cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discovery of progenitor cell signatures by time-series synexpression analysis during Drosophila embryonic cell immortalization

The use of time series profiling to identify groups of functionally related genes (synexpression groups) is a powerful approach for the discovery of gene function. Here we apply this strategy during RasV12 immortalization of Drosophila embryonic cells, a phenomenon not well characterized. Using high-resolution transcriptional time-series datasets, we generated a gene network based on temporal expression profile similarities. This analysis revealed that common immortalized cells are related to adult muscle precursors (AMPs), a stem cell-like population contributing to adult muscles and sharing properties with vertebrate satellite cells. Remarkably, the immortalized cells retained the capacity for myogenic differentiation when treated with the steroid hormone ecdysone. Further, we validated in vivo the transcription factor CG9650, the ortholog of mammalian Bcl11a/b, as a regulator of AMP proliferation predicted by our analysis. Our study demonstrates the power of time series synexpression analysis to characterize Drosophila embryonic progenitor lines and identify stem/progenitor cell regulators.
Experiences with a minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of coronary artery multivessel disease in 100 patients

Objective: The treatment of coronary single vessel disease under minimally invasive surgical conditions was followed by the treatment of coronary multivessel disease using a new technique. Methods: Using this technique 100 patients (80 male, 20 female, median age 61.0 ± 8.9 years, ranged from 39 to 82 years) with coronary single vessel disease, double vessel disease or multivessel disease were treated between November 1996 and December 1997. Via a small (6-9 cm) left lateral chest incision in the second or third intercostal space, the left internal thoracic mammary artery (LIMA) was harvested and access to the central portion of the heart including the ascending aorta was obtained. In parallel, saphenous vein segments were harvested. Arterial cannulation was instituted via the ascending aorta, thus avoiding retrograde flow. In all patients except three the LIMA was used for the left anterior descending artery (LAD). In addition vein grafts were used for revascularization of the other coronary arteries. All cardiac anastomoses were performed during cardioplegic arrest after external aortic cross clamping and antegrade application of cardioplegia. Results: No death or intraoperative complications were observed in this series. The median hospital stay was 6.0 ± 1.4 days (median ± SEM). Postoperative complications were reexplored for bleeding (n = 1), delayed wound healing (n = 2), wound infections (n = 4), lymphatic fistulas (n = 4), and a chest wall hernia (n = 1). Conclusions: This minimally invasive surgical technique presents a safe alternative to conventional coronary artery surgery avoiding sternotomy related complications and decreasing hospital stay and morbidity.
Ebonics and Public Awareness: Who Knows? Who Cares?

The Oakland School Board resolution in December 1996 fueled a plethora of debates regarding the place and purpose of Ebonics as a valid communicative method and teaching tool. Opinions ranged from credulous applause to outright disdain. Although academicians and politicians have tended to be at the forefront of the debate, the news media have also published thousands of letters, articles, and commentary. Seemingly, a renewed interest in Ebonics has emerged. Given the media attention, this project assesses the level of awareness of the subject for a sample of 420 students from a racially and ethnically diverse college in the South. Logistic regression analysis is used to identify variables associated with awareness of Ebonics and the Oakland decision. Results suggest that although the majority of students are aware of the Ebonics topic, awareness levels varied. White respondents tended to be more aware of the topics than non-White respondents. The level of awareness surrounding the Oakland School Board decision also varied based on race, presidential inclinations, and previous knowledge regarding Ebonics. Although the Ebonics topic has existed for decades, its place as a source of attention and debate tends to ebb and flow like that of most controversial issues (Harrison, 1984; Smitherman, 1977). The Oakland School Board's 1996 resolution acknowledged the existence of Ebonics as a language, resolved to use it as a teaching
A rapid micro method for obtaining oxygen equilibrium curves on whole blood.

Abstract A method for recording complete dynamic oxygen equilibrium curves (O2EC) from microliter samples of whole blood is described. The blood samples is compressed into a thin film between two 6-micron thick Teflon membranes in order to promote rapid gas exchange with gas volume surrounding the membranes. Oxygen tension of the gas volume around the blood film is charged at a controlled rate from zero to ca. 100 Torr by a specially designed gas-exchanging cuvette. Saturation of red cell hemoglobin in the film is measured by dual-wavelength spectrophotometry using Soret wavelengths of 430–453 nm. Gas volume oxygen tension is measured with a Teflon membrane covered oxygen cathode. Full saturation is secured by introducing an oxygen mixture whose PO2 exceeds 650 Torr. A single O2EC can be run in about 4 min at 37 degrees; multiple O2EC can be recorded from the same blood film. Each curve is run isocapnically at a preselected carbon dioxide tension. Blood film pH is calculated from the CO2 partial pressure and an independently determined buffer line. Data are presented to show that normal standard curve for man as determined with this blood-film method and those determined by other methods are equivalent.
Analysis of tandospirone (SM-3997) interactions with neurotransmitter receptor binding sites.

Abstract The interactions of tandospirone (formerly called SM-3997) with 5-HT and other neurotransmitter receptor binding sites were determined in brain homogenates. Tandospirone is most potent at the 5-HT 1A receptor, displaying a K 1 value of 27 ± 5 nM . The agent is approximately two to three orders of magnitude less potent at 5-HT 2 , 5-HT 1c , alpha 1 - adrenergic, alpha 2 -adrenergicm and dopamine D 1 and D 2 receptors (K 1 values ranging from 1300 to 41000 nM). Tandospirone is essentially inactive at 5-HT 1B receptors; 5-HT uptake sites; beta-adrenergic, muscarinic cholinergic, and benzodiazepine receptors. This pharmacological profile differs slightly from that of other novel anxiolytics such as buspirone, ipsapirone, and gepirone, Saturation and competition studies using 3 H-tandospirone also suggest that the drug interacts with 5-HT 1A receptor binding sites in rat cortical membranes (K D = 4.5 ± 0.8 nM ;B max = 2.2 ± 0.6 pmol/g tissue). Based on adenylate cyclase studies which measure 5-HT 1A receptor-mediated effects, tandospirone displays approximately 60% of the agonist effect of 8-OH-DPAT, a selective 5-HT 1A agonist. Thus, the primary pharmacological effect of tandospirone appears to be partial agonism at the 5-HT 1A receptor, an activity similar to other pyrimidinyl-piperazines which are being developed as novel anxiolytic agents.
The Effects of Causal Feedback On Ordinary Least-Squares Estimators

When a causal model includes a feedback loop, ordinary least-squares (OLS) is an inappropriate, biased estimation technique. Furthermore, since the system is nonrecursive, a simple application of path analysis or regression is precluded. If the causal feedback is indirect, however, or involves one or more weak causal links, the bias will tend to be small and in some cases may be negligible. If the causal system is correctly specified to include only indirect feedback-i.e., with no direct reciprocal causation between any pair of variables, it is possible to calculate unbiased estimators. Even in other instances, it is often possible to set a reasonable upper limit to the bias encountered by estimators affected only by indirect feedback despite their inclusion in a system in which there is both direct and indirect feedback.
New results from old data - Lunar photometric anomalies in Wildey and Pohn's 1962 observations

The anomalies in V magnitude in photometric data on lunar features obtained by Wildey and Pohn (1964) are analyzed in the three colors of their UBV observations. The data have been averaged with respect to phase and graphed, and deviations from the average have been tabulated for each color. Sigma equal to or exceeding 3 for V, B-V, and U-B measures are shown on table. These variations are found to be similar to the much larger body of observations of lunar transient phenomena (LTP). The data for 25 features with 25 observations each show that in terms of individual measures the frequency of anomalies is approximately 3%, similar to frequencies obtained in other analyses of LTP data.
Murine leukemia virus infectious centers are dependent on the rate of virus production by infected cells.

Abstract A group of in vitro -maintained mouse leukemia cell lines has been used to analyze a murine leukemia virus S + L − infectious center assay. The rate of virus production by leukemia cell lines was determined by two methods and was compared to the observed incidence of infectious centers for each cell line in an effort to define the exact nature of an infectious center. The results show that detection of virus-producing cells in the infectious center assay is dependent on the rate of virus production by individual cells. Although 100% of high-virus-producer cells give positive infectious center plaques, only 0.01–1% of low virus producers are detectable. The results roughly fit the prediction that a virus producer cell is scored as an infectious center if it secretes 1 PFU of virus within 40 hr after seeding onto the target cell culture.
Effects of Keyboard Design and Typing Skill on User Keyboard Preferences and Throughput Performance

A study was conducted to compare user preferences and throughput performance on 3 prominent keyboards with 3 different kinds of key action mechanisms. Preference and throughput data were obtained f...
Dosimetric measurements with a brain equivalent plastic walled ionization chamber in an epithermal neutron beam

The tissue substitute A-181 plastic, which has an elemental composition matching both the constituent hydrogen and nitrogen of brain tissue, was assessed for dosimetry in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The sensitivity of an A-181 walled ionization chamber relative to photons for all neutrons in a clinical epithermal beam was calculated to vary between 0.79 +/- 0.04 in-air and 0.95 +/- 0.01 at depths of 4 cm and greater in-phantom. Differences in the total neutron doses measured with A-150 and A-181 plastic-walled chambers were attributed, within experimental error, to the dose produced by thermal neutron capture reactions from the different concentrations of nitrogen in the two tissue substitutes. The response of the A-181 chamber was converted to total neutron dose with an uncertainty increasing with depth in-phantom from 13 to 23% the magnitude of which is determined by the subtraction of a relatively large photon dose. The use of A-181 in place of A-150 plastic will no longer require partitioning the measured neutron dose by energy and should simplify dose reporting in BNCT.
From Fire and Brimstone to Property Values: The Changing Style of Arguments against Pornographic Industries, Atlanta, 1969–1997:

Previous literature on moral reform has, with some notable exceptions, focused on the generation of moralistic sentiment, rather than the rhetoric through which it is deployed. This analysis adds an important coda to this literature by drawing further attention to the distinction between content and style when assessing moral-reform arguments. Examining every argument (N = 540) made against a pornographic business in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1969 to 1997, as indexed by articles in the city's major newspaper, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it argues that the tendency to frame antipornography arguments in instrumental terms exists throughout the years of the study, but it becomes more pronounced over time. A compelling explanation for the shift in rhetoric is that individuals still valued morality in the 1980s and 1990s but framed their arguments in ways that maximized their efficacy, policy wise. Implications of these findings for broader sociological issues are discussed.
Optical Design of a Glancing Incidence X-ray Telescope.

Optical design of Wolter type 1 glancing incidence X ray telescope for 6-100 A wavelength region, describing results of laboratory and rocket flight tests of prototype
A computational study of the capacity scaling algorithm for the maximum flow problem

The capacity scaling algorithm for the maximum flow problem runs in O(nmlogU) time where n is the number of nodes, m is the number of arcs, and U is the largest arc capacity in the network. The two-phase capacity scaling algorithm reduces this bound to O(nmlog(U/n)). This running time is achieved with the restriction that flows are pushed on individual arcs while paths are being identified, but this causes slower empirical run times compared to the single-phase capacity scaling algorithm. In this research, we prove that the two-phase algorithm runs in the same theoretical time without the mentioned restriction. We also show that in practice, it runs significantly faster than the single-phase capacity scaling algorithm.
Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of uranium hexafluoride and tritium

Abstract Using infrared analysis, we found that the reaction rate of gaseous uranium hexafluoride and tritium is determined solely by the rate at which energy from the radioactive decay of tritium is absorbed in the reaction mixture. Because uranium hexafluoride and tritium absorb β-energy with different efficiencies, the reaction rate is somewhat dependent on the initial reactant concentrations. Reaction products include uranium subfluorides and tritium fluoride. A radiochemistry model has been developed that includes β-energy production and absorption in the gas phase to allow calculation of the reaction yield per ion pair formed. With this model it was found that the reaction mechanism does not include lengthy chain propagation steps-only about 10 uranium hexafluoride molecules are consumed for each ion-pair formed in the gas phase. Many possible reaction steps are suggested that could contribute to the observed overall mechanism.
Release of prostacyclin, endothelium-derived relaxing factor and endothelin by freshly harvested cells attached to microcarrier beads.

Cultured endothelial cells have been used in the past as a source of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and of prostacyclin (PGI2). Although cell cultures are essential for observation of prolonged exposure to media or when there is delayed response, they are time consuming and sterile conditions are essential. In the present study, we report that endothelial cells, freshly harvested from bovine aortas, readily attached themselves to cytodex-3 microcarrier beads and released an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), prostacyclin (PGI2) and increased the amount of cyclic GMP in vascular smooth muscle. Attachment to microcarrier beads was essential since it increased the surface area and the number of attached cells and permited collection of cell free filtrates because of the formation of dense networks of cells and beads. As a result superfusion of cells and beads on the filter did not dislodge bound cells which remain on the filter. Conditioned filtrates from freshly harvested endothelial cells attached to microcarrier beads caused marked relaxation of endothelium-deprived bovine pulmonary artery strips. The degree of relaxation depended on the number of cells; maximal relaxation occurred with 50 million cells at ED50 of 14 million. High values of cyclic GMP were found in vascular smooth muscle exposed to conditioned filtrate. The calcium ionophore A23187 further increased the amount of cyclic GMP. Large amounts of PGI2 were released by freshly harvested endothelial cells particularly after stimulation with the calcium ionophore. In contrast, endothelin production by freshly harvested cells attached to microcarrier beads was barely detectable after 30 min incubation and was beyond the limit of detection by bioassay procedures. Freshly harvested endothelial cells attached to microcarrier beads appear to be a useful adjunct to tissue cultures under specific experimental conditions.
Mitochondrial ATP-Dependent Potassium Channels Novel Effectors of Cardioprotection?

Background—Brief interruptions of coronary blood flow paradoxically protect the heart from subsequent prolonged ischemia. The basis of such endogenous cardioprotection, known as “ischemic precondit...
THE ESTABLISHMENT CONCEPT IN STRIKE DISQUALIFICATIONS UNDER UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LAWS

Of things that are called one in virtue of their own nature some are so called because they are continuous, e. g. a bundle is made one by a band, and pieces of wood are made one by glue; and a line, even if it is bent, is called one if it is continuous, as each part of the body is, e. g. the leg or the arm Those things are continuous by their own nature which are one not merely by contact; for if you put pieces of wood touching one another, you will not say these are one piece of wood or one body or one continuum of any other sort.
High-frame-rate display system for study of motion perception

A high frame rate display system has been developed to present image sequences at 114.4 frames/sec as opposed to the video frame rate of 30 frames/sec. In order to do this, we are using a video display monitor in stereo mode and a Datacube MV-200 image processing hardware system to display images at rates approximately twice as fast as would otherwise be possible. We propose to use this system to assess the elderly diver's ability to locate and distinguish computer generated images of vehicles and to determine their direction of motion in a variety of simulated conditions.
Accelerated mammary maturation and differentiation, and delayed MMTVneu-induced tumorigenesis of K303R mutant ERalpha transgenic mice.

We identified a somatic mutation in estrogen receptor-α (ERα) in breast cancer causing a lysine to arginine transition (K303R) resulting in hypersensitivity to estrogen, altered associations with coactivators and corepressors and altered posttranslational modifications of ERα. We have developed a transgenic mouse expressing the K303R mutant ERα under control of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. At 4 months of age, K303R ERα transgenic animals demonstrate precocious alveolar budding compared with wild-type ERα transgenic mice or nontransgenic littermates. Despite these morphologic differences, K303R ERα transgenic mice displayed no differences in levels of ERα, progesterone receptor or proliferation at this time-point. Pregnancy or chronic estrogen plus progesterone exposure in K303R ERα transgenic mice also resulted in significantly more alveolar budding, increased β-casein production and dilated ducts when compared with nontransgenic littermates. To examine the effects of mutant expression on tumorigenesis, mutant ERα mice were crossed with FVB-MMTVneu mice and significantly delayed time to neu-mediated tumorigenesis in bigenic animals. In contrast, mutant expression did not affect carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis. Collectively, these data demonstrate that aberrant estrogenic signaling through the K303R ERα mutation may lead to precocious alveolar budding in virgin mice, and to an expedited maturation and differentiation phenotype in the mammary glands of hormonally stimulated animals.
Model for the evolution of river networks.

We have developed a model, which includes the effects of erosion both from precipitation and from avalanching of soil on steep slopes, to simulate the formation and evolution of river networks. The avalanches provide a mechanism for competition in growth between neighboring river basins. The changing morphology follows many of the characteristics of evolution set forth by Glock. We find that during evolution the model maintains the statistical characteristics measured in natural river systems.
Viral hepatitis: sports-related risk.

Each year, viral hepatitis causes substantial morbidity and mortality in the general population. Most athletes who contract viral hepatitis become exposed away from the playing field. However, close contact with team members and the sharing of food and drink may increase the likelihood of spreading enteric forms of viral hepatitis, and a small risk of sports-related transmission of hepatitis B and C virus exists. Health care providers must make decisions regarding the timing of an infected athlete’s safe return to athletic activity and be able to counsel athletes about the risks of viral transmission during sports. Individuals with acute and chronic hepatitis may tolerate exercise and sports participation quite well. Clinical signs and symptoms will often help guide return-to-play decisions. Attention to general hygiene practices, the standards of universal precautions, athlete immunization, and continued educational efforts can help prevent the acquisition and spread of viral hepatitis both on and off the field.
A PI3K Pathway Mediates Hair Cell Survival and Opposes Gentamicin Toxicity in Neonatal Rat Organ of Corti

Gentamicin is well known to promote hair cell death in inner ear, but it also appears to activate opposing pathways that promote hair cell survival. In combination with others, our previous work has indicated that a K-Ras/Rac/JNK pathway is important for hair cell death and an H-Ras/Raf/MEK/Erk pathway is involved in promoting hair cell survival (Battaglia et al., Neuroscience 122(4):1025-1035, 2003). However, these data also suggested that a Ras-independent survival pathway for activation of MEK might be stimulated by gentamicin. To investigate alternatives to the Ras/Raf/MEK/Erk pathway in promoting hair cell survival, cochlear explants were exposed to gentamicin combined with several inhibitors of alternative pathways (LY294002, calphostin C, SH-6, U73122). When exposed to gentamicin with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (10, 50 microM), the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C (50, 100 nM) or the PKB/Akt inhibitor SH-6 (5, 10 microM), hair cell damage was significantly increased compared to gentamicin alone. By Western blotting, strong PKB/Akt activation was observed in the organ of Corti following exposure to 50 microM gentamicin for 6 h. In addition, PKC activation by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate protected outer hair cells from gentamicin induced cell death. In contrast, the phospholipase C-gamma (PLCgamma) inhibitor U73122 (2, 5 microM) did not affect hair cell damage when combined with gentamicin. Also, phosphorylation of PLCgamma was not increased in the organ of Corti following gentamicin treatment, as evaluated by Western blot. The results indicate that PI3K promotes hair cell survival via its downstream targets, PKC and PKB/Akt. This suggests that both Ras-dependent and Ras-independent survival pathways are involved during gentamicin exposure. In contrast, PLCgamma activation of PKC does not appear to play a role.
Oil price dynamics (2002-2006)

Abstract Oil price dynamics during 2002–2006 have been characterized by high volatility, high intensity jumps, and strong upward drift, and were concomitant with underlying fundamentals of oil markets and world economy; namely, pressure on oil prices resulting from rigid crude oil supply and expanding world demand for crude oil. A change in the oil price process parameters would require a change in underlying fundamentals. Market expectations, extracted from call and put option prices, anticipated no change in underlying fundamentals in the short term. Markets expected oil prices to remain volatile and jumpy, and with higher probabilities, to rise, rather than fall, above the expected mean.
Exponential energy decay in a linear thermoelastic rod

Abstract We examine the stability of solutions to a pair of coupled linear partial differential equations which describe the temperature distribution and displacement within a one-dimensional thermoelastic rod. For particular sets of natural boundary conditions, the eigenfunctions are shown to form a Riesz basis on the Hilbert space of finite energy states. For these cases, asymptotic eigenvalue estimates show that the spectrum is to the left of some vertical line Re λ = −β contained in the open left half of the complex plane. An energy decay estimate of the form E(t) ⩽ Me−βt E(0) is then obtained.
Coaxial cable Bragg grating sensors for large strain measurement with high accuracy

In this paper, a new coaxial cable Bragg grating (CCBG) is developed as a strain sensor and the sensor's capacity for large range strain measurement in structural health monitoring (SHM) is demonstrated for the first time. The sensor device is comprised of regularly spaced periodic discontinuities along a coaxial cable. The discontinuities are fabricated using a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine to drill holes in the cable. Each discontinuity generates a weak reflection to the electromagnetic wave propagating inside the cable. Superposition of these weak reflections produces a strong reflection at discrete frequencies that can be explained by Bragg grating theory. By monitoring the resonant frequency shift of the sensor's reflection or transmission spectra, strain measurement sensitivity of 20μe and a dynamic range of 50000μe (5%) were demonstrated for axial strain measurements. The experimental results show that the CCBG sensors perform well for large strain measurement needed in structural health monitoring (SHM).
Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements in small subjects: conditions affecting clinical measurements.

Objective: To document the clinical and experimental situations that may affect DXA measurements in small subjects.Methods: 49 piglets (886g to 21100g) had measurements with either of two pencil beam densitometers (QDR 1000W and QDR 2000 Plus, Hologic Inc, Waltham, MA) using commercial infant (IWB) and adult whole body (AWB) software v5.71p and v5.71 respectively. AWB scans were analyzed with three additional software versions. 35 infants (2115 to 11564g) had IWB measurements.Results: DXA measurements of total weight, bone mineral content, bone area, bone mineral density, fat and lean mass from IWB scans (all piglets) and from AWB scans (piglets >12 kg) were highly reproducible (p < 0.001). A statistically significant change occurred in at least one of the DXA measurements from the use of different platforms, variations in the amount and placement of covering (e.g., blanket), placement of the external calibration standard, presence of radiographic contrast material, presence of movement artifact, delivery...
In-class Simulations of the Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma Game

Abstract The author developed a simple computer program for the in-class simulation of the repeated prisoner's dilemma game with student-designed strategies. He describes the basic features of the software and presents two examples for the use of the program in teaching the problems of cooperation among profit-maximizing agents.
Single-chamber ventricular pacing is not associated with worsening heart failure in sick sinus syndrome

Abstract Ventricular pacing (with loss of normal atrioventricular synchrony) has been considered to have a role in the development or progression of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS). No rigorous study has tested this hypothesis. Five hundred seven consecutive patients with SSS who received an initial pacemaker from January 1980 to December 1989 were studied. Atrial or dual-chamber pacemakers were implanted in 395 patients and ventricular pacemakers in 112. After a mean follow-up of 65 ± 37 months, 97 patients (19%) developed new CHF or increased their New York Heart Association functional class. By univariate analysis, preimplant predictors for these events were left ventricular dysfunction (p
George III, Tyrant:The Crisisas Critic of Empire, 1775-1776

The Crisis, a London weekly published between January 1775 and October 1776, attempted to join Britain and the American colonies in a transatlantic community of protest. It did so more stridently than virtually anything printed either in the colonies or elsewhere in the London press. King George III, his chief ministers, and their supporters in parliament were all fair game for its caustic commentary. It condemned their imperial policy as self-destructive and their treatment of the Americans as foolishly shortsighted. It condoned American resistance to what it characterized as tyrannical policies and called on Britons to beware that what began as oppression of the colonies could end up threatening rights on their own side of the Atlantic as well. Even so, the men behind The Crisis hoped for a solution to the problems of empire within it, not outside it, and their ardour for the Patriot cause cooled once Revolutionary Americans declared independence. Despite their rhetorical blasts at Whitehall and Westminster, the men behind The Crisis were not looking to turn protest into rebellion nor were they interested in trading monarchy for a republic. They fell silent when their differences with American Revolutionaries became too obvious to deny.
Design and experimental validation of a multiband-radar data fusion system

A robust constant false alarm rate (CFAR) distributed detection system that operates in heavy clutter with unknown distribution is presented. The system is designed to provide CFARness under clutter power fluctuations and robustness under unknown clutter and noise distributions. The system is also designed to operate successfully under different-power sensors and exhibit fault-tolerance in the presence of sensor power fluctuations. The test statistic at each sensor is a robust CFAR t-statistic. In addition to the primary binary decisions, confidence levels are generated with each decision and used in the fusion logic to robustify the fusion performance and eliminate weakness of the Boolean fusion logic. The test statistic and the fusion logic are analyzed theoretically for Weibull and log-normal clutter. The theoretical performance is compared against Monte-Carlo simulations that verify that the system exhibits the desired characteristics of CFARness, robustness, insensitivity to power fluctuations and fault- tolerance. The system is tested with experimental target-in-clear and target-in-clutter data and its experimental performance agrees with the theoretically predicted behavior.
Characterization of a plasma membrane glycoprotein common to myoblasts, skeletal muscle satellite cells, and glia.

Abstract A plasma membrane glycoprotein common to embryonic chick myoblasts and adult chicken skeletal muscle satellite cells is the antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody C3 1 . Although traces of the same antigen are present on some muscle-derived fibroblasts, the density of antigenic sites on myoblasts and satellite cells is so high that these cell types can be identified in tissues by immunocytochemical techniques. The antigen is exposed on the surfaces of myogenic cells growing in tissue culture and can be solubilized with detergent. This and other criteria establish that the antigen is a plasma membrane protein. The antigen, purified by affinity techniques, consists of a single type of polypeptide chain which migrates as a relatively broad band of apparent molecular weight 38,000 Da in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It has a very small sedimentation constant, suggesting that the solubilized form is either monomeric or dimeric. The concentration of antigenic sites increases during myogenesis in vitro; but during maturation the antigenic sites are lost from muscle fibers. Electron microscopic autoradiographic study of adult muscle labeled with iodinated monoclonal antibody demonstrated unequivocally that the antigenic sites in adult muscle are concentrated in the satellite cells. Although selective for myoblasts, immature myotubes and satellite cells in the myogenic lineage, the monoclonal antibody also binds at rather high levels to peripheral Schwann cells and teloglia, to some nonneuronal cells in cultures derived from embryonic spinal cord, to some glial elements of adult chicken brain, and to several cell types in the early embryo.
Enantioselective reductive coupling of 1,3-enynes to heterocyclic aromatic aldehydes and ketones via rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation: mechanistic insight into the role of Brønsted acid additives.

Hydrogenation of 1,3-enynes 1a−e in the presence of heterocyclic aromatic aldehydes and ketones using chirally modified cationic rhodium precatalysts results in reductive coupling to afford dienylated α-hydroxy heteroarenes 2−23 with exceptional levels of regio- and enantiocontrol. Coupling of enyne 1a to 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde using an achiral rhodium catalyst in the presence of a chiral Akiyama−Terada-type phosphoric acid derived from BINOL as the Bronsted acid co-catalyst provides the coupling product 2 with substantial levels of optical enrichment (82% ee). This result suggests that substrate protonation and/or formation of a strong hydrogen bond occurs in advance of the stereogenic C−C bond forming event. Further, the high levels of asymmetric induction demonstrate that interaction of the aldehyde with the Bronsted acid activates the system toward C−C coupling. Reductive coupling of enyne 1a and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde under an atmosphere of elemental deuterium provides the monodeuterated product ...
Distribution of the Octopamine Receptor AmOA1 in the Honey Bee Brain

Octopamine plays an important role in many behaviors in invertebrates. It acts via binding to G protein coupled receptors located on the plasma membrane of responsive cells. Several distinct subtypes of octopamine receptors have been found in invertebrates, yet little is known about the expression pattern of these different receptor subtypes and how each subtype may contribute to different behaviors. One honey bee (Apis mellifera) octopamine receptor, AmOA1, was recently cloned and characterized. Here we continue to characterize the AmOA1 receptor by investigating its distribution in the honey bee brain. We used two independent antibodies produced against two distinct peptides in the carboxyl-terminus to study the distribution of the AmOA1 receptor in the honey bee brain. We found that both anti-AmOA1 antibodies revealed labeling of cell body clusters throughout the brain and within the following brain neuropils: the antennal lobes; the calyces, pedunculus, vertical (alpha, gamma) and medial (beta) lobes of the mushroom body; the optic lobes; the subesophageal ganglion; and the central complex. Double immunofluorescence staining using anti-GABA and anti-AmOA1 receptor antibodies revealed that a population of inhibitory GABAergic local interneurons in the antennal lobes express the AmOA1 receptor in the cell bodies, axons and their endings in the glomeruli. In the mushroom bodies, AmOA1 receptors are expressed in a subpopulation of inhibitory GABAergic feedback neurons that ends in the visual (outer half of basal ring and collar regions) and olfactory (lip and inner basal ring region) calyx neuropils, as well as in the collar and lip zones of the vertical and medial lobes. The data suggest that one effect of octopamine via AmOA1 in the antennal lobe and mushroom body is to modulate inhibitory neurons.
Accumulation of single strand interruptions within the yeast 2 μm DNA plasmid during replication in a DNA ligase mutant

We have investigated the fate of the yeast 2 μm DNA plasmid in strains with a temperature sensitive mutation of DNA ligase. At the restrictive temperature the plasmid DNA collects as an open circular form with single strand interruptions. Both alpha factor pheromone, which arrests cells before the start of S phase, and hydroxyurea, which blocks progression through S phase, prevent the appearance of the open circular form. Thus, interrupted plasmid DNA does not accumulate in the absence of DNA replication. On average the interrupted molecules contain four to five interruptions per newly replicated strand. Most of the interruptions are nicks (breaks in a single phosphate ester bond) rather than gaps (absence of one or more nucleotides in a strand) as judged by the in vitro conversion of the interrupted molecules into a covalently closed form by DNA ligase. Mapping of the position of the interruptions reveals no predominate sites.
How Green Is Green

Pervasive computing's primary green contribution is its ability to turn dumb technologies into smart power-aware technologies. Although the operation of these technologies might save energy, when considering the big picture, the net saving might not be positive unless their operational life is sustained beyond the energy breakeven point.
COMPOSITE LAMINATE DESIGN OPTIMIZATION BY GENETIC ALGORITHM WITH GENERALIZED ELITIST SELECTION

Abstract Genetic algorithms with elitist selection based on cloning a best single individual (SI) from one generation to the next are popular, but generalized elitist selection (GES) procedures have been proposed and tried in the past. The present paper explores several generalized elitist procedures for the design of composite laminates. It is shown that GES procedures are superior to an SI procedure for two types of problems. The first type involves many global optima, and the GES procedure can find several global optima more efficiently than the SI procedure. This may give a designer more design freedom. The second type of problem involves an isolated optimum surrounded by many designs with performance that is very close to optimal. It is shown that GES procedures can find the optimum and near optimal designs much more easily and reliably than the SI procedure.
The Role of Majority Groups in Diversity Programs

The underrepresentation of women in technical fields is a widely acknowledged national problem, limiting both the raw size of the talent pool and the diversity of experiences and perspectives of those who will design solutions to key problems facing society. Empowering women to succeed in these fields is clearly one important component of any solution. Because the population in those fields will likely continue to be overwhelmingly male for some time to come, men must also be a key component of the solution. Specifically, since the attitudes of the majority group are a strong determinant of climate, it is almost equally important to foster a population of men supportive of increasing the representation of women.As at most universities and technical companies, women are a minority in all majors in the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT). In most majors, they are a small minority. The UMBC Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) is dedicated to increasing the representation of women in engineering and information technology fields. At the heart of these efforts is the CWIT Scholar Program, a selective merit scholarship program for undergraduates majoring in engineering and IT who are committed to increasing the representation of women in those fields. In addition to financial support, the CWIT Scholar Program provides a supportive community, academic and professional development programming, networking opportunities, and a residential Living Learning Community. Almost from the beginning, some CWIT scholars have been men. 28 percent of current CWIT scholars are men.Perhaps not surprisingly, female CWIT scholars have dramatically higher retention and completion rates than other women majoring in these fields. In this article, we look at a second effect of the CWIT Scholar Program, that of changing awareness and attitudes of the men who participate. We discuss programs and present results of a survey of attitudes regarding technical, academic, and gender issues in engineering and IT education. We disaggregate survey participants to show differences between the attitudes of women, scholar men, and men not participating in a diversity program.
Bearing Fatigue Life Tests in a Synthetic Traction Lubricant

Two samples of 3.75-inch OD (95.3 mm) tapered roller bearings were tested under minimal film conditions using a synthetic (cycloaliphatic) hydrocarbon oil. These tests exhibited extended fatigue life when compared to two samples of the same bearings tested using equivalent viscosity petroleum oils. The apparent difference in pressure viscosity coefficients of these two oils only partially explained the difference in fatigue life. Presented at the 30th Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, May 5–8, 1975
Neural Systems Governed by Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors: Emerging Hypotheses

Cholinergic neurons and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain participate in diverse functions: reward, learning and memory, mood, sensory processing, pain, and neuroprotection. Nicotinic systems also have well-known roles in drug abuse. Here, we review recent insights into nicotinic function, linking exogenous and endogenous manipulations of nAChRs to alterations in synapses, circuits, and behavior. We also discuss how these contemporary advances can motivate attempts to exploit nicotinic systems therapeutically in Parkinson's disease, cognitive decline, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
Globally optimised parameters for a model of mitotic control in frog egg extracts

DNA synthesis and nuclear division in the developing frog egg are controlled by fluctuations in the activity of M-phase promoting factor (MPF). The biochemical mechanism of MPF regulation is most easily studied in cytoplasmic extracts of frog eggs, for which careful experimental studies of the kinetics of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of MPF and its regulators have been made. In 1998 Marlovits et al. used these data sets to estimate the kinetic rate constants in a mathematical model of the control system originally proposed by Novak & Tyson. In a recent publication, we showed that a gradient-based optimisation algorithm finds a locally optimal parameter set quite close to the 'Marlovits' estimates. In this paper, we combine global and local optimisation strategies to show that the 'refined Marlovits' parameter set, with one minor but significant modification to the Novak & Tyson equations, is the unique, best-fitting solution to the parameter estimation problem.
Synthesis and excited-state photodynamics of a chlorin-bacteriochlorin dyad--through-space versus through-bond energy transfer in tetrapyrrole arrays.

Understanding energy transfer among hydroporphyrins is of fundamental interest and essential for a wide variety of photochemical applications. Toward this goal, a synthetic free base ethynylphenylchlorin has been coupled with a synthetic free base bromobacteriochlorin to give a phenylethyne-linked chlorin-bacteriochlorin dyad (FbC-pe-FbB). The chlorin and bacteriochlorin are each stable toward adventitious oxidation because of the presence of a geminal dimethyl group in each reduced pyrrole ring. A combination of static and transient optical spectroscopic studies indicate that excitation into the Qy band of the chlorin constituent (675 nm) of FbC-pe-FbB in toluene results in rapid energy transfer to the bacteriochlorin constituent with a rate of approximately (5 ps)(-1) and efficiency of >99%. The excited bacteriochlorin resulting from the energy-transfer process in FbC-pe-FbB has essentially the same fluorescence characteristics as an isolated monomeric reference compound, namely a narrow (12 nm fwhm) fluorescence emission band at 760 nm and a long-lived (5.4 ns) Qy excited state that exhibits a significant fluorescence quantum yield (Phif=0.19). Forster calculations are consistent with energy transfer in FbC-pe-FbB occurring predominantly by a through-space mechanism. The energy-transfer characteristics of FbC-pe-FbB are compared with those previously obtained for analogous phenylethyne-linked dyads consisting of two porphyrins or two oxochlorins. The comparisons among the sets of dyads are facilitated by density functional theory calculations that elucidate the molecular-orbital characteristics of the energy donor and acceptor constituents. The electron-density distributions in the frontier molecular orbitals provide insights into the through-bond electronic interactions that can also contribute to the energy-transfer process in the different types of dyads.
Can the period of postnatal codevelopment of the rubrospinal and corticospinal systems provide new insights into refinement of limb movement

The corticospinal and the rubrospinal tracts are thought to synergistically contribute to the limb control during motor development. Williams et al. (J Neurosci 34: 4432–4441, 2014) demonstrate tha...
Enhancement of hydrogen storage capacity in hydrate lattices

First principles electronic structure calculations of the gas phase pentagonal dodecahedron (H2O)20 (D-cage) and tetrakaidecahedron (H2O)24 (T-cage), which are building blocks of structure I (sI) hydrate lattice, suggest that these can accommodate up to a maximum of 5 and 7 guest hydrogen molecules, respectively. For the pure hydrogen hydrate, Born-Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics (BOMD) simulations of periodic (sI) hydrate lattices indicate that the guest molecules are released into the vapor phase via the hexagonal phases of the larger T-cages. An additional mechanism for the migration between neighboring D- and T-cages was found to occur through a shared pentagonal face via the breaking and reforming of a hydrogen bond. This molecular mechanism is also found for the expulsion of a CH4 molecule from the D-cage. The presence of methane in the larger T-cages was found to block this release, therefore suggesting possible scenarios for the stabilization of these mixed guest clathrate hydrates and the potential enhancement of their hydrogen storage capacity.
Genomic Imprinting and Linkage Test for Quantitative-Trait Loci in Extended Pedigrees

Genomic imprinting is a mechanism in which only one of the two copies of a gene is expressed. Some genes that affect development and behavior in mammals are known to be imprinted. Deregulation of imprinted genes has been found in a number of human diseases. Incorporating imprinting information into linkage analysis results in a more powerful test for linkage. Here, we propose an efficient method to test for linkage and imprinting of quantitative traits in extended pedigrees. We compared the results obtained by using the extended-pedigree–analysis approach proposed in this study with other existing approaches. We found that the proposed method is more powerful and uses extended-pedigree information most efficiently.
Dynamic-mechanical study of molecular motions in solid polyoxymethylene copolymers from 4 to 315°K

Variations in four mechanical relaxations in polyoxymethylene copolymers in the temperature range from 4 to 315°K are described as a function of comer size and amount. The 6 relaxation at 50°K is i...
A Dilemma of Play Therapy Termination anxiety in the Therapist

The therapist, as well as the client, requires attention from the instructor in order to provide acceptance of separation.