cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When target motion matters: Doppler coverage in radar sensor networks

Radar sensors, which actively transmit radio waves and collect RF energy scattered by objects in the environment, offer a number of advantages over purely passive sensors. An important issue in radar is that the transmitted energy may be scattered by objects that are not of interest as well as objects of interest (e.g., targets). The detection performance of radar systems is affected by such clutter as well as noise. Further, in many applications, clutter can be substantially stronger than the signals of interest. To combat the effect of clutter, a popular method is to take advantage of the Doppler frequency shift (DFS) extracted from the echo signal due to the relative motion of a target with respect to the radar. Unfortunately, a sensor coverage model that only depends on the distance to a target would fail to capture the DFS. In this paper, we set forth the concept of Doppler coverage for a network of spatially distributed radars. Specifically, a target is said to be Doppler-covered if, regardless of its direction of motion, there exists some radar in the network whose signalto-noise ratio (SNR) is sufficiently high and the DFS at that radar is sufficiently large. Based on the Doppler coverage model, we first propose an efficient method to characterize Dopplercovered regions for arbitrarily deployed radars. Then we design an algorithm for deriving the minimum radar density required to achieve Doppler coverage in a region under any polygonal deployment pattern, and further apply it to investigate the regular triangle based deployment.
Nonconvexity in noncooperative game theory

Recent modeling efforts which attempted to apply the classical Nash equilibrium theory were found unsatisfactory because one or more players in the game had nonconvex loss functions (or nonconcave utility functions). In order to handle these difficult and important models, a generalization of the equilibrium is proposed which is denoted the pre-equilibrium set. This set contains all solutions to the first-order necessary optimality conditions for each player's utility function with respect to every opponent's necessary optimality conditions solutions. It contains all the Nash equilibria, as well as other points which may be of interest in their own right.
Confronting the Assumptions: Exploring the Nature and Predictors of Black Adolescents' Media Use

Documented as heavy media consumers, Black viewers are often also assumed to be unselective, uncritical, and homogeneous. These assumptions were tested in an exploratory study of the nature and cor...
Unscented iSAM: A consistent incremental solution to cooperative localization and target tracking

In this paper, we study the problem of cooperative localization and target tracking (CLATT), i.e., a team of mobile robots use their onboard sensors' measurements to cooperatively track multiple moving targets, and propose a novel unscented incremental smoothing and mapping (U-iSAM) approach. The proposed method attains reduced linearization errors by using the unscented transformation and correct observability properties by imposing observability constraints on the unscented transformation when computing measurement Jacobians. In particular, we, for the first time ever, analyze the observability properties of the batch maximum a posteriori (MAP)-based CLATT system, and show that in the case of no prior, the Hessian (information) matrix has a nullspace of dimension three. However, this may not be the case when the Jacobians (and thus the Hessian) are computed numerically through the unscented transformation. To ensure that the U-iSAM possesses correct observability (i.e., the nullspace of its Hessian is of dimension three), we project the measurement Jacobians computed by the standard unscented transformation onto the observable subspace. The proposed algorithm is validated through extensive Monte-Carlo simulations.
Host Range Restriction of Parainfluenza Virus Growth Occurs at the Level of Virus Genome Replication

To illuminate the molecular basis for host range restriction of parainfluenza virus replication, we have examined the types of virus macromolecules produced during abortive infection of nonpermissive MDBK cells with human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV1). While these cells do not support production of hPIV1 virus, they can be infected by hPIV1 as evidenced by accumulation of intracellular viral NP and HN proteins. HPIV1 is also able to drive transcription of a synthetic analog of Sendai virus (SV) genome RNA transfected into virus-infected MDBK cells. In contrast to transcription, hPIV1 genome replication does not occur in MDBK cells. Intracellular full-length genome RNA was detected only in trace amounts 2 days after infection, and was undetectable 4 days after infection. Full-length antigenome (+) sense RNA was not detectable. Nucleocapsid complexes failed to accumulate in the cytoplasm of nonpermissive cells, and no detectable nucleocapsids were released into the medium as virus particles. The data indicate that defective vRNA synthesis and/or nucleocapsid formation is responsible for the inability of hPIV1 to grow in MDBK cells. Our data also show that hPIV1 is capable of providing all helper functions for packaging SV synthetic genome analogs into infectious particles, but these SV-specific RNAs encapsidated with hPIV1 proteins are in turn not replicated by SV proteins. These results suggest that functional protein-protein interactions between parainfluenza virus strains have more stringent requirements than do protein-RNA interactions.
Hurricane Sandy before 1900 and after 2100

AbstractTo what extent did large-scale thermodynamic climate change contribute to the intensity and unusual track of Hurricane Sandy, which affected the U.S. mid-Atlantic region in late October 2012? How much of an impact would projected future climate change have on a storm such as Sandy? These questions are investigated using an ensemble of high-resolution numerical simulations in conjunction with analyzed and projected changes from a suite of general circulation models (GCMs). Simulations initialized with current analyses from the midpoint of Sandy’s life cycle, while the system was centered near the Bahamas, adequately replicate the observed intensity and track of Sandy. Initial and boundary condition data are then altered with thermodynamic change fields obtained from a five-member GCM ensemble, allowing hypothetical replication of the synoptic weather pattern that accompanied Hurricane Sandy, but for large-scale thermodynamic conditions corresponding to the 1880s and for projections to the twenty-se...
Movement of temporomandibular joint tissues during mastication and passive manipulation in miniature pigs

Movement is an important aspect of the biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). To track the relative movements of TMJ components, radio-opaque markers were implanted in the left squamosal bone, mandible and retrodiscal tissue of miniature pigs. Medial-lateral (ML) and dorsal-ventral (DV) fluoroscopic records were made 8-10 weeks later during chewing and passive manipulation. Marker movements were digitized from the videotapes. During passive manipulation, the deformation of the lateral capsule was also measured with a differential variable-reluctance transducer. The results provide new details about porcine chewing pattern, which is distinguished by a regularly alternating chewing side. During masticatory opening, the mandible had a centre of rotation (CR) well inferior to the condyle and close to the angle. In contrast, the passive opening movement showed a higher CR location close to the condylar neck, indicating a different motion from masticatory opening. The retrodiscal tissue followed the movements of the mandibular condyle during both mastication and passive manipulation. The lateral capsule elongated during ipsilateral shifts and retrusion, implying a possible role in limiting such movements. These movement characteristics provide a useful reference for studies on the TMJ using pigs.
Gastrointestinal abnormalities: A significant cause of feeding difficulties and failure to thrive in Brachmann-de Lange syndrome

Gastroesophageal abnormalities occur with increased frequency in patients with Brachmann-de Lange syndrome (BDLS) and contribute to problems with feeding, emesis and failure to thrive. Comprehensive evaluation including longitudinal assessment of growth and development of 8 patients with BDLS was performed. Clinically significant feeding problems occurred in 6 of the 8 patients and the affected children were subsequently evaluated for gastrointestinal abnormalities. Findings in these patients included tracheal aspiration, esophageal dysmotility, gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, and esophagitis. Medical treatment was instituted where appropriate, and surgical treatment was performed if the problems did not resolve with medical treatment. Improvement in weight centiles occurred in all patients fed by nasogastric or feeding gastrostomy tube but only one patients appeared to experience increase in rate linear growth. Careful monitoring of symptoms and growth parameters, and prompt institution of appropriate medical and surgical measures can improve the health and physical outcome of many patients with BDLS. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Object-oriented specification and formal verification of real-time systems

An object-oriented approach for specification and verification of real-time systems is described in this paper. It is motivated by taking advantage of object-oriented techniques to produce real-time software that is easy to understand, maintain, and reuse. The approach specifies the structural, behavioral, and control aspects of objects in one model with a textual representation as well as a graphical representation. For ease to comprehend and use, the model encapsulates object states and allows an analyst to focus on specifying object operations one at a time. System behavior from individual objects can be deduced and analyzed. For safety considerations, the approach supports specification of failures to object behavior and their resultant faults. The approach also supports modeling of timed temporal constraints for specifying and verifying desirable real-time properties. An object timed temporal logic OTTL is defined for expressing the syntax and semantics of these constraints. Decision procedures for their verification are also presented.
Evaluation of the quality of radiology requisitions for intensive care unit patients.

Rationale and Objectives The study aim is to evaluate the quality of radiology requisitions for plain film radiographs on intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Materials and Methods Radiology requisitions for 58 patients in ICU units at our children’s hospital and the corresponding original orders for the study, written in patients’ charts, were obtained. We reviewed each of the resident’s written chart orders for completeness and then directly compared the information on the radiology requisition with the actual order written in the patient’s chart by the ward resident physician. Results In 10% of cases, no “written order” was found in the patient’s medical record for the imaging study. Clinical indications for the study were provided by the resident in only 71% (41/58) of cases. The resident’s name was missing in the chart in eight of 58 cases (14%). The resident’s name was provided in 50 cases, but was legible in only 28 of 50 cases (56%). In 84% of cases, the resident failed to provide his or her pager number. For one patient, the incorrect study was ordered. In only 73% (30/41) of cases did the ward clerk exactly copy the clinical indication that was handwritten in the chart by the resident. In 21% of cases, no resident’s name was provided as the ordering resident on the radiology requisition. Inadequate or incomplete clinical information was provided in 24% of cases. Conclusion Our study identifies a large number of problems in the quality of our radiology requisitions. Improving the process has been approved by our hospital as a major quality improvement project for this year.
Structural Development By Thermoelastic Stress Analysis Of Plastic Models

Thermoelastic stress analysis of plastic models was successfully employed in the design and development of steel counter parts of an automobile. SPATE 8000 facilitated non-contact high resolution stress measurements of cast and vacuum formed plastic models. The stress analysis of the model was used for predicting stresses on steel prototypes. Design sensivity analysis was performed on plastic models to evaluate different design iterations. Problem areas were identified before the design was comitted to metal, thereby minimizing impact on cost and scheduling.
RF impedance method for nondestructive moisture content determination for in-shell peanuts

A method was developed earlier for estimating the moisture content (mc) in samples of wheat, corn and peanut kernels, nondestructively, by measuring their complex impedance values. In this method, capacitance (C), phase angle (θ) and dissipation factor (D) were measured with an impedance analyser at 1 and 5 MHz on a parallel-plate capacitor holding a few kernels of a particular commodity between the plates. These values were then used in an empirical equation based on the parameters C, θ and D, and the moisture content was calculated. The calculated mc values were within 1% of the air-oven values for about 85% of the kernel samples tested in the moisture range from 6% to 20% for wheat, corn and peanuts. However, it would be useful during drying and processing of peanuts, if the mc could be determined without shelling them. In this work, the feasibility of determining the moisture content of in-shell peanuts (pods) by similar impedance measurements was investigated. Values of capacitance, phase angle and dissipation factor measured at 24 °C and at three frequencies were used in a modified prediction equation and the moisture content was estimated within 1% of the air-oven values for over 90% of the pod samples tested in the moisture range from 6% to 25%. The method is rapid and nondestructive and may be used in the development of a commercial instrument.
Relationship between Participation in Interschool Sports and Extraclass Play Activities in College

Abstract Questionnaires were administered to 859 freshmen at the University of Florida to determine the nature and extent of their participation in high school and elementary school sports and the nature and extent of their play in extraclass sports during their freshman year in college. Statistical analysis was made of differences in play characteristics during the freshman year of students with varying types of interscholastic experience, of students who participated in specific types of interscholastic sports, and of students with different degrees of leadership and skill ability in interscholastic sports.
NMR vs. molecular modeling. Part IV—conformational analysis of menthone and isomenthone imines

The conformational analysis of a series of menthone and isomenthone imines was accomplished by 1HNMR spectroscopy and was compared with molecular modeling computations. The (E) menthone derivatives contain about 20% of a 2,5-diaxial chair conformer at room temperature (22–23°C), whereas in the (E)- and (Z)-isomenthone counterparts the major conformer has axial isopropyl and equatorial methyl groups. These peculiar conformations are a consequence of pseudo-allylic A(1,3) interactions between the isopropyl group and the non-bonded pair of electrons of the nitrogen, which dominate the axial–axial interactions between the alkyl chains and the protons of the ring in the isomenthone imines and are of considerable importance in the menthone derivatives. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are protein synthesis inhibition and phase shifting of the circadian clock in Gonyaulax correlated

We describe a method whereby the effect of protein synthesis inhibitors upon protein synthesis in Gonyaulax cultures may be reliably measured. Using this method, we found that protein synthesis inhibition and clock resetting were correlated, but that the correlation was not as close as has been reported in other systems. The effect of the inhibitors anisomycin and cycloheximide upon phase shifting of the circadian clock was a function of the illumination and temperature conditions to which the cells were subjected, but these factors did not appear to influence the inhibition of protein synthesis by these drugs. Cellular protein synthesis did not recover immediately from the inhibitors' effects; depending upon the previous concentration of the inhibitor, translational recovery from the drugs may require hours. This observation has important implications for the analysis of any phase response curve when the stimulus is a chemical.
Radar Scattering from Partially-Submerged Objects in Ducting Environments

This paper describes the ducted ocean surface scattering integral equation routine (DOSSIER). DOSSIER is a numerically-efficient high-fidelity numerical model for calculating scattering from partially-submerged targets in ducting environments. The model is based on a hybrid 2D-3D integral equation formulation where the 2D formulation is used to propagate the radar energy to the target location, while the 3D model is used to calculate the backscattered field from the target and its proximity. The combined model effectively accounts for shadowing, multipath, and ducting effects on the effective target reflectivity in such a complex environment.
Sleep Disturbances During Pregnancy

Objective To assess sleep patterns and prevalence of sleep disturbances during pregnancy. Design Cross-sectional design; prospective questionnaire. Setting Outpatient, private obstetric clinic. Participants 127 consecutive patients, with women evaluated at one of four points in pregnancy, 8–12 weeks (n=37), 18–22 weeks (n=28), 25–28 weeks (n=24), and 35–38 weeks (n=38). Main Outcome Measure Questionnaire of sleep habits and sleep disturbances. Results A large percentage of the women experienced sleep disturbances during pregnancy, These problems included frequent night wakings, difficulty falling asleep, and symptoms of sleep apnea. Few differences in sleep patterns were found across pregnancy, although women were found to sleep more and nap more by the end of pregnancy. Conclusion Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, especially late in pregnancy.
Dynamic Loading of Deformable Porous Media Can Induce Active Solute Transport

Active solute transport mediated by molecular motors across porous membranes is a well-recognized mechanism for transport across the cell membrane. In contrast, active transport mediated by mechanical loading of porous media is a non-intuitive mechanism that has only been predicted recently from theory, but not yet observed experimentally. This study uses agarose hydrogel and dextran molecules as a model experimental system to explore this mechanism. Results show that dynamic loading can enhance the uptake of dextran by a factor greater than 15 over passive diffusion, for certain combinations of gel concentration and dextran molecular weight. Upon cessation of loading, the concentration reverts back to that achieved under passive diffusion. Thus, active solute transport in porous media can indeed be mediated by cyclical mechanical loading.
Isoelectric point analysis of proteins and peptides by capillary isoelectric focusing with two‐wavelength laser‐induced fluorescence detection

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection can be a highly effective tool for analysis and characterization of proteins and peptides. Here we present a two-wavelength LIF detection system for the capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) of proteins and peptides. The helium–neon laser (543.5 nm) was used for simultaneous excitation of biomolecules labeled with two different fluorophores. The fluorescent emission signal from the different fluorophores could then be separated by a dichroic mirror, spectrally filtered, and collected in discrete channels. The system performance characteristics, such as spectral overlap in the channels and selection of fluorescent reporters, are presented here. Finally, we demonstrate applications of this system through protein and peptide analysis. These included the use of isoelectric point markers, each labeled with a fluorescent reporter moiety. Co-injection of the standards with the zwitterion to be determined provided for in-run calibration of pH gradients and for internal correction of variations in migration time. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 11: 708–715, 1999
NMPPAS fiber optic microprobe for sub-surface brain tumor diagnosis

Brain cancer affects approximately 16,500 people a year and individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme have an average life expectancy of less than 12-18 months after diagnosis. A portable fiber-optic probe capable of distinguishing between healthy and tumor tissues, with a high degree of spatial resolution, deep within a sample would be a valuable tool for tumor diagnosis and margining. A novel technique that combines 1-2 cm penetration depths with cellular level spatial resolution to chemically distinguish cancerous from non-cancerous tissues is non-resonant multiphoton photoacoustic spectroscopy (NMPPAS). This technique focuses pulsed near infrared light into a sample, creating a two-photon excitation event, and measures the resulting non-radiative decay as an ultrasonic signal. This paper discusses the optimization of a portable fiber-optic NMPPAS probe capable of delivering nanosecond laser pulses from 740nm-1100nm to a series of lens, which focus the light into the sample. The resulting ultrasonic signal is measured using a polyvinylidene fluoride based piezoelectric detector. The two-photon excitation efficiency of the portable NMPPAS probe system has been evaluated by measuring the two-photon excitation and emission spectra of common fluorescent dyes such as rhodamine B and fluorescein. In addition, this paper also demonstrates the diagnostic potential of this technique for tumor detection and margining without the need for acquisition of an entire spectrum.
Intraoral hemimaxillectomy for the treatment of cancer of the palate

Abstract Carcinoma of the palate frequently requires resection of the bone of the hard palate. Recent advances in surgical orthodontics and microsurgical instrumentation have obviated the need to perform extraoral cosmetically deforming ablative surgery. The operative defect created by this surgical technique can be reconstructed by the use of a maxillary prosthesis.
SU-FF-T-80: Analytical and Monte-Carlo (GEANT4) Calculations of Collimator Scatter of Proton Beams

Purpose:Collimatorscatter of proton beams is being implemented in the protondose model in ECLIPSE (Varian). Due to the energy loss and angular scatter distributions at the collimator walls (brass) the spectrum of scatterprotons is rather intricate. This contribution is significant for the ‘horns’ of transverse profiles verified in the initial plateau of Bragg curves. Using an analytical integration procedure of Bethe‐Bloch equation and its application to the Moliere multiple scatter model the calculated contributions are compared with measured data and Monte‐Carlo calculations (GEANT4). The production of secondary protons and radiation effects is determined by an integration of the inelastic cross‐section of the corresponding wall material over the energy. Method and Materials: Monte‐Carlo calculations have been carried out with GEANT4. Measurement data of transverse profiles and Bragg curves have been made available by the Harvard cyclotron and the proton center of MD Anderson (Houston). Results:Material properties and collimator length have an influence to the beam‐line (energy spectrum, fluence, angular distribution). Since the collimator edge act as further proton source, the distance to the water tank significantly affects the Bragg curves of small field sizes (from 0.5 × 0.5 cm2 to 2 × 2 cm2). For larger field sizes the collimatorscatter leads to ‘horns’ in the transverse profiles and to a buildup effect in the initial plateau of Bragg curves. Conclusion: Monte‐Carlo and analytical calculations are in good agreement with measurement data. A practical impact is also application of proton beams to the stereotactic radiotherapy. Conflict of Interest: Varian Medical Systems.
Commanding generals and the uses of intelligence

(1988). Commanding generals and the uses of intelligence. Intelligence and National Security: Vol. 3, Leaders and Intelligence, pp. 194-260.
Molecular basis of dynamic relocalization of Dictyostelium myosin IB.

Class I myosins have a single heavy chain comprising an N-terminal motor domain with actin-activated ATPase activity and a C-terminal globular tail with a basic region that binds to acidic phospholipids. These myosins contribute to the formation of actin-rich protrusions such as pseudopodia, but regulation of the dynamic localization to these structures is not understood. Previously, we found that Acanthamoeba myosin IC binds to acidic phospholipids in vitro through a short sequence of basic and hydrophobic amino acids, BH site, based on the charge density of the phospholipids. The tail of Dictyostelium myosin IB (DMIB) also contains a BH site. We now report that the BH site is essential for DMIB binding to the plasma membrane and describe the molecular basis of the dynamic relocalization of DMIB in live cells. Endogenous DMIB is localized uniformly on the plasma membrane of resting cells, at active protrusions and cell-cell contacts of randomly moving cells, and at the front of motile polarized cells. The BH site is required for association of DMIB with the plasma membrane at all stages where it colocalizes with phosphoinositide bisphosphate/phosphoinositide trisphosphate (PIP2/PIP3). The charge-based specificity of the BH site allows for in vivo specificity of DMIB for PIP2/PIP3 similar to the PH domain-based specificity of other class I myosins. However, DMIB-head is required for relocalization of DMIB to the front of migrating cells. Motor activity is not essential, but the actin binding site in the head is important. Thus, dynamic relocalization of DMIB is determined principally by the local PIP2/PIP3 concentration in the plasma membrane and cytoplasmic F-actin.
Initiation and regulation of oöcyte growth by the brain and corpora allata of the cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea.

Oocytes of Nauphoeta cinerea begin to grow about 2 days after adult ecdysis. This growth can be totally prevented by surgical ablation of the corpora allata (CA) before day 2 and restored in a dose-related manner by injection of juvenile hormone (JH). Ovarian maturation can also be prevented in some animals by brain extirpation within a day of adult ecdysis but proceeds normally in others, indicating that the brain acts to promote oocyte lengthening very soon after emergence. Wounding (mouthparts removal) blocks ovarian maturation in a similar percentage of animals, indicating that the ‘wounding effect’ is mediated by the brain. However, those wounded animals which do develop oocytes do not reach normal values by autopsy on day 7, suggesting a temporary inhibition of the CA. Because the effects of head ligation, which effectively removes the brain as well as the CA, can be reversed by only a little more JH than the effects of allatectomy, we conclude that the primary role of the brain is to control the CA. We suggest that both stimulatory neurohumoral material and inhibitory nervous transmission may be utilized for this control.
Magnetic resonance imaging using a ribbonator: hand and wrist.

A modified version of a single-turn solenoid with rectangular symmetry, which we call a ribbonator, provides excellent magnetic resonance images of the hand and wrist when used as both the transmitter and the receiver in a 1.5-T clinical imaging system. The very high RF efficiency provides excellent signal-to-noise and anatomical resolution. Design equations and RF properties of the resonator are discussed. © 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
Aplodontid rodents (Mammalia) from the Oligocene (Orellan and Whitneyan) Brule Formation, Nebraska

ABSTRACT Seven species of aplodontid rodents are recognized from the Orellan, four from the Whitneyan, and one from both horizons of Nebraska. Three new genera are recognized, Epeiromys from the Orellan, Oropyctis from the Whitneyan, and Campestrallomys from both horizons. Three new Orellan species (Prosciurus parvus, Campestrallomys annectens, and Epeiromys spanius), two new Whitneyan species (Oropyctis pediasius and Campestrallomys siouxensis), and one new species from the late Orellan and early Whitneyan (Prosciurus magnus) are described. An indeterminate species of aplodontid from the Whitneyan is also recognized. Only a few lineages of aplodontids can be traced from the Orellan into later times. Campestrallomys, Downsimus, and Haplomys can be derived from Prosciurus. Oropyctis may represent an early ancestor of the Mylagaulidae, but this relationship is quite tenuous. The biostratigraphic occurrence of several species of aplodontids in Nebraska suggests that all species are not continuous throughout ...
Plant Chimeric Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase ROLE OF THE NEURAL VISININ-LIKE DOMAIN IN REGULATING AUTOPHOSPHORYLATION AND CALMODULIN AFFINITY

Chimeric Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) is characterized by a serine-threonine kinase domain, an autoinhibitory domain, a calmodulin-binding domain and a neural visinin-like domain with three EF-hands. The neural visinin-like Ca(2+)-binding domain at the C-terminal end of the CaM-binding domain makes CCaMK unique among all the known calmodulin-dependent kinases. Biological functions of the plant visinin-like proteins or visinin-like domains in plant proteins are not well known. Using EF-hand deletions in the visinin-like domain, we found that the visinin-like domain regulated Ca(2+)-stimulated autophosphorylation of CCaMK. To investigate the effects of Ca(2+)-stimulated autophosphorylation on the interaction with calmodulin, the equilibrium binding constants of CCaMK were measured by fluorescence emission anisotropy using dansylated calmodulin. Binding was 8-fold tighter after Ca(2+)-stimulated autophosphorylation. This shift in affinity did not occur in CCaMK deletion mutants lacking Ca(2+)-stimulated autophosphorylation. A variable calmodulin affinity regulated by Ca(2+)-stimulated autophosphorylation mediated through the visinin-like domain is a new regulatory mechanism for CCaMK activation and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases. Our experiments demonstrate the existence of two functional molecular switches in a protein kinase regulating the kinase activity, namely a visinin-like domain acting as a Ca(2+)-triggered switch and a CaM-binding domain acting as an autophosphorylation-triggered molecular switch.
Effects of Ag+ on ion transport by the corneal epithelium of the rabbit

Exposure of thein vitro rabbit corneal epithelium to Ag+ by the addition of AgNO3 (10−7–10−5)m) to the apical surface or by the use of imperfectly chlorided Ag/AgCl half-cells in Ussing-style membrane chambers, greatly increases short-circuit current and transepithelial potential. The early phase (the first 30 min) of the short-circuit current stimulation by Ag+ is linearly dependent on tear-side sodium concentration, is largely a result of a tenfold increase in net Na+ uptake and is incompletely inhibited by ouabain, suggesting that Ag+ increases cation (primarily Na+) conductance of the apical membrane. This mechanism for the Ag+ effect is supported by microelectrode experiments, wherein Ag+ depolarizes specifically the apical barrier potential and increases apical barrier conductance. A later phase in the effect (0.5–3 hr) is characterized by a gradual increase in36Cl− and14C-mannitol unidirectional fluxes, by a decline in epithelial resting potential and short-circuit current, by complete ouabain inhibition and by fit to saturation kinetics with respect to Na+ concentration in the bathing media. This pahse of the effect apparently reflects a nonselective opening of the paracellular pathway in the epithelium and is rate-limited by Na+ pump activity at the basolateral membrane. Both phases are associated with swelling of the corneal stroma and may be rapidly reversed using thiol agents (reduced glutathione and dithiothreitol). The results suggest that Ag+ may be useful in the study of cation transport by epithelia and the work provides basic physiological information that is pertinent to the prophylactic use of AgNO3 in clinical ophthalmology.
Performance of Modified Asphalt Binders with Identical High-Temperature Performance Grades but Varied Polymer Chemistries

The rutting resistances of mixtures that contain polymer-modified asphalt binders with identical performance grades but varied polymer chemistries were evaluated. Eleven asphalt binders were obtained for this study: two unmodified asphalt binders, an air-blown asphalt binder, and eight polymer-modified asphalt binders. Five binders used in a prior study also were included. Asphalt binder properties were measured with a dynamic shear rheometer. Mixture rutting resistance was measured by (a) the shear modulus, G*, and the Superpave® binder rutting factor, G*/sinδ; (b) cumulative permanent shear strain (CPSS); (c) the rut depths from the French pavement rutting tester (French PRT); and (d) the creep slopes from the Hamburg wheel-tracking device. CPSS and rut depths from the French PRT were the primary mixture tests because they were specifically developed to measure rutting resistance under dry conditions. The high-temperature properties of the 11 asphalt binders had a high correlation to mixture rutting res...
The differential effects of sleep quality and quantity on the relationship between SES and health

Although socioeconomic status (SES) has long been recognized as a principal determinant of health, one factor yet to be considered in the context of SES and health is the role of sleep. Individuals of lower socioeconomic status have been found more likely to experience sleep disorders, 1 and sleep disturbances have been associated with poorer health. 2 The amount of sleep people get has been found to mediate the relationship between stress-related intrusive thoughts and natural killer cell levels. 3 However, sleep has yet to be examined as a potential mediator of the impact of socioeconomic status on physical or mental health. This study tested the following three hypotheses. First, participants of higher socioeconomic status will report better psychological health. Second, participants of higher socioeconomic status will report better physical health. Third, the relationship between participants’ socioeconomic status and their health will be mediated by either their quantity or quality of sleep.
Expatriate Assignments: Enhancing Success and Minimizing Failure

A major U.S. food manufacturer was seeking someone from corporate staff to head its Japanese marketing division. Mr. X was selected because he was clearly one of the company's bright young talents; he had also demonstrated superior marketing skills in the home office. Those making the appointment did not assess his ability to relate to and work with Japanese because it was assumed that a good manager in the United States would be a good manager abroad. Prior to his 18-month assignment, Mr. X was given some literature pertaining to Japan's geography, climate, banking, and educational institutions and was asked to share this material with his family. However, during the initial six months in Japan, Mr. X was unable to devote much time to company activities because he was preoccupied with problems he and his family were having in adapting to the new environmental setting. Similarly, in the last six months, he often worried about his upcoming job change. He heard that a peer and rival at home had just been promoted to a position for which both men had aspirations. What must he do to get back into the race? While he was trying to strategize about this new assignment, his wife continually questioned him about their new West Coast relocation. The result: In the course of Mr. X's 18-month assignment to Japan, his company lost 98% of its existing market share to a major European competitor. What went wrong? Why was Mr. X, a person with a proven track record in corporate headquarters, such a dismal failure in his assignment to Japan? Mr. X's experience is not unique. In a questionnaire survey of expatriate assignments within 80 U.S. multinationals, it was found that more than half of the companies had failure rates of 10-20%. Some 7% of the respondent firms had recall rates of 30%.1 ("Failure" in the survey was defined as the inability of an expatriate to perform effectively in a foreign country and, hence, the need for the employee to be fired or recalled home.) These statistics are consistent with the findings of others that approximately 30% of overseas assignments within U.S. multinationals are mistakes. These "casualties" not only represent substantial costs to the companies, but also constitute a human resource waste since most of those who failed had a noteworthy track record in the home office prior to overseas assignment. Such failures often constitute a heavy personal blow to the expatriates' self-esteem and ego. Hence, even if they are accepted back by corporate headquarters, it may take some time before they regain confidence in their own abilities. The unsettling experience for the person's family, both emotionally and physically, represents yet another consequence.
Solubility limit of La in the lead zirconate--titanate system

The disappearing-phase method was used to determine the extent of the solid-solution region of the PLZT system for conventionally sintered ceramics prepared at 1100° and 1300°C in a PbO atmosphere provided by pbZrO3. A decrease in the firing temperature from 1300° to 1100°C lowers the solubility limit by 5 to 8 at.% La. Beyond the limits of solubility, additional La forms La2Zr2O7 and/or La2Ti2O7. The limit determined by the disappearing-phase method (1300°C firing) is compared to values determined by the parametric method. The Curie temperature is stabilized at 5 at.% La for modified PbZrO3 (1300°C firing).
VLF/ELF input impedance of an arbitrarily oriented loop antenna in a cold collisionless multicomponent magnetoplasma

A study is made of the input impedance Z of a small strip-loop antenna with arbitrary orientation in a cold collisionless uniform multicomponent magnetoplasma. Assuming a uniform current distribution, an integral expression for Z is derived which is valid for arbitrary values of driving frequency, plasma composition and density, loop orientation angle \phi_{0} , and static magnetic field strength. The integral expression is evaluated numerically for the VLF/ELF range in a plasma modeled upon the inner magnetosphere. Approximate closed-form expressions for Z are also developed. It is found that the loop VLF/ELF input reactance is essentially identical to its free space self inductance. Also the loop radiation resistance is found to be a strong function of \phi_{0} for frequencies near the lower-hybrid-resonance frequency or below the proton gyrofrequency. In addition it is found that for small loops a second-order quasi-static theory correctly predicts Z over much of the VLF/ELF range.
Circuits supporting the grid.

Two studies show that local inhibitory connectivity and hippocampal excitatory input support the spatial firing patterns of entorhinal grid cells, providing support for continuous attractor model of grid cell firing.
The role of the nurse in labor and delivery as perceived by nurses and patients

A study was conducted to examine the role of the labor and delivery room nurse as perceived by expectant mothers trained in the Lamaze method of preparation for childbirth (L/RC), expectant mothers not trained in the Lamaze method (RC), and labor and delivery room nurses. All expectant mothers received baseline prenatal education by attending Red Cross Preparation for Parenthood. Perceptions were measured through a Q-sort of 50 items constructed for this study. Each item described a nursing behavior in labor and delivery. Differences between Q-sorts of expectant mothers and labor and delivery room nurses were insignificant. The collected data showed that labor and delivery room nurses were meeting the expectations of expectant mothers, both trained and not trained in the Lamaze method. Perceptions of the nurse's role in labor and delivery differed slightly so that individualization of care is important.
Darkfield Microspectroscopy: From Single Nanoparticle Biosensing to Live Cell Molecular Imaging

Darkfield microspectroscopy enables detailed studies of the plasmonic features of noble metal nanoparticles. Shifts of the plasmon resonance of individual nanoparticles can be exploited for sensing applications or to achieve molecular imaging using targeted immunolabelling.
Sedimentation characteristics of cytoplasmic particles from Sarcina lutea.

Abstract The sedimentation characteristics of cytoplasmic particles obtained by the lysis of Sarcina lutea have been investigated. Extracts obtained by the osmotic disruption of the organism gave 5 boundaries with sedimentation coefficients of about 4, 11, 20, 31 and 39 S. When DNAase was added during the preparation of these extracts, the 11-S peak disappeared and the sedimentation coefficients of the remaining particles were increased to 5, 33, 50 and 70 S. The increase in the sedimentation rate of these particles can be accounted for largely, but not entirely, by a decrease in the viscosity of the preparations as a result of the elimination of DNA. Evidence is also provided for a reversible, Mg 2+ -dependent formation of 70-S particles from 33- and 50-S particles in a manner similar to that demonstrated by others using extracts from Escherichia coli .
Reaction order versus reaction probability for bimolecular steady state reactions: A + A+A and A + A+ 0 in one dimension

Reactions of A+A+product on one-dimensional lattices with steady state mput sources are simulated with various local reactlon probatnhtles, P. Among others the reaction order, X. is examined at different P. Our results demonstrate that X goes down from 3 to 2 as P goes from 1 to 0. The nearest neighbor distance dlstrlbution (NNDD) for the reaction A+A+O at P= 1.0, i.e. dlffuslon-limited reaction, follows the previously reported skewed exponential shape. This 1s no longer true for P< 1. Similarly, for the reaction A+A+A, the NNDD changes with P. Finally, at P-O, as expected, an exponential (Poissoman) distribution is obtained for both reactions.
Detection of signal in noise using optimum wavelet receiver

In the paper, we proposed an optimal receiver based on discrete wavelet transform. To characterize transients in time-varying signal, a more generalized representation which can reflect both the time and the frequency behavior of signals is desirable. Wavelet was used as an orthonormal basis to represent signals in the joint time-frequency domain. We derive a sufficient statistic for the wavelet-based signal detection. An architecture of the optimum wavelet receiver was given. We discussed some issues on the detection of known signals, signals with unknown parameters and parameter estimation. We also evaluated the performance of the optimum wavelet receiver. It shows that the performance of the wavelet receiver is optimum in the sense that a specific criterion is satisfied.
Schedule-induced cigarette self-administration.

Cigarette self-administration was studied in a controlled laboratory setting by automated recording of the various components of smoking behavior. The effects of intermittent scheduled monetary reinforcement presentation on cigarette smoking was determined in an attempt to demonstrate schedule-induced cigarette self-administration. Schedule-induced cigarette self-administration was indicated by changes in some of the topographical components of cigarette smoking behavior, e.g., puff frequency and mean puffs per cigarette, as a function of changes in the fixed interval value of a monetary reinforcement schedule. While the number of cigarettes smoked changed only slightly following changes in the FI value of the monetary reinforcement schedule, other components of cigarette smoking behavior, particularly puff frequency and mean puffs per cigarette, were significantly altered. Cigarette puffs were most likely to occur immediately following monetary reinforcement presentation or in the initial segment of the next fixed interval. The demonstration of schedule-induced self-administration in human adds another common factor found to influence infrahuman and human drug self-administration.
Chemical kinetic model for the lower atmosphere of Venus

Abstract A self-consistent chemical kinetic model of the Venus atmosphere at 0–47 km has been calculated for the first time. The model involves 82 reactions of 26 species. Chemical processes in the atmosphere below the clouds are initiated by photochemical products from the middle atmosphere (H2SO4, CO, Sx), thermochemistry in the lowest 10 km, and photolysis of S3. The sulfur bonds in OCS and Sx are weaker than the bonds of other elements in the basic atmospheric species on Venus; therefore the chemistry is mostly sulfur-driven. Sulfur chemistry activates some H and Cl atoms and radicals, though their effect on the chemical composition is weak. The lack of kinetic data for many reactions presents a problem that has been solved using some similar reactions and thermodynamic calculations of inverse processes. Column rates of some reactions in the lower atmosphere exceed the highest rates in the middle atmosphere by two orders of magnitude. However, many reactions are balanced by the inverse processes, and their net rates are comparable to those in the middle atmosphere. The calculated profile of CO is in excellent agreement with the Pioneer Venus and Venera 12 gas chromatographic measurements and slightly above the values from the nightside spectroscopy at 2.3 μm. The OCS profile also agrees with the nightside spectroscopy which is the only source of data for this species. The abundance and vertical profile of gaseous H2SO4 are similar to those observed by the Mariner 10 and Magellan radio occultations and ground-based microwave telescopes. While the calculated mean S3 abundance agrees with the Venera 11–14 observations, a steep decrease in S3 from the surface to 20 km is not expected from the observations. The ClSO2 and SO2Cl2 mixing ratios are ∼10−11 in the lowest scale height. The existing concept of the atmospheric sulfur cycles is incompatible with the observations of the OCS profile. A scheme suggested in the current work involves the basic photochemical cycle, that transforms CO2 and SO2 into SO3, CO, and Sx, and a minor photochemical cycle which forms CO and Sx from OCS. The net effect of thermochemistry in the lowest 10 km is formation of OCS from CO and Sx. Chemistry at 30–40 km removes the downward flux of SO3 and the upward flux of OCS and increases the downward fluxes of CO and Sx. The geological cycle of sulfur remains unchanged.