cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA Zippers and Regenerative Nano-Gates

The specificity with which DNA hybridizes holds the potential for designing a variety of DNA based diagnostic and therapeutic systems. The creation of synthetic nucleotides has allowed for the development of DNA helices with lower than normal binding interactions. This lower interaction energy has been exploited to separate the strands. We have designed a DNA zipper in which a strand containing synthetic bases is displaced and replaced by a natural strand. The chemical design of the synthetic strand is such that the process of the double-strand separation is energetically self-sufficient and no external energy is required. This simple zipper was then expanded on to create a DNA nano-gate that can be reversibly opened and closed. Both the zipper and the gate were verified by gel electrophoresis and fluorescence measurements. The systems can be tailored to be sensitive to a range of physiologically relevant temperatures. These self sustaining and modifiable nano-DNA Zippers have a wide range of applications from simple actuation and molecular recognition to a vehicle for molecular transport. This work was supported by development funds [RL] from Jacobs School of Engineering UCSD.
Environmental hazards in the child care center

This paper presents research findings regarding the susceptibility of young children to various indoor environmental pollutants including e.g. cigarette smoke, heating and cooking equipment, art su...
Site-Based Research in Acute Heart Failure

The conduct of clinical trials in acute heart failure has arrived at a critical point. Traditional systems used to conduct clinical trials have been described as inefficient, lacking infrastructure, and enormously expensive. In this article, the authors describe an alternative model: the development of a site-based research (SBR) unit, an operating business unit responsible for conducting a portfolio of research projects in a therapeutic area. The SBR is responsible for financial accountability, regulatory compliance, and academic productivity.
A method for distinguishing Cu,Zn- and Mn-containing superoxide dismutases

Abstract A procedure has been developed to distinguish between the two forms of eukaryotic superoxide dismutases using a common activity assay. Treatment of cellular fractions with 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate at 37°C for 30 min selectively inactivates the mitochondrial, manganese-containing variant without affecting the cytosolic copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase. After removing excess sodium dodecyl sulfate by precipitation with potassium chloride, the supernate is assayed using the xanthine oxidase-cytochrome c method.
William Crookes and the quest for absolute vacuum in the 1870s

Summary This essay examines the technical evolution and scientific context of William Crookes's effort to achieve an absolute vacuum in the 1870s. Prior to late 1876, along with interrogation of the radiometer effect, the quest for perfect vacuum was a major motive of his research programme. At this time, no absolutely dependable method existed to determine exactly the pressures at extreme rarefactions. Crookes therefore employed changes in radiometric, viscous and electrical effects with changing pressure in order to monitor the progress of exhaustion. After late 1876, his research priorities shifted because he had reached a plateau of technical accomplishment in the effort to attain extreme vacua, and because observed effects in vacua—particularly electrical—assumed an importance in their own right, and as bases for elucidation and defence of his concept of a ‘fourth state of matter’ at very low pressures.
On the Detection of Differentially Encoded Polyphase Signals

Any digital communication system that employs coherent detection requires coherent reference signals for proper operation. This paper is concerned with the transmission and detection of differentially encoded multiple phase-shift-keyed (MPSK) signals and the ambiguity resolution problem that results from suppression of the transmitted carrier. In particular, the paper presents the analysis and performance of differentially encoded coherent MPSK systems that reconstruct coherent reference signals by means of generalized Costas or N th power loops. The performance of such systems is then compared with that of ideal reception of MPSK signals and differentially coherent detection of differentially encoded MPSK signals. Emphasis is placed upon the special cases of quadriphase and octaphase signaling.
Interaction of 2-deamino- and 2-deamino-2-nitroactinomycin D with calf-thymus DNA and formation of ion-radicals

Abstract 2-Deaminoactinomycin D ( 3a ) and 2-deamino-2-nitroactinomycin D ( 2a ) were prepared in one step from actinomycin D ( 1a , AMD) by reaction with nitrous acid. New DNA-binding (calf-thymus) data obtained by difference uv and CD spectra and Δ Tm were presented. In vitro cell growth inhibitory activity of CCRF-CEM cells was also reported. The 2-deamino analog, 3a , does not bind to DNA strongly nor by intercalation of its chromophore. However, some binding with DNA was indicated by CD which is attributed only to hydrogen bondings of the peptides with the DNA helix; the affinity for binding is in the order 1a ⪢ 2a > 3a . The 2-nitro analog, 2a , is a more potent agent against CCRF-CEM cells than the 2-deaminoactinomycin D, 3a ; the potencies are in the order 1a > 2a ⪢ 3a . Furthermore, the microsomes activate the analogs to free radical states which catalyze the production of superoxide, as indicated by electron paramagnetic resonance studies and oxygen consumption experiments.
Near-Field Measurements of Dielectric Properties of Granular Materials with Microstrip Antennas for Microwave-Sensing Applications

ABSTRACT Feasibility of measurement of the dielectric properties for bulk density and moisture-content determination in cereal grain and oilseed with inexpensive microstrip antennas in the near field is discussed. Results obtained for wheat and soybeans with a pair of single-patch microstrip antennas operating at 5.8 GHz and 24°C are compared to those taken in the far field with a pair of focused-beam horn/lens antennas. The standard errors of calibration calculated for bulk density and moisture-content prediction from measurement of the dielectric properties in the near field are slightly higher than those corresponding to far-field measurements but remain within an acceptable error range.
Intraoperative placing of drains decreases the incidence of lymphocele and deep vein thrombosis after renal transplantation

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of placing a prophylactic drain during renal transplantation on the incidence of lymphocele, wound complication and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in renal transplant recipients induced with sirolimus vs calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), as sirolimus-based immunosuppression is a risk factor for the formation of fluid collections after transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analysed 165 consecutive adult renal transplant patients at our institution between January 2004 and February 2005. Group 1 (84) did not receive an intraoperative drain and group 2 (81) did. Recipients were analysed within each group based on immunosuppression (sirolimus or CNI) and whether they had wound complication, fluid collection, lymphocele treatment, or DVT. RESULTS In group 1 and 2, respectively, the wound complication rate was 22.6% vs 13.6% (P = 0.134), the fluid collection rate 45.2% vs 16.% (P < 0.001), the lymphocele treatment rate 19.0% vs 2.5% (P = 0.001) the DVT rate 14.3% vs 4.9% (P = 0.043) the fluid collection rate (for CNI) 26.5% vs 16.0% (P = 0.246), the lymphocele treatment rate (for CNI) 5.9% vs 0% (P = 0.084), the fluid collection rate (sirolimus) 58.0% vs 16.1% (P < 0.001) and lymphocele treatment rate (sirolimus) 28% vs 6.5% (P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis of risk factors for fluid collection showed significance for no drain (odds ratio 3.30, P = 0.002), associated wound complication (2.41, P = 0.041) and sirolimus (2.48, P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Placing a drain during transplantation decreased the incidence of fluid collection, lymphocele treatment and DVT. The reduction of fluid collection and lymphocele were significant for patients treated with sirolimus. We recommend placing a drain in patients undergoing induction with sirolimus-based immunosuppression.
Gender-Specific Input-Output Analysis

The traditional input-output table reflects the intermediate flows between industries and allows for the calculation of the main indicators of the System of National Accountig, e.g. the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).The study at hand introduces an input-output table for Germany that additionally subdivides each cell by gender. Thus women’s and men’s contribution to produce intermediate products and to satisfy final demand can be given. This in turn allows for an identification of women’s and men’s GDP.In order to derive the gender-specific input-output table, German time use data are combined with the traditional monetary input-output table and its inverse matrix for the year 2000. While the IOT provides information about the industries’ outputs, time use data determine the gender-specific workload. Finally the genders’ level of qualification is taken into account. This, in turn, allows for a more precise identification of the gender-specific quality of work.
Prevention of genital grooming in mating behaviour of male rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract Male rats were tested for mating behaviour after being fitted with a plastic collar which prevented oral genital grooming which normally occurs after intromission and ejaculations. Comparison with tests involving a short control collar revealed that prevention of genital grooming did not after quantitative or temporal aspects of general mating activity. When genital grooming was prevented, brief erections of the glans penis were usually observed after intromissions. Following withdrawal of the male from the female after ejaculations, there occurred erections, rapid dorsal flips, and extended dorsal flips of the penis which resembled responses observed in spinal animals in a previous study of sexual reflexes. Results suggest that when genital grooming is allowed, penile erections and movements are apparently suppressed.
Finite element analysis of anisotropic non‐linear incompressible elastic solids by a mixed model

A mixed finite element method is presented for geometrically and materially non-linear analysis of anisotropic incompressible hyperelastic materials. An incremental iteractive total Lagrangian formulation is adopted. The nodal displacements and the hydrostatic pressure are independently interpolated leading to a mixed system of equations, with characteristic zero diagonal terms. Computations are carried out using a three-dimensional linear displacement, constant pressure element. A mixed penalty approximation is then employed to eliminate the pressure variables at the element level. The anisotropic material handling capability of the formulation is tested through a number of transversely isotropic problems and the results compared to analytical solutions. To demonstrate the applicability of this formulation to model complex anisotropic problems, the inflation of a cut toroidal tube with helical fibre orientation is analysed.
Engineering synthetic signaling proteins with ultrasensitive input/output control.

Many signaling proteins are built from simple, modular components, yet display highly complex signal-processing behavior. Here we explore how modular domains can be used to build an ultrasensitive switch—a nonlinear input/output function that is central to many complex biological behaviors. By systematically altering the number and affinity of modular autoinhibitory interactions, we show that we can predictably convert a simple linear signaling protein into an ultrasensitive switch.
Microencapsulation of a Waxy Solid: Wall Thickness and Surface Appearance Studies

Microencapsulation of solid stearyl alcohol particles by complex coacervation was studied. Spherical particles of solid stearyl alcohol were prepared by the vibrating capillary method. Various size fractions of these particles were encapsulated by a modified technique described in an earlier report. Particle concentration and particle-size studies revealed that only a small fraction of the total amount of colloid was used in the formation of the capsule wall. Wall thickness decreased with increasing ratios of solid particles and increased as the particle diameters increased. Scanning electron micrograph observations of the surface showed that acacia was retained on the surface of particles melted and congealed in acacia solution and that the final encapsulated particles had a scaly surface appearance. The studies tended to confirm indications from earlier work that gelatin molecules interact directly with acacia on the surface of the stearyl alcohol particles to form the capsule.
A steady state model and maximum heat transport capacity of an electrohydrodynamically augmented micro-grooved heat pipe

A model for the fluid flow and heat transfer in an electrohydrodynamically (EHD) augmented micro-heat pipe is presented utilizing a macroscopic approach. Coulomb and dielectrophoretic forces have been considered in the model. The coupled non-linear governing equations for the fluid flow, heat and mass transfer are developed based on the first principles and are solved numerically. The effects of Coulomb and dielectrophoretic forces have been studied together and the effects have been compared. The analytical expressions for the critical heat input and for the dry-out length have been obtained, which show that with an increase in the electric field intensity, the critical heat input increases and the dry-out length decreases. It is found that using EHD, the critical heat input can be increased by 100 times. The contribution of Coulomb force is observed stronger than that of dielectrophoretic force. Also, the critical heat input and the dry-out length have been successfully compared with the experimental results available in the literature. The general nature of the model and the associated parametric study will be useful to understand the EHD pumping in a micro-heat pipe.
Raman heterodyne interference: Observations and analytic theory.

The recently developed technique of Raman heterodyne detection has unveiled a new interference effect in the Zeeman spectrum of hyperfine transitions of impurity-ion solids. An earlier theory had been developed to explain the basic Raman heterodyne process which involves the resonant interaction of a three-level quantum system with coherent optical-frequency and radiofrequency fields. However, it was not realized that impurity-ion crystals can generate more than one type of Raman heterodyne signal and that these signals can interfere. This article describes two examples of interference where one originates from two or more inequivalent nuclear sites and the other from a single site that exhibits interference among Zeeman transitions. An analytical theory covering these two cases is presented and compared to observations for the impurity-ion crystals ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$:${\mathrm{YAlO}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$:${\mathrm{LaF}}_{3}$, the interference behavior in the two being dramatically different.
Methoxatin (PQQ) in guinea-pig neutrophils

PQQ, also called methoxatin, has been isolated from guinea-pig neutrophils. The organic cations diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and diphenyliodonium (BPI) and the aromatic o-diamine 4,5-dimethylphenylenediamine (DIMPDA) sequester synthetic PQQ and inhibit its redox-cycling activity in a model system. Standards were made of adducts of tritiated PQQ with unlabeled DIMPDA and of unlabeled PQQ with tritiated DPI or DIMPDA. PQQ adducts were isolated from guinea-pig neutrophils with each of the tritiated inhibitors. They were separated and defined by high-peformance liquid-perfomance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Tiron, a disodium benzene disulphonic acid, broke the DPI-PQQ adduct isolated from neutrophils and released free PQQ. Both DPI and DIMPDA, as well as BPI, blocked O2.− release by stimulated neutrophils. The blockade exerted by these inhibitors was released by the addition of PQQ to the cell suspensions. The data demonstrate the presence of PQQ in guinea-pig neutrophils and suggest that it has a possible role, direct or indirect, in the O2.−-producing respiratory burst.
The House Member as Teacher: An Analysis of the Newsletters of Barber B. Conable, Jr.

This article builds on and extends Richard F. Fenno Jr.'s theoretical framework on home style, demonstrating how one former member of Congress used his congressional newsletters to develop his home...
Purification and characterization of an endo-polygalacturonase from Verticillium albo-atrum

A polygalacturonase was isolated from the culture filtrate of the fungal plant pathogen Verticillium albo-atrum and purified 22-fold to homogeneity as judged by SDS-electrophoresis. The enzyme was a basic protein with a molecular weight of 37 kDa, an isoelectric point ≥8·6 and containing 1·7% carbohydrate. The enzyme was an endo-polygalacturonase and hydrolysed a wide range of pectic substrates including polygalacturonic acid, 93% methylated pectin and pectins in tomato cell walls. The best substrate was 31% methylated pectin. Relative reaction rates on pectins with different degrees of methylation could be explained by considering both the number of susceptible bonds and non-specific enzyme-substrate interactions. The principal products of long-term hydrolysis were di- and mono-galacturonate. Maximum activity was observed at pH 4·6–5·0 and 46 °C. However, the enzyme lost activity above 30 °C in the absence of substrate. Enzyme activity was very sensitive to changes in ionic strength at low salt levels. It was stable in the pH range 3–11 at 30 °C.
Complex dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability measurement of ferrite powders at millimeter wavelength

Barium and Strontium Ferrites exhibit strong magnetic anisotropy at millimeter waves due to their hexagonal configuration. Barium and Strontium Ferrite powders with different particle diameter are measured in millimeter wave frequency range. A Quasi-optical spectrometer in transmission mode powered by high power backward oscillator is employed to measure the transmittance of these powder samples. The ferromagnetic resonance is determined from the transmittance spectra. For the nano-size powders the dip in the transmittance becomes weaker and sharper. The dip or the minimum in transmittance spectrum which is essentially the resonance peak moves to lower frequency. It is mainly due to the decrease in domain size. Possible errors in the evaluation of permittivity and permeability are analyzed.
Characterization of composite prepreg with gas-coupled ultrasonics

Abstract The feasibility of employing gas-coupled ultrasonics in the non-destructive evaluation of pre-impregnated graphite-epoxy lamina in a realistic fashion for on-line inspection has been demonstrated. The gas-coupled wave amplitude of a 0.5 MHz focussed ultrasonic beam transmitted through a 0.15 mm thick sample of the prepreg has been measured as a function of position and material quality. Measurements are reported on three qualitatively characterized samples. Scanned images are compared quantitatively by calculating pixel histograms of the transmitted sound amplitude for the samples. Clear, unambiguous differences, amounting to more than 30 dB when averaged over a 225 cm 2 area, have been observed in gas-coupled tests between material classified as acceptable and that determined to be rejectable in independent assessments. These quantitative results imply a high potential for reliable discrimination among material quality levels.
Reading Skills of Dietetic Interns and Readability of Dietetics Literature

Abstract Objective To assess and compare reading skills of dietetic interns with reading levels of internship references. Design A standardized reading test, the Nelson-Denny Reading Test, measured reading skills of entering dietetic interns over 7 years. A computerized readability program assessed the readability of references. Setting Dietetic internships in university and Veterans Affairs hospitals. Subjects Of 194 entering interns, 178 (92%) were included and 16 (8%) were omitted. Main outcome measures Nelson-Denny percentile and grade equivalent scores for vocabulary, comprehension, and total. The Fog Index identified reference reading-grade levels. Statistical analyses performed Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Results Interns from the two programs did not differ significantly on Nelson-Denny Reading Test scores or in application grade point average. Percentile means and standard deviations were 54.7±23.8 for vocabulary, 51.2±25.0 for comprehension, 52.9+23.9 for total, and 41.6±24.7 for reading rate. Nearly 20% (33 of 178) of interns read significantly below expected grade level. The Fog Index assigned reference grade levels from 6.98 to 21.63 years. Conclusions The majority of dietetic interns have strong reading skills and read within the references' reading levels. A minority may experience difficulties reading assignments. Preinternship reading skills assessment could lead to greater success in reading professional literature. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:874-878.
Exploiting Geometric Partitioning in Task Mapping for Parallel Computers

We present a new method for mapping applications' MPI tasks to cores of a parallel computer such that communication and execution time are reduced. We consider the case of sparse node allocation within a parallel machine, where the nodes assigned to a job are not necessarily located within a contiguous block nor within close proximity to each other in the network. The goal is to assign tasks to cores so that interdependent tasks are performed by "nearby" cores, thus lowering the distance messages must travel, the amount of congestion in the network, and the overall cost of communication. Our new method applies a geometric partitioning algorithm to both the tasks and the processors, and assigns task parts to the corresponding processor parts. We show that, for the structured finite difference mini-app Mini Ghost, our mapping method reduced execution time 34% on average on 65,536 cores of a Cray XE6. In a molecular dynamics mini-app, Mini MD, our mapping method reduced communication time by 26% on average on 6144 cores. We also compare our mapping with graph-based mappings from the LibTopoMap library and show that our mappings reduced the communication time on average by 15% in MiniGhost and 10% in MiniMD.
Androgen receptor expression in androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND Almost all attempts at establishing prostate carcinoma cell lines have resulted in generation of cells that are androgen-independent, including commonly used LNCaP which expresses androgen receptor (AR) and AR-negative Du145 and PC-3. We attempted to clarify the mechanism(s) responsible for the failure to respond to androgen. METHODS Cell lines LNCaP, CWR22R, PC-3, Du145, and CA7T2CL were used to examine the AR promoter function with a reporter gene assay and its methylation status by Southern blot, PCR of bisulfite-converted DNA, and 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment. Structural abnormalities of the AR were identified by sequencing of reverse-transcribed mRNA. RESULTS All tested AR-positive prostate carcinoma cells were capable of AR transcription at a significantly higher level than PC-3 and Du145, thus suggesting relative deficiency of the transcription factors in the AR-negative cells, further associated with methylation. Examination of CWR22R cells, which express the AR but are androgen-independent, identified an in-frame duplication of exon 3, which resulted in insertion of 39 amino acids in the DNA-binding domain. CONCLUSIONS Relative deficiency of transcription factors associated with methylation is responsible for the lack of AR promoter function in most of AR-negative cell lines. Mutations in the AR gene are present in the cells that express the AR but are androgen-independent. Prostate 47:66–75, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mill as ambivalent democrat The corruption and cultivation of human flourishing in democratic society and politics

Mill’s status in the democratic family is contested. However, regardless of their conclusions, scholars have largely focused on and interpreted the tension between competence and participation in his thought as a way to determine Mill’s democratic credentials. This article argues for a different approach in thinking about Mill’s status as a democrat – that is, an approach that takes seriously his multifaceted conception of human flourishing – and it also argues that Mill is an ambivalent democrat because different dimensions of democracy corrupt and cultivate different aspects of human flourishing. By taking seriously Mill’s multifaceted notion of human flourishing and connecting it to specific dimensions of democracy, I argue, we obtain a richer and more accurate depiction of the relationship between Mill’s ethics and his politics.
Geometric nonlinearities in the design of force transducers

Abstract In order to design highly accurate force transducers, the nonlinear relationship of electrical output versus an incrementally applied force must be extremely small. This error is primarily due to geometric nonlinear changes in the transducer structure. A finite element analysis was carried out to accurately predict the geometric nonlinear response of a force transducer due to an incrementally applied load. The finite element results were verified through experimentation. This work demonstrates that a finite element analysis is very useful in reducing or eliminating geometric nonlinearities in force transducers.
Sulfonamides as a New Scaffold for Hypoxia Inducible Factor Pathway Inhibitors

Solid tumors generally grow under hypoxic conditions, a pathophysiological change, which activates the expression of genes responsible for malignant, aggressive, and treatment-refractory properties. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is the chief transcription factor regulating hypoxia-driven gene expression. Therefore, the HIF pathway has become a critical target for cancer therapeutics development. We screened a privileged library of about 10,000 natural-product-like compounds using a cell-based assay for HIF-dependent transcriptional activity and identified several arylsulfonamide HIF pathway inhibitors. Among these compounds, the most potent ones showed an IC(50) of ∼0.5 μM in the hypoxia-responsive element (HRE)-luciferase reporter system. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the mechanism of action of this class of compounds and their structure-activity relationship.
Identifying an unknown process by utilizing randomly chosen inputs

We investigated the problem of identifying the input—output relationship of an unknown deterministic process. In particular we investigated the problem of identifying solely on the basis of a finite number of input—output data pairs. Under this rather severe but realisitic limitation we have found identifications can be made by using randomly chosen inputs. Furthermore we have found that, if two conditions are met, then the input—output relationship can always be constructed and therefore identified by using randomly chosen inputs. One condition is that the unknown input—output relationship be contained in a class of functions such that any two functions of the class have equal outputs for only an input subset of measure zero. The other condition is that the class of functions be decomposable into a countable sequence of subclasses such that n + 1 input-output data pairs are sufficient for determining at most one member of the n -tb subclass. Classes of functions which meet these conditions include polynomial functions, roots of polynomial functions, roots of the sum of two polynomial functions, and the exponential functions that originate in diffusion or decay problems. Hopefully our results can be extended to problems having observational errors in the input-output data pairs.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE SIMULTANEOUS MODERATION OF AVERAGE GENDER AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN SCORE DIFFERENCES ON A TEST OF MATHEMATICAL REASONING

A pool of items from operational tests of mathematical reasoning was constructed to investigate the feasibility of using automated test assembly methods to simultaneously moderate possibly irrelevant differences between the performance of women and men and African-American and White test takers. None of the artificial tests investigated exhibited substantial impact moderation, although the estimated mean scaled score differences for the relevant population indicated a modest move in the intended direction: the difference between scaled score means was reduced by about 20% for women and men and about 9% for African-American and White test takers. Although many issues in the implementation of this methodology remain to be solved, the consideration of impact in automated test assembly along with the maintenance of the detailed test plan appears to be a potential method of moderating possibly irrelevant mean test score differences.
Superconductivity and magnetism in YFe2Ge2

We report calculations of the electronic structure and magnetic properties of YFe${}_{2}$Ge${}_{2}$ and discuss the results in terms of the observed superconductivity near magnetism. We find that YFe${}_{2}$Ge${}_{2}$ is a material near a magnetic quantum critical point based on comparison of standard density functional results that predict magnetism with experiment. The band structure and Fermi surfaces are very three dimensional and higher conductivity is predicted in the $c$-axis direction. The magnetism is of Stoner type and is predominately from an in-plane ferromagnetic tendency. The interlayer coupling is weak giving a perhaps two dimensional character to the magnetism, which is in contrast to the conductivity and may be important for suppressing the ordering tendency. This is compatible with a triplet superconducting state mediated by spin fluctuations.
Employee morale and its impact on service: what companies do to create a positive service experience

States that people are vital to the success or failure of services. Companies are now becoming people‐oriented, not profit‐centred, providing training and technology and investing in people. Examines three amusement parks, including Disney, and considers several common practices and some unique ones. Covers recruitment, orientation, customer service strategies, employee programmes, morale and motivation. Concludes that although companies perceive customer service as being vital, most copy Disney’s models, including those of staff motivation and employee morale.
Lessons from estimating military production of the former Soviet Union

economic history. But some issues of the past are of more than historical interest. Soviet military power is a good example. I wrote the first draft of this article when there had already been a reduction in the Soviet military threat, but it was important to assess its real capacity. Considering the highly unstable situation in that part of the world, I still feel this, despite and even because of the demise of the Soviet Union. Several factors were responsible for my initial interest. To begin with, the Soviet government's confession that it had lied in the past spurred curiosity in the literature over whether the truth had finally been revealed. Furthermore, the new phenomenon of Soviet writers' exercising independent judgement resulted in numerous challenges to the government's account of military spending. As to the Westerners, their attitudes also changed. A sign of good taste in comparative economic systems was to obtain estimates of Soviet economic indicators, including military spending, that would not contradict the official ones too much. Since glasnost' effectively destroyed the division of Sovietology along the lines of 'progressive' and 'reactionary' attitudes, being too critical of the Soviet Union no longer damaged one's reputation in academia. On the contrary, with ideological constraints removed, a greater deviation from the standards acceptable in the past became even a sign of originality. Using an analogy from physics, in the past Soviet official estimates attracted those obtained independently, while recently the two have tended to repel each other. For future consideration, it may be too early to dismiss the potential of the Soviet military industrial complex. The fact that it was for so long the king of Soviet industries will cast its shadow over the economies of the new Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) for years to come. As to the new leaders' attitudes towards military production, several points are worth noting. First, arms sales may be rediscovered as a good source of hard currency. Second, smaller republics will keep an eye on Russia; for them, Russian history is the history of expansionism at the expense of its neighbours. Third, all republics have potentially destabilising forces in the enclaves of ethnic minorities. Therefore, assuming the CIS economies are able to recuperate and provide necessities for the population, there could be a resurgent interest in military production. Not surprisingly, for example, the Ukraine's move to independence began with the formation of a new national army. Ukraine will thus
Sol-gel synthesis of Ln2(Ln = La, Nd)Ti2O7

Lanthanum and neodymium titanates were prepared by a sol-gel route. Synthesis of La2Ti2O7 from pure alkoxide precursors yielded an intermediate perovskite type phase, La(1–x)TiO3, which partially transformed to La2Ti2O7 on heating to 1500 °C. Substitution of the lanthanum acetylacetonate for alkoxide precursor yielded La2Ti2O7 without any intermediate phase at a very low temperature of 700 °C. Sintering of the La2Ti2O7 gel powder yielded a highly dense ceramic with ∼97% theoretical density. Similar sintering treatment resulted in ∼92% theoretical density for Nd2Ti2O7.
Activated α2-Macroglobulin Binding to Cell Surface GRP78 Induces T-Loop Phosphorylation of Akt1 by PDK1 in Association with Raptor

PDK1 phosphorylates multiple substrates including Akt by PIP3-dependent mechanisms. In this report we provide evidence that in prostate cancer cells stimulated with activated α2-macroglobulin (α2M*) PDK1 phosphorylates Akt in the T-loop at Thr308 by using Raptor in the mTORC1 complex as a scaffold protein. First we demonstrate that PDK1, Raptor, and mTOR co-immunoprecipitate. Silencing the expression, not only of PDK1, but also Raptor by RNAi nearly abolished Akt phosphorylation at AktThr308 in Raptor-immunoprecipitates of α2M*-stimulated prostate cancer cells. Immunodepleting Raptor or PDK from cell lysates of cells treated with α2M* drastically reduced Akt phosphorylation at Thr308, which was recovered by adding the supernatant of Raptor- or PDK1-depleted cell lysates, respectively. Studies of insulin binding to its receptor on prostate cancer cells yielded similar results. We thus demonstrate that phosphorylating the T-loop Akt residue Thr308 by PDK1 requires Raptor of the mTORC1 complex as a platform or scaffold protein.
A preliminary investigation into the application of processing instruction as therapy for aphasia in Spanish speakers.

Abstract Purpose This study was a preliminary investigation into the use of processing instruction (PI) to improve the use of the personal ‘ a ’ to assign thematic roles in Spanish sentences for second language (L2) learners and persons with aphasia (PWA). Evidence suggests that PI is an effective teaching method for L2 learners with errant processing strategies. However its use with PWA with an acquired inability to process syntactic cues is unknown. Methods Thirty non-impaired Spanish as a second language learners and two Spanish-speaking PWA participated in this study. PI involved the use of explicit instruction and structured input activities with nouns and pronouns. Each participant's performance was assessed pre and post treatment. Two experimental and one control groups of L2 learners completed the PI activities over two days. PWA completed PI in individual sessions over four day and received additional cues. Conclusions L2 learners who received PI demonstrated significant improvement in the comprehension and production of ‘ a ’. However, the Spanish-speaking PWA demonstrated mixed results. Both of the PWA exhibited gains in the comprehension of ‘ a ’ on referential tasks. One participant with aphasia demonstrated improved comprehension post-testing, and neither participant demonstrated gains on production post-testing. Results suggest that PI may be useful for increasing syntactic comprehension in people with aphasia. Findings from the current study are used to guide suggestions for further modification and use of PI as a treatment strategy for PWA. Learning outcomes : Readers will be able to: (a) define processing instruction, (b) discuss the role of specific syntactic cues in Spanish comprehension, and (c) explain how PI might be modified for use with Spanish speakers with aphasia.
Superconducting inductance-bridge transducer for resonant-mass gravitational-radiation detector.

The sensitivity of cryogenic gravitational-radiation detectors is presently limited by the performance of the transducers. A superconducting ac-pumped inductance bridge is proposed as a new transducer for resonant-mass gravitational-radiation detectors. The impedance matrix of the transducer is computed to determine the input, output, and transfer characteristics of the electromechanical system. It is shown that the dissipative forces exerted on the proof mass by the bridge circuit through the two sidebands cancel each other almost exactly so that the Brownian-motion level is nearly unaffected by the electric sensing circuit. This implies that an effective energy coupling coefficient near unity could be used without being limited by the electrical Nyquist noise. With the parametric up conversion of the signal, the inductance bridge can be coupled to a nearly quantum-limited dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The sensitivity of the gravitational-radiation detector employing the new superconducting transducer is computed as a function of transducer parameters. It is shown that the proposed transducer, with modest values for its parameters, is capable of matching a high-Q gravitational-radiation antenna, cooled to 50 mK, to a nearly quantum-limited dc SQUID.
Performance Standards Of Image Intensifiers

The need for performance standards in image intensification is related to the concern of the radiologist for obtaining adequate diagnostic information at minimal patient dose. While we assume that patient dose can be adequately quantized for any imaging system under discussion, we do not presume to be able to define what is meant by adequate diagnostic information and it is this area which we would like to discuss.© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The translational friction of toroids

An approximate analytic expression for the translational friction coefficient of a toroid modeled as a continuous shell of frictional elements is derived using the Kirkwood approximation. The accuracy of this expression was determined by comparing the friction coefficients predicted by it to those predicted by extrapolated shell-model calculations using the modified Oseen tensor. To show that these calculations do indeed yield the correct friction coefficients, actual translational friction coefficients were determined by observing settling rates of macroscopic model rings or toroids in a high-viscosity silicone fluid. Our conclusion is that the approximate expression yields friction coefficients that are about 1.5–3% low for finite rings. For thin rings, a comparison is also made with the exact result of Yamakawa and Yamaki [J. Chem. Phys.57, 1572 (1972); 58, 2049 (1973)] for the translational friction of plane polygonal rings. This comparison shows that the approximate expression yields results which are low by 2–3% unless the rings are extremely thin, in which case the error is larger. In the limit of an infinitely thin ring the approximate expression reduces to the Kirkwood result [J. Polym. Sci.12, 1 (1954)], which is low by 8.3%. We discuss briefly how this work may be useful in determining the structure of DNA compacted by various solvent–electrolyte systems and polyamines.
Petroleum product storage by competitive crude oil processors

Abstract This paper presents and tests a model of the storage behavior of competitive crude oil processors. A formalization of the decision problem of such a firm is first presented that permits the derivation of behavioral relations for stocks of crude and refined oil products. Given explicit functional forms, it is possible to test for the existence of such relations empirically. The relations are tested using data from the United States market for distillate fuel oils. The data provides strong support for the model in its linear form. However, there is evidence that the true relationship is non-linear.
Stability and Thermal Rearrangement of (E,E)-1,3-Cycloheptadiene and trans-Bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-6-ene

The highly strained (E,E)-1,3-cycloheptadiene was shown to be a minimum on the potential energy surface; two structural isomers were found at the MP2 level, but multiconfiguration self-consistent field calculations show that only one is a true minimum. The isomerization of (E,E)-1,3-cycloheptadiene was investigated through double bond rotation, and electrocyclic ring closure. The first pathway gives (E,Z)-1,3-cycloheptadiene, with a barrier of 7.2 kcal x mol(-1), and the second pathway gives the trans isomer of bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-6-ene with a barrier of 13.0 kcal x mol(-1). The strain energy of (E,E)-1,3-cycloheptadiene was calculated using homodesmotic reactions and found to be about 96 kcal x mol(-1) whereas that for (E,Z)-1,3-cycloheptadiene was only 38 kcal x mol(-1), implying that the second trans double bond imparts an additional 58 kcal x mol(-1) in strain energy. The trans isomer of bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-6-ene was calculated to have a strain energy of 69 kcal x mol(-1) and a barrier of 27 kcal x mol(-1) for isomerization to (Z,Z)-1,3-cycloheptadiene. Although many of the structures reported here could be described using a single determinant wave function, several could not, making a multireference method necessary for a complete description of the potential energy surface.
Ontogenesis of myosin light chain kinase mRNA and protein content in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle.

We previously reported in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle that maximal shortening velocity decreases from 3 weeks of age to adulthood. It is not known whether myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), a key enzyme determining the velocity of smooth muscle contraction, undergoes maturational changes. In the present work, we investigated MLCK protein content and mRNA expression in 1-week-old, 3-week-old, and adult guinea pigs. We extracted either proteins or RNA from isolated tracheal smooth muscle. The content of MLCK was assessed by Western immunoblots. MLCK mRNA was evaluated by Northern analysis and by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The content of MLCK increased 3-fold at 3 weeks of age and then decreased in adults, being 0.116 ± 0.042, 0.330 ± 0.125 (P < 0.05), and 0.153 ± 0.054 μg/mg of total protein, respectively, in 1-week, 3-week, and adult animals. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that MLCK mRNA increased with age to 135 ± 35% and 177 ± 23% (P < 0.01) in 3-week and adult animals, respectively, compared to 1-week animals. The transient increase of MLCK content in juvenile guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle may contribute to the increased shortening velocity at this age. We suggest that this increased content of MLCK is one of the mechanisms leading to maturation of airway smooth muscle contractility, which in turn contributes to the airway hyperresponsiveness reported in children and young animals. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
FULL SIMULATION of' OPTICAL NEURAL NETWORKS

ABSTRACT The use of optics to realize neural networks is not new. High level simulations of neural networks are common,but detailed optical simulations of the implemented machines are not. The full simulation of such optical—neuralnetworks using advanced software simulation techniques may pave the way for future practical working modeLs. Bothphysical and logical simulations are provided.The physical simulator consists of two parts, a device level and a systems level simulation. The device levelsimulation starts with Airy's equation for etalons utilizing non linear absorptive materials such as GaAs. The changein refractive index is calculated using the Kramers' Kronig relationship. The electron—hole pair density as a functionof time is also used, and is obtained by solving the electron—hole pair rate equation. These "offline" calculations arefunneled into the systems level simulator as numerically enumerated surfaces. The systems level simulator then usesan advanced ray tracing technique to simulate the travel path of light through the assembled arrays. The amplitude,direction, and phase of each ray is accumulated, and the results are displayed on an X windows compatible computergraphics screen. A full 2 dimensional projection of the 3 dimensional equipment is displayed along with 3 dimensionalgraphs of input and data.The transfer function of an etalon is used as a nonlinear element, or neuron. This function is passed from thedevice level simulator to the algorithmic simulator, which determines the neural network structure. The algorithmicsimulator, in turn, passes physical intensities and weights back to the systems level simulator for checkout and testing.The algorithmic and physical simulators form a ioop which allows the user to fine tune the problem to match thephysical attributes of the underlying system.The combination of both algorithmic and physical simulations of a neural network provides the opportunityto set up "thought experiments" in a very short time and at low cost. The characteristics of the network would beknown at the time of physical implementation. This allows efficient use of scarce laboratory resources.
Genetic learning of dynamic scheduling within a simulation environment

Abstract This paper proposes a learning mode for dynamic scheduling. A simulation environment having intelligent objects is described. Intelligent objects make decisions. A method is described in which intelligent objects can learn during the course of a simulation. The learning method is modeled after classifier systems using a Genetic Algorithm. Inference uses a bidding system. This study shows that intelligent objects can learn to perform within such an environment.
P02.57. Mindfulness meditation versus exercise in the prevention of acute respiratory infection, possible mechanisms of action: a randomized controlled trial

Methods The study design was a 3-arm non-blinded RCT. Participants were community-recruited adults ≥ 50 years old. Group 1 received meditation training; Group 2 “matching” moderate-intensity exercise training; and Group 3 were a waitlist control. Outcome Measures were assessed at baseline, 9 weeks (post-intervention) and 3 months. Primary outcomes were ARI duration and severity (areaunder-the-curve global severity, Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey). Secondary outcomes were psycho-physical health questionnaires. Exercise minutes were tracked.
On equivalence between a partial credit item and a set of independent Rasch binary items

Given a Masters partial credit item withn known step difficulties, conditions are stated for the existence of a set of (locally) independent Rasch binary items such that their raw score and the partial credit raw score have identical probability density functions. The conditions are those for the existence ofn positive values with predetermined elementary symmetric functions and include the requirement that then step difficulties form an increasing sequence.
Decomposition in separable geometric programming

Optimization of a special class of geometric programs is achieved by a decomposition technique. Optimal vectors to certain subproblems are obtained by solving a single unconstrained minimization problem involving a strictly convex function. These optimal vector readily yield an optimal vector to the original program.