cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PMP22 Is Critical for Actin-Mediated Cellular Functions and for Establishing Lipid Rafts

Haploinsufficiency of peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) causes hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies, a peripheral nerve lesion induced by minimal trauma or compression. As PMP22 is localized to cholesterol-enriched membrane domains that are closely linked with the underlying actin network, we asked whether the myelin instability associated with PMP22 deficiency could be mediated by involvement of the protein in actin-dependent cellular functions and/or lipid raft integrity. In peripheral nerves and cells from mice with PMP22 deletion, we assessed the organization of filamentous actin (F-actin), and actin-dependent cellular functions. Using in vitro models, we discovered that, in the absence of PMP22, the migration and adhesion capacity of Schwann cells and fibroblasts are similarly impaired. Furthermore, PMP22-deficient Schwann cells produce shortened myelin internodes, and display compressed axial cell length and collapsed lamellipodia. During early postnatal development, F-actin-enriched Schmidt-Lanterman incisures do not form properly in nerves from PMP22−/− mice, and the expression and localization of molecules associated with uncompacted myelin domains and lipid rafts, including flotillin-1, cholesterol, and GM1 ganglioside, are altered. In addition, we identified changes in the levels and distribution of cholesterol and ApoE when PMP22 is absent. Significantly, cholesterol supplementation of the culture medium corrects the elongation and migration deficits of PMP22−/− Schwann cells, suggesting that the observed functional impairments are directly linked with cholesterol deficiency of the plasma membrane. Our findings support a novel role for PMP22 in the linkage of the actin cytoskeleton with the plasma membrane, likely through regulating the cholesterol content of lipid rafts.
Effect of isolation temperature on the determination of bovine plasma very low density lipoprotein concentrations.

Abstract A split-plot design was used to determine effect of temperature on isolation of plasma very low density lipoproteins that were high in either saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids. Four steers received abomasal infusion of 400ml of water (control) or of corn oil, which served as the whole plot treatment, and the isolation of lipoproteins by ultra-centrifugation at 4, 20 and 37°C were the subplot treatments. Measured concentrations of plasma very low density lipoproteins ( 18:2 (average 36.3 vs. 4.0%) fatty acids than during the control treatment. Reducing the temperature of isolation did not affect measured lipoprotein concentration in plasma obtained from animals during oil infusion. Reduction in isolation temperature has a greater effect on the recovery of very low density lipoproteins, which are relatively high in saturated fatty acids compared with those high in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
ADRs under momentum and contrarian strategies

Abstract Given the recent growth in the American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and the current general climate of globalization in world equity exchanges, this paper investigates the ADRs as a distinct group of stocks within the framework of momentum and contrarian strategies. It considers the entire body of the level III ADRs from January 1982 to December 2005 and provides an analysis of their performance under various momentum and contrarian strategies. The methodology that is employed draws upon and is an extension of Lo and Mackinlay [Lo, Andrew W. and A. Craig MacKinlay, 1990. When are contrarian profits due to stock market overreaction? Review of Financial Studies, v3 (2), 175–206.] and Jegadeesh and Titman [Jegadeesh, Narasimhan and Sheridan Titman, 2001. Profitability of momentum strategies: An evaluation of alternative explanations, Journal of Finance, v56 (2, Apr), 699–720.]. The results indicate considerable support for the presence of the momentum and contrarian strategies in the ADRs market. The profitability of such strategies obviously runs counter to the efficient market hypothesis. These issues are elaborated upon and suggestions for further research are offered.
Self-organizing biochemical cycles

I examine the plausibility of theories that postulate the development of complex chemical organization without requiring the replication of genetic polymers such as RNA. One conclusion is that theories that involve the organization of complex, small-molecule metabolic cycles such as the reductive citric acid cycle on mineral surfaces make unreasonable assumptions about the catalytic properties of minerals and the ability of minerals to organize sequences of disparate reactions. Another conclusion is that data in the Beilstein Handbook of Organic Chemistry that have been claimed to support the hypothesis that the reductive citric acid cycle originated as a self-organized cycle can more plausibly be interpreted in a different way.
On the mechanism of the passivity of aluminum and aluminum alloys

The mechanism of passivation and breakdown of passive layers on Al and Al-Ta alloy has been examined at pH 8.4, 11 and 12. The methods used include: a study of the hydrogen to tritium separation factor to obtain the mechanism of the cathodic partner reaction; radiotracer examination of Cl− and SO42- adsorption and absorption: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth analysis; both negative and some positive secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS); Nomarski interferometry; scanning electron microscopy; energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS); and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The separation factor H/T is 7-4 depending on potential and pH. Absorption succeeds adsorption at θCl− > 1 and is the forerunner of breakdown. Distribution of ionic species in the film shows non-stoichiometry of ca 8%. This gives a built-in electric field which is surprisingly high, 106–107 V cm−1. Ta species at the surface are 2%–6% depending on pH but cause a reduction in corrosion rate of ca. 102 times. SIMS shows the OH− :O ratio to decrease with depth from the solution/oxide interface but to remain > 0.1 through the contact film to the surface. It declines with Cl− entry. The latter behaves radically differently for pure Al, and Al + Ta films. EDS gives an Al: Ta ratio of < 9% at the surface (pH 8.4). STM shows the topography of the dissolving film and indicates “boulders” of Al, around 500 A across. Passive layers on Al for pH 8–11 involve a porous pre-layer of Al(OH)3 and Al2O3 mixed crystal. The contact layer consists largely of Al2O3 but a critical component of it (the reason for its protectivity) is AlO(OH), in fibril form. Breakdown involves penetration of these fibrils by Cl−, which displaces the OH− therein and diffuses out again, in the form of an AlClnsm+ complex. Interpretation of the reaction order of 2 with respect to Cl− suggests m = 1 and n = 2. The Ta protects by blocking entry to the fibrils.
A comparative study of ventilatory responses to hypoxia with reference to hemoglobin o2-affinity in llama, cat, rat, duck and goose☆

Abstract 1. 1. In three mammals tested, hypoxic ventilatory response, expressed as a function of arterial oxygen saturation (Sao2 was greatest in the one with blood of highest oxygen affinity. 2. 2. In two birds of same body size there was no difference of ventilatory response, expressed as a function of Sao2 even though one had blood of greater oxygen affinity. 3. 3. In both mammals and birds, the “threshold” PaO2 for first significant increase of ventilation appeared to be low if oxygn affinity was high.
Thermal imaging for assessment of electron-beam freeform fabrication (EBF 3 ) additive manufacturing deposits

Additive manufacturing is a rapidly growing field where 3-dimensional parts can be produced layer by layer. NASA s electron beam free-form fabrication (EBF(sup 3)) technology is being evaluated to manufacture metallic parts in a space environment. The benefits of EBF(sup 3) technology are weight savings to support space missions, rapid prototyping in a zero gravity environment, and improved vehicle readiness. The EBF(sup 3) system is composed of 3 main components: electron beam gun, multi-axis position system, and metallic wire feeder. The electron beam is used to melt the wire and the multi-axis positioning system is used to build the part layer by layer. To insure a quality weld, a near infrared (NIR) camera is used to image the melt pool and solidification areas. This paper describes the calibration and application of a NIR camera for temperature measurement. In addition, image processing techniques are presented for weld assessment metrics.
Serotonin and serotonin receptor expression in the aorta of carotid intact and denervated newborns.

Pharmacological blocking of serotonin (5-HT) 5A receptors abolishes aortic ventilatory chemosensitivity of carotid body denervated (CBD) piglets [J. Appl. Physiol. 92 (2002) 893]. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to determine whether 5-HT and 5-HT receptors exist at aortic sites that are chemosensitive after CBD. Aortas from CBD and sham CBD rats and piglets and from aortic denervated (AOD) and combined AOD+CBD piglets were harvested, sectioned and then studied using immunohistochemistry and western blot techniques. 5-HT immunoreactivity in piglets and rats was concentrated in the endothelium and sub-endothelial areas in several aortic regions studied, and in some areas also in the adventitia. At the aortic chemosensitive site (descending aorta in CBD piglets and the ascending aorta in CBD rats), the immunoreactivity was greater (P < 0.05) than in other aortic regions and greater than in other groups studied. The 5-HT(5a) receptor was expressed only at the chemosensitive sites and only in aortic innervated piglets. We conclude that the data from this and a previous study [J. Appl. Physiol. 92 (2002) 893] suggest that a serotonergic mechanism contributes to the aortic ventilatory chemoreflex after CBD.
Multilocus sequence typing of Salmonella strains by high-throughput sequencing of selectively amplified target genes☆

Rapid development of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in recent years has made whole genome sequencing of bacterial genomes widely accessible. However, it is often unnecessary or not feasible to sequence the whole genome for most applications of genetic analyses in bacteria. Selectively capturing defined genomic regions followed by NGS analysis could be a promising approach for high-resolution molecular typing of a large set of strains. In this study, we describe a novel and straightforward PCR-based target-capturing method, hairpin-primed multiplex amplification (HPMA), which allows for simultaneous amplification of numerous target genes. To test the feasibility of NGS-based strain typing using HPMA, 20 target gene sequences were simultaneously amplified with barcode tagging in each of 41 Salmonella strains. The amplicons were then pooled and analyzed by 454 pyrosequencing. Analysis of the sequence data, as an extension of multilocus sequence typing (MLST), demonstrated the utility and potential of this novel typing method, MLST-seq, as a high-resolution strain typing method. With the rapidly increasing sequencing capacity of NGS, MLST-seq or its variations using different target enrichment methods can be expected to become a high-resolution typing method in the near future for high-throughput analysis of a large collection of bacterial strains.
Optimal Selection of ATE Frequencies for Test Time Reduction Using Aperiodic Clock

An aperiodic test clock methodology to reduce test time of wafer sort has been recently proposed. In practice, however, an automatic test equipment (ATE) allows only a small number of clock periods and finding those is a mathematically complex problem. This paper proposes an algorithm for optimal selection of any given number of tester clock periods.
Diagenesis of Recent Marine Carbonate Sediments: ABSTRACT

The diagenesis of carbonate sediments can be ascribed conveniently and naturally to pene-depositional and post-depositional processes. Pene-depositional effects End_Page 542------------------------------ occur at or a short distance below the sediment-water interface; post-depositional effects result largely from solution alteration accompanying subaerial exposure and (or) increasing lithostatic pressure. The thinness of Recent carbonate accumulations precludes solution alteration due to lithostatic pressure; consequently the present discussion is confined to the remaining diagenetic processes. Within the marine environment pene-depositional diagenesis affects both sedimentary structures and grain textures. The most obvious, and perhaps most important, structural change is the destruction of stratification in carbonate mud deposits by a vagile infauna. Indeed, this absence of stratification is so commonplace that the occasional occurrence of laminated carbonate mud deposits heralds unusual environmental conditions. The most important change in grain texture results from the recrystallization of various grain types, both skeletal and non-skeletal, to cryptocrystalline carbonate. Recrystallization is effected by the replacement of aragonite by aragonite or by the replacement of high magnesium calcite by high magnesium calcite. The only obvious change accompanying this replacement is the obliteration of the pre-existing crystal fabric of the affected grain. In fact, there seems to be no decrease in solubility accompanying the replacement. These data coupled with the observed replacement of organic matter by cryptocrystalline carbonate suggest that decomposition of the contained organic matter in certain carbonate grain types may indirectly effect recrystallization to cryptocrystalline carbonate.Subaerial exposure of unconsolidated carbonate deposits results in carbonate solution, replacement, and precipitation in that order. High magnesium calcite and aragonite are dissolved preferentially by meteoric water until the percolating solutions become saturated with respect to low magnesium calcite. At this point the more soluble high magnesium calcite and aragonite constituents are replaced by less soluble low magnesium calcite. Pore space precipitation of low magnesium calcite occurs when calcite saturated solutions lose water or carbon dioxide. Precipitation and (or) replacement transform the unconsolidated carbonate deposit into a limestone. End_of_Article - Last_Page 543------------
An analysis of cingulate gyrus response to cingulum stimulation in the cat.

Abstract 1. 1. The evoked response in the cingulate gyrus which follows stimulation of the cingulum fasciculus has two components. The first is a conducted spike in the cingulum fasciculus. The second is a cingulate cortex trans-cortical potential. 2. 2. The initial spike is shown to have axonal properties with maximal conduction velocity of about 20 m/sec and appropriate responsiveness to dual and repetitive stimulation, anesthesia and anoxia. It is localized in the cingulum fasciculus and responds to stimulation all along the length of the fasciculus. 3. 3. The cingulate trans-cortical potential is present throughout most of the length of the gyrus. 4. 4. The active cortex in a transverse plane has the form of a “C”. This configuration as a generator is analyzed as the determinant of the asymmetrical field of the cingulate trans-cortical response.
Emerging Therapeutic Targets of Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is linked to high morbidity and mortality. To date, singular approaches to target specific pathways known to contribute to the pathogenesis of SA-AKI have failed. Because of the complexity of the pathogenesis of SA-AKI, a reassessment necessitates integrative approaches to therapeutics of SA-AKI that include general supportive therapies such as the use of vasopressors, fluids, antimicrobials, and target-specific and time-dependent therapeutics. There has been recent progress in our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of SA-AKI including the temporal nature of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. In this review, we discuss the clinical and experimental basis of emerging therapeutic approaches that focus on targeting early proinflammatory and late anti-inflammatory processes, as well as therapeutics that may enhance cellular survival and recovery. Finally, we include ongoing clinical trials in sepsis.
Explicit targeting of transformed cells by VSV in ovarian epithelial tumor-bearing Wv mouse models.

Objective Current treatment options for epithelial ovarian cancer are limited and therapeutic development for recurrent and drug-resistant ovarian cancer is an urgent agenda. We investigated the potential use of genetically engineered Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) to treat ovarian cancer patients who fail to respond to available therapies. Specifically, we examined the toxicity to hosts and specificity of targeting ovarian tumors using a Wv ovarian tumor model.
Photochemical air pollution: Weekend-weekday differences

Abstract On weekends in Los Angeles County the average atmospheric concentrations of the primary reactants, NO and reactive hydrocarbons, leading to photochemical air pollution decrease. The behavior of oxidant concentration (used as a measure of the products of the photochemical reactions) usually does not follow that of the primary pollutants. In fact, we find that for most of the year the average weekend oxidant concentration is higher than the corresponding weekday value, despite the lowered emissions. However, for areas and times of particularly high oxidant concentration, for example at inland stations during the summer months, the oxidant levels do decrease on weekends. Thus care must be taken when designing short-term oxidant control strategies, as indiscriminant application of short-term traffic decreases to random days could be counterproductive. Such strategies, however, might be useful for days and places of particularly high oxidant concentration and further research to delineate the requisite conditions for the success of such strategies is in process.
Dynamical SUSY breaking and the β-deformation

We study supersymmetry breaking metastable vacua arising from beta deformed quiver gauge theories. The relation between the bounds on metastability and the deformation are discussed. Metastable supersymmetry breaking vacua are found in the IR of beta deformed cascading quivers with vector-like field content. Furthermore the limiting case of massive N f = N c SQCD appears in the IR of gauge theories with chiral-like field content. We comment on the field theory origin of the deformation and on possible applications in AdS/CFT.
On the Evolution of Host Selection in Solitary Parasitoids

Host selection by solitary parasitoids is modeled as a problem in life-historical evolution. Our basic approach is to assume fitness maximization in the face of trade-offs. We consider two kinds of trade-offs: (1) patchy versus fine-grained host distribution, and (2) an egg-production rate that is either negatively related to adult survival or simply a fixed constant. These lead to four general cases, and we derive the range of hosts attacked under each. The resulting decision rules are similar to several decision rules from classical foraging theory.
Assembling a complex quantum ensemble

Statistical mechanics provides a systematic approach for predicting the behavior of systems when only partial information is present. The key assumption underlying all of statistical mechanics is that every allowed configuration of the system, called a microstate, occurs with equal probability. This approach, valid for both classical and quantum systems, requires only minimal additional information for it to be astonishingly predictive. On page 207 of this issue, Langen et al. ( 1 ) describe a system in which this paradigm is violated and conventional statistical mechanics fails; almost all of the usually allowed microstates are inaccessible via the system's dynamics.
Susceptibility of two diamondback moth parasitoids, Diadegma insulare (Cresson) (Hymenoptera; Ichneumonidae) and Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera; Eulophidae), to selected commercial insecticides

In summer and fall 2004, insecticide toxicity bioassays were conducted on adults of Diadegma insulare and Oomyzus sokolowskii, two important parasitoids of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella in the southeastern United States. The toxicity bioassay utilized a cabbage leaf dip method and serial dilution concentrations of various labeled insecticides on crucifer crops. Results showed that all insecticide treatments, including spinosad, indoxacarb, esfenvalerate, methomyl, acetamiprid, acephate, emamectin benzoate, and methoxyfenozide were toxic to the adult stage of D. insulare or O. sokolowskii or both. The broad-spectrum insecticides esfenvalerate, methomyl, and acephate as well as the more IPM-compatible insecticides, spinosad, indoxacarb, and emamectin benzoate at their field rate concentrations resulted in 100% mortality to either D. insulare or O. sokolowskii or both after 72 h of exposure. Moreover, LC50 values for all of these insecticides were only a fraction (<2%) of the actual field rate concentration. The neonicotinoid, acetamiprid was less toxic than the other insecticides but still killed 77% of D. insulare adults and 91% of O. sokolowskii adults after 72 h of exposure. The insect growth regulator, methoxyfenozide, though considerably less toxic than the other insecticides based on LC50 levels, still resulted in substantial (62%) mortality of O. sokolowskii adults after 72 h. Results of these studies suggest that field applications of any of the aforementioned insecticides would impact biological control of diamondback moth.
Consumer concerns: motivating to action

Microbiologic safety is consumers' most frequently volunteered food safety concern. An increase in the level of concern in recent years suggests that consumers are more receptive to educational information. However, changing lifestyles have lessened the awareness of foodborne illness, especially among younger consumers. Failure to fully recognize the symptoms or sources of foodborne disease prevents consumers from taking corrective action. Consumer education messages should include the ubiquity of microorganisms, a comprehensive description of foodborne illnesses, and prevention strategies. Product labels should contain food-handling information and warnings for special populations, and foods processed by newer safety-enhancing technologies should be more widely available. Knowledge of the consequences of unsafe practices can enhance motivation and adherence to safety guidelines. When consumers mishandle food during preparation, the health community, food industry, regulators, and the media are ultimately responsible. Whether inappropriate temperature control, poor hygiene, or another factor, the error occurs because consumers have not been informed about how to handle food and protect themselves. The food safety message has not been delivered effectively.
Curriculum-Based Measurement in Assessing Bilingual Students: A Promising New Direction

There is growing concern that current methods of assessing students from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds are sometimes biased against the student. For example, traditional forms o...
A necessary and sufficient condition for right coprime factorization of nonlinear feedback systems

In this short note, we establish a simple, yet precise, necessary and sufficient condition for the “right coprime factorization” of a nonlinear feedback control system. As a consequence, we also obtain similar conditions for the “stable right coprime factorizations ” of the nonlinear feedback control system.
Nutrient concentrations within and below root zones from applied chicken manure in selected Hawaiian soils.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chicken manure (CM) application rates on nutrient concentrations within and below the root zone of sweet corn (Zea mays L. subsp. mays) under Hawaiian conditions. The research was conducted in leeward (Poamoho) and windward (Waimanalo) areas of Oahu, Hawaii, where contrasts exist in both climatic and soil conditions. Suction cup were used to collect soil solutions from 30 and 60 cm depths. Soil solutions were collected six times during the growing season at each location and analyzed for different nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3–N), ammonium-nitrogen (NH4–N), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. Analysis showed that CM rates significantly affected the concentration of macro-nutrients below the root zone at Poamoho and within the root zone at Waimanalo. In general, nutrient concentration increased with the increasing rates of CM application. There was a significant effect of CM on micro-nutrients except b...
The recession as the site of the exceptional: young people, self-determination and social mobility

This paper examines the importance of ‘self-determination’ and ‘hard work’ found within interviews with a group of young people in Manchester, England. The author suggests that moments of apparent contradiction within the interviews have much to offer, particularly when analysed in relation to discussions of inequality and political economy. Data from this paper show that while the young people mostly spoke about work choices in primarily individualistic ways, they used the recession as a means to acknowledge that acquiring jobs simply cannot just be about ‘choice’ or working hard, but is also configured by the market and structural inequality.
Role of Orbitofrontal Cortex Neuronal Ensembles in the Expression of Incubation of Heroin Craving

In humans, exposure to cues previously associated with heroin use often provokes relapse after prolonged withdrawal periods. In rats, cue-induced heroin seeking progressively increases after withdrawal (incubation of heroin craving). Here, we examined the role of orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) neuronal ensembles in the enhanced response to heroin cues after prolonged withdrawal or the expression of incubation of heroin craving. We trained rats to self-administer heroin (6 h/d for 10 d) and assessed cue-induced heroin seeking in extinction tests after 1 or 14 withdrawal days. Cue-induced heroin seeking increased from 1 to 14 d and was accompanied by increased Fos expression in ∼12% of OFC neurons. Nonselective inactivation of OFC neurons with the GABA agonists baclofen + muscimol decreased cue-induced heroin seeking on withdrawal day 14 but not day 1. We then used the Daun02 inactivation procedure to assess a causal role of the minority of selectively activated Fos-expressing OFC neurons (that presumably form cue-encoding neuronal ensembles) in cue-induced heroin seeking after 14 withdrawal days. We trained c-fos–lacZ transgenic rats to self-administer heroin and 11 d later reexposed them to heroin-associated cues or novel cues for 15 min (induction day), followed by OFC Daun02 or vehicle injections 90 min later; we then tested the rats in extinction tests 3 d later. Daun02 selectively decreased cue-induced heroin seeking in rats previously reexposed to the heroin-associated cues on induction day but not in rats exposed previously to novel cues. Results suggest that heroin-cue-activated OFC neuronal ensembles contribute to the expression of incubation of heroin craving.
An improved technique for precise measurements of specific heat of a liquid using DuPont 990 DSC

Abstract Precise measurement of specific heat of liquid using the DuPont-990 DSC is not an easy matter, although the modular system has many desirable features for its determination. It was found that pan placement by the best human judgement was not sufficient to warrant accurate and reliable results. A technique which is based on a centering device has been established. The device, which consists of a plexiglas centering cylinder and a vacuum-operated sample loading probe, permits accurate positioning of either the Dupont or the Perkin-Elmer hermetic aluminum pans on the calorimeter. With the aid of the device, specific heats of demineralized water and phenyl ether were obtained with an accuracy and precision of bettern than 2% on a DuPont-905 standard DSC cell. The technnique also enables measurements to be performed on the -902 standard DSC cell, and with a little sacrifice in accuracy, on the PDSC cell as well. The improved technique has many advantages over the silver disc/heat sink compound method reported by the manufacturer.
A strongly negative shear velocity gradient and lateral variability in the lowermost mantle beneath the Pacific

A new approach for constraining the seismic shear velocity structure above the core-mantle boundary is introduced, whereby SH-SKS differential travel times, amplitude ratios of SV/SKS, and Sdiff waveshapes are simultaneously modeled. This procedure is applied to the lower mantle beneath the central Pacific using da.ta from numerous deep-focus southwest Pacific earthquakes recorded in North America. We analyze 90 broadband and 248 digitized analog recordings for this source-receiver geometry. SH-SKS times are highly variable and up to 10 s larger than standard reference model predictions, indicating the presence of laterally varying low shear velocities in the study area. The travel times, however, do not constrain the depth extent or velocity gradient of the low-velocity region. SV/SKS amplitude ratios and SH waveforms are sensitive to the radial shear velocity profile, and when analyzed simultaneously with SH-SKS times, rnveal up to 3% shear velocity reductions restricted to the lowermost 190±50 km of the mantle. Our preferred model for the central-eastern Pacific region (Ml) has a strong negative gradient (with 0.5% reduction in velocity relative to the preliminary reference Earth model (PREM) at 2700 km depth and 3% reduction at 2891 km depth) and slight velocity reductions from 2000 to 2700 km depth (0–0.5% lower than PREM). Significant small-scale (100–500 km) shear velocity heterogeneity (0.5%–1%) is required to explain scatter in the differential times and amplitude ratios.
Comments on the Analysis of Returned Comet Samples

It is argued that returned comet samples should be distributed to individual laboratories for analysis much in the same way that lunar samples are. In the context of emerging technologies, certain developments in other fields which may prove beneficial to the study of comets are reviewed, including cryogenic and tomographic techniques. It is noted that the lack of expertise in the area of cryogenic examination of comet samples is a current weakness in the ability of the extraterrestrial material community to handle comet samples and thus requires further training and preparations. Computer tomography scan images of a 'dirty snowball' are presented to illustrate the importance of developing new methods for comet sample analysis. It is suggested that microanalytic measurements of extraterrestrial samples at the atom-counting limit appear promising for the future.
Anxious Solitude, Unsociability, and Peer Exclusion in Middle Childhood: A Multitrait–Multimethod Matrix

This study examines convergent and divergent validity for middle childhood anxious solitude, unsociability, and peer exclusion as assessed by five informants (peers, teachers, observers, the self, and parents). Participants were 163 (67 male, 96 female) third grade children (M age = 8.70 years). Parent reports were available for a subset of the sample (N = 95). Validity was analyzed via multitrait–multimethod correlation matrices and structural equation models. Results indicate that anxious solitude and peer exclusion have better convergent and divergent validity than unsociability, although there is evidence of shared method variance for all constructs. Peers have the best combination of convergent and divergent validity, and parents, the worst; teachers, observers, and the self demonstrated mid-level validity.
Polyp identification and marking: Chromoscopy, high-resolution and high-magnification endoscopy, tattooing, and clipping

The most current methods for polyp identification involve the use of surface staining. The use of staining during colonoscopy or chromoscopy differentiates indeterminate mucosal findings from adenomas, hyperplastic polyps from adenomas, and the borders of large sessile polyps during their removal. Chromoscopy is ideally performed with newer high-resolution video colonoscopes. Chromoscopy combined with high-magnification colonoscopes is currently a research tool used to identify and quantitate aberrant crypt foci, which are suspected to represent the earliest precursor of the adenoma. Polyp site marking can be best performed by tattooing with India ink or commercial, tattoo parlor-type inks. A short-term alternative to polyp site marking is the use of catheter-placed clips. These can also be used to close polypectomy site defects as a measure to avoid complications such as bleeding and perforation. The techniques described are all readily adaptable to the practice of colonoscopy today.
An Analog/Mixed-Signal FFT Processor for Wideband OFDM Systems

An analog/mixed-signal (AMS) Fourier transform circuit topology is presented that has the potential to significantly reduce power consumption in future broad-band OFDM systems. The topology would replace the flash based analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the digital FFT core in current OFDM systems with an alternative analog multiplier-based converter. System simulations are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system. The new topology is shown to significantly reduce power consumption of the ADC/FFT block.
Neighborhood responses to disorder and local attachments: The systemic model of attachment, social disorganization, and neighborhood use value

This paper investigates neighborhood-level connections between ecological structure, responses to disorder, and local attachment and social involvement. We develop predictions integrating the systemic model of community attachment, neighborhood use value, and the social disorganization perspective. The systemic model predicts neighborhood stability will deepen attachment and local involvement; the social disorganization perspective anticipates effects of stability on responses to disorder; and neighborhood use value suggests effects of status, racial composition, and problems such as crime and deterioration on attachment. We further propose, building on earlier work, that attachment may influence responses to disorder, or vice versa. Data include resident surveys, census information, on-site assessments, and crime rates from 66 randomly selected Baltimore, Maryland, neighborhoods. In support, respectively, of the systemic and neighborhood use value models, we find strong impacts of stability and class on neighborhood attachment/involvement. Neighborhood fear and perceived informal social control depend upon emotional investment and social integration. We see no overall impacts of deterioration on responses to disorder, calling into question some key aspects of the incivilities thesis. Earlier investigations of deterioration and responses to disorder that excluded person-place transactions may have been misspecified. Results underscore the strong relationship between person-environment transactions and responses to disorder. Asking how to encourage citizens to resist disorder is questioning, in part, how to increase the bonds residents have with the locale and with one another.
A fluorescence-based assay for measuring N-acetyl-1-d-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-α-d-glucopyranoside deacetylase activity

Here we report a new fluorescence-based assay for measuring MshB (N-acetyl-1-d-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-α-d-glucopyranoside deacetylase) activity. The current assay for measuring MshB activity requires the fluorescent labeling of reaction mixtures and subsequent analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), resulting in a significant amount of processing time per sample. Here we describe a more rapid fluorescnce-based assay for the measurement of MshB activity that does not require HPLC analysis and can be carried out in multiwell plates. This fluorescamine (FSA)-based assay was used to determine the steady-state parameters for the deacetylation of N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc) by MshB, and the results from these experiments support the hypothesis that the inositol moiety primarily contributes to the affinity of GlcNAc-Ins (N-acetyl-1-d-myo-inosityl-2-amino-2-deoxy-α-d-glucopyranoside) for MshB. The rapid nature of this assay will aid efforts toward a more detailed biochemical characterization of MshB. Furthermore, because this assay relies on the formation of a primary amine, it could be adapted to measure the activity of mycothiol-S-conjugate amidase, a metal-dependent amidase that is a potential drug target involved in the mycothiol detoxification pathway.
Convective heat transfer in magmas near the liquidus

Abstract Natural convection in magmas at subliquidus temperatures is analyzed using Bingham plastic and power-law rheology models. Heat flux measurements were obtained at liquidus and subliquidus temperatures for degassed basaltic lava at atmospheric pressure. These measurements of heat flux ranged from 2 to 40 kW/m 2 and were obtained using two different types of convective heat flux probes. The agreement between the two different instruments and the theoretical calculations is excellent. A noticeable change in the trend of the convective heat flux data is observed in the vicinity of the liquidus temperature. Subliquidus convective heat flux rates (6–15 kW/m 2 ) are attractive for energy extraction applications.
Meningiomas of the Pineal Region and Third Ventricle

The clinical presentation, radiological findings, and surgical management of two cases of meningioma arising from the velum interpositum without dural attachment are described. The true nature of these tumors was not suspected despite extensive preoperative diagnostic evaluation. A total removal was effected in both cases with the use of the operating microscope and a posterior fossa approach to the pineal region. A review of similar cases from the English literature is presented.
A micromechanistic formulation for stress-strain response of clay

Abstract A micromechanistic theory is developed on the basis of variational principles to facilitate the interpretation of experimental data relating the stress-strain behavior of a clay soil to its fabric and water retention characteristics. This formulation yields a stress-strain expression with terms to characterize the void ratio and particle orientation distribution, as well as certain deformation parameters, one set of which is an empirical function of the soil-water potential. The resulting theoretical relationship is applied to study the response of five representative fabric samples prepared from a slurry with two different chemistries and consolidation stress paths.
Talking to computers: an empirical investigation

Abstract This paper describes an empirical study of man-computer speech interaction. The goals of the experiment were to find out how people would communicate with a real-time, speaker-independent continuous speech understanding system. The experimental design compared three communication modes: natural language typing, speaking directly to a computer and speaking to a computer through a human interpreter. The results show that speech to a computer is not as ill-formed as one would expect. People speaking to a computer are more disciplined than when speaking to each other. There are significant differences in the usage of spoken language compared to typed language, and several phenomena which are unique to spoken or typed input respectively. Usefulness for work in speech understanding systems for the future is considered.
Considerations for design with cyclic softening materials in fusion reactor applications

Bainitic and martensitic steels have received considerable attention as structural materials in fusion reactor systems. Both magnetic and inertial confinement systems are expected to operate in a cyclic (pulsed) mode. While design stresses are usually low, certain physical or metallurgical stress concentrations can lead to changes in local materials properties inducing high local damage during cyclic loading. In particular, the bainitic and martensitic steels lose a considerable amount of their initial high strength when subjected to cyclic loading. Limitations in design with these cyclically softening materials are examined in this paper. The effects of strain range, fatigue cycles, hold times, strain rates, and environment on the elevated temperature fatigue behavior of bainitic 2.25Cr-lMo, modified 9Cr-lMo, and HT-9 are evaluated. These alloys are all found to cyclically soften, and these changes can also influence materials creep strength at elevated temperatures, leading to unacceptable strains and premature creep failure.
Base Composition of the Ribonucleic Acids of the Three Types of Poliovirus.

Abstract Techniques for HCl hydrolysis and chromatography were modified to permit analysis of the bases in the RNA of representative strains of the three types of poliovirus. The base compositions of these strains were found to be essentially the same, but poliovirus RNA was markedly different from the RNA of host cells.
Identification and Characterization of Buried Ionizable Groups in Proteins

Ionizable groups buried in the hydrophobic interior of proteins play many essential biological roles. their physical properties are not well understood. Owing to the inherent differences in the dielectric properties of proteins and of water the properties of internal and surface ionizable groups can be very different. In a previous systematic study from this laboratory Asp, Glu, Lys and Arg residues were buried at 25 internal locations in staphylococcal nuclease. Most of these internal residues titrate with highly anomalous pKa values. Many crystal structures of these variants show that the majority of these buried ionizable residues are buried completely and in very diverse microenvironments. A survey of the properties and microenvironments of naturally occurring internal ionizable groups in proteins was undertaken with a large set of proteins from the Protein Data Bank to compare against the internal ionizable groups buried artificially in nuclease. Internal ionizable groups were identified based on accessible surface area and depth of burial using a self-consistent definition of the interface between protein and bulk water. For purposes of this survey, internal ionizable groups were characterized primarily in terms of accessible surface area, depth of burial, polarity and hydrophobicity of their microenvironments, and contact with other surface or internal ionizable groups and with crystallographic water molecules. MD simulations were also performed on a small set of proteins to examine the robustness of static structures for purposes of determination of depth of burial.
The art and engineering of modern antenna near-field measurements

This paper reviews the development of the antenna near-field measurement techniques and highlights some of the key features of these methods. The introduction of the near-field technique has opened a venue for accurate, stable and highly controllable indoor antenna measurements. Many interesting variations are developed in taking the near-field data on different surfaces which has further fostered the implementation of the near-field techniques. The planar, cylindrical and spherical chambers are nowadays very well-known and widely used for different applications. The researchers have also used many novel schemes in sampling the near-field data over the desired surfaces. For instance, plane-polar, bi-polar and spiral techniques have each provided unique characteristics or benefits to the art of near-field measurements. The notable fact regarding all of these techniques is that; they need a reasonably accurate measurement of both amplitude and phase of the near-field. Recently a very appealing alternative approach is introduced. These methods rely only on the amplitude measurement of near-field and are called phaseless techniques. They are capable of extracting the near-field phase merely based on amplitude-only measurements. The difficulties of measuring phase at higher frequencies have made them a unique solution for the needs of modern near-field facilities. This paper will also cover a typical application of this method in extracting the far-field of directive antennas in UCLA bi-polar facility and performs diagnostic processing using the phaseless techniques.
Spinal dynorphin involvement in the analgesia of pregnancy: effects of intrathecal dynorphin antisera

Abstract In both rats and humans there is an analgesia associated with pregnancy. This analgesia is spinally mediated and involves the κ type of opiate receptor. The current study demonstrates that intrathecal administration of high affinity dynorphin antibodies produces a significant reduction in jump thresholds during pregnancy (day 20). The administration of pre-adsorbed antisera fails to produce this effect. These results support the hypothesis that a spinal dynorphin/κ opiate receptor system is activated during gestation.
Thermo-spectroscopy and self-focusing

Abstract It is shown that the thermo-period is a linear function of the wavelength in benzene. These data are very unlikely to be explained by the self-focusing of the ruby laser beam.
Human retinal pigment epithelial cells possess β2-adrenergic receptors

Beta-adrenergic receptors on cultured human retinal pigment epithelium were demonstrated by the binding of [125I]cyanopindolol. Its pharmacologic specificity was also examined. Specific [125I]cyanopindolol binding was saturable, with a dissociation constant of 130 pM and a receptor density of 12 fmol per one-half million cells, which is equivalent to 14,000 receptor sites per retinal pigment epithelial cell. Agonists competed for specific [125I]cyanopindolol binding, with the following rank order of potencies: (-)-isoproterenol > (-)-epinephrine > (-)-norepinephrine. Beta 2-selective antagonist ICI-118551 was approximately 3 log orders more potent than the beta 1-selective antagonist, betaxolol. These receptors were also coupled to an adenylate cyclase. These results suggest strongly that cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells possess beta 2-adrenergic receptors. The potential significance of these findings with regard to retinal pigment epithelial functions is discussed herein.
Simple sequential model for the kinetics of conformational transitions of oligomeric helices and proteins

A simple sequential model is developed which is applicable to the kinetics of melting of some types of oligomeric helices and as an idealization to the kinetics of unfolding of some protein molecules. A procedure is presented for calculating the concentrations of all conformational species as functions of time. The time course of experimentally observable quantities which depend on these concentrations may then be computed. One of the most characteristic features of the model is the distinction between a transient and a steady-state phase. During the latter all molecular parameters change at the same rate, which depends strongly on the difficulty of nucleation and the length of the sequence. Simple approximations to the steady-state rate are discussed in terms of the exact solution. Rates of transient processes dependless strongly on the rate of nucleation and the number of steps and are a more direct reflection of the rates of the rates of the elementary process of propagation. The value of experimental observation of transient process is emphasized.
Metabolism of exogenous uridine 5'-triphosphate, adenosine 5'-triphosphate and pyrophosphate by alkylsulfatase-producing bacteria.

Abstract 1. 1. The uptake and metabolism of β-P 32 -labelled UTP, ATP and uniformly labelled PPi was studied using bacteria washed twice with and immediately resuspended in a medium containing 0.031 M PO 3− 4 . 2. 2. Under these conditions, little P 32 -labelled PO 3− 4 was detected extracellularly when the cells were exposed for 2–5 min to 5 × 10 −5 M concentrations of the above effectors. 3. 3. Cells of both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas C 12 B incorporated the P 32 -label from all effectors under the above conditions.