cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production of a single heavy quark in e + e − collisions

Cross sections for the flavor-changing neutral transition ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\overline{t}c$ are calculated in the standard model with three generations, and found to be unmeasureable; ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\overline{b}s$ is a few orders of magnitude larger. Experimentalists should nevertheless look for these processes since an increase in the number of generations, strong-interaction effects, and mainly nonstandard models may lead to observable rates. ${Z}^{0}$ decays into a single heavy quark plus a light one are also briefly discussed.
Resident and faculty perceptions of a surgical residency program merger.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate resident and faculty perceptions of a residency merger process. Methods Survey of faculty and residents of a recently merged general surgical residency. Nineteen separate program characteristics were evaluated via a numerical scoring system, and additional written commentary regarding dominant perceived benefits and detriments of the merger was solicited. Statistical significance was evaluated on numerically scored items by applying the Mann-Whitney U test to median values expressed with interquartile ranges, comparing resident and faculty responses. Results Scoring system responses from faculty and residents were generally similar. The merger was seen as neutral to positive in its impact on academic issues, but it had more negative effects on issues related to overall program atmosphere and morale. Statistically significant differences between resident and faculty responses were noted in 2 areas: teaching conference timing and overall program effectiveness in preparing for practice. Both of these areas were more favorably impacted by the merger from the residents’ perspective, and more negatively as judged by the faculty (p Conclusions As reflected by resident and faculty perceptions, program mergers may provide opportunities to strengthen and enhance the academic and clinical foundation of residency. This may, however, occur at the expense of morale and relational issues, which may be negatively impacted by program administrative and geographic expansion.
Tabletop soft x-ray laser development

We present recent results on the development of a small scale soft X-ray laser with low pumping laser energy using a multi-fin target in a two-target chamber. With only 4 J (2 ns) laser beam energy a maximum gain of 7.1 cm-1 was measured for the CVI 18.2 nm line for a single 6 mm long target. Similar gain (6.5 cm-1) was also measured for the CVI 13.5 nm line. Control of the gain region in the plasma was demonstrated by changing the influx of iron into the plasma. We also present results from our attempt to generate gain on the 2-1 transition in LiIII at 13.5 nm using a powerful sub-picosecond KrF laser system following work by the RIKEN (Japan) group.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evolutionary diversification of TTX-resistant sodium channels in a predator–prey interaction

Understanding the molecular genetic basis of adaptations provides incomparable insight into the genetic mechanisms by which evolutionary diversification takes place. Whether the evolution of common traits in different lineages proceeds by similar or unique mutations, and the degree to which phenotypic evolution is controlled by changes in gene regulation as opposed to gene function, are fundamental questions in evolutionary biology that require such an understanding of genetic mechanisms1,2,3. Here we identify novel changes in the molecular structure of a sodium channel expressed in snake skeletal muscle, tsNaV1.4, that are responsible for differences in tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistance among garter snake populations coevolving with toxic newts4. By the functional expression of tsNaV1.4, we show how differences in the amino-acid sequence of the channel affect TTX binding and impart different levels of resistance in four snake populations. These results indicate that the evolution of a physiological trait has occurred through a series of unique functional changes in a gene that is otherwise highly conserved among vertebrates.
Differences in local conformation around cysteine residues in αα, αβ, and ββ rabbit skeletal tropomyosin

Abstract The ability of 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoate (Nbs 2 ) to form a disulfide crosslink between the Cys-190s of the αα and αβ molecular components of rabbit skeletal tropomyosin (Tm) and the Cys-36s and Cys-190s of purified ββ was studied in separate experiments, as a function of urea concentration in 0.5 m NaCl, 20 m m 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-pipera-zineethanesulfonic acid, pH 7.4, 15 °C. In the absence of urea, complete reaction of the Cys-190s of Tm with Nbs 2 as well as with 2- and 4-pyridine disulfide quantitatively produced two crosslinked species, α-α and α-β, in a 6040 ratio, respectively, visualized as bands on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels; similar reactions of ββ produced both doubly (at Cys-36 and Cys-190) and singly crosslinked species (at Cys-190 as identified by amino acid analysis of separated tryptic peptides). In the presence of 4 m urea where the chains were unfolded and separated, only Nbs-blocked uncrosslinked species were obtained after complete reaction with Nbs 2 . The loss of Nbs 2 -crosslinking at increasing [urea] showed that the relative stability of the Cys-containing regions of the three species of Tm, αα, αβ, and ββ increases in the order Cys-36 of ββ, Cys-190 of αβ, Cys-190 of αα.
Phosphoprotein Phosphatase Activity in Normal and Dystonic Human Fibroblast Plasma Membranes

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that the level of membrane protein phosphorylation may be related to the regulation of membrane function. We have characterized the phosphoprotein phosphatase activity in membranes prepared from normal human skin fibroblast cultures and from patients with dystonia musculorum deformans (DMD). Protein phosphatase activity was linear with time and membrane protein with a broad pH optimum between 6.0 and 7.5. Fluoride, molybdate, and compounds containing a pyrophosphate moiety were inhibitory. There was no significant difference in the Km or Vmax when fibroblast membranes from patients with DMD were compared to those from normal controls.
Leaflet photosynthesis rate and carbon metabolite accumulation patterns in nitrogen-limited, vegetative soybean plants.

Prolonged inorganic nitrogen (NO3 −+NH4 +) limitation of non-N2-fixing soybean plants affected leaflet photosynthesis rates, photosynthate accumulation rates and levels, and anaplerotic carbon metabolite levels. Leaflets of nitrogen-limited (N-Lim), 27–31-day-old plants displayed ≈ 15 to 23% lower photosynthesis rates than leaflets of nitrogen-sufficient (N-Suff) plants. In contrast, N-Lim plant leaflets displayed higher sucrose and starch levels and rates of accumulation, as well as higher levels of carbon metabolites associated with sucrose and starch synthesis, e. g., glycerate-3-phosphate and glucose phosphates, than N-Suff plant leaflets. Concurrently, levels of soluble protein, chlorophyll, and anaplerotic metabolites, e.g., malate and phosphoenolpyruvate, were lower in leaflets of N-Lim plants than N-Suff plants, suggesting that the enzymes of the anaplerotic carbon metabolite pathway were lower in activity in N-Lim plant leaflets. Malate net accumulation rates in the earliest part of the illumination period were lower in N-Lim than in N-Suff plant leaflets; however, by the midday period, malate accumulation rate in N-Lim plant leaflets exceeded that in leaflets of N-Suff plants. Further, soluble protein accumulation rates in leaflets of N-Suff and N-Lim plants were similar, and the rate of dark respiration, measured in the early part of the dark period, was higher in N-Lim plant leaflets than in N-Suff plant leaflets. It was concluded that during prolonged N-limitation, foliar metabolite conditions favored the channelling of a large proportion of the carbon assimilate into sucrose and starch, while assimilate flow through the anaplerotic pathway was diminished. However, in some daytime periods, there was a normal level of carbon assimilate channelled through the anaplerotic pathway for ultimate use in amino acid and protein synthesis.
Pyometra complicating a LeFort colpocleisis

An 81-year-old woman presented with uterine procedentia and incomplete bladder emptying. She initially experienced significant relief of her symptoms with a pessary but developed chronic vaginal bleeding and discharge. She subsequently underwent a LeFort colpocleisis. She presented to the office 7 weeks later complaining of a persistent vaginal discharge and loss of appetite. She was admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with a pyometra and underwent a supracervical hysterectomy without complications.
Prokaryotic lifestyles in deep sea habitats

Gradients of physicochemical factors influence the growth and survival of life in deep-sea environments. Insights into the characteristics of deep marine prokaryotes has greatly benefited from recent progress in whole genome and metagenome sequence analyses. Here we review the current state-of-the-art of deep-sea microbial genomics. Ongoing and future genome-enabled studies will allow for a better understanding of deep-sea evolution, physiology, biochemistry, community structure and nutrient cycling.
Incidence of deep venous thrombosis after temporary joint spanning external fixation for complex lower extremity injuries.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in a prospective protocol of early spanning external fixation with the concurrent use of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in patients with high-energy lower extremity trauma. Setting Three level I trauma centers. Design Prospective observational study. Patients One hundred thirty-six consecutive patients with 151 complex lower extremity injuries were treated with a protocol of immediate joint spanning external fixation application and LMWH administration within 24 hours of admission. A total of 143 external fixators were applied. Early patient mobilization was encouraged and possible due to the skeletal stability provided by the external fixator. There were 87 men and 49 women with a mean age of 43 years. There were 62 proximal tibia fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association [OTA] Fracture Classification 41), 4 tibial shaft fractures (OTA 42), 49 distal tibia-fibula fractures (OTA 43, 44), 14 femur fractures (OTA 32, 33), 8 calcaneus fractures (OTA 73), 10 knee dislocations, and 4 talus fracture dislocations. Forty-eight injuries (32%) were open. Intervention Temporary joint spanning external fixator placement, LMWH administration, and early mobilization within 24 hours of admission. Duplex ultrasonography of the bilateral lower extremities within 1 day to 3 days before fixator removal and definitive fixation procedure. Main outcome measurements Presence of DVT on duplex ultrasound examination. Results Duplex ultrasonography was negative for DVT in all but three patients for an incidence of 2.1% (3 of 143 fixators). There were no bleeding complications secondary to the use of LMWH while the temporary external fixator was in place. Conclusion The incidence of DVT in patients treated with a protocol of early joint spanning external fixation and LMWH administration does not exceed historical controls. The early restoration of limb length, alignment, and stability allows early mobilization, which may contribute to the prevention of DVT.
A Simple Ocean-Atmosphere Climate Model: Basic Model and a Simple Experiment

Abstract A simple model is developed with the aim of studying large-scale and long-term interactions between the various components of the earth-ocean-atmosphere system. The general three-dimensional structure of the system is simplified by division into a number of domains, so chosen as to isolate regions of similar character or similar lower boundary conditions. The governing primitive equations and boundary conditions are averaged in longitude between the limits of each domain and neighboring domains are allowed to interact via east-west interdomain fluxes of heat and momentum and lateral interdomain work terms, or, in the case of the adjacent oceanic and atmospheric domains, via vertical heat and momentum exchanges. From this processes, sets of two-dimensional coupled equations evolve in latitude-height space for both the atmosphere and the ocean. Dynamic coupling of adjacent atmospheric domains is accomplished by the development of a new parameterization based on the theory of slowly varying or quasi...
QoS guarantees in relay networks with multiple source-destination pairs and imperfect CSI

A scenario is considered in which one relay with multiple antennas facilitates the communication of multiple single-antenna source-destination pairs. The communication occurs in two slots; in the first slot, the sources transmit simultaneously to their distinct destinations, and in the second slot, the relay forwards the received signal in an amplify-and-forward (AF), zeroforcing beamforming (ZFBF) fashion. The ZFBF matrix is designed to minimize the relay transmit power, while meeting the signal-to-interference-ratio (SINR) requirements at the destinations. Errors in the channel state information (CSI) result in inter-destination interference, and thus in SINR reduction. Based on knowledge of the CSI errors statistics, a robust ZFBF design is proposed that iteratively adjusts the magnitudes of the relay beamforming weights, based on the channel conditions of all S-D pairs, so that the worst case SINRs at the destinations are higher than the required thresholds.
Representation of a microstructure with bimodal grain size distribution through crystal plasticity and cohesive interface modeling

The microscale loading effects in a bimodal Al 5083 microstructure are examined through finite element modeling. A crystal plasticity model is adapted to this problem and its parameters are derived from the material properties of pure Al through representation as the additive combination of effects attributable to grain size and solute strengthening. This model is used in conjunction with a cohesive interface grain boundary description. Large scale and microscale finite element models are procedurally generated and used in a multiscale model fitting process to extract the necessary properties of conventional (coarse grained) and ultrafine grained Al 5083. The results of these simulations show large strain concentrations between closely spaced coarse grains, highlighting the activity of these areas in the final failure behavior of the material. At the microstructural level, individual grains oriented in more compliant configurations are observed to experience high strains, which place stresses on adjacent grains. These results suggest a competition between inter- and intragranular fracture mechanisms.
Monte Carlo model for studying the effects of melanin concentrations on retina light absorption

We developed a Monte Carlo model to calculate light absorption in human and mouse retinas. The retina was modeled as a five-layer spherical structure. The effects of melanin concentrations in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid layer were studied. Variations of blood content in choroid were also considered in the simulation. Our simulation results indicated that light absorption in neural retina was at least 20% higher in albino subjects than in pigmented subjects under both photobleaching and dark-adapted conditions. It can be four times higher at optical wavelengths corresponding to minimal hemoglobin absorption. The elevated absorption at neural retina was attributed to the light backscattered from the choroid and sclera layers. This simulation model may provide useful information in studying light-induced retina damage.
Identifying focal patterns in social networks

Identifying authoritative individuals is a well-known approach in extracting actionable knowledge, known as “Knowledge Representation”, in a social network. Previous researches suggest measures to identify influential individuals, however, such individuals might not represent the appropriate context (relationships, interactions, etc.). For example, it is nearly an impossible task for a single individual to organize a mass protest of the scale of Occupy Wall Street. Similarly, other events such as the Arab Spring, coordinating crisis responses for natural disasters (e.g., the Haiti earthquake), or even organizing flash mobs would require a key set of individuals rather than a single or the most authoritative one. These events demonstrate the need and importance of examining influential structures rather than single individuals in social networks. A new methodology is proposed to identify such influential structures and recognizing their importance. The proposed methodology is evaluated empirically with real-world data from NIST's Tweets2011 corpus. We also introduce a novel and objective evaluation strategy to ascertain the efficacy of the focal patterns. Challenges with future research directions are outlined.
Experimental feasibility of measuring the gravitational redshift of light using dispersion in optical fibers

This paper describes a new class of experiments that use dispersion in optical fibers to convert the gravitational frequency shift of light into a measurable phase shift or time delay. Two conceptual models are explored. In the first model, long counterpropagating pulses are used in a vertical fiber optic Sagnac interferometer. The second model uses optical solitons in vertically separated fiber optic storage rings. We discuss the feasibility of using such an instrument to make a high precision measurement of the gravitational frequency shift of light.
Implications of market-mediated emissions and uncertainty for biofuel policies.

Abstract Biofuel policies affect global agricultural and oil commodity markets, whose response has consequences for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Estimates of the net GHG impact of biofuel policies are wide ranging and shrouded in uncertainty. We perform a Monte Carlo experiment using a stylized model of the global liquid fuel market and compare different biofuel policies with respect to global GHG emissions and global oil consumption taking ILUC emissions into consideration. We find that for the currently commercial biofuels, inclusion of ILUC emissions as part of the policy rating of biofuels' GHG intensity: (i) likely leads to lower emissions; (ii) leads to greater reduction in both domestic and global oil consumption; (iii) leads to higher price of fuels in the home region; all compared to when ILUC emissions are excluded from the policy rating; and (iv) does not, however, ensure that emissions absolutely decline, owing to fuel market effects, which, unlike ILUC, are presently excluded from all existing fuel GHG regulations. Sensitivity analysis suggests that ILUC emissions and the price elasticity of oil supply are the greatest contributors to variance in net global GHG emissions under any given policy.
Numerical solution of a three-part mixed boundary value problem of linear elastostatics

Abstract A three-part mixed boundary value problem for the half-space z ⩾ 0 (with Neumann conditions prescribed over a finite doubly connected region S 2 and Dirichlet conditions prescribed over the remaining of the z = 0 plane) is formulated to result into a system of two coupled integral equations. A procedure is outlined for the approximate solution of the problem under consideration for an arbitrary shape of the region S 2 . For the special axisymmetric case when the region S 2 is a circular annulus of inner and outer radii a and b , respectively, the system of integral equations is reduced to a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind with a continuous non-symmetric kernel. The resulting integral equation is solved numerically and the results are found to be in good agreement with those previously published.
Airflow and Particle Velocities Near a Personal Aerosol Sampler with a Curved, Porous Aerosol Sampling Surface

ABSTRACT The airflow and particle-velocity patterns in the vicinity of a curved, porous sampling surface constituting the inlet of an aerosol sampler, have been determined by Laser-Doppler Velocimetry. The tests were performed on a personal aerosol sampler with a concave sampling surface, referred to as the “button” sampler. Measurements with the button sampler were conducted in a low-speed, open-circuit, horizontal wind tunnel using two types of monodisperse aerosols: 2 μm essentially inertialess propylene glycol particles (their trajectories represent the flow streamlines) and 44 μm inertial fly ash particles. The tests were performed at two free stream velocities (0.5 and 4 m/s) and two sampler orientations (facing the wind and facing downward at 90° to the wind). The sampling flow rate was 2 L/min. Sampling through the curved surface was conducted while the button sampler was freely suspended in the flow or while it was attached to a vertical stagnation plate simulating the human torso. The results in...
From yeast to alkaloids.

Alkaloids, which include caffeine and morphine, are a large class of pharmacologically active plant compounds that are often difficult to chemically synthesize. Incorporation of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid pathways in yeast will facilitate the production of natural and non-natural alkaloids.
Invariants of contact structures and transversally oriented foliations

We exhibit new invariants of the contact structure E(α), the contact flow Fα and the transverse symplectic geometry of a contact manifold (M, α). The invariant of contact structures generalizes to transversally oriented foliations. We focus on the particular cases of orientations of smooth manifolds and transverse orientations of foliations. We define the transverse Calabi invariants and determine their kernels.
Comparable cytological features between cells processed as either wet mount or conventional cytospins

Objective Microfluidics represents a novel approach for the processing of pathological biopsy specimens. It represents an enabling platform between traditional morphology-driven pathology diagnostics and future sequencing technologies. Microfluidics requires the dissociation of cells from tissue, but the evaluation of these cells still lies within the domain of pathology, specifically cytopathology. The dissociated cells, however, require supravital staining and examination under wet mount conditions as part of their processing in a microfluidic platform. These conditions are vastly different from current approaches for cytopathological specimen preparation. No studies to date have compared the cytological characteristics of cells between these two different conditions. Methods Slivers of different types of unfixed tissue were procured and the cells were dissociated. The cells were recovered and separated for processing either by staining with a supravital dye and examination under wet mount conditions or by conventional preparatory methods and staining by the Papanicolaou method. Results Obvious differences existed in the tinctorial hue between similar cells stained by the two different methods; however, there were no significant differences in the features between the matched cells. Some cells in the wet mount preparations existed in three-dimensional balls, reducing the quality of the images relative to cells flattened to the slide by the cytospin method. Conclusions Cells stained with a supravital stain and examined in a wet mount environment appear to be cytologically similar to cells prepared by conventional methods. Long-established criteria for the evaluation of cells prepared by established protocols can therefore be extended and applied to cells viewed within a microfluidic platform.
A Second-generation Computer-based Edge Detection Algorithm for Short-axis, Two-dimensional Echocardiographic Images: Accuracy and Improvement in Interobserver Variability

The present study tested the hypothesis that a second-generation endocardial edge detection algorithm that used a priori endocardial and epicardial information would improve accuracy and reduce the variability of border definition. Five nonexpert observers utilized the version 2 algorithm on 20 cycles of two-dimensional short-axis images (five excellent, seven good, and eight poor quality studies stored digitally from a previously reported project). Manually defined areas by five recognized experts on these 20 cardiac cycles were considered to be "true areas." Areas defined by the experts with version 1 of the algorithm were also used for comparison. Regression of the version 2 areas with mean, manually defined excellent quality areas yielded a similar correlation (r = 0.985) to that reported between the manual and the version 1 areas (r = 0.986). For all 20 cycles in the series, however, the correlation between version 2 and the manually defined areas was lower (r = 0.952) than that of the same correlation with version 1 areas (r = 0.980). For all studies the interobserver variability (percent area difference) was +/- 14.4% for manually defined borders, +/- 11.1% for version 1-defined borders, and +/- 7.7% for version 2-defined borders. No difference in variability was observed for excellent quality studies (+/- 5.3% versus 5.2%) between version 1 and version 2 areas. However, the version 2 algorithm significantly reduced interobserver variability for good and poor quality studies (+/- 8.4% to 7.6%, p less than 0.025, and 16.3% to 9.1%, p less than 0.05, respectively). We concluded that: the version 2 algorithm provided accuracy and significantly reduced the variability of area measurement in good and poor quality studies and that epicardial information was important to the improvement by providing wall thickness information to assist in filling areas of dropout and avoidance of intracavitary structures.
Industry-Government Collaboration

Dan Ferber's article “NIEHs toxicologist receives a ‘gag order’” (News of the Week, 9 August, p. [915][1]) refers to a $4-million research collaboration between the National Institute of Enviromental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the chemical industry, but does not explain the rigorous standards and procedures that guide this vital industry-government research collaboration. This funding partnership will accelerate scientific research into a crucial public health issue, the potential impact of chemicals on human reproduction and early development, while preserving the independence necessary to ensure the credibility of this joint effort. Under this collaborative program, the American Chemistry Council's (ACC's) Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI) is providing $1 million and NIEHS is providing $3 million to stimulate independent research on developmental toxicants using state-of-the-art tools (e.g., genomics and novel model organisms). ACC and NIEHS collaboratively developed the published program's scientific aims and goals, drawing from the findings of a comprehensive review by the National Academies ([1][2]). This collaboration was conducted under Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service (PHS) and NIH policies, rules, and regulations for sponsored research, which clearly define and limit the role of the ACC. Only NIEHS staff reviewed all applications to determine if they responded to the program's intent. NIEHS staff were solely responsible for organizing and conducting an independent peer review, as well as for making final decisions on membership of the peer review panel. The peer-review was conducted in accordance with PHS and NIH policies and regulations for NIH extramural advisory peer review activities. After the independent NIH peer-review, NIEHS constructed a funding plan for applications, without deviation from the merit roster order as determined by the independent NIH peer-review process. In all cases, the research will be conducted according to typical NIH guidelines of independence, including the responsibility of the investigator to submit the results to respected journals for publication—without any oversight or comment from ACC or NIEHS. The LRI has similar guidelines. 1. [↵][3]1. Committee on Developmental Toxicology, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, National Research Council , Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicity and Risk Assessment (National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2000). [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.297.5583.915a [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text"
An Analytical Performance Model for Co-management of Last-Level Cache and Bandwidth Sharing

Processor cores in a chip multiprocessor (CMP) typically share a large last-level cache and the off-chip memory bandwidth. Previous studies demonstrate that explicit cache capacity and off-chip bandwidth partitioning can yield better overall system performance than without partitioning. However, little work has been done to study the interaction between cache capacity partitioning and off-chip bandwidth allocation. This paper develops a hybrid analytical model that takes into account the two partitioning problems together in order to capture their inter-dependence. With an elaborate case study, we show that an optimal resource management strategy would require a coordinated allocation of the cache and the off-chip bandwidth resources.
Single unit hyperactivity and bursting in the auditory thalamus of awake rats directly correlates with behavioural evidence of tinnitus.

Key points Medial geniculate body (MGB) single units recorded from sound-exposed animals with behavioural evidence of tinnitus exhibits enhanced spontaneous firing and burst properties. MGB units in tinnitus animals exhibit increased rate-level function slope when driven by broadband noise and tones at the unit's characteristic frequency. Elevated patterns of neuronal activity and altered bursting showed a significant positive correlation with animals’ tinnitus scores. Tinnitus is an auditory percept without an environmental acoustic correlate. Contemporary tinnitus models hypothesize tinnitus to be a consequence of maladaptive plasticity-induced disturbance of excitation–inhibition homeostasis, possibly convergent on medial geniculate body (MGB, auditory thalamus) and related neuronal networks. The MGB is an obligate acoustic relay in a unique position to gate auditory signals to higher-order auditory and limbic centres. Tinnitus-related maladaptive plastic changes of MGB-related neuronal networks may affect the gating function of MGB and enhance gain in central auditory and non-auditory neuronal networks, resulting in tinnitus. The present study examined the discharge properties of MGB neurons in the sound-exposure gap inhibition animal model of tinnitus. MGB single unit responses were obtained from awake unexposed controls and sound-exposed adult rats with behavioural evidence of tinnitus. MGB units in animals with tinnitus exhibited enhanced spontaneous firing, altered burst properties and increased rate-level function slope when driven by broadband noise and tones at the unit's characteristic frequency. Elevated patterns of neuronal activity and altered bursting showed a significant positive correlation with animals’ tinnitus scores. Altered activity of MGB neurons revealed additional features of auditory system plasticity associated with tinnitus, which may provide a testable assay for future therapeutic and diagnostic development.
Analysis of multimedia PCN medium access control in a mixed traffic environment

The authors consider a simple medium access control technique for a slotted multiple access channel in a mixed traffic environment. The aim is to optimize the multiple access techniques so that the maximum delay constraints are satisfied. Steady-state expressions for channel throughput, average packet delay, and average packet loss rate are developed for fixed and adaptive retransmission schemes. Using adaptive retransmission techniques, significant improvement in performance can be obtained in the high-throughput operating region. The performance does not change significantly with the actual mix (%) of real-time and nonreal-time traffic. The analysis methodology used can be easily extended to include additional classes of traffic. The access control techniques discussed are applicable to a variety of communications applications, including low-earth-orbit satellite communication systems. >
Technical Report: Convex Optimization of Nonlinear Feedback Controllers via Occupation Measures

In this paper, we present an approach for designing feedback controllers for polynomial systems that maximize the size of the time-limited backwards reachable set (BRS). We rely on the notion of occupation measures to pose the synthesis problem as an infinite dimensional linear program (LP) and provide finite dimensional approximations of this LP in terms of semidefinite programs (SDPs). The solution to each SDP yields a polynomial control policy and an outer approximation of the largest achievable BRS. In contrast to traditional Lyapunov based approaches which are non-convex and require feasible initialization, our approach is convex and does not require any form of initialization. The resulting time-varying controllers and approximated reachable sets are well-suited for use in a trajectory library or feedback motion planning algorithm. We demonstrate the efficacy and scalability of our approach on five nonlinear systems. I. INTRODUCTION Dynamic robotic tasks such as flying, running, or walking demand controllers that push hardware platforms to their physical limit while managing input saturation, nonlinear dynamics, and underactuation. Though motion planning algo- rithms have begun addressing several of these tasks (19), the constructed open loop motion plans are typically insufficient due to their inability to correct for deviations from a planned path. Despite the concerted effort of several communities, the design of feedback control laws for underactuated nonlinear systems with input saturation remains challenging.
Dual-Polarzation Radar Estimation of Rainfall Parameters Compared with Ground-Based Disdrometer Measurements: October 29, 1982 Central Illinois Expenment

Rainfall parameters estimated from dual-polarization radar measurements using the differential-reflectivity technique are compared with ground-based disdrometer measurements located 47.1 km from the radar. This case study is based on data obtained during an experiment in central Illinois on October 29, 1982. Both empirical and model relationships between radar observables and rainfall parameters ters are tested. The differential-reflectivity technique is compared with the conventional Z -R technique and is shown to provide improvements in the estimation of rainfall rate by radar. The analysis includes careful consideration of the spatial and temporal factors relating the radar-scattering volumes to the location and duration of ground-based disdrometer measurements. The significance of these factors (mainly due to the horizontal and vertical motion of raindrops) in radar-disdrometer comparisons is evident in the results.
Prm1 Prevents Contact-Dependent Lysis of Yeast Mating Pairs

Membrane fusion requires localized destabilization of two phospholipid bilayers, but unrestrained membrane destabilization could result in lysis. prm1 mutant yeast cells have a defect at the plasma membrane fusion stage of mating that typically results in the accumulation of prezygotes that have fingers of membrane-bound cytoplasm projecting from one cell of each pair into its mating partner in the direction of the osmotic gradient between the cells. However, some prm1 mating pairs fuse successfully whereas the two cells in other prm1 mating pairs simultaneously lyse. Lysis only occurs if both mating partners are prm1 mutants. Osmotic stabilization does not protect prm1 mating pairs from lysis, indicating that lysis is not caused by a cell wall defect. prm1 mating pairs without functional mitochondria still lyse, ruling out programmed cell death. No excess lysis was found after pheromone treatment of haploid prm1 cells, and lysis did not occur in mating pairs when prm1 was combined with the fus1 and fus2 mutations to block cell wall remodeling. Furthermore, short (<1 μm) cytoplasmic microfingers indicating the completion of cell wall remodeling appeared immediately before lysis. In combination, these results demonstrate that plasma membrane contact is a prerequisite for lysis. Cytoplasmic microfingers are unlikely to cause lysis since most prm1 mating pairs with microfingers do not lyse, and microfingers were also detected before fusion in some wild-type mating pairs. The lysis of prm1 mutant mating pairs suggests that the Prm1 protein stabilizes the membrane fusion event of yeast mating.
Multimodal Resources to Facilitate Language Learning for Students with Special Needs.

Students with special needs are often isolated from the rest of the class and have to attend specific courses designed for them. This report describes an action-research project with two students with a hearing impediment and who were following a course at a university of science and technology. A student with mild autism was appointed as a teaching assistant because the course teacher wanted to provide him with the opportunity to express himself and to communicate with others. The course teacher presented material by means of an interactive whiteboard and video-based coursebook to maximise student understanding and foster learning, while the autistic assistant, also using an interactive whiteboard, often helped the two students go over what they had learned. A literature review focuses on the use of an interactive whiteboard and activity-theory in education, especially with students with special needs. This paper concludes with the statement that the findings were encouragingly positive. Suggestions are made to assist teachers who would like to take further steps towards the use of computer technology in special needs education.
Defining and measuring scalability

The concept of scalability in parallel systems is a simple one: given a reasonable performance on a sample problem, a problem of increased workload can be solved with reasonable performance given a commensurate increase in computational resources. This definition does not afford the analytical precision that is required of any scientific classification system, since the terms of this definition are almost entirely subjective. Some attempts have been made to measure scalability, but many of the popular measurements do not eliminate subjective terms. For example: the fixed-time measurements that have been advanced do not specify a fixed-time constraint, and the scaled-speedup measurements do not specify initial workload. The problem with these measurements is that they depend on a subjective definition of "reasonable performance" and as a result are unreliable. An alternate definition of scalability can be found when scalability is defined as the ability to maintain cost effectiveness as workload grows. When this approach is considered, the subjective "reasonable performance" becomes replaced by an objective term of optimal cost effectiveness. Obviously the success of this approach depends highly on determining a cost effectiveness function that is relevant to scalability. This paper will introduce a cost effectiveness function and argue that the proposed cost effectiveness function is highly relevant to the goals of developing scalable systems. >
Assigned tasks are not the same as self-chosen Web search tasks

Short assigned question-answering style tasks are often used as a probe to understand how users do search. While such assigned tasks are simple to test and are effective at eliciting the particulars of a given search capability, they are not the same as naturalistic searches. We studied the quantitative differences between assigned tasks and self-chosen "own" tasks finding that users behave differently when doing their own tasks, staying longer on the task, but making fewer queries and different kinds of queries overall. This finding implies that user's own tasks should be used when testing user behavior in addition to assigned tasks, which remain useful for feature testing in lab settings
Cuba's response to the HIV epidemic.

BACKGROUND: Cuba's response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has been to conduct mass testing of the population to ascertain seroprevalence, to enforce mandatory relative quarantine of persons testing positive, and to implement educational interventions using media and school-based programs. METHODS: Interview with the Vice-Minister of Health and review of available data. RESULTS: Reports to date show a very low seroprevalence rate without evidence of a widespread epidemic. Sexual contact with foreign-born persons is the primary risk factor. Possible advantages of Cuba's policy include rapid reduction in the risk of HIV transmission by infected blood products, an opportunity for focused education and secondary prevention, and limitation of new infections. Possible disadvantages include the restriction of individual freedom in those who are not guilty of any illegal act, quarantine of persons with false positive HIV tests, and ongoing transmission because of the incomplete nature of the q...
Murine Corneal Transplantation: A Model to Study the Most Common Form of Solid Organ Transplantation

Corneal transplantation is the most common form of organ transplantation in the United States with between 45,000 and 55,000 procedures performed each year. While several animal models exist for this procedure and mice are the species that is most commonly used. The reasons for using mice are the relative cost of using this species, the existence of many genetically defined strains that allow for the study of immune responses, and the existence of an extensive array of reagents that can be used to further define responses in this species. This model has been used to define factors in the cornea that are responsible for the relative immune privilege status of this tissue that enables corneal allografts to survive acute rejection in the absence of immunosuppressive therapy. It has also been used to define those factors that are most important in rejection of such allografts. Consequently, much of what we know concerning mechanisms of both corneal allograft acceptance and rejection are due to studies using a murine model of corneal transplantation. In addition to describing a model for acute corneal allograft rejection, we also present for the first time a model of late-term corneal allograft rejection.
Two-dimensional gel proteome reference map of blood monocytes

Background:Blood monocytes play a central role in regulating host inflammatory processes through chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and cytokine production. However, the molecular details underlying these diverse functions are not completely understood. Understanding the proteomes of blood monocytes will provide new insights into their biological role in health and diseases. Results:In this study, monocytes were isolated from five healthy donors. Whole monocyte lysates from each donor were then analyzed by 2D gel electrophoresis, and proteins were detected using Sypro Ruby fluorescence and then examined for phosphoproteomes using ProQ phospho-protein fluorescence dye. Between 1525 and 1769 protein spots on each 2D gel were matched, analyzed, and quantified. Abundant protein spots were then subjected to analysis by mass spectrometry. This report describes the protein identities of 231 monocyte protein spots, which represent 164 distinct proteins and their respective isoforms or subunits. Some of these proteins had not been previously characterized at the protein level in monocytes. Among the 231 protein spots, 19 proteins revealed distinct modification by protein phosphorylation. Conclusion:The results of this study offer the most detailed monocyte proteomic database to date and provide new perspectives into the study of monocyte biology.
World War 4.0: The Intel Antitrust Wars

This short piece gives an overview of antitrust actions filed around the world against Intel for allegedly undertaking anticompetitive actions in the market for X 86 PC chips.
Electronic Systems for Space Age

Even the most complex electronic systems involve simple basic principles which are easily explainable to a layman to electronics. This article attempts to do just that in terms of certain important electronic systems which are employed in space activities.
Digital Publishing and Intellectual Property

In “Digital Publishing and Intellectual Property,” we explore the possibilities and limitations of publishing online—as well as publishing with digital presses. We include a discussion of promotion and tenure issues often associated with electronic dissemination of scholarship, and provide readers with strategies for making digital work visible. This chapter also discusses shifting copyright laws in publishing and the process of developing courses for distance learning, particularly the challenges facing contingent faculty who may not be compensated for scholarly work. Finally, we offer readers strategies for aligning digital scholarship with institutional expectations, mission statements, and with founding principles of the profession.
Influence of ovarian muscle contraction and oocyte growth on egg chamber elongation in Drosophila

Organs are formed from multiple cell types that make distinct contributions to their shape. The Drosophila egg chamber provides a tractable model to dissect such contributions during morphogenesis. Egg chambers consist of 16 germ cells (GCs) surrounded by a somatic epithelium. Initially spherical, these structures elongate as they mature. This morphogenesis is thought to occur through a ‘molecular corset’ mechanism, whereby structural elements within the epithelium become circumferentially organized perpendicular to the elongation axis and resist the expansive growth of the GCs to promote elongation. Whether this epithelial organization provides the hypothesized constraining force has been difficult to discern, however, and a role for GC growth has not been demonstrated. Here, we provide evidence for this mechanism by altering the contractile activity of the tubular muscle sheath that surrounds developing egg chambers. Muscle hypo-contraction indirectly reduces GC growth and shortens the egg, which demonstrates the necessity of GC growth for elongation. Conversely, muscle hyper-contraction enhances the elongation program. Although this is an abnormal function for this muscle, this observation suggests that a corset-like force from the egg chamber's exterior could promote its lengthening. These findings highlight how physical contributions from several cell types are integrated to shape an organ.