cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Community Violence and Adolescent Development An Examination of Risk and Protective Factors among African American Youth

This study measures the degree of exposure to violence through actual attack, witnessing violent events, and delinquent peer associations among500 African American high school students in the state of Virginia. In seeking to account for problem behavior, attention is given to sociodemographic characteristics, exposure to guns and violence as risk factors, and the moderating effects of coping strategies utilized by African American adolescents. Relying on recent research examining the relationship between victimization events and problem behavior, the study examines the development of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems (i.e., delinquency, anxiety, depression) in response to violent victimization and emphasizes the emotional adjustment among African American youth exposed to violence. Findings suggest a linkage between the indicators of exposure to violence, problem behavior, and coping strategy among youth. Implications for future research are addressed.
Stroke: a step closer to statin therapy for stroke?

Accumulating evidence suggests that statin therapy could assist functional recovery following acute ischaemic stroke. A recent study indicates that early administration of statins after intravenous thrombolysis for stroke improves functional outcomes, and reduces mortality and neurological deterioration. Owing to the observational study design, however, these findings should be interpreted cautiously.
Primary liposarcoma of bone in an adolescent: A case report

We report the clinicopathologic and cytogenetic findings in an unusual case of primary liposarcoma of bone. A 16-year-old girl presented with a destructive, osteolytic tumor of the proximal humerus. Upon biopsy, the tumor was highly anaplastic and necrotizing and was initially considered to be consistent with osteosarcoma. Following chemotherapy, there was 100% tumor necrosis in the resection specimen. Twentyeight months later, solitary supraclavicular and pulmonary metastases appeared with the morphologic features of pleomorphic liposarcoma. Retrospective review of the bone biopsy showed scattered lipoblasts and no unequivocal malignant osteoid. Ghost-like remnants of necrotic liposarcoma were seen in the resection specimen. Cytogenetic analysis of a metastatic lesion showed complex karyotypic abnormalities. Awareness of the existence of primary bone sarcomas with lipogenic differentiation expands the differential diagnosis of malignant bone tumors including cases in the pediatric population. This is the...
Clicks, Cabs, and Coffee Houses: Social Media and Oppositional Movements in Egypt, 2004–2011

To deepen our understanding of the relationship between social media and political change during the Egyptian uprising of early 2011, events in Tahrir Square must be situated in a larger context of media use and recent history of online activism. For several years, the most successful social movements in Egypt, including Kefaya, the April 6th Youth, and We are all Khaled Said, were those using social media to expand networks of disaffected Egyptians, broker relations between activists, and globalize the resources and reach of opposition leaders. Social media afforded these opposition leaders the means to shape repertoires of contention, frame the issues, propagate unifying symbols, and transform online activism into offline protests.
Demonstration of the frequency upshifting of microwave radiation by rapid plasma creation

A technique for frequency-upshifting electromagnetic radiation is demonstrated. By ionizing azulene vapor contained in a resonant cavity using a laser pulse, the frequency of the incident RF wave at 33.3 GHz is upshifted by 5% with greater than 10% efficiency. Maximum frequency upshift of 2.3 times the source frequency is observed. There are two mechanisms thought to be operative in producing the observed frequency upshift: the time-dependent dielectric constant due to increasing plasma density, and rapid Q-switching of the cavity. This technique has the potential of being able to generate tunable and chirped radiation over a very broad ( Delta f/f>or approximately=1) frequency range. >
Centrin and the cytoskeleton of the protist Holomastigotoides.

The cytoskeleton of the parabasalid protozoan Holomastigotoides was investigated by epifluorescence, scanning confocal, and transmission electron microscopy using antibodies to centrin, tubulin, and MPM-2 epitopes. Previous microscopic analysis of Holomastigotoides spp. has shown that up to 10,000 flagella are arranged in 2–8 spiral bands encircling the cell. Spindle poles are associated with two flagellar bands. Sheets of cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs) called axostyles originate in the cell apex and extend to the cell base. Antibodies to centrin, a member of the EF-hand family of calcium-binding proteins, labeled a number of structures in Holomastigotoides, namely axostyles, the mitotic spindle, and portions of flagellar bands. The identity of these structures was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and by immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies to tubulin and MPM-2 epitopes. Antibodies to tubulin labeled MTs in basal bodies, flagella, axostyles, and the mitotic spindle. MPM-2 antibodies labeled spindle poles and short segments of flagellar bands to which the spindle poles are attached. Centrin is known to show calcium-sensitive contractile behavior. The pattern of flagellar band staining by antibodies to centrin was affected by [Ca2+]. In detergent-extracted cell fragments, the centrin staining pattern could be changed by changing [Ca2+]. This Ca2+ effect was modulated by a monoclonal antibody to centrin (20H5), indicating that centrin plays a role in altering flagellar band structure. These results show that centrin is located in key positions for maintaining cell polarity and directing cell movement through interactions with other cytoskeletal elements. Calcium may regulate the morphology of centrin-containing structures. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 36:377–390, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Counter-insurgency in the Philippines

(1977). Counter-insurgency in the Philippines. Journal of Contemporary Asia: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 153-177.
Luminal Regulation of Single RyR2 Channels by Cardiac Calsequestrin

We examined the hypothesis that calsequestrin (CSQ2) can regulate the RyR2 activity using a combination of single channel electrophysiology and lanthanide resonance energy transfer (LRET). Under steady-state, open probability (Po) of RyR2 of cardiac SR fractions from dog is modulated by luminal [Ca2+]. Po increased when luminal [Ca2+] was increased from 6 μM to 2 mM at a fixed cytosolic [Ca2+] of 2 μM. This effect on RyR2 appears to be mediated by luminal sites. Interestingly, RyR2 Po also increases when 2 mM Mg2+ was added to the luminal side. To gain mechanistic insights on the Casq2-mediated luminal regulation, we used the binding of Casq2 to Tb+3 as a functional assay. Luminescence produced by LRET between the tryptophan's of purified dog Casq2 and the lanthanide increased as function of the [Tb+3]. This fluorescence was reduced as [Ca2+] increased suggesting that Ca2+ binds to purified Casq2 by displacing tightly bound Tb+3 from a common binding site. To further explore the specificity of this regulation, we expressed recombinant dog Casq2 in E coli. The specificity of this interaction was assessed by LRET lifetime measurements. Interestingly, we found that the displacement of Tb3+ by Ca2+ was not significantly different than the displacement of Tb3+ by Mg2+ (∼ 2.5 mM) suggesting that Ca2+ and Mg2+ share a common binding site. Finally, we explore the hypothesis that Tb3+ bound to Casq2 was able to modulate the RR2 activity. At fixed cytosolic [Ca2+] of 2 μM, Po of single RyR2 increased as a function of luminal [Tb+3 (KD ∼ 500 nM, Hill coeff. ∼4). These results are consistent with the idea that a multimeric form of Casq2 acts as luminal divalent cation sensor and translates it into changes in RyR2 gating. Supported by NIH R01-HL-084487 to AE.
FMRI Shows Atypical Language Lateralization in Pediatric Epilepsy Patients

Summary: Purpose: The goal of this study was to compare language lateralization between pediatric epilepsy patients and healthy children. Methods: Two groups of subjects were evaluated with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) by using a silent verb-generation task. The first group included 18 pediatric epilepsy patients, whereas the control group consisted of 18 age/gender/handedness-matched healthy subjects. Results: A significant difference in hemispheric lateralization index (LI) was found between children with epilepsy (mean LI =−0.038) and the age/gender/handedness–matched healthy control subjects (mean LI = 0.257; t = 6.490, p < 0.0001). A dramatic difference also was observed in the percentage of children with epilepsy (77.78%) who had atypical LI (right-hemispheric or bilateral, LI < 0.1) when compared with the age/gender/handedness-matched group (11.11%; χ2= 16.02, p < 0.001). A linear regression analysis showed a trend toward increasing language lateralization with age in healthy controls (R2= 0.152; p = 0.108). This association was not observed in pediatric epilepsy subjects (R2= 0.004, p = 0.80). A significant association between language LI and epilepsy duration also was found (R2= 0.234, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows that epilepsy during childhood is associated with neuroplasticity and reorganization of language function.
Smoothable varieties with torsion free canonical sheaf

It will be shown that a smoothable Cohen-Macaulay variety over a field of characteristic zero is smooth if and only if its canonical sheaf is torsion free.
A model of posttraumatic epilepsy after penetrating brain injuries: effect of lesion size and metal fragments.

Summary Objective Penetrating brain injury (PBI) has the highest risk for inducing posttraumatic epilepsy, and those PBIs with retained foreign materials such as bullet fragments carry the greatest risk. This study examines the potential contribution of copper, a major component of bullets, to the development of epilepsy following PBI. Methods Anesthetized adult male rats received a penetrating injury from the dorsal cortex to the ventral hippocampus from a high speed small bit drill. In one group of animals, copper wire was inserted into the lesion. Control animals had only the lesion or the lesion plus stainless steel wire (biologically inert foreign body). From 6 to up to 11 months following the injury the rats were monitored intermittently for the development of epilepsy with video–electroencephalography (EEG). A separate set of animals was examined for possible acute seizures in the week following the injury. Results Twenty-two of the 23 animals with copper wire developed chronic epilepsy, compared to three of the 20 control rats (lesion and lesion with stainless steel). Copper was associated with more extensive injury. The control rats with epilepsy had larger lesions. In the acute injury group, there was no difference in the incidence of seizures (83% lesion plus stainless steel, 70% lesion plus copper). Significance Copper increases the risk for epilepsy and may increase damage over time, but there were no differences between the groups in the incidence of acute postinjury seizures. Lesion size may contribute to epilepsy development in lesion-only animals. Copper may be an independent risk factor for the development of epilepsy and possible secondary injury, but lesion size also contributes to the development of epilepsy. The consequences of prolonged exposure of the brain to copper observed in these animals may have clinical implications that require further evaluation.
The heat-unfolded state of ribonuclease A is an equilibrium mixture of fast and slow refolding species.

A pH-dependent equilibrium between different species of heat-unfolded ribonuclease A has been studied by measuring the dependence on initial pH of the ratio of fast to slow refolding material; refolding is induced by stopped-flow pH jumps in which the final pH is held constant. These different unfolded forms are shown to be responsible for the fast- and slow-refolding reactions of ribonuclease A studied previously. Their interconversion is slow compared with the stopped-flow mixing time (3 ms). The results fit a simple kinetic mechanism for refolding U1slow U2fast, in which U1 and U2 are slow- and fast-refolding species. The fast-refolding form is not “melted out” by raising the temperature above the transition zone for thermal unfolding.
Heterogeneous vascular responses to hypoxic forearm exercise in young and older adults

We aimed to assess age-related differences in compensatory hypoxic vasodilation during moderate-to-high dynamic exercise at absolute workloads. We hypothesized healthy older adults (n = 12, 61 ± 1 years) would exhibit impaired hypoxic vasodilation at a moderate absolute workload, and this effect would be exaggerated at a higher workload when compared to young adults (n = 17, 27 ± 2 years). Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured with Doppler ultrasound. Dynamic forearm exercise (20 contractions/min) was completed at two absolute workloads (8 and 12 kg) under normoxic (0.21 FiO2, ~98% SpO2) and isocapnic hypoxic (~0.10 FiO2, 80% SpO2) conditions performed in random order. FBF was normalized as forearm vascular conductance (FBF / mean arterial blood pressure = FVC) to control for differences in blood pressure and to assess vasodilation. FVC increased with exercise and hypoxia (main effects, p < 0.05); vascular responses were not different between young and older adults (interaction effect exercise × group p = 0.37 and hypoxia × group p = 0.96). Results were confirmed when analyzed as either an absolute or relative change in FVC (ΔFVC and %ΔFVC, respectively). Although group responses to hypoxia were not different, individual results were highly variable (i.e., some adults constricted and others dilated to hypoxia). These data suggest (1) compensatory hypoxic vasodilation in older adults is not impaired during forearm exercise at both moderate and higher absolute exercise intensities, and (2) vascular responses to hypoxia are heterogeneous in both young and older adults. Results suggest unique individual differences exist in factors regulating vascular responses to hypoxia.
Transport fuel for the post-oil era — a different view

In the March 1978 issue of energy policy, G. Charlesworth and T.M. Baker published an article on future transport fuels (see IRRD abstract no 232083). Of the two principal alternatives to petroleum-based fuels - electricity and coal-derived liquids - the authors chose to devote primary attention to electricity and to the implications of a shift from heat engines to battery electric vehicles. The purpose of this article is not to refute their findings, but to point out that their conclusions apply only to the UK and to countries with similar resource bases (such as other European countries and Japan). Changes in automotive engine design and in the fuels to power motor vehicles are likely to have a very different effect in countries such as the usa and Brazil. In the USA, synthetic fuel production, together with supplementary alcohol production will probably permit the continued use of a heat engine powered vehicle. In nations such as Brazil, alcohol is already established in the transport fuel system and in the future may become the dominant fuel. /TRRL/
Integer programming models and analysis for a multilevel passenger screening problem

Designing effective aviation security systems has become a problem of national interest and concern. Passenger prescreening is an important component of aviation security. Effectively using passenger prescreening information to develop screening strategies can be quite challenging. Moreover, it can be difficult to measure the effectiveness of such systems after they are in place. To address these issues, this paper introduces the Multilevel Passenger Screening Problem (MPSP). In MPSP, a set of classes are available for screening passengers, each of which corresponds to several device types for passenger screening, where each device type has an associated capacity and passengers are differentiated by their perceived risk levels. The objective of MPSP is to use prescreening information to determine the passenger assignments that maximize the total security subject to capacity and assignment constraints. MPSP is illustrated with examples that incorporate flight schedule and passenger volume data extracted fr...
Health care provider choice: the North West Province of Cameroon.

In Cameroon the idea of integrating traditional and modern medical practices is discussed by both traditional and medical practitioners. It is not clear however what influences the households choice of one or the other approach to medical care. This paper reports findings from a study of data collected in a household interview survey undertaken in Ndop a rural health district in the North West Province of Cameroon during July-November 1992 which finds that there are many factors which influence the choice of health care. Quality of care is the most important factor influencing the choice of health care provider. As the quality of care increases in governmental health centers choice probability also increases. Other factors include the time spent seeking treatment; household income and size; distance; and cost of health care. Those with higher incomes tend to choose private health units and those with larger families tend to choose government health units. Other difficult to model sociocultural factors appear to also influence the choice of providers. It is concluded that since household income influences the choice of private health units policies targeting poverty alleviation should be instituted in the rural areas to provide households with income. This will enable widened access to private health care and enable government to redeploy scarce resources to maintain and extend services to needy areas.
Space and Security: The Emerging Role of Europe

Space systems have grown increasingly integral to the United States' national security in the post-Cold War era. The diplomatic and military leverage that space capabilities can provide is not going unnoticed by other countries. Since the collapse of the USSR, the United States has enjoyed a near-absolute dominance in space activities. Only the civilian European space program has mounted any sort of technical challenge to the United States, with little interest devoted to space military activities, but the period of US hegemony in the space military domain might come to an end. In recent years the European Union (EU) and its member states have taken numerous steps towards designing and assembling a Common Foreign and Security Policy and a coherent European Security and Defence Policy. Furthermore, several important steps toward linking security needs and space capabilities have been taken by the tandem European Union–European Space Agency and other relevant institutions. Space is now seen as an essential ...
Workshop overview: arsenic research and risk assessment.

Abstract The chronic exposure of humans through consumption of high levels of inorganic arsenic (iAs)-contaminated drinking water is associated with skin lesions, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, and cancers. Additionally, humans are exposed to organic arsenicals when used as pesticides and herbicides (e.g., monomethylarsonic acid, dimethylarsinic acid (DMA V ) also known as cacodylic acid). Extensive research has been conducted to characterize the adverse health effects that result from exposure to iAs and its metabolites to describe the biological pathway(s) that lead to adverse health effects. To further this effort, on May 31, 2006, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) sponsored a meeting entitled “Workshop on Arsenic Research and Risk Assessment”. The invited participants from government agencies, academia, independent research organizations and consultants were asked to present their current research. The overall focus of these research efforts has been to determine the potential human health risks due to environmental exposures to arsenicals. Pursuant in these efforts is the elucidation of a mode of action for arsenicals. This paper provides a brief overview of the workshop goals, regulatory context for arsenical research, mode of action (MOA) analysis in human health risk assessment, and the application of MOA analysis for iAs and DMA V . Subsequent papers within this issue will present the research discussed at the workshop, ensuing discussions, and conclusions of the workshop.
The synthesis and deployment of filamin in chicken skeletal muscle

Abstract During myogenesis in vitro the actin-binding protein filamin is present in myoblasts and early fused cells and is associated with α-actinin-containing filament bundles, as judged by double immunofluorescence using antibodies specific for these two proteins. Approximately one day after cell fusion, yet before the development of a-actinin-containing Z line striations, filamin disappears from the cells. Later in myogenesis, several days after the appearance of α-actinin-containing Z line striations, filamin reappears and accumulates in the cells. Double immunofluorescence with antibodies to filamin and vimentin (or desmin) reveals that the newly appearing filamin localizes now to the myofibril Z line and is visible there shortly before vimentin or desmin becomes associated with the Z line. Immunofluorescent localization of filamin in isolated chicken skeletal myofibrils and Z disc sheets indicates that filamin has the same distribution as desmin and vimentin; it surrounds each myofibril Z disc and forms honeycomb-like networks within each Z plane of the muscle fiber. Filamin may thus be involved in the transition of desmin and vimentin to the Z disc. Analysis of whole-cell extracts by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by immunoautoradiography shows that filamin is present in myoblasts and in myotubes early after cell fusion. Concomitant with the absence of filamin fluorescence during the subsequent few days of myogenesis, the quantity of filamin is markedly reduced. During this time, metabolic pulse-labeling with 35 S-methionine reveals that the synthetic rate of filamin is also markedly reduced. As filamin fluorescence appears at the Z line, the quantity of filamin and its synthetic rate both increase. The removal of filamin from the cells suggests that filamin either may not be required, or may actually interfere with a necessary process, during the early stages of sarcomere morphogenesis. These results also indicate that the periphery of the Z disc is assembled in at least two distinct steps during myogenesis.
Can inflation explain the second law of thermodynamics

The inflationary model of the universe can explain several of the cosmological conundra that are mysteries in the standard hot big bang model. Paul Davies has suggested that inflation can also explain the second law of thermodynamics, which describes the time asymmetry of the universe. Here I note several difficulties with this suggestion, showing how the present inflationary models must assume the arrow of time rather than explaining it. If the second law is formulated as a consequence of the hypothesis that there were no long-range spatial correlations in the initial state of the universe, it is shown how some of the cosmological conundra might be explained even without inflation. But if the ultimate explanation is to include inflation, three, essential elements remain to be demonstrated which I list.
Human Rights and the Allocation of US Military Assistance

A relationship between US military aid and the human rights practices of potential recipient countries is mandated by law. Yet the preponderance of the results obtained in past quantitative studies seems to indicate that no such relationship exists in reality. This study focuses on the question of whether governments that abuse human rights are disqualified completely from US military aid programs. When some weaknesses of previous studies are rectified, human rights abuse is then found to have affected the allocation of military aid in two distinct samples of countries: Western hemisphere countries; and a random sample of the world's nations, micro-states excluded. Human rights abuse affected US military aid allocation during both the Carter and Reagan presidencies. The appearance of a relationship during the Reagan presidency indicates the effect endured even under an administration thought generally to have de-emphasized human rights in its foreign-policy decisions.
Phase transfer catalysis with rapid reaction

Abstract We consider the process of solid-liquid phase-transfer catalysis with rapid homogeneous reaction. The mathematical problem based on a simple stagnant film model (Melville and Goddard, 1985, Chem. Engng Sci. 40 , 2207–2215) is analysed. The case of rapid and reversible, homogeneous reaction is first discussed. It is shown that a boundary layer in the concentration gradient but not in the concentration develops at the surface of the solid reactant. A method for the explicit calculation of the performance of the process for quite general conditions is presented. The case of rapid and irreversible, homogeneous reaction is next considered. The structure of the thin reaction zone that may develop as the reaction tends towards irreversibility is analysed. It is found that, in this case, the width of the reaction zone is a function of both the bulk and the surface Damkohler numbers.
Exploring the coordination chemistry of MOF-graphite oxide composites and their applications as adsorbents.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), besides being porous materials exhibit a very rich chemistry, which can be used for the synthesis of composites and/or the reactive adsorption of toxic gases. In this study, composites of MOFs (MOF-5, HKUST-1 or MIL-100(Fe)) and a graphitic compound (graphite or graphite oxide, GO) were synthesized and tested for the removal of NH3, H2S and NO2 under ambient conditions. The materials were characterized before and after exposure to the target gases by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, N2 sorption measurement and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results indicate that strong chemical bonds exist between the MOF and GO as a result of the coordination between the GO oxygen groups and the MOFs’ metallic centers. Depending on the structure of the MOF, such interactions induce the formation of a new pore space in the interface between the carbon layers and the MOF units, which enhances the physical adsorption capacity of the toxic gases. When unsaturated metallic sites are present in the MOFs, the target gases are also adsorbed via coordination to these centers. Further reaction with the framework leads to the formation of complexes. This is accompanied by the collapse of the MOF structure.
The State of Dynamical Input)Output Systems as an Operator

Abstract A causal input–output system operating for all time from the indefinite past to the indefinite future may be described by a function space for inputs, a function space for outputs, and a causal operator mapping the input space into the output space. The state of such a system at any instant is defined here as an operator from the space of possible future inputs to that of future outputs. This operator is called the natural state. The output space is taken to be a time-shift-invariant normed linear function space, and the input space is either also such a space or a time-shift-invariant subset thereof. There is flexibility allowed in the choice of these spaces. Both the input–output operator and the operator giving the natural state are themselves taken to be elements of normed linear spaces with one of a particular family of norms called N -power norms. The general development applies to nonlinear and time-varying systems. Continuity and boundedness of the natural state (as an operator) and properties of the natural state and its trajectory as related to the input–output description of the system are investigated. Two examples are presented.
αβ T cells and a mixed Th1/Th17 response are important in organic dust-induced airway disease.

Abstract Background Organic dust exposure in agricultural environments induces an inflammatory response that attenuates over time, yet repetitive dust exposures result in chronic lung diseases. Animal models resembling this chronic lung inflammatory response have been developed, yet the underlying cellular mechanisms are not well defined. Objective Because mice repetitively exposed to organic dust extracts (DE) display increased CD3+ T cell lung infiltrates, we sought to determine the phenotype and importance of these cells. Methods Mice received swine confinement DE repetitively for 3 weeks by established intranasal inhalation protocol. Studies were conducted with peptidoglycan (PGN) because it is a major DE component in large animal farming environments and has shared similar biologic effects with DE. Enumeration of T cells and intracellular cytokine profiles were conducted by flow cytometry techniques. Whole lung homogenate cytokines were analyzed by multiplex immunoassay. T cell receptor (TCR) αβ knockouts were used to determine the functional importance of αβ-expressing T cells. Results DE increased lung-associated CD3+CD4+ T cells and interleukin (IL)-17 (but not IL-4, interferon [IFN]-γ, IL-10) producing CD4+ T cells. PGN treatment resulted in increased IL-17 and IFN-γ producing CD4+ T cells and IFN-γ producing CD8+ T cells. Both DE and PGN augmented expression of cytokines associated with Th1 and Th17 polarization in lung homogenates. DE-induced lung mononuclear aggregates and bronchiolar compartment inflammation were significantly reduced in TCR knockout animals; however, neutrophil influx and alveolar compartment inflammation were not affected. Conclusion Studies demonstrated that DE and PGN exposure promote a Th1/Th17 lung microenvironment and that αβ-expressing T cells are important in mediating DE-induced lung pathologic conditions.
Towards a New Articulation of Alternative Development: Lessons from Coca Supply Reduction in Bolivia

Once heralded as the success story of coca supply reduction, Bolivia is now witnessing an increase in coca cultivation. Even as coca fields in Bolivia were forcibly destroyed in the past decade, new fields were being planted elsewhere, leaving coca production in the Andean region at a roughly constant level. This begs a rethinking of alternative development programmes, the policies being rendered ineffectual by the increasing use of force. This article seeks renewed momentum for alternative development by gleaning lessons from its earlier failures. Moreover, it suggests a new articulation of alternative development that emphasises the socio-economic cause of coca cultivation – the demand by the rural poor of Bolivia for income and food security.
Magneto-resistive playback heads for bit patterned medium recording applications

Understanding the recording physics of bit-patterned media recording (PMR), which is considered to be one of the primary candidates for next generation magnetic data storage solutions, is critical for efficient implementation of the technology. This work examines playback characteristics of magneto-resistive (MR) heads applied to PMR. The reciprocity principle and the analytical model for stray fields are used. Reciprocity principle allows efficient evaluation of playback signals for specific playback head designs. Direct evaluation of stray fields enables analysis of general trends and determining resolution limits for given patterned medium parameters independent of playback head design.
Bus utilization of discrete CRPWM inverters for field-oriented drives

A new discrete current-regulated pulsewidth modulation (CRPWM) scheme- Delta modulation in the synchronous frame-is introduced. This scheme and two other discrete CRPWM schemes suitable for field-oriented drives are studied and compared in terms of bus utilization. The effect of switching frequency and flux level in the machine on the performance of the current regulator is also discussed. The analysis is based primarily on simulation, with experimental results from a digital-signal-processor (DSP)-based drive used to verify the simulation results. >
On the dual decomposition of linear quadratic optimal control problems for vehicular formations

We use the dual decomposition method along with the dual subgradient algorithm to decouple the linear quadratic optimal control problem for a system of single-integrator vehicles. This produces the optimal control law in a localized manner, in the sense that vehicles can iteratively compute their primal and dual variables by only communicating with their immediate neighbors. In particular, we demonstrate that each vehicle only needs to receive the primal variable of the vehicle ahead and the dual variable of the vehicle behind. We then assume a structured feedback gain relationship between the state and actuation signals, and reformulate the optimization problem to find the optimal feedback gains. We develop an algorithm whereby vehicles can compute structured feedback gains in a localized manner. Convergence properties of the latter algorithm are improved by employing a relaxed version of the augmented Lagrangian method, and numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the utility of our results.
Structural analysis of the Drosophila rpA1 gene, a member of the eucaryotic ‘A’ type ribosomal protein family

Abstract The expression of ribosomal protein (r-protein) genes is uniquely regulated at the translational level during early development of Drosophila. Here we report results of a detailed analysis of the r-protein rpA1 gene. A cloned DNA sequence coding for rpA1 has been identified by hybrid-selected translation and amino acid composition analysis. The rpA1 gene was localized to polytene chromosome band 53CD. The nucleotide sequence of the rpA1 gene and its cDNA have been determined. rpA1 is a single copy gene and sequence comparison between the gene and its cDNA indicates that this r-protein gene is intronless. Allelic restriction site polymorphisms outside of the gene were observed, while the coding sequence is well conserved between two Drosophila strains. The protein has unusual domains rich in Ala and charged residues. The rpA1 is homologous to the "A" family of eucaryotic acidic r-proteins which are known to play a key role in the initiation and elongation steps of protein synthesis.
The self-perceived survival ability and reproductive fitness (SPFit) theory of substance use disorders.

A new theory of substance use disorders is proposed-the SPFit theory-that is based on evolutionary biology and adaptive systems. Self-perceived survival ability and reproductive fitness (SPFit) is proposed as a human psychobiological construct that prioritizes and organizes (i.e. motivates) behavior, but is highly vulnerable to temporary, artificial activation by drugs of abuse. Autoshaping/sign-tracking/feature positive phenomena are proposed to underlie the development of craving and expectations about drugs as the individual learns that abused drugs will easily and reliably inflate SPFit. The cortico-mesolimbic dopamine system and its modulating interconnections are viewed as the biological substrate of SPFit; it is proposed to be a survival and reproductive motivation system rather than a reward center or reward pathway. Finally, the concept of modularity of mind is applied to the SPFit construct. Although considerable empirical data are consistent with the theory, new research is needed to test specific hypotheses derived from SPFit theory.
Nutrition and late-life depression: etiological considerations

Depression is a debilitating mental disorder that frequently occurs in older adults, especially in those with vascular diseases. Nutritional factors have the potential to decrease the occurrence of late-life depression but have not been adequately studied. Low folate levels, disturbed omega-3 fatty acid metabolism and obesity have been associated with depression, and may be causal factors. Longitudinal studies are urgently needed in order to examine the potential of dietary factors to prevent late-life depression.
Soil moisture content estimation using ground-penetrating radar reflection data

Abstract Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) reflection travel time data were used to estimate changes in soil water content under a range of soil saturation conditions throughout the growing season at a California winery. Data were collected during three data acquisition campaigns over an 80 by 180 m area using 100 MHz surface GPR antennas. GPR reflections were associated with a thin, low permeability clay layer located 0.8–1.3 m below the ground surface that was identified from borehole information and mapped across the study area. Field infiltration tests and neutron probe logs suggest that the thin clay layer inhibited vertical water flow, and was coincident with high volumetric water content (VWC) values. The GPR reflection two-way travel time and the depth of the reflector at the borehole locations were used to calculate an average dielectric constant for soils above the reflector. A site-specific relationship between the dielectric constant and VWC was then used to estimate the depth-averaged VWC of the soils above the reflector. Compared to average VWC measurements from calibrated neutron probe logs over the same depth interval, the average VWC estimates obtained from GPR reflections had an RMS error of 0.018 m3 m−3. These results suggested that the two-way travel time to a GPR reflection associated with a geological surface could be used under natural conditions to obtain estimates of average water content when borehole control is available and the reflection strength is sufficient. The GPR reflection method therefore, has potential for monitoring soil water content over large areas and under variable hydrological conditions.
Complex Structure of Engineered Modular Domains Defining Molecular Interaction between ICAM-1 and Integrin LFA-1

Intermolecular contacts between integrin LFA-1 (αLβ2) and ICAM-1 derive solely from the integrin αL I domain and the first domain (D1) of ICAM-1. This study presents a crystal structure of the engineered complex of the αL I domain and ICAM-1 D1. Previously, we engineered the I domain for high affinity by point mutations that were identified by a directed evolution approach. In order to examine αL I domain allostery between the C-terminal α7-helix (allosteric site) and the metal-ion dependent adhesion site (active site), we have chosen a high affinity variant without mutations directly influencing either the position of the α7-helix or the active sites. In our crystal, the αL I domain was found to have a high affinity conformation to D1 with its α7-helix displaced downward away from the binding interface, recapitulating a current understanding of the allostery in the I domain and its linkage to neighboring domains of integrins in signaling. To enable soluble D1 of ICAM-1 to fold on its own, we also engineered D1 to be functional by mutations, which were found to be those that would convert hydrogen bond networks in the solvent-excluded core into vdW contacts. The backbone structure of the β-sandwich fold and the epitope for I domain binding of the engineered D1 were essentially identical to those of wild-type D1. Most deviations in engineered D1 were found in the loops at the N-terminal region that interacts with human rhinovirus (HRV). Structural deviation found in engineered D1 was overall in agreement with the function of engineered D1 observed previously, i.e., full capacity binding to αL I domain but reduced interaction with HRV.
Functional Analyses of the Three Simian Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 Papain-Like Proteases

The N-terminal region of simian hemorrhagic fever virus (SHFV) nonstructural polyprotein 1a is predicted to encode three papain-like proteases (PLP1α, PLP1β, and PLP1γ). Catalytic residues and cleavage sites for each of the SHFV PLP1s were predicted by alignment of the SHFV PLP1 region sequences with each other as well as with those of other arteriviruses, and the predicted catalytic residues were shown to be proximal by homology modeling of the SHFV nsp1s on porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) nsp1 crystal structures. The functionality of the predicted catalytic Cys residues and cleavage sites was tested by analysis of the autoproteolytic products generated in in vitro transcription/translation reactions done with wild-type or mutant SHFV nsp1 constructs. Cleavage sites were also analyzed by mass spectroscopy analysis of selected immunoprecipitated cleavage products. The data showed that each of the three SHFV PLP1s is an active protease. Cys63 was identified as the catalytic Cys of SHFV PLP1α and is adjacent to an Ala instead of the canonical Tyr observed in other arterivirus PLP1s. SHFV PLP1γ is able to cleave at both downstream and upstream nsp1 junction sites. Although intermediate precursor polyproteins as well as alternative products generated by each of the SHFV PLP1s cleaving at sites within the N-terminal region of nsp1β were produced in the in vitro reactions, Western blotting of SHFV-infected, MA104 cell lysates with SHFV nsp1 protein-specific antibodies detected only the three mature nsp1 proteins. IMPORTANCE SHFV is unique among arteriviruses in having three N-terminal papain-like protease 1 (PLP1) domains. Other arteriviruses encode one or two active PLP1s. This is the first functional study of the SHFV PLP1s. Analysis of the products of in vitro autoprocessing of an N-terminal SHFV nonstructural 1a polypeptide fragment showed that each of the three SHFV PLP1s is active, and the predicted catalytic Cys residues and cleavage sites for each PLP1 were confirmed by testing mutant constructs. Several unique features of the SHFV PLP1s were discovered. The SHFV PLP1α catalytic Cys63 is unique among arterivirus PLP1s in being adjacent to an Ala instead of a Trp. Other arterivirus PLP1s cleave only in cis at a single downstream site, but SHFV PLP1γ can cleave at both the downstream nsp1γ-nsp2 and upstream nsp1β-nsp1γ junctions. The three mature nsp1 proteins were produced both in the in vitro reactions and in infected cells.
Large electrodeless plasmas at atmospheric pressure sustained by a microwave waveguide

A 1.5-kW 2.45-GHz magnetron source has been used to reliably sustain large electrodeless plasmas at atmospheric pressure in a shorted waveguide without a resonator. Working gases have been air, nitrogen, and heated off gases of sulfur containing ores and coal in nitrogen. Various colorful plasmas of value to environmental monitoring and processing applications are generated depending on the composition of the working gas.
Mature and Immature Extracranial Teratomas in Children: The UK Children's Cancer Study Group Experience

Purpose The purpose of this article is to describe the features, treatment, and risk factors for relapse of children with mature teratoma (MT) and immature teratoma (IT) to assist future treatment plans. Patients and Methods Patients were younger than 16 years of age and referred to the UK Children's Cancer Study Group centers with biopsy-proven extracranial MT and IT and no prior chemotherapy. Complete excision, with the coccyx in sacrococcygeal patients, and follow-up, including serum alpha-fetoprotein monitoring for early detection of malignant yolk sac tumor (YST) recurrence, were recommended. Carboplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin (JEB) were given for YST relapse, whereas relapsed MT and IT were treated at clinicians’ discretion, usually surgically. Pathology was reviewed and treatments, outcome, and prognostic features assessed. Results There were 351 patients, 227 with MT, 124 with IT. Tumor sites were: testis (n = 53), ovary (n = 130), sacrococcygeal region (n = 98), thorax (n = 23), and other (n =...
Radiation Exposure of Distributed-Feedback Lasers for Use in Atom Trapping and Atom Interferometry

Semiconductor DFB lasers are compact, efficient, robust light sources suitable for use in laser trapping and cooling and for atom interferometry using alkali atoms. Two commercially available DFB lasers (LD-0852-0150-DFB, Eagleyard Photonics) emitting at 852 nm were subjected to gamma and flash x-ray (FXR) radiation, to a total dose of 200 krad (in two exposures) and a prompt dose of 1.2 krad per shot, respectively. We measured frequency shifts and output power before, during and after exposures with the lasers tuned to the Cs D2 resonance. Radiation induced frequency excursions were smaller than the Doppler broadened linewidth. Radiation induced output power losses were negligible in flash x-ray and 1.8 dB after each of the two 100 krad gamma exposures. These results demonstrate that spectroscopy-grade DFB lasers can survive and function in very adverse radiation environments, making possible the radiation-hard implementation of cold atom based clocks and atom interferometer inertial sensors.
New research on public deliberation and information technology

This is a proposal for a panel to examine new research programs into the uses of information technology (IT) tools in combination with public deliberation for improving public input into government at all levels. A better public input process is needed to address intractable national policy issues and local "wicked" planning problems. Both proponents of IT and of deliberation contend that their approaches can promote changes in public input that would be beneficial for addressing such difficult issues. These changes include educating and motivating the public, improving the synthesis and coordination of public views on an issue, and conferring greater legitimacy to policy decisions. Several new research efforts are broaching the possibility that IT and deliberation approaches can be especially helpful in combination. This panel will explore the research questions, methodologies, research experiences, and findings of these valuable efforts. The panel seeks to cross-fertilize the diverse approaches in this area, raise audience awareness of and interest in this domain of research, and disseminate knowledge of pitfalls in this area of research.