cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A neural approach to tracking radar pulse trains with complex pulse repetition interval modulations

The intervals between the pulse time of arrival (TOA) values of a radar pulse train nearly always follow a specific modulation type. Many modern emitters are now capable of producing radar pulse trains with complex pulse interval modulations. We build on earlier work that allows us to automatically and rapidly deduce this modulation type. This information is used to prime the weights of a linear adaptive filter employing a single linear neuron with possibly multiple inputs. As a result, we are rapidly able to track the pulse train and to predict the next pulse event, even in the presence of missing and spurious pulses, as well as complex pulse interval modulations.
Abnormal protein kinase C down regulation and reduced substrate levels in non-phorbol ester-responsive 3T3-TNR9 cells

The cell line TNR9 (E. Butler-Gralla and H. R. Herschman, J. Cell. Physiol. 107:59-67, 1981) in a Swiss 3T3 cell variant that expresses protein kinase C (PKC) but is mitogenically nonresponsive to the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). We have found that PKCs purified from variant and parental cells are identical as judged by kinase activity, protease mapping, and column chromatography. We analyzed cellular levels and subcellular location of PKC in TPA-treated 3T3 and TNR9 cells via immunoprecipitation of [35S]methionine-labeled protein and assay of immune-complex PKC kinase activity. TNR9 cells grew to higher densities than parental 3T3 cells. TNR9 cells at maximal density did not down regulate PKC in response to long-term TPA treatment. We compared the 80-kilodalton (kDa) PKC substrate phosphorylation in 3T3 and TNR9 cells by using two-dimensional gels and found that TNR9 cells treated with TPA for 30 min contained only 10 to 15% as much 32Pi associated with the 80-kDa as did parental cells. The TNR9 80-kDa substrate was present at reduced levels compared with the parental-cell 80-kDa substrate as judged by immunoblot and silver staining. Thus, the loss of mitogenic responsiveness to TPA in TNR9 cells is accompanied by resistance to TPA-mediated down regulation of PKC and reduced phosphosubstrate levels.
Convergence of a recursive rational interpolation-based identification algorithm

This paper investigates the convergence properties of an identification algorithm based on recursive rational interpolation. The algorithm utilizes the moving discrete Fourier transform (MDFT), which is a recursive form of the DFT, to efficiently monitor certain points in the spectra of the system input and output signals. Convergence of parameter estimates to their true values is established for the algorithm, and persistent excitation conditions are also given. >
Abstract 637: Hyperhomocysteinemia-mediated sCD40L induction and CD16+CD40+ Monocyte Differentiation in Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with uremia is associated with high mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is highly prevalent in uremic CKD patients. Elevated inflammatory monocyte (MC) is a cellular hallmark of chronic inflammation and CVD. Here we investigated mechanism in uremia-associated HHcy on MC differentiation in CKD-associated CVD. Data base mining revealed that CD40 is induced in MC from CKD subjects and associated with CVD, inflammatory disease and MC activation. Blood samples were obtained from 28 vascular disease patients with or without CKD. By flow cytometric analysis using CD14+ as a MC marker, we observed inflammatory CD16+ MC is increased in CVD, whereas CD40+ MC and CD16+CD40+ MC are increased in CKD-associated CVD. CD40+ MC expresses T cell activation markers CD86, HLA-DR, adhesion receptor CD62L, and chemokine receptor Ccr2. Plasma CD40L levels are increased in CVD, positively correlated with CD16+ MC. Interestingly, plasma Hcy levels are increased in CKD-associated CVD, positively correlated with cellular Hcy, plasma creatinine, CD16+CD40+ MC, and negatively correlated with S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM/SAH), an indicator of methylation. In addition, MC and T cell inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-6, and IFN[[Unable to Display Character: ɤ]] are induced in CKD-associated CVD subjects. Next, we examined mechanism of CD16+CD40+ MC differentiation using cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC). CKD serum, Hcy, and CD40L induced CD16+CD40+ MC differentiation, which were prevented by folic acid and CD40L antibody. IFN[[Unable to Display Character: ϫ]], TNFα, and IL-6 synergistically induced CD16+CD40+ MC differentiation, which was blocked by neutralizing antibodies to TNFα and IL-6. Hcy inhibited DNA methyltransferase 1 activity in isolated human blood MC. Finally, by gene analysis and pyrosequencing, we identified that the core promoter of CD40 gene is located at sole CpG island and hypomethylated at p65 consensus element in WBC from CKD-associated CVD subjects with low SAM/SAH ratio. In conclusion, we identified CD16+CD40+ MC as a novel inflammatory MC subset which is increased in uremic HHcy-associated CVD. CD16+CD40+ MC differentiation may be due to CD40 promoter DNA hypomethylation.
Increase in coronary vascular resistance produced by stimulating neurons in the region of the area postrema of the cat.

Recently, Somberg, in a preliminary report (1983), noted that electrical stimulation of the area postrema causes an increase in coronary vascular resistance. The increase in resistance was mediated by an increase in sympathetic activity as it was counteracted by α-adrenergic receptor blockade. The purpose of our study was to confirm the findings of Somberg by using the method of chemical-induced activation of cell bodies in the area postrema. This was done by bilateral topical application of kainic acid to the area postrema of cats while monitoring coronary blood flow, heart rate, arterial blood pressure and the ECG. Topical application of kainic acid produced an increase in coronary vascular resistance (43 ± 13%, P < 0.05), S-T segment changes, increases in heart rate (60 ± 10, P < 0.05) and arterial blood pressure (88 ± 20, P < 0.05) and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. All of these effects were prevented by pretreating animals with the α-adrenoceptor blocking agent, phentolamine. These results suggest that chemical excitation of area postrema neurons produces coronary constriction that is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and α-adrenoceptors on coronary vessels.
Influence of atomic decay on micromaser operation

The influence of the atomic lifetimes on the photon statistics of the micromaser is discussed. The generation of trapping states and number states requires very long lifetime atoms as well as low temperature.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Correlation of Foreign Language Speaking Competency and Grades in Ten Midwestern Liberal Arts Colleges

IN THE Fall of 1960 the Associated Colleges of the Midwest1 embarked upon a program of experimentation and research in modern foreign languages to study different approaches to language learning as well as to improve teaching materials and raise proficiency levels of foreign language students. The program involves standardized testing and evaluation, preparation of special materials and test instruments and a comparison of results achieved by the use of a variety of teaching materials and teaching methods. Various types of electromechanical, textual and visual materials are being tested. Because of the keen interest and concern
Enhanced Algorithms of Contact Simulation for Hypoid Gear Drives Produced by Face-Milling and Face-Hobbing Processes

Modeling of tooth surface generation and simulation of contact is an important part of computerized design and manufacturing of spiral bevel and hypoid gears. This paper presents new developments in this subject. Specifically, the paper covers: (i) development of a generic model of tooth surface generation for spiral bevel and hypoid gears produced by face-milling and face-hobbing processes conducted on free-form computer numerical control (CNC) hypoid gear generators which are incorporated with the Universal Motions Concept (UMC); (ii) a modified algorithm of tooth contact simulation with reduced number of equations of the nonlinear iterations and stabilized iteration convergence; and (iii) an algorithm of numerical determination of contact lines that form the contact patterns. The enhanced approach of contact simulation can be generally applied to other forms of gearings. Two examples, a face-hobbing design and a face-milling design, are illustrated to verify the implementation of the developed algorithms.
A dynamical model of labor-market change in international labor migrations when demand for labor is exogenous.

Relatively little is known about the long-run behavior of international labor migrations. One of the biggest concerns in immigration debates relates to the continued pressure on the borders of the wealthy countries. This immigration pressure will decline significantly only if the poor nations manage to provide more high-wage jobs. An earlier model of international labor migration is used to derive additional insights into the growth and decline of labor supply in different labor markets resulting from migration. Particular attention is paid to labor demand growth requirements in a sending country so that out-migration will slow down and eventually stop.
Time Series Simulations of Wide-Band Spectra for Fatigue Tests of Offshore Structures

A time-series simulation method, based on the principle of time series modeling for dynamic systems, is used to reporduce a wide-band stress history from a prescribed stress spectral model for fatigue testing of offshore structures. The optimization procedures and stability of the time series model for the prescribed spectrum are presented and discussed. The optimization procedures are developed on the basis of the Levison-Durbin algorithm, which usually produces a stable time series model if the order of the time series model is even. An example is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method to long-time, high-cycle fatigue testing.
Adverse reactions of Achilles tendon xanthomas in three hypercholesterolemic patients after treatment intensification with niacin and bile acid sequestrants

Multiple cholesterol-reducing therapies have been shown to induce the regression of tendon xanthoma in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. We present 3 cases of adverse reactions in Achilles tendon xanthomas after the addition of niacin and bile acid sequestrants to ongoing statin therapy. Reduction in tendon dimensions and marked softening of xanthomas were interpreted as cholesterol removal from heavily infiltrated tissue sites. In 2 cases, changes in the xanthomas occurred despite only minor lipoprotein improvements, raising the possibility of direct drug effects in cholesterol-infiltrated tissue. Intriguingly, recent studies have described niacin receptor-mediated effects in macrophages. In summary, although adverse reactions in Achilles tendon xanthomas appear to be infrequent, clinicians should be aware of this phenomenon in their patients after intensifying lipid treatments, especially with the use of niacin in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Xanthoma responses may provide clues to new pharmacologic effects in cholesterol-infiltrated tissues.
Development and evaluation of a duplex real-time RT-PCR for detection and differentiation of virulent and variant strains of porcine epidemic diarrhea viruses from the United States

Abstract Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has caused significant economic losses in the US swine industry since May 2013. A new variant strain of PEDV emerged in the US in the late December, 2013. This variant strain of PEDV differs from the virulent strain of PEDV currently circulating in the US in 1170 nt of the 5’end of the S1 domain in the spike gene. Importantly, the variant PEDV caused significantly less mortality in piglets than the virulent PEDV, based on clinical observations. This suggests it may be a potential vaccine candidate for PED. Variant PEDV has been detected in samples from multiple states by our laboratory as well as other laboratories in the US. It is critical to detect and differentiate variant PEDV from the virulent PEDV during outbreaks to enhance control and to prevent PED associated disease. In this study, the development and validation of a duplex real-time RT-PCR assay for detection and differentiation of the variant and the virulent strains of PEDV currently circulating in the US was reported.
Iterative local color normalization using fuzzy image clustering

The goal of this paper is to introduce a new fuzzy local iterative algorithm that matches local color statistics of a reference image to the distribution of the input image. Reference images are considered to have a desirable color distribution for a specific application. The proposed algorithm consists of three stages: (1) images clustering by fuzzy cmeans, (2) clusters’ matching, and (3) color distribution transfer between the matching clusters. First, a color similarity measurement is used to segment image regions in the reference and input images. Second, we match the most similar clusters in order to avoid the appearing of undesirable artifacts due to differences in the color dynamic range. Third, the color characteristics of the reference clusters are transferred to the equivalent clusters in the input image by applying an iterative process. The new image normalization tool has several advantages: it is computationally efficient and it has the potential of increasing substantially the accuracy of segmentation and classification systems based on analysis of color features. Computer simulations indicate that the iterative and gradual color matching procedure is able to standardize the appearance of color images according to a desirable color distribution and reduce the amount of artifacts appearing in the resulting image.
Constraint dynamics and chemical structure

Abstract The effect of chemical structure on the segmental relaxation behavior is examined for a wide range of polymers. Both the time and temperature dependence of the glass transition dispersion in the dielectric loss spectrum are shown to be correlated with the degree to which local structure engenders steric constraints on the relaxation from neighboring non-bonded segments. The severity of the intermolecular constraints on segmental relaxation can be related in a plausible fashion to the polymer's chemical structure; specifically, polymers, with smoother, less polar, more compact, symmetric of flexible chain backbones and/or having less sterically hindering pendant groups experience weaker constraints on their segmental relaxation from interactions with neighboring, non-bonded segments. When amorphous, such polymers exhibit a near Arrhenius temperature dependence and close to Debye-like relaxation. Polymers having less flexible backbones and/or sterically hindering pendant groups exhibit broad segmental dispersions and temperature dependencies near the extreme fragile edge; these characteristics reflect segmental relaxation that is strongly intermolecularly cooperative. This correlation interprets the behavior in terms of steric effects and backbone structure; no recourse to free volume considerations is necessary. The data for polymers parallel observations made on small molecule glass-forming liquids, whose chemical structure similarly governs the strength of the intermolecular coupling, and thus the time and temperature dependence of segmental relaxation.
Complexes of riboflavin with silver and other metal ions.

The red, soluble silver-riboflavin complex has been studied by means of spectrophotometry, pH titrations, the method of continous variation, ultracentrifugation and analysis of the solid crystalline material. It is concluded that the number 3 hydrogen atom of the flavin is replaced by silver to give a highly polymerized complex containing silver and flavin in a I:I ratio. The system can be described approximately as consisting of a colloidal complex with a solubility product [Ag+][riboflavin−] = 2·10−12 moles2·1−2at 25°. Lumiflavin forms a similar complex, but 3-methyllumiflavin and isoriboflavin do not. Of a variety of other metals tested only copper (I) gives a similar complex. Titration and spectrophotometry fail to demonstrate the formation of any soluble complexes between flavins and other metals.
Ketogenic diet efficacy in the treatment of intractable epileptic spasms

Abstract Objective To determine the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in controlling epileptic spasms after failing traditional antiepileptic medication therapy. Methods This is a prospective, case-based study of all infants with epileptic spasms who were referred for treatment with the ketogenic diet at our hospital between 2009 and 2012. All subjects continued to have epileptic spasms with evidence of hypsarrhythmia or severe epileptic encephalopathy on electroencephalography despite appropriate medication treatments. The diet efficacy was assessed through clinic visits, phone communications, and electroencephalography. Quality of life improvement was charted based on the caregiver's perspective. Results Twenty infants (15 males) were included in the study. The mean age at seizure onset was 4.5 months. Age at ketogenic diet initiation was 0.3 to 2.9 years (mean 1.20, standard deviation 0.78). Fifteen patients had epileptic spasms of unknown etiology; three had perinatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, one had lissencephaly, and one had STXBP1 mutation. Fifteen infants failed to respond to adrenocorticotropin hormone and/or vigabatrin before going on the ketogenic diet. Three months after starting the diet, >50% seizure reduction was achieved in 70% of patients (95% CI 48-86). These results were maintained at 6- and 12-month intervals. All eight of the patients followed for 24 months had >50% seizure reduction (95% CI 63-100). At least 90% seizure reduction was reported in 20% of patients at 3 months (95% CI 7-42), 22% (95% CI 8-46) at 6 months, and 35% (95% CI 17-59) at 12 months. The majority of patients (63%) achieved improvement of their spasms within 1 month after starting the diet. Sixty percent of patients had electroencephalographic improvement. All caregivers reported improvement of the quality of life at the 3-month visit (95% confidence interval 81-100). This ratio was 94% at 6 months (95% CI 72-99) and 82% at 12 months (95% CI 58-95). Conclusion The ketogenic diet is a safe and potentially effective method of treatment for patients with epileptic spasms, especially those who do not respond to customary medication therapies.
Five Medical Treatment Stages of Infertility: Implications for Counselors:

Most research on infertility has not examined the psychological effect of the medical process over time. This study explored the marital happiness, state/trait anxiety, coping techniques, and types of support received for a national sample of men and women. The study supports the life crisis model for the subgroup of people with infertility who are White, middleto upper-class, well educated, and joiners of support groups. There were significant differences by gender for seeking social support, escape/avoidance, nondirective guidance, and positive social interaction and stage of medical treatment for marital happiness, state anxiety, self-control, and accepting responsibility. Counselors should be aware that medical treatment affects the distress level of the individual and couple and the types of coping used. Further implications for counselors are also discussed.
Imaging moving dislocation kinks and buried interfaces by HREM

Abstract This paper describes two new electron microscope imaging techniques for materials science. The first allows dislocation kinks to be imaged while in motion on dislocation lines running normal to the electron beam, using lattice images formed with “forbidden” or “termination” Bragg reflections. This is useful for the determination of kink energies, and for the study of obstacles to kink motion, which control ductility at the atomic level. The second uses the specular (mirror-reflected) beam from the interface in a cross-section TEM sample to form an image of the (vertical) interface. This provides a kind of “internal reflection electron microscopy” method which may be useful for the study of atomic processes at interfaces when imaged at elevated temperature using video rate recording.
Effects on Sensory Nerves of injecting 5-Hydroxytryptamine into the Skin

CUTANEOUS mast cells in the rat differ from those of other species in that they contain, besides histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1. It is known that in the cat 5-HT excites certain cutaneous sensory nerve endings2 and, since 5-HT is normally present in the rat's skin, there may be a possibility that in this animal it has in certain circumstances a physiological action on cutaneous excitability. Results presented here show that the presence of 5-HT in small concentrations in the skin leads to a pronounced discharge of impulses in cutaneous sensory nerves.
Receptor/ligand interactions between Cryptosporidium parvum and the surface of the host cell

The ability of membrane antigens on sporozoites of the intestinal pathogen, Cryptosporidium parvum, to bind host cell surface antigens was investigated. A novel membrane-associated protein of approximately 47 kDa, designated CP47, was found to possess significant binding affinity for the surface of both human and animal ileal cells. This protein was purified by a combination of anion-exchange chromatography on FPLC and immunoaffinity chromatography. Purified CP47 demonstrated competitive binding with parasite-associated membrane antigens to membranes of HCT-8 and ileal cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the binding activity of CP47 was found to be Mn2+-sensitive, and was completely inhibited in the presence of 10 mM MnCl2. These results were consistent with earlier findings demonstrating the inhibitory effect of Mn2+ ions on Cryptosporidium infection both in vitro and in vivo (Nesterenko et al., Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 56 (1997) 243–253). Immunoelectron microscopy using gold-conjugated antibodies revealed CP47 to be localized at the apical end of the sporozoites. A single protein with an electrophoretic mobility of 57 kDa was purified from host cell membranes using CP47-Affigel. Similarly, affinity purification of this protein was abrogated in the presence of Mn2+. These data suggest that a novel parasite protein, CP47, may play an important role in sporozoite/host cell attachment.
Self-Assembly of Hexanuclear Clusters of 4f and 5f Elements with Cation Specificity

Six hexanuclear clusters of 4f and 5f elements were synthesized by room-temperature slow concentration experiments. Cerium(IV), thorium(IV), and plutonium(IV) each form two different hexanuclear clusters, among which the cerium and plutonium clusters are isotypic, whereas the thorium clusters show more diversity. The change in ionic radii of approximately 0.08 A between these different metal ions tunes the cavity size so that NH{sub 4}{sup +} (1.48 A) has the right dimensions to assemble the cerium and plutonium clusters, whereas Cs{sup +} (1.69 A) is necessary to assemble the thorium clusters. If these cations are not used in the reactions, only amorphous material is obtained.
Molecular weights by computer from gel permeation data on punched tape

A Fortran IV program has been written that reduces digitized data from gel permeation chromatography to number and weight average molecular weights. This computer program is suitable for routine calculations whenever corrections are unnecessary for axial diffusion and branching effects.
Renal immunoblastic sarcoma complicating immunosuppressive therapy for wegener granulomatosis

Abstract A renal tumor developing in a patient receiving cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) therapy for Wegener granulomatosis is reported. The tumor was similar histologically to the “im-m-munoblastie” sarcoma that develops in renal allograft recipients as a complication of immunosuppressive therapy. This case report strengthens the cause and effect relationship between immunosuppressive drug usage and the subsequent development of neoplasia.
Production of embryos by assisted reproduction in the horse

In vitro embryo production is not yet successful in the horse, largely due to low rates of fertilization in vitro. However, methods to produce embryos from isolated oocytes have been developed. Oocytes may be recovered from living mares by aspiration of the dominant preovulatory follicle by trans-abdominal puncture, and from both preovulatory and immature follicles by trans-vaginal ultrasound-guided puncture. Transfer of in vivo-matured oocytes to the oviducts of bred recipient mares has resulted in good pregnancy rates (75-85%). Little work has been done on transfer of horse oocytes matured in vitro. Recovery rates of immature oocytes from mares in vivo are lower than those for cattle. In addition, work on oocytes recovered from horse ovaries post-mortem has shown that horse oocytes from smaller (< 20 mm diameter) viable follicles may not yet be meiotically competent. Methods for in vitro fertilization and for obtaining adequate numbers of competent immature oocytes from the mare must be developed before in vitro embryo production can become a useful clinical and research procedure in the horse.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide Response in Various Types of Congenital Heart Disease with Pulmonary Hypertension 123

Inhaled Nitric Oxide Response in Various Types of Congenital Heart Disease with Pulmonary Hypertension 123
Cyclic response of polycrystalline copper—composite-grain model

Abstract The cyclic deformation of polycrystalline f.c.c. metal is treated by viewing differently-oriented grains as the components of a composite material. Following a brief review of cyclic deformation in single- and polycrystals, a qualitative model of deformation behavior is developed by considering multi-slip regions to be relatively “hard”. These regions are of two kinds: (a) volumes adjacent to grain and twin boundaries where multi-slip develops from compatability requirements, and (b) whole grains which happen to be favorably oriented for multi-slip because of texture effects. The interiors of grains favorably oriented for single slip are considered as “soft”. These considerations are validated by the experimental fact that the substructure evolution observed in 〈111〉-〈100〉 textured copper seems to be better described if grain-orientations are viewed in terms of the individual stress-state for each grain, and therefore the cyclic response of differently-oriented grains can be taken as that of the corresponding differently oriented single crystals. Finally, the model is shown to account qualitatively for some of the results reported previously from our laboratory: e.g. the differences in the cyclic response and levels of strain localization of fine-grained/weak-textured and coarse-grained/strong-textured copper, and the absence of a plateau in the cyclic stress-strain curve of fine-grained/weak-textured copper.
Computation of equilibrium-state in gas/solid materials systems

The determination of equilibrium-state in gas-solid materials systems is of practical interest; this consists of finding the values of intensive variables such as mole-fractions, partial pressures, activities or chemical potentials of constituents that occur in the gaseous and solid phases for stipulated temperature, pressure and initial reactant-gas composition. The mass-action iterative equilibrium constant method, shown to be a direct derivative of the minimization of Gibbs free energy, was used to compute the equilibrium-state in the carburizing and decarburizing iron-carbon heat treatment systems. By suitably combining the equilibrium partial pressure data with the extent of reaction formalism, the optimum feed-gas mixtures that ensured neutral atmospheres were determined.
The energetic cost of contraction is higher in the myocardium of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

This editorial refers to ‘Gene-specific increase in the energetic cost of contraction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by thick filament mutations’ by E.R. Witjas-Paalberends et al. , doi:10.1093/cvr/cvu127. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease characterized by a hypertrophied left ventricle (LV) in the absence of any overt cause and by an increased incidence of arrhythmias and cardiac sudden death. The subset of HCM patients with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) displays a highly variable phenotype ranging from no symptoms to overt cardiomyopathy with early onset sudden cardiac arrest. This variability has made it difficult to identify any unifying mechanism that would lead to designing new approaches for diagnosis and therapy. Most of the several hundred mutations associated with HCM/FHC occur in sarcomeric proteins, and roughly half of them reside in two proteins: myosin and cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C). One hypothesis for a unifying mechanism underlying HCM/FHC is that the energetic cost of contraction is higher in the myocardium of HCM/FHC patients: the free energy released from the hydrolysis of ATP by myosin is used less efficiently to generate force at the whole heart level. The article by Witjas-Paalberends and Guclu (co-first authors) and their colleagues appearing in this issue1 makes a significant contribution supporting this hypothesis. Before commenting on their results, we will briefly review the properties of myosin and cMyBP-C and their history in the HCM/FHC literature. Myosin has many functions: …
Brief investigation of the effect of surface states in semiconductor cylinder fibers

One of the major problems with both Semiconductor Cylinder Fibers (SCF) and semiconductor Micro Crystals (MC) in glass is surface states at the semiconductor glass interface. We here make a model for the surface states, analyze their effect and the effect ofbarrier layers. Both, the fact that no shift in energy due to a quantum size effect is observed in the SCF and that the recombination of optically excited charge carriers seems to be by non radiative processes is, probably, due to surface states at the semiconductor glass interfaces. In order to investigate the effect of surface states we model the surface states© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Crystal structure of oligomeric β1-adrenergic G protein–coupled receptors in ligand-free basal state

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate transmembrane signaling. Before ligand binding, GPCRs exist in a basal state. Crystal structures of several GPCRs bound with antagonists or agonists have been solved. However, the crystal structure of the ligand-free basal state of a GPCR, the starting point of GPCR activation and function, had not yet been determined. Here we report the X-ray crystal structure of the ligand-free basal state of a GPCR in a lipid membrane-like environment. Oligomeric turkey β1-adrenergic receptors display two dimer interfaces. One interface involves the transmembrane domain (TM) 1, TM2, the C-terminal H8 and extracellular loop 1. The other interface engages residues from TM4, TM5, intracellular loop 2 and extracellular loop 2. Structural comparisons show that this ligand-free state is in an inactive conformation. This provides the structural basis of GPCR dimerization and oligomerization.
Theoretical studies of H2 desorption processes in chemical vapor deposition of boron-doped silicon surfaces

Abstract The desorption of hydrogen in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of boron-doped silicon (100) surfaces is investigated using density functional theory and cluster models. The cluster models examine reactions of hydrogen atoms bound to adjacent BSi surface sites that would arise during the decomposition of B 2 H 6 and SiH 4 on a B-doped polysilicon film that is being formed by CVD. Comparisons are made with the analogous processes involving desorption of H 2 from Si dimers, as well as with previous studies in the literature. Calculations show a barrier of approximately 25 kcal/mol for desorption of H 2 from Si 8 BH 14 (‘HBSiH’) and Si 8 BH 15 (‘HBSiH 2 ’) clusters. These calculated barriers may be compared to values of (a) 75–85 kcal/mol typically obtained from other cluster calculations for ‘prepairing’ and ‘isomerization pathways’ from Si dimers on the surface; (b) 53–58 kcal/mol for desorption from SiH 2 ‘defects’; and (c) 55–60 kcal/mol from two-dimensional periodic slab calculations of hydrogen desorption from Si surfaces. These results indicate that barriers for desorption of H 2 from BSi-containing surface dimers are lower than desorption of H 2 from Si surface dimers. These lower barriers arise in part because the hydrogen bound to the B surface atom involves four-coordinate B species which have lower bond energies than classical BH or SiH bonds. These lower barriers could play a role in explaining the increased growth rate of Si observed when chemical vapor deposition is carried out using both SiH 4 (or SiCl 2 H 2 ) and B 2 H 6 precursors. Finally we examined briefly the role of subsurface B atoms in the desorption of hydrogen from Si surfaces, as occurs in desorption studies on annealed B-doped Si films. Small lowerings in the hydrogen desorption energy (from 54 to 52 kcal/mol) and activation barrier (from 76 to ∼70 kcal/mol) were found due to the effect of subsurface B atoms in Si clusters.
Experimental mathematics, computers and the a priori

In recent decades, experimental mathematics has emerged as a new branch of mathematics. This new branch is defined less by its subject matter, and more by its use of computer assisted reasoning. Experimental mathematics uses a variety of computer assisted approaches to verify or prove mathematical hypotheses. For example, there is “number crunching” such as searching for very large Mersenne primes, and showing that the Goldbach conjecture holds for all even numbers less than 2 × 1018. There are “verifications” of hypotheses which, while not definitive proofs, provide strong support for those hypotheses, and there are proofs involving an enormous amount of computer hours, which cannot be surveyed by any one mathematician in a lifetime. There have been several attempts to argue that one or another aspect of experimental mathematics shows that mathematics now accepts empirical or inductive methods, and hence shows mathematical apriorism to be false. Assessing this argument is complicated by the fact that there is no agreed definition of what precisely experimental mathematics is. However, I argue that on any plausible account of ’experiment’ these arguments do not succeed.
Fortification of reduced-fat Cheddar cheese with n-3 fatty acids: Effect on off-flavor generation

The objective of this study was to fortify 50% reduced fat Cheddar cheese with n-3 fatty acids and evaluate whether this fortification generated specific off-flavors in the cheese. Docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) fatty acids were added to the cheese to obtain 3 final fortification levels [18, 35, and 71 mg of DHA/EPA per serving size (28 g) of cheese] representing 10, 20, and 40% of the suggested daily intake level for DHA/EPA. The presence of oxidized, rancid, and fishy flavors as a function of fortification level and cheese aging (6 mo) was evaluated using a sensory descriptive panel. No differences were found in the oxidized and rancid flavors as a consequence of DHA/EPA fortification, with only slight intensities of these flavors. The presence of fishy off-flavor was dependent on the fortification level. Cheeses with low fortification levels (18 and 35 mg of DHA/EPA per serving size) did not develop significant fishy off-flavor compared with the control, whereas at the highest fortification level (71 mg of DHA/EPA per serving size) the fishy off-flavor was significantly stronger in young cheeses. The fishy flavor decreased as a function of age and became nonsignificant compared with the control at 3 mo of storage. Even though fishy flavors were detected in the fortified cheeses, the DHA/EPA content during storage remained constant and complied with the suggested values for food fortification. Results obtained from this research indicate that 50% reduced-fat Cheddar cheese aged for 3 mo can be used as a vehicle for delivery of n-3 fatty acids without generation of off-flavors.
Shift invert coding (SINV) for low power VLSI

Low power VLSI circuit design is one of the most important issues in present day technology. One of the ways of reducing power in a CMOS circuit is to reduce the number of transitions on the bus and bus invert coding is a widely popular technique for that. In this paper we introduce a new way of coding called the ShiftInv coding that is superior to the bus invert coding technique. Our simulation results show a considerable reduction on the number of transitions over and above that obtained with bus invert coding. Further, the proposed technique requires only 2 extra bits for the low power coding, regardless of the bit-width of the bus and does not assume anything about the nature of the data.
Variation in the coding and 3′ untranslated regions of the porcine prolactin receptor short form modifies protein expression and function

Summary The actions of prolactin (PRL) are mediated by both long (LF) and short isoforms (SF) of the PRL receptor (PRLR). Here, we report on a genetic and functional analysis of the porcine PRLR (pPRLR) SF. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within exon 11 of the pPRLR-SF give rise to four amino acid haplotypes of the intracellular domain. We identified the dimorphic insertion of a short interspersed repetitive DNA element (PRE-1) along with 32 SNPs and four other insertion/deletion sites within the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of pPRLR-SF. The PRE-1 element reduced protein translation in vitro by 75%, whereas the combination of 10 SNPs and one insertion/deletion decreased translation by 50%. Full-length cDNAs for all four haplotypes of pPRLR-SF were cloned behind the elongation factor 1-alpha promoter and functionally analyzed in vitro. None of the haplotypes could initiate transcription from the s-casein promoter, whereas all four were dominant negatives against PRL-activation of the pPRLR-LF. Two of the haplotypes completely inhibited pPRLR-LF activity at a four-fold excess, whereas the others required a six-fold excess to impart the same effect. The ligand binding affinities of the pPRLR-SF haplotypes did not differ. Expression of the pPRLR-SF increased linearly during gestation in the endometrium and was hormonally regulated in a tissue-specific manner in the mammary glands and uterus. In conclusion, we identified a PRE-1 and other SNPs in the pPRLR-SF 3′ UTR that reduce protein expression and four haplotypes of the pPRLR-SF that suppress pPRLR-LF signaling and may differentially impact the phenotypic effects of PRL in vivo.
On politics and health: an epidemic of neurologic disease in Cuba.

Political decisions may cause disease. During 1992 and 1993, an epidemic of neuropathy in Cuba--largely overlooked by U.S. physicians--affected more than 50,000 persons and caused optic neuropathy, deafness, myelopathy, and sensory neuropathy. Patients with the neurologic disease responded to B group vitamins, and oral vitamin supplementation of the population curbed the epidemic. Dietary restrictions and excessive carbohydrate intake were the immediated cause of the epidemic; however, the primary cause might have been political. Political changes in eastern Europe had major repercussions on Cuba's economy and food supply. In turn, these changes compounded the effects of internal political decisions in the island, leading toward isolationism and economic dependence on the former Soviet Union. Also, for more than 30 years, the United States has maintained an economic embargo against Cuba. In 1992, the U.S. embargo was tightened by the Torricelli amendment (or the Cuba Democracy Act), which prohibited third-country subsidiaries of U.S. companies from trading with Cuba and prevented food and medicines from reaching the island; this amendment produced a virtual economic blockade. Penuries resulting from all these political events resulted in the largest epidemic of neurologic disease in this century. Physicians may need to use their influence to modify political decisions when these decisions result in adverse health consequences. The American Academy of Neurology has issued a plea to encourage physicians and other health personnel to support efforts leading to lifting of the U.S. embargo against Cuba for humanitarian reasons.
Psri Target Recognition In Range Imagery Using Neural Networks

A method for classifying objects invariant to position, rotation, or scale is presented. Objects to be classified were multifunction laser radar data of tanks and trucks at various aspect angles. A segmented doppler image was used to mask the range image into candidate targets. Each target is then compared to stored templates representing the different classes. The template and the image were transformed into the magnitude of the Fourier transform with log radial and angle axis, lF (Ln r , 0)1, feature space. The classification is accomplished using the shape of the correlation peak of the IF (Ln r , 0)1 planes of an image and a template. A neural network was used to perform the classification with a classification accuracy near 100%. The neural network used in this study was a multilayer perception using a back propagation algorithm.
Pd–Ag membrane synthesis: The electroless and electro-plating conditions and their effect on the deposits morphology

Abstract The effect of electroless and electro-plating conditions on the Pd and Ag deposits morphology obtained on porous metal substrate was investigated from the membrane synthesis viewpoint. Linear sweep voltammetry was applied for the polarization characteristics of electroless plating baths. The Pd electroless deposits ([Pd]/[N 2 H 4 ] = 16 mM/5.6 mM) and Ag electrodeposits ([Ag] = 100 mM, current density = 2 mA/cm 2 ) showed good substrate pore penetration. However, for the electroless Ag deposits ([Ag]/[N 2 H 4 ] = 3 mM/5.6 mM), poor pore penetration was observed. The Ag electroless bath polarization curve indicated that within 15–25 mV electrode over potential, the entire deposition process was limited by the diffusion of Ag ions to the substrate surface. The plating conditions such as low [Ag]/[N 2 H 4 ] ratio (20 mM/4 mM) or substrate stirring lowered the Ag deposition over potential and produced Ag deposits with good pore penetration, therefore suitable for the membrane preparation. Three membranes, M-1 (Pd by electroless method and Ag by electro-plating method), M-2 and M-3 (both Pd and Ag by electroless method) were prepared by the multilayer Pd–Ag sequential deposition approach. The membranes showed low activation energy for the H 2 permeation (M-1, M-2 and M-3 = 4.9, 4.3 and 11.5 kJ/mole respectively) after annealing at 550 °C (24 h). The low activation energy after annealing was due to the formation of Pd–Ag alloy. The SEM and EDX analysis after annealing showed fairly uniform distribution of Pd and Ag throughout the cross-section of the membranes.
Early immunoneutralization of calcitonin precursors attenuates the adverse physiologic response to sepsis in pigs.

ObjectiveThe 116 amino acid prohormone procalcitonin and some of its component peptides (collectively termed calcitonin precursors) are important markers and mediators of sepsis. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effect of immunoneutralization of calcitonin precursors on metabolic and physiol
Evidence of dexter energy transfer in NO photolability of dye-sensitized ruthenium nitrosyls

Abstract Direct attachment of light-harvesting dye molecules to the ruthenium center of designed {Ru–NO}6 nitrosyls has been shown to exhibit enhanced light-induced NO photorelease upon exposure to visible light. Theoretical studies have indicated that orbital overlap between the MOs of the dye and the nitrosyl units are key for such sensitization. In order to check whether altering the electronic conjugation between these two units causes reduction in the extent of sensitization, we have synthesized a pyridinyloxy-fluorescein dye PyFlEt and attached it to two designed ruthenium nitrosyls through the pyridine-N donor of the pyridinyloxy-end. The quantum yield values of NO photodissociation at 500 nm (ϕNO) and fluorescence quantum yield values (ϕFl) of these two nitrosyl–dye conjugates namely, [(Me)2bpb)Ru(NO)(PyFlEt)]ClO4 (1-PyFlEt) and [((OMe)2IQ1)Ru(NO)(PyFlEt)]BF4 (2-PyFlEt) have been compared with those of [(Me)2bpb)Ru(NO)(FlEt)]ClO4 (1-FlEt) and [((OMe)2IQ1)Ru(NO)(FlEt)]BF4 (2-FlEt) in which the same FlEt dye is directly attached through the phenolato-O donor. This minor alteration in the linkage between the dye and the nitrosyl unit has caused significant reduction in the ϕNO values of 1-PyFlEt and 2-PyFlEt while their ϕFl values have shown moderate improvement. These results strongly suggest that the light energy absorbed by the dye unit is transferred to the Ru–NO moiety through the Dexter pathway. If the electronic overlap is disrupted, only part of the energy is used in NO photorelease and a significant portion is lost through fluorescence.
Band-limited Gaussian processes, nondeterministic processes, and optimum encoding

It is shown that for optimal rate distortion theoretic encoding subject to a mean squared error fidelity criterion, a band-limited Gaussian source can be regarded as nondeterministic. This result establishes that for optimal discrete time encoding, there is no contradiction between Hilbert space theory and rate distortion theory as has been suggested in the literature.
A review of reflection mass spectrometry during III/V MBE

Abstract This paper reviews the use of line-of-sight mass spectrometry for in situ monitoring during MBE of III/V heterostructures. This technique is not yet widely used, in part because of the scarcity of effusion cell ports in most MBE reactors devoted to device growth. However, as our ability to model (either from first principles or using rate equations) surface dynamics and epitaxial growth increases in sophistication, these kinds of measurements may play an important role in model development and validation.
The formulation and testing of a process model for community development organizations

Abstract In a study of the development of 54 communities in Appalachian Kentucky, a model of growth of community development organizations was developed and tested using Guttman scaling analysis. By applying aspects of the organismic and organizational development models, this paper provides a construct of a development model as well as a demonstration of it. It is concluded that community development organizations do, in fact, pass through a process of development that is directional in nature and possesses identifiable stages that start with expressive activities and progress through instrumental functions.
Impact-collision ion-scattering spectrometry studies of the VC0.8(111)-(8 × 1) surface

Abstract We use impact-collision ion-scattering spectrometry (ICISS) to verify that the (8 × 1) reconstructed surface of VC 0.8 (111) arises from the superposition of a rectangular surface vanadium layer on top of the hexagonal bulk, in agreement with a surface structure proposed earlier in a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) study. However, a major discrepancy with the STM results is the absence of any pronounced buckling within the surface unit cell. The ICISS results suggest that the vanadium layer on the surface is perfectly planar.
Design, Development, and Evaluation of a Novel Retraction Device for Gallbladder Extraction During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background A source of frustration during laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves extraction of the gallbladder through port sites smaller than the gallbladder itself. We describe the development and testing of a novel device for the safe, minimal enlargement of laparoscopic port sites to extract large, stone-filled gallbladders from the abdomen.