due to its inherently interesting focus on life, its origins and distribution in the Universe. Because of its remarkable breadth as a scientific field, astrobiology touches on virtually all disciplines in the physical, biological and social sciences as well as engineering. The multidisciplinary nature and the appeal of its subject matter make astrobiology ideal for integrating the teaching of science at all levels in educational curricula. The rationale for implementing novel educational programs in astrobiology is presented along with specific research and educational policy recommendations.
A Neural Network-Based Approach to Robot Motion Control

The joint controllers used in robots like the Sony Aibo are designed for the task of moving the joints of the robot to a given position. However, they are not well suited to the problem of making a robot move through a desired trajectory at speeds close to the physical capabilities of the robot, and in many cases, they cannot be bypassed easily. In this paper, we propose an approach that models both the robot's joints and its built-in controllers as a single system that is in turn controlled by a neural network. The neural network controls the entire trajectory of a robot instead of just its static position. We implement and evaluate our approach on a Sony Aibo ERS-7.
Compromised Weight Gain, Milk Intake, and Feeding Behavior in Breastfed Newborns of Depressive Mothers

OBJECTIVE To explore depressed mood in the breastfeeding dyad. METHOD N = 50 mothers of 12-day-olds reported depressed mood (EPDS) and anxiety (STAI), then were videotaped while breastfeeding. Infants were weighed before and after breastfeeding. RESULTS An ANCOVA on weight gain, which controlled for infant age and birth weight, found EPDS inversely related to weight gain. Following a significant MANCOVA on infant biobehavioral measures, ANCOVAs which controlled for birth weight, age, hunger at time of testing, and degree of exclusivity in breastfeeding, found EPDS inversely related to infants' milk intake and latch quality. Following a significant MANOVA on maternal behaviors, ANOVAs revealed EPDS inversely related to mothers' sensitive positioning and touch frequency. Contrastingly, anxiety was associated with increased touch. CONCLUSION In the breastfed newborn, mothers' depressed mood is associated with lesser weight gain, lower milk intake, poorer latch to the breast, and receiving less frequent touch and less-sensitive positioning at the breast by mother.
Cosmic strings from pseudo-anomalous U(1)'s

Abstract We discuss the properties of cosmic strings based on a spontaneously broken anomalous U(1) when the anomalies are cancelled via the Green-Schwarz mechanism. Such strings arise in a large class of cuperstrings compactification act as a source for an axion-like field which has model dependent couplings to QCD and QED. If this field couples to QED, but not to QCD, these strings could exist today and would exhibit novel optical properties. Such strings could be distinguished from other types of cosmic strings by studying the relative polarization of the images they produce when acting as gravitational lenses. If the axion-like field produced by these strings does couple to QCD, these strings as well as macroscopic heterotic superstrings would become the boundaries of domain walls and would rapidly disappear. There would be, however, bound configurations of the two types of string which do not couple to QCD and which could exist in the present universe.
Study of hereditary metabolic diseases using in vitro techniques.

Abstract Some 50 hereditary metabolic diseases can now be identified by means of white blood cells, somatic cell cultures, and in some instances by culture of amniotic fluid cells as shown in Table 5. These new developments are of obvious importance to the clinician because they offer simplified approaches to the detection of some difficult syndromes and obviate the necessity of having to do surgical biopsies under general anesthesia to establish the diagnosis.
Improved yield through use of a Scalable Parametric Measurement macro

Incorporating a scalable parametric measurement (SPM) macro in semiconductor products enables N to P ratio screening at wafer test where each die can be tested. While in line scribe line measurements provide valuable feedback to correct manufacturing problems, in line test sample sizes and the need to disposition entire wafers limit the usefulness of this technique as a product screen. Functional patterns applied at module test provide a measure of protection against escapes to system level, but module yield loss results in higher cost than wafer yield loss because of the added loss of package and module test costs. Use of a SPM macro for N to P ratio disposition maximizes yield and minimizes false rejects and false accepts.
Concurrent production of interleukin-2, interleukin-10, and gamma interferon in the regional lymph nodes of mice with influenza pneumonia.

Abstract Cytokine production has been assessed at the single-cell level (ELISPOT assay) for freshly isolated mediastinal lymph node cells from C57BL/6 mice with primary, nonfatal influenza pneumonia. The mediastinal lymph node populations were also secondarily stimulated in vitro, and culture supernatants were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Both approaches showed minimal evidence of protein secretion for interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and tumor necrosis factor, while IL-2, IL-10, and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) were prominent throughout the response. The numbers of IL-2- and IFN-gamma-producing cells were maximal at 7 days after infection, while the total counts for cells secreting IL-10 were fairly constant from day 3 to 7. The cultures that were stimulated with virus in vitro showed in inverse relationship between IL-10 and IFN-gamma production, with IL-10 peaking on day 3 and IFN-gamma peaking on day 7. Lymphocytes secreting IL-2, IL-10, and/or IFN-gamma were present in CD4+ and CD8+ populations separated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, although the CD8+ T cells produced less cytokine and were at a relatively lower frequency. Addition of recombinant IL-10 to the virus-stimulated cultures decreased the amount of IFN-gamma that could be detected, while incorporation of a monoclonal antibody to IL-10 had the opposite effect. A neutralization experiment also indicated that IL-2 was the principal mediator of lymphocyte proliferation. These experiments thus show that the developing T-cell response in the regional lymph nodes of mice with influenza cannot be rigidly categorized on the basis of a TH1 or TH2 phenotype and suggest possible regulatory mechanisms.
Application of Signal Detection and Estimation Theory to Network Security

The need to use quantitative methods to detect intrusion is increasing due to the high false positive and false negative rates of existing Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). Most network security techniques employed by the IDS and IPS depend mainly on packet behavior for detection. This work applies a quantitative approach based on Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) detection rules with the hope of reducing the high false positive and false negative rates. The entire system has been represented by a mathematical model of a discrete binary communication channel having two possible input messages and two possible output symbols. The network under study is assumed to have only one entry point (sender) for now, with a number of nodes (receivers). Also, all normal operational packets are referred to as normal packets and any other packets are referred to as abnormal packets. The analysis strategy used here is anomaly detection. The developed algorithm initially calculates the a priori probabilities for the normal and abnormal packets both at the sender and entry ends. These values are further used in finding the threshold probabilities to be compared to the corresponding probabilities of future incoming packets. MATLAB was used in coding the developed algorithm. This work will be expanded by modeling the entire system as a continuous binary communication channel and also by considering multiple entry points as future works, with the intension of improving the results obtained so far.
Reference frame analysis of a slip energy recovery system

Until the late 1970s the performance of a slip energy recovery system of an induction motor was predicted analytically by means of steady-state power balance relationships. Here, reference frame theory is used to establish the equations which can be used to predict adequately the dynamic and steady-state performance of a slip energy recovery system. The steady-state performance as predicted from this analysis is compared with that predicted from computer simulation. The errors of a previously published approach are discussed and the inaccuracy in predicting the steady-state torque-speed characteristics is illustrated. The stage is now set to develop linearized, small displacement equations which can be used for control system design. >
RealSpec: An Executable Specification Language for Modeling Control Systems

Direct support of real-time and control system features in a real-time specification language has a key role in the modeling of such systems. Correct modeling constructs in a specification language simplifies specification construction and enhances specification comprehension. This paper presents enhancements to an executable real-time specification language with constructs to model control systems. Two key control system modeling constructs are added to the language. The details of the constructs are discussed and the concepts are applied to model a gas burner system in the RealSpec language.
Laser magnetic resonance measurement of rotational transitions in the metastable a1Δg state of oxygen

Abstract Laser magnetic resonance (LMR) for five rotational transitions, J = 4 ← 3, 5 ← 4, 7 ← 6, 8 ← 7, 9 ← 8, of the oxygen molecule 16O16O in its metastable state, a1Δg, v = 0, are observed using six fir laser lines. Taking the known values of the g factors, their zero-field frequencies are obtained as 340.0085(6), 424.9810(9), 594.870(1), 679.780(1), and 764.658(1) GHz, respectively. They are fit by ( E h ) = B 0 [J(J + 1) − 4] + D 0 [J(J + 1) − 4] 2 + (−1) J ( 1 2 )qJ (J + 1)[J(J + 1) − 2] , where B0 = 42.50457(10) GHz, D0 = 153.14(110) kHz, and q = 0.050(90) kHz.
Which links in which theories shall we evaluate

If there is little consensus about the assumptions underlying a program, theory-based evaluators can collect data relevant to more than one theory, selecting for study the specific links in those theories that answer key questions.
Municipal ID Cards for Undocumented Immigrants: Local Bureaucratic Membership in a Federal System*

This article examines the municipal ID card programs in New Haven and San Francisco. With a municipal ID card, undocumented immigrants can access basic city services and identify themselves with po...
Inositol 1,3,4,5,6-Pentakisphosphate 2-Kinase from Maize: Molecular and Biochemical Characterization

Inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate 2-kinase, an enzyme encoded by the gene IPK1, catalyzes the terminal step in the phytic acid biosynthetic pathway. We report here the isolation and characterization of IPK1 cDNA and genomic clones from maize (Zea mays). DNA Southern-blot analysis revealed that ZmIPK1 in the maize genome constitutes a small gene family with two members. Two nearly identical ZmIPK1 paralogs, designated as ZmIPK1A and ZmIPK1B, were identified. The transcripts of ZmIPK1A were detected in various maize tissues, including leaves, silks, immature ears, seeds at 12 d after pollination, midstage endosperm, and maturing embryos. However, the transcripts of ZmIPK1B were exclusively detected in roots. A variety of alternative splicing products of ZmIPK1A were discovered in maize leaves and seeds. These products are derived from alternative acceptor sites, alternative donor sites, and retained introns in the transcripts. Consequently, up to 50% of the ZmIPK1A transcripts in maize seeds and leaves have an interrupted open reading frame. In contrast, only one type of splicing product of ZmIPK1B was detected in roots. When expressed in Escherichia coli and subsequently purified, the ZmIPK1 enzyme catalyzes the conversion of myo-inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate to phytic acid. In addition, it is also capable of catalyzing the phosphorylation of myo-inositol 1,4,6-trisphosphate, myo-inositol 1,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate, and myo-inositol 3,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis indicates that the phosphorylation product of myo-inositol 1,4,6-trisphosphate is inositol 1,2,4,6-tetrakisphosphate. Kinetic studies showed that the Km for ZmIPK1 using myo-inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate as a substrate is 119 μm with a Vmax at 625 nmol/min/mg. These data describing the tissue-specific accumulation and alternative splicing of the transcripts from two nearly identical ZmIPK1 paralogs suggest that maize has a highly sophisticated regulatory mechanism controlling phytic acid biosynthesis.
Hybrid ARQ using serial concatenated convolutional codes over fading channels

In this paper, we propose and analyze a new hybrid FEC/ARQ scheme using rate compatible punctured serial concatenated convolutional codes (SCCCs) which is suitable for flat-fading channels. Puncturing increases the transmitted code rate, and the rate compatibility criterion allows incremental redundancy to be transmitted after each decoding failure according to a code-combining type-II hybrid ARQ scheme. Performance curves of throughput and BER vs E/sub s//N/sub o/ are generated for AWGN and Rayleigh flat-fading channels for the proposed SCCC-based technique and compared against curves for a similar system based on parallel concatenated convolutional codes (PCCCs).
Progressive Significance Map and Its Application to Error-Resilient Image Transmission

Set partition coding (SPC) has shown tremendous success in image compression. Despite its popularity, the lack of error resilience remains a significant challenge to the transmission of images in error-prone environments. In this paper, we propose a novel data representation called the progressive significance map (prog-sig-map) for error-resilient SPC. It structures the significance map (sig-map) into two parts: a high-level summation sig-map and a low-level complementary sig-map (comp-sig-map). Such a structured representation of the sig-map allows us to improve its error-resilient property at the price of only a slight sacrifice in compression efficiency. For example, we have found that a fixed-length coding of the comp-sig-map in the prog-sig-map renders 64% of the coded bitstream insensitive to bit errors, compared with 40% with that of the conventional sig-map. Simulation results have shown that the prog-sig-map can achieve highly competitive rate-distortion performance for binary symmetric channels while maintaining low computational complexity. Moreover, we note that prog-sig-map is complementary to existing independent packetization and channel-coding-based error-resilient approaches and readily lends itself to other source coding applications such as distributed video coding.
Pleiotropic consequences of gene knockouts in the phthiocerol dimycocerosate and phenolic glycolipid biosynthetic gene cluster of the opportunistic human pathogen Mycobacterium marinum.

Phthiocerol dimycocerosates (PDIMs) and phenolic glycolipids (PGLs) contribute to the pathogenicity of several mycobacteria. Biosynthesis of these virulence factors requires polyketide synthases and other enzymes that represent potential targets for the development of adjuvant antivirulence drugs. We used six isogenic Mycobacterium marinum mutants, each with a different gene knockout in the PDIM/PGL biosynthetic pathway, to probe the pleiotropy of mutations leading to PDIMˉ PGLˉ, PDIM+ PGLˉ, or PDIMˉ PGL+ phenotypes. We evaluated the M. marinum mutants for changes in antibiotic susceptibility, cell envelope permeability, biofilm formation, surface properties, sliding motility and virulence in an amoeba model. The analysis also permitted us to begin exploring the hypothesis that different gene knockouts rendering the same PDIM and/or PGL deficiency phenotypes lead to M. marinum mutants with equivalent pleiotropic profiles. Overall, the results of our study revealed a complex picture of pleiotropic patterns emerging from different gene knockouts, uncovered unexpected phenotypic inequalities between mutants, and provided new insight into the phenotypic consequences of gene knockouts in the PDIM/PGL biosynthetic pathway.
Christ and the Eternal Extent of Divine Providence in the Expositio super Iob ad litteram of Thomas Aquinas

One prevalent approach among recent commentators on the Expositio super Iob ad litteram has been to read it as the principal place wherein Thomas Aquinas grapples with the problem of evil and, in response, proposes a theodicy. Whereas a few scholars have rightly noted that Thomas himself is not concerned here with what contemporary philosophers call the problem of evil, scholarship to date has failed— rather surprisingly—to examine his decidedly Christological approach to the book of Job. The present article seeks to fill this historiographical lacuna by investigating Thomas’s teaching on Christ in the Expositio. I argue that, for Thomas, Christ occupies a significant place vis-a-vis the primary intention of the words and sensible similitudes whereby God reveals himself to and through Job. Specifically, the redemptive work of Christ, in which Job hopes, enables Job and subsequent readers of the book bearing his name to understand the eternal extent of divine providence.
Ecology of Spiders (Araneae) in a Peanut Agroecosystem

Spider populations were studied in three peanut fields in the Texas West Cross-Timbers region during the 1981 and 1982 growing seasons. Hunting species made up 85.8 and 91.7% of the spider fauna during 1981 and 1982, respectively; the remainder were webbuilders. Three hunting families, Oxyopidae, Lycosidae, and Thomisidae, were dominant, constituting 74.6% of the total spider fauna for the two study years. Each family in turn was dominated by a single species. Oxyopes salticus Hentz (Oxyopidae) constituted 37.3% of the total spider fauna in 1982 and 16.2% in 1981. The Lycosidae were dominated by Pardosa pauxilla Montgomery and, as a family, were 31.0% of the fauna in 1981 and 26.6% in 1982. The Thomisidae were dominated by the Misumenops spp., mostly M. celer (Hentz). The Misumenops spp. were 14.0% and 14.1% (If the spider fauna in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Spider abundance generally increased as the growing season progressed and plant size and structure increased. Lycosids were dependent on a closed plant canopy and were most successful in irrigated fields. Populations of most species, especially lycosids, declined in drought-stressed rain-fed fields, except Misumenops spp., which were most successful under rain-fed conditions. Ballooning activity of spiders was determined from suction trap samples in 1982; results showed O. salticus to be the most numerous aeronaut. The Araneidae and Linyphiidae were next most abundant in suction trap collections, although these and other web-building species constituted only 11.3% of the peanut spider fauna for the two study years. Identification of spider prey revealed a preference for Hemiptera (32.7%), with Lepidoptera and other Araneae constituting 17.3% each. Pest species taken as prey included Heliothis spp., Stegasta bosqueella (Chambers), leafhoppers, and thrips ( Frankliniella spp.). Entomophagous species constituted about one-half the spider diet.
Decomposing linear and affine transformations

Publisher Summary Every nonsingular linear transformation of three-dimensional space is the product of three scales, two shears, and one rotation. This chapter explains how to decompose any arbitrary, singular or nonsingular, linear, or affine transformation of three-dimensional space into simple, geometrically meaningful factors. Linear transformations of three-dimensional space are generally represented by 3 × 3 matrices. The parallel projection can be replaced by a shear followed by an orthogonal projection. Every nonsingular affine transformation of three-dimensional space can be factored into the product of three scales, two shears, one rotation, and one translation. Similarly, every singular affine transformation of three-dimensional space can be factored into the product of two scales, two shears, one rotation, one orthogonal projection, and one translation. Those decompositions are not unique because the decompositions of the associated linear transformations are not unique. Those procedures are still of some value as they allow to decompose arbitrary affine transformations into simple, geometrically meaningful factors.
Feelings of belonging in a congregation: a social–psychological assessment

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate a conceptual model that explores the social aspects of congregational life that promote feelings of belonging in a congregation. The following core hypotheses are embedded in this model: (1) individuals who go to church more often will receive more spiritual support from fellow church members; (2) people who get more spiritual support from coreligionists will have more practical wisdom; (3) those with more practical wisdom will be more likely to provide emotional support to the individuals in their congregation; (4) people who provide emotional support to fellow church members will be more highly valued by their coreligionists; and (5) individuals who feel they are valued by their fellow congregants will be more likely to believe that they belong in the place where they worship. Data from a recent nationwide survey (N = 1154) of Christians provide support for each of these relationships.
The Evaluation for Successful Handoff of Antiaircraft Missile from Midcourse to Terminal Guidance

The handoff model of seeker and missile trajectory from midcourse guidance to terminal guidance are studied for antiaircraft missile using radar updated inertial midcourse guidance combined with active radar homing terminal guidance.Based on the transfer of errors and the interspersing rule of missile and target,the probability of successful handoff of missile trajectory is calculated by introducing the guiding rule to handoff model,and its validity and feasibility are validated by Monte Carlo simulation.The simulation results show that the probability of successful handoff of antiaircraft missile from midcourse guidance to terminal guidance can be enhanced by improving the load allowed for antiaircraft missile maneuvering and the precision for navigation error,detection error,carriage control error,and inertia error.
Myasthenia gravis in pregnancy: An update

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by the presence of anti-acetylcholine receptor immunoglobulin G antibodies (anti-AChRIgG). This paper contrasts immunologic intervention, particularly long-term glucocorticoid therapy, with standard anticholinesterase therapy for pregnant MG patients. Ten new cases of pregnancy in myasthenic mothers are reported. A survey of the 40 year anticholinesterase era yielded reports of 292 pregnancies in 202 myasthenia mothers. Instability of MG during pregnancy is highlighted by gestation related exacerbations identified in 55% of cases. The puerperium appears particularly dangerous. Eight of the nine maternal deaths (4.45%) in this series were from myasthenic complications. Prenatal care and labor management are discussed. The adverse effects of fatigue, analgesic and anesthetic agents, and magnesium sulfate are emphasized. Crisis differentiation and management are outlined. Neonatal myasthenic syndromes and their relationship to anti-AChRIgG are presented. Neonatal MG occurred in 20.2% of newborn infants in the review series. Six infants were stillborn (2.1%) and 11 died in the neonatal period (3.8%).
Developing expertise: Color matching at general electric plastics

General Electric (GE) traces its beginnings to Thomas A. Edison, who established the Edison Electric Light Company in 1878. GE is a diversified technology, manufacturing, and services company that operates in more than 100 countries around the world, with 250 manufacturing plants in 26 different nations. GE employs 276,000 people worldwide, including 165,000 in the United States. GE Plastics (GEP) is a world leader in versatile, high-performance engineered plastics used in the computer, electronics, office equipment, automotive, building and construction, and other industries. The FormTool software has been considered a success at General Electric due to the project's financial return on investment. This Java tool developed by the GE Corporate Research & Development Center allows color match cases to be selected over the Web. Instead of performing a case selection within GE Plastics by color technicians, customers can perform their own selection process. It is also considered as a technology achievement due to the number of patents obtained and the opportunities it has opened up. GEP is currently working on two new case-based reasoning (CBR) knowledge management tools. The first system allows customers to select the appropriate type of plastic to meet their engineering requirements. The second system helps GE researchers to develop new plastics by providing a common repository for sharing knowledge about experiments and designing new experiments.
Blood vessel structural morphology derived from 3D dual-frequency ultrasound images

The method of dual-frequency contrast ultrasound imaging can produce high resolution, high contrast 3D maps of the microvasculature. In this manuscript, we demonstrate an extension of the technique, showing the potential to segment individual blood vessels from 3D datasets in order to quantify their structural morphologies. There is a known relationship between abnormal blood vessel structure and the presence of cancer, with diseased vasculature generally showing a high degree of tortuosity and irregularity. These irregular vessel paths have been shown to normalize with successful anti-cancer treatment, effects which generally precede gross tumor volume changes. Thus, we hypothesize that our ultra-broadband imaging technique could be used in conjunction with vessel segmentation and morphological analyses to assess in-vivo therapeutic response with greater sensitivity than previously possible. In this paper, we demonstrate the consistency of our segmentation algorithm, and estimate the limitations of detectable tortuosity levels.