cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Respiratory pumping: neuronal control of a centrally commanded behavior in Aplysia.

Abstract Respiratory pumping in Aplysia californica is a relatively stereotyped behavioral pattern with three components: (1) withdrawal of gill, siphon and mantle shelf; (2) closing of parapodia; (3) heart inhibition accompanied by a decrease in vasomotor tone. This phasic behavior is triggered by a central burst-generating network of interneurons in the abdominal ganglion. During respiratory pumping, motor neurons innervating the several effector organs receive a burst of either excitatory or inhibitory synaptic input which has previously been attributed to an unidentified central command cell called Interneuron II. Several of these motor cells are also concomitantly release from tonic synaptic input, which is opposite in sign to that which they receive from Interneuron II. This tonic input has been attributed to an unidentified cell called Interneuron XI. In this paper we identify and describe some of the neurons which contribute to the burst generating network; specifically, we focus on the neurons that produce the synaptic action attributed to Interneurons II and XI. The synaptic actions attributed to Interneuron XI are produced by a single, spontaneously active neuron, cell L24. This cell is a multi-action interneuron: it produces inhibitory synaptic potentials in some follower motor neurons, excitatory synaptic potentials in other follower cells, and a conjoint excitatory-inhibitory synaptic action onto gill motor neuron L7. At low frequency, L24 is excitatory to L7. With high frequency firing of L24, the synaptic potential produced in L7 converts from excitatory to inhibitory. In contrast to Interneuron XI, which is a single cell, the synaptic potentials previously attributed to Interneuron II are actually produced by a cluster of at least 3 respiratory command cells which we call L25, L26 and L27. Each of these cells accounts for only a limited portion of the synaptic input that drives the motor neurons during respiratory pumping. For most motor neurons innervated by both the respiratory command cells and Interneuron XI, the two synaptic inputs are opposite in sign. Mutually inhibitory connections between Interneuron XI and some of the central respiratory command cells ensure that the synaptic potentials from these two sources are constrained to occur at different times. Thus, centrally commanded synaptic inhibition or excitation of these motor neurons is made more effective by simultaneous disexcitation or disinhibition of Interneuron XI input. In addition to their role in generating respiratory pumping, L24 and L26 also contribute to the mediation of the defensive gill and siphon withdrawal reflex.
Intrinsic modeling of stochastic dynamical systems using empirical geometry

Abstract In a broad range of natural and real-world dynamical systems, measured signals are controlled by underlying processes or drivers. As a result, these signals exhibit highly redundant representations, while their temporal evolution can often be compactly described by dynamical processes on a low-dimensional manifold. In this paper, we propose a graph-based method for revealing the low-dimensional manifold and inferring the processes. This method provides intrinsic models for measured signals, which are noise resilient and invariant under different random measurements and instrumental modalities. Such intrinsic models may enable mathematical calibration of complex measurements and build an empirical geometry driven by the observations, which is especially suitable for applications without a priori knowledge of models and solutions. We exploit the temporal dynamics and natural small perturbations of the signals to explore the local tangent spaces of the low-dimensional manifold of empirical probability densities. This information is used to define an intrinsic Riemannian metric, which in turn gives rise to the construction of a graph that represents the desired low-dimensional manifold. Such a construction is equivalent to an inverse problem, which is formulated as a nonlinear differential equation and is solved empirically through eigenvectors of an appropriate Laplace operator. We examine our method on two nonlinear filtering applications: a nonlinear and non-Gaussian tracking problem as well as a non-stationary hidden Markov chain scheme. The experimental results demonstrate the power of our theory by extracting the underlying processes, which were measured through different nonlinear instrumental conditions, in an entirely data-driven nonparametric way.
Indian policy as an emergent property of the American policy making process

Abstract This paper argues that we can improve our understanding of American Indian policy if we think about it as an emergent behavior of the American policy making process. It is what the political system does and does not do that relates to Native nations. From a perspective guided by complexity theory, Indian policy appears to be about assimilating Indian land and natural resources and not about assimilating Indians into the larger American society. After suggesting that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 is only the most recent in a long history of assimilation policies to emerge from the American political system, this article concludes that Indian gaming revenues brighten, and paradoxically, threaten the future of American Indian tribes.
Vasomotor symptoms in infertile premenopausal women: a hitherto unappreciated risk for low bone mineral density.

Objective To identify the prevalence of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in a population of premenopausal infertile women and to determine whether VMS is associated with enhanced bone turnover and low bone mineral density (BMD). Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Academic infertility practice. Patient(s) Eighty-two premenopausal infertile, but otherwise healthy, women attending for routine infertility care. Intervention(s) Bone mineral density testing, general health and Profile of Mood States questionnaires, and serum samples (cycle d 1–3). Main Outcome Measure(s) Vasomotor symptoms, specifically hot flashes (HF) and night sweats (NS); BMD z score, BMD categorized as low (Z ≤ −1.0) or normal (Z > −1.0); ovarian reserve assessment (biochemical and ovarian dimensions on transvaginal ultrasound); and serum markers of bone turnover (collagen N -terminal telo-peptide, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and ovarian reserve (FSH, E 2 , and inhibin B). Multivariable regression analyses determined the associations between VMS, BMD, and bone turnover (individual markers and composite turnover score). Result(s) The prevalence of VMS was 12% in this relatively young population (mean [± SD] age [years], 34.53 ± 4.32). Symptomatic women were statistically significantly more likely to report sleep disturbances and to exhibit evidence of low BMD, as well as to exhibit enhanced bone turnover and poorer ovarian reserve parameters. Multivariable logistic regression analyses confirmed the statistical significance of both HF and NS as independent correlates to low BMD after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking status, menstrual regularity, and ovarian reserve status. Multivariable linear regression analyses demonstrated that NS, but not HF, predicted higher bone turnover at a statistically significant level after adjusting for age, smoking, menstrual regularity, and ovarian reserve. Conclusion(s) We demonstrate, in a premenopausal population of infertile women, evidence of morbid accompaniments to VMS, including sleep disturbances and evidence of low BMD. Our data further suggest a state of enhanced bone turnover in association with VMS, specifically in those experiencing NS. Declining ovarian reserve may be the common pathophysiological mechanism underlying VMS and low BMD in the symptomatic population and merits further investigation.
ALDH16A1 is a novel non-catalytic enzyme that may be involved in the etiology of gout via protein–protein interactions with HPRT1

Gout, a common form of inflammatory arthritis, is strongly associated with elevated uric acid concentrations in the blood (hyperuricemia). A recent study in Icelanders identified a rare missense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the ALDH16A1 gene, ALDH16A1*2, to be associated with gout and serum uric acid levels. ALDH16A1 is a novel and rather unique member of the ALDH superfamily in relation to its gene and protein structures. ALDH16 genes are present in fish, amphibians, protista, bacteria but absent from archaea, fungi and plants. In most mammalian species, two ALDH16A1 spliced variants (ALDH16A1, long form and ALDH16A1_v2, short form) have been identified and both are expressed in HepG-2, HK-2 and HK-293 human cell lines. The ALDH16 proteins contain two ALDH domains (as opposed to one in the other members of the superfamily), four transmembrane and one coiled-coil domains. The active site of ALDH16 proteins from bacterial, frog and lower animals contain the catalytically important cysteine residue (Cys-302); this residue is absent from the mammalian and fish orthologs. Molecular modeling predicts that both the short and long forms of human ALDH16A1 protein would lack catalytic activity but may interact with the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT1) protein, a key enzyme involved in uric acid metabolism and gout. Interestingly, such protein-protein interactions with HPRT1 are predicted to be impaired for the long or short forms of ALDH16A1*2. These results lead to the intriguing possibility that association between ALDH16A1 and HPRT1 may be required for optimal HPRT activity with disruption of this interaction possibly contributing to the hyperuricemia seen in ALDH16A1*2 carriers.
Webnovelas: Branding Interactivity in Hispanic TV

The Latino television industry has transformed in order to adapt to a new technological environment, and such changes have had a deep impact on their long-standing strategies of production, marketing, distribution, and consumption of media commodities. Because of changing demographics, such companies have moved to reach new audiences. Given the technological sophistication of those audiences, corporations that sell televisual goods have put branding at the forefront. Webnovelas have become a powerful techno-cultural device that achieves the dual goal of becoming a preferred site for brand entertainment through sponsorship, while at the same time triggering audiences interaction in different mobile platforms producing data over audiences conceived as more “valuable consumers.” Through data available to companies via audience interaction, these preferred audiences are even more susceptible to further commercial exploitation.
Calcarenite as a poroelastic granular medium

Calcarenite is described as sand-size particles that are cemented together by carbonates, therefore it should be modeled as a poroelastic medium. Elastic and poroelastic models of calcarenite are compared. The poroelastic models include the baseline Biot model and the Biot-Stoll with contact squirt flow and viscous shear drag (BICSQS) model. Input parameters for the poroelastic models are developed. Reflection loss as a function of frequency and angle is computed. Model predictions of shallow water propagation loss over a calcarenite seabed are compared. Differences in propagation loss predictions are discussed.
Successful microvascular replantation of a completely amputated ear.

A case of successful microvascular replantation of a traumatically amputated ear is presented. The postoperative course was complicated by venous thrombosis requiring the use of medicinal leeches and systemic heparinization for salvage. This is the tenth successful microvascular ear replantation reported in the literature. © 1993 Wiley-Liss Inc.
Bacterial and parasitic zoonoses of exotic pets

Zoonoses are estimated to make up to 75% of today's emerging infectious diseases. Many of these diseases are carried and transmitted by exotic pets and wildlife. Exotic animal practitioners must be aware of these risks not only to protect their health but also to safeguard the health of staff and clients. This article reviews selected bacterial and parasitic zoonoses associated with exotic animals.
Supraventricular arrhythmias in children and young adults with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

SVT in Pediatric ICD Recipients.Introduction: Rapidly conducted supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) can lead to inappropriate device therapy in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients. We sought to determine the incidence of SVTs and the occurrence of inappropriate ICD therapy due to SVT in a pediatric and young adult population. Methods and Results: We undertook a retrospective review of clinical course, Holter monitoring, and ICD interrogations of patients receiving ICD follow-up at our institution between March 1992 and December 1999. Of 81 new ICD implantations, 54 eligible patients (median age 16.5 years, range 1 to 48) were identified. Implantation indications included syncope and/or spontaneous/inducible ventricular arrhythmia with congenital heart disease (30), long QT syndrome (9), structurally normal heart (ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation [VT/VF]) (7), and cardiomyopathies (7). Sixteen patients (30%) received a dual-chamber ICD. SVT was recognized in 16 patients, with 12 of 16 having inducible or spontaneous atrial tachycardias. Eighteen patients (33%) received ≥ 1 appropriate shock(s) for VT/VF; 8 patients (15%) received inappropriate therapy for SVT. Therapies were altered after an inappropriate shock by increasing the detection time or rate and/or increasing beta-blocker dosage. No single-chamber ICD was initially programmed with detection enhancements, such as sudden onset, rate stability, or QRS discriminators. Only one dual-chamber defibrillator was programmed with an atrial discrimination algorithm. Appropriate ICD therapy was not withheld due to detection parameters or SVT discrimination programming. Conclusion: SVT in children and young adults with ICDs is common. Inappropriate shocks due to SVT can be curtailed even without dual-chamber devices or specific SVT discrimination algorithms.
Hyaluronate production and removal during corneal development in the chick

Abstract Glycosaminoglycan (acid mucopolysaccharide) synthesis was studied during development of the embryonic chick cornea by the introduction of isotopically labeled precursors both in ovo and to excised corneas in culture. Results obtained for both types of preparations were similar. Hyaluronate is the major glycosaminoglycan synthesized by the embryonic cornea between stages 24 and 35, a period during which the primary corneal stroma swells and is invaded by mesenchymal cells. Subsequent to the completion of invasion a rapid decline in incorporation of isotopic precursors into hyaluronate occurs concomitant with an increasing hyaluronidase activity. The hyaluronidase is present primarily between stages 35 and 38, when the cornea begins to dehydrate prior to becoming transparent.
Materials design by DNA programmed self-assembly

Abstract DNA linker mediated self-assembly, i.e. grafting complementary sequences of single stranded DNA to nanoparticles in order to program their self-assembly, is a general and robust strategy for designing a completely new class of materials and metamaterials. In this paper, we first provide an overview of both experiment and theory on the subject, and then present new results based on a previously developed coarse-grained model. Particularly emphasis is made about the dynamics of self-assembly and the characterization of both the self-assembly process and crystallization. We also consider triblocks or diblock copolymers containing hydrophobic blocks and DNA linkers attached at their ends, and show that the phase diagram of these new materials can be predicted from existing theoretical results on functionalized polymer nanoparticle systems, leading to concrete predictions where nanoparticles can be programmed to order in bicontinuous (gyroids), columnar phases or lamellar catenoids among many others. We conclude with general considerations on the possibilities and limitations of current experimental systems as well as the implications of the results for the general field of polymer nanocomposite design.
Magnetorquer-a Satellite Orientation Device

Satellite orientation torque is produced by the reaction of Earth's magnetic field on current carrying coils in the satellite. Components of the system are a magnetometer to measure the field, a computer and a set of coils. A torque command is assumed to be furnished from a guidance source. Adequate torque can be generated with reasonable weight and power at all altitudes up to 24 hr orbit. Torque cannot be produced about the instantaneous field axis, but since in general this axis varies with the position in orbit, any torque can be produced at some point in the orbit. The device may be used alone where this effect is permissible or it may be used to desaturate inertia wheels instead of using jets. The advantages of the system are simplicity, light weight, and zero propellant consumption.
Study of Some Binary Silicate Glasses by Means of Reflection in Infrared

The reflection method provides means of studying the 10-micron infrared region that contains the fundamental vibration of the silica lattice. Structural changes produced by introduction of various amounts of alkali or alkaline-earth network modifiers can be conveniently followed. A series of soda-silica glasses was studied in an interval of 0 to 46 mole %; other binary glasses containing Li, K, Ca, Sr, and Ba oxides also were investigated.
Relationship of Fiber Content and Fabric Properties to Comfort of Socks

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship of fiber content and fabric properties to the subjective evaluation of comfort of socks and to determine the subjective evaluations and laboratory measurements that best predict comfort. Socks made from all synthetic or predominantly cotton fibers were worn during exercise. Laboratory measurements were made on samples of sock fabrics which had been washed but not worn.Subjective evaluations obtained from the participants during the wear study indicated that the socks made from synthetic fibers were slightly more comfortable than the predominantly cotton socks. Prior to the wear study the majority of participants had indicated that they would select cotton socks for maximum comfort. The subjective evaluations of sock softness and foot dryness were found to be the significant determinants of comfort. Neither fiber content nor any of the laboratory measurements (weight, thickness, moisture absorption, air permeability, compressibility, and compress...
River network structure shapes interannual feedbacks between adult sea lamprey migration and larval habitation

a b s t r a c t Adult sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) migrating upstream to spawn follow a pheromone released by instream larvae. The size (i.e. flow) of a tributary dilutes the concentration of this pheromone, such that the downstream propagation pattern of larval pheromone must be influenced by patterns in the relative sizes and numbers of confluent tributaries. We developed an individual-based model to explicitly test the resulting hypothesis that river network structure influences the migration decisions of adult lampreys following the larval pheromone, and in turn the distribution of larvae. First, we initialized the model using randomly generated river networks, and found a strong positive relationship between network diameter and larval aggregation. Larvae aggregated over time, and the degree and rate of this aggregation depended on network diameter. Second, we initialized the model using a river network based on the Muskegon River, Michigan, and compared model-generated larval distribution to available field survey data. We found a significant correlation between model-generated larval abundance and field-measured larval densities (r2 = 0.54; p < 0.0001). We also found an inverse relationship between subwatershed area and the degree to which path-dependent effects influenced larval abundance in that subwatershed. Our results overall suggest that larval distribution across a watershed results from a system of context-dependent interannual feedbacks shaped by network structure and the past migratory and spawning behavior of adults.
Effects of Questions about Word Meaning during L2 Spanish Lexical Learning

This study concerned the effects of questions about word meaning during an immediate lexical learning task. English-speaking learners of Spanish as a second language (L2) attempted to learn 24 new Spanish words while viewing word-picture pairs. For 12 of the words, they thought about specific questions related to the meaning of each target word (e.g., In what ways can this object be used?). For the other 12 words, they were instructed only to do their best to learn the target words. After the learning phase, the participants completed three recall tasks: (a) free recall in Spanish, (b) free recall in English, and (c) cued recall in Spanish (when presented with pictures only). The results indicated significantly greater cued-recall scores in the no questions condition than in the questions condition, a finding that provided evidence for a potentially inhibitory effect of semantic elaboration during L2 word learning.
A Bound on the Order of Jumping Lines.

Let E be a stable rank 2 vector bundle on n )3. Assume E is normalized, i.e., c~(E)=0 or 1 . By Grothedieck's theorem the restriction of E on a line L is isomorphic to (~L(bL)O(gL(--bL) if Cl=O[(gL(bL--1)t~OL(--b L) if C1=-1 ] , for some nonnegative integer b L. This b L is an upper semicontinuous function of L, which in char. 0, according to the Grauert-Miilich theorem [G-M], assumes the value 0 on an open set. If bE>0, then L is said to be a jumping line of order b L. For c 1 =0, Barth [B] has shown that the set of jumping lines can be given a scheme structure, making it a divisor S E on the Grassmannian G=G(1, 3) which via G ~IP 5, has degree 2c2(E), and for any line L in IP 3, b L < PL(SE), where #~.(S~) is the multiplicity of S t at L. Since any point on a projective variety of degree k has multiplicity < k, it follows that b L < 2c 2. However, this bound is not sharp. In this paper, we will give a sharp bound for b L, valid for arbitrary c r Namely, if c~ =0,
Relationship of Immune Response to Heat-Shock Protein A and Characteristics of Helicobacter pylori — Infected Patients

Heat-shock protein A (HspA) is a GroES homolog in Helicobacter pylori. Using a recombinant HspA-maltose-binding protein fusion, the serologic responses to HspA were determined. For 139 H. pylori- uninfected persons, responses to HspA were low-level or absent. In a survey of 273 infected persons, 105 (38.5%) were seropositive ; there was no relationship between clinical outcome of infection and HspA seropositivity. Using paired sera obtained from 39 subjects (mean, 7.1 years apart), the stability of seroresponsiveness to HspA was examined. For 34 persons there was no change in status between the paired sera, but 5 (20%) of 25 initially seronegative persons seroconverted. The hypothesis that HspA seropositivity was related to patient age was examined using sera from 121 asymptomatic H. pylori-infected persons. Both the HspA seropositivity rate and the intensity of the response rose with age. In total, these findings indicate that HspA seropositivity is not universal but may be a consequence of prolonged H. pylori infection.
Targeting mRNA Stability Arrests Inflammatory Bone Loss

Many proinflammatory cytokines contain adenylate-uridylate-rich elements (AREs) within the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) that confer rapid mRNA destabilization. During the inflammatory response, cytokine mRNA are stabilized via complex interactions with RNA-binding proteins controlled by phosphorylation via multiple signaling pathways including the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In the absence of inflammation, a key cytokine-regulating RNA-binding protein, tristetraprolin (TTP), shuttles mRNA transcripts to degradation machinery in order to maintain low levels of inflammatory cytokines. Using this general model of mRNA decay, over expression of TTP was evaluated in an experimental model of inflammatory bone loss to determine whether altering cytokine mRNA stability has an impact in pathological bone resorption. Using adenoviral-delivered TTP, significant reductions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin (PG)E2 were observed in vitro through a mechanism consistent with targeting mRNA stability. In vivo analysis indicates a significant protective effect from inflammation-induced bone loss and inflammatory infiltrate in animals overexpressing TTP compared with reporter controls. These findings provide experimental evidence that mRNA stability is a valid therapeutic target in inflammatory bone loss.
Empire of nostalgia : Rethinking 'internationalization' in Japan today

Etude de la perception de l'internationalisation au Japon et notamment de l'impact de ce processus sur les organisations locales qui, agregees, constituent la societe japonaise ainsi que sur les relations qu'elles entretiennent entre elles. L'A. analyse le concept de «furusato» qui caracterise le niveau local et le territoire de naissance. Il insiste sur le fait que l'internationalisation tend a eroder les relations entre les sexes, l'organisation de la famille et la perception de l'identite nationale. Il souligne que la creation de sites touristiques temoigne d'une veritable nostalgie de cette dimension locale. Il identifie une certaine nostalgie des perspectives traditionnelles et estime que l'internationalisation coincide avec une affirmation de la specificite de la dimension locale
Time-Dependent Model of Forest Fire Spread in Turbulent Gusting Winds

In this paper we describe a model for simulating the spread of large-scale forest fires based on three novel concepts related, respectively to the three main features of the forest-fire problem that make it essentially intractable to simulate from first principles-namely, i) inhomogeneity and irregularity of forest fuel materials, ii) chemistry and radiation, and iii) turbulence. In particular, the complex structural features of the forest are treated as an inhomogeneous, very permeable porous medium; effects of chemistry and radiation are included as a source term in the thermal energy equation, and turbulence is modeled via the standard k-e model. Firebrand trajectories are computed at the end of any given flowfield calculation to estimate maximum spotting distances.
Effect of Electrolyte pH on Crack Propagation in Glass

Abstract : Crack velocity studies were conducted in various acids, bases and neutral solutions using the double cantilever beam techniques. Results are explained in terms of crack tip pH, which is controlled by the electrolyte at low crack velocities and by the glass composition at high crack velocities. The crack velocity data are consistent with the known dependence of strength on pH for soda-lime silicate glass. Results also suggest that the slope of the universal fatigue curve should depend on surface pH. (Author)
Direct Preconditioning of Cardiac Myocytes via Opioid Receptors and KATP Channels

Abstract —Previous studies demonstrated that opioid receptor activation mimics the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning via K ATP channels in the intact heart. However, it is unknown whether this beneficial effect is exerted at the level of the cardiac myocyte or coronary vasculature or is mediated via the sarcolemmal or the mitochondrial K ATP channel. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether opioid receptor stimulation could mimic the cardioprotective effect of preconditioning in a cardiac myocyte model of simulated ischemia. Cardiac ventricular myocytes cultured from chick embryos 14 days in ovo were used as an in vitro model for ischemic preconditioning. A 5-minute exposure of the myocytes to the opioid receptor agonist morphine protected the myocytes during a subsequent 90-minute period of simulated ischemia, which was manifested as a pronounced reduction in the percentage of cardiac cells killed and the amount of creatine kinase released during ischemia. The preconditioning-like effect of morphine was concentration-dependent, reached a maximal effect at 1 μmol/L, and was reversed by naloxone (0.1 to 10 μmol/L). When K ATP channel antagonists, such as glibenclamide, or the mitochondrial selective inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoic acid were present during preexposure to morphine, they abolished the protective effect of morphine. Thus, cardiac myocytes express functional opioid receptors, and their activation mimics the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning. These results provide direct evidence that the preconditioning-like effect of morphine in the intact heart can be exerted at the level of cardiac myocytes and is most likely the result of mitochondrial K ATP channel activation.
Learning patterns of university student retention

Learning predictors for student retention is very difficult. After reviewing the literature, it is evident that there is considerable room for improvement in the current state of the art. As shown in this paper, improvements are possible if we (a) explore a wide range of learning methods; (b) take care when selecting attributes; (c) assess the efficacy of the learned theory not just by its median performance, but also by the variance in that performance; (d) study the delta of student factors between those who stay and those who are retained. Using these techniques, for the goal of predicting if students will remain for the first three years of an undergraduate degree, the following factors were found to be informative: family background and family's social-economic status, high school GPA and test scores.
ATP and a mitochondrial electrochemical gradient are required for functional activity of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in isolated mitochondria.

The Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory (StAR) protein has been put forth as the rapidly synthesized, cycloheximide-sensitive protein that is required for the transport of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane and the P450scc enzyme and thereby acutely regulates steroidogenesis in Steroidogenic tissues. In this study, several of the factors that may be required for StAR activity were examined using an in vitro system. Lysates from StAR-transfected COS-1 cells were added to mitochondria isolated from MA-10 Leydig tumor cells. Results obtained demonstrated that StAR-containing cell lysate increased steroidogenesis in isolated mitochondria, but failed to do so in the presence of m-CCCP, apyrase, or AMP-PNP, suggesting that StAR function requires ATP hydrolysis as well as an electrochemical gradient for maximal Steroidogenic activity.
A unified mechanism for protein folding: predetermined pathways with optional errors.

There is a fundamental conflict between two different views of how proteins fold. Kinetic experiments and theoretical calculations are often interpreted in terms of different population fractions folding through different intermediates in independent unrelated pathways (IUP model). However, detailed structural information indicates that all of the protein population folds through a sequence of intermediates predetermined by the foldon substructure of the target protein and a sequential stabilization principle. These contrary views can be resolved by a predetermined pathway—optional error (PPOE) hypothesis. The hypothesis is that any pathway intermediate can incorporate a chance misfolding error that blocks folding and must be reversed for productive folding to continue. Different fractions of the protein population will then block at different steps, populate different intermediates, and fold at different rates, giving the appearance of multiple unrelated pathways. A test of the hypothesis matches the two models against extensive kinetic folding results for hen lysozyme which have been widely cited in support of independent parallel pathways. The PPOE model succeeds with fewer fitting constants. The fitted PPOE reaction scheme leads to known folding behavior, whereas the IUP properties are contradicted by experiment. The appearance of a conflict with multipath theoretical models seems to be due to their different focus, namely on multitrack microscopic behavior versus cooperative macroscopic behavior. The integration of three well-documented principles in the PPOE model (cooperative foldons, sequential stabilization, optional errors) provides a unifying explanation for how proteins fold and why they fold in that way.
Bounds on hadronic axions from stellar evolution

We consider in detail the effect of the emission of ``hadronic'' invisible axions (which do not couple to electrons) from the interior of stars on stellar evolution. To this end we calculate plasma emission rates for axions due to the Primakoff process for the full range of conditions encountered in a giant star. Much attention is paid to plasma, degeneracy, and screening effects. We reconsider the solar bound by evolving a 1.0 ${M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ star to solar age and lowering the presolar helium abundance so as to obtain the correct present-day luminosity of the Sun. The previous bound on the axion-photon coupling of ${G}_{9}$\ensuremath{\lesssim}2.5 (corresponding to ${m}_{a}$\ensuremath{\lesssim}17 eV R where R is a model-dependent factor of order unity) is confirmed, where ${G}_{9}$ is the coupling constant G in units of ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}9}$ ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. We then follow the evolution of a 1.3${M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ star from zero age to the top of the giant branch.Helium ignites for all values of G consistent with the solar bound; however, the core mass, surface temperature, and luminosity at the helium flash exceed the standard values. The luminosity at the helium flash is larger than about twice the standard value unless ${G}_{9}$\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.3 (corresponding to ${m}_{a}$\ensuremath{\lesssim}2 eV R), in conflict with observational data, which are statistically weak, however. We find our most stringent limits from the helium-burning lifetime. In the absence of axion cooling we calculate a lifetime of 1.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ yr which corresponds well with the value 1.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ yr derived from the number of red giants in the ``clump'' of the open cluster M67 and with the value 1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{8}$ yr derived from the number of such stars in the old galactic disk population. We obtain a conservative limit of ${G}_{9}$0.3 which, at saturation, results in a helium-burning lifetime an order of magnitude low. We believe that ${G}_{9}$\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.1 (${m}_{a}$\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.7 eV R) is a reasonably safe limit which, if saturated, leads to a calculated helium-burning lifetime a factor of 2 below the observed value. Our results exclude the recently suggested possibility of detecting cosmic axions through their 2\ensuremath{\gamma} decay and probably the possibility of measuring the solar hadronic axion flux which, according to our bounds, must be less than 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ of the solar luminosity. There remains a narrow range of parameters (0.01\ensuremath{\lesssim}${G}_{9}$\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.1, ${m}_{a}$\ensuremath{\lesssim}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ eV) in which a recently proposed laboratory experiment might still measure axionlike particles.
A macromodeling based approach for efficient IC yield optimization

The authors describe a local macromodeling methodology that approximates circuit performance by low-order polynomials in terms of process disturbance variables with coefficients dependent on the designable circuit parameters. The macromodels obtained as a result of a relatively small number of circuit simulations are shown to be useful in predicting circuit yield, yield gradient, and the distribution of circuit performances. The effectiveness of this macromodeling approach is demonstrated in the context of statistical optimization. >
Predictors of Early Deterioration and Mortality in Black Americans With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose Black Americans with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) may have unique clinical characteristics that affect outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of clinical characteristics and initial CT scan for outcome in black Americans with SICH. Methods Clinical and demographic data were extracted from the charts of 182 consecutive black Americans admitted for SICH diagnosed by clinical criteria and initial CT scan. Hemorrhage volumes were calculated from admission CT scans by a computerized method. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of early deterioration (defined as a decrease from an initial Glasgow Coma Scale score >12 by ≥4 points within 24 hours from presentation) and mortality. Results Both hemorrhage volume and ventricular extension were significant, independent predictors of early deterioration (odds ratio [OR], 6.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.89 to 24.35 and OR, 4.67; ...
Developmental trajectories in design thinking: an examination of criteria

Using Perry's scheme of intellectual development, beginning and intermediate design students were assessed using the Measure of Intellectual Development (MID) and the Measure of Designing (MOD). Findings empirically support Perry positions and relate thought development to class standing and studio performance. Dualistic thinkers employed fewer criteria and displayed a limited understanding of criteria compared to multiplistic thinkers. Dualistic thinkers viewed criteria as either foreclosing the design process or prescribing a linear approach whereas multiplistic thinkers employed criteria integratively. Overall, advanced thinking skills appear necessary to recognize multifaceted criteria in the design process.
Implementation issues for an IEEE 802.4 token bus LAN carrierband physical layer

The IEEE 802.4 standard for a token-passing bus LAN (local area network) provides for a single media access protocol for use with multiple physical layers. The single-channel phase-coherent FSK (frequency-shift-keyed) or carrier-band standard is the best choice for a cost-effective, easily configured, high-speed physical layer suitable for industrial applications. The author provides a brief background on the IEEE 802.4 physical layers and then expands into an overview of the carrier-band physical layer. The overview describes the carrier-band modulation and introduces the key elements of the associated cable plant, including cables, taps, and signal budget. Implementation issues, including associated hardware, connectors, cables, taps, installation and maintenance, and redundancy, are discussed. >
A Review of Progress in FDTD Maxwell's Equations Modeling of Impulsive Subionospheric Propagation Below 300 kHz

Wave propagation at the bottom of the electromagnetic spectrum (below 300 kHz) in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide system has been an interesting and important area of investigation for the last four decades. Such wave propagation is characterized by complex phenomena involving nonhomogeneous and anisotropic media, and can result in resonances of the entire Earth-ionosphere cavity. In the spirit of this Special Issue, the goal of this paper is to call attention to emerging finite-difference time-domain computational solutions of Maxwell's equations for wave propagation below 300 kHz which promise to complement and extend previous analyses by pioneers such as Profs. Wait and Felsen. The following topical areas are discussed: long-range two-dimensional propagation, lightning sources and radiation, global propagation, Schumann resonances, hypothesized pre-seismic lithosphere sources and radiation, detection of deep underground resource formations, and remote sensing of localized ionospheric anomalies. We conclude with a prospectus for future research, especially in incorporating the physics of the anisotropic, nonhomogeneous magnetized plasma in a global planetary ionosphere.
Cost of living differentials and elderly interstate migration.

This article replicates previous work by McLeod et al. (1984) on the determinants of state to state flows of elderly migrants in the United States. This article deals with the 1975-1980 period and ...
Structure-Free Data Aggregation in Sensor Networks

Data aggregation protocols can reduce the communication cost, thereby extending the lifetime of sensor networks. Prior works on data aggregation protocols have focused on tree-based or cluster-based structured approaches. Although structured approaches are suited for data gathering applications, they incur high maintenance overhead in dynamic scenarios for event-based applications. The goal of our work is to design techniques and protocols that lead to efficient data aggregation without explicit maintenance of a structure. As packets need to converge spatially and temporally for data aggregation, we propose two corresponding mechanisms - data-aware anycast at the MAC layer and randomized waiting at the application layer. We model the performance of the combined protocol that uses both the approaches and show that our analysis matches with the simulations. Using extensive simulations and experiments on a testbed with implementation in TinyOS, we study the performance and potential of structure-free data aggregation.
Multicast routing with dynamic packet fragmentation

Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) become a critical design factor as chip multiprocessors (CMPs) and systems on a chip (SoCs) scale up with technology. With fundamental benefits of high bandwidth and scalability in on-chip networks, a newly added multicast capability can further enhance the performance by reducing the network load and facilitate coherence protocols of many-core CMPs [10]. This paper proposes a novel multicast router with dynamic packet fragmentation in on-chip networks. Packet fragmentation is performed to avoid deadlock in blocking situations, releasing the hold of an output virtual channel (VC) and allowing another packet to use the freed VC. From circuit simulation of the design implemented with IBM 90nm technology, the proposed router reduces latency by 38.6% and consumes 9% less energy than a unicast baseline router at the baseline saturation.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges of Cervical Myelopathy

ervical myelopathy constitutes the most common cause for nontraumatic spastic paraparesis and quadriparesis in C the United States (7). Clinically, cervical myelopathy is associated with hand clumsiness, gait disturbance, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Chronic compression and stretching of the cervical spinal cord cause spinal cord impairment (myelopathy). Spinal cord compression can also compromise blood perfusion leading to hypoxia (5) and apoptosis of myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (20, 23). Eventually, spongy degeneration of fiber tracts and loss of anterior horn motoneurons follow (5). Stretch injury leads to neurologic dysfunction by causing membrane damage and conduction loss (18). Clinically, minimally symptomatic cases are treated conservatively with cervical immobilization and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Symptomatic patients commonly undergo surgical decompression and stabilization with favorable results; however, patients with severe myelopathy may only achieve only partial functional recovery (22).
ITEM CONSTRUCTION IN ATTITUDE MEASUREMENT

Generalizations based on verbal attitude measures are dependent on the universe of content from which the item sample is drawn. Inadequate recognition of the need to coordinate item content to the intended realm of generalization has led traditional and current discussions of attitude measurement to an inappropriate emphasis on the assessment of global attitudinal responses. The implications of restricting the domain of content either to a specific persuasive event or to the general attitude object are discussed, and corresponding procedures for preparation of an initial item pool are outlined. Thomas M. Ostrom is Associate Professor of Psychology at The Ohio State University. T H HE MEASUREMENT of attitude involves locating the individual's "typical" response toward the attitude object on an evaluative continuum. The population of responses to which verbal attitude scores can be generalized is, therefore, determined by the kinds of feelings, beliefs, and stands expressed in the item pool. The variety of themes represented in the pool is potentially quite broad; investigations employing factor analysis, facet analysis, and content analysis have consistently found a variety of such themes relating to single attitude objects. When no attention is given to item composition, the very meaning of an attitude index (its realm of generalization) can differ from scale to scale. The preparation of an initial item pool is, consequently, a basic concern in the construction of any verbal attitude measure. However, while the statistical bases of test construction have become increasingly sophisticated,' little progress has been made on the problems surrounding item construction. Problems of item construction were recognized by the earliest workers in attitude measurement. At least five papers on this subject had appeared prior to 1940.2 Unfortunately, the guidance offered by these
Investor Responses to Dividends Received Deductions: Rewarding Multinational Tax Avoidance?

Central to the debate over U.S. international tax reform is understanding how multinational tax avoidance behavior might respond to a reduction in taxes on repatriated foreign-source earnings. Beginning in early 2009, several attempts have been made to re-institute a temporary 85 percent dividends received deduction that would have reduced such taxes for U.S. multinational corporations. Despite an intense lobbying effort, the measure was ultimately cast aside in late 2011, temporarily yielding to the criticism, in part, that the original such provision enacted under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 offered a generous reward for international tax avoidance. Exploiting the timing of twelve prominent proposals, endorsements, criticisms, and rejections, I examine investor valuations of the expected benefits accruing to U.S. multinationals from a reduction in the repatriation tax as a function of firm characteristics, with a special emphasis on those that have elsewhere been shown to facilitate income shifting activity in order to address the question of how large this reward might be. I find that on the most salient of event dates, stock market capitalization among likely dividend-repatriaters rose by nearly $300 billion, consistent with shareholders recognizing very substantial potential tax avoidance benefits from a renewed tax holiday.
An observation of direct-CP violation - {epsilon}{prime}{epsilon} result from KTeV

We report the first KTeV measurement for the search of direct-CP violation by using 23% of the data sample collected in the 1996-97 fixed target run at Fermilab. The result is, Re({epsilon}{prime}/{epsilon}) = (28.0 {+-} 4.1) x 10{sup -4}, nearly 7{delta} above zero obtained by a blind analysis. This firmly establishes the long-sought ''direct-CP violation'' effect in the two-pion system ({pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -} versus {pi}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}) of neutral kaon decays. Other new measurements of {Delta}m, {tau}{sub s}, {Delta}{phi} and a limit on the diurnal variation of {phi}{sub +-} for testing CPT invariance from the same data sample are also presented.