cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed Algorithm with Resilience for Multi-Agent Task Allocation

This paper develops an Iterated Auction-Consensus Algorithm (IACA) for resilient task allocation on a distributed multi-agent platform. The IACA enables each agent in the network to bid for tasks of interest at the auction stage and then utilizes the idea of consensus to resolve conflicts among agents' bids. Such a combination of auction and consensus enables each agent to repeatedly add tasks one by one to its task bundle until reaching its maximum bundle length. The major advantages of the IACA are twofold. One is the simplicity of implementation without requiring complicate decision logic. The other one is resilience, when there are malicious agents trying to block the normal agents' bids by giving infinitely large bids to all tasks, IACA is able to recover immediately after the removal of malicious agents. We investigate and compare costs for communications and computations by providing quantitative measures for distributed task allocation algorithms. Simulations are given for studying the tradeoff between communication and computational costs and the resilience of IACA in the presence of malicious agents.
Sexual satisfaction with daily oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among gay and bisexual men at two urban PrEP clinics in the United States: an observational study.

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, limited data are available on the effect of PrEP use and sexual satisfaction among MSM taking PrEP. Methods: We conducted a one-time, cross-sectional survey of MSM receiving PrEP care at two hospital-based PrEP clinics in Providence, Rhode Island and Boston, Massachusetts, USA (April–September 2017). We oversampled Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals. Participants completed the 20-item New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS) twice, once for before and once for after starting PrEP. Participants reported sexual behaviours, PrEP adherence, PrEP attitudes, and quality of life with PrEP. Results: A total of 108 gay and bisexual men (GBM) participated. Overall, 15.7% were Black (non-Hispanic/Latino) and 23.1% were Hispanic/Latino, with an average age of 36.6 years. Most participants reported private health insurance coverage (71.3%), and 88.9% identified as homosexual, gay, or same gender-loving. The mean NSSS score before PrEP initiation across all 20 items was 3.94 (maximum = 5; 95% CI: 4.22, 4.43), and increased significantly after PrEP initiation (4.33, 95% CI: 4.22, 4.43; P < 0.001). Most participants (73.2%) reported that PrEP increased quality of life. This was associated with significant change in pre- to post-PrEP NSSS scores (linear regression coefficient = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.585, 1.84). Conclusions: Initiating PrEP and reporting improved quality of life were significantly associated with an increase in sexual satisfaction. PrEP implementation efforts should consider sexual satisfaction to promote PrEP engagement and retention, and researchers and providers should adopt a sex-positive approach with PrEP patients, especially among MSM.
Functional Integration A Multipurpose Tool

Je dois beaucoup a Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat. Et, s’il me fallait presenter les problemes ou elle m’a montre l’idee simple qui va au coeur du sujet, je parlerais des heures, des jours sur... l’Analyse, les Varietes et la Physique. Mais il m’a fallu faire un choix. Pourquoi choisir l’integration fonctionnelle? Peut-etre pour marquer le cinquantieme anniversaire de l’integrale de Feynman.
Adaptive congestion control for wireless networks using TCP

This paper develops an optimal congestion control algorithm for wireless networks using TCP based on utility maximization techniques. The algorithm requires no modifications to TCP. The algorithm, termed CBW, adaptively responds to changes in network routing and topology. Several simulations are presented and indicate a substantial gain in throughput and a reduction in aggregate transmitter power. A simplified heuristic is also presented.
Evaluation of Advanced Composite Structures Technologies for Application to NASA's Vision for Space Exploration

AS&M performed a broad assessment survey and study to establish the potential composite materials and structures applications and benefits to the Constellation Program Elements. Trade studies were performed on selected elements to determine the potential weight or performance payoff from use of composites. Weight predictions were made for liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks, interstage cylindrical shell, lunar surface access module, ascent module liquid methane tank, and lunar surface manipulator. A key part of this study was the evaluation of 88 different composite technologies to establish their criticality to applications for the Constellation Program. The overall outcome of this study shows that composites are viable structural materials which offer from 20% to 40% weight savings for many of the structural components that make up the Major Elements of the Constellation Program. NASA investment in advancing composite technologies for space structural applications is an investment in America's Space Exploration Program.
Facilitating linkage of climate policies through the Paris outcome

The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action negotiations are likely to lead to a Paris outcome that embodies a hybrid climate policy architecture, combining top-down elements, such as for monitoring, reporting, and verification, with bottom-up elements, including ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ from participating countries, detailing plans to reduce emissions, based on national circumstances. For such a system to be cost-effective – and thus more likely to embody greater ambition – a key feature will be linkages among regional, national, and sub-national climate policies. By linkage, we mean formal recognition by a mitigation programme in one jurisdiction of emission reductions undertaken in another jurisdiction for the purposes of complying with the first jurisdiction's requirements. The Paris outcome could play at least four different roles with respect to linkage of heterogeneous policy instruments. First, it could discourage linkage, either by not allowing countries to count international t...
Purification and Characterization of Echinonectin, a Carbohydrate-Binding Protein from Sea Urchin Eggs. (sea urchin/echinodermata/lectin/echinonectin)

A galactose-specific carbohydrate binding protein has been identified in eggs and embryos of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. This protein, named echinonectin (Alliegro et al., 1988, J. Cell Biol. 107; 2319–2327) has been described as a cell-substrate adhesion protein functioning during embryonic development. The purified protein has an apparent molecular weight of 220 kDa and exists as a dimer of apparently identical 110 kDa subunits. The carbohytrate specificity of the purified protein was examined through the use of competition assays. The protein has a marked specificity for galactose and fucose and a higher affinity for polymers of galactose or galactose sulfate such as carrageenan.
The Role of Time in the Setting of Social Goals Across the Life Span

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the role of time in the setting of social goals across the life span. The chapter addresses the ways in which construals of time influence social cognition, motivation, and behavior. It argues that time is particularly related to life-span development. Because mortality places constraints on time, there are reliable age differences in time perspective. Older adults generally foresee a relatively limited future, whereas younger adults envision a relatively expansive one. The cardinal tenet is that time perspective is importantly related to the selection and pursuit of goals. According to the theory, social behavior is motivated throughout life by a fairly stable constellation of goals, from protection and physical sustenance to psychological well-being. The advantage of taking a social cognitive perspective is that decreases in social interaction seen with advanced age or in other situations in which endings are primed are not misconstrued as maladaptive patterns. Instead, this social behavior represents individuals actively structuring their social environments to meet their social goals. Time perspective, critical to human identity, motivation, and behavior, plays an integral role in social preferences and social cognition.
GaAs Photoconductors to Characterize Picosecond Response in GaAs Integrated Devices and Circuits

Optoelectronic techniques that use femtosecond lasers and promise the precise measurement of transient response in high-speed electronic devices and circuits have been under study for several years. We have investigated on-wafer electrical-impulse generation and sampling using femtosecond-laser-excited GaAs photoconductors. This approach is applicable to any transmission line structure, it is directly integrable, noninvasive, jitter-free, and it is applicable to both microwave and digital circuits.
RDA and Serials Cataloging

This book joins a growing collection of titles on cataloging with Resource Description and Access (RDA) published by ALA Editions. As can be discerned from the title, the intended purpose of RDA an...
Characterization of beta-adrenergic receptors of human skeletal muscle obtained by needle biopsy

Human skeletal muscle beta-adrenergic receptors were characterized by 125I-iodopindolol radioligand-binding studies of homogenates prepared from small muscle samples obtained by percutaneous needle biopsy from the gastrocnemius of six normal subjects. Binding was saturable, reversible, and stereospecific, with typical kinetics and a rank-order potency characteristic of a beta-adrenergic receptor. In saturation-binding studies, the receptor density was 9.7 +/- 1.9 fmol/mg protein, with a dissociation constant of 24 +/- 2.2 pM. Competition studies with selective antagonists revealed a population of receptors exclusively of the beta 2-subtype. Basal and isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were 79 +/- 22 and 150 +/- 60 pmol adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate.min-1.mg protein-1, respectively. These results support pharmacological observations of beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated cellular responses in mammalian skeletal muscle. By use of these methods, small quantities of skeletal muscle obtained in this manner can be used to study in vivo beta-adrenergic receptor regulatory phenomena in humans.
Comparison of predictive validity and diagnostic accuracy of screening measures of reading skills

Assessment data must be valid for the purpose for which educators use them. Establishing evidence of validity is an ongoing process that must be shared by test developers and test users. This study examined the predictive validity and the diagnostic accuracy of universal screening measures in reading. Scores on three different universal screening tools were compared for nearly 500 second- and third-grade students attending four public schools in a large urban district. Hierarchical regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to examine the criterion-related validity and diagnostic accuracy of students’ oral reading fluency (ORF), Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System (BAS) scores, and fall scores from the Measures of Academic Progress for reading (MAP). Results indicated that a combination of all three measures accounted for 65% of the variance in spring MAP scores, whereas a reduced model of ORF and MAP scores predicted 60%. ORF and BAS scores did not meet standards for diagnostic accuracy. Combining the measures improved diagnostic accuracy, depending on how criterion scores were calculated. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Examining the Impact of a Highly Targeted State Administered Merit Aid Program on Brain Drain: Evidence from a Regression Discontinuity Analysis of Missouri's Bright Flight Program.

The adoption of state-funded merit-based aid programs has become increasingly popular among policy-makers, particularly in the southeastern part of the United States. One of the primary rationales of state-funded merit-based aid is to provide scholarships to the best and brightest students as a means to retain high quality human capital in the state’s labor market. Previous literature largely examines the link between state-funded merit-based aid and instate college enrollment, but it has not extensively examined the link between state-administered merit aid and subsequent instate labor market participation. In this study, we use statewide administrative datasets to estimate the effects of Missouri’s Bright Flight Scholarship program, a highly targeted state administered merit aid program, on future instate employment. Using a regression discontinuity approach on the intent to treat, we find that having the opportunity to participate in the Bright Flight Scholarship program has a positive impact on the likelihood of working in the state 8 years after high school graduation. Overall, this study provides evidence that highly targeted state-funded merit-based financial aid programs may have a positive impact on reducing state brain drain.
Application of the LQG/LTR design method to a strip accumulator

The robustness of the tension control system related to a strip accumulator of an industrial rolling process is considered. The accumulator system makes continuous operation of the process possible. Models for simulation and design are presented and the pertinent disturbance is identified. Finally, the application of the LQG/LTR compensation method to the accumulator system is presented. >
Flow of interpenetrating material phases

Abstract A previously described numerical technique for the solution of multiphase flow dynamics problems is here both simplified and extended. The simplification cuts down slightly on the momentum coupling among fields, allowing for considerable reduction in complexity of the formulation. The extensions include the capability for compressibility in each material phase, the addition of more interpenetrating fields, and the allowance for motion of a liquid or vapor through a close-packed field of particles. The technique is illustrated by computer-generated plots from a time-varying three-field calculation in a cylindrically symmetric configuration.
Personal Name Analysis of Limited Bases of Data: Examples of Applications to Medieval Aragonese History

(1991). Personal Name Analysis of Limited Bases of Data: Examples of Applications to Medieval Aragonese History. Historical Methods: A Journal of Quantitative and Interdisciplinary History: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 4-15.
Peroxidase changes during the cessation of elongation in Pisum sativum stems

Abstract The cessation of cell elongation in intact P. sativum epicotyls is accompanied by an increase in both soluble and cell wall peroxidases. These pero
Optical properties of Er in Er-doped Zn/sub 2/Si/sub 0.5/Ge/sub 0.5/O/sub 4/ waveguide amplifiers

There is a growing need for compact, efficient integrated waveguide optical amplifiers for use in optoelectronic communication. Zn/sub 2/Si/sub 0.5/Ge/sub 0.5/O/sub 4/ (ZSG) doped with Er (ZSG-Er) is a promising new host material due to the high concentration of Er that can be incorporated and the high optical activity of the incorporated Er. In this paper, the absorption and emission cross sections of Er in ZSG-Er (to the authors' knowledge, for the first time) are measured both through photoluminescence spectra and direct gain and absorption measurements. Peak absorption and emission cross sections are about 3/spl times/10/sup -24/ m/sup 2/ from a Landenburg-Fuchtbauer analysis of the photoluminescence spectra, comparable to measurements on other oxide-based glass amplifiers. The population statistics of the excited Er level, along with the excited-state lifetime, are determined through a novel frequency-domain method in which the spontaneous emission power at 1550 nm is measured as a function of frequency under a modulated 980-nm input. The determined lifetime of 2 ms is comparable to the 2.3 ms measured using a conventional pump-probe technique. The novel analysis technique yields the population statistics of the excited Er atoms and the lifetime of the excited Er state under given pumping conditions independent of the unknown and variable coupling in and out of the waveguide. This method predicts zero net gain at 70 mW, about what is observed. Comparison of calculated gain and absorption based on Er density and measured cross sections with measured gains suggest that only about 20%-30% of the Er in the material is optically active. A 4.7-cm-long sample demonstrated a signal enhancement of /spl sim/13dB. Cavity characteristics were measured using an analysis of coherent reflection under no pumping. The facet reflectivity was determined to be 0.27, and the scattering/absorption loss was 1.05/cm, for a total distributed loss of 1.65/cm in a 4-cm cavity. These losses, compared with an estimated achievable gain of 0.25/cm under full inversion, suggest that optically pumped lasing at this concentration is not possible. Measurements of both the cross sections and population statistics, compared with actual gain and absorption properties, give insight into the contribution of the Er dopant under different conditions and can be used to model and improve rare-earth-based amplifiers.
From theoretical language to the interstices of daily practice: Reducing competency stripping through transformative teaching and learning

As a part of the next generation of critical qualitative scholars, we hope to challenge the current connections (or lack thereof) between methodological paradigms and lived action in order to achieve marked social change. Yet we operate within institutionalised boundaries and an academic culture that does not often encourage critical interrogations of research questions or the exploration of social justice issues (Austin 2002). Giroux and Giroux (2004, 82) state that educators need a ‘new language’ in which young scholars are central to social and public transformation. This paper addresses this new language and extends the argument to include congruent daily action.Specifically, the goal of the paper is to encourage language and daily practices that promote transformative research and teaching on social justice issues in a way that mirrors our critical methodological choices. Further, we seek to address institutionalised silence regarding teaching and learning pedagogies through exploring power relations...
Specificity of galactosylceramidase activation by phosphatidylserine

Abstract Bovine brain phosphatidylserine effectively activates human brain galacto-sylceramidase (Hanada E. and Suzuki K. (1979) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 575, 410–420). Its effect on the other β-galactosidase (G M1 -ganglioside β-galactosidase) in human tissues, genetically distinct from galactosylceramidase, was examined. When partially purified human brain β-galactosidase preparations, pure with respect to each other, were used as the enzyme source and when lactosylceramide, a common glycosphingolipid substrate for both β-galactosidases, was used as the substrate, phosphatidylserine activated only hydrolysis of lactosylceramide by galactosylceramidase but not by G M1 -ganglioside β-galactosidase. With either galactosylceramide or lactosylceramide as substrate, and with phosphatidylserine as the activator, diagnosis of globoid cell leukodystrophy was possible using whole homogenates of cultured fibroblasts. Since 80–90% of lactosylceramide-cleaving activity in normal fibroblasts is due to G M1 -ganglioside β-galactosidase and since fibroblasts of globoid cell leukodystrophy patients are genetically deficient in galactosylceramidase but normal in G M1 -ganglioside β-galactosidase, these results are also consistent with specific activation of galactosylceramidase by phosphatidylserine.
Seldom Ask, Never Tell: Labor and Discourse in Appalachia

Seldom Ask, Never Tell: Labor and Discourse in Appalachia. Anita Puckett. Oxford. Oxford University Press, 2000. xv+ 309 pp., figures, tables, appendices, notes, references, index.
295 Role of Anapyrexia in Perinatal Asphyxia in Term Newborns: an Open Labeled Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Aims To compare anapyrexia (a physiological decrease in body temperature in neonates in response to hypoxia) with normothermia (conventional management) with respect to immediate outcome and neuro-developmental outcome at 3 and 6 months of age in full term asphyxiated newborns. Methods Fifty full term intramural neonates with severe birth asphyxia were randomized to Study (Anapyrexia) group and Control (Normothermia) group. Neonates in Anapyrexia group were allowed to remain at their own intrinsic temperature for a period of 72 hours. Neonates randomized to the Normothermia group had their temperature maintained between 36.5 0 C to 37.5 0 C with assistance from the servocontrolled radiant warmer. All neonates were managed according to standard management protocol of the unit. The subjects were monitored closely for any adverse effects, seizures, and development of HIE. The neurological examination was done at 6 hourly interval for the first 24 hours and then at 12 hourly interval. The surviving neonates were followed up at 3 months and 6 months of age. Results The development of HIE stage 3 was significantly lower in Anapyrexia group(8%) than in the Normothermia group(28%)(p=0.032; [RR]=0.285). Fifteen neonates in the anapyrexia group had normal outcome versus only 9 in the normothermia group(p=0.049,[RR]=0.5). The incidence of mortality(12% vs 16%,p=0.264,[RR]=0.75) complications and baseline characteristics were comparable. Conclusions Anapyrexia if allowed to persist for 72 hours after birth, alleviates the ill effects of hypoxic ischemic insult and results in improved outcome in the neonates particularly the neuro-developmental outcome at 6 months of age.
Densitometric Assessment Of Stenoses In Coronary Arteries

A practical technique for accurate and reproducible determination of coronary arterial stenotic lesions has been developed. This technique eliminates the shortcomings of the conventional subjective way of analysis. Its use in appropriate cases with obstructive lesions in the coronary circulation will result into objective angiographic data as a baseline for their possible hemodynamic significance. Comparative studies between the results of angiographic measurements of this type and clinical and hemodynamic data retrieved by other clinical applicable diagnostic methods should increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of the coronary circulation in patients with coronary artery disease.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
WREN---an environment for component-based development

Prior research in software environments focused on three important problems---tool integration, artifact management, and process guidance. The context for that research, and hence the orientation of the resulting environments, was a traditional model of development in which an application is developed completely from scratch by a single organization. A notable characteristic of component-based development is its emphasis on integrating independently developed components produced by multiple organizations. Thus, while component-based development can benefit from the capabilities of previous generations of environments, its special nature induces requirements for new capabilities not found in previous environments. This paper is concerned with the design of component-based development environments, or CBDEs. We identify seven important requirements for CBDEs and discuss their rationale, and we describe a prototype environment called WREN that we are building to implement these requirements and to further evaluate and study the role of environment technology in component-based development. Important capabilities of the environment include the ability to locate potential components of interest from component distribution sites, to evaluate the identified components for suitability to an application, to incorporate selected components into application design models, and to physically integrate selected components into the application.
Bulk element composition versus trace element composition in the reconstruction of an obsidian source system

Abstract It has become possible, through compositional analysis, to differentiate among discrete obsidian quarry and collecting localities within a single source area. The analytical potential of such information is considerable yet studies are seldom undertaken owing to the difficulties associated with trace element analysis. This study is intended to explore the feasibility of using bulk element data instead of trace element data in such compositional analyses. Techniques of bulk element analysis are far more accessible to archaeologists. The results of an experiment utilizing carefully controlled samples from the El Chayal obsidian source, Guatemala, are reported and discussed.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Absorption in Oxygen with the HCN Laser

Paramagnetic resonance absorption between the $N=3$, $J=4$, $M=\ensuremath{-}4$ and $N=5$, $J=5$, $M=\ensuremath{-}4$ levels of ground state ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ was observed at the HCN laser frequency of 890 759 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 3 MHz in a magnetic field of 16 418 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1 G. This is the first observation of absorption in a gaseous sample in which laser electron-paramagnetic-resonance techniques were used.
Child sexual abuse examination: is there a need for routine screening for N gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis?

Abstract Purpose To determine the yield of routine vaginal cultures for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis from girls evaluated following sexual abuse. Methods Retrospective chart review evaluating results of cultures that were obtained from 2008 prepubertal girls seen within 72 hours following an assault over two periods of 3 years each. Results It was found that only 16 (0.8%) of cultures were positive for either gonorrhea or chlamydia. All but one of the prepubertal girls who had positive vaginal cultures for sexually transmitted disease had signs of acute vulvovaginitis. Conclusion Routine vaginal cultures in asymptomatic pre-pubertal girls have a very low yield. Prospective studies are required to change current protocols for the evaluation of child victims of sexual abuse.
Parallel Anisotropic Tetrahedral Adaptation

An adaptive method that robustly produces high aspect ratio tetrahedra to a general 3D metric specification without introducing hybrid semi-structured regions is presented. The grid operators and higher-level logic is described with their respective domain-decomposed parallelizations. An tetrahedral adaptation scheme is demonstrated for 1000‐1 anisotropy in a simple cube geometry. This form of adaptation is applicable to more complex domain boundaries via a cut-cell approach as demonstrated by a parallel 3D supersonic simulation of a complex fighter aircraft. To avoid the assumptions and approximations required to form a metric to specify adaptation, an approach is introduced that directly evaluates interpolation error. The grid is adapted to reduce and equidistribute this interpolation error calculation without the use of an intervening anisotropic metric. Direct interpolation error adaptation is illustrated for fifth-order elements in 1D and linear and quadratic tetrahedra in 3D.
Computation theory of cellular automata

Self-organizing behaviour in cellular automata is discussed as a computational process. Formal language theory is used to extend dynamical systems theory descriptions of cellular automata. The sets of configurations generated after a finite number of time steps of cellular automaton evolution are shown to form regular languages. Many examples are given. The sizes of the minimal grammars for these languages provide measures of the complexities of the sets. This complexity is usually found to be non-decreasing with time. The limit sets generated by some classes of cellular automata correspond to regular languages. For other classes of cellular automata they appear to correspond to more complicated languages. Many properties of these sets are then formally non-computable. It is suggested that such undecidability is common in these and other dynamical systems.
Do grades and tests predict adult accomplishment

The relationship of measures of academic ability and grades with high level accomplishment was examined by reviewing a wide ranging literature. This literature included studies of the highly creative, scientists and technicians, physicians, high- and middle-level managers, and high school and college students. The Terman studies of the gifted were also reviewed. Finally, studies of occupational attainment and income were examined. A very wide variety of criteria were used in these studies. In general, the studies demonstrated low positive relationships between academic aptitude and/or grades and accomplishment. The closer the content of the measure of academic aptitude to the demands of the field, the stronger the relationship.
The Roles of Orthostatic Hypotension, Orthostatic Tachycardia, and Subnormal Erythrocyte Volume in the Pathogenesis of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Background Orthostatic hypotension during upright tilt is an important physical disorder in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. We have tested its occurrence during prolonged standing, whether it is correctable, and whether reduced circulating erythrocyte volume is present.
The Hermann grid illusion revisited.

The Hermann grid illusion consists of smudges perceived at the intersections of a white grid presented on a black background. In 1960 the effect was first explained by a theory advanced by Baumgart...
The effect of disgust‐eliciting visuals on attitudes toward animal experimentation

Despite its obvious intersection with classic fear‐inducing stimuli, like rotting teeth and diseased lungs, disgust as a discrete emotion has been all but ignored in the persuasion literature. This study marks an initial effort to explore the effect of disgust as the dominant emotion evoked by a persuasive appeal on attitude change. 134 college students viewed one of four versions of a two‐sided refutational video message arguing in favor of animal experimentation. Visuals in the video's counterargument section were manipulated to show more or less disgusting images of animal experimentation. Visuals in the video's rebuttal section were manipulated to show more or less emotional images defending the medical research position. Results suggest that disgust can be the most dominant emotion elicited by a persuasive message and that disgust may either enhance or inhibit attitude change, depending on the context in which the emotion is used. Further research should consider more specifically the conditions unde...
Effects of cytochalasin and alkaloid drugs on the biological expression of herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA.

Abstract Pretreatment of rabbit kidney cells with cytochalasins B and D (CB, CD) enhanced herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) DNA infectivity 3- to 6-fold over values obtained using the standard CaCl 2 technique. Cells were pretreated with CB for 4–6 h to achieve infectivity enhancement. A lower concentration of CD, and shorter pretreatment periods, resulted in comparable DNA infectivity. Separate exposure of cells to colchicine, colcemid, or vinblastine increased DNA infectivity 7-, 6-, and 5-fold, respectively, over control values. Additional enhancement was obtained when CD was used together with any one of the aforementioned drugs. Maximal enhancement of HSV-2 DNA infectivity was obtained by pretreating recipient cells with a drug mixture containing colchicine, colcemid, and CD. This treatment maximized infectivity levels 20- to 30-fold over CaCl 2 control values.
Methane, carbon dioxide and dissolved sulfate from interstitial water of coastal marsh sediments

The depth distributions of dissolved CH4, total CO2, Cl− and SO42− in interstitial waters are reported from three subenvironments in the coastal marsh sediments of south Louisiana. Dissolved CH4 ranged from 8.0 × 10−3 to 7.2 ml/l, with each core demonstrating a slight increase in concentration with depth. The highest concentrations of methane were observed in the northern subenvironment of the marsh, which was low in salinity. Extraction under vacuum of methane from whole sediment samples indicated that a significant amount of gas is present as bubbles. Total CO2 ranges from 110 to 410 ml/l. Carbon dioxide, extracted under vacuum, yielded δ13CPDB values of −18.9 and −22.5‰ for the southern and northern areas, respectively. The ∑CO2 concentration in two areas was greater than or equal to that predicted by the depletion of dissolved SO42− from microbial reduction processes. In one core, however, the ∑CO2 concentration was less than could be accounted for by the SO42− deficit. In general, where SO42− reduction was active or where the dissolved SO42− concentration was low, the concentration of CH4 increased. Relatively small vertical gradients of dissolved CH4 and ∑CO2, the low hydrostatic head above the sediment column and the high degree of unconsolidation suggest that gas is migrating upward through the sediment column. Coastal marshes may be an important source of methane to the atmosphere and waters of coastal environments.
Performance of miniature GPS arrays loaded with SRRs

Impedance matching and nulling performances of miniature GPS arrays loaded with split ring resonators (SRRs) are presented. Specifically, a 2×1 GPS array consisting of electrically small coupled double loop antennas is strategically loaded with SRRs to reduce the mutual coupling without significantly affecting the impedance matching. Simulated results for SRR loaded and conventional uniform arrays demonstrate that significant improvement in null depth (10 dB) can be achieved.
Microtubule-associated proteins tau and amyloid P component in Alzheimer's disease

The localization of the intracerebral microtubule-associated proteins tau (MAP-tau) has been compared to that of amyloid P component (AP), an extracerebral protein, by single- and double-antigen immunohistochemistry in neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's brains. The results show that, individually, MAP-tau and AP may be observed in all stages of neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation. However, NFT labeled by MAP-tau and those labeled by AP largely do not overlap in their distribution. Furthermore, within the few NFT double-labeled by MAP-tau and AP, there was an inverse relationship between the immunoreactivity to MAP-tau and to AP. It is suggested that MAP-tau and AP are incorporated at different times into NFT and that this difference in the timing of NFT expression of these 2 proteins may be useful in the study of progressive NFT formation.
Inhibition of adrenal steroidogenesis, food restriction and acclimation to high ambient temperatures in chickens

Abstract 1. White Plymouth Rock chickens placed under 60% food restriction or ad libitum feeding, with or without metyrapone treatment, from either 4 to 6 (early) or 24 to 26 (late) d of age were exposed to high ambient temperatures (35 ± 2°C) from 36 to 43 d of age. 2. Stress attributable to fasting was not manifested through leucocytic alteration when food‐restricted chicks were supplemented with an adrenal blocking chemical, metyrapone. 3. Provision of metyrapone during the fasting period resulted in inferior compensatory growth during refeeding. 4. Exposure to high temperatures from 36 to 43 d of age did not cause an elevation in the heterophihlymphocyte (H/L) ratios of chicks that had eaten metyrapone‐treated food ad libitum during the neonatal stage. 5. During heat exposure, chicks that had been subjected to early 60% restriction with non‐metyrapone‐treated food had lower H/L ratios and improved resistance to marble spleen disease infection.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SAME SITTING HYBRID CORONARY ARTERY REVASCULARIZATION VERSUS OFF-PUMP CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS IN MULTI-VESSEL CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

We compared the outcomes of same sitting, robotic assisted Hybrid Coronary Artery Revascularization (HCR) with off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (OPCABG) in similar patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease. HCR is a novel procedure in select patients with multi-vessel CAD. Although
Escherichia coli phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase: Studies on the mechanism of multiple allosteric interactions

Abstract Some kinetic studies of the interactions between Escherichia coli phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (orthophosphate:oxaloacetate carboxylase (phosphorylating) EC 4.1.1.31) acetyl coenzyme A, fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, and aspartate were performed. Activation of the enzyme by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate is anomalous by comparison with acetyl coenzyme A in that it confers hysteretic properties on the enzyme. In the presence of both activators and aspartate, hysteresis is observed also, but the approach to optimum catalytic activity can be fit to an equation for a second-order reaction with respect to enzyme concentration. Since, however, hysteresis is not a result of any apparent association-dissociation reaction, the apparent fit to a second-order kinetic equation is probably not real but is the result of a multistep activation mechanism. Hysteresis is not eliminated by preincubation of the enzyme with fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, acetyl coenzyme A, or phosphoenolpyruvate singly or in any pair of combinations. Hysteresis is associated, therefore, with the slow conformation change from the inactive species to the active species under the influence of all three of those reactants. The enzyme complex resulting from the binding of each activator, including phosphoenolpyruvate, has an increased affinity for the other activators. A kinetic method for estimating the relative changes in affinity of these complexes for some of the other reactants is presented. At concentrations of the activators below their K a , synergistic effects are evident, particularly in their ability to relieve aspartate inhibition. Aspartate inhibition is competitive with acetyl coenzyme A both in the absence and in the presence of low concentrations of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. Increasing the concentrations of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate results in an increase in the apparent K l for aspartate, suggesting that synergistic activation by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate is a result of the increased affinity of the fructose 1,6-bisphosphate-enzyme complex for acetyl coenzyme A, and a shift in the concentration of enzyme species away from the one(s) to which aspartate can bind most easily. In the presence of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate alone optimal activation can be achieved, but the concentrations required in vitro are high and suggest that fructose 1,6-bisphosphate alone does not function in that capacity physiologically, but primes the enzyme for more effective activation by acetyl coenzyme A and/or phosphoenolpyruvate.
The Importance of Making the Well-Being of Children in Poverty a Priority

Hurricane Katrina exposed to the world the side of America that is often ignored or forgotten—the side of America where people live in poverty and struggle to meet their most basic needs. This article focuses primarily on children in Mississippi and highlights the effect that poverty has on children’s well-being at an early age and future academic success. It also provides evidence for the importance of funding high-quality pre-k programs and parental training to ensure they begin the process of preparing their children for success, not only in Mississippi but in the other states that are leaving their children behind. Finally, with the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind in 2007, recommendations are made for refocusing the premise of the law from accountability and high stakes testing to meeting the needs of all children so they can truly be successful in school.
Synthesis, Phase Characterization, and Properties of Chemical Solution‐Deposited Nickel Manganite Thermistor Thin Films

Nickel manganite spinel thin films prepared by chemical solution deposition exhibit negative temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) values between −3.3 and −4.5%/K. In contrast to bulk thermistors, dense films could be prepared completely within the spinel phase field. Thus, decomposition into the NiO phase and a Mn-rich spinel, which is problematic in bulk ceramics, is minimized in thin films. For films prepared outside of the single-phase field, phase separation cannot always be detected using X-ray diffraction. In such cases, transmission electron microscopy is useful in identifying decomposition. It is found that the lattice parameters for films with compositions ranging between Mn/(Mn+Ni)=0.14 and 0.77 are smaller than the values reported for nickel manganite spinels, suggesting cation deficiency. Single-phase spinel films are compared with single-phase bixbyite films synthesized between 630° and 930°C. The bixbyite phase exhibits lower TCR and lower resistivity (TCR=−3.1 to −3.3%/K and resistivity values=400–1600 Ω·cm) compared with spinel (TCR=−3.6 to −4.1%/K and resistivity values=3500–21 000 Ω·cm). Composite films (achieved by controlling the pyrolysis to create a low local pO2 during annealing) show intermediate values (TCR=−3.0 to −3.8%/K and resistivity values=470–6600 Ω·cm).
Zidovudine (AZT) monotherapy selects for the A360V mutation in the connection domain of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Background We previously demonstrated in vitro that zidovudine (AZT) selects for A371V in the connection domain and Q509L in ribonuclease H (RNase H) domain of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) which, together with the thymidine analog mutations D67N, K70R and T215F, confer greater than 100-fold AZT resistance. The goal of the current study was to determine whether AZT monotherapy in HIV-1 infected patients also selects the A371V, Q509L or other mutations in the C-terminal domains of HIV-1 RT. Methodology/Principal Findings Full-length RT sequences in plasma obtained pre- and post-therapy were compared in 23 participants who received AZT monotherapy from the AIDS Clinical Trials Group study 175. Five of the 23 participants reached a primary study endpoint. Mutations significantly associated with AZT monotherapy included K70R (p = 0.003) and T215Y (p = 0.013) in the polymerase domain of HIV-1 RT, and A360V (p = 0.041) in the connection domain of HIV-1 RT. HIV-1 drug susceptibility assays demonstrated that A360V, either alone or in combination with thymidine analog mutations, decreased AZT susceptibility in recombinant viruses containing participant-derived full-length RT sequences or site-directed mutant RT. Biochemical studies revealed that A360V enhances the AZT-monophosphate excision activity of purified RT by significantly decreasing the frequency of secondary RNase H cleavage events that reduce the RNA/DNA duplex length and promote template/primer dissociation. Conclusions The A360V mutation in the connection domain of RT was selected in HIV-infected individuals that received AZT monotherapy and contributed to AZT resistance.
Reply to “Comment on ‘Electrical transport in junctions between unconventional superconductors: Application of the Green’s-function formalism’ ”

The current-voltage characteristics of tunneling junctions involving high-${T}_{c}$ superconductors depend on a number of factors. Surface bound states with nonzero energy is just one such factor, which can be readily included within our model as we discussed in an earlier publication. However, this factor was not addressed in our recent publication in order to focus on other factors such as strong coupling which we believe have not received adequate attention.
Efficient Coupling of an Antenna-Enhanced nanoLED into an Integrated InP Waveguide

Increasing power consumption in traditional on-chip metal interconnects has made optical links an attractive alternative. However, such a link is currently missing a fast, efficient, nanoscale light-source. Coupling nanoscale optical emitters to optical antennas has been shown to greatly increase their spontaneous emission rate and efficiency. Such a structure would be an ideal emitter for an on-chip optical link. However, there has never been a demonstration of an antenna-enhanced emitter coupled to a low-loss integrated waveguide. In this Letter we demonstrate an optical antenna-enhanced nanoLED coupled to an integrated InP waveguide. The nanoLEDs are comprised of a nanoridge of InGaAsP coupled to a gold antenna that exhibits a 36× enhanced rate of spontaneous emission. Coupling efficiencies as large as 70% are demonstrated into an integrated waveguide. Directional antennas also demonstrate direction emission down one direction of a waveguide with observed front-to-back ratios as high as 3:1.
A method for simulating the performance of photosensor-based lighting controls

Abstract The unreliability of photosensor-based lighting controls continues to be a significant market barrier that prevents widespread acceptance of daylight dimming controls in commercial buildings. Energy savings from the use of daylighting in commercial buildings is best realized through the installation of reliable photoelectric lighting controls that dim electric lights when sufficient daylight is available to provide adequate background and/or task illumination. In prior work, the authors discussed the limitations of current simulation approaches and presented a robust method to simulate the performance of photosensor-based controls using an enhanced version of the radiance lighting simulation package. The method is based on the concept of multiplying two fisheye images: one generated from the angular sensitivity of the photosensor and the other from a 180 or 360° fisheye image of the space as “seen” by the photosensor. This paper includes a description of the method, its validation and possible applications for designing, placing, calibrating and commissioning photosensor-based lighting controls.
Phase transformations of the ternary system (NH4)2SO4-H2SO4-H2O and the implications for cirrus cloud formation

Homogeneous and heterogeneous growth mechanisms for cirrus cloud formation are considered in light of recent measurements showing the presence of NH4+ ions in the aerosol of the upper troposphere. Low-temperature ternary phase diagrams of (NH4)2SO4-H2SO4-H2O are presented, and the thermodynamic and the kinetic data of the phase transitions are employed to consider the implications of NH4+ ions on the mechanisms of cirrus cloud formation. The analysis concludes that changes in the degree of ammoniation can lead to a crossover in the cloud growth system from homogeneous to heterogeneous nucleation. A corresponding change in the cloud's particle distribution alters the cloud's radiative properties, persistence, and surface area available for heterogeneous chemistry.
Determination of ketone body turnover in vivo with stable isotopes, utilizing gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

JH imple and reliable method for the determination of ketone body turnover in vivo using a primed, continuous infusion of [3,4-13C2]acetoacetate is described. Mole percent enrichment of beta-[13C2]hydroxybutyrate and [13C2]acetoacetate is determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry using electron-impact ionization and selected ion monitoring. Ketone body flux data are provided from preliminary dog experiments. The method is readily applicable to the study of ketone body metabolism in both laboratory animals and humans.