cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specification and Performance of Passive Sonar Spectral Estimators

The application of existing estimation theory to the problem of specification and performance of passive sonar spectral estimators is considered. The classification function is addressed, so that the signal is assumed to be present, and so that the energy arrival angle is known. The spatial filter considered is a line array of M equally spaced omnidirectional hydrophones. Signal and ambient noise are both zero-mean, wide-sense, stationary Gaussian random processes that differ in their spatial correlation across the face of the array. The signal is a plane wave that can be made totally spacially corrected between array elements by inserting delays between sensors to invert the signal propagation delay. The noise correlation is a function of frequency, bandwidth, element separation, and the relative time delay between sensors. Under these assumptions, the Cramer-Rao lower bound is derived for the class of unbiased estimates of signal power in a narrow frequency band at the hydrophone in the presence of correlated ambient noise of known power. The bound is examined numerically, resulting in a threshold phenomenon with M that constitutes a new design consideration. In addition, there is a striking insensitivity to realistic values of ambient noise correlation, and there are ranges in signal-to-noise ratio for which one gains more by increasing M than by increasing the bandwidth-time product. Specific processors, including a new unbiased estimator when noise power is unknown, are developed.
Spatiotemporally and mechanically controlled triggering of mast cells using atomic force microscopy.

Mast cells are thought to be sensitive to mechanical forces, for example, coughing in asthma or pressure in “physical urticarias.” Conversion of mechanical forces to biochemical signals could potentially augment antigenic signaling. Studying the combined effects of mechanical and antigenic cues on mast cells and other hematopoietic cells has proven difficult. Here, we present an approach using a modified atomic force microscope cantilever to deliver antigenic signals to mast cells while simultaneously applying mechanical forces. We developed a strategy to concurrently record degranulation events by fluorescence microscopy during antigenic triggering. Finally, we also measured the mechanical forces generated by mast cells while antigen receptors are ligated. We showed that mast cells respond to antigen delivered by the atomic force microscopy cantilever with prompt degranulation and the generation of strong pushing and pulling forces. We did not discern any relationship between applied mechanical forces and the kinetics of degranulation. These experiments present a new method for dissecting the interactions of mechanical and biochemical cues in the signaling responses of immune cells.
Investigating the Role of an Extended Hydrogen Bonding Network within the Hairpin Ribozyme Active Site

From previous studies involving molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and X-ray crystal structures, a chain of five to seven long-residing, ordered water molecules was discovered within the otherwise solvent-protected active site of the hairpin ribozyme (1,2). This water chain is part of an extended hydrogen bonding network within the active site. This network was proposed to be involved both in proton transfer reactions and in mediating long-range communication between the RNA residues in the active site, features important for ribozyme catalytic activity. Until now, however, the functional relevance of this hydrogen bonding network has not been explored. In order to gain insight into the relationship between the hydrogen bonding network and catalytic activity, we are first using MD simulations to computationally scan for ribozyme variants with disrupted hydrogen bonding networks. Specifically, we are studying the behaviour of the hydrogen bonding network in simulations incorporating single-atom modifications in core residues A38, A10, A9 and U42. The use of such subtle alterations did not result in a consistently disrupted hydrogen bonding network between simulation replicates that are 20 nanoseconds long. Therefore, longer such simulations in addition to simulations involving multiple modifications in parallel and those involving single bulky mutations are now being analyzed. Once suitable sets of modifications are predicted by MD simulation, the modified hairpin ribozymes will be chemically synthesized and kinetically characterized using single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer together with functional analyses to dissect which kinetic steps, if any, are affected by disruption of the hydrogen bonding network.(1) Rhodes, M. M.; Reblova, K.; Sponer, J.; Walter, N. G. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., 2006, 103, 13380-5.(2) Salter, J.; Krucinska, J.; Alam, S.; Grum-Tokars, V.; Wedekind, J. E. Biochemistry, 2006, 45, 686-700.
Fishery stakeholder engagement and marine spatial planning: Lessons from the Rhode Island Ocean SAMP and the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan

Abstract Coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP) is a key component of the US National Ocean Policy. Efforts to implement CMSP in US federal waters are beginning in earnest. Beyond sound science and data, a stakeholder engagement process that encourages public participation, collaboration and communication between disparate groups is at the heart of effective marine spatial planning (MSP). While a rich body of literature on stakeholder engagement exists, few opportunities exist to compare different stakeholder engagement processes as they occur on the ground for a particular stakeholder group. Between 2008 and 2010 marine spatial planning efforts were conducted by the neighboring US states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan and Rhode Island Ocean SAMP provide models for the nation in structuring effective stakeholder processes for ocean management. Within both states, commercial fishermen were identified as key stakeholders. For this study, commercial fishermen's perceptions of the engagement process in Massachusetts and Rhode Island were examined. Specifically, this paper explores the role fishermen sought in these two pioneering MSP efforts, and the role they felt they actually played. Key findings include the need for clear communication of the role of stakeholders, stakeholder empowerment and background stakeholder analysis to understand the needs and challenges faced by participating groups. This work provided a unique opportunity to examine how each ocean planning effort engaged commercial fishermen and to reflect on lessons learned for future such initiatives in the US and beyond. Exploring effectiveness through the perceptions of primary stakeholders such as commercial fishermen further elucidates the challenges and opportunities of carrying out MSP and stakeholder processes in practice.
A new source of X-ray line broadening: inhomogeneous strains induced by uniform homogeneous temperature conditions in polyphase or non-cubic materials

Thermal strains may contribute to X-ray diffraction line broadening in both single-phase non-cubic and in polyphase cubic polycrystalline materials even under uniform temperature conditions. A method is developed for calculating the magnitude of these thermally induced strains directly from the measured diffraction peak profiles. Corrections for particle-size effects can be made readily if particle-size broadening is significant, and the thermal diffuse scattering (TDS) contribution to the diffracted intensity can be taken into account experimentally. By this method, the strains in a Mg-5 wt% Si alloy were found to be increased by as much as 35% by a 190° C temperature change. Even in the case of this relatively low melting point alloy, the TDS effect causes only a maximum of 15% error in these measured strain effects. The interpretation of these isothermally induced strains in terms of crystal anisotropy, grain morphology and orientation and the relative sizes of phases and grains is discussed.
Guidelines for advertising on health web sites: who's guarding the Koop.

The Internet is a promising and popular tool for the global dissemination of health information to the public. According to one estimate, “health sites draw two thirds of all online users at least once.”1 Unfortunately, the power of the Internet to facilitate quick, inexpensive, and worldwide publication is also a weakness when it comes to information about health. Distinctions between trained medical professionals and quacks, tested drugs and untested compounds, and advertisements and content are difficult to make. Furthermore, the global nature of the Internet defies most current nation-specific laws regulating the practice of medicine or sales of health-related products based on unverified health claims.2 The use of the Internet has encouraged the blurring of distinctions between content areas and advertising. Criticism of the well-traveled health information web site, drkoop. com, started by the former US Surgeon General C Everett Koop,3 however, illustrates why such ambiguity is a problem for health care professionals and why the criticisms bring to mind images of foxes and henhouses.
Thrombin stimulation of guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate formation in murine neuroblastoma cells (Clone N1E-115)

Thrombin, the central regulatory enzyme in coagulation, when incubated in nanomolar concentrations with murine neuroblastoma cells produced a rapid and marked increase in tritiated guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) formation that was blocked by hirudin and competitively antagonized by dansylarginine N-(3-ethyl-1,5-pentanediyl)amide. Diisopropylphosphofluoridate-inactivated thrombin as well as the serine protease trypsin were markedly less potent and less effective than alpha-thrombin in producing this effect. Thrombin-stimulated cyclic GMP formation was inhibited by mepacrine and nordihydroguaiaretic acid but unaffected by indomethacin, suggesting that lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid are involved in the response. These results suggest that a thrombin-like protease in the brain may be involved with the function of neurons or that thrombin interactions with nerve cells, such as those following cerebral hemorrhage or other trauma of the central nervous system, may be important in the subsequent neuropathology.
Effective serial measurement of cognitive orientation in rehabilitation: The orientation log

Abstract Objective: To introduce a brief quantitative measure of cognitive orientation (to place, time, and situation) developed for daily use at bedside with rehabilitation inpatients. The Orientation Log (O-Log) is a 10-item scale that allows for partial credit based on responsiveness to logical, multiple-choice, or phonemic cueing. It is formatted for rapid visual analysis of orientation trends that can be used to evaluate pharmacologic and cognitive-behavioral interventions. Design: Descriptive study of the O-Log's reliability (interrater and internal consistency). Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation center affiliated with a large university medical school. Patients: Fifteen neurorehabilitation inpatients. Results: For individual items, Spearman rho interrater reliability coefficients ranged from .851 to 1.00. The interrater reliability of the total score was .993. O-Log internal consistency (coefficient alpha) was .922. Conclusions: The O-Log is a reliable and easily administered scale that promises to be a useful tool in monitoring cognitive recovery during rehabilitation.
Extensible-Link Kinematic Model for Characterizing and Optimizing Compliant Mechanism Motion

We present an analytical model for characterizing the motion trajectory of an arbitrary planar compliant mechanism. Model development consists of identifying particular material points and their connecting vectorial lengths in a manner that represents the mechanism topology; whereby these lengths may extend over the course of actuation to account for the elastic deformation of the compliant mechanism. The motion trajectory is represented within the model as an analytical function in terms of these vectorial lengths, whereby its Taylor series expansion constitutes a parametric formulation composed of load-independent and load-dependent terms. This adds insight to the process for designing compliant mechanisms for high-accuracy motion applications because: (1) inspection of the load-independent terms enables determination of specific topology modifications that reduce or eliminate certain error components of the motion trajectory; and (2) the load-dependent terms reveal the polynomial orders of principally uncorrectable error components in the trajectory. The error components in the trajectory simply represent the deviation of the actual motion trajectory provided by the compliant mechanism compared to the ideally desired one. A generalized model framework is developed, and its utility demonstrated via the design of a compliant microgripper with straight-line parallel jaw motion. The model enables analytical determination of all geometric modifications for minimizing the error trajectory of the jaw, and prediction of the polynomial order of the uncorrectable trajectory components. The jaw trajectory is then optimized using iterative finite elements simulations until the polynomial order of the uncorrectable trajectory component becomes apparent; this reduces the error in the jaw trajectory by 2 orders of magnitude over the prescribed jaw stroke. This model serves to streamline the design process by identifying the load-dependent sources of trajectory error in a compliant mechanism, and thereby the limits with which this error may be redressed by topology modification.
Clarifying the dispositional basis of social anxiety: A hierarchical perspective

Abstract There has been substantial interest in the personality correlates of social anxiety, both at the higher order and lower order trait levels. We review this literature, focusing particularly on evidence for associations with neuroticism/negative emotionality (N/NE) and its facets; extraversion/positive emotionality (E/PE) and its facets; and several other specific traits (self-critical perfectionism, evaluation sensitivity, anxiety sensitivity, curiosity) with significant links to these domains. These results are interpreted within the larger context of the personality hierarchy whenever possible, so as to determine whether each trait appears to be (1) specifically associated with social anxiety or (2) non-specifically related to social anxiety due to overlap with other traits. We also discuss the specificity of social anxiety–trait relations vis-a-vis depression and other anxiety disorders. This review revealed that higher order E/PE, sociability, dominance, and the social concerns component of anxiety sensitivity are most specific to social anxiety, whereas other traits are shared with other disorders (primarily depression and GAD). Finally, we consider the subtypes of social anxiety (i.e., generalized and performance) and present some evidence for differential trait associations. We discuss the implications of these results for etiological issues, distinguishing social anxiety from depression and GAD, and future research directions in this area.
DIPOLE-DIPOLE INTERACTION IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL OPTICAL LATTICES

We compute the near-resonant dipole-dipole interaction between atoms in a three-dimensional optical lattice. After a general derivation, we concentrate specifically on the case of a J=1/2\ensuremath{\rightarrow}J=3/2 off-resonant transition, in which case the excited electronic states can be adiabatically eliminated. We present in detail the spatial dependence of the resulting effective dipole-dipole potential, and discuss the physical origin of its anisotropy. In addition to impacting the center-of-mass motion of the atoms, the effective dipole-dipole potential can induce electronic transitions within one or both atoms. The symmetries of the matrix elements corresponding to these various mechanisms are also commented upon. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
cAMP-dependent protein kinase in chondrocyte cultures: holoenzyme activation, phosphorylation of cellular proteins, effects of NSAIDs and possible role in proteoglycan synthesis.

R ECENT EVIDENCE showed that chondrocytes treated in culture with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exhibited reduced eicosanoid production, which was coupled to reduced intracellular accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (CAMP).’ Typically, NSAIDs have variable effects on cartilage proteoglycan and collagen synthesis and catabolism.2*3 Some NSAIDs are known to stimulate proteoglycan synthesis. These include sulindac sulfide4 and benoxaprofen5 However, the majority, including fenoprofen4 ibuprofen4 indomethacin,2T6*7 phenylbutazone,8 salicylates,7~9~‘0 and tolmetin,” suppress proteoglycan synthesis. Piroxicam may enhance proteolycan synthesisI or be without effect 12,13 the same can be said of the effect of tiaprdfenic acid2 and in some cases, indomethatin and sulindac sulfoxide.4 Many of these results come from studies conducted on articular cartilage explant culturesI or on cultured chondrocytes’2q’3 where a concentration range of NSAIDs can be tested readily. A recent review has appeared on this subject.” Two types of CAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMPPk), type 1 and type 2, resolved by differential elution from diethylaminoethylcellulose (DEAE-cellulose), have been shown to
Temperature-induced changes in potato processing quality during storage are modulated by tuber maturity

Knowledge of how potato (Solatium tuberosum L.) cultivars respond to non-conventional storage temperature regimes may expand options for managing immature, overmature, or otherwise stressed potatoes. Here we demonstrate that temperature-dependent changes in the processing quality of tubers are modulated by tuber maturity. ‘Russet Burbank’ (RB), ‘Ranger Russet’ (RR), and ‘Umatilla Russet’ (UR) tubers from early- and late- planted crops (grown for 163 d and 133 d, respectively) were conditioned for a month at 4.5, 6.7, or 9 C, and subsequently stored at 4.5, 6.7 or 9 C (nine temperature regimes) for an additional 182 d before reconditioning at 16 C. Fry color darkened as conditioning temperature (CT) decreased from 9 to 4.5 C, and tubers were most sensitive to low temperatures for loss of processing quality during the initial conditioning period following wound-healing. Conditioning at higher temperatures increased the tolerance of tubers to lower subsequent holding temperatures (HT) later in the storage season. The processing quality of chronologically older (early planting) RR and UR tubers was inferior to the younger tubers (late planting), resulting in fewer CT/HT combinations for managing the former. Regardless of maturity, RR tubers maintained processing quality for up to 230 d when conditioned and stored at higher temperatures; however, tubers from the late planting had a greater tolerance of lower temperatures than those from the early planting. Although reconditioning improved the processing quality for all cultivars and thus expanded the CT/HT management options, the responsiveness of cold-sweetened UR tubers to reconditioning attenuated over the 230 d storage period, reflecting earlier onset of irreversible senescent sweetening in this cultivar. Chronologically younger tubers of the most dominant processing cultivars in the Pacific Northwest stored better than tubers produced over a prolonged growing season. Collectively, these studies suggest strategies to manage tubers of differing maturity to best preserve processing quality during storage.
Natural and tangible human-computer interfaces for augmented environments

In this talk, the author will introduce Augmented Reality as a new media to improve human-computer communication and industrial processes. The author will make a special emphasis in introducing and demonstrating new human-computer interfaces appropriate for Augmented Reality, such as Tangible Interfaces and Gesture. The talk outline is as follows:Introduction to Augmented Reality - ARMixed RealityEarly Industrial AR ApplicationsAR RoadmapAR R&D at ADETTI/ISCTE 2002-2008Key Enabling Technologies for AR: Presentation Devices + Tracking + HCIPresentation in ARTracking in ARHuman-Computer Interaction in ARModels of Interaction: Tangible User Interfaces - TUI vs Graphical User Interfaces - GUITangible Augmented InterfacesNatural HCI: Hand GestureOpen issues in AR and conclusions
Differentiating Place Attachment Dimensions Among Proximate and Distant Visitors to Two Water-Based Recreation Areas

People–place studies suggest that groups have varied bonds to a resource and that these bonds likely vary by residential proximity; however, previous research that explored these differences by residence treated place attachment as unidimensional. Therefore, this study differentiates two place attachment dimensions (place identity and place dependence) among distant (nonresidents) and proximate (community residents) visitors to two water-based resources in Illinois. Findings reveal both similarities and differences among visitors. Although proximate and distant visitors exhibited overall similar patterns in the place attachment scales, results delineate place identity as the differentiating place attachment dimension for this resource. Specifically, place identity was stronger and significantly different for proximate versus distant visitors. Findings suggest that recreation settings offer proximate as well as distant visitors the opportunity to develop meanings with a place and highlight the importance o...
Microprocessor-Based Data-Acquisition System for a Borehole Radar

An efficient microprocessor-based system has been implemented that permits real-time acquisition, stacking, and digital recording of data generated by a borehole radar system. Although the system digitizes, stacks, and records independently of a computer, it is interfaced to a desktop computer for program control over system parameters such as sampling interval, number of samples, number of times the data are stacked prior to recording on nine-track tape, and for graphics display of the digitized data. The data can be transferred to the desktop computer during recording, or played back from a tape at a later time. Using the desktop computer, the operator can observe results while recording data and generate hard-copy graphics in the field. Thus, the radar operator can immediately evaluate the quality of data being obtained, modify system parameters, study the radar logs before leaving the field, and re-run borehole logs if necessary. The system has proven to be reliable in the field and has increased productivity both in the field and in the laboratory.
Defined Media for Growth and Gamete Production by the Green Alga, Oedogonium cardiacum

Defined media consisting of inorganic salts and vitamin B(12) are described for the male and female filaments of the green alga, Oedogonium cardiacum. These media provide for a maximal growth rate and for the induction of oogonia and antheridia under the prescribed conditions. The maximal amounts of growth, based on dry weight measurements, compare favorably with other green algae.
A Servo-Stabilized Analogue-to-Digital Converter for High Resolution Pulse-Height Analysis

A 4096 channel pulse-height analyzer has been constructed to exploit the high resolution attainable with semiconductor junction charged particle detectors in the 0 to 40 Mev range. The use of so large a number of channels can only be justified if the drift in the system can be held to less than one channel. It was felt that, using conventional techniques, it would be very difficult to stabilize the linear amplifier gain, the converter gain and the converter zero to a part in 4000. A servo-stabilized system was therefore adopted which assures long term system stability without imposing unreasonable restrictions on component stability. A stable pulse generator produces two reference pulses, one 8 times as large as the other, and presents them alternately to the preamplifier input along with the detector pulses. Reference and detector pulses are amplified and measured by the same analogue-to-digital converter. The small reference pulses should fall in channel 512 and the large pulses in channel 4096. The amounts by which the reference pulses miss their intended channels constitute the error inputs to two integrating digital servos. The large-pulse servo controls the converter clock frequency and the small-pulse servo controls the converter zero setting. The servos have sufficient lock-in range to compensate perfectly for gain changes of ± 3% and zero changes of ± 1.5%.
The Human Cytomegalovirus Major Immediate-Early Distal Enhancer Region Is Required for Efficient Viral Replication and Immediate-Early Gene Expression

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) major immediate-early (MIE) genes, encoding IE1 p72 and IE2 p86, are activated by a complex enhancer region (base positions -65 to -550) that operates in a cell type- and differentiation-dependent manner. The expression of MIE genes is required for HCMV replication. Previous studies analyzing functions of MIE promoter-enhancer segments suggest that the distal enhancer region variably modifies MIE promoter activity, depending on cell type, stimuli, or state of differentiation. To further understand the mechanism by which the MIE promoter is regulated, we constructed and analyzed several different recombinant HCMVs that lack the distal enhancer region (-300 to -582, -640, or -1108). In human fibroblasts, the HCMVs without the distal enhancer replicate normally at high multiplicity of infection (MOI) but replicate poorly at low MOI in comparison to wild-type virus (WT) or HCMVs that lack the neighboring upstream unique region and modulator (-582 or -640 to -1108). The growth aberrancy was normalized after restoring the distal enhancer in a virus lacking this region. For HCMVs without a distal enhancer, the impairment in replication at low MOI corresponds to a deficiency in production of MIE RNAs compared to WT or virus lacking the unique region and modulator. An underproduction of viral US3 RNA was also evident at low MOI. Whether lower production of IE1 p72 and IE2 p86 causes a reduction in expression of the immediate-early (IE) class US3 gene remains to be determined. We conclude that the MIE distal enhancer region possesses a mechanism for augmenting viral IE gene expression and genome replication at low MOI, but this regulatory function is unnecessary at high MOI.
1028-62 Lymphocyte Concentration — A New Prognostic Marker in Coronary Artery Disease

The physiologic stress suffered by ill patients results in an increased production of cortisol, and a shift in the leukocyte differential toward a decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes (%L). Automated analysis sampling thousands of cells has greatly reduced the variation in %L compared to manual methods. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential prognostic significance of a decrease in %L in a population-based cohort of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). We identified 209 residents of Olmsted County, MN, who underwent exercise radionuclide angiography before 1/1/85, and did not have recent trauma, infection, malignancy, or corticosteroid use. Over a median followup of 42 months, there were 18 deaths (1-yr. survival 98%; 5-yr. survival 90%). %L at baseline was strongly related to a history of myocardial infarction (p = 0.001) and weakly correlated with resting ejection fraction (r = 0.13. P = 0.06). Cox proportional hazards analysis showed a significant relationship between %L and time to death (p = 0.03). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, the survival of groups defined by the 25th and 75th percentiles of %L was: %L 5-Year Survival ≤24 84% 24–35 90% ≥35 98% After adjusting for resting ejection fraction in the Cox analysis, there was still a trend suggesting possible independent prognostic value of %L (p = 0.091. Conclusions %L is a cheap, readily available, and simple prognostic marker in patients with suspected CAD. It should be included in clinical models to predict subsequent patient outcome.
Nocturnal wind structure over land and dispersion of pollutants: an analytical study

Abstract An analytical cum empirical formulation (AE formulation) is proposed to provide estimates of wind structure and plume width (and σy) over land for dispersion overnight. The formulation is an extension of our earlier studies (McNider, 1993, Atmospheric Environment 27A, 2199–2214; Singh, 1993, Boundary-Layer Met. 63, 397–423) with the basic difference that the latter formulation required the use of the mesoscale numerical model (MSNM) (McNider, 1988, Atmospheric Environment 11, 2445–2462), whereas the present study is a self-contained formulation. The study shows that the model results are significantly dependent on the initial wind profile at t = ti (around the time of sunset) when the inertial oscillations are expected to be triggered in the residual layer due to the surface heat flux reversal. The analysis shows that the results in respect of σy obtained from the AE formulation (based on the logarithmic/hyperbolic profile as an initial input) are in good agreement with those obtained from the MSNM. During the initial stages of the nocturnal dispersion (∼first hour after sunset), when the traditional Briggs empirical formulations for σy are valid, it is shown that the AE formulation based on the logarithmic profile gives results very close to those obtained from the Briggs formulation. Since the AE formulation is a simple scheme and requires data routinely available at the meteorological stations, it can be conveniently used by the operational scientists and the regulatory agencies to provide estimates of the nocturnal wind structure and width of plumes dispersed over land.
pH Changes Associated with Iron‐Stress Response

When Fe-inefficient T3238fer and Fe-efficient T3238FER tomatoes were supplied iron, and nitrogen as nitrate, they increased the pH of the nutrient culture. When they were supplied nitrogen as ammonium, they decreased the pH. When Fe supply was limited, Fe-stress response developed in T3238FER that opposed the usual nitrate response and decreased, rather than increased, the pH. A “reductant” which reduced Fe3+ to Fe2+ was released from the roots of these plants and lowered the pH; and there was a tremendous increase in the uptake of Fe. T3238fer did not produce “reductant” in response to Fe-stress; the pH increased, and the plants developed Fe-deficiency when nitrogen was supplied as nitrate. Nitrogen nutrition and iron-stress response are important factors associated with iron chlorosis in plants. Release of hydrogen ions from roots of Fe-stressed plants is caused by more than response to imbalanced uptake of cations and anions.
Crash failures can drive protocols to arbitrary states

A crashing network protocol is an asynchronous protocol that has no non-volatile memory at nodes that can survive a node crash and restart. Thus after a crash and restart, a node in such a protocol returns to a prespecified start state. We consider crashing protocols that work with links that can drop packets. Our main theorem states that such crashing protocols can be driven by a sequence of crashes to any global state, where each node is in a state reached in some (possibly different) run, and each link has an arbitrary mixture of packets sent in (possibly different) runs. Our theorem can be used to give an alternate proof of an earlier result, due to Fekete et al, which states that there is no correct crashing Data Link Protocol. Our theorem can also be used to derive new results. We prove that there is no correct crashing token passing protocol. We also prove that there is no correct crashing protocol for many other resource allocation protocols such as k-exclusion, and the drinking and dining philosophers problems. Our theorem shows that existing crsshing network protocols (that are widely deployed) are either incorrect or are self-stabilizing. Supported by NSF Grant NCR-9405444 Pamieeion te meke digiWherd copies ofdl er pert of lhh meteriel lbr ~We*mueeiegrentcd witboutfeeprOvided tbettbecopke arcaotrmde ordtibutedfer rofborcommem” ri8hotice*thetitl eoftbepubLIieaead itedez&*sL-J@Oli diet WI@@ u by Iwmieeioa oftbe ACM, kc. To G~y dbmviee, terepublidt, topouen eerverewmtiiwti, requ~specitlc pamieeioa endhr fee. PODC’%, Philadelphia PA, USA 01996 ACM O-89791 -SOWJ9W05..$3.5O
A Mechanism for Pituitary-Resistance to Thyroid Hormone (PRTH) Syndrome: a Loss in Cooperative Coactivator Contacts by Thyroid Hormone Receptor (TR)β2

Thyroid hormone receptors (TR) are hormone-modulated transcription factors that regulate overall metabolic rate, lipid utilization, heart rate, and development. TR are expressed as a mix of interrelated receptor isoforms. The TRβ2 isoform is expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary, where it plays an important role in the feedback regulation of thyroid hormone levels. TRβ2 exhibits unique transcriptional properties that parallel the ability of this isoform to bind to certain coactivators cooperatively through multiple contact surfaces. The more peripherally expressed TRβ1 isoform, in contrast, appears to recruit these coactivators through a single contact mechanism. We report here that clusters of charged amino acids in the TR hormone-binding domain are required for this enhanced mode of coactivator recruitment and that mutations in these charge clusters, by disrupting TRβ2 coactivator binding, are a molecular basis for pituitary resistance to thyroid hormone, a disease characterized by inappropriate thyroid hormone feedback regulation. We propose that the charge clusters allow wild-type TRβ2 to assume a conformation compatible with its mode of multiple contact coactivator recruitment, whereas disruption of these charge clusters disrupts normal T3 homeostasis by reducing TRβ2 to a TRβ1-like, single contact mode of coactivator binding.
Quantum Mechanical Molecular Mechanical Calculations using AMOEBA Force Fields

We report an implementation of quantum mechanical molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations with AMOEBA force field applied to water molecules in the molecular mechanics region. Three AMOEBA parameter sets (AMOEBA03, iAMOEBA, and AMOEBA14) are employed, and compared to TIP3P and other water models in terms of their performance in QM/MM calculations. The effect of the MM polarization (MM induced dipoles due to QM electron density) will also be discussed.
Tissue engineering of subcutaneous tunnels with minced skin

Purpose In Pediatric Urology, urethral reconstruction is sometimes challenged by lack of local tissue suitable for the repair. We have used minced, autologous skin, for neoepithelialization of surgically created subcutaneous tunnels, in a large animal model. Eventually, this technique could be added to the repertoire for creation of conduits to the urogenital system or the intestinal canal. Material and methods Subcutaneous tunnels were created in the abdominal area on 50- 60 kg Yorkshire pigs. Partial thickness skin grafts were harvested from the back region. The skin was minced to 0,8 x 0,8 x 0,3 mm particles. In the first group, silicone-latex tubes were rolled in fibrin glue and minced skin and placed in subcutaneous tunnels. In the second group, fibrin glue was mixed with a single cell suspension of keratinocytes and fibroblasts after three series of trypzination of the minced skin particles. Finally, serving as controls, a third group included tubes with fibrin glue only. Tubes were extracted after 14, 21, 28 and 35 days for microscopical evaluation. Results After 14 days, sections from group one showed epithelial particles directed towards the lumen and some subepithelial cysts containing keratin, by days 28 and 35, all tubes showed a full neo-epithelialization and some rete formation. In group two, no epithelium was formed and only sparse keratinocytes could be detected on day 14, but not days 28 or 35. No epithelial lining was seen in the controls. Conclusions In conclusion, a minced skin technique could serve as a potential source for tissue regeneration of tubular conduits for reconstructive purposes of the urethra or for cutaneous stomas for bladder catheterization, or intestinal irrigations. The method would have the advantage of being simple and quick and not requiring in vitro culturing. Tissue Engineering with a minced skin technique could be of mayor importance in various clinical situations in pediatric reconstructive surgery.
More Pregnant Pictures

In contemporary U.S. law and popular culture, it is a politically fraught act to convey what is in the pregnant belly. New York Magazine, in 2009, termed women's paintings of their fetuses on their...
Cardiomyopathy in turkeys

Round heart disease (RHD) is a spontaneous occurring cardiomyopathy in fowl affecting primarily inbred, small broad-breasted white strains of turkeys. Etiology of RHD is unknown but factors implicated include genetic, management, enzyme deficiencies, viral, immunologic, and metabolic. Investigations of proposed etiologic factors are reviewed. Furazolidone (FZ)-induced cardiomyopathy is indistinguishable from spontaneous RHD, but it remains to be shown that both are mediated by the same mechanism(s). Studies to date suggest that FZ-induced cardiomyopathy is an exaggeration of the spontaneous condition.
Finding Quality Responses: The Problem of Low-Quality Survey Responses and Its Impact on Accountability Measures.

Although many studies have addressed the issue of response quality in survey studies, few have looked specifically at low-quality survey responses in surveys of college students. As students receive more and more survey requests, it is inevitable that some of them will provide low-quality responses to important campus surveys and institutional accountability measures. This study proposes a strategy for uncovering low-quality survey responses and describes how they may affect intercampus accountability measures. The results show that survey response quality does have an effect on intercampus accountability measures, and that certain individual and circumstantial factors may increase the likelihood of low-quality responses. Implications for researchers and higher education administrators are discussed.
Covariant Generalization of the Stokes Parameters

A generalization of the classical Stokes parameters, along the lines suggested by Wolf, is given. It consists of four complex space-time correlation functions of different components of the electromagnetic field. These functions satisfy field equations identical in form to Maxwell’s equations. Transformation properties are simple and are given for spatial rotations and for Lorentz transformations.
Effects of boron on growing pullets.

The effects of dietary boron on bone ash content and on the ultimate shear force, stress, and fracture energy of the tibia, femur, humerus, and radius from white Leghorn pullets were investigated. There was a significant increase in the shear force of the tibia and femur for pullets supplemented with 50 and 100 mg/kg of dietary boron. There was a significant increase in the shear stress of the tibia at 50 and 100 mg/kg of boron, and also an increase in shear fracture energy at 50 and 100 mg/kg boron for the femur. Tibia bone ash content increased significantly at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg boron with the highest value at 50 mg/kg. Even though there was not a significant increase in body wt at 50 and 100 mg/kg boron, the pullets fed these supplements were consistently heavier than the control group.
Potentiation of cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug seeking in female rats during estrus.

Rationale Gender differences exist in the patterns of drug taking in cocaine addiction, suggesting that the propensity to relapse varies between men and women. Previous reports have shown sex differences in both cocaine-primed and conditioned-cued reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior, including recent evidence that the estrous cycle influences the level of conditioned-cued reinstatement. However, the influence of the estrous cycle on cocaine-primed reinstatement has not been examined.
Applications of ion implantation for the improvement of localized corrosion resistance of M50 bearing steel

Abstract Pitting corrosion of M50 alloy steel bearings used in turbojet engines has been found to be a severe problem. The difficulty arises when salt-spray condensates accumulate in the engine lubricants of aircraft not in regular use. Ion implantation was applied to this problem because in the early stages of this work it was shown to be able to maintain both the dimensional stability and the contact fatigue lifetime of the M50 bearings. Qualitative tests, which simulated the geometry and thermal cycle conditions leading to pitting of the M50 bearing surface, were performed using oil containing 3 ppm NaCl. Initially it was found that chromium surface alloys containing 20–25% chromium substantially reduce the level of attack. Prior to further corrosion simulation tests, potentio-kinetic studies were carried out on M50 implanted with chromium, molybdenum and titanium in order to screen both the passivating tendency of the surface alloys formed and their resistance to localized forms of corrosion. Singular additions of chromium, molybdenum and titanium were found to increase the resistance of M50 to localized breakdown significantly. The highest resistance to localized breakdown was found for a multi-implantation of chromium and molybdenum.
Prostaglandin F-2α functions as a local hormone on human airways

Abstract Vasoactive hormones may be classified either as ‘local’ or as ‘circulating’, depending on whether they are or are not removed by the pulmonary circulation. Prostaglandin F-2α is partially removed by the human pulmonary circulation. We examined the hypothesis that, with respect to the human lung, PGF-2α functions as a local mediator. Prostaglandin F-2α was given to normal and asthmatic subjects via both intravenous and aerosolized routes, and we measured specific airway conductance, spirometry, functional residual capacity, and closing volume. Aerosolized PGF-2α induced significant changes of all measured parameters in both normals and asthmatics, while intravenous PGF-2α-induced changes were limited to the FVC in both normals and asthmatics. The data suggest that intravenous PGF-2α induces constriction of peripheral lung units. The greater sensitivity of the peripheral lung units of asthmatics versus normals to PGF-2α, suggest that the increased sensitivity of airway smooth muscle of asthmatics versus normals to PGF-2α is not restricted to the conducting airways, but extends to the smooth muscle of the peripheral lung units. The data is consistent with the hypothesis that, with respect to the lung, PGF-2α functions as a local hormone, but, furthermore, suggest that, possible of greater importance than the definition of a hormone as ‘local’ or ‘circulating’, is the definition of the intrinsic properties of the muscles on which the hormone is exerting its effects.
Analysis of high impedance faults using fractal techniques

Phase currents and voltages in a distribution power system change with a certain degree of chaos when high impedance faults (HIFs) occur. This paper describes application of the concepts of fractal geometry to analyze chaotic properties of high impedance faults. Root-mean-square rather that instantaneous values of currents are used for characterization of temporal system behavior; this results in relatively short time-series available for analysis. An algorithm is presented for pattern recognition and detection of HIFs; it is based on techniques suited for analysis of relatively small data sets. Examples are given to illustrate the ability of this approach to discriminate between faults and other transients in a power system.
Multivariate Gaussian MRF for multispectral scene segmentation and anomaly detection

Gaussian Markov random field texture models and multivariate parametric clustering algorithms have been applied extensively for segmentation, restoration, and anomaly detection of single-band and multispectral imagery, respectively. The present work extends and combines these previous efforts to demonstrate joint spatial-spectral modeling of multispectral imagery, a multivariate (vector observations) GMRF texture model is employed. Algorithms for parameter estimation and image segmentation are discussed, and a new anomaly detection technique is developed. The model is applied to imagery from the Daedalus sensor. Image segmentation results from test images are discussed and compared to spectral clustering results. The test images are collages, with known texture boundaries constructed from larger data cubes. Anomaly detection results for two Daedalus images are also presented, assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) performance curves, and compared to spectral clustering models. It is demonstrated that even the simplest first-order isotropic texture models provide significant improvement in image segmentation and anomaly detection over pure spectral clustering for the data sets examined. The sensitivity of anomaly detection performance to the choice of parameter estimation method and to the number of texture segments is examined for one example data set.
Neurohospitalists Improve Door-to-Needle Times for Patients With Ischemic Stroke Receiving Intravenous tPA

Purpose: It is unknown whether neurohospitalist evaluation improves door-to-needle times (DNT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of neurohospitalist evaluation on DNT for patients with ischemic stroke receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) presenting within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Methods: We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with ischemic stroke who received tPA between 0 and 4.5 hours. We determined and compared DNT for nonneurohospitalists versus neurohospitalists for a 26-month period from 2009 to 2011. Our main outcome measure was percentage of patients receiving tPA within 60 minutes. Results: Overall, out of the 107 consecutive ischemic stroke patients (mean age 67 years) who received intravenous tPA within 4.5 hours, 60 patients were evaluated by nonneurohospitalists (community and locums neurologists) and 47 patients were evaluated by neurohospitalists. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) DNT with patients treated by nonneurohospitalists (93 ± 24 minutes) were significantly longer than the DNT treated by neurohospitalists (68 ± 18 minutes). Twenty-four patients (51%) treated by neurohospitalists had DNT less than or equal to 60 minutes, while 9 patients (15%) treated by nonneurohospitalists had DNT less than or equal to 60 minutes. Multivariate analysis showed that neurohospitalist evaluation (odds ratio [OR] 5.4, confidence interval [CI] 2.2-13.6, P = .022) was the only independent factor associated with patients receiving tPA within 60 minutes. Conclusion: Neurohospitialist evaluation is associated with faster DNT in patients with ischemic stroke. Neurohospitalist evaluation could be a part of a multidimensional initiative to improve the timeliness of tPA administration.