cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three Transmembrane Conformations and Sequence-Dependent Displacement of the S4 Domain in Shaker K+ Channel Gating

We have acquired structural evidence that two components evident previously in the depolarization-evoked gating currents from voltage-gated Shaker K+ channels have their origin in sequential, two-step outward movements of the S4 protein segments. A point mutation greatly destabilizes the "fully retracted" state of S4 transmembrane translocation, causing instead an intermediate state to predominate at resting potentials. This state is distinguishable topologically and fluorometrically. That a point mutation effectively excludes half the range of S4 motion from physiological voltages suggests that the diverse sensitivities among voltage-gated channels might reflect not only differences in S4 valence, but also displacement. Existence of an intermediate subunit state helps explain why modeling channel activation has required positing greater than four closed states.
Supernova neutrinos can tell us the neutrino mass hierarchy independently of flux models

Abstract We demonstrate that the detection of shock modulations of the neutrino spectra from a galactic core-collapse supernova is sufficient to obtain a high significance determination of the neutrino mass hierarchy if the supernova event is observed in both a Mton-class water Cherenkov detector and a 100 kton-class liquid argon detector. Neither detailed supernova neutrino flux modeling nor observation of Earth matter effects is needed for this determination. As a corollary, a nonzero value of θ x will be established.
Functional Synergy between the Transcription Factor Sp1 and the Estrogen Receptor

A GC-rich oligonucleotide containing an estrogen responsive element (ERE) half-site from the heat shock protein 27 (Hsp 27) gene promoter (-105 to -84) [ie. GGGCGGG(N)10GGTCA; Sp1(N)10ERE] forms a complex with the Sp1 and estrogen receptor (ER) proteins. Moreover, promoter-reporter constructs containing this sequence (-108 to -84 or -108 to +23) are also estrogen-responsive. Mutation of the ERE half-site in the Hsp 27-derived oligonucleotides did not result in loss of estrogen responsiveness in transient transfection studies, suggesting that estrogen inducibility was mediated through the Sp1-DNA motif. Gel mobility shift assays using 32P-labeled wild type and ERE mutant Sp1(N)10ERE and consensus Sp1 oligonucleotides showed that Sp1 protein formed a DNA-protein complex with all three nucleotides, and the intensities of retarded bands were enhanced by coincubation with wild type ER and 11C-ER, which does not contain the DNA-binding domain. ER mutants in which N-terminal (19C-ER) and C-terminal (15C-ER) regions were deleted did not enhance Sp1-DNA binding or hormone-induced transactivation of GC-rich promoter-reporter constructs in ER-negative MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas both wild type and 11C-ER restored inducibility. Immunoprecipitation studies also confirmed that the Sp1 and ER proteins physically interact. The interaction of the Sp1 and ER proteins and the resulting enhanced Sp1-DNA binding is observed in the presence or absence of estrogen (hormone-independent), whereas transactivation of promoter-reporter constructs is estrogen-dependent. Thus, the results illustrate a new estrogen-dependent transactivation pathway that involves ER-protein interactions and is ERE-independent.
The effects of Young Adults Eating and Active for Health (YEAH): a theory-based Web-delivered intervention.

Abstract Objective To assess the effectiveness of a tailored theory-based, Web-delivered intervention (Young Adults Eating and Active for Health) developed using community-based participatory research process. Design A 15-month (10-week intensive intervention with a 12-month follow-up) randomized, controlled trial delivered via Internet and e-mail. Setting Thirteen college campuses. Participants A total of 1,639 college students. Intervention Twenty-one mini-educational lessons and e-mail messages (called nudges) developed with the non-diet approach and focusing on eating behavior, physical activity, stress management, and healthy weight management. Nudges were short, frequent, entertaining, and stage-tailored to each behavior, and reinforced lesson content. Main Outcome Measure All participants were assessed at baseline, postintervention (3 months from baseline), and follow-up (15 months from baseline) for primary outcomes of weight, body mass index (BMI), fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), physical activity (PA), and perceived stress; and secondary outcomes of waist circumference, percent dietary fat, energy from sugar-sweetened beverages, servings of whole grains, self-instruction and regulation for mealtime behavior, hours of sleep, and stage of readiness for change for consuming 5 cups of FVI, completing 150 minutes of PA/wk, and managing stress on most days of the week. Demographics were collected at baseline. Analysis Chi-square analysis and mixed-models repeated measures analysis were performed to determine differences between experimental and control outcomes. Results There were no differences between experimental and control participants in BMI, weight, and waist circumference. There were small improvements in FVI ( P = .001), vigorous PA in females ( P = .05), fat intake ( P = .002), self-instruction ( P = .001), and regulation ( P = .004) for mealtime behavior, and hours of sleep ( P = .05) at postintervention, but improvements were not maintained at follow-up. At postintervention, a greater proportion of experimental participants were in the action/maintenance stages for FVI ( P = .019) and PA ( P = .002) than control. Conclusions and Implications Young Adults Eating and Active for Health is one of the first studies to use the community-based participatory research process of PRECEDE-PROCEED to develop a non-diet approach intervention. Although there were no differences between experimental and control participants in weight change or BMI, the intervention supported positive change in behaviors that may mediate excessive weight gain, such as increasing FVI and more healthful self-regulation mealtime behaviors immediately postintervention. Additional strategies to maintain the behavior changes need to be explored.
Multiphoton imaging the disruptive nature of sulfur mustard lesions

Sulfur mustard [bis-2-chloroethyl sulfide] is a vesicating agent first used as a weapon of war in WWI. It causes debilitating blisters at the epidermal-dermal junction and involves molecules that are also disrupted by junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) and other blistering skin diseases. Despite its recurring use in global conflicts, there is still no completely effective treatment. We have shown by imaging human keratinocytes in cell culture and in intact epidermal tissues that the basal cells of skin contain well-organized molecules (keratins K5/K14, α6β4 integrin, laminin 5 and α3β1 integrin) that are early targets of sulfur mustard. Disruption and collapse of these molecules is coincident with nuclear displacement, loss of functional asymmetry, and loss of polarized mobility. The progression of this pathology precedes basal cell detachment by 8-24 h, a time equivalent to the “clinical latent phase” that defines the extant period between agent exposure and vesication. Our images indicate that disruption of adhesion-complex molecules also impairs cytoskeletal proteins and the integration of structures required for signal transduction and tissue repair. We have recently developed an optical system to test this hypothesis, i.e., to determine whether and how the early disruption of target molecules alters signal transduction. This environmentally controlled on-line system provides a nexus for real-time correlation of imaged lesions with DNA microarray analysis, and for using multiphoton microscopy to facilitate development of more effective treatment strategies.
Managing the new venture division: Research findings and implications for strategic management

The New Venture Division (NVD), an important organizational innovation to facilitate corporate entrepreneurship, so far has been used with mixed success. Systematic differences in terms of administrative processes, strategy-making and participants' orientation create problems in the interfaces between the NVD and the rest of the corporation. Top management should realize that the NVD is a design for ambiguity. It should take steps to provide an adequate structural context for new venture activities, and to create a process for determining the strategic context of such activities in the corporation.
The Feasibility of Single-Item Measures for Organizational Justice

Researchers in a number of disciplines have examined the utility of single-item measures for both affective and cognitive constructs. While these authors have indicated that, under certain circumstances, the use of single-item measures is appropriate, there remains concern regarding the reliability and validity of single-item measures. This study attempts to address these concerns by comparing the reliability and validity of single-item and full-scale measures for three dimensions of organizational justice. There are an increasing number of studies in organizational behavior, as well as sport management, that have explored the importance of justice and its influence on various attitudes and behaviors. However, to date there have been no attempts to develop single-item measures for each of the dimensions of organizational justice. The development of single-item measures for organizational justice could provide researchers with practical and psychometric advantages compared with full-scale measures. Two sep...
Comparison of QEEG and response accuracy in good vs poorer performers during a vigilance task

Subjects performed an auditory continuous performance test requiring them to detect targets in a series of letters presented at a rate of 2/s. 2-min samples of EEG were obtained from eight bipolar sites during a resting condition and during early and late (7-10 min) test performance. EEG power spectra from 27 subjects whose performance accuracy decreased between these latter periods (LoVig group) were compared with those from 27 subjects who maintained a constant level of performance (HiVig group). In both groups EEG power changed significantly between resting and test conditions for all frequency bands: beta power increased, especially in fronto-temporal and temporal left-hemisphere sites; alpha and posterior theta decreased; anterior theta and delta increased. Significant changes also were found between early and late test performance: anterior theta and delta power decreased in both groups; temporal beta power decreased in the LoVig group only, and is thus considered the best indicator of performance changes. Other differences found between groups were across conditions. The HiVig group had more anterior beta and less posterior alpha and theta than the LoVig group. EEG results are discussed in relation to an explanation of vigilance errors based on signal detection theory.
Impact of recent urbanization on formic and acetic acid concentrations in coastal North Carolina rainwater

Abstract Concentrations of formic and acetic acids in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA, rainwater collected between 1996 and 1998 have increased dramatically since an earlier study conducted at the same site between 1987 and 1989. The current volume-weighted concentrations of acetic acid are within the range of values reported for urban locations whereas values from the earlier study at this site were similar to those obtained for rural locations. The ratios of formic to acetic acids (F : A) in the current study (approximately 1 : 1) are considerably lower than those previously reported (approximately 2.7 : 1). Current F : A's are similar to F : A's from direct automobile emissions. Increases in formic and acetic acid concentrations and the shift in formic to acetic acid ratios likely reflect the impact of extensive population growth in the surrounding region. Assuming increases in formic and acetic acid concentrations result from increased anthropogenic sources, we estimate at least 1/2 of the formic and at least 2/3 of the acetic acid in Wilmington, NC growing season rainwater results from anthropogenic sources.
Readiness Theory and the Northern Ireland Conflict

After 20 years of heavy fighting in Northern Ireland, a peace process started in 1988. The fighting went on, with some interruptions, for another 9 years; but during this time there was a long series o;f back-channel communications and conciliatory signals that led to a cease-fire, negotiations, and a peace settlement. The dynamics of this peace process are analyzed by means of the author's readiness theory, which attributes the process to (a) Irish Republican Army and British discouragement about the likelihood of a military victory, (b) pressure from allies of both these parties, (c) growing optimism about the success of negotiation, and (d) the emergence of a broad central coalition that embraced most of the political groups in Northern Ireland.
Is the fractal Golden Curlicue cold

The thermodynamic properties of various plane curves are described. Computer graphics and computational recipes are included to encourage reader involvement.
Evaluation of aviation NOx-induced radiative forcings for 2005 and 2050

Abstract Aviation NO x emissions lead to the production of ozone (O 3 ) and an OH increase in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. This OH increase results in a reduction of methane (CH 4 ) which causes a longer-term reduction in O 3 concentrations and lower stratospheric water vapor (SWV). Here we report new evaluations of a more comprehensive suite of aviation NO x -induced steady-state radiative forcing (RF) for 2006 aviation NO x emissions and for two different projections of 2050 NO x emissions and compare them with previously published analyses of aviation NO x -induced steady-state RFs. To do so, we evaluate the aviation NO x -induced steady-state RFs using the three-dimensional (3-D) global climate-chemistry Community Atmosphere Model (CAM), CAM4Chem. Moreover, we determine time dependent (transient) RFs for 2005 and the two 2050 emission scenarios by utilizing a parameterization based on specific RFs (steady-state RFs per unit of NO x emission) calculated in the 3-D model simulations, time-dependent NO x emissions data, and considering the lifetime of the perturbed species. For aviation NO x - induced effects we find that the net transient RFs differ from the linearly scaled steady-state RFs (specific steady-state RFs multiplied by NO x emissions) by +10%–36% for the different emission scenarios used in this study. These results indicate the importance of not using the transient and steady-state RF interchangeably, especially when comparing the aviation contribution in RF changes to contributions from other transportation sectors. Also, these results indicate that careful consideration is necessary when choosing whether to use the steady-state or transient RF when evaluating aviation NO x -induced RFs.
Polymorphism of red cell enzymes in Alaskan ethnic groups

1. Gene frequencies of esterase D, glyoxalase I and uridine monophosphate kinase in Alaskan populations were determined. 2. Improved methods for demonstrating phenotypes of glyoxalase I and uridine monophosphate kinase are presented. 3. Rare variants of adenylate kinase (AK1) and diaphorase (DIA) were found. One of the AK1 variants is new. 4. Gene frequencies were notably diverse within major ethnic groups. This variability was consistent with a population structure composed of small groups that were relatively isolated from one another.
Denitrification in nitrate-contaminated groundwater: Occurrence in steep vertical geochemical gradients

A relatively narrow vertical zone (5–6 m thick) of NO3− containing groundwater was identified using multilevel sampling devices in a sand and gravel aquifer on Cape Cod, MA, USA. The aquifer has been chronically contaminated by surface disposal of treated sewage 0.3 km upgradient from the study area. The NO3− zone was anoxic and contained high concentrations of N2O (16.5 μM), suggesting that it was a zone of active denitrification. Denitrifying activity was confirmed with direct measurement using acetylene block incubations with aquifer core material; the peak rate was 2.4 nmol N reduced (g sed)−1 day−1. Concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon and N2 were close to atmospheric equilibrium in uncontaminated groundwater, but were more than 2 times higher within the contaminant plume. Excess CO2 and N2 suggested in situ formation with a stoichiometry of C and N mineralized via denitrification of 0.8 (C/N). Denitrification within the aquifer resulted in an increase in the natural δ15N of NO3− (from +13.6 to +42.0%.) and the N2 produced, with an isotopic enrichment factor, ϵ, of −13.9%.. Vertical profiles of NH4+ and δ15N of NH4+ indicated that dissimilatory reduction of NO3− to NH4+ was also occurring but mass balance calculations indicated that denitrification was the predominant process. These results demonstrate that a combination approach using field mass balance, stable isotope analysis, and laboratory incubations yields useful insight as to the significance of denitrification in aquifer sediments and that closely spaced vertical sampling is necessary to adequately quantify the processes controlling C and N transport and transformation within these environments.
Thermal oxidation of synthetic triglycerides. II. Analysis of the volatile condensable and noncondensable phases

Tripalmitin, 1-lauryl dipalmitin, 2-lauryl dipalmitin, 1-oleyl dipalmitin and 2-oleyl dipalmitin were subjected to thermal oxidation at 200 C in the presence of air. The volatile consensable products of oxidation collected after 3 and 24 hours were analyzed for carbonyl and carboxyl compounds. The volatile non-condensable products were quantitatively examined for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. The results indicated that long chain carbonyls were formed in the initial stages of oxidation. When the oxidation was allowed to proceed for 24 hours, saturated aldehydes from C1 to C16, methyl ketones, and other ketones were found in the volatile oxidation products. A variety of fatty acids from C4 to C16 were identified in the volatile fatty acids. The presence of dicarboxylic acids indicated that oxygen attacked the double bond of oleic acid in 1-oleyl dipalmitin. Possible mechanisms for the formation of the decomposition products were discussed.
Probing the Structural Basis of Zn2+ Regulation of the Epithelial Na+ Channel

Extracellular Zn2+ activates the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) by relieving Na+ self-inhibition. However, a biphasic Zn2+ dose response was observed, suggesting that Zn2+ has dual effects on the channel (i.e. activating and inhibitory). To investigate the structural basis for this biphasic effect of Zn2+, we examined the effects of mutating the 10 extracellular His residues of mouse γENaC. Four mutations within the finger subdomain (γH193A, γH200A, γH202A, and γH239A) significantly reduced the maximal Zn2+ activation of the channel. Whereas γH193A, γH200A, and γH202A reduced the apparent affinity of the Zn2+ activating site, γH239A diminished Na+ self-inhibition and thus concealed the activating effects of Zn2+. Mutation of a His residue within the palm subdomain (γH88A) abolished the low-affinity Zn2+ inhibitory effect. Based on structural homology with acid-sensing ion channel 1, γAsp516 was predicted to be in close proximity to γHis88. Ala substitution of the residue (γD516A) blunted the inhibitory effect of Zn2+. Our results suggest that external Zn2+ regulates ENaC activity by binding to multiple extracellular sites within the γ-subunit, including (i) a high-affinity stimulatory site within the finger subdomain involving His193, His200, and His202 and (ii) a low-affinity Zn2+ inhibitory site within the palm subdomain that includes His88 and Asp516.
Splitting sensitivity of the ground and 7.6 eV isomeric states of Th 229

The lowest-known excited state in nuclei is the 7.6 eV isomer of $^{229}\mathrm{Th}$. This energy is within the range of laser-based investigations that could allow accurate measurements of possible temporal variation of this energy splitting. This in turn could probe temporal variation of the fine-structure constant or other parameters in the nuclear Hamiltonian. We investigate the sensitivity of this transition energy to these quantities. We find that the two states are predicted to have identical deformations and thus the same Coulomb energies within the accuracy of the model (viz., within roughly 30 keV). We therefore find no enhanced sensitivity to variation of the fine-structure constant. In the case of the strong interaction the energy splitting is found to have a complicated dependence on several parameters of the interaction, which makes an accurate prediction of sensitivity to temporal changes of fundamental constants problematical. Neither the strong- nor Coulomb-interaction contributions to the energy splitting of this doublet can be constrained within an accuracy better than a few tens of keV, so that only upper limits can be set on the possible sensitivity to temporal variations of the fundamental constants.
Volatile organic inputs from an ocean outfall near Barceloneta, Puerto Rico

Abstract Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) discharged from an ocean outfall near Barceloneta, Puerto Rico were found to be present at significant levels (μg/L) in a large area of the Atlantic Ocean north of Puerto Rico. The VOCs in the waste treatment plant effluent, which receives mainly industrial wastes, consisted predominantly of a series of straight and highly branched alkanes between n-C 14 and n-C 18 .
Electrical properties of mobile site ion exchange membranes with interfacial permselectivity breakdown: Non-zero current properties

Abstract Equations are derived which describe the current-voltage behavior of thick, mobile site ion exchangers with Donnan extraction of co-ions. The equations are transcendental in nature and are solved numerically. Passing current results in distance-dependent, site profiles and variation in interfacial permselectivity with current. An impedance diagram is digitally simulated for a membrane under current polarization and inductive behavior is seen. Effects of co-ion mobility and bathing salt activity variation are investigated. Equations for membrane resistance and current-voltage curves for this system are compared with fixed site, perm-selective mobile site, and non-permselective membrane properties.
The structural organization and micropolitics of everyday secret telling interactions

The interactions that typically precede and follow explicit secrets display a structural organization of sequentially ordered items that form the vehicle for micropolitical processes of reality construction, selectivity and coalition making. Our data showed a preference for secret receivers to accept the frame, construction, political formulation, bonding, and coalitions of explicit secrets. The teller can define information as exclusive, select the secret recipient, specify the exclusivity rules, and infuse the information with political vectors. After the secret is told the power shifts to the receiver who can then sanction the teller for divulging a confidence, and/or choose to break the explicit and implicit rules and alliance of the preference system that organizes secret telling.
The effect of maternal intravenous glucose administration on fetal activity.

Abstract OBJECTIVE : The study was designed to objectively evaluate the effect of maternal intravenous glucoseinfusion on fetal activity. STUDY DESIGN : Twenty-one volunteers at 30.7 ± 3.0 weeks' gestation were objectively evaluated forfetal activity with a Doppler monitor before and during an intravenous glucose test. Baseline fetal activity monitoring began 10 minutes before a fasting blood glucose level was obtained. A standard 1-hour intravenous glucose tolerance test was then performed, and fetal activity monitoring was continued for the duration of the test. Twenty-one women at 29.8 ± 3.0 weeks' gestation volunteered to serve as controls and were continuously monitored for fetal activity. The control patients did not receive intravenous glucose. RESULTS : Linear regression analysis revealed an increase in fetal activity in both groups; however, theincrease in the glucose infusion group was significantly greater than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS : Maternal glucose infusion causes short-term stimulation of fetal activity; however, someother factor in the monitoring process also stimulates fetal activity. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1992;167: 1071–4.)
Two benzylated hydroxyglycals derived from d-fructofuranose

Abstract 1,3,4,6-Tetra- O -benzyl- d -fructofuranosyl chloride ( 2 ), readily preparable from 1,3,4,6-tetra- O -benzyl- d -fructofuranose ( 1 ), undergoes dehydrohalogenation with ease to give two amorphous, unsaturated products (I and II). The 100-MHz p.m.r. spectra of these compounds permitted tentative assignments of structure, and these assignments were confirmed through chemical degradation. Periodate-permanganate oxidation of one of the unsaturated compounds (I) afforded 2,4-di- O -benzyl- d -erythronic acid ( 7 ), an authentic specimen of which was prepared through the periodate-hypoiodite oxidation of 3,5-di- O -benzyl- d -ribofuranose ( 8 ). This unsaturated compound is, therefore, 2,5-anhydro-1,3,4,6-tetra- O -benzyl- d - erythro -hex-2-enitol ( 3 ). Similar oxidation of the other unsaturated product (II) afforded the known 1,4-lactone of 2,3,5-tri- O -benzyl- d -arabinonic acid ( 6 ), showing that the double bond is exocyclic and that compound II is 2,5-anhydro-1,3,4,6-tetra- O -benzyl- d - arabino -hex-1-enitol ( 4 ).
Self-sputtering far above the runaway threshold: an extraordinary metal-ion generator

When self-sputtering is driven far above the runaway threshold voltage, energetic electrons are made available to produce "excess plasma" far from the magnetron target. Ionization balance considerations show that the secondary electrons deliver the necessary energy to the "remote" zone. Thereby, such a system can be an extraordinarily prolific generator of usable metal ions. Contrary to other known sources, the ion current to a substrate can exceed the discharge current. For gasless self-sputtering of copper, the usable ion current scales exponentially with the discharge voltage.
Environmental considerations in energy crop production

Abstract Biomass energy has the potential to be a significant source of electric or liquid fuel energy in selected regions of the United States with valuable economic and environmental benefit to the country. By supplying biomass energy facilities with dedicated energy crops, fossil carbon emissions will be minimal or even negative due to carbon sequestration opportunities in the crops and soil. However, to maximize environment benefits, consideration must be taken of relative emissions to air and water, relative erosion rates, relative effects on long-term site productivity, and relative effects on habitat change and biodiversity. This paper is a preliminary attempt to provide information on the probable environmental effects of energy crop production relative to other potential uses of the land. While dedicated energy crop production is anticipated to occur primarily on land currently in agricultural production, some pastureland and forestland with a high potential for conversion to agricultural production may be utilized. Experimental results suggest that chemical use on energy crops will be lower than on most row crops and that land producing energy crops should experience less erosion than land producing row crops. Long-term site productivity should not be a major issue if macro- and microfertilizers are added as needed and nutrient-conserving production techniques are used. Biodiversity effects, as with most environmental issues, will depend greatly on how energy crop production is integrated into existing agricultural landscapes, how much land total becomes dedicated to energy crops, and what alternative uses for the land might exist.
Set differential equations versus fuzzy differential equations

The study of fuzzy differential equations (FDEs) forms a suitable setting for a mathematical modeling of real world problems in which uncertainties or vagueness pervades. In recent years, the theory of FDEs has been investigated extensively in the original formulation as well as in an alternative framework, which leads to ordinary multivalued differential inclusions. It has recently been realized that initiating the study of set differential equations in a metric space has several advantages, in addition to providing a natural setting for considering FDEs. In this paper, we present some interesting results in this direction with the necessary background material.
Correlation of song learning and territory establishment strategies in the song sparrow.

Abstract In a field study, we show that a young song sparrow (i) selects his songs from three or four older birds who have neighboring territories, (ii) preferentially learns song types that these tutor neighbors share, and (iii) ultimately sets up his territory next to, or replaces, one of these tutor neighbors. The consequence of this song learning strategy is that the young bird's song repertoire represents the "logical intersection" of the song repertoires of his tutor neighbors. We argue that this repertoire is optimally designed for mimicry (sounding like your neighbors) and for communication between neighbors (song sparrows address or reply to a neighbor with a song they share with that neighbor).
Dimensionality of observer ratings on the California Adult Q-Set

The dimensionality of personality ratings on the California Adult Q-set (CAQ) is examined in a sample of 940 subjects. Solutions of between 5 and 15 factors are examined; interrater agreement is assessed for items, factors, and items partialing factors. Results suggest that the 5 personality factors are important yet not exhaustive in accounting for common factor variance in the CAQ. Furthermore, interjudge agreement extends beyond the 5 dimensions. Likely explanations for these results are considered, and implications are addressed
LLC-type series resonant convertor with PWM control

The steady-state analysis and performance characteristics of the LCC-type series resonant convertor (SRC) are presented. The analysis is based on the PWM control scheme for both continuous and discontinuous conduction mode of operations. By using the same control techniques, it is shown that the control characteristics of the LLC-type SRC are substantially improved over those of the conventional SRC. Convertor component stress curves are reported, and compared, under various load ranges, with the conventional SRC. Also computer simulation and experimental data are given to verify the theoretical results.
The demise of community at high heaven

This ethnographic study will describe the rise and fall of the country's first attempt at intergenerational involvement within a campus based retirement setting. It will discuss those factors responsible for the initial limited success of the project and its ensuing failure. These include the lack of competent support staff, funding, security problems, and a change in the administrative agency. Policy statements regarding future projects of this kind are also considered.
Rates of methiodide formation and the stereochemistry of the ethyl side chain of iboga type alkaloids

Il est demontre que la vitesse de reaction pour la quaternisation des alcaloides du type iboga est une fonction de la stereochimie du groupe ethyle.
A geometrically general theory of diffusion controlled coarsening

Abstract The new theory of diffusion controlled coarsening presented in this paper differs from traditional developments in three decisive aspects: (1) The theory is geometrically general, applying to microstructures of arbitrary complexity; (2) It discards the mean field visualization of the coarsening process and treats interactions with neighboring elements explicitly by introducing the concept of communicating neighbors ; (3) In its application to scale factor coarsening of sparse sphere size distributions, the theory yields results that are in sharp contrast with the classical theory of diffusion controlled coarsening. This latter result leads to an assertion that the classical LSW theory is flawed; and hence that all mean field theories that reduce to the classical result in the sparse sphere distribution limit propagate that flaw.
Thucydides: Character and capabilities

(1995). Thucydides: Character and capabilities. Security Studies: Vol. 5, Roots of Realism, pp. 142-168.
Effect of odor preexposure on acquisition of an odor discrimination in dogs

In two experiments, we investigated the impact of odor preexposure treatments on the acquisition of an olfactory discrimination in dogs. In the first experiment, four groups of dogs were each given five days’ odor-exposure treatment prior to discrimination training. Dogs in the exposure group were exposed to anise extract (S+) for 30 min daily. Dogs in the Pavlovian-relevant pairing group received six daily delayed-conditioning trials to the same S+. The Pavlovian-irrelevant pairing group received conditioning trials to almond extract (S'). Dogs in the control group received no pretreatment. All of the dogs were then trained to detect S+ from a background pine odor (an AX-vs.-X discrimination). The Pavlovian-relevant pairing group acquired the odor discrimination significantly faster than all of the other exposure and control groups, and the remaining groups acquired the discrimination at the same rate as the no-exposure control group. In a second experiment, we extended these results to a within-subjects design using an AX-versus-BX discrimination. Six dogs were simultaneously trained on two different odor discriminations, one discrimination in which the S+ was previously Pavlovian conditioned, and one discrimination in which the S+ was novel. All of the dogs learned the odor discrimination with the previously conditioned S+ faster than they learned the novel odor discrimination, replicating the results of Experiment 1, and demonstrating that familiarity in the form of Pavlovian conditioning enhances odor-discrimination training. The potential mechanisms of the facilitated transfer of a Pavlovian conditioned stimulus to discrimination training are discussed.
Light scattering in turbid media: insights to optical imaging with single-scattered and multiply scattered light

A major problem in biomedical optical imaging is the fact that image quality degrades with penetration depth : the deeper the imaged object is buried in turbid media like tissue, the less precise is the determination ofits location, size, shape and optical properties. This result comes as a consequence of the very nature of light propagation in turbid media. At very shallow optical depths the majority of photons comprising an optical beam illuminating the medium propagate without scattering and therefore there is small or insignificant distortion of the beam pattern (as demonstrated in the far left image of Slide 1). As the optical depth increases, a larger number of the photons will experience one or a few scattering events causing profound changes in the spatial distribution of the light beam intensity (as seen in the middle image of Slide 1). For imaging depths greater than 10 photon mean free paths, the propagation of light gradually becomes completely diffuse (as demonstrated in the far right image of Slide 1).
An experimental study of some hypothesized behaviors and personality variables of college student procrastinators

Abstract Aitken's Procrastination Inventory was administered to 200 college students. Scores were correlated with extraversion and neuroticism scores of the revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Procrastination was positively correlated with extraversion and curvilinearly related to neuroticism. Forty procrastinators and nonprocrastinators were further tested. Procrastinators showed a significant tendency to underestimate the time needed to complete a reading task. They also showed a preference for beginning a task by performing the simpler portions first. Treatment and theoretical implications are discussed.
Taxonomy and evolution of thesinica group of macaques: I. Species and subspecies accounts ofMacaca sinica

Based on study of 116 museum specimens and review of relevant literature, a new species account ofMacaca sinica, the Sri Lanka toque macaque, is presented. External and cranial characters of the species are described and analyzed. A summary of natural history of the species includes information on habitats, arboreal-terrestrial preferences, predators, diet, relations with other primate species, density, troop size and composition, home range area, and reproductive biology. Two subspecies ofM. sinica are recognized, northernM. s. sinica (Linnaeus, 1771) and southwesternM. s. aurifrons (Pocock, 1931). Geographic ranges of these two subspecies meet in a 50–200 km broad contact zone in which representatives of both subspecific phenotypes are encountered (35s. sinica phenotypes; 8s. aurifrons phenotypes in 43 contact zone specimens examined). An annotated gazetteer of known macaque localities in Sri Lanka provides information concerning available museum specimens and field reports by collectors or observers. Comparative study of three remaining species in thesinica group (M. radiata, M. assamensis, & M. thibetana) is in progress.
Structural Insight into the Kinetics and ΔCp of Interactions between TEM-1 β-Lactamase and β-Lactamase Inhibitory Protein (BLIP)

In a previous study, we examined thermodynamic parameters for 20 alanine mutants inβ-lactamase inhibitory protein (BLIP) for binding to TEM-1 β-lactamase. Here we have determined the structures of two thermodynamically distinctive complexes of BLIP mutants with TEM-1 β-lactamase. The complex BLIP Y51A-TEM-1 is a tight binding complex with the most negative binding heat capacity change (ΔG = ∼-13 kcal mol-1 and ΔCp = ∼-0.8 kcal mol-1 K-1) among all of the mutants, whereas BLIP W150A-TEM-1 is a weak complex with one of the least negative binding heat capacity changes (ΔG = ∼-8.5 kcal mol-1 and ΔCp = ∼-0.27 kcal mol-1 K-1). We previously determined that BLIP Tyr51 is a canonical and Trp150 an anti-canonical TEM-1-contact residue, where canonical refers to the alanine substitution resulting in a matched change in the hydrophobicity of binding free energy. Structure determination indicates a rearrangement of the interactions between Asp49 of the W150A BLIP mutant and the catalytic pocket of TEM-1. The Asp49 of W150A moves more than 4 A to form two new hydrogen bonds while losing four original hydrogen bonds. This explains the anti-canonical nature of the Trp150 to alanine substitution, and also reveals a strong long distance coupling between Trp150 and Asp49 of BLIP, because these two residues are more than 25 A apart. Kinetic measurements indicate that the mutations influence the dissociation rate but not the association rate. Further analysis of the structures indicates that an increased number of interface-trapped water molecules correlate with poor interface packing in a mutant. It appears that the increase of interface-trapped water molecules is inversely correlated with negative binding heat capacity changes.
Adaptation and cross-adaptation of the four gustatory qualities

On the basis of magnitude estimations of solutions of NaCl, quinine sulfate, sucrose, and HCl, a seven-step series of each compound was chosen. The concentration of each compound in the same ordinal position of the series was of approximately the same sensory magnitude. The middle concentration of each series was presented as an adapting stimulus, and the entire series was used to test the effects of 2 min of adaptation on magnitude estimations and quality reports. Both NaCl and sucrose adaptation markedly lowered magnitude estimations of test stimuli of the same compounds for concentrations lower than that of the adapting stimulus, but had little effect on higher concentrations. Cross-adaptation generally enhanced the magnitude estimations over those obtained in initial estimations. Neither adaptation nor cross-adaptation procedures produced quality changes.
Changes in focal epileptic activity produced by brainstem sections in the rabbit

Abstract The propagation of both single epileptiform spike discharges and extended after-discharges (ADs) induced by penicillin was studied in rabbits with sections made through the caudal mesencephalon at either the midcollicular-prepontine or midcollicular-postpontine level, as well as in intact animals. Penicillin was placed either on the frontal cortex, the occipital cortex or in the dorsal hippocampus. When compared to intact controls, sectioning at the midcollicular-prepontine level increased the time required for the spike discharges to develop in the primary focus in all placements and decreased the frequency of single spike discharges when penicillin was placed in the hippocampus or frontal cortex. A transection at this level increased the duration of ADs in animals with occipital foci and made the duration of ADs originating from the frontal cortex more variable. Sectioning at the midcollicular-postpontine level decreased time required for the appearance of the spike discharges in the primary focus in subjects with occipital foci, decreased the amplitude of spike discharges in subjects with occipital or hippocampal foci, decreased duration of ADs in animals with either frontal or occipital foci, but increased duration of ADs in animals with hippocampal foci. Sections at either the pre- or postpontine level decreased the percentage of secondary ADs which continued to discharge after the AD in the primary focus had stopped. These data are taken to indicate that: (1) different mechanisms underly the development of the single spike discharge and the elaboration of these discharges into an extended AD; (2) the duration of the ADs is influenced by the ongoing background electrical activity of the brain structures involved in the AD; (3) it is likely that the same pontine and medullary structures which regulate normal synchronous electrical activity of the forebrain can also influence the hypersynchronous oscillations of the AD; and (4) an intact brain-stem may be necessary for the formation of independent secondary epileptogenic foci.
Mechanism of yielding in dislocation-free crystals at finite temperatures—Part I. Theory

Abstract A new mechanism of dislocation generation that can be activated suddenly above a critical temperature is proposed. Unlike dislocation generation by Frank-Read type sources, this process is a thermally driven, stress-assisted cooperative instability of many dislocation loops (dipoles in two dimensions). The dislocation loops are formed by thermal fluctuations and are sub-critical in size at low temperatures. The small plastic strain associated with the loops invokes an effective decrease in the moduli that describe the linear relation between the applied stress and the total strain. The self-energy of a loop which forms in the presence of other loops is proportional to these effective moduli and, consequently, it is lower than the energy of an isolated loop. As the temperature increases, the density of thermally generated loops increases and the concomitant lowering of the effective moduli and the self-energy provides a feedback for its further increase. Ultimately, above a critical temperature, the free energy of the loops becomes negative and a collective unstable expansion of many loops occurs. In a solid which is not loaded, this instability corresponds to the Kosterlitz-Thouless model of a defect-mediated phase transition that occurs just below the melting temperature. However, under large applied loads, the instability appears well below the melting temperature. Above the critical temperature, the density of glissile dislocations increases precipitously and extensive yielding occurs. This paper analyzes this mechanism in two dimensions where dislocation loops are replaced by dipoles.
RESPONSE FACILITATION AS A FUNCTION OF SHORT PRETIMEOUT STIMULI IN A CONDITIONED SUPPRESSION PARADIGM WITH HUMANS

The conditioned suppression paradigm has been employed to define the aversiveness of a stimulus. When timeout from positive reinforcement has been used in the conditioned suppression paradigm, both response suppression and response facilitation have been obtained in the presence of the stimulus which signals timeout. The present experiment examined the effects of timeout in the conditioned suppression paradigm with humans. Reliable response acceleration was obtained with a short CS-duration and a high baseline rate of response. The data indicate that further parametric studies are needed before the conditioned suppression paradigm can be used to define the aversiveness of timeout from positive reinforcement in humans.
Acute versus chronic NMDA receptor blockade and synaptic AMPA receptor delivery.

Anatomical and electrophysiological experiments1,2,3,4,5,6 show that central excitatory synapses initially display NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptors (NMDARs) and subsequently mature by acquiring AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid) receptors (AMPARs). NMDAR activation can lead to rapid synaptic delivery of AMPARs ('AMPAfication')7,8, but the view that AMPAfication during development requires NMDAR activation has been challenged by studies showing that chronic removal of NMDAR function (either genetically9,10 or pharmacologically11,12,13,14) has no apparent effect on acquisition of AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission. Here we show that NMDARs are crucial in the developmental acquisition of AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission, and that chronic disabling of NMDAR function triggers compensatory mechanisms for NMDAR-independent AMPAfication.
An inverse model for calculation of global volume transport from wind and hydrographic data

Abstract The P -vector inverse method has been successfully used to invert the absolute velocity from hydrographic data for the extra-equatorial hemispheres, but not for the equatorial region since it is based on the geostrophic balance. A smooth interpolation scheme across the equator is developed in this study to bring together the two already known solutions ( P -vectors) for the extra-equatorial hemispheres. This model contains four major components: (a) the P -vector inverse model to obtain the solutions for the two extra-equatorial hemispheres, (b) the objective method to determine the Ψ -values at individual islands, (c) the Poisson equation-solver to obtain the Π-values over the equatorial region from the volume transport vorticity equation, and (d) the Poisson equation-solver to obtain the Ψ and depth-integrated velocity field ( U , V ) over the globe from the Poisson Ψ -equation. The Poisson equation-solver is similar to the box model developed by Wunsch. Thus, this method combines the strength from both box and P -vector models. The calculated depth-integrated velocity and Ψ -field agree well with earlier studies.
Smooth-surface approximation and reverse engineering

Abstract The paper identifies the steps involved in the reverse-engineering process. The procedure begins with the division of the whole array of measurement data points into regions, according to shape-change detection. In each region, points are parameterized, and knots are selected. Smooth parametric surface approximation is obtained by the least-square fitting of B-splines. Nonlinear least-square minimization is applied for parameter optimization with simple bounds on the parameter values. The objective function minimized is the explicit error expression for the sum of the squares of error values at the data points.