cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Very high speed continuous sampling using matched delays

The authors describe a scheme for very high speed continuous sampling of digital data. It is based on a high speed non-continuous sampling device that uses matched data and clock delay lines. The frquency of the sample clock necessary for continuous sampling is derived., and the components needed to deskew and synchronise the latch outputs for storage in an output register are detailed.
Hardware implementation of triply selective Rayleigh fading channel simulators

In this paper, we implement a real-time hardware triply selective Rayleigh fading simulator. This simulator incorporates the inter-tap and spatial correlation matrices into multiple uncorrelated frequency-flat Rayleigh fading waveforms (including temporal correlation) to simulate a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) triply selective Rayleigh fading channel. In the correlation incorporation procedure, this simulator uses a Kronecker product method to save a large amount of hardware memories. Occupying 34% hardware resources of one Stratix III FPGA chip, this simulator can simulate 4 × 4 MIMO fading channels with 10 correlated delay-taps per subchannel in real-time for a symbol rate of 3.69 µs. Accuracy of this simulator is proved by comparing the statistical properties of its outputs to corresponding theoretical values, and they match perfectly.
Electric Load Transient Recognition With a Cluster Weighted Modeling Method

This paper considers the use of sequential cluster weighted modeling (SCWM) for electric load transient recognition and energy consumption prediction that are promising for isolating the deleterious load transients from delicate renewable sources. Two computational processes co-exist in the SCWM scheme. In the training process, we propose a cluster weighted normalized least mean squares modification of the expectation maximization method to address the singular matrix inversion problem in updating the local model parameters. For the prediction process, we propose a sequential version of the CWM prediction that not only improves the real time performance of load transient recognition, but also resolves online overlapping transients. Other real time transient processing issues are also addressed. The methods are demonstrated using benchmark electric load transients.
Conformations of psi [CH2NH] pseudopeptides. Cyclo[Gly-Pro psi [CH2NH]Gly-D-Phe-Pro]-TFA and cyclo[Gly-Pro psi [CH2NH]Gly-D-Phe-Pro].

The cyclic pseudopentapeptide cyclo[Gly-Proψ[CH 2 NH]Gly-D-Phe-Pro] and its TFA salt were synthesized by solution methods, and their conformations were studied by NMR spectroscopy in both DMSO-d 6 and CDCl 3 . While intramolecular hydrogen bonding is observed with some conformers, the nature of the solvent and the presence of TFA affects the relative structural rigidities of the compounds. No evidence was found for the ψ[CH 2 NH] or ψ[CH 2 NH 2 + ] units acting as H donors in this series
Probing the Electronic Structure of a Photoexcited Solar Cell Dye with Transient X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

This study uses transient X-ray absorption (XA) spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) to directly visualize the charge density around the metal atom and the surrounding ligands following an ultrafast metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) process in the widely used Ru(II) solar cell dye, Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2 (termed N3). We measure the Ru L-edge XA spectra of the singlet ground ((1)A1) and the transient triplet ((3)MLCT) excited state of N3(4-) and perform TD-DFT calculations of 2p core-level excitations, which identify a unique spectral signature of the electron density on the NCS ligands. We find that the Ru 2p, Ru eg, and NCS π* orbitals are stabilized by 2.0, 1.0, and 0.6 eV, respectively, in the transient (3)MLCT state of the dye. These results highlight the role of the NCS ligands in governing the oxidation state of the Ru center.
Field Placement Treatments: A Comparative Study.

Field placement within teacher education represents a topic of interest for all preservice teacher programs. Present research addresses a set of important questions regarding field placement: (1) What pedagogical methodologies facilitate deep learning during field experiences? (2) Is there a significant difference in treatment effect for elementary education majors as opposed to secondary education majors? By conducting a focused study of the current pedagogical methods being utilized in a Middle Level Instruction and Curriculum course it was possible to evaluate treatment effect on the enhancement of preservice teacher self-efficacy and dispositional preparation. Utilizing a Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) experimental design with repeated-measures, treatment effect on preservice teacher self-efficacy was evaluated based on the Fuller Scale of Concerns. This research facilitates a more data-driven discussion of the appropriate pedagogical methodology for the development of preservice teachers'...
Coronary vasospasm during percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy.

Summary A case of myocardial infarction as a result of coronary vasospasm during percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy is presented. Potential consequences of the profound sympathetic response during this procedure are discussed. Invasive haemodynamic monitoring as well as prophylaxis with nitrates and calcium antagonists may be useful in patients prone to coronary vasospasm who undergo this procedure.
Experiences In The Design And Use Of An Expert System For Computer-Aided Control System Design

An expert system, the Computer-Aided Systems and Control. Analysis and Design Environment (CASCADE) has been implemented for the design of multivariable controllers for linear plants, using the linear quadratic Gaussian/loop transfer recovery (LQG/I,T11.) design methodology [1,2,3]. The expert system was implemented using a novel shell, DECIDE [4,5], which uses a decision expression methodology and incorporates explanation and backtracking, and linkage with the numeric and graphics software necessary for control system analysis and design. CASCADE was evaluated by generating trial designs for several realistic applications in the following areas: High voltage DC power transmission, robot manipulator path tracking, large structure active stiffening, aircraft stability augmentation, wind power cogeneration, bioreactor control, and steam power plant control. Since these designs were performed by graduate students, this provided an evaluation of the CASCADE implementation as both an expert system-based design package and an aid in education. We found that not only was the expert system useful for computer-aided design and education; it also served to demonstrate several subtle fallacies in the theoretical design methodology. Our surmise is that these fallacies had remained undiscovered because of the significant investment required in the mechanics of the design process in previous work. The expert system allowed attention to be focused-on a codification of design knowledge rather than on the algorithmic details.
Energy efficiency in cognitive radio channels with Markov arrivals

In this paper, fundamental limits on the energy efficiency of cognitive radio transmissions are studied in the presence of statistical quality of service (QoS) constraints when the data arrival process at the cognitive transmitter is modeled as a two-state Markov chain. It is assumed that cognitive secondary users initially sense the channel via energy detection and adjust their transmission power levels according to the sensing decisions. Considering the true states of the primary user activity, imperfect sensing decisions, and the reliability of the transmissions, a state-transition model with four states is constructed for the cognitive radio channel. A framework for determining the maximum average arrival rates that can be supported in the cognitive radio channel under QoS constraints is provided by employing the notions of effective bandwidth of Markov arrivals and effective capacity of cognitive radio transmissions. After formulating the maximum average arrival rates, minimum energy per bit and wideband slope expressions are obtained in order to identify the energy efficiency of cognitive radio systems.
Clinical utility of sensory nerve conduction of medial femoral cutaneous nerve.

Introduction: In this investigation we report on the clinical utility of sensory nerve conduction studies of the medial femoral cutaneous (MFC) nerve. Methods: Sensory nerve conduction of the MFC nerve was assessed in 22 patients for whom this test was considered clinically necessary. Results: MFC nerve conduction was abnormal in 4 cases of MFC neuropathy. The most common cause was iatrogenic in 14 femoral neuropathy cases. MFC nerve conduction showed absent or low-amplitude sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) in 13 cases, with femoral motor nerve conduction abnormal in 5 cases. In 2 cases with acute lumbar plexopathy, the MFC SNAP was absent unilaterally. MFC nerve conduction was normal in 1 case with diabetic lumbar radiculopathy and in another case with postpolio syndrome. Conclusion: Assessment of MFC nerve conduction is extremely useful in the diagnosis of femoral neuropathy, medial femoral cutaneous neuropathy, and lumbar plexopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2012
EFFECT OF MECLOFENAMATE (M) ON FETAL BREATHING MOVEMENTS AND PULMONARY BLOOD FLOW

Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (PGSI) increase the incidence and amplitude of fetal breathing movements (FBM) and increase pulmonary blood flow (Qp) in fetal sheep. To determine if these effects are interrelated or caused by the same mechanisms, we studied 4 chronically instrumented fetal sheep (gestation 134-138d). Each fetus had an electromagnetic flow probe on the left pulmonary artery (LPA) and catheters in the trachea (to evaluate FBM), main pulmonary artery, carotid artery, jugular vein (JV), and amniotic cavity. Studies were done a minimum of 7 d postoperatively. After a control period (48-150 min), the PGSI, M, was infused into the JV at a dose of 8.53 mg.kg over 10 min, then 0.51 mg/kg/hr for 2.5-4.0 h. There were no changes in heart rate, blood pressure or arterial pH, PCO2 or PO2. Other results are shown in Table. Qp did not correlate with incidence of FBM, nor with pH, PCO2, or PO2. We speculate that the early rise in Qp was due to constriction of the ductus arteriosus, or possibly to changes in pulmonary vascular resistance. We conclude that M causes an early rise in Qp independent of changes in FBM, and that the later increase in FBM does not lead to an increase in Qp.
Comparison of Broth Enhancement to Direct Plating for Screening of Rectal Cultures for Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Escherichia coli

A transrectal prostate biopsy is the most common procedure used to establish the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Prior to biopsy, patients are commonly given ciprofloxacin for prophylaxis. However, a complication of the procedure is infection with ciprofloxacin-resistant organisms, in particular resistant Escherichia coli. In order to identify patients carrying ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli, so as to tailor their antibiotic prophylaxis, rectal swabs are screened using selective broth and/or solid medium. In our evaluation, we compared broth enrichment and direct plating techniques by using brain heart infusion broth and MacConkey agar containing 1 μg/ml or 10 μg/ml of ciprofloxacin. Of the 100 patients included in the study, 20 were colonized with ciprofloxacin-resistant organisms, 19 of which were E. coli. There was no significant difference (P > 0.1) between the culture methods or the ciprofloxacin concentrations in the medium when identifying patients with ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli; however, broth enrichment using 1 μg/ml ciprofloxacin was the most sensitive at 100%, but it was the least specific. Direct plating of rectal swabs onto MacConkey agar containing 10 μg/ml of ciprofloxacin was 100% specific and missed only 1 positive specimen, with a sensitivity of 94.7%; this method was the most cost-effective. Therefore, direct plating of rectal swabs onto selective medium proved to be a sensitive and cost-effective approach in identifying patients colonized with ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli.
Theoretical analysis of the influence of process parameters on the use of an encapsulated phosphate buffer to control pH in a soil column

A one-dimensional mathematical model was developed to analyze the influence of different physical and chemical parameters on the performance of an encapsulated phosphate buffer for controlling pH and enhancing a pH-dependent process in a soil column. Three scenarios were investigated where base equivalents are produced through the degradation of the target compound (scenario I), through reactions in the matrix (scenario II), and a combination of both mechanisms (scenario III). In all three scenarios, the production of base equivalents is countered by the release of the acidic core of the encapsulated phosphate, resulting in an enhanced removal of the target compound. A sensitivity analysis on the model shows that under the conditions investigated, the removal of the target compound is dependent on the flowrate, porosity, dispersion coefficient, reaction rate constants, mass of added capsules, and the point of addition of the capsules. The approach can be used to analyze scenarios where encapsulated buffers can control pH and optimize pH-dependent processes in a soil column.
Charge reduction of oligonucleotide anions via gas-phase electron transfer to xenon cations

Multiply-charged anions derived from electrospray (ES) ionization of the oligonucleotide 5'-d(GTCTTAGCGCTAAGAC)-3' have been subjected to electron transfer reactions with ionized xenon in a quadrupole ion trap and found to undergo minimal fragmentation. This observation stands in contrast with electron transfer to rare gases from anions of smaller oligonucleotides which have been shown to undergo extensive fragmentation. The present results are attributed to longer anion lifetimes for the larger oligonucleotide anions (following highly exothermic electron transfer) which then allow for collisional cooling by the helium bath gas. Reduction to singly charged anions with minimal fragmentation is noted, indicating that xenon cations can be considered as a reagent for simplifying ES mass spectra of moderately sized oligonucleotides. The relative merits of the use of xenon cations in the quadropole ion trap for this purpose is discussed.
Inhibition ofZymomonas growth by carbon sources

Zymomonas mobilis growth is slowed by 250g substrate/L. The effect is less marked in media containing 20g substrate/L and 230g non-fermentable sugar/L. This suggests that high sugar media exert more than a simple osmotic effect.
Novel endothelial-derived vasoactive factors in the human fetal-placental circulation

Summary The role of novel endothelial-cell derived relaxing and contracting factorshave been investigated in the perfused human placental cotyledon. By using specific inhibitors of synthesis of the relaxing factor, nitric oxide, we have found that nitric oxide synthesis and action appears to contribute to maintenance of basal tone in the human fetal-placental circulation and attenuates the vasoconstrictor actions of thromboxane A 2 and the peptide endothelin-1. Endothelin-1 is a potent long acting vasoconstrictor (8×10 −10 –1×10 −8 M) in the human fetal-placental circulation. The duration of action and potency make it unlikely to have an acute vasoconstrictor role, but rather it may act to contribute towards basal tone or to potentiate the action of other vasoconstrictors. Although it has been suggested that Et-1 releases thromboxane A 2 in the fetal-placental circulation and this mediates the Et-1-induced vasoconstriction, we have shown that Et-1-induced vasoconstriction results in a significant reduction in thromboxane release, probably due to the reduction in flow rate. Further, by using a thromboxane synthase inhibitor, dazoxiben, or a thromboxane receptor antagonist, SQ29548, we have conclusively shown that Et-1 vasoconstriction is not mediated via thromboxane synthesis and action. NO does not appear to be released by the classic EDRF agonists such as acetylcholine, bradykinin, histamine, or calcium ionophores in the fetal-placental circulation. Indeed, bradykinin is a vasoconstrictor in this circulation and the concentrations of histamine necessary to cause vasodilation are in excess of those shown to release EDRF in other systems. Rather the stimulus to NO release in the placenta may be transmural pressure and/or flow/shear stress across endothelium.
How to write a research grant proposal [Student's Corner]

Writing a good research grant proposal is never an easy task. The first and most obvious thing to do is to read the advice offered by the funding agency. For this column, I will use the case of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an example and guide you through the writing of a research grant proposal.
Pneumatosis Intestinalis and AIDS: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report five AIDS patients who developed pneumatosis intestinalis and review the pertinent literature to clarify the contributory importance of underlying infections, to suggest a management plan, and to determine whether pneumatosis intestinalis alters prognosis. Of the five patients reported, three had concurrent infections including cryptosporidiosis (one patient), presumptive CMV (one patient), and toxoplasmosis of the central nervous system (one patient). One patient also had neutropenia. Another patient was immunosuppressed during treatment for lymphoma, and the fifth patient had been taking corticosteroids before the diagnosis of CNS lymphoma. In four of five patients pneumatosis involved the right colon. Pneumatosis was linear in all five patients and also was cystic in two of the five. All patients were followed conservatively without short term adverse events, despite the known association of linear pneumatosis with bowel necrosis. We advocate conservative management and an attempt to avoid surgery whenever possible.
APPLICATION OF AN ACOUSTIC STREAMFLOW-MEASURING SYSTEM ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER AT THE DALLES, OREGON

. The need for accurate, independent records of flow on the Columbia River at The Dalles, Oregon, has been met by the installation of an acoustic streamflow-measuring system. This device provides an index of the velocity of flow by measuring the difference in traveltimes of acoustic pulses transmitted through the water in each direction along a diagonal path across the river. The flow of water along the path increases the speed of one signal and retards the speed of the other. The difference in time of travel is related linearly to the water velocity along the path. Installation of the system, which is the first application of an acoustic flowmeter in a large natural channel, was completed in April 1969. It has been in continuous operation since that date. The velocity index and water-surface elevation are used as a two-variable index in the computation of flow. These variables, correlated against current-meter measurements made by use of specialized boat equipment, provide a reliable basis for computations of instantaneous and daily mean discharges.
Methods for distance-based judgment aggregation

Judgment aggregation theory, which concerns the translation of individual judgments on logical propositions into consistent group judgments, has shown that group consistency generally cannot be guaranteed if each proposition is treated independently from the others. Developing the right method of abandoning independence is thus a high-priority goal. However, little work has been done in this area outside of a few simple approaches. To fill the gap, we compare four methods based on distance metrics between judgment sets. The methods generalize the premise-based and sequential priority approaches to judgment aggregation, as well as distance-based preference aggregation. They each guarantee group consistency and implement a range of distinct functions with different properties, broadening the available tools for social choice. A central result is that only one of these methods (not previously considered in the literature) satisfies three attractive properties for all reasonable metrics.
Retail yields and palatability evaluations of individual muscles from wet-aged and dry-aged beef ribeyes and top sirloin butts that were merchandised innovatively.

Abstract Paired ribeyes ( n = 24) and top sirloin butts ( n = 24) were dry-aged or wet-aged for 35 days before being merchandised as individual muscles: M. spinalis thoracis , M. longissimus thoracis , M. gluteobiceps , and M. gluteus medius . Wet-aged subprimals had greater saleable yields than dry-aged. Dry-aged M. spinalis thoracis and M. gluteobiceps received lower consumer overall like and flavor ratings than did wet-aged; interior muscles — M. longissimus thoracis and M. gluteus medius — did not differ. Trained panelists found higher musty and putrid flavors for dry-aged muscles closer to exterior surface. These flavors may have contributed to lower consumer overall like and flavor ratings for dry-aged M. spinalis thoracis and M. gluteobiceps . Using innovative styles to cut beef allows for greater merchandising options. However, development of undesirable flavor characteristics may be more pronounced when exterior muscles — M. spinalis thoracis and M. gluteobiceps — are exposed during dry-aging to extreme conditions and are consumed individually.
Fatigue resistance of impact damaged specimen vs. machined hole specimens

Abstract The present work addresses the equivalence of rebound damage zones and drilled holes of similar size, as these defects affect constant displacement amplitude fatigue endurance. The material considered was a glass-reinforced epoxy matrix composite. Endurance losses were found to be closely comparable for like displacement amplitudes even though stress levels would have been quite dissimilar.
Pairing Fluctuation Theory of Superconducting Properties in Underdoped to Overdoped Cuprates

Pseudogap phenomena in the cuprates are of interest not only because of the associated unusual normal-state properties, but more importantly because of the constraints which these phenomena impose on the nature of the superconductivity and its associated high Tc. Moreover, this superconducting state presents an interesting challenge to theory: while the normal state is highly unconventional, the superconducting phase exhibits some features of traditional BCS superconductivity along with others which are strikingly different. Thus far, there is no consensus on a theory of cuprate superconductivity. Scenarios which address the pseudogap state below Tc can be distinguished by the character of the excitations responsible for destroying superconductivity. In the theory of Lee and Wen [1], the destruction of the superconducting phase is associated with the excitation of the low-lying quasiparticles near the d-wave gap nodes. By contrast, Emery and Kivelson [2] argue that the destruction of the superconductivity is associated with low frequency, long wavelength phase fluctuations within a microscopically inhomogeneous model, based on one dimensional “stripes.” In the present paper, we present an alternative scenario in which, along with the quasiparticles of the usual BCS theory, there are additionally incoherent (but not preformed) pair excitations of finite momentum q, which assist in the destruction of superconductivity. This approach is based on a self-consistent treatment of the coupling of single particle and pair states. It represents a natural extension of BCS theory to the short coherence length (j) regime and provides a quantitative framework for addressing cuprate superconductivity. Here, we find a pronounced departure from BCS behavior in the underdoped limit which is continuously reduced with increasing hole concentration x. We derive a phase diagram for Tc and the zero temperature gap, Ds0d, as a function of x, which is in semiquantitative agreement with (the anomalous) behavior observed in cuprate experiments, and we compute properties of the associated superconducting state such as the superfluid density rs and Josephson critical current Ic. When these are plotted as rssT dyrss0d and IcsT dyIcs0d ,a s a function of T yTc, we deduce a quite remarkable, nearly
Histone ADP-Ribosylation Facilitates Gene Transcription by Directly Remodeling Nucleosomes

The packaging of DNA into nucleosomes imposes obstacles on gene transcription, and histone-modifying and nucleosome-remodeling complexes work in concert to alleviate these obstacles so as to facilitate transcription. Emerging evidence shows that chromatin-associated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) and its enzymatic activity facilitate inflammatory gene transcription and modulate the inflammatory response in animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms by which PARP-1 enzymatic activity facilitates transcription are not well understood. Here we show that through an intracellular signaling pathway, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation induces PARP-1 enzymatic activity and the ADP-ribosylation of histones at transcriptionally active and accessible chromatin regions in macrophages. In vitro DNase I footprinting and restriction endonuclease accessibility assays reveal that histone ADP-ribosylation directly destabilizes histone-DNA interactions in the nucleosome and increases the site accessibility of the nucleosomal DNA to nucleases. Consistent with this, LPS stimulation-induced ADP-ribosylation at the nucleosome-occupied promoters of il-1β, mip-2, and csf2 facilitates NF-κB recruitment and the transcription of these genes in macrophages. Therefore, our data suggest that PARP-1 enzymatic activity facilitates gene transcription through increasing promoter accessibility by histone ADP-ribosylation.
Reductive half-reaction of thioredoxin reductase from Escherichia coli.

Thioredoxin reductase is a homodimeric flavoenzyme containing a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and a redox-active disulfide in each subunit. Structural work on the enzyme from Escherichia coli s...
Soviet Jewry as a diaspora nationality: The 'black years' reconsidered

(2003). Soviet Jewry as a Diaspora nationality: The ‘black years’ reconsidered. East European Jewish Affairs: Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 4-29.
Phylogenetic, Structural and Functional Characteristics of the Na-K-Cl Cotransporter Family

Bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-Cl cotransporters and thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporters comprise a family of integral membrane transport proteins, the Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC) family. Each of the members of this family is over 1,000 amino acids in length. We have multiply aligned the ten currently sequenced members of this family from human, rabbit, rodent, shark, flounder, moth, worm and yeast sources. Phylogenetic analyses suggest the presence of at least six isoforms of these full length proteins in eukaryotes. Average hydropathy and average similarity plots have been derived revealing that each of these proteins possesses a central, well conserved, hydrophobic domain of almost invariant length, possibly consisting of twelve transmembrane alpha-helical spanners, an N-terminal, poorly conserved, hydrophilic domain of variable length, and a C-terminal, moderately conserved, hydrophilic domain of moderately constant length. A functionally uncharacterized homologue of this family occurs in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. Limited sequence similarity of these proteins with members of a family of basic amino acid transporters suggest that the NKCC family may be distantly related to the previously characterized, ubiquitous, amino acid-polyamine-choline (APC) family of facilitators. These observations suggest that the NKCC family is an old family that has its roots in the prokaryotic kingdom.
Novel properties of human monocyte plasminogen activator

Human peripheral monocytes stimulated by either muramyl dipeptide [N-acetyl-muramoyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutamine], bacterial lipopolysaccharide or lymphokine-containing supernatants of human lymphocytes, could be shown to produce and secrete appreciable activities of a 52000-Mr plasminogen activator. This enzyme was suppressed in control and stimulated cultures by dexamethasone (0.1 μM). Monocyte plasminogen activator could only be assayed under conditions of low ionic strength and had no detectable activity at 0.15 M NaCl. Intracellular enzyme was present as a proenzyme, requiring activation by preincubation with plasminogen containing traces of plasmin, before its activity could be seen on sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis by a fibrin overlay method. Secreted enzyme was in the active form. Further incubation of lysate or supernatant plasminogen activator with plasminogen did not produce any active enzyme species of Mr 36000, unlike incubations of urokinase with plasminogen. Moreover, comparisons with other plasminogen activators of Mr 52000 from transformed cell lines showed that the monocyte activator was unique in its resistance to monocyte minactivin, a specific inactivator of urokinase-type plasminogen activators, and in its sensitivity to human α2-macroglobulin. It was therefore concluded that human monocyte plasminogen activator, although sharing an Mr of 52000 in common with other such activators, is not identical to the high Mr form of urokinase or the plasminogen activators of transformed cells. On present evidence it is the least likely of these enzymes to be active extracellularly under normal physiological conditions.
Progressive spinocerebellar ataxia mimicked by a presumptive cerebellar arteriovenous malformation

Abstract Here we report the case of a 72-year-old woman who presented with severe progressive ataxia over 32 years clinically thought to be due to a hereditary neurodegenerative disease, spinocerebellar ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor imaging revealed a presumed arteriovenous malformation in the left cerebellar hemisphere, based on evidence of prior bleeding, resulting in asymmetrical atrophy of the cerebellum and brainstem not consistent with a primary cerebellar neurodegenerative process. This is the first report of an arteriovenous malformation insidiously mimicking a progressive spinocerebellar ataxia.
A Mismatch-Selective Bifunctional Rhodium−Oregon Green Conjugate: A Fluorescent Probe for Mismatched DNA

A fluorescent metallointercalator conjugate that selectively targets DNA base mismatches has been synthesized by coupling an organic fluorophore to a bulky Rh intercalator containing the chrysenequinone diimine ligand. Ion pairing between the cationic Rh and anionic fluorophore moieties dramatically quenches the fluorescence of the conjugate in solution and in the presence of matched DNA. However, in the presence of mismatched DNA, the fluorescence of the conjugate is increased >300%. This increase in fluorescence is attributed to the loss in intramolecular quenching associated with DNA binding; intercalation of the Rh moiety into the mismatched site can lead to electrostatic repulsion of the anionic fluorophore away from the DNA phosphate backbone and Rh. Denaturing PAGE experiments with ^(32)P-labeled oligonucleotides indicate that the conjugate selectively binds the mismatched DNA with a binding affinity of 6 × 10^5 M^(-1) and, upon irradiation, cleaves the DNA backbone neighboring the mismatched site.
Labor's ace in the hole: casino organizing in Las Vegas

The fortunes of organized labor in the United States are on the decline. Union density has been steadily falling for decades, and even a concerted effort by innovative unions and new leadership at the AFL‐CIO since 1995 has failed to reverse the losses. Amidst this generally gloomy picture, casino workers in Las Vegas have provided a striking counter‐example. Since 1989, over 30,000 of them have joined the Culinary Union (HERE Local 226), more than doubling the union's membership and bringing union density on the famous Las Vegas Strip to 90%. What accounts for their success in an otherwise bleak landscape for labor? Three sets of factors emerge that explain the basis of the Culinary Union's growth: an unusual labor market, in which labor shortages have helped create high union density and high density in turn has generated new leverage; an industry whose growth strategy has been based exclusively on expansion through new casinos, making it vulnerable to disruption; and a dense web of political relationsh...
In Pursuit of a Methodology for Testing Mathematical Programming Software

To resolve the often conflicting and confusing results of computational testing of mathematical software reported in the literature, the Committee on Algorithms of the Mathematical Programming Society has developed guidelines which present minimum standards to which all papers reporting such efforts should conform. Although guidelines now exist, the development of sound methodologies for this testing is at the embryonic stage. This paper surveys the results to date of computational test efforts in each of the major fields of mathematical programming and reviews to what extent these efforts have advanced the goal of developing methodologies for testing MP software. Directions for future research are presented.
Functional insights into the role of nuclear-retained long noncoding RNAs in gene expression control in mammalian cells

The mammalian genome harbors thousands of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) genes. Recent studies have indicated the involvement of several of these lncRNAs in the regulation of gene expression. lncRNAs play crucial roles in various biological processes ranging from epigenetic gene regulation, transcriptional control,to post-transcriptional regulation. lncRNAs are localized in various subcellular compartments, and major proportion of these are retained in the cell nucleus and could be broadly classified as nuclear-retained lncRNAs (nrRNAs). Based on the identified functions,members of the nrRNAs execute diverse roles, including providing architectural support to the hierarchical subnuclear organization and influencing the recruitment of chromatin modifier factors to specific chromatin sites. In this review, we will summarize the recently described roles of mammalian nrRNAs in controlling gene expression by influencing chromatin organization, transcription,pre-mRNA processing, nuclear organization, and their involvement in disease.
Radiation emitted from a high-temperature nonequilibrium nitrogen plasma

Abstract The spectral distribution of radiation emitted from a uniform plane-paralel layer of low density nitrogen plasma is obtained for various layer thicknesses. Electron densities from 10 13 to 10 19 cm −3 and electron temperatures between 10 4 and 10 6° K are assumed. The system is not in a state of local thermodynamic equilibrium because at the low densities considered the transition rates are not collision dominated nor is the gas optically thick. Electrons contributed from sources other than nitrogen are possible although no sources of radiation other than nitrogen are assumed. The plasma is irradiated by an external diluted Planckian field WB v ( T r ). The occupation numbers of the various energy levels are obtained through simultaneous solution of the population rate equations and the Eddington transfer equation.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of gold-iron-gold nanocomposites

Abstract By utilizing the sequential synthesis afforded reverse micelles, nanocomposite materials can be synthesized which have a diamagnetic core surrounded by a thin shell of ferromagnetic material passivated with a second shell of a diamagnet. Using gold as the diamagnetic material and iron as the ferromagnetic material, nanocomposites can be synthesized where there is a thin layer of the magnetic material, which is passivated and protected from oxidation. In this case, all of the spins of the magnetic layer lie within the surface of the particle. Magnetic properties were measured for nanophase particles using SQUID magnetometry. The particles, which consist of a 6 nm core of gold, coated with a 1 nm thick iron layer and passivated with an outer shell of gold, are superparamagnetic with a blocking temperature of 45 K and coercivity at 10 K of 400 Oe. These results are similar to magnetic properties of 8 nm iron particles coated with gold, where blocking temperature is 50 K and coercivity is 400 Oe. This suggests that in nanoparticles the spins that define the outer surface are responsible for the magnetic properties.
Lessons learned from a healthful vending pilot program in Delaware state agency buildings, 2011-2012.

Introduction Changes in food availability in worksites can result in changes in eating behavior and weight status. Nemours Health and Prevention Services, in conjunction with partners in Delaware, conducted a 6-month pilot program to assess the feasibility and impact of requiring that 75% of the items in vending machines in 3 state agency buildings have healthful items.
Water quality parameters of a Nebraska reservoir differ between drought and normal conditions

Abstract Increased anthropogenic disturbance to watersheds and rivers is exacerbating the effects of oscillating wet-dry periods common in the Midwestern United States, consequently impacting the maintenance and health of lake and reservoir systems. A change in flow regime should affect water quality parameters in reservoirs, but few data exist to document such changes. During a four-year drought, the mean water volume of Harlan County Reservoir, in south-central Nebraska, dropped more than 50%, changing this irrigation reservoir from a lotic to a lentic system. We monitored changes in chlorophyll a, turbidity, temperature and dissolved oxygen over 7 months (April–October) during 2003–2006 (drought conditions) and 2007–2009 (normal conditions) at 15 locations. Chlorophyll a and turbidity were both significantly greater during drought conditions in most months. Dissolved oxygen predominately decreased during drought conditions, while water temperature did not change. Chlorophyll a and turbidity were also g...
Rigid Molecular Rods with Cumulene-Bridged Polyphosphines: Synthesis, Electronic Communication, Molecular Photophysics, Mixed-Valence State, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Study.

The synthesis, molecular photophysics, redox characteristics, and electronic interactions, as well as an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) study of a series of Ru(II) and Os(II) complexes wit...
Maquila sunrise or sunset? Evolutions of regional production advantages

Abstract The initial economic rationale for the border maquiladoras production sites appears to be waning. In particular, NAFTA and the rising cost of labor in the border area would seem to argue for such firms’ dispersion. However, the evolution of sectoral competitive advantages, which places a premium on proximity to both market and supply networks, in fact could produce a renewed retrenching of the pioneer border firms. A simple theoretical model provides a framework for understanding the interaction between geography and economics in the maquila industry context. Examination of quantitative and qualitative evidence based on this structure indicates that, even with the growth of interior plants, the border sites are thriving. Intensive border-zone production is likely to continue over the longer term, highlighting the need to better assess the environmental costs of such clustered activity.
Breaking the bond between stimulant use and risky sex: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT Stimulant-using men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, and are more likely to practice unprotected anal sex than MSM who do not use methamphetamine and/or crack cocaine. In this paper the authors report on interviews with stimulant-using men who have sex with men who have participated in Crystal Meth Anonymous and other 12-step groups, focusing on those who did not have unprotected anal intercourse during a 6-month follow-up period and their reasons for doing so. The authors find 4 common themes cited: a diminished sexual drive; exclusive sex with a primary partner; greater sense of responsibility/commitment to safer sex; and most commonly of the four, an overall healthier sex life. Participants’ use of terms such as “healthy,” “enjoyable,” and “fulfilling” to describe sex not on stimulants, and avoidance of these terms for sex on stimulants, suggests a distinct dimension of sexual experience.
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY—USEFUL MEDIUM FOR AMERICAN PRIVATE INVESTMENT ABROAD

THE ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT of the nations of the free world is of vital concern to the United States and comprises one of the foremost challenges to American private enterprise today. Through increased private commitments in the industry of our overseas friends, American investors can effectively contribute to achieving our basic foreign-policy objectives.' While the usefulness of the investment company in the channeling of American private investment abroad has been recognized for decades,2 this type of financing institution has yet to receive the support necessary for its development and growth. Considering the implications for our foreign policy and the opportu-
Multiple quadrature underintegrated finite elements

New multiple-quadrature-point underintegrated finite elements with hourglass control are developed. The elements are selectively underintegrated to avoid volumetric and shear locking and save computational time. An approach for hourglass control is proposed such that the stabilization operators are obtained simply by taking the partial derivatives of the generalized strain rate vector with respect to the natural co-ordinates so that the elements require no stabilization parameter. To improve accuracy over the traditional one-point-quadrature elements, several quadrature points are used to integrate the internal forces, especially for tracing the plastic fronts in the mesh during loading and unloading in elastic–plastic analysis. Two- and four-point-quadrature elements are proposed for use in the two- and three-dimensional elements, respectively. Other multiple-quadrature points can also be employed. Several numerical examples such as thin beam, plate and shell problems are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed elements.
Possible role of relativistic effects in the plasticity of the coordination geometry of cadmium(II). A voltammetric study of the stability of the complexes of cadmium(II) with 12-crown-4,15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 in aqueous solution and the structures of [Cd(benzo-18-crown-6)(NCS)(2)] and [K(18-crown-6)][Cd(SCN)(3)].

A differential pulse voltammetric study of complexes of Cd(II) and Pb(II) with crown ethers is reported. Measured log K1 values for Cd(II) with 18-crown-6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane), 15-crown-5 (1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane), and 12-crown-4 (1,4,7,10-tetraoxacyclododecane) are respectively 2.53 (±0.06), 1.97 (±0.07), and 1.72 (±0.08) and for Pb(II) with 18-crown-6 is 4.17 (±0.03), all at 25 °C in 0.1 M LiNO3. Cd(II) is smaller than is usually associated with strong bonding with crown ethers. The high log K1 values for Cd2+ with crown ethers found here are discussed in terms of distortion of Cd(II) by relativistic effects. The resulting plasticity of the coordination geometry of the Cd(II) ion allows it to meet the metal ion size requirements of all the crown ethers, allowing high log K1 values to occur. Crystal structures for [Cd(bz-18-crown-6)(SCN)2] (1) (bz-18-crown-6 = benzo-1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane) and [K(18-crown-6)][Cd(SCN)3] (2) are reported. 1 was triclinic, spac...
Memory, serial anticipation pattern learning, and transfer in rats

Three experiments tested hypotheses about whether rats respond appropriately to, or track, an orderly series of reward magnitudes terminating in nonreward by encoding the rule structure of the series, as a recent view derived from human serial-pattern learning models suggests, or whether they employ the memory of one reward event as a cue to signal the next reward event in the series, as animal partial-reinforcement investigations suggest. The memory signaling the terminal nonreward was called nonreward memory. The capacity of the nonreward memory to also signal reward was varied indirectly in Experiments 1 and 2, through stimulus generalization from other memories that were rewarded, and directly in Experiment 3, by rewarding it in an initial preshift phase. Consistent with a memory view, tracking of the terminal non-reward event decreased as the nonreward memory increasingly also signaled reward. These findings indicate that serial-pattern learning in rats has much in common with other, better investigated forms of instrumental learning, such as partial reward, and is not a unique form of learning, as suggested by the rule-encoding view, which was strongly disconfirmed.
The effect of digital compensation for computation delay in a hybrid loop

Recent interest in hybrid computation has focussed attention on the errors incurred because of the method of solving the problem equations. In the past some attention had been given to errors incurred due to analog component accuracy or round off error in a digital solution. However, with the advent of hybrid computation and the knowledge that the sampling that had to occur at the interface would perturb the solution, a number of papers have been published to define the problem and propose solutions. Probably the reason for the stimulated interest is that the errors can be obtained analytically for a number of simple systems. The proposed solutions to the sampling delay have shown an order of magnitude increase in the accuracy of the selected problems to which they were adapted.
Thermal Analysis of Spirally Wound Li/BCX and Li/SOCl 2 Cells

A thermal analysis of Li/BCX and high rate Li/SOCl[sub 2] cells is presented. The thermal model developed was used to study the effect of ambient temperature of discharge (0-40 C) on Li/BCX cells discharged at the same rate. The model predictions show that ambient temperature of discharge was critical in thermal management of the cell. For forced convection cooled cells, the model predicted that ambient temperature near room temperature (25 C) was required to achieve the lowest maximum temperature rise in the cell. Inclusion of the effects of reaction products to the model predictions showed that a constant composition assumption may be misleading. Heat transfer through the spiral constituted a smaller fraction of the total heat dissipation from the cell. In a comparison of the thermal performance of high rate Li/SOCl[sub 2] cell with Li/BCX cell, the model predicted a higher temperature rise in the Li/SOCl[sub 2] cell (assuming the temperature rise behaves linearly with discharge current) if both cells were discharged at the same rate.
Ising model coupled to three-dimensional quantum gravity.

We have performed Monte Carlo simulations of the Ising model coupled to three-dimensional quantum gravity based on a summation over dynamical triangulations. These were done both in the microcanonical ensemble, with the number of points in the triangulation and the number of Ising spins fixed, and in the grand-canonical ensemble. We have investigated the two possible cases of the spins living on the vertices of the triangulation (direct case) and the spins living in the middle of the tetrahedra (dual case). We observed phase transitions which are probably second order, and found that the dual implementation more effectively couples the spins to the quantum gravity.