cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth-rate-dependent regulation of ribosome synthesis in E. coli: Expression of the lacZ and galK genes fused to ribosomal promoters

Abstract Hybrid transducing phages were constructed in vitro that carry the galK gene fused to each of three ribosomal promoters: the promoter for an rRNA operon ( rrnE ); the promoter for the spc r protein operon; and the promoter for the α r protein operon. We also constructed hybrid transducing phages that carry the lacZ gene fused to the promoter for the rrnE operon or to the promoter for the spc r protein operon. The amounts of galactokinase (or β-galactosidase) were analyzed in lysogens carrying these various transducing phages grown in several different growth media. The synthesis rate of galactokinase (or β-galactosidase) from the fused rrn-gal (or rrn-lac ) operon relative to the total protein synthesis rate increased with increasing growth rate, as expected from the transcriptional activity of rRNA operons. In contrast, the relative synthesis rate of galactokinase (or β-galactosidase) from the operon fused to α or spc r protein promoter remained approximately constant with increasing growth rate. These results were interpreted to mean that the characteristic increase in the relative synthesis rate of r protein with increasing growth rate is determined not by transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, but by posttranscriptional mechanisms, which presumably involve the feedback inhibition of r protein mRNA translation by free r proteins.
Information systems and ecological sustainability

Purpose – There is a growing awareness by researchers and practitioners of organizations' ecological responsibilities. Past research in management suggests that it is important to develop ecological sustainability, a long‐missing piece of the sustainability puzzle, together with economic sustainability and social sustainability. However, little research has been conducted to explore how information systems (IS), as one of the defining technologies in human society, can help organizations develop ecological sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a conceptual model and propositions with regard to the roles of IS in the pursuit of ecological sustainability.Design/methodology/approach – The paper focuses on how organizations are motivated to act in the same legitimate way (i.e. eco‐friendly way) and proposes institutional theory as a lens to better understand how IS can be leveraged to achieve the three milestones of ecological sustainability, i.e. eco‐efficiency, eco‐equity and eco‐effective...
Assessing Armed Forces' deficienies for peace operations: A methodology

Increasing the availability and effectiveness of forces from some of the developing countries for peace operations is an important way of ensuring the success of such missions in the future. In practice, this means structuring aid and assistance programmes from developed Western states to developing states in an appropriate fashion. The first step is to assess the deficiencies of the armed forces specifically with respect to peace operations. We propose a methodology for such an assessment. This uses seven categories to identify obstacles to the more effective participation in peace operations: general education, military proficiency, discipline, leadership, equipment, English‐language proficiency, and specialized peacekeeping training. These measures, each a composite of several indicators, yield a general assessment. In line with the policy orientation of the article we then propose some ways in which to use this assessment.
Cesium fluoride assisted synthesis of macrocyclic polyethers with aromatic subunits

Several features of the synthesis of crown ethers with aromatic subunits by reactions of dihydroxyaromatic or bis(hydroxyaromatic) compounds with cesium fluoride and polyethylene glycol tosylates are explored. The method is utilized to prepare several new crown ethers and to synthesize known crown compounds in improved yields.
Nucleolar hypertrophy and nuclear DNA replication in liver.

Hypertrophy of nucleoli is associated with DNA synthesis in the hepatocytes of untreated rats just as it is in stimulated animals. Nucleolar enlargement is not a sufficient change to ensure that the parenchymal liver cell can make DNA.
Molecular weight of aquatic fulvic acids by vapor pressure osmometry

Abstract The molecular weights of aquatic fulvic acids extracted from five rivers were determined by vapor pressure osmometry with water and tetrahydrofuran as solvents. The values obtained ranged from 500 to 950 dallons, indicating that the molecular weights of aquatic fulvic acids are not as great as has been suggested in some other molecular weight studies. The samples were shown to be relatively monodisperse from radii of gyration measurements determined by small angle x-ray scattering. THF affords greater precision and accuracy than H 2 O in VPO measurements, and was found to be a suitable solvent for the determination of molecular weight of aquatic fulvic acid because it obviates the dissociation problem. An inverse correlation was observed with these samples between the concentration of Ca ++ and Mg ++ in the river water and the radii of gyration and molecular weights of the corresponding fulvic acid samples.
The Psychology of Sunk Cost

Abstract The sunk cost effect is manifested in a greater tendency to continue an endeavor once an investment in money, effort, or time has been made. Evidence that the psychological justification for this behavior is predicated on the desire not to appear wasteful is presented. In a field study, customers who had initially paid more for a season subscription to a theater series attended more plays during the next 6 months, presumably because of their higher sunk cost in the season tickets. Several questionnaire studies corroborated and extended this finding. It is found that those who had incurred a sunk cost inflated their estimate of how likely a project was to succeed compared to the estimates of the same project by those who had not incurred a sunk cost. The basic sunk cost finding that people will throw good money after bad appears to be well described by prospect theory ( D. Kahneman & A. Tversky, 1979 , Econometrica, 47, 263–291). Only moderate support for the contention that personal involvement increases the sunk cost effect is presented. The sunk cost effect was not lessened by having taken prior courses in economics. Finally, the sunk cost effect cannot be fully subsumed under any of several social psychological theories.
Modal voltages and micro-signal analysis of conical shells of revolution

Abstract Conical shells and components are widely used as nozzles, injectors, rocket fairings, turbine blades, etc. Dynamic and vibration characteristics of conical shells have been investigated over the years. In this paper, micro-electromechanics and distributed sensing phenomena of a generic double-curvature shell and a conical shell are discussed, and governing sensing signal-displacement equations are derived. Spatially distributed modal voltages and micro-signal generations of conical shells laminated with distributed piezoelectric sensor layers are investigated based on the Donnel–Mushtari–Valsov theory. Distributed modal voltages and their various signal components of two conical shells reveal that the dominating signal component among the four contributing micro-signal components is the circumferential membrane component. This dominance is even more significant for lower shell modes and/or deep shells. In general, high strain regions result in high signal magnitudes. Accordingly, the spatially distributed signal patterns— the modal voltages —clearly represent the modal dynamic and micro-strain characteristics of conical shells.
Analysis of 136 Pesticides in Avocado Using a Modified QuEChERS Method with LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS

A simple and high-throughput screening method for the analysis of 136 pesticides in avocado ( Persea americana ) by LC-(+)-ESI-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS is presented. A modified QuEChERS sample preparation method was developed to improve the extraction recovery of highly lipophilic pesticides. Extracts from minced avocados after acetonitrile (MeCN) extraction were directly injected to LC-MS/MS, whereas other GC-amenable compounds were treated with the modified QuEChERS procedure for GC-MS/MS analysis. The average recoveries for 79 pesticides quantified by LC-MS/MS at 10, 50, and 200 ng/g fortifying levels were 86.1% or better (with maximum RSD at 9.2%), whereas GC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated 70.2% or better (RSD < 18%) for average recovery from 57 compounds at the same spike levels. The application of LC- and GC-MS/MS combined with the improved extraction procedures led to the current method, which can quantitate these pesticides even if they are present in avocados below the targeted action level by FDA. This method demonstrated the improved recovery of several challenging lipophilic pesticides in highly fat-rich avocados.
Heat Transfer Boundary Conditions in the RELAP5-3D Code

The heat transfer boundary conditions used in the RELAP5-3D computer program have evolved over the years. Currently, RELAP5-3D has the following options for the heat transfer boundary conditions: (a) heat transfer correlation package option, (b) non-convective option (from radiation/conduction enclosure model or symmetry/insulated conditions), and (c) other options (setting the surface temperature to a volume fraction averaged fluid temperature of the boundary volume, obtaining the surface temperature from a control variable, obtaining the surface temperature from a time-dependent general table, obtaining the heat flux from a time-dependent general table, or obtaining heat transfer coefficients from either a time- or temperature-dependent general table). These options will be discussed, including the more recent ones.
Lactobacillus acidophilus Utilization of Sugars and Production of a Fermented Soybean Product

Abstract Eight strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, obtained from the ARS Culture Collection, were tested for their ability to use monosaccharides [fructose, galactose, glucose and D (+) mannose], disaccharides (lactose, maltose and sucrose) and two oligosaccharides (raffinose and stachyose). As judged by titratable acidity and pH changes during growth, strain variation existed in the ability of the microorganisms to utilize the sugars. Strain NRRL B-1910 was a superior utilizer of raffinose and stachyose as measured by medium pH changes. Therefore, B-1910 was selected as inoculum for the successful production of a yoghurt-like soybean product, which has potential as a good protein food source.
Site of the Visual Suppression Effect

THERE is no general answer to the question of the possible existence and function of a centrifugal pathway to the retina. Evidence for the presence of such a system in mammalian species is controversial, but Holden1 has pointed out that in the case of the pigeon there is substantial anatomical and physiological evidence for a centrifugal system. He goes on to suggest possible functions for such a pathway in mammals mediating known visual phenomena although Brindley2 has argued that there is little behavioural evidence for the necessity of such a pathway.
INHIBITION OF RHABDOMYOSARCOMA CELL AND TUMOR GROWTH BY TARGETING SPECIFICITY PROTEIN (Sp) TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS

Specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 are highly expressed in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells. In tissue arrays of RMS tumor cores from 71 patients, 80% of RMS patients expressed high levels of Sp1 protein, whereas low expression of Sp1 was detected in normal muscle tissue. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) tolfenamic acid (TA) inhibited growth and migration of RD and RH30 RMS cell lines and also inhibited tumor growth in vivo using a mouse xenograft (RH30 cells) model. The effects of TA were accompanied by downregulation of Sp1, Sp3, Sp4 and Sp-regulated genes in RMS cells and tumors, and the role of Sp protein downregulation in mediating inhibition of RD and RH30 cell growth and migration was confirmed by individual and combined knockdown of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 proteins by RNA interference. TA treatment and Sp knockdown in RD and RH30 cells also showed that four genes that are emerging as individual drug targets for treating RMS, namely c-MET, insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR), PDGFRα and CXCR4, are also Sp-regulated genes. These results suggest that NSAIDs such as TA may have potential clinical efficacy in drug combinations for treating RMS patients.
The microprogramming of pipelined processors

A pipelined processor is one whose computational capabilities are divided into several sequential stages, each of which may be working with an independent set of data at the same instant of time. Such processors are capable of handling large streams of data at very high rates. As with conventional CPUs, the microprogrammed control of such processors offers advantages not possible with hardwired controls. This paper discusses some unique tradeoffs that may be made in the design of microprogrammed pipelines. A sample pipeline demonstrates the characteristics of two extremes of microprogrammed control—one where the microinstruction specifies all activity in the pipeline at one instant of time (time-stationary) and one where the microinstruction “follows” the data through several clock periods (data-stationary). Several typical microprograms show the effects of these two variations on hardware costs, microprogrammability, and pipeline efficiency.
A Survey Comparing Special Education Services for Students with Disabilities in Rural Faith-Based and Public School Settings

This descriptive study examined the provision of special education services in faith-based schools, especially as compared to public schools. A survey was used to collect information about the special education services typically provided to students with mild disabilities in faith-based schools. Information was also gathered about teacher qualifications and instructional activities of special education teachers in faith-based schools. The same information was gathered on a matched sample of public schools. The results indicated that for this sample, most faith-based schools provided some level of special education services to students with mild disabilities and used some special education services provided by public schools. There were clear differences between the public and faith-based schools in this study, including (a) fewer students with identified disabilities in faith-based schools, (b) less special education training for the special education teachers in faith-based schools, and (c) less use of ...
Children's coping with surgery: A process-oriented perspective

Assessing the manner in which children cope with surgery, by using a process-oriented perspective, requires attention to each child's viewpoint of the surgical event. Assessing coping as a process places great emphasis on the way a child appraises the event, which in turn determines the coping modes adopted. Illustrations are given from research with pediatric surgical patients that show how a coping interview based on a process-approach can be conducted clinically with children to gather data about their views of surgery and the ways they cope with it. Knowledge of how to assess coping that changes with appraisals provides nurses with the insight to clarify children's understanding of the event and to apply interventions to bolster children's coping and reduce the stress of both children and parents. Interventions for children and parents are suggested.
Breeding for value in a changing world: past achievements and future prospects

Large-scale tree improvement programs began in the 1950s. Tree improvement is now part of operational silviculture programs in many companies and countries around the world and tree breeding programs have produced very impressive results: (1) realized gains in plantations being established today of some 40–50 % in volume yield above unimproved material for many programs; (2) increased efficiencies in all aspects of breeding, selection, testing and deployment; and (3) a shortening of the generation interval by a factor of two from approximately 30 years in the first generation to less than 15 years today for pine programs. What about the future? What should tree breeders be thinking, planning and doing to ensure that results 60 years from now are even more impressive than those from the previous 60 years? Tree breeders today live in a rapidly changing world faced with: increasing demands for food, energy and water; globalization leading to an interconnectedness of markets and rapid spread of exotic organisms; climate change and its implications for genetic deployment; burgeoning technology in robotics, communications and molecular tools; shifting ownership patterns of forest land; and the real possibility of completely new forest products and markets in the future. Three ideas for “Breeding for Value in a Changing World” are: (1) adopt a robust philosophy that aims to ensure maximum value produced per ha even in a future world that will be quite different; (2) embrace technology at every phase in the tree improvement process; and (3) encourage interdisciplinary teams of scientists to solve complex problems that require expertise ranging from molecular to landscape scales.
Short cycle covers of cubic graphs

Let G be a bridgeless cubic graph. We prove that the edges of G can be covered by circuits whose total length is at most (44/27) |E(G)|, and if Tutte's 3-flow Conjecture is true, at most (92/57) |E(G)|. © 1994 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The polarographic determination of micellar diffusion coefficients

Abstract Diffusion coefficients of micelles may be conveniently determined by tagging them with a substance which is reducible at the dropping mercury electrode. The method was applied to the determination of the diffusion coefficients of sodium decyl, dodecyl, and tetradecyl sulfate micelles using a cadmium laurate label and gave values of 1.14 × 10 −6 , 0.86 × 10 −6 , and 0.76 × 10 −6 cm 2 /sec, respectively, for these substances.
The afferent and efferent connections of the feline nucleus tegmenti pedunculopontinus, pars compacta

The fiber connections of the nucleus tegmenti pedunculopontinus, pars compacta (TPc) were studied by means of the anterograde autoradiographic and retrograde horseradish peroxidase tracer methods. The limits of TPc, which is not a cytoarchitecturally distinct cell group in the cat, were estimated on the basis of autoradiographic experiments in which we plotted the distribution of afferent connections from the entopeduncular nucleus, motor cortex, substantia nigra, and subthalamic nucleus. We concluded that in the cat, TPc can most readily be identified by the terminal distribution of fibers originating in the substantia nigra. Deposits of radiolabel in the motor-pre-motor cortex, the entopeduncular nucleus, and subthalamic nucleus weakly labeled the same tegmental region. Parallel horseradish peroxidase experiments suggested that neurons near the entopeduncular nucleus, especially in the lateral hypothalamus and subthalamus, contribute to the pallido-TPc pathway; that entopeduncular neurons projecting to TPc are most numerous in the ventral part of the nucleus; and that of the neocortical motor fields, both areas 4 and 6 project to TPc. An autoradiographic study of the efferent connections of TPc showed that the major connections were directed toward more rostral structures. Small deposits of labeled amino acids centered in TPc invariably elicited bilateral labeling of the pars compacta of the substantia nigra and the subthalamic nucleus, the densest label being on the ipsilateral side. Other structures variably or more sparsely labeled were: the posterior and lateral hypothalamus; centre median complex; an intermediate part of the lateral thalamic nucleus; central gray substance; nucleus parabrachialis pigmentosus (retro-rubral nucleus); the raphe nuclei linearis intermedius, dorsalis, and magnus; nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis; the pontine and medullary reticular for-mation including the nuclei pontis oralis and caudalis; and the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis, especially its ventral supraolivary part. These observations demonstrate that TPc shares some connections with a wider tegmental region, but that, in addition, TPc is characterized by a set of afferent and efferent connections that differentiate it from the surrounding teg-mentum and affiliate it with the basal ganglia. By comparison with findings in the monkey and rat, these experiments further suggest that the connections of TPc may vary across mammalian species. The location and fiber connections of TPc indicate that it is probably distinct from the physiologically defined mesencephalic locomotor region, but suggest the hypothesis that TPc, as a part of an extrapyramidal tegmental loop-circuit, may be involved in the production of simple resting tremors.
Peripheral and cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease in diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with atherosclerotic vascular disease involving the coronary, peripheral and cerebrovascular circulation. Compared with non-diabetic counterparts, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in diabetic individuals is more diffuse and often involves the popliteal and below-knee arteries. The goal of treatment in diabetic patients with PAD, as in other patients with this condition, is to aggressively treat atherosclerotic risk factors to reduce future cardiovascular events as well as to improve symptoms of claudication and prevent limb amputation. Diabetes is also associated with a heightened risk of stroke which is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic individuals. Optimal blood pressure control is paramount in reducing the future risk of stroke in these patients. Clinicians need to be aware of the strong association between diabetes and non-coronary atherosclerosis and use appropriate medical and interventional treatments to reduce the associated disability and mortality in these patients.
Induction charging nozzle for flat fan sprays

An induction charging nozzle has been developed for use with a fully hydraulic, flat fan, water spray. Charging is achieved by passing the spray between two relatively small diameter electrodes whose position can be changed to impart the maximum deposition current on a collection screen. A simple, analytic model was first derived to gain fundamental knowledge about the relationships between the variables that determine the deposition current (x and y electrode position, power supply voltage, and nozzle pressure), and to aid in the prediction of the optimum electrode location. The nozzle was then tested to verify the trends indicated by the model and test the hypotheses concerning the choice of electrode design. The model and experimental data trends matched well. The hypothesis for using small electrodes to help avoid issues associated with electrode wetting was verified. As also indicated by the model, experiments showed that decreasing the x-spacing between the electrodes and the spray resulted in an increase in deposition current; however, in the experimental case, droplet impact issues were revealed as the x-spacing became very small. The best y-location, relative to the nozzle orifice, for the electrodes was also clearly revealed.
EVALUATION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR (IGF) II AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IN GRWOTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY (GHD)

IGF-I/SmC has proved to be useful for the diagnosis of GHD. Due to low normal levels in early infancy, however, its diagnostic value is limited at this age. We, therefore, investigated, whether serum IGF-II could improve the diagnostic sensitivity in GHD. For its determination a KIA was developed with an antiserum raised against the synthetic fragment IGF-II(33-40) and IGF-II was used as tracer. Cross-reactivity with IGF-I was 0.05% and the sensitivity was 0.02 ng. In contrast to IGF-I normal IGF-II. levels were almost constant during development between age 1 and 17 years (5-percentile: 395 ng/ml; 50-percentile: 545 ng/ml; 95-percentile: 753 ng/ml). In 57 patients with GHD diagnosed by GH stimulation tests basal levels of IGF-I and -II were measured. Subnormal values for IGF-II were found in 42 (74%) cases, 5 of which had normal IGF-I; out of 15 (26%) patients with normal values for IGF-II 8 had also normal IGF-I levels. Below 5 years of age (n=8) all patients had subnormal values for IGF-II, 4 of which, however, had normal IGF-I levels. It is concluded that IGF-II is a useful tool for diagnosis of GHD at any age and is superior to IGF in early infancy.
Measurement of elemental speciation by liquid chromatography: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) with the direct injection nebulizer (DIN)

This thesis is divided into 4 parts: elemental speciation, speciation of mercury and lead compounds by microbore column LC-ICP-MS with direct injection nebulization, spatially resolved measurements of size and velocity distributions of aerosol droplets from a direct injection nebulizer, and elemental speciation by anion exchange and size exclusion chromatography with detection by ICP-MS with direct injection nebulization. Tabs, figs, refs.
The region of largest β-zone parapapillary atrophy area predicts the location of most rapid visual field progression.

Purpose To determine if visual field (VF) progression occurs most rapidly in the region of largest β-zone parapapillary atrophy (PPA). Design Retrospective cohort. Participants One hundred twenty-five patients from the New York Glaucoma Progression Study with both β-zone PPA and VF progression. Methods Treated open-angle glaucoma patients with 8 or more Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm Standard 24-2 VFs (Humphrey Field Analyzer II; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA) in either eye were identified. Eyes with optic disc photographs, β-zone PPA, less than 6 diopters myopia, and VF progression were studied. Visual field progression was defined using trend analysis as the presence of at least 2 adjacent progressing points in the same hemifield using standard pointwise linear regression (PLR) criteria. Main Outcome Measures The correlation between β-zone PPA and location of most rapid future VF progression. Results One hundred twenty-five eyes (125 patients; mean age, 71.9±12.3 years; 58% women; 75% European descent) with β-zone PPA and VF progression were enrolled. The mean follow-up was 6.8±1.7 years and the mean number of VFs was 12.5±3.6. Ninety-three patients (74%) had more β-zone PPA inferiorly and 32 patients (26%) had more β-zone PPA superiorly. The fastest VF progression occurred in the superior hemifield in 77 patients (62%) and in the inferior hemifield in 48 (38%) patients. Patients with superior VF progression had a superior localized mean rate of progression of −1.57±1.7 dB/year, and patients with inferior VF progression had an inferior localized mean rate of −0.94±1.4 dB/year ( P = 0.012). The mean number of points reaching the predefined PLR end points was 5.6±7.5 for the superior VF hemifield and 3.0±4.9 for the inferior hemifield ( P = 0.006). The hemifield with more points reaching PLR progression end points, with fastest average velocity of progression, or both was spatially consistent with the location of largest β-zone PPA in 89 (71%) patients ( P = 0.0001, Fisher exact test; κ = 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.17–0.53). Conclusions In treated glaucoma patients with β-zone PPA and VF progression, the location of largest β-zone PPA typically correlates spatially with the region of the most rapid future VF progression. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
A case of Susac syndrome with cervical spinal cord involvement on MRI

We describe a typical case presentation of Susac syndrome with a novel MRI finding of cervical spinal cord involvement. A 25-year-old, 14-week gestation white woman presented with two episodes of encephalopathy, responsive to steroids, with abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) concerning for Susac syndrome. Further studies confirmed the clinical triad of encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusions and hearing loss pathognomonic for Susac syndrome. Cervical spine MRI demonstrated two focal areas of high-signal abnormality at C2 and C3. We provide a brief review of Susac syndrome, data regarding pregnancy in this rare syndrome, and discuss how this unique observation may assist in the medical management of such cases and contribute to the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.
Increased food intake evoked by DVC injection of NR2B, NR2C/NR2D preferring NMDA receptor antagonists.

We have previously shown that blockade of N -methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the caudal brainstem delays satiation and increases food intake. NMDA receptors are heterodimers made up of distinct, but different ion channel subunits. The NR2 subunits of the NMDA receptor contain the binding site for glutamate. About half of vagal afferents express immunoreactivity for NMDA NR2B subunit and about half of the NR2B expressing afferents also express NMDA NR2C or NR2D subunits. This suggests that increased meal size may be evoked by interference with glutamate binding to NMDA channels containing the NR2B subunit. To test this, we measured deprivation-induced intake of 15% sucrose solution following microinjections of Conantokin-G (NR2B blocker) and D-CPPene (NR2B/2A blocker) directly into NTS. We also tested sucrose intake of rats in response to ICV administration of PPDA (NR2D/C blocker). Both Conantokin (100 ng/50nl) and D-CPPene (100 ng/100nl) NTS administration increased 30-min sucrose intake significantly compared to control (Conantokin: 15.9±1.00 vs. 13.7±1.05; D-CPPene: 12.2±0.9 vs. 9.7±0.6). ICV injections of PPDA also increased 30-min sucrose intake compared to control (PPDA 14.1±1.9 vs. 12.13±1.2). These results show that DVC NMDA receptor subunits NR2B and NR2C/D participate in food intake control. Supported by DK-52849 and NS-20561.
Surface orientation from texture: ideal observers, generic observers and the information content of texture cues

Abstract Perspective views of textured, planar surfaces provide a number of cues about the orientations of the surfaces. These include the information created by perspective scaling of texture elements (scaling), the information created by perspective foreshortening of texels (foreshortening) and, for textures composed of discrete elements, the information created by the effects of both scaling and foreshortening on the relative positions of texels (position). We derive a general form for ideal observers for each of these cues as they appear in images of spatially extended textures, (e.g. those composed of solid 2-D figures). As an application of the formulation, we derive a set of `generic' observers which we show perform near optimally for images of a broad range of surface textures, without special prior knowledge about the statistics of the textures. Using simulations of ideal observers, we analyze the informational structure of texture cues, including a quantification of lower bounds on reliability for the three different cues, how cue reliability varies with slant angle and how it varies with field of view. We also quantify how strongly the reliability of the foreshortening cue depends on a prior assumption of isotropy. Finally, we extend the analysis to a naturalistic class of textures, showing that the information content of textures particularly suited to psychophysical investigation can be quantified, at least to a first-order approximation. The results provide an important computational foundation for psychophysical work on perceiving surface orientation from texture.
The effect of geometrical optimization on the calculated indo potentials for internal rotation

Abstract A comparison of the calculated semi-empirical (INDO) potentials for torsional rotation about carboncarbon bonds in butadiene, glyoxal, biphenyl, 2,2'-difluorobiphenyl and benzaldehyde with and without consideration of extensive geometrical optimization indicates the importance of this consideration especially for the larger systems.
Some sampling effects of pairwise correlated observations on likelihood ratio tests for the difference between two means

We study the effects of the inclusion of pairs of correlated observations in a sample on likelihood ratio tests for the difference in two means. In particular, we assess how the inclusion of correlated data pairs (e.g., such as data inadvertently collected from sib-pairs) affects the sample size requirements necessary for the implementation of a Likelihood Ratio (LR) test for the difference between two means. Our results suggest that correlated data pairs beneficially or adversely effect sample size requirements for an LR test to a degree functionally related to the mixture parameters dictating their relative frequencies in the larger sample on which the test will be performed, the strength of the correlation between the observations, and the size of imbalances in the sample with respect to the number of observations in each group. The relevance and implications of the results for genetic and epidemiologic research are discussed.
Genetic predisposition to diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired humoral immunity to coxsackievirus B4

Summary Experiments were performed to determine whether genetic predisposition to diabetes mellitus (DM) or clinical DM or both exert an influence on the production of neutralization antibodies to coxsackievirus B4 (CB4). The homozygous diabetic mutant mouse db + /db + , on the inbred C57BL/KsJ genetic background, develops a diabetes-like disease when maintained on ad libitum diet but rectriction of excess food intake prevents overt disease. The doubly heterozygote db + / + m or the homozygote + m/ + m misty coat color mutant, on the C57BL/KsJ genetic background, do not develop DM and served as controls. Animals infected with one-half a previously determined LD 50 of CB4 were bled prior to infection and at 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 days and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months after infection. Serum neutralization antibody (NA) levels were determined from the percent CB4 plaque reduction. Until 2 months following infection, NA levels were not significant in either of the homozygous diabetic mutant groups, db + /db + . In the diabetic mutant group db + /db + , without overt disease, neutralization of CB4 when observed, was low, short-lived, and apparently not specific. However, in the homozygous diabetic mutants with spontaneous diabetes, CB4 NA became evident at 2 months after infection. By 3 months post-infection, serum NA levels were sufficient to cause 90% virus plaque reduction. These observations demonstrate that hereditary DM as characterized by the mutation diabetes, db, in the C57BL/KsJ mouse, is associated with a marked impaired humoral immune response to a diabetogenic human CB4. Specifically, there is an inability to develop an adequate level of anti-CB4 antibodies. The type and degree of immunological impairment are apparently different prior to and after onset of diabetes mellitus.
Global status of Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines: evidence, policies, and introductions.

Purpose of reviewThe leading causes of bacterial meningitis and pneumonia in children, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae, are vaccine preventable. This study reviews the status of vaccine use globally and the evidence base that supports policy recommendations for use o
Soviet Policies and Kremlin Politics

Soviet foreign policy reflects the characteristics of the political process that produces it. Since 1953, the Soviet policymaking process has assumed five distinct forms—here called ‘regimes’. Each regime—Pluralistic, Directive, Primatial, Oligarchic, and Cartelistic—corresponds to a specific pattern of intra-elite competition and division of decisionmaking authority. Each regime, in turn, yields a unique ‘policy syndrome’—a unique combination of policy attributes. Here, four attributes are considered: consistency, responsiveness, coherence, and risk-taking. The relationships between regimes and policy syndromes are tested empirically, using COPDAB measures of Soviet-American interaction between 1953 and 1977.
Dynamic mechanical properties of two copolymers of styrene and n-hexyl methacrylate

The storage (J′) and loss (J″) shear compliances have been measured for two random copolymers of styrene and n-hexyl methacrylate with styrene contents of 18% and 30% (by weight) in the frequency range 45–4400 Hz and the temperature range 31–107°C. The data at different temperatures were combined by the method of reduced variables, and the WLF coefficients were calculated from the temperature shift factors by the method of Pierson and Kovacs. The data were compared with earlier data for the two homopolymers. The thermal expansion coefficient of the fractional free volume, and the free volume at the glass transition temperature, varied monotonically with composition, but the fractional free volume at a reference temperature of 100°C appeared to pass through a maximum as a function of concentration. Comparison of isothermal plots of J′ at 100°C, plots of the relaxation spectrum at 100°C, the monomer friction coefficient and its temperature dependence, and isochronal plots of the storage shear moduls at 100 radians/see all show that the properties of poly(n-hexyl methacrylate) are very slightly affected by incorporation of 18% styrene and only moderately affected by 30% styrene. By contrast, comparison of styrene–butadiene rubber with 1,4-polybutadiene shows a very large effect of incorporation of 23.5% styrene. These differences may be associated with local packing relations of the comonomer residues and suggest that copolymer properties cannot be readily predicted from those of the component homopolymers.
Exact fixed points in discrete hydrodynamics

Recently a discrete formulation of hydrodynamics was introduced, which was shown to be exactly renormalizable in a certain sense: a procedure was given for computing the equations of motion on a coarse space and time scale from those on a finer scale. In this paper we carry out this coarsening procedure explicitly, giving exact numerical results for a one-dimensional diffusive system. The coarsening transformation is found to have a one-parameter family of nontrivial fixed points, parameterized by a diffusion parameterD. This result gives a new way of understanding why so many systems obey Fick's lawj = − D'dn/dx. Any of an extremely broad class of microscopic equations of motion, when viewed on a coarse enough scale, obey the fixed-point equations (which are equivalent to Fick's law). The methods used here are equally applicable to higher-dimensionality systems such as fluids.
Digital Image Sequence Analysis For Computing Optical Flow In Flame Propagation Visualization

Temporally and spatially resolved two-dimensional imaging of turbulent reacting flows promises to enhance our knowledge of flame chemistry during ignition, propagation, and quenching. There are a number of active research programs in the combustion imaging diagnostics field, for example in high-speed laser shadowgraph recording, and two-dimensional laser-induced fluorescence imaging. The image data from these experiments is typically used to provide quantitative visualization of species concentrations in propaga-ting flames. Up until now, image sequences have always been interpreted with the aid of fairly simple image display or processing techniques, such as pseudocolor enhancement. Relatively little work has been done in the areas of computer recognition, classification, and interpretation of fluid flow. This paper takes an initial step towards this goal. We address the probem of tracking and displaying the flow of local features which occur at fluid interfaces in laser shadowgraph imagery. Image sequences are computer processed to produce two-dimensional maps showing the motion of the interfaces between hot combustion products and cold reactants gases. This is analogous to a simple form of optical flow map, typically used for describing solid object motion in video sequences. The computer processing is applied in the following stages: (1) unwanted background noise is subtracted from each frame in the sequence , (2) frames are thresholded and thinned to produce a sequence of skeletons representing the essential fluid structure, (3) localized correlation is performed between adjacent frames to produce an optical flow map.
A Comparison of Cotton Ovule and Cotton Cell Suspension Cultures: Response to Gibberellic Acid and 2-Chloroethylphosphonic Acid

Summary* Cotton ovule cultures have proved to be useful tools in the elucidation of the fiber growth parameters that ultimately affect fiber quality. Ovules pretreated with chloroethylphosphonic acid (CEPA) or gibberellic acid (GA3) were subsequently placed in media containing GA3. Fiber elongation was inhibited on ovules pretreated for 20 h with CEPA. Ovules exposed to GA3 in a 16-h pretreatment, followed by culture in 100 μM CEPA. 5.7 μM GA3 + 100 μM CEPA, or 5.7μM GA3, 5μM IAA + 100 μM CEPA exhibited inhibition of fiber elongation. Inhibition was least on fibers receiving a GA3, IAA + CEPA treatment. A simultaneous addition of 5.7μM GA3 and 100 μM CEPA inhibited fiber elongation. In cotton cell suspension cultures, cell elongation was inhibited and lateral cell expansion was promoted in GA3 + CEPA-treated cultures. Cotton ovule cultures were less sensitive to CEPA than cotton cell suspension cultures.
Desert recreation: economic values of management and service strategies

This study focuses on the management of a desert area. It utilizes survey data to assess visitors' preferences and values for several management strategies designed to alleviate conflicts in this region. The implications may help to understand management issues in other similar environments. The results show distinctive differences between how these management strategies may be valued by the resource users, depending on the intended goals of the strategies. A key conclusion is that the best management strategy is interrelated with the characteristics of the resource users. A heterogeneous analysis and diversified policy may achieve better management goals and social welfare.
CK2 Is a C-Terminal IκB Kinase Responsible for NF-κB Activation during the UV Response

NF-kappaB is activated in response to proinflammatory stimuli, infections, and physical stress. While activation of NF-kappaB by many stimuli depends on the IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex, which phosphorylates IkappaBs at N-terminal sites, the mechanism of NF-kappaB activation by ultraviolet (UV) radiation remained enigmatic, as it is IKK independent. We now show that UV-induced NF-kappaB activation depends on phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha at a cluster of C-terminal sites that are recognized by CK2 (formerly casein kinase II). Furthermore, CK2 activity toward IkappaB is UV inducible through a mechanism that depends on activation of p38 MAP kinase. Inhibition of this pathway prevents UV-induced IkappaBalpha degradation and increases UV-induced cell death. Thus, the p38-CK2-NF-kappaB axis is an important component of the mammalian UV response.
A unifying framework for biological invasions: the state factor model

Biological invasions are a fixture in our landscapes, with consequent losses in endemic biota and shifts in ecosystem function. Despite the historical recognition of exotic species success in novel environs, this phenomenon lacks a holistic-descriptive framework. Recent attempts to explain biological invasions are based largely on identifying the inherent invasive qualities of successful exotic species (i.e., invasiveness), or characterizing the susceptibility of a habitat to an introduced species (i.e., invasibility), with few studies examining their interaction or additional contributing factors (e.g., time since introduction). We propose unifying the ’points of entry’ into biological invasions with a state factor model that incorporates all contributing variables—not just species or habitats—into a quantifiable, factorial model amenable to hypothesis testing. State factors are phenomenological variables describing the state of a system—historically used in soil and vegetation science. Our state factor equation relates any quantifiable property of an invasion (i) as a function of propagule pressure (p), introduced habitat (h), invader autecology (a), source environment (s), and time since introduction (t). By manipulating state factors singly, or in interaction, targeted variation can be related to quantifiable properties of exotic species while controlling, or at minimum accounting for, remaining factors contributing variation to the system. This holistic factor-function paradigm extends research on invasions from beyond the limits imposed by current theory, fosters novel empirical approaches, elucidates knowledge gaps in our understanding of resident invasions, and allows for variable accounting via a factor matrix. Here we briefly outline the ontogeny of state factors in soil and vegetation science, detail our proposed ’phast’ framework for biological invasions, including notation, and examine a case study in state factor utility.
Research using high (and higher) resolution radiosonde data

High vertical resolution radiosonde data (HVRRD), which began to become available in the early 1990s, have had value in gravity wave and tropical wave studies [Hamilton and Vincent, 1995]. For example, routine analysis of upper troposphere-lower stratosphere temperature and wind has led to better understanding of seasonal and geographic variations in gravity wave activity and spectral characteristics. Since then, HVRRD have been exploited for much broader research applications in fields where HVRRD provide the highest resolution available for observational parameters. With recent upgrades to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) network of U.S. upper air stations providing yet higher vertical resolution, new research applications of operational sounding data are emerging. A repository of long-term, routine, very high resolution in situ observations of fundamental atmospheric parameters, including temperature, water vapor, and wind velocity, is now available, for which the full research potential has yet to be realized.
Dynamics of a Periodically Pulsed Bio-reactor Model

Abstract Global attractivity and uniform persistence are established for both single species growth and two species competition in a periodically pulsed bio-reactor model in terms of principal eigenvalues of the periodic-parabolic eigenvalue problem by appealing to the theories of monotone discrete dynamical systems, abstract persistence, asymptotically periodic semiflows, and perturbation of global attractors.
The response to deforestation and desertification in a model of West African monsoons

Since Charney proposed his theory on the dynamics of deserts and droughts in the Sahel [Charney, 1975], there has been significant scientific interest in the interaction between vegetation and climate in this region. The essence of this interaction is that the atmospheric circulation, and therefore rainfall, over this region may be sensitive to changes in vegetation cover near the desert border. Here we describe simulations of the West African monsoons with a simple zonally-symmetric model. The results suggest that the potential impact of human induced change of land cover on regional climate depends critically on the location of the change in vegetation cover. That is, desertification along the border with the Sahara (e.g., in Chad, Niger, Mali and Mauritania) leaves a relatively minor impact on monsoon circulation and regional rainfall; deforestation along the southern coast of West Africa (e.g., in Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast) may result in complete collapse of monsoon circulation, and a significant reduction of regional rainfall.