cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Memory Modulation Across Neural Systems: Intra-Amygdala Glucose Reverses Deficits Caused by Intraseptal Morphine on a Spatial Task But Not on an Aversive Task

Based largely on dissociations of the effects of different lesions on learning and memory, memories for different attributes appear to be organized in independent neural systems. Results obtained with direct injections of drugs into one brain region at a time support a similar conclusion. The present experiments investigated the effects of simultaneous pharmacological manipulation of two neural systems, the amygdala and the septohippocampal system, to examine possible interactions of memory modulation across systems. Morphine injected into the medial septum impaired memory both for avoidance training and during spontaneous alternation. When glucose was concomitantly administered to the amygdala, glucose reversed the morphine-induced deficits in memory during alternation but not for avoidance training. These results suggest that the amygdala is involved in modulation of spatial memory processes and that direct injections of memory-modulating drugs into the amygdala do not always modulate memory for aversive events. These findings are contrary to predictions from the findings of lesion studies and of studies using direct injections of drugs into single brain areas. Thus, the independence of neural systems responsible for processing different classes of memory is less clear than implied by studies using lesions or injections of drugs into single brain areas.
An Active Hand-Held Instrument for Enhanced Microsurgical Accuracy

This paper presents the first prototype of an active hand-held instrument to sense and compensate physiological tremor and other unwanted movement during vitreoretinal microsurgery. The instrument incorporates six inertial sensors (three accelerometers and three rate gyros) to detect motion of the handle. The movement of the instrument tip in three dimensions is then obtained using appropriate kinematic calculations. The motion captured is processed to discriminate between desired and undesired components of motion. Tremor canceling will be implemented via the weighted-frequency Fourier linear combiner (WFLC) algorithm, and compensation of non-tremorous erroneous motion via an experimental neural-network technique. The instrument tip is attached to a three-degree-of-freedom parallel manipulator, actuated by three piezoelectric stacks. The actuators move the tool tip in opposition to the motion of the tremor or other erroneous motion, thereby suppressing the error. Experimental results show that the prototype is able to follow one-dimensional and three-dimensional trajectories with rms error of 2.5 μm and 11.2 μm respectively.
Mechanisms rectifying the annual mean response of tropical Atlantic rainfall to precessional forcing

Numerous reconstructions of tropical hydroclimate in the Pleistocene display substantial variability on precessional timescales. Precessionally-induced insolation variations, with a mean period of $${\sim }21{,}000$$ years, affect the strength of the seasonal cycle, but not annual mean insolation. The existence of variations in annual mean climate on precessional timescales therefore hints at the existence of nonlinear mechanisms that rectify the zero annual mean forcing into a non-zero annual mean response. The aim of this study is to identify these nonlinear rectification mechanisms. The traditional view of precessionally-forced precipitation changes is that tropical precipitation increases with summer insolation. By comparing two simulations with an earth system model (CESM1.0.3) we find that this paradigm is true for continental but not for oceanic changes in precipitation. Focusing on the Atlantic intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), we find that the continental temperature and precipitation response to precessional forcing are key rectifiers of annual mean precipitation over the ocean. A boundary layer response to temperature changes over northern Africa affects the meridional position of the ITCZ over the North Atlantic in boreal spring and summer, but not in fall and winter. Over the equatorial and South Atlantic, the intensity of precipitation is strongly impacted by diabatic forcing from the continents through an adjustment of the full troposphere. Although the top of atmosphere insolation forcing is seasonally symmetric, continental precipitation changes are largest in boreal summer, thus skewing the annual mean response. These results show that it is important to take into account the seasonality of climatic forcings, even when studying annual mean climate change.
Multidimensional dynamic piezoresponse measurements. Unraveling local relaxation behavior in relaxor-ferroelectrics via big data

Compositional and charge disorder in ferroelectric relaxors lies at the heart of the unusual properties of these systems, such as aging and non-ergodicity, polarization rotations, and a host of temperature and field-driven phase transitions. However, much information about the field-dynamics of the polarization in the prototypical ferroelectric relaxor (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 (PMN-xPT) remains unprobed at the mesoscopic level. Here, we use a piezoresponse force microscopy-based dynamic multimodal relaxation spectroscopy technique, enabling the study of ferroelectric switching and polarization relaxation at mesoscopic length scales, and carry out measurements on a PMN-0.28PT sample with minimal polishing. Results indicate that beyond a threshold DC bias the average relaxation increases as the system attempts to relax to the previous state. Phenomenological fitting reveals the presence of mesoscale heterogeneity in relaxation amplitudes and clearly suggests the presence of two distinct amplitudes. Independent component analysis reveals the presence of a disorder component of the relaxation, which is found to be strongly anti-correlated with the maximum piezoresponse at that location, suggesting smaller disorder effects where the polarization reversal is large and vice versa. The disorder in the relaxation amplitudes is postulated to arise from rhombohedral and field-induced tetragonal phase in the crystal, with each phase associated with its own relaxation amplitude. These studies highlight the crucial importance of the mixture of ferroelectric phases in the compositions in proximity of the morphotropic phase boundary in governing the local response and further highlight the ability of PFM voltage and time spectroscopies, in conjunction with big-data multivariate analyses, to locally map disorder and correlate it with parameters governing the dynamic behavior.
Genetic Diversity in the Endangered Lily Harperocallis flava and a Close Relative, Tofieldia racemosa

We examined genetic diversity in 464 individuals of the monotypic lily Harperocallis flava in its two habitats (seepage bogs and a roadside right-of-way) and five populations of a co-occurring related lily, Tofieldia racemosa. The endangered H. flava, endemic to the Apalachicola lowlands of the Florida panhandle, was monomorphic for the 22 loci scored. In contrast, T. racemosa had a high proportion of polymorphic loci ( Ps = 68.2%; Pp = 47.7%) with moderate genetic diversity ( Hes = 0.134; Hep = 0.114). Estimated gene flow was moderately high ( Nm = 2.07) for T. racemosa, with most (93%) of the total genetic diversity found within populations. Despite the low level of genetic divergence, some isolation by distance was detected among T. racemosa populations. Harperocallis flava and other species without discernable genetic variation pose special problems for conservation biologists because genetic criteria are not available for the development of ex situ and in situ conservation and management strategies. Examinamos la diversidad genetica en 464 individuos de la azucena Harperocallis flava en sus dos habitats (cienegas de filtracion y una zona ruderal) y cinco poblaciones de una azucena relacionada y simpatrica, Tofieldia racemosa. La especie en peligro, H. flava, endemica de las tierras bajas de Apalichicola en Florida (E.U.A.) fue monomorfica para los 22 loci revisados. En contraste, T. racemosa tuvo una proporcion de loci polimorficos ( Ps = 68.2%; Pp = 47.7%) con diversidad genetica moderada (Hes = 0.134; Hep = 0.114). La deriva genica estimada fue moderadamente alta ( Nm = 2.07) para T. racemosa, con la mayoria (93%) de la diversidad genetica encontrada en las poblaciones. A pesar del bajo nivel de divergencia genetica, se detecto aislamiento por distancia entre las poblaciones de T. racemosa. Harperocallis flava y otras especies sin variacion genetica discernible son especialmente problematicas para biologos de la conservacion porque no existen criterios geneticos para el desarrollo de estrategias de conservacion y manejo ex situ e in situ.
Genetic Assay for Small Fragments of Bacteriophage φX174 Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Abstract The double-stranded replicative form deoxyribonucleic acid (RF-DNA) of bacteriophage X174 was fragmented by pancreatic deoxyribonuclease, and the complementary strand fragments were then annealed to intact viral single strands. When such complexes infected Escherichia coli spheroplasts, some of the progeny virus bore genetic markers derived from the RF-DNA fragments. In this way, genetic markers have been salvaged from DNA fragments less than 50 nucleotides in length. This method is potentially useful as a specific assay to aid in the purification of genetically defined DNA fragments and also as a mechanism for the incorporation of small chemically synthesized DNA sequences into viral genomes.
Calcium Cooperativity of Exocytosis as a Measure of Ca2+ Channel Domain Overlap

Abstract The number of Ca2+ channels contributing to the exocytosis of a single neurotransmitter vesicle in a presynaptic terminal has been a question of significant interest and debate, and is important for a full understanding of localized Ca2+ signaling in general, and synaptic physiology in particular. This is usually estimated by measuring the sensitivity of the neurotransmitter release rate to changes in the synaptic Ca2+ current, which is varied using appropriate voltage-clamp protocols or via pharmacological Ca2+ channel block under the condition of constant single-channel Ca2+ current. The slope of the resulting log–log plot of transmitter release rate versus presynaptic Ca2+ current is termed Ca2+ current cooperativity of exocytosis, and provides indirect information about the underlying presynaptic morphology. In this review, we discuss the relationship between the Ca2+ current cooperativity and the average number of Ca2+ channels participating in the exocytosis of a single vesicle, termed the Ca2+channel cooperativity. We relate these quantities to the morphology of the presynaptic active zone. We also review experimental studies of Ca2+ current cooperativity and its modulation during development in different classes of synapses.
Paracolostomy Hernia Repair: Who and When?

Background Paracolostomy hernia repair (PHR) can be a challenging procedure associated with significant morbidity and high recurrence rates. We sought to analyze the complication rate and 30-day mortality among patients undergoing PHR. Study Design This is a retrospective analysis of patients with PHR, based on Current Procedural Terminology code 44346, using the NSQIP database from 2005 to 2008. Univariate analysis of 30-day outcomes after both emergent and nonemergent PHR in patients greater than or less than 70 years old was completed. Results There were 519 patients who underwent PHR (mean age, 63.9 years old, female, 55.9%). Emergency PHR, performed in 59 patients (11.4%), was associated with increased rates of organ space surgical site infection (SSI) (8.5% vs 0.9%, p = 0.0014), pneumonia (18.6% vs 2.6%, p ≤ 0.0001), septic shock (13.6% vs 2.6%, p = 0.0007), total morbidity (50.8% vs 2.6%, p ≤ 0.0001), and death (10.2% vs 0.9%; p = 0.0002). In patients older than 70 years, emergent PHR amplified these differences: organ space SSI (13.8% vs 1.2%, p = 0.0054); pneumonia (27.6% vs 3.7%; p = 0.0002), septic shock (17.2% vs 4.3%; p = 0.02), and mortality (20.7% vs 1.9%; p = 0.0005). Conclusions This study revealed that most PHRs are performed electively. Although elective repair remains a relatively safe procedure, even in the elderly, emergency PHR is associated with increased morbidity, especially pulmonary and septic complications, and higher mortality. These results are amplified among patients older than 70 years undergoing emergent repair. These findings suggest that greater consideration should be given to elective repair of paracolostomy hernias in the elderly because emergency repair is associated with considerable risk and worse outcomes.
Two-photon brightness of azobenzene photoswitches designed for glutamate receptor optogenetics

Mammalian neurotransmitter-gated receptors can be conjugated to photoswitchable tethered ligands (PTLs) to enable photoactivation, or photoantagonism, while preserving normal function at neuronal synapses. “MAG” PTLs for ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors (GluRs) are based on an azobenzene photoswitch that is optimally switched into the liganding state by blue or near-UV light, wavelengths that penetrate poorly into the brain. To facilitate deep-tissue photoactivation with near-infrared light, we measured the efficacy of two-photon (2P) excitation for two MAG molecules using nonlinear spectroscopy. Based on quantitative characterization, we find a recently designed second generation PTL, l-MAG0460, to have a favorable 2P absorbance peak at 850 nm, enabling efficient 2P activation of the GluK2 kainate receptor, LiGluR. We also achieve 2P photoactivation of a metabotropic receptor, LimGluR3, with a new mGluR-specific PTL, d-MAG0460. 2P photoswitching is efficiently achieved using digital holography to shape illumination over single somata of cultured neurons. Simultaneous Ca2+-imaging reports on 2P photoswitching in multiple cells with high temporal resolution. The combination of electrophysiology or Ca2+ imaging with 2P activation by optical wavefront shaping should make second generation PTL-controlled receptors suitable for studies of intact neural circuits.
Locomotor training and virtual reality-based balance training for an individual with multiple sclerosis: a case report.

Background and purpose Impaired walking ability, balance, and fatigue are common problems for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of plan of care that included locomotor training using both a body weight support (BWS) with a treadmill (TM) and overground walking as well as a virtual reality (VR)-based balance intervention to improve walking ability, balance, and endurance for an individual with MS. Case description The client was a 48-year-old female with a 10-year history of MS. Her main goals were to improve walking ability, balance, and endurance. She presented with impaired gait, balance, motor function, and increased fatigue. Locomotor training using a BWS/TM system and overground and VR-based balance interventions were implemented 2 days a week for 12 weeks. Outcomes The client demonstrated improvements in gait speed, gait endurance, and balance postintervention and maintained the improvements at a 2-month follow up. Discussion This case report is the first to report on the use of locomotor training with BWS/TM system and overground and VR-based balance interventions for a client with MS. The plan of care was formulated based on the patient's goals and the available literature on the use of the interventions with other patients with neurologic conditions to provide an intervention that was task-oriented, skilled, and intensive.
Measurement of supercritical CO2 critical flow: Effects of L/D and surface roughness

Abstract The use of supercritical fluids (SCF) has been proposed for advanced power systems including advanced sodium reactors, since these fluids can provide higher thermal efficiency and reduced system component size. Data characterizing the behavior of SCF during a blowdown or rapid depressurization are essential to validate certain aspects of safety analyses. This paper describes the results of an experiment to measure the critical mass flux for numerous stagnation thermodynamic conditions, geometry and outlet tube roughness. It was found that a 1D homogeneous equilibrium model (HEM) was capable of relatively good (less than 10% error) prediction of the test data.
Entrance Channel Phenomena in Complex Nuclear Scattering

The elastic scattering excitation functions of the systems $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$-$^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, $^{12}\mathrm{C}$-$^{12}\mathrm{C}$, $^{14}\mathrm{N}$-$^{14}\mathrm{N}$, $^{16}\mathrm{O}$-$^{14}\mathrm{N}$, $^{16}\mathrm{O}$-$^{15}\mathrm{N}$, $^{16}\mathrm{O}$-$^{16}\mathrm{O}$, $^{16}\mathrm{O}$-$^{18}\mathrm{O}$, and $^{18}\mathrm{O}$-$^{18}\mathrm{O}$ have been subjected to comparative optical-model analyses. The gross structure characteristic of all these excitation functions is shown to arise from potential scattering phenomena. These phenomena have been studied in detail. The extracted $^{16}\mathrm{O}$-$^{16}\mathrm{O}$ potential has been used as input to detailed studies leading to the identification of single partial-wave orbiting resonances of 3- to 4-MeV width. The $^{16}\mathrm{O}$-$^{16}\mathrm{O}$ experimental data have also been used to test for the possible existence of a variable-moment-of-inertia effect during the interpenetrating collisions; no evidence for such an effect has been found, at least in this particular case. New suggestions for the prediction of the imaginary optical-potential parameters have been investigated.
Optimization of Electricity and Server Maintenance Costs in Hybrid Cooling Data Centers

The electricity cost of data centers dominated by server power and cooling power is growing rapidly. To tackle this problem, inlet air with moderate temperature and server consolidation are widely adopted. However, the benefit of these two methods is limited due to conventional air cooling systems ineffectiveness caused by re-circulation and low heat capacity. To address this problem, hybrid air and liquid cooling, as a practical and inexpensive approach, has been introduced. In this paper, we quantitatively analyze the impact of server consolidation and temperature of cooling water on the total electricity and server maintenance costs in hybrid cooling data centers. To minimize the total costs, we proposed to maintain sweet temperature and ASTT (available sleeping time threshold) by which a joint cost optimization can be satisfied. By using real world traces, the potential savings of sweet temperature and ASTT are estimated to be average 18% of the total cost while 99% requests are satisfied compared to a strategy which only reduces electricity cost.
Event-driven James Webb Space Telescope operations using on-board JavaScripts

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will use an event-driven system architecture to provide efficient and flexible operations as initiated by a simplified, high-level ground command interface. Event-driven operations is provided through the use of an on-board COTS JavaScript engine hosted within the payload flight software. After presenting the overall software architecture, we summarize the trade study that led to the selection of a commercial JavaScript interpreter and review our experiences developing scripts over the past year. Our script development approach is based upon the process successfully used at Space Telescope Science Institute for the last six Hubble Space Telescope science instruments. The major characteristics of our process are 1) coordinated development of the operational scripts and the flight software, 2) an incremental buildup of the operational requirements, and 3) recurring integrated testing. Our iterative script implementation process addresses how to gather requirements from a geographically dispersed team, and then how to design, build, and test the script software to accommodate the changes that are inevitable as flight hardware is built and tested. The concurrent development of the operational scripts and the flight software enables early and frequent "test-as-you-will-fly" verification, thus reducing the risk of on-orbit software problems.
A Comparative Study of Language Learning Strategy Use in an EFL Context: Monolingual Korean and Bilingual Korean-Chinese University Students.

Since language is socially mediated and context dependent, it would be expected that learners’ use of language learning strategies may vary with the environment. Using the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) (Oxford, 1990), this study examines the language learning behaviors and thought processes of two geographically and socio-educationally different groups by comparing learning strategy use as reported by 428 monolingual Korean and 420 bilingual Korean-Chinese university students. Monolinguals reported using compensation strategies most and affective strategies least. Bilinguals preferred to use metacognitive strategies most and memory strategies least. Despite a less favorable formal English education environment in the Korean-Chinese community and less experience in learning English, bilingual Korean-Chinese reported higher use of learning strategies, which is arguably indicative of the positive effects of the bilingual context in learning a new language.
Post-translational regulation of nitrate reductase activity: a role for Ca2+ and 14-3-3 proteins

The control of nitrate reductase (NR) activity by reversible protein phosphorylation is a two-stage process: the enzyme is reversibly phosphorylated, and the phosphorylated form then binds an inhibitor protein. Recent results indicate that the phosphorylation reaction is Ca 2+ -dependent and that the inhibitor is a member of the 14-3-3 family of proteins. These results suggest the convergence of several signal transduction pathways in the control of nitrate assimilation. Recent results also implicate metabolites and 5′-AMP as possible effectors regulating the phosphorylation status of NR in vivo .
Homogeneous negative refractive index materials

We examined materials which are homogeneous and which posses a negative index of refraction in (10-100) THz frequency range based on the following two ideas. Firstly, there are materials such as magnetic semiconductors (e.g. In2-xCrxO3,), and 3D transition metals (Fe, Ni), in which the high-frequency spin wave modes coexist with the plasmonic modes. Consequently, the spin wave mode, along with the plasmonic mode, are activated by the electromagnetic field of the light, with simultaneous negative permittivity and permeability responses at the edge of the Brillouin zone of the magnon spectra. This permeability response is weakly space-dispersive and anisotropic in the case of a single crystal, and is fully isotropic in a polycrystal with a small grain size. As a result, the polycrystalline material exhibits the negative refractive index effect within the narrow frequency band close to the ferromagnetic resonance. Secondly, based on methods of quantum optics, we investigated the possibility of achieving the negative index of refraction in a doped semiconductor. The quantum states of a hydrogen-like donor atom and states of an electron in the conduction band constitute a discrete-level atomic medium, and the coupling of an electric dipole transition with a magnetic dipole transition leads to coherent permeability and permittivity responses which results in the negative index effect. This scheme was implemented with tin-zinc-doped indium oxide, In2-xSnxO3 :Zn, and calculations show feasibility of this effect with a figure of merit (FOM) greater than 10.
An ecotoxicological study of a population of the white footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) inhabiting a polychlorinated biphenyls-contaminated area.

White footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) inhabiting an area surrounding a pond (Tyler) contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals (Cadmium, Zinc, Copper) had whole body burdens of 0.42–4.17 ppm PCBs (mean 2.3 ppm) and animals from a comparison non-polluted site (WCC) had no detectable PCBs. Males and females caught at the polluted site in the winter months were not significantly different in body weight or length when compared to WCC animals, but Tyler animals had significantly increased relative liver, kidney, spleen and adrenal weights. In the summer months, mostly males were caught at both Tyler and WCC sites. Tyler males were significantly lighter than WCC males, and had a significantly increased relative liver weight when compared to the males from the WCC site. In addition, the adult Tyler males had significantly lower relative testis weights. At Tyler there was a significantly smaller proportion of juveniles and subadults in the population than at WCC. Polychlorinated biphenyls levels in the adult Tyler males were significantly positively correlated with relative liver weight, but there were no significant correlations with any of the other structures measured. These results suggest that at the polluted site there is inhibition of reproduction and changes in liver, spleen, adrenal, and testis function.
Suppression of Mn Dissolution in Spinel Cathodes by Trapping the Protons within Layered Oxide Cathodes

The addition of a moderate amount of a layered oxide like LiCoO 2 to an optimized spinel oxyfluoride composition like LiMn 1.8 Li 0.1 Ni 0.1 O 3.8 F 0.2 followed by charging to high-enough voltages (4.7 V) during first charge offers superior capacity retention at 60°C in subsequent cycles at 4.3-3.5 V in lithium-ion cells fabricated with graphite anode. The trapping of trace amounts of protons that may be present in the electrolyte within the layered oxide lattice during the first charge to 4.7 V suppresses Mn dissolution and improves the electrochemical performance significantly, enhancing the commercialization prospects of spinel cathodes for hybrid electric vehicle applications.
Analytic evaluation of energy gradients for the single, double and linearized triple excitation coupled-cluster CCSDT-1 wavefunction: Theory and applications

Abstract The analytic energy gradient of the coupled cluster single, double and linearized triple excitation method (CCSDT-1) is formulated and computationally implemented. Explicit expressions are given for the closed-shell restricted Hartree-Fock reference case. The analytic CCSDT-1 gradient method scales as N7, the same magnitude in computational effort as the evaluation of the CCSDT-1 energy itself. Optimized geometries, dipole moments, vibrational frequencies and infrared intensities predicted for H 2 O and NH 3 are compared to corresponding configuration interaction including all single, double, triple, and quadruple excitations (CISDTQ) values. For these two molecules, results obtained show that the inclusion of the connected triple ( T 3 ) excitations at the linearized level accounts for most of the difference between CCSD and CISDTQ. We conclude that CCSDT-1 is a cost-effective, size-extensive, one-reference method giving results approaching full CI quality in favorable cases.
Postnatal progression of bone disease in the cervical spines of mucopolysaccharidosis I dogs

Abstract Introduction Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by deficient α- l -iduronidase activity leading to accumulation of poorly degraded dermatan and heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). MPS I is associated with significant cervical spine disease, including vertebral dysplasia, odontoid hypoplasia, and accelerated disk degeneration, leading to spinal cord compression and kypho-scoliosis. The objective of this study was to establish the nature and rate of progression of cervical vertebral bone disease in MPS I using a canine model. Methods C2 vertebrae were obtained post-mortem from normal and MPS I dogs at 3, 6 and 12 months-of-age. Morphometric parameters and mineral density for the vertebral trabecular bone and odontoid process were determined using micro-computed tomography. Vertebrae were then processed for paraffin histology, and cartilage area in both the vertebral epiphyses and odontoid process were quantified. Results Vertebral bodies of MPS I dogs had lower trabecular bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N) and bone mineral density (BMD) than normals at all ages. For MPS I dogs, BV/TV, Tb.Th and BMD plateaued after 6 months-of-age. The odontoid process appeared morphologically abnormal for MPS I dogs at 6 and 12 months-of-age, although BV/TV and BMD were not significantly different from normals. MPS I dogs had significantly more cartilage in the vertebral epiphyses at both 3 and 6 months-of-age. At 12 months-of-age, epiphyseal growth plates in normal dogs were absent, but in MPS I dogs they persisted. Conclusions In this study we report reduced trabecular bone content and mineralization, and delayed cartilage to bone conversion in MPS I dogs from 3 months-of-age, which may increase vertebral fracture risk and contribute to progressive deformity. The abnormalities of the odontoid process we describe likely contribute to increased incidence of atlanto-axial subluxation observed clinically. Therapeutic strategies that enhance bone formation may decrease incidence of spine disease in MPS I patients.
Export Assistance Needs of US Wineries

In the Spring of 2000, questionnaires regarding the export assistance needs of all 1012 wineries in California. Oregon Washington and Idaho were mailed. These surveys one for current exporters and one for non‐exporters were based upon over 25 in‐depth interviews with wine industry executives and export service providers. Each questionnaire included a section specifically designed to identify and prioritise the assistance needs of exporters and non‐exporters. The robust 24% return rate enhances the validity of the survey results. Among current exporters information regarding competitors, consumers and distributors specific export markets represent five of the six most highly valued assistance needs. Assistance in finding distributors and agents are especially important to inexperienced exporters and those dissatisfied with their current export programme. Non‐exporters place priority on training and assistance in understanding the fundamentals of developing a successful winery export programme. Finally, both exporters and non‐exporters give high priority to learning about the export experiences of other wineries which they feel will help improve their own international trade endeavours.
Setting lower limits high: The role of boundary goals in achievement motivation.

Boundary goals specify the minimum performance level that an individual must attain to subjectively experience success. The present research integrates boundary goals into the hierarchical model of achievement motivation (A. J. Elliot, 2006) by positing that boundary goals are a subgoal in the goal hierarchy. The authors predicted that performance approach goals would be associated with higher boundary goals, whereas performance avoidance goals would be associated with lower boundary goals. The authors further predicted that boundary goals would mediate the association between achievement goals and performance, independent of other target goals (i.e., levels of aspiration). The authors also evaluated whether boundary goals served a similar role in explaining associations between mastery goals and performance. These predictions were tested by tracking the performance of 347 college students across the semester. As predicted, performance approach goals were positively associated with boundary goals (s = .32), whereas performance avoidance goals were negatively associated with boundary goals (s = -.11). Furthermore the authors found that mastery approach goals had positive associations with boundary goals (s = .29), whereas the opposite pattern occurred for mastery avoidance goals (s = -.25). Boundary goals were positively linked to exam scores (s = .32) and mediated the associations between performance approach, mastery approach, and mastery avoidance goals and grades. These statistical effects were independent of the effects of level of aspiration. In short, boundary goals seem to play an important role in the achievement motivation process and may therefore serve as a potentially useful focus for interventions.
DEVELOPMENT OF A PORTABLE MECHANICAL HYSTERESIS MEASUREMENT AND IMAGING SYSTEM FOR IMPACT CHARACTERIZATION IN HONEYCOMB SANDWICH STRUCTURES

Honeycomb sandwich materials are commonly used for aero‐structures, but because the outer skins are typically thin, 2–10 plys, the structures are susceptible to impact damage. NDI methods such as tap tests, bond testers and TTU ultrasound are successfully deployed to find impact damage, but identifying the type/degree of damage is troublesome. As the type/degree of impact damage guides decisions by the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) community regarding repair, the ability to characterize impacts is of interest. Previous work demonstrated that additional impact characterization may be gleaned from hysteresis loop area, as determined from an out‐of‐plane load‐vs‐displacement plot, where this parameter shows a correlation with impact energy. This presentation reports on current work involving the development of a portable hysteresis measurement and imaging system based on an instrumented tapper. Data processing and analysis methods that allow production of the load/displacement data from a single acc...
Running with RNA polymerase: eukaryotic transcript elongation

Long recognized as a target of regulation in prokaryotes, transcript elongation has recently become the focus of many investigators interested in eukaryotic gene expression. The growth of this area has been fueled by the availability of new methods and molecular structures, expanding sequence databases and an appreciation for the exquisite coordination required among different processes in the nucleus. Our article collates new information on regulatory accessory factors, as well as their ultimate target, RNA polymerase, in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. How this regulation influences the biology of the organism is quite profound, and from single cell to multicellular eukaryotes significant similarities exist in the molecular responses to extracellular signals during transcript elongation. The most advanced genetic knowledge in this area comes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but the biochemistry and cell biology results from other organisms are also highlighted.
The role and contributions of IMGs: a U.S. perspective.

Abstract At 25% of the nation’s physician workforce, international medical graduates (IMGs) contribute significantly to the U.S. health care system. Beyond their sheer numbers, however, IMGs have played critically important roles, both in aggregate and as individuals. By choosing to pursue specialties less attractive to U.S. medical graduates, IMGs have filled important gaps that otherwise would have seriously compromised the effectiveness of the U.S. health care system. Moreover, individual IMGs have made notable contributions to the improvement of clinical practice, to biomedical and health services research, and to medical education. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), through its certification process, has enabled the best and the brightest medical students from other nations to train in the United States and can take justifiable pride in the undeniably positive impact IMGs have had on U.S. health care. It is imperative to note, however, that while the United States and other developing nations have benefited enormously from this “medical migration,” there is considerable concern about the damaging effects on many countries in the developing world. Among the options to consider in offsetting the negative consequences of this so-called brain drain is working to improve the medical education available to aspiring physicians in “donor” countries. In facilitating such a process, the ECFMG and its partner, the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research, have the opportunity to amplify their contributions significantly by building on their established programs of international assistance in improving medical education.
Parameter estimation from load-sharing system data using the expectation–maximization algorithm

This article considers a system of multiple components connected in parallel. As components fail one by one, the remaining working components share the total load applied to the system. This is commonly referred to as load sharing in the reliability engineering literature. This article considers the traditional approach to the modeling of a load-sharing system under the assumption of the existence of underlying hypothetical latent random variables. Using the Expectation–Maximization (EM) algorithm, a methodology is proposed to obtain the maximum likelihood estimates in such a model in the case where the underlying lifetime distribution of the components is lognormal or normal. The proposed EM method is also illustrated and substantiated using numerical examples. The estimates obtained using the EM algorithm are compared with those obtained using the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno algorithm, which falls under the class of numerical methods known as Newton or quasi-Newton methods. The results show that th...
Bioequivalence testing by statistical shape analysis

Bioequivalence testing has been traditionally centered in summary variables such as AUC, C (max) and t (max) which filter out the intrinsic information conveyed by discrete sequential concentration-time observations. Comparing entire concentration-time profiles between test and reference formulations for bioequivalence purposes provides stronger evidence about either their similarity or their discrepancy. The Kullback-Leibler information criterion (KLIC) may be computed for each concentration-time across all subjects between formulations of the same drug, with a standard crossover study design. It has been shown that if properly scaled it follow a chi-squared distribution and dependent p-values may be computed in order to construct a bioequivalence criterion. Extensive simulations and real data were used to compare it with the current standard procedures. This statistical shape analysis method may provide important clinical and regulatory advantages.
SLAVERY: ANNUAL BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SUPPLEMENT (2009)

For 2009 the bibliography continues its customary coverage of secondary writings published since 1900 in western European languages on slavery or the slave trade anywhere in the world: monographs, ...
The antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1 is essential for the survival of neutrophils but not macrophages

The antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1, a member of the Bcl-2 family, plays critical roles in promoting the survival of lymphocytes and hematopoietic stem cells. Although previous studies have implicated Mcl-1 in regulating the survival of neutrophils and macrophages, the in vivo function of Mcl-1 in these 2 cell lineages remained unclear. To address this, we have generated mice conditionally lacking Mcl-1 expression in neutrophils and macrophages. We show that Mcl-1 conditional knockout mice had a severe defect in neutrophil survival, whereas macrophage survival was normal. The granulocyte compartment in the blood, spleen, and bone marrow of Mcl-1 conditional knockout mice exhibited an approximately 2- to 3-fold higher apoptotic rate than control cells. In contrast, resting and activated macrophages from Mcl-1–deficient mice exhibited normal survival and contained up-regulated expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. These data suggest that Mcl-1 plays a nonredundant role in promoting the survival of neutrophils but not macrophages.
Determinação da eficiência de campo de conjuntos de máquinas convencionais de preparo do solo, semeadura e cultivo

A lucratividade de qualquer propriedade agricola ou de determinada cultura, depende de um gerenciamento correto dos trabalhos executados. Por isso, naquelas mecanizadas, a monitoracao do trabalho realizado pelas maquinas e pelos implementos agricolas sempre mereceu grande atencao. Neste trabalho, utilizou-se um sistema automatico de aquisicao de dados para o levantamento de informacoes de campo, com o objetivo de se determinar a capacidade de trabalho e eficiencia de campo de maquinas e implementos usados nas operacoes convencionais de aracao, gradeacao, semeadura e cultivo da cultura de milho. Este sistema foi concebido para obtencao de dados da localizacao do trator no campo, atraves de sistema de posicionamento global (GPS), do consumo de combustivel e da velocidade de deslocamento. O conjunto de dados, que pode ser obtido repetidamente, permite o controle estatistico dos parâmetros operacionais, gerando relatorios contendo os principais indicadores gerenciais como rendimento operacional, e as condicoes de trabalho. Experimentos foram realizados no Centro APTA de Engenharia e Automacao do IAC/SAA.
Demonstration of bandwidth and conversion efficiency improvements beyond phase-matching limitations in cavity-enhanced optical parametric chirped pulse amplification

Cavity-enhanced optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) extends the capabilities of nonlinear crystals beyond material property limitations, namely nonlinear-coefficient and dispersion. Here we show a dramatic increase in conversion and a three-fold increase in gain bandwidth.
Feedback stabilization for distributed parameter systems of parabolic type, III

The stabilization problem for unstable distributed parameter systems of parabolic type is studied by means of feedback controls; interior and boundary, outputs and boundary inputs. The existence and the uniqueness of genuine solutions of the control system are proven. Exponential stabilizability for the control system is obtained under suitable conditions on the sensors and the controllers. A related problem is also discussed.
The proto-oncogene c- myc in hematopoietic development and leukemogenesis

The proto-oncogene c-myc has been shown to play a pivotal role in cell cycle regulation, metabolism, apoptosis, differentiation, cell adhesion, and tumorigenesis, and participates in regulating hematopoietic homeostasis. It is a transcription regulator that is part of an extensive network of interacting factors. Most probably, different biological responses are elicited by different overlapping subsets of c-Myc target genes, both induced and suppressed. Results obtained from studies employing mouse models are consistent with the need for at least one, and possibly two, mutations in addition to deregulated c-myc for malignant tumor formation. Repression of c-myc is required for terminal differentiation of many cell types, including hematopoietic cells. It has been shown that deregulated expression of c-myc in both M1 myeloid leukemic cells and normal myeloid cells derived from murine bone marrow, not only blocked terminal differentiation and its associated growth arrest, but also induced apoptosis, which is dependent on the Fas/CD95 pathway. There is evidence to suggest that the CD95/Fas death receptor pathway is an integral part of the apoptotic response associated with the end of the normal terminal myeloid differentiation program, and that deregulated c-myc expression can activate this signaling pathway prematurely. The ability of egr-1 to promote terminal myeloid differentiation when co-expressed with c-myc, and of c-fos to partially abrogate the block imparted by deregulated c-myc on myeloid differentiation, make these two genes candidate tumor suppressors. Several different transcription factors have been implicated in the down-regulation of c-myc expression during differentiation, including C/EBPalpha, CTCF, BLIMP-1, and RFX1. Alterations in the expression and/or function of these transcription factors, or of the c-Myc and Max interacting proteins, such as MM-1 and Mxi1, can influence the neoplastic process. Understanding how c-Myc controls cellular phenotypes, including the leukemic phenotype, should provide novel tools for designing drugs to promote differentiation and/or apoptosis of leukemic cells.
Applying detection theory to define stopping criteria for the Signal Decomposition and Parameterization Algorithm

The Signal Decomposition and Parameterization Algorithm (SDPA) offers a way to obtain direct path and multipath ray waveform parameter estimates from real world recorded data. Using the SDPA, ray parameters are obtained that can then be used in the modeling and generation of simulated GNSS signals that showcase the local environmental effects impacting the recorded GNSS signal. The algorithm works by iteratively decomposing the search space to obtain ray estimates, determining estimate error, making a decision on whether to further iterate, and if so, determine where to place the next trial ray waveforms. Ideally, the stopping criteria would continue iteration until the error between the estimate and true (no noise) search spaces is minimized. Previously, the SDPA continued to decompose and parameterize until the error between the received and estimate search spaces could no longer be reduced. This paper outlines how the optimum SDPA processing stopping criteria is established, supplementing signal detection theory with an optimization criteria that minimizes the error between the true iteration after which to halt processing and the realized iteration after which to halt as dictated by a threshold.
On the values of material property data used in hot isostatic pressing models

Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) is used extensively for consolidation of powers and particulates and near net shape fabrication of powder metallurgy products. The last few years have seen significant refinement of the HIP model proposed by Ashby and co-workers. It has been acknowledged by the developers of the maps that the accuracy of the predictions is limited by the precision with which material property data, used in the HIP Maps program are known. Even for materials processed similarly, there are, typically, variations in the values of material properties due to the inherent inaccuracies in the methods used to determine these properties. Such variations significantly affect the accuracy of the HIP model predictions. The objective of the present investigation is to determine the effect of variations in the values of material properties on the HIP model predictions by performing a sensitivity analysis with respect to material property data. The values for material property data used in the HIP Maps program are typically determined in one of the following ways: (a) experimental measurements at consolidation conditions; (b) estimates based on data on other materials; (c) through back calculations using the experimentally determined HIP data; and (d) by extrapolations to get appropriate materialmore » property values for the consolidation conditions. Methods other than (a) could result in the determination of a material property value which is highly unrealistic. The present study discusses this with respect to a recent experimental study [10] on TiAl and resolves the discrepancy by using PLC material parameters determined experimentally for conditions close to the actual HIP process conditions.« less
THE ASYMMETRIC CONTACT PROCESS AT ITS SECOND CRITICAL VALUE

The asymmetric contact process onZ has two distinct critical values λ1 > λ2 (at least with sufficient asymmetry). One can consider the process on {0,...,N} and analyze the time (which we call σN) till complete vacany starting from complete occupation. Its behavior has already been resolved for all regions of λ except for λ=λ2. For this value, Schinazi proved that limN→α log σN/logN=2 in probability and conjectured that σN/N2 converges in distribution. It is that result that we prove in this paper. We rely heavily on the Brownian motion behavior of the edge particle, which comes from Galves and Presutti and Kuczek.