cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observation of Bs-Bsbar Oscillations Using Partially Reconstructed Hadronic Bs Decays

This thesis describes the contribution of partially reconstructed hadronic decays in the world's first observation of B{sub s}{sup 0}-{bar B}{sub s}{sup 0} oscillations. The analysis is a core member of a suite of closely related studies whose combined time-dependent measurement of the B{sub s}{sup 0}-{bar B}{sub s}{sup 0} oscillation frequency {Delta}m{sub s} is of historic significance. Using a data sample of 1 fb{sup -1} of p{bar p} collisions at {radical}s = 1.96 TeV collected with the CDF-II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron, they find signals of 3150 partially reconstructed hadronic B{sub s} decays from the combined decay channels B{sub s}{sup 0} {yields} D*{sub s}{sup -} {pi}{sup +} and B{sub s}{sup 0} {yields} D{sub s}{sup -} {rho}{sup +} with D{sub s}{sup -} {yields} {phi}{pi}{sup -}. These events are analyzed in parallel with 2000 fully reconstructed B{sub s}{sup 0} {yields} D{sub s}{sup -} {pi}{sup +} (D{sub s}{sup -} {yields} {phi}{pi}{sup -}) decays. The treatment of the data is developed in stages of progressive complexity, using high-statistics samples of hadronic B{sup 0} and B{sup +} decays to study the attributes of partially reconstructed events. The analysis characterizes the data in mass and proper decay time, noting the potential of the partially reconstructed decaysmore » for precise measurement of B branching fractions and lifetimes, but consistently focusing on the effectiveness of the model for the oscillation measurement. They efficiently incorporate the measured quantities of each decay into a maximum likelihood fitting framework, from which they extract amplitude scans and a direct measurement of the oscillation frequency. The features of the amplitude scans are consistent with expected behavior, supporting the correctness of the calibrations for proper time uncertainty and flavor tagging dilution. The likelihood allows for the smooth combination of this analysis with results from other data samples, including 3500 fully reconstructed hadronic B{sub s} events and 61,500 partially reconstructed semileptonic B{sub s} events. The individual analyses show compelling evidence for B{sub s}{sup 0}-{bar B}{sub s}{sup 0} oscillations, and the combination yields a clear signal. The probability that random fluctuations could produce a comparable signature is 8 x 10{sup -8}, which exceeds the 5 standard deviations threshold of significance for observation. The discovery threshold would not be achieved without inclusion of the partially reconstructed hadronic decays. They measure {Delta}m{sub s} = 17.77 {+-} 0.10(stat) {+-} 0.07(syst) ps{sup -1} and extract |V{sub td}/V{sub ts}| = 0.2060 {+-} 0.0007(exp){sub -0.0060}{sup +0.0081}(theory), consistent with the Standard Model expectation.« less
Lumped-element circulator optimization

A detailed theoretical model for lumped-element circulators is used as the basis for a synthesis procedure in which the various circuit parameters are determined so that the lossless three-port junction is a perfect circulator at the desired design frequency with maximum bandwidth for a given size of the ferrite disk. Theoretical expressions for the internal and external permeabilities are derived from the Landau-Lifshitz equations. The y-connected lumped-element circulator is then analyzed on the basis of a very general equivalent circuit, which applies to ferrite samples of arbitrary spheroidal shape. Theoretical expressions for the impedance matrix of the ferrite-loaded junction are derived, and the scattering matrix is calculated. An algorithm for finding consistent sets of parameter values that will result in perfect circulation (in the lossless case) at any desired design frequency is used. Optimization for maximal bandwidth at given design frequency is obtained by imposing the additional constraint that the frequency derivatives of the phases of the eigenvalues of the scattering matrix are equal at the design frequency. Sample results are provided that demonstrate the validity of the approach. >
Nonlinear RF circuits and nonlinear vector network analyzers : interactive measurement and design techniques

With increasingly low-cost and power-efficient RF electronics demanded by today's wireless communication systems, it is essential to keep up to speed with new developments. This book presents key advances in the field that you need to know about and emerging patterns in large-signal measurement techniques, modeling and nonlinear circuit design theory supported by practical examples.Topics covered include:Novel large-signal measurement techniques that have become available with the introduction of nonlinear vector network analyzers (NVNA), such as the LSNA, PNA-X and SWAP Direct extraction of device models from large-signal RF dynamic loadlinesCharacterization of memory effects (self-heating, traps) with pulsed RF measurementsInteractive design of power-efficient amplifiers (PA) and oscillators using ultra-fast multi-harmonic active load-pullVolterra and poly-harmonic distortion (X-parameters) behavioral modelingOscillator phase noise theoryBalancing, modeling and poly-harmonic linearization of broadband RFIC modulatorsDevelopment of a frequency selective predistorter to linearize PAs
Finding a Fit or Developing It Implicit Theories About Achieving Passion for Work

"Passion for work" has become a widespread phrase in popular discourse. Two contradictory lay perspectives have emerged on how passion for work is attained, which we distill into the fit and develop implicit theories. Fit theorists believe that passion for work is achieved through finding the right fit with a line of work; develop theorists believe that passion is cultivated over time. Four studies examined the expectations, priorities, and outcomes that characterize these implicit theories. Our results show that these beliefs elicit different motivational patterns, but both can facilitate vocational well-being and success. This research extends implicit theory scholarship to the work domain and provides a framework that can fruitfully inform career advising, life coaching, mentorship, and employment policies.
Recruitment Strategies and Motivations for Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing among College Students.

Objective The authors evaluated procedures for recruiting college students for sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing as part of a research study examining the impact of HSV serologic testing. Participants A convenience sample of 100 students was drawn from students aged 18 to 35 years enrolled at one university in a mid- Atlantic state between September 2004 and March 2006. Methods: Six strategies were used to recruit students for participation in the study. Upon enrollment, participants were asked where they heard about the study. Students were also asked about their motivations for participation. Results: Findings show that a significant recruitment strategy involves targeting places where students seek health care. Other effective strategies include those where information is directly provided to individuals. Most students were motivated to participate because of a possible past exposure to herpes simplex virus 2. Conclusions: Targeting places where students seek health care and educating students...
The chemical-in-plug bacterial chemotaxis assay is prone to false positive responses

Background: Chemical-in-plug assays are commonly used to study bacterial chemotaxis, sometimes in the absence of stringent controls. Results: We report that non-chemotactic and non-motile mutants in two distinct bacterial species (Shewanella oneidensis and Helicobacter pylori) show apparent zones of accumulation or clearing around test plugs containing potential attractants or repellents, respectively. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the chemical-in-plug assay should be used with caution, that non-motile or non-chemotactic mutants should be employed as controls, and that results should be confirmed with other types of assays. Numerous spatial assays, described below, are used to monitor bacterial chemotaxis to particular chemicals. In these assays, motile bacteria are first placed in a solution that does not contain the test chemical to be analyzed. Next, a high concentration of the test chemical is placed adjacent to the bacterial solution, and allowed to diffuse into it. If the bacteria respond chemotactically, they form either zones of concentrated bacteria or regions of clearing. One widely-used chemotaxis assay is the quantitative capillary assay in which the test chemical is placed in a narrow-bore capillary, and the bacteria are in a surrounding solution [1]. In this assay, chemotactic responses are measured by determining the number of bacteria that move into the capillary. This assay works well for attractants, but not well for repellents as noted by Tso and Adler [2]. These authors first proposed the chemical-in-plug assay, which is now often called the plug-in-pond assay, as a way of studying the effect of repellent stimuli on bacterial behavior. This quick and simple assay places a potential chemoeffector in an agar plug and surrounds the plug with a turbid suspension of bacteria in soft agar. Because the bacteria can swim in
Presymmetry of classical relativistic particles

The invariant methods of modern differential geometry are used to study both a noninertial single particle and Fermi-Walker transport in special relativity. The presymmetry, especially the acceleration group, is formulated in the tangent manifold of the observer. Our geometrical construction of the presymmetry of Ekstein also gives Newton's second law as a theorem. In addition, we obtain the exact, closed-form expression for a noninertial particle in special relativity and an exact, closed-form expression for Fermi-Walker transport in special relativity.
Differential function of major histocompatibility complex antigens in T-lymphocyte activation.

The antigenic systems of the major histocompatibility complex can be subdivided into those which are serologically detectable and those which are detected in tests with mixed lymphocytes. The two systems have different roles in the activation of separate populations of T lymphocytes.
Accumulation of lead in fish from missouri streams impacted by lead mining

This study was conducted to determine if elevated levels of lead occur in the edible tissue of fish inhabiting Missouri streams affected by lead mining.
A Missional Hermeneutic of the Other: A Dialogue between Levinas and Confucianism

This article aims to briefly provide a missional hermeneutic of the other by undertaking a dialogue between Levinas and Confucianism. Regarding the other as heathen, uncivilized, and lost, the church has tended not to treat the other as its interlocutor. Levinas’s hermeneutic of the other might help the church correct this tendency toward the other. However, Levinas’s emphasis on the radical otherness of the other might lead to further distancing between the church and the world as the other. In this regard, Confucianism’s relational and inclusive understanding of the other might be helpful for reducing the gap between the church and the other.
Neuropsychological Implications of Rhythm and Aphasia Deficits After Unilateral Left Hemisphere Injuries.

The present study was designed to investigate changes in rhythm skills independent of any right hemisphere dysfunction and in relationship to verbal deficits which accompany left hemisphere injuries. Thirty-five individuals injured in the left hemisphere were divided into three groups on the basis of their scores on the Seashore Rhythm Test and the Reitan-Indiana Aphasia Screening Test. The three groups were then compared on 21 measures taken from the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Results of one-way analyses of variance indicated that 8 measures, commonly associated with left hemisphere problems, differentiated the three groups while 13 measures, commonly associated with right hemisphere or diffuse problems, did not. The findings were interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that rhythm deficits may occur independent of right hemisphere injury. The results also indicated that rhythm deficits are useful in localizing left hemisphere injuries.
Determination of D/H ratios of nonexchangeable hydrogen in cellulose: A method based on the cellulose-water exchange reaction

We have established a simple technique for the determination of D/H ratios of nonexchangeable hydrogen in cellulose. This technique is based on equilibrating cellulose prepared from raw wood or cotton with water of known isotopic composition. A temperature of 0°C was selected for the exchange experiments. This allowed the rapid freezing and subsequent sublimation of the ice without affecting the isotopic composition of the equilibrated hydroxyl hydrogen. A sodium hydroxide treatment of the cellulose is necessary to achieve equilibrium between cellulose and water within 24 hours. The best sodium hydroxide treatment procedure was found to be overnight soaking of cellulose in a 17% NaOH solution at near 0°C, followed by rinsing and transferring the cellulose to the exchange vessels without drying. We have obtained a very good reproducibility for the δD analysis of the equilibrated cellulose treated with this procedure (1σ < 2%.). The resulting δD values of nonexchangeable hydrogen, using the equilibration technique, were compared with those obtained using the nitration technique. The agreement between the two techniques is ±3.3%. (1σ), and the analytical accuracy of the equilibration method is ±2.5%. (1σ). This method may be useful in dealing with the nitration of ancient plant materials, which is sometimes not possible. In addition, the technique may be extended to the isotopic analysis of other organic compounds that contain exchangeable hydrogen.
Radical Dependence of the Yields of Methacrolein and Methyl Vinyl Ketone from the OH-Initiated Oxidation of Isoprene under NOx-Free Conditions

Formation yields of methacrolein (MAC), methyl vinyl ketone (MVK), and 3-methyl furan (3MF) from the hydroxyl radical (OH) initiated oxidation of isoprene were investigated under NO(x)-free conditions (NO(x) = NO + NO(2)) at 50 °C and 1 atm in a quartz reaction chamber coupled to a mass spectrometer. Yields of the primary products were measured at various OH and hydroperoxy (HO(2)) radical concentrations and were found to decrease as the HO(2)-to-isoprene-based peroxy radical (ISORO(2)) concentration ratio increases. This is likely the result of a competition between ISORO(2) self- and cross-reactions that lead to the formation of the primary products, with reactions between these peroxy radicals and HO(2) which can lead to the formation of peroxides. Under conditions with HO(2)/ISORO(2) ratios close to 0.1, yields of MVK (15.5% ± 1.4%) and MAC (13.0% ± 1.2%) were higher than the yields of MVK (8.9% ± 0.9%) and MAC (10.9% ± 1.1%) measured under conditions with HO(2)/ISORO(2) ratios close to 1. This radical dependence of the yields was reproduced reasonably well by an explicit model of isoprene oxidation, suggesting that the model is able to reproduce the observed products yields under a realistic range of atmospheric HO(2)/ISORO(2) ratios.
Mach and Matchmaker: kernel and language support for object-oriented distributed systems

Mach, a multiprocessor operating system kernel providing capability-based interprocess communication, and Matchmaker, a language for specifying and automating the generation of multi-lingual interprocess communication interfaces, are presented. Their usage together providing a heterogeneous, distributed, object-oriented programming environment is described. Performance and usage statistics are presented. Comparisons are made between the Mach/Matchmaker environment and other related systems. Possible future directions are examined.
Adam Smith in Beijing: A World-Systems Perspective

Giovanni Arrighi’s last book is compared with Andre Gunder Frank’s Re-Orient. The implications of Arrighi’s study of the East/West-comparison for comprehending world-historical evolution and the political issues of the current conjuncture are considered.
Electrical resistance of metallic contacts on silicon and germanium during indentation

The effects of indentation on the electrical resistance of rectifying gold-chromium contacts on silicon and germanium have been studied using nanoindentation techniques. The DC resistance of circuits consisting of positively and negatively biased contacts with silicon and germanium in the intervening gap was measured while indenting either directly in the gap or on the contacts. Previous experiments showed that a large decrease in resistance occurs when an indentation bridges a gap, which was used to support the notion that a transformation from the semiconducting to the metallic state occurs beneath the indenter. The experimental results reported here, however, show that a large portion of the resistance drop is due to decreases in the resistance of the metal-to-semiconductor interface rather than the bulk semiconductor. Experimental evidence supporting this is presented, and a simple explanation for the physical processes involved is developed which still relies on the concept of an indentation-induced, semiconducting-to-metallic phase transformation.
Inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport by hydrophilic metal chelators. Determination of dehydrogenase topography.

Abstract The topography of the inner mitochondrial membrane was investigated using inhibitors of electron transport on preparations of beef heart mitochondria and electron transport particles of opposite orientation. Reductions of juglone, ferricyanide, indophenol, coenzyme Q, duroquinone, and cytochrome c by NADH are inhibited to different extents on both sides of the membrane by the impermeant hydrophilic chelators bathophenanthroline sulfonate and orthophenanthroline. The extent of inhibition for each acceptor increased in the order given. At least two chelator-sensitive sites are present on each membrane face between the flavoprotein and coenzyme Q and a chelator-sensitive site is present on the matrix face between the sites of coenzyme Q and duroquinone interaction. Duroquinol oxidation in mitochondria only is stimulated by bathophenanthroline sulfonate. Juglone reduction is stimulated in electron transport particles (only) by p -hydroxymercuribenzenesulfonate, but after mercurial treatment, juglone reduction in both particles and mitochondria is more sensitive to bathophenanthroline sulfonate. Succinate dehydrogenase components are inhibited by hydrophilic orthophenanthroline or bathophenanthroline sulfonate in mitochondria only. Electron flow between the dehydrogenases of succinate and NADH occurs via a chelator-sensitive site located on the matrix face of the membrane. Inter-complex electron flow is prevented by rotenone or thenoyltrifluoroacetone. The lack of succinate-indophenol reductase inhibition by bathophenanthroline sulfonate in the presence of rotenone or thenoyltrifluoroacetone indicates that the rotenone-sensitive site may be located on the matrix face and demonstrates that electrons flow between the NADH and succinate dehydrogenases via a hydrophilic chelator and rotenone-thenoyltrifluoroacetone-sensitive site on the matrix face of the membrane. Inhibition by hydrophilic chelators only in mitochondria indicates that succinate dehydrogenase as well as NADH dehydrogenase has a transmembranous orientation.
Glossolalia is associated with differences in biomarkers of stress and arousal among Apostolic Pentecostals

The influence of glossolalia or “speaking in tongues” on biological stress and arousal is examined in a sample of Apostolic Pentecostals. Glossolalia is a form of dissociation considered by Pentecostals as possession by the Holy Spirit. Dissociation is a psychological term for partitioning of awareness and widely held to moderate stress, yet this has been difficult to affirm in culturally embedded situations. We sought to determine if glossolalic dissociation is associated with biomarkers of stress and arousal (salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase, respectively) on a religious service and a non-service day among 52 participants. We used mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to group participants as high- and low-glossolalists for preliminary comparisons and by status within their respective churches for regression analyses. Results indicate a significant influence of two glossolalia indicators on cortisol and alpha-amylase on both days, in addition to a statistically significant though not robust inte...
Intra- and interhemispheric projections of the precentral, premotor and arcuate areas in the rhesus monkey

Summary The intra- and interhemispheric connections of various parts of the precentral gyrus and rostrally adjacent frontal areas are studied with silver impregnation techniques in the rhesus monkey. The subdivisions of the precentral motor area (MI) are found to be connected ipsilaterally in a topographic manner with the premotor area, MII, primary somatosensory area (SI) and the second sensory area (SII). The areas in MI representing the hand and foot do not project to the opposite hemisphere whereas face-, trunk-, and limb-girdle areas do so, and their projections are directed to both homotopical and non-homotopical areas, including topographic projections to MII. These non-homotopical projections form an arch anterior to the projection-free hand and foot areas representing the dorsal aspect of the body from face to occiput and from thoracolumbar to sacral segment of the trunk. The premotor and arcuate regions can be differentiated on the basis of their intrahemispheric connectivity. The premotor area sends projections to its immediate vicinity (the prefrontal cortex MI and MII), to the superior parietal lobule including the adjacent upper bank of the intraparietal sulcus and to the rostral part of the inferior parietal lobule. In contrast, the projections of areas within the concavity of the arcuate sulcus are directed to the prefrontal cortex, to the caudal part of the inferior parietal lobule including the adjacent lower bank of the intraparietal sulcus and to the cingulate gyrus. Likewise, the interhemispheric connections of the premotor areas and the arcuate areas are mainly found in the homotopic regions except for a small area above the caudal tip of the principal sulcus. The non-homotopic projection of the premotor areas are directed to MI, MII, and prefrontal cortex, whereas those from the arcuate areas are observed in the prefrontal cortex only. The possible significance of these projections is discussed.
Degradation of pesticide waste taken from a highly contaminated soil evaporation pit in California

The primary methods for disposing of liquid pesticide wastes in California has been the dumping of the liquid materials into soil evaporation pits, ditches, and ponds. Many, if not most of these systems are unlined and have been in use for many years. One such soil pit located in northern California was found to be highly contaminated with an estimated level of >1 kg of active pesticide per 0.1 m3 of top soil. The top few cm of the bed contained an organic layer resembling slightly decomposed straw. The soil underlying the organic layer was clay, similar in texture to that typically found in rice growing areas. Both of these soil types were removed from the evaporation pit and placed in trays along side trays containing a similar soil type but free of pesticides. These latter trays were fortified with six pesticides and subjected to various soil amendments, including organic matter, lime, acids, and nutrients, under moist and flooded conditions for purposes of determining the optimum conditions for degrading high concentrations of pesticides in these soils. The effect of the soil amendments on the pesticide-fortified soils were generally pesticide dependent. The pH of the soils was a major factor in degradation but was different between the anaerobic and aerobic soils. Half lives of most pesticides was shorter with the highest pH soils under anaerobic conditions while the opposite was true with the aerobic treatments. The contaminated soils removed from the evaporation pit and treated with manure, ammonium phosphate and lime were very effective in reducing the half lives of the pesticides in both aerobic and anaerobic soils, as compared to corn meal and ammonium phosphate treatment. Alternating between moist and flooded soil conditions plus a heavy lime treatment combined with an organic source such as manure should provide an effective treatment for degrading pesticides in a contaminated toxic waste site.
Infimus gradus libertatis? Descartes on indifference and divine freedom

Descartes held the doctrine that the eternal truths are freely created by God. He seems to have thought that a proper understanding of God's freedom entails such a doctrine concerning the eternal truths. In this paper, I examine Descartes' account of divine freedom. I argue that Descartes' statements about indifference, namely that indifference is the lowest grade of freedom and that indifference is the essence of God's freedom are not incompatible. I also show how Descartes arrived at his doctrine of the creation of the eternal truths by consideration of the nature of God's freedom.
Food Fights over Free Trade: How International Institutions Promote Agricultural Trade Liberalization

Food Fights over Free Trade: How International Institutions Promote Agricultural Trade Liberalization. By Christina L. Davis. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2003. 416p. $39.50.Christina Davis's book adds two important insights to our understanding of trade negotiations. First, Davis persuasively argues that complex international institutional factors can alter domestic protection of agriculture. Using the European Union and Japan as cases and marshaling sophisticated statistical evidence, she details historical patterns by which agricultural policy became linked to wider issues and, in the process, allowed trade liberalization to overcome the political advantages that small, well-organized groups, such as farm interests, possess. Second, she documents the contingent character of the politics of trade negotiations. Outcomes emerge not only from negotiating decisions, such as choice in agenda setting and the use of threats, but also from forces external to the negotiations per se, such as budget pressures.
Head and Neck Reconstruction with Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap Indications, Outcomes, and Technical Considerations

Objective Chimeric anterolateral thigh free flaps are composed of multiple skin paddles or muscular components that allow for the reconstruction of complex 3-dimensional defects. We present our experience with the technique and applications for various head and neck defects. Study design Retrospective chart review. Setting Academic tertiary care center. Subjects and methods Subjects include 24 consecutive patients undergoing reconstruction with a chimeric anterolateral thigh free flap by a single surgeon. Our algorithm for pharyngeal reconstruction with this technique is described. Data include demographics, indications, comorbidities, operative findings, and surgical outcomes. Results The most frequent defects were pharyngocutaneous (n = 12, 50%) and skull base (n = 6, 25%). The flap consisted of a double skin paddle in 11 cases (45.3%) and a skin paddle with an independent component of vastus lateralis muscle in 13 cases (54.7%). Revision surgery was required in 4 cases and was associated with malnutrition (P = .022). There were no total flap losses, but partial loss (distal skin paddle in all the cases) was observed in 3 patients and was related to severe congestive heart failure (P = .021) and malnutrition (P = .021). All except 1 patient who underwent pharyngeal reconstruction resumed oral diet and achieved alaryngeal speech. Conclusion Chimeric anterolateral thigh free flaps represent an excellent option for reconstruction of complex head and neck defects. Modifications to the technique are proposed in patients at high risk of surgical complications.
Analysis of membrane fusion as a two-state sequential process: evaluation of the stalk model.

We propose a model that accounts for the time courses of PEG-induced fusion of membrane vesicles of varying lipid compositions and sizes. The model assumes that fusion proceeds from an initial, aggregated vesicle state ((A) membrane contact) through two sequential intermediate states (I1 and I2) and then on to a fusion pore state (FP). Using this model, we interpreted data on the fusion of seven different vesicle systems. We found that the initial aggregated state involved no lipid or content mixing but did produce leakage. The final state (FP) was not leaky. Lipid mixing normally dominated the first intermediate state (I1), but content mixing signal was also observed in this state for most systems. The second intermediate state (I2) exhibited both lipid and content mixing signals and leakage, and was sometimes the only leaky state. In some systems, the first and second intermediates were indistinguishable and converted directly to the FP state. Having also tested a parallel, two-intermediate model subject to different assumptions about the nature of the intermediates, we conclude that a sequential, two-intermediate model is the simplest model sufficient to describe PEG-mediated fusion in all vesicle systems studied. We conclude as well that a fusion intermediate “state” should not be thought of as a fixed structure (e.g., “stalk” or “transmembrane contact”) of uniform properties. Rather, a fusion “state” describes an ensemble of similar structures that can have different mechanical properties. Thus, a “state” can have varying probabilities of having a given functional property such as content mixing, lipid mixing, or leakage. Our data show that the content mixing signal may occur through two processes, one correlated and one not correlated with leakage. Finally, we consider the implications of our results in terms of the “modified stalk” hypothesis for the mechanism of lipid pore formation. We conclude that our results not only support this hypothesis but also provide a means of analyzing fusion time courses so as to test it and gauge the mechanism of action of fusion proteins in the context of the lipidic hypothesis of fusion.
A regulatory circuit between Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and host innate immune system

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a human γ-herpesvirus associated with several human malignancies. The replication and transcription activator (RTA) is necessary and sufficient for the switch from KSHV latency to lytic replication. Toll-interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adaptor-inducing β-interferon (TRIF, also called TIR-domain-containing adaptor molecule-1 (TICAM-1)) is a signaling adaptor molecule that is critically involved in the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3) and TLR-4 signaling pathways for type I interferon (IFN) production, a key component of innate immunity against microbial infection. Previously we have identified that RTA blocks TLR3 signaling activation by degrading cellular TRIF, and this RTA-mediated degradation is at least partially mediated through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In this report, we have identified a new mechanism that innate immunity regulates KSHV replication. We find that TRIF increases the expression of KSHV RTA. The enhancement of RTA expression and the degradation of TRIF are two independent pathways. TRIF specifically enhances the translation efficiency of RTA mRNA. Because RTA may not directly interact with TRIF, the functional interactions between TRIF and RTA may be indirect through unknown mediators.Taken together, these data suggest that KSHV employs a novel mechanism to block the innate immunity by degrading TRIF protein, and at the same time, use the innate immune system to boost viral replication by increasing the expression of KSHV RTA. This regulatory circuit may be an important part of the KSHV-host interactions for the initial infections. This work may contribute to our understandings on how KSHV interacts with the host immune system for its survival in vivo.
Neuroform-EZ Stent Modification for Facilitated Delivery during Intracranial Aneurysm Embosurgery

The Neuroform EZ Stent System is a fourth generation intracranial aneurysm stent that utilizes an integrated navigation guidewire. While designed to facilitate stent delivery, the guidewire can rarely impede proper positioning of the stent. In this technical case report, severing the guidewire from the stent delivery system with surgical scissors was required for successful stent implantation.
THE FUTURE OF LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES AND AGRICULTURAL ECONOMISTS

Land grant university colleges of agriculture and agricultural economists must address societal concerns through research, extension, and teaching programs. Clearly, articulating our contributions to societal issues is necessary to merit continued public funding. Goals need to be specified, individual incentives aligned with them, and innovative leadership provided to implement strategies. Agricultural economists must effectively communicate theirwork to decision-makers, expand their interaction with a broader network, and serve the public versus the private interests.
Effect of pancreatic polypeptide on gallbladder filling

Recent studies suggest that pancreatic polypeptide (PP) alters gallbladder pressure and reduces delivery of bile to the duodenum. Whether this peptide influences gallbladder emptying and/or filling is not clear. Using the prairie dog model, we tested the hypothesis that exogenous PP induces gallbladder filling. Animals maintained on control diets underwent laparotomy with placement of catheters into the gallbladder and common bile duct. The gallbladder was perfused with [14C]polyethtyleneglycol ([14C]PEG)-labeled lactated Ringer's solution (LR) at 0.1 ml/min. Effluent from the common bile duct was collected at 5-min intervals during 30-min intravenous infusions of LR, LR + 2% serum albumin, and LR + 2% serum albumin + bovine PP (10 and 50 ng/kg/min). Gallbladder pressure was continuously recorded. Total and incremental fillings were calculated based on volume and [14C]PEG concentration changes. Infusion of PP, 50 ng/kg/min, induced significant gallbladder filling. The filling response was progressive and peaked during the final 10 min of peptide infusion. These findings coupled with the observation that serum PP levels are increased for up to 6 hr postprandially suggest that PP may play an important role in the regulation of interdigestive gallbladder filling.
On the removal of the exchange singularity in extended systems

A serious problem in the ab-initio Hartree–Fock calculation for extended systems is a singularity in the exchange contribution to the band energies (the “exchange pathology”). In the homogeneous electron gas this pathology is exactly cancelled by the correlation contribution arising from the sum of all time-ordered ring diagrams (RPA approximation). In this article we show that this cancellation is more general and does also occur in periodically extended systems. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Perspective on Future Directions in Intelligent Health Control of Gasturbines and Auxiliaries

Despite their seemingly impressive claims, current products for Condition Monitoring, Diagnostic and Decision Support Systems (CMDD• how their severity will progress with utilization;• how this progress can be influenced or controlled.In this paper the fundamental shortcomings of current approaches are discussed prior to introducing the basics of Intelligent Health Control in terms of fault models and how they can be used to close the diagnostic, prognostic and intelligent control triangle.The industry will unavoidably shift towards an “information centric” view from the currently predominant “data centric” view. Gigabytes of performance trends will no longer be relevant. Instead, reliable bottom line information will be required on how to minimize or control the costs associated with machinery health degradation or faults. In order to keep the discussion real, the current state of the art of enabling technologies are discussed, including:• Open Information Buses;• Adding real time data server functionality to the control system;• Computational Steering, Human-in-the-Loop Optimization (or semi-automatic problem solving);• Fault Models;• Faster than real time simulation;• Neural Nets.Copyright © 1999 by ASME
Solution structure of the I gamma subdomain of the Mu end DNA-binding domain of phage Mu transposase.

Abstract The MuA transposase of phase Mu is a large modular protein that plays a central role in transposition. We show that the Mu end DNA-binding domain, Iβγ, which is responsible for binding the DNA attachment sites at each end of the Mu genome, comprises two subdomains, Iβ and Iγ, that are structurally autonomous and do not interact with each other in the absence of DNA. The solution structure of the Iγ subdomain has been determined by multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. The structure of Iγ comprises a four helix bundle and, despite the absence of any significant sequence identity, the topology of the first three helices is very similar to that of the homeodomain family of helix-turn-helix DNA-binding proteins. The helix-turn-helix motif of Iγ, however, differs from that of the homeodomains in so far as the loop is longer and the second helix is shorter, reminiscent of that in the POU-specific domain.
MECHANISMS IN PROSTATITIS/CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME

AbstractPurpose: We reviewed the current literature on mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).Materials and Methods: A literature review for the years 1966 to 2003 was performed using the MEDLINE database of the United States National Library of Medicine.Results: National Institutes of Health categories I and II prostatitis result from identifiable prostatic infections, whereas patients with category IV are asymptomatic. The majority of symptomatic cases are category III or chronic prostatitis (CP)/CPPS. The etiology of CP/CPPS is unknown. The traditional marker of inflammation, namely white blood cells in prostatic fluids, does not correlate with the predominant symptom of pelvic pain. An imbalance toward increased proinflammatory and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines has been implicated and a few studies have shown some correlation of this with pelvic pain. The imbalance in some men may result from polymorphisms at the cytokine loci. An autoimmune ...
The APC-associated protein EB1 associates with components of the dynactin complex and cytoplasmic dynein intermediate chain.

Abstract Human EB1 is a highly conserved protein that binds to the carboxyl terminus of the human adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor protein [1], a domain of APC that is commonly deleted in colorectal neoplasia [2]. EB1 belongs to a family of microtubule-associated proteins that includes Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mal3 [3] and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Bim1p [4]. Bim1p appears to regulate the timing of cytokinesis as demonstrated by a genetic interaction with Act5, a component of the yeast dynactin complex [5]. Whereas the predominant function of the dynactin complex in yeast appears to be in positioning the mitotic spindle [6], in animal cells, dynactin has been shown to function in diverse processes, including organelle transport, formation of the mitotic spindle, and perhaps cytokinesis [7] [8–10]. Here, we demonstrate that human EB1 can be coprecipitated with p150 Glued , a member of the dynactin protein complex. EB1 was also found associated with the intermediate chain of cytoplasmic dynein (CDIC) and with dynamitin (p50), another component of the dynactin complex, but not with dynein heavy chain, in a complex that sedimented at approximately 5S in a sucrose density gradient. The association of EB1 with members of the dynactin complex was independent of APC and was preserved in the absence of an intact microtubule cytoskeleton. The molecular interaction of EB1 with members of the dynactin complex and with CDIC may be important for microtubule-based processes.
Automated Shmoo data analysis: A machine learning approach

In silicon testing, a Shmoo plot is commonly used to give us an insight into the silicon manufacturing development health. Shmoo plots and other silicon characterization data has high value, however, analysis of them is a time-consuming work. This paper establishes a machine learning based model to improve and automate the procedure in silicon data analysis for HVM test content development. Our experiment shows that the supervised learning model has good accuracy on VMIN estimation across various kinds of Shmoo issues (crack/sprinkle/ceiling). The accuracy attained is greatly improved over previous tools. The framework can be easily integrated into any automated tester software and would save time to market during first silicon characterization. Additionally, the methodology discussed in this work can be extended to the HVM test flow for silicon behavior.
A dual band terahertz metamaterial absorber

We present the design, fabrication and characterization of a dual band metamaterial absorber which experimentally shows two distinct absorption peaks of 0.85 at 1.4 THz and 0.94 at 3.0 THz. The dual band absorber consists of a dual band electric-field-coupled (ELC) resonator and a metallic ground plane, separated by an 8 µm dielectric spacer. Fine tuning of the two absorption resonances is achieved by individually adjusting each ELC resonator geometry.
Generating an autocorrelated sequence of random variates without distorting their distribution

Abstract Using moving averages to introduce autocorrelation into a sequence of pseudorandom variables will most often distort the shape of the distribution. When the correlation coefficients are to be zero from some lag onward, it is possible to compensate for most of the distortion by starting with variates from another distribution. It is shown how to calculate the moving average coefficients and the parameters of the basic sequence so as to achieve the desired autocorrelation while retaining fidelity with the desired distribution to four moments. The moving average approach yields an internal generation method having quite modest storage requirements.
Mecopteran (Mecoptera: Bittacidae, Meropeidae, Panorpidae) Flight Periods, Sex Ratios, and Habitat Frequencies in a United States Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Tidal Marsh, Low Forest, and Their Ecotone

Abstract As part of a long-term arthropod biodiversity study, we operated six Malaise traps in Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (DMWP), Virginia from April 1998 through December 1999 and obtained 104 adult mecopterans in five species. They were present in samples from late May through early November. Samples indicate that as a group, the mecopterans were more abundant in the forest than in the marsh and the forest-marsh ecotone, and the mecopterans had a female-biased sex ratio. Two of the trapped species are uncommon or of limited distribution in North America. Malaise traps can be used efficiently to survey and monitor certain mecopteran species in DMWP and similar places. To understand the mecopteran biodiversity and phenology in the Preserve more completely, it would be worthwhile to survey the entire Preserve for at least 10 yr with all appropriate sampling methods.
Orally active isoxazoline glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists with extended duration of action.

Modification of the α-carbamate substituent of isoxazoline GPIIb/IIIa (αIIbβ3) antagonist DMP 754 (7) led to a series of α-sulfonamide and α-sulfamide diaminopropionate isoxazolinylacetamides which were found to be potent inhibitors of in vitro platelet aggregation. Aryl- and heteroaryl-α-sulfonamide groups, in conjunction with (5R)-isoxazoline (2S)-diaminopropionate stereochemistry, were found to impart a pronounced duration of antiplatelet effect in dogs, potentially due to high affinity for unactivated platelets. Isoxazolylsulfonamide 34b (DMP 802), a highly selective GPIIb/IIIa antagonist, demonstrated a prolonged duration of action after iv and po dosing and high affinity for resting and activated platelets. The prolonged antiplatelet profile of DMP 802 in dogs and the high affinity of DMP 802 for human platelets may be predictive of clinical utility as a once-daily antiplatelet agent.
Building crystalline Sb2S3 nanowire dandelions with multiple crystal splitting motif

Abstract Crystalline dandelion-like antimony (III) sulfide (Sb 2 S 3 ) nanowires were synthesized by a PEG-assisted solvothermal process. The orthorhombic crystal structure and dandelion-like multi-branched nanowire morphology were revealed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) identified that the highly crystalline Sb 2 S 3 nanowires grew along the [001] direction with individual wire diameter of 195 ± 52 nm. The band gap of the Sb 2 S 3 nanowires was measured to be ca. 1.67 eV. A combination of PEG-templated assembly and crystal splitting mechanism was likely responsible for the growth of the observed nanowire dandelion structures.
Minireview: Animal Models and Mechanisms of Ovarian Cancer Development

Ovarian cancer in women is a complex and deadly disease, where the molecular events that initiate and control tumor formation remain poorly defined. Therefore, mouse models provide one approach for determining the mechanisms by which specific oncogenic factors cause ovarian surface epithelial cell and granulosa cell transformation. This minireview summarizes the phenotypes of current mouse models that have been generated and some of the underlying mechanisms they have provided.
Variation of fiber orientation in turbulent flow inside a planar contraction with different shapes

Abstract In this study, we have investigated the influence of shape of planar contractions on the orientation distribution of stiff fibers suspended in turbulent flow. To do this, we have employed a model for the orientational diffusion coefficient based on the data obtained by high-speed imaging of suspension flow at the centerline of a contraction with flat walls. This orientational diffusion coefficient depends only on the contraction ratio and turbulence intensity. Our measurements show that the turbulence intensity decays exponentially independent of the contraction angle. This implies that the turbulence variation in the contraction is independent of the shape, consistent with the results by the rapid distortion theory and the experimental results of axisymmetric contractions. In order to determine the orientation anisotropy, we have solved a Fokker–Planck type equation governing the orientation distribution of fibers in turbulent flow. Although the turbulence variation and the orientational diffusion are independent of the contraction shape, the results show that the variation of the orientation anisotropy is dependent on shape. This can be explained by the variation of the rotational Peclet number, Pe r , inside the contractions. This quantity is a measure of the importance of the mean rate of the strain relative to the orientational diffusion. We have shown that when Pe r Pe r = 10 depends on the shape, the orientation anisotropy is dependent on the variation of rate of strain in a given contraction. We demonstrate the shape effect by considering contraction with flat walls as well as three contractions with different mean rate of strain variation.