cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opposing influences on behavior mediated by muscarinic and nicotinic receptors in the rat posterior hypothalamic nucleus.

Microinjection of carbachol into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus (PHN) of freely moving rats evoked marked behavioral changes characterized by an escape reaction. This response was quantitated by measuring locomotor activity. In contrast, cholinergic stimulation of the PHN with neostigmine produced sedation and inactivity. Local pretreatment with the nicotinic receptor blocking agent mecamylamine blocked the excitatory effects of carbochol while the muscarinic antagonist atropine abolished the inhibitory effect of neostigmine on motor activity. It is concluded that behavioral changes evoked through cholinergic stimulation of the PHN may be mediated by a muscarinic system which controls sedation and a nicotinic pathway which mediates arousal.
Effects of Plot Vegetation Diversity and Spatial Scale on Coccinella Septempunctata Movement in the Absence of Prey

The influence that vegetation diversity and the spatial scale of that diversity exert on insect behavior has increasingly been explored in the ecological literature, but relatively few experiments have explicitly incorporated both factors in experimental treatments. We conducted a field study designed to explore the effect of both of these factors on insect movement behavior in a broccoli agroecosystem. We caught and released seven-spotted ladybird beetles (Coccinella septempunctata L.) in plots containing different degrees of vegetation diversity at two different spatial scales in which prey had been removed. Beetle movement was recorded at timed intervals, and move lengths and turning angles were used to generate discrete path maps for each beetle. Observed mean beetle net squared displacements were compared with predicted net squared displacements, and 95% confidence intervals were generated using a bootstrap method described by Turchin (1998) [Quantitative Analysis of Movement: Measuring and Modeling Population Redistribution in Animals and Plants. Sinauer Associates Inc., Sunderland, MA.]. Predicted net squared displacements underestimated beetle movement in smaller plots with both low and higher vegetation diversity for the first five move lengths, whereas no significant difference between observed and predicted net squared displacement for beetles in larger plots of either level of vegetation diversity were detected. These findings highlight the need for a better understanding of how natural enemies are influenced by vegetation diversity and the spatial scale of that vegetation in agroecosystems. The implications of these results for biological control are discussed.
Multidimensional Lagrange problems of optimization in a fixed domain and an application to a problem of magnetohydrodynamics

In previous papers [3-5] we have given existence theorems for solutions in Sobolev spaces of multidimensional Lagrange problems of optimization in a fixed domain, bounded or unbounded. In the present paper we shall apply the previous results to the case where the partial differential equations are written in canonic form. The canonic form which we take into consideration is the one proposed by RASHEVSKY in his book [9, pp. 323 324]. THOMAS & TITT [10] consider essentially the same form though this form is not written explicitly. ILaSHEVSKY has pointed out the generality of the proposed form. In [6-8] LURm discusses necessary conditions for Lagrange problems of optimization with partial differential equations in canonic form. In particular, in [7, 8] LumE discusses necessary conditions for an optimal solution in a two dimensional problem of magnetohydrodynamic channel flow, though with no previous existence analysis. In the present paper we shall show that our existence theorems yield the existence of an optimal weak solution for LURIE'S problem of magnetohydrodynamics. This optimal solution, of which we prove the existence, is weaker, however, than those considered by LURIE, namely it is a weak solution in the sense of Gamkrelidze with state functions belonging to a Sobolev space W21.
Scaling snowdrift development rate

For successful snowdrift modelling, measured drift shapes should be geometrically similar to full-scale shapes and develop at rates that scale in a known manner. Consensus exists on most modelling methods and the similitude requirements needed to meet these objectives. A notable exception is the manner to scale drift development rates. A rationale is presented for rate scaling based on an independent model and prototype mass transport measurements. This approach is validated by comparing the rate of drift development for a model Wyoming snow fence with corresponding field data. This method yields excellent agreement, whereas the alternatives differ substantially.
Effects of training intensity on observers' ratings of anxiety, social skills, and alcohol-specific coping skills.

Abstract Few studies have addressed the amount of training needed to obtain reliable ratings in behavioral observation data. The current study examined the effects of differing intensities of frame-of-reference (FOR) rater training on observers’ ratings of anxiety, social skills, and alcohol-specific coping skills in community volunteers with and without social anxiety and alcohol use disorders. Interrater reliability was assessed by comparing three training conditions (no-training, moderate FOR, and intensive FOR) on discrepancies between raters’scores and the strength of association between raters’scoring patterns. The discrepancies between raters’ scores were significantly larger in the control condition than in the intensive and moderate training conditions. Generally, small and nonsignificant differences were found between intensive and moderate training's discrepancy scores. Strength of association results showed significantly lower correlations in the control group compared to the intensive group. However, these correlational results showed less consistent differences between the moderate and other training conditions; differences when found were in the expected directions. Study findings suggest that differing training intensities can affect rating scores and that interrater reliability may be meaningfully assessed through multiple methods.
Sarcoidosis of the head and neck.

Abstract Head and neck involvement occurs in approximately 9% of all sarcoid patients; of these patients, many will initially present with symptoms related to this region. 1 In the following pages, head and neck manifestations of sarcoidosis are reviewed. Involvement of the auditory system, nose, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, larynx, pharynx, salivary glands, and cervical lymph nodes is discussed. Ocular involvement is not included as it is reviewed in chapter 14.
Influence of charge carrier injection on the device performance of blue organic light-emitting diodes

Multilayer organic light-emitting diodes with a well-defined emission region are ideal systems to investigate the underlying mechanisms of device operation. In this paper we give a brief overview of our studies on the injection and recombination processes in blue organic light-emitting diodes. Our diodes consist of copper phthalocyanine as the hole- injection/buffer layer, the aromatic diamine N,N'- di(naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N'-diphenyl-benzidine as the hole- transport layer, a distyrylarylene derivative as the emitting layer, tris(8-hydroxy-quinoline)aluminum as the electron- injection/transport layer sandwiched between indium tin oxide (ITO) as the transparent hole injector, and low work-function metals as the electron-injecting electrode. To reveal the limiting mechanisms in device operation we investigated the influence of different anode (ITO, optimized ITO) and cathode materials (Mg:Ag, Ca, LiF/Mg:Ag) as well as different layer thicknesses on the device characteristics. These investigations revealed that the device characteristics in the low and medium voltage range are determined by the injection properties of the electrodes, whereas at higher voltages (i.e. at higher current densities) a transition from an electrode- limited injection to a bulk-limited conduction process is detectable.
Regional distribution of 137Cs in rats forced to swim in warm and cold water

Abstract 1. 1. The fractional distribution of 137Cs was determined in rats forced to swim in warm (37°C) and cold (22°C) water. 2. 2. This was done in order to determine the possible effect of changes in muscle blood flow on the gastrocnemius muscle to arterial blood lactate diffetence previously observed in the cold water swimming rat. 3. 3. The results indicated that the muscle blood flow was similarly elevated in both 22 and 37°C rats at the time when there was a large difference between muscle and blood lactate only if the 22°C swims. 4. 4. Therefore, the greater differene in lactate concentration between gastronemius muscle and arterial blood observed in cold water swimming rats, cannot be accounted for by low muscle blood flow.
Annealing of GaAs Solar Cells Damaged by Electron Irradiation

Measurements of thermal annealing of GaAlAs/GaAs solar cells damaged by 1 MeV electron irradiation are reported, and the magnitude of the short-circuit current recovery is discussed. The damaged cells are annealed in a vacuum at 200 C. A cell irradiated at 10 to the 13th power electrons per sq cm recovers all its lost short-circuit current after 15 hours of annealing. Possible application of the annealing process to solar cells in space is also considered.
Model to Estimate Effective Doses of Adsorbed Pollutants on Respirable Particles and their Subsequent Release into Alveolar Surfactant. 1. Validation of the Model for the Adsorption and Release of Formaldehyde on a Respirable Carbon Black

AbstractThis report presents a thermodynamic model based upon measurable physicochemical properties of particle and pollutant molecules and their interactions. This model may be used to predict the distribution of volatile pollutants between gas phase and respirable particles in order to estimate the dose of sorbed pollutants for inhalation studies. Experimental validation of the model has been performed using a nose-only exposure system that has been designed and constructed for the generation and coexposure of mice to an oil furnace carbon black and formaldehyde. The model predicts that an insignificant amount of formaldehyde is carried to the distal lung on the surface of this carbon black and that any formaldehyde that is carried on the particle will be released immediately into the alveolar surfactant.
Radioactivity from Carbon and Boron Oxide Bombarded with Deutons and the Conversion of Positrons into Radiation

In a note to Science we announced that we had observed radioactivity from certain light elements after they had been bombarded with deutons of 0.9 x 10^(6) e.v. energy, and, in particular, that we had been able to verify the prediction of Curie-Joliot and Joliot,(1) that carbon bombarded with deutons should yield the same radioactive end product as they obtained by bombarding boron with α-particles.
Phase Transitions and Generalized Motion by Mean Curvature

We study the limiting behavior of solutions to appropriately rescaled versions of the Allen-Cahn equation, a simplified model for dynamic phase transitions. We rigorously establish the existence in the limit of a phase-antiphase interface evolving according to mean curvature motion. This assertion is valid for all positive time, the motion interpreted in the generalized sense of Evans-Spruck and Chen-Giga-Goto after the onset of geometric singularities.
Information theory-based band selection for multispectral systems

This paper describes a methodology we have developed for wavelength band selection. This methodology combines an information theory-based criterion for selection with a genetic algorithm for searching for a near-optimal solution. We have applied this methodology to 302 material spectra in the Nonconventional Exploitation Factors database to determine the band locations for 7, 15, 30, and 60-band sets that permit the best material separation. These optical band sets wee also evaluated in terms of their utility related to anomaly/target detect in using multiband images generated from a hyperspectral digital imagery collection experiment image cube. The optimal band locations and their corresponding entropies are given in this paper. Also presented are the anomaly/target detection results obtained from using these optimal band sets.
Leading by Following: An Analysis of How K-12 School Leaders Use Twitter.

This study analyzed how active Twitter users who are also school leaders used the tool. The researchers collaboratively identified K-12 school leaders who were active on Twitter and then collected ...
Legal and primary-group social controls

The ultrasociality of human beings, unlike that of the social insects, is beset by competition among social co-operators. Four social mechanisms to deal with this problem are discussed: mutual monitoring, internalized restraint, legal control and market mechanisms. Each is investigated in sociobiological perspective.
Interrelationships among fluency producing variables in stuttered speech.

This report presents a limited theory (Auditory Interference Theory) which integrates data on fluency producing variables in terms of modified temporal aspects of auditory feedback in stuttered spe...
Reduction of 1,2-diaroyl-1,2-diazetidines by lithium aluminum hydride

Reaction of a series of four-membered ring hydrazides (1,2-diaroyl-1,2-diazetidines) with lithium aluminum hydride at 80° results in reductive saturation of both carbonyl groups affording 1,2-diaryl-1,2-diazetidines in modest yield. Reactions at 22° result in reductive fragmentation at one carbonyl moiety, producing a monoaroyl-1,2-diazetidine as the exclusive product. A mechanism similar to that postulated for the temperature-dependent reduction of amides by lithium aluminum hydride is proposed for the reduction of these 1,2-diazetidines.
Serum Levels of Tetracycline During Treatment With Tetracycline‐Containing Fibers

Four adult patients with at least 8 teeth that had attachment loss of 5 to 10 mm which bled on probing were included in this study. Polymeric tetracycline (TCN) containing fibers were placed and left in the pockets for a period of 10 days. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, 1 hour, 3 hours, 3 days, and 10 days after fiber placement. The mean length of fiber used averaged 187 cm with a range of 160 to 222 cm. The maximum TCN dose per patient averaged 105 mg with a range of 91 to 126 mg producing no detectable serum level greater than 0.1 micrograms/ml. This level was found in 3 of the 4 subjects at 3 hours after fiber placement and in 1 subject at 3 days after fiber placement. Transient and insignificant levels of TCN became available systemically shortly after the placement of multiple fibers. The dose of TCN in each patient was well tolerated and was not associated with any serious adverse effects.
Sports injuries to the genitourinary tract.

Abstract Injuries to the genitourinary tract in sports are rare. The kidney is more frequently involved than the bladder or genitalia. Hematuria is not at all uncommon. Careful observation and conservative management is all that is usually necessary. Surgical intervention becomes necessary on very rare occasions. Strangely enough, hematuria is less common in contact sports than in track, swimming and similar activities.
A large complex containing Patched and Smoothened initiates Hedgehog signaling in Drosophila

Hedgehog acts as an organizer during development. Its signaling involves the receptor Patched, signal transducer Smoothened and a cytoplasmic complex containing the transcription factor Cubitus interruptus tethered to the Smoothened carboxyl tail. Without Hedgehog, Patched represses Smoothened resulting in proteolysis of Cubitus interruptus to its repressor form. With Hedgehog, Patched repression of Smoothened is relieved and Cubitus interruptus is activated. Sex-lethal, the master switch for sex determination in Drosophila, has been shown to associate with Cubitus interruptus and the cytoplasmic components of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Additionally, Sex-lethal responds to the presence of Hedgehog in a Patched-dependent manner. The latter prompted us to examine the role of Patched in signaling. We find that Cubitus interruptus, Sex-lethal, Patched and Smoothened co-immunoprecipitate and co-fractionate, suggesting a large complex of both membrane and cytoplasmic components of the Hedgehog pathway. The entire complex is present at the plasma membrane and the association of Patched changes depending on the activation state of the pathway; it also is not female specific. Colocalization analyses suggest that Sex-lethal alters the endocytic cycling of the Hedgehog components and may augment the Hedgehog signal in females by decreasing the proteolytic cleavage of Cubitus interruptus, availing more of it for activation.
Effect of Stewing on Purine Content of Broiler Tissues

The purine content of raw and stewed broiler tissues was evaluated. Stewed breast had slightly more adenine and stewed thigh had slightly more guanine than their raw counterparts. The analyses indicated that all of the purines were considerably higher in cooked skin than in raw skin. This obsrevation seems to be the result of extraction of other nitrogenous components (possibly collagen) from the skin. Hypoxanthine was the only purine which was studied that was extracted from the tissues in large amounts.
Review of studies of the impact on Gram-negative bacterial resistance on outcomes in the intensive care unit.

Objective:To review studies addressing mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost of resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections in the intensive care unit (ICU).Data Sources and Study Selection:A qualitative review of published studies identified through PubMed search was performed. Study exclusion
Fiberoptic Delivery of Laser Energy to Remove Occlusions from Ventricular Shunts: Technical Report

OBJECTIVES Shunts frequently require surgical replacement because occlusions block the ventricular tubing. We have examined the hypothesis that a surgical laser coupled to an optical fiber can deliver sufficient energy to disrupt the occlusion in situ and thus afford a less invasive method of repair. METHODS Choroid plexus tissue found in shunts explanted from patients, model tissues such as polyacrylamide gel, and animal tissues inserted into shunts were examined. Occlusions were fragmented by pulsed laser energy of 2.09-microm wavelength and 300-microsecond duration delivered via a flexible optical fiber several meters in length. The methods and conditions were similar to those likely to be used for preclinical in vivo studies. RESULTS Short-lived vapor bubbles generated at the fiber tip disrupted occlusions within the shunt and expelled tissue blocking the inflow holes. Energy requirements to disrupt and remove occlusions in vitro were determined. Laser pulse energies and exposure thresholds that cause intentional damage to shunts also were determined. CONCLUSION Laser energies needed to disrupt occlusions were below the energy needed to damage the shunt components. Our results show that a strategy using surgical lasers and optical fibers is feasible and suggest that the procedure could be used to repair blocked shunts without requiring surgical replacement.
Application of the Open Software Foundation (OSF)distributed computing environment to global PACS

In this paper, we present our approach to developing Global Picture Archiving and Communication System (GPACS) applications using the Open Software Foundation (OSF) Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) services and toolkits. The OSF DCE services include remote procedure calls, naming service, threads service, time service, file management services, and security service. Several OSF DCE toolkits are currently available from computer and software vendors. Designing distributed Global PACS applications using the OSF DCE approach will feature an open architecture, heterogeneity, and technology independence for GPACS remote consultation and diagnosis applications, including synchronized image annotation, and system privacy and security. The applications can communicate through various transport services and communications networks in a Global PACS environment. The use of OSF DCE services for Global PACS will enable us to develop a robust distributed structure and new user services which feature reliability and scalability for Global PACS environments.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sequential negative binomial problems and statistical ecology: A selected review with new directions

Abstract Count data is abundant in entomology, more broadly, in statistical ecology. In 1949, Frank Anscombe pioneered the role of negative binomial (NB) modeling while working with insect count data. Since then, the spectrum of available research methods has grown immensely in more than past sixty years in involving count data modeled by a NB distribution. NB distribution also finds extensive use in agriculture, insect infestation, soil and weed science, etc. In this paper we have used a real dataset on potato beetle infestation (Beall, 1939) to illustrate smooth data collection under various sequential inferential procedures to draw important and practical conclusions. We begin by selectively reviewing a majority of influential research methods for a number of formulations and their executions in the context of fixed-sample-size inferential procedures (Section 2 ). Subsequently, we elaborate on purely sequential and two-stage sampling methodologies for data collection (Sections 3 Sequential inferential problems: tests of hypotheses , 4 Sequential inferential problems: estimation ). In Section 5 , we summarize some major results with their interpretations including large-sample first- and second-order properties as appropriate. The illustrations of all the sequential inferential procedures on the real dataset gives interesting insights (Section 6 ). We also propose a number of selected directions for future research of substantial nature (Section 7 ). Finally, our own R codes are provided in the Appendix .
Interconnection between IP Networks and Wireless Sensor Networks

With applications ranging from environmental and health monitoring to military surveillance and inventory tracking, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are changing the way we collect and use data and will be a major part of our technological future. The decreased manufacturing cost of these small devices has made it reasonable to deploy many sensor nodes—tens to thousands and more—over large and small indoor and outdoor areas for sensing tasks. With this increase in density data-gathering problems come. It would be useful if an IP-based host could collect information from multiple remote data-centric networks via transparent communication among sensor nodes and IP-based hosts, using a common application programming interface (API). Two APIs are presented for efficiently producing data in WSN and retrieving the data from an IP network. An associated WSN middleware layer called dynamic service is used to effectively interconnect these two APIs. These three components work together in harmony to enable IP-based hosts to gather sensed data from one or more remote WSNs through application-layer gateways which provide seamless interconnection between different remote WSNs and the IP network.
Therapeutic abortion--Quo Vadimus.

A literature review dealing with therapeutic abortion in psychiatric patients indicates that benefits of therapeutic abortion for psychiatric patients will occur on only a chance basis. Even when the principal psychiatric indication for abortion was threatened suicide several studies have documented the absence of suicide among obstetrical patients even those whose application for abortion was denied. Of 479 women studied in Sweden in the early postabortion period and 2 1/2-3 years later only 42% were considered normal personalities but only 1% had work impairment. These women had severe neurotic manifestations before the abortion as well. Several reports indicate that the women for whom legal abortion can best be justified from a psychiatric standpoint have the greatest risk of mental illness during the postabortion period. One area which has been inadequately studied to date are the psychological characteristics of women having therapeutic abortion. Another area in need of review is the problem of recurring pregnancy and abortion. It is concluded that the prospect of more liberalized abortion laws with the possibility of ultimately becoming termination on demand will solve the problem of illegal abortion but is likely to provide more rather than fewer problems for psychiatrists.
SU-FF-T-270: Improving Simulation Efficiency of MLCs for Monte Carlo Based Dose Calculation of IMRT

Purpose:Dose accuracy of Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) may critically depend on how MLCs are modeled for IMRT, however computation time increases significantly with the complexity of the MLC modeling. The purpose of this work are to determine (1) whether detailed modeling of complex leaf geometry is needed for clinical applications of MCS in IMRT; (2) whether simulation efficiency can be improved with simplified models of the MLC without sacrificing dose accuracy of MCS. Method and Materials:We studied leaf modeling for Varian 120-leaf MLCs with very sophisticated leaf design. The full MLC model used in MCS included rounded leaf end, and all details of tongue-groove design and leaf tips. In the simplified version, the rounded leaf end and leaf divergence were preserved; however, the leaves were approximated by rectangular regions with straight edges and no tongue-groove. The parameters for the simplified model (leaf density, leaf geometry, leaf gaps) were determined by measured transmission ratios and intensity maps. Intensity distributions and doses in water phantom and Rando phantoms for various testing leaf sequences and actual patient treatments were compared between the full and simplified leaf models. Results: It was possible to fine tune leaf geometry and air gaps in the simplified MLC model to match the measured transmission ratios. However with the simplified models, it was more challenging to match intensity maps with significant tongue-groove effects. Applying the simplified model along with appropriate variance reduction techniques (Ecut: from 0.7 to 5 MeV, Russian Roulette) could improve simulation efficiency by a factor of 17. The agreement between the full and simplified models for actual patient fields was clinically acceptable. Conclusion: Composite dose in patient fields delivered through multiple IMRT beams may not be sensitive to the detailed tongue-groove design of the MLCs. Varian reduction techniques are important for IMRT to improve simulation efficiency.
Formation of diamond films from low pressure radio frequency induction discharges

Abstract Diamond films have been deposited in a low pressure, radio frequency (r.f.) induction plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition system. The r.f.-induction system confines the plasma at the low pressures of operation 0.010–10.00 Torr to permit efficient dissociation of the reactant gases. A variety of chemical systems have been used to deposit diamond, including traditional H 2 -CH 4 discharges containing 0.5–2.0% CH 4 ; H 2 -CF 4 discharges containing 4–16% CF 4 , and water vapor discharges containing high concentrations of alcohol and/or acetic acid vapors. No molecular hydrogen is admitted to the growth chamber for the water-based processes. The water vapor becomes the functional equivalent of the molecular hydrogen used in more traditional H 2 -CH 4 discharges. The success of the low pressure r.f.-induction plasma for diamond growth from the wide variety of chemical systems is predicated on the generation of a high electron density plasma. Parent gaseous molecules are converted into appropriate high temperature stable products such as H, H 2 , CO, and C 2 H 2 as they traverse the plasma. Quadrupole mass spectroscopy has been used to study the conversion of the water-alcohol vapors to H 2 , CO, and C 2 H 2 as they pass through the r.f. plasma, 99% of the CH 4 O is converted into H 2 , H 2 O, and C 2 H 2 . These studies show plasma conversion of H 2 O into molecular H 2 . The excess oxygen is rapidly converted into CO through interactions of the O, presumably with solid carbon sources. Optical emission from both the water-based discharges and the molecular hydrogen-based discharges shows the propensity for atomic hydrogen generation from these low pressure r.f.-induction discharges.
NATURAL CONVECTION FROM A HORIZONTAL CYLINDER AT MODERATE GRASHOF NUMBERS

Abstract : At moderate Grashof numbers, significant departures from the predictions of boundary-layer analysis are found in the flow and heat transfer from a heated horizontal cylinder. The departures can be analyzed if the full Navier-Stokes equations are used in the formulation of the problem. A set of solutions is presented for the basic pair of simultaneous differential equations for natural convection on a horizontal cylinder for a Prandtl number of 0.72. The solution is compared with experiments for a Grashof number of about 1000, and found to be in good agreement. (Author)
A Functional Role for Histidyl Residues of the UDP-Glucuronic Acid Carrier in Rat Liver Endoplasmic Reticulum Membranes†

Previous studies have documented the presence of protein-mediated transport of UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcUA) in rat liver endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To determine the crucial amino acids of the membrane transporter and evaluate their function in regulating the glucuronidation reaction, we examined the effect of histidyl-specific irreversible inhibitors on the uptake of radiolabeled UDP-GlcUA in rat liver ER. Inactivation of uptake (initial rate) was more pronounced with hydrophobic reagents [diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC), p-bromophenacyl bromide] as compared to the more hydrophilic reagent (p-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid methyl ester). DEPC was used to further characterize the inhibition because of its greater specificity for protein histidyl residues. While initial [14C]UDP-GlcUA uptake rates were diminished by DEPC treatment of intact microsomes, the accumulation of isotope at equilibrium was not significantly affected, indicating no loss of vesicle integrity. A pKa of approximately 7 for the modified residue(s) of the transporter supported the alkylation of imidazole moieties. Protection against inactivation was observed with UDP-GlcUA as well as other nucleotide-sugars known for their interaction with this transporter. Uptake activity of the transporter (Vmax) but not UDP-GlcUA binding (Km) was affected by a limited inactivation. Furthermore, a partial inactivation of the transporter impaired the binding of the photoaffinity label [beta-32P]5-azido-UDP-GlcUA to UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in intact, but not in detergent-disrupted, ER vesicles. These results demonstrate the involvement of histidyl residue(s) in the UDP-GlcUA uptake process in rat liver ER, provide additional evidence for the lumenal orientation of the UGT active site, and support the view that translocation of the UGT cosubstrate is a rate-limiting step of the glucuronidation reaction.
IL-4 synthesis by in vivo-primed memory CD4+ T cells: II. Presence of IL-4 is not required for IL-4 synthesis in primed CD4+ T cells.

Previous studies have shown that the presence of IL-4 is required for the development of IL-4 synthesis in naive CD4+ T cells. The purpose of our current studies was to investigate the role of IL-4 in the development of IL-4 synthesis in primed memory T cells. We therefore examined CD4+ T cells taken from lymph nodes of BALB/c mice immunized with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and restimulatedin vitro with KLH. Our results with such primed resting CD4+ T cells programmed to produce IL-4 indicated that the production of IL-4 did not require the presence of IL-4 (although the presence of IL-2 was absolutely necessary), and was only slightly limited by the presence of anti-IL-4 MAb. These results with resting memory T cells were not biased by the presence of activated T cells already producing substantial quantities of IL-4, since we demonstrated that high-density memory T cells could produce IL-4 in the absence of IL-4, and because T cells that actively produce IL-4 do not persistin vivo very long after antigen exposure. These results indicate that IL-4 synthesis in T cells committed to IL-4 production can indeed occur in the absence of IL-4 when culture conditions have been optimized and suggest that therapies with anti-IL-4 MAb or with soluble IL-4 receptors designed to control the development of IL-4 synthesis in memory T cells from individuals exhibiting excessive IL-4 synthesis will be unsuccessful. Therefore, other therapies, for example, utilizing IL-12, will be required to modulate the relatively fixed programs in memory T cells that direct the development of cytokine synthesis.
Design innovation through constraint modeling

In this paper we describe how constraint modeling can support design innovation. Furthermore, we lay out how constraints are employed in the construction and exploration of a model's design space. We place the approach within the context of design exploration using computational and conceptual representations of design. A review of the literature reveals that geometric, topologic, functional, and quantitative constraints are those most commonly used. For each constraint type, an example is presented drawing from several workshops and research conducted by the author. The examples range from product design, to structural design, to fabrication issues in freeform geometry. Based on the case studies, we describe how the different types of constraints can be used as design drivers and help in the exploration of solution spaces. In conclusion, we identify the need for bidirectional exercising of constraints as the next challenge in design exploration and discuss how it is relevant in particular for cross domai...
All-weather ground sensor system with possible law enforcement applications

The Internetted Unattended Ground Sensor system being developed for DARPA is a distributed ground sensor system intended for autonomous surveillance activities, consisting of a multitude of sensor types, giving it all-weather detection, tracking, and classification capabilities. In addition to its military applications, it would seem to have potential law enforcement uses as well, such as border surveillance and facility monitoring. This paper provides a description of this system so that law enforcement agencies can determine whether it might help solve certain surveillance problems.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Least squares identification with stopping

A stopping-time problem for least-squares identification is studied. The stopping rule is so determined that the recursive online algorithm is terminated if the iterates are inside an ellipsoidal confidence region with small volume, and with limited confidence coefficient close to one. A limit theorem is obtained for the stopped process by means of the weak convergence approach. >
Development of chemistry-based tools for wildlife damage management

John J. Johnston from USDA/APHIS/WS/National Wildlife Research Center at Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, discusses chemistry-based tools for the management of pest wildlife including toxicants, infertility agents, attractants and repellents.
Interface in carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum silicon composites: Thermodynamic analysis and experimental verification

Interface in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced aluminium–silicon composites are studied via thermodynamic and kinetic analysis. A pseudo-phase diagram has been generated based on the thermodynamic calculations to predict the type of carbide (Al4C3 or SiC) that would form at the matrix–CNT interface as a function of matrix composition and processing temperature. The pseudo-phase diagram is useful in high temperature processes like thermal spray forming. Critical thickness values for carbide nucleation suggest the formation of Al4C3 with Al–11.6 wt.% Si alloy and SiC with Al–23 wt.% Si alloy. Thermodynamic calculations show that the amount of Al4C3 increases with an increase in the CNT content. The computed results perfectly agree with the results obtained by XRD, SEM of fracture surface and highresolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations on Al–11.6 wt.% Si and Al–23 wt.% Si alloy reinforced with CNT. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Proximate Mechanisms of Parasite Egg Rejection by Northern Mockingbirds

Abstract Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) are known to reject parasitic eggs at an intermediate rate. However, proximate mechanisms of rejection remain unexplored. Our objectives were to examine the rejection behavior of Northern Mockingbirds in northeast Louisiana, explore if nesting date or egg color of parasitic eggs influence the rate that Northern Mockingbirds reject Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) eggs, and compare results to those of previous studies. Northern Mockingbirds rejected 68% of artificial eggs. Early nesting individuals rejected 50% of the model eggs and late nesters rejected 82%. Early nesting Northern Mockingbirds rejected 72% of light eggs compared to 27% of dark eggs. Color of the parasitic egg and date of parasitism may influence rejection rates of Northern Mockingbirds.
Thick-skinned overstep tectonics in the Jurassic Winnemucca fold-and-thrust belt, north-central Nevada, USA: Evidence from the Sonoma Range

The Jurassic Winnemucca fold-and-thrust belt is characterized by westward transport of lower Paleozoic to Upper Triassic rocks over upper Triassic shelf rocks. In the Sonoma Range, autochthonous Upper Triassic rocks are exposed in two windows through the Jurassic allochthon. Fabric elements from the Triassic rocks indicate that the Winnemucca thrust system developed in strict overstep fashion (structurally higher thrusts are younger), whereas most fold-and-thrust belts are interpreted as piggy-back systems (structurally lower thrusts are younger). Being a strict overstep system, the Winnemucca thrust system is apparently without analogue. It is likely that the most significant factor leading to overstep tectonics in the thrust belt is basement involvement.
Coreference Resolution with Reconcile

Despite the existence of several noun phrase coreference resolution data sets as well as several formal evaluations on the task, it remains frustratingly difficult to compare results across different coreference resolution systems. This is due to the high cost of implementing a complete end-to-end coreference resolution system, which often forces researchers to substitute available gold-standard information in lieu of implementing a module that would compute that information. Unfortunately, this leads to inconsistent and often unrealistic evaluation scenarios. With the aim to facilitate consistent and realistic experimental evaluations in coreference resolution, we present Reconcile, an infrastructure for the development of learning-based noun phrase (NP) coreference resolution systems. Reconcile is designed to facilitate the rapid creation of coreference resolution systems, easy implementation of new feature sets and approaches to coreference resolution, and empirical evaluation of coreference resolvers across a variety of benchmark data sets and standard scoring metrics. We describe Reconcile and present experimental results showing that Reconcile can be used to create a coreference resolver that achieves performance comparable to state-of-the-art systems on six benchmark data sets.
Drinking in snakes: resolving a biomechanical puzzle.

Snakes have long been thought to drink with a two-phase buccal-pump mechanism, but observations that some snakes can drink without sealing the margins of their mouths suggest that buccal pumping may not be the only drinking mechanism used by snakes. Here, we report that some snakes appear to drink using sponge-like qualities of specific regions of the oropharyngeal and esophageal mucosa and sponge-compressing functions of certain muscles and bones of the head. The resulting mechanism allows them to transport water upward against the effects of gravity using movements much slower than those of many other vertebrates. To arrive at this model,
The measured equation of invariance-a new concept in field computation

Computations of electromagnetic fields are based either on differential equations or on integral equations. The differential equation approach using finite difference or finite element methods results in sparse matrices, which is an advantage, but has to cover large volumes, which is a disadvantage. The integral equation approach using the method of moments (MOM) limits the mesh to the surface of the object, which is an advantage, but results in full matrices, which is a disadvantage. It is noted that the ideal case would be to reduce the finite difference type equations close to the object surface and still preserve the sparsity of the matrices. The measured equation of invariance is a new concept in field computation capable of approaching this ideal situation. The mathematics and reasonings to reach a novel computational method based on this concept are presented. It is shown that the method is robust for both convex and concave objects, is much faster than the MOM, and uses a fraction of the memory. >
Generalizing the dynamic field theory of the A-not-B error beyond infancy: three-year-olds' delay- and experience-dependent location memory biases.

Thelen and colleagues recently proposed a dynamic field theory (DFT) to capture the general processes that give rise to infants’ performance in the Piagetian A-not-B task. According to this theory, the same general processes should operate in noncanonical A-not-B-type tasks with children older than 12 months. Three predictions of the DFT were tested by examining 3-year-olds’ location memory errors in a task with a homogeneous task space. Children pointed to remembered locations after delays of 0 s to 10 s. The spatial layout of the possible targets and the frequency with which children moved to each target was varied. As predicted by the DFT, children’s responses showed a continuous spatial drift during delays toward a longer term memory of previously moved-to locations. Furthermore, these delay-dependent effects were reduced when children moved to an “A” location on successive trials, and were magnified on the first trial to a nearby “B” location. Thus, the DFT generalized to capture the performance of 3-year-old children in a new task. In contrast to predictions of the DFT, however, 3-year-olds’ responses were also biased toward the midline of the task space—an effect predicted by the category adjustment (CA) model. These data suggest that young children’s spatial memory responses are affected by delay- and experience-dependent processes as well as the geometric structure of the task space. Consequently, two current models of spatial memory—the DFT and the CA model—provide incomplete accounts of children’s location memory abilities.
Implications of Data Restrictions on Performance Measurement and Tests of Rational Pricing

We argue that the previously documented association between ex ante information (e.g. earnings forecasts) and the subsequent, apparently predictable security price performance is exaggerated. The exaggeration stems from non-random deletion of data, especially in highly right-skewed distributions of long-horizon security returns. Our simulations demonstrate that both forecast optimism and negative abnormal returns are induced when "extreme" observations of ex post long-horizon performance are truncated from samples of rationally priced, unbiased earnings forecasts. Our results suggest caution in interpreting the results of the accounting and finance research that examines the predictability of long-horizon performance based on ex ante information.
Targeted therapy for epithelial ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death in women with gynecological malignancies and overall survival for patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains poor. The majority of patients recur after initial treatment. A strategy for improving outcome is to minimise recurrence via targeted therapy in patients after front-line therapy, or more appropriately as consolidation therapy. EOC represents an attractive target because of the biology of the disease and that the bulk of disease occurs in the peritoneal cavity. To initiate targeted therapy, a candidate target must be identified. Innovative approaches via targeted therapy to control metastatic residual EOC are currently under investigation. The targets are molecules and pathways, on which cancer cells depend to proliferate, invade, metastasise and prevent apoptosis. Potential targeted therapies include: proapoptototic therapy, suicide gene therapy, signal transduction, antiangiogenesis, immunotherapy and cytokine therapy. The utilisati...
Both NK Cell–Intrinsic and –Extrinsic STAT1 Signaling Are Required for NK Cell Response against Vaccinia Virus

NK cells play an important role in innate immune control of the infection with vaccinia virus (VV). However, it remains incompletely defined how the activation of NK cells in response to VV is regulated. In this study, we showed that STAT1 was critical for NK cell activation upon VV infection and the subsequent clearance of VV infection in vivo. We further demonstrated that STAT1 signaling in both NK and accessory cells such as dendritic cells was required for efficient NK cell activation upon VV infection. Mechanistically, STAT1 signaling in dendritic cells promoted the expression of NKG2D ligands, which is required for NK cell activation via the NKG2D pathway. Taken together, our data suggest that STAT1 mediates anti-VV effect by promoting NK cell activation through both NK-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms and may provide insights into the design of effective NK cell-based therapies for viral infections.
Review of the New World Genus Venanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae), with a New Key and Descriptions of Three New Reared Neotropical Species

ABSTRACT The New World microgastrine braconid wasp genus Venanus is reviewed, and a new illustrated key to species is provided. Three new species are described and illustrated: Venanus kusikuyllurae Rasmussen & Whitfield, n. sp., reared from the gelechiid pests of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willdenow), Eurysacca quinoae Povolný, and Eurysacca melanocampta (Meyrick) in Peru; Venanus greeneyi Whitfield & Arias-Penna n. sp., reared from pyralid caterpillars feeding on Phenax rugosus (Poir.) and Boehmeria spp. (both Urticaceae) in Ecuador; and Venanus yanayacuensis Arias-Penna & Whitfield, n. sp., reared from pyralid caterpillars feeding on several species of Asteraceae in Ecuador. In addition, the female of Venanus helavai Mason, previously known only from males, is diagnosed and illustrated, and we provide the first known host record for this species: pyralid caterpillars on Myrsine coriacea (Sw.) (Myrsinaceae).
Cool-down of superconducting power transmission lines with single phase helium

Abstract Numerical solutions of the one-dimensional conservation equations of fluid flow are given for the problem of the cool-down of superconducting power transmission cables. By including the continuity and momentum conservation equations, both time dependent and spatially dependent mass flow may be treated. The equations are applied to specific designs in which one stream of helium fills the bore of a cable while a second fills the space between the outside of the cable and an enclosing pipe. Both co-current flow and counter flow are treated with a variety of boundary conditions. Temperature profiles as a function of time, and total cooldown times are given.