cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Passive Transfer of NMO-IgG Does Not Exacerbate EAE in AQP4 null mice (P2.196)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of passively transferred anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies from NMO patients on the clinical and pathological outcome of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in aquaporin-4 (AQP4) null mice. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that passive transfer of human anti-AQP4 antibodies from patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) to C57Bl6 mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35-55-induced EAE exacerbates the clinical phenotype and triggers large pial-based demyelinating lesions in the optic nerves and spinal cord. To confirm the specificity of these findings, we applied this approach to AQP4 null mice. Our hypothesis was that AQP4 null mice would not be susceptible to anti-AQP4 antibodies from NMO patients. DESIGN/METHODS: We obtained AQP4 null mice from Erland Nagulhus (University of Oslo, Norway) which were previously backcrossed on the C57Bl6 background. EAE was induced with MOG35-55 as done previously in AQP4 null mice and littermate controls. On day +12, mice were injected intraperitoneally with 2.5 mg of daily purified IgG from pooled NMO patients seropositive patients for 4 days. Behavioral scores were monitored daily for 14 more days before mice were sacrificed and examined pathologically. RESULTS: In contrast to previous results suggesting AQP4 null mice are less responsive to MOG-EAE, our AQP4 null mice and their wild-type littermate controls developed identical EAE in response to MOG35-55 that were not significantly different from unrelated wild-type C57Bl6 mice. However, after passive transfer of the NMO-IgG to wildtype mice, there was a sharp increase in neurological disability that was maintained over the course of the study that was not seen in the AQP4 null mice. Pathological examination will look at the extent of inflammation and demyelination in wild-type versus AQP4 null mice. CONCLUSIONS: AQP4 null mice are equally susceptible to MOG-EAE as their wild-type littermates but passive transfer of NMO-IgG does not exacerbate their EAE phenotype. Disclosure: Dr. Jones has nothing to disclose. Acorda Therapeutics; Sanofi; Viropharma, Inc.; NeuralStem, Inc.; Shire/Abvie; TerumoBCT
Characterization of the human α-synuclein gene: Genomic structure, transcription start site, promoter region and polymorphisms1

The human NACP/alpha-synuclein gene has been cloned. This gene consists of 6 exons ranging in size from 42 to 1110 bp. The translation start codon ATG is encoded by exon 2 and the stop codon TAA is encoded by exon 6. The non-Abeta component of Alzheimer's disease amyloid (NAC) is encoded by exon 4. The two previously reported minor isoforms of NACP/alpha-synuclein, NACP112 [29] and NACP126 [6], are alternatively spliced products, in which exon 5 and exon 3 are spliced out, respectively. Exon 1 was found to have different splicing sites, producing different 5'-untranslated sequences in the cDNAs. A previously reported dinucleotide repeat polymorphic marker has been mapped to 8kb upstream of the transcription start site. A highly TC-rich sequence in intron 4 was found to be polymorphic by length and four alleles, A0, A1, A2 and B have been identified in the Caucasian population. Genotyping this polymorphism among pure Alzheimer's, Lewy body variant and Parkinson's subjects and aged normal control subjects did not reveal any significant differences.
Wax Lining in an Impression Tray and Accuracy in Gypsum Cast Fabrication.

Purpose Controversy exists as to whether lining a metal-perforated impression tray with wax will yield a distorted irreversible hydrocolloid impression. Two current textbooks have completely different recommendations, but there is no evidence to support either theory. This project evaluates distortion in gypsum casts that have been prepared from wax-lined and unlined metal impression trays. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of wax on the border and in the palate of metal-perforated impression trays on the dimensional stability of the resulting irreversible hydrocolloid impression. Materials and Methods A dentaform was prepared with marks on the cusp tips of teeth 6 and 11 and distobuccal cusps of teeth 2 and 15. Using a standard maxillary rim lock impression tray, alginate impressions were made using a dentaform with no wax lining, wax lining the border of the tray, and wax lining the border and the palate (n = 10). Casts were randomized. Six measurements were taken using a stereographic measuring microscope, from tooth #6 to #11, #11 to #15, #15 to #2, #2 to #6, #6 to #15, and #2 to #11. An acrylic template was used to position the cast in a reproducible position on the microscope. Results Trays lined with wax on the border and the palate yielded casts with significantly different dimensions when compared to those poured from unlined or border-lined trays (p 0.05). Conclusion There is no difference between the metal tray with no wax, the metal tray with a wax around the border, and the dentaform. The clinician can make irreversible hydrocolloid impressions using wax on the periphery or without wax on the periphery and feel confident that the impression has not been compromised in its ability to accurately reproduce the maxillary arch when used. Caution should be exercised when adding wax to the palate of the impression tray.
Fibers of continuous real-valued functions on ψ-spaces

We consider continuous real-valued functions with domain either a ψ-space (studied by S. Mrowka, J. Isbell, and others) or a generalized ψ-space introduced by A. Dow and J. Vaughan. A cardinal κ≥ω is called a rich cardinal provided for every infinite, maximal almost disjoint family M of countably infinite subsets of κ (MADF) and for every continuous f:ψ(κ,M)→R defined on the associated space ψ=ψ(κ.M), there exists r∈R such that |f−1(r)|=|ψ|. Dow and Vaughan proved that ω is a rich cardinal if and only if a=c, where a is the smallest cardinality of a MADF on ω. We prove that a=c if and only if, for all ω≤κ≤c, κ is a rich cardinal, if and only if for every n c is rich using a set-theoretic hypothesis weaker than GCH.
Capacity Constraints Across Nests in Assortment Optimization Under the Nested Logit Model

We consider assortment optimization problems when customers choose according to the nested logit model and there is a capacity constraint limiting the total capacity consumption of all products offered in all nests. When each product consumes one unit of capacity, our capacity constraint limits the cardinality of the offered assortment. For the cardinality constrained case, we develop an efficient algorithm to compute the optimal assortment. When the capacity consumption of each product is arbitrary, we give an algorithm to obtain a 4-approximate solution. We show that we can compute an upper bound on the optimal expected revenue for an individual problem instance by solving a linear program. In our numerical experiments, we consider problem instances involving products with arbitrary capacity consumptions. Comparing the expected revenues from the assortments obtained by our 4-approximation algorithm with the upper bounds on the optimal expected revenues, our numerical results indicate that the 4-approxim...
∞6 Mixed plate theories based on the Generalized Unified Formulation. Part IV: Zig-zag theories

Abstract The generalized unified formulation was introduced in Part I for the case of plate theories based upon Reissner’s mixed variational theorem. Part II analyzed the case of layerwise theories and Part III studied advanced mixed higher order shear deformation theories. In this work the generalized unified formulation is applied, for the first time in the literature, to the case of advanced mixed higher order zig-zag theories. The so called zig-zag form of the displacements is enforced a priori by the adoption of Murakami’s zig-zag function. An equivalent single layer description of the displacements u x , u y and u z is adopted. The out-of-plane stresses σ zx , σ zy and σ zz have a layerwise description. The compatibility of the displacements and the equilibrium of the transverse stresses between two adjacent layers are enforced a priori. ∞ 6 mixed higher order zig-zag theories are therefore presented. The kernels have the same formal expressions as the ones used in the layerwise theories analyzed in Part II and in the higher order shear deformation theories presented in Part III.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the N-formyl peptide receptor in localized juvenile periodontitis.

Background: Neutrophils from patients with localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) exhibit decreased binding and responsiveness to various chemotactic agents, including N-formyl-lmethionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine (FMLP). This altered reaction of neutrophils is thought to account in part for the increased susceptibility of LJP patients to infections by periodontal organisms. Receptors for FMLP are involved in the activation and the subsequent response to certain chemotactic stimuli. Methods: In order to determine if this decreased response is due to a genetic variation in the receptor, we directly compared DNA encoding the FMLP receptor from controls matched for gender and race and LJP patients by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP). Results: Using this technique, we observed a characteristic SSCP pattern in 29 out of 30 patient samples in the FMLP receptor DNA. This pattern differed from those obtained from the 20 control subjects as well as 31 patients with adult periodontitis. DNA se...
Loop-type electrically small antenna loaded with non-foster circuit

Although electrically small antennas (ESAs) have gotten an increase attention because of their wide applications in wireless communications, they are not efficient radiators because of their high quality factor (Q). Therefore, matching networks are required to improve their input impedance and radiation characteristics. However, due to gain-bandwidth restrictions, wideband matching cannot be achieved using passive networks. Non-Foster circuits (NFCs), such as negative capacitors, negative inductors, or some of their combinations, are attractive because they can be used in matching ESAs since they violate the gain-bandwidth limitation. Although NFCs are very attractive for microwave and antenna applications, they are active nonlinear circuits and therefore suffer from many issues including losses, difficulty in achieving good performance in the gigahertz frequency range, and most important, stability.
AN AUTORADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF RNA SYNTHESIS IN ISOLATED SALIVARY GLANDS OF DROSOPHILA HYDEI. II. INTERFEROMETRIC STUDIES.

Interferometric measurements were made on sections of salivary glands mounted in oils of refractive indices 1.410, 1.460, and 1.500, estimating optical path differences as fringe displacement with a Leitz double-beam interferometer microscope. From these data the mean concentrations (in mg/cm2/micron) of 55 cells of three glands were computed as follows: karyoplasm, 0.027±0.0026; cytoplasm, 0.048 ± 0.0024; nucleolus, 0.066±0.0041. From these concentrations it was computed, according to Maurer and Primbsch (Exp. Cell Res., 33: 8–18) that the correction factors for four micron sections were: karyoplasm, 0.203; cytoplasm, 0.114; nucleolus, 0.083. The reciprocals of these fractions (5.0, 8.8, and 12.0) are the correction factors of Arnold (J. Morph., in press) by which measured silver grain densities on autoradiographs are multiplied to give corrected (i.e. potential) densities.
Does family capital outweigh the negative effects of conflict on firm performance

Purpose – Scholars have articulated the importance of family capital for successful family business outcomes. In the review of literature, empirical evidence supporting this assertion has been lacking. The purpose of this paper is to offer an empirical study of the relationship between family capital and family business success as well as the moderating effects of conflict to this relationship. Design/methodology/approach – Hierarchical regression was used in this study. Using a sample of 299 firms the author investigates the relationship between family capital and family business performance as well as the moderating role of conflict on this relationship. Findings – Results support the notion that family capital is a significant predictor of family business performance. Furthermore, the author finds that task conflict moderates the relationship between family capital and family business performance, while relational conflict has no impact on performance. Practical implications – The revelation that famil...
Ion channel defects in hereditary hearing loss.

The K+ recycling pathway outlined by Kikuchi et al. 1995xKikuchi, T, Kimura, R.S, Paul, D.L, and Adams, J.C. Anat. Embryol. (Berl.). 1995; 191: 101–118Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (417)See all ReferencesKikuchi et al. 1995 and others now appears critically important for normal hearing and balance, since mutations at nearly every point of the pathway lead to severe hearing disorders. Other genes involved in K+ flux—including the elusive transduction channel of hair cells—will doubtless be added to the list. KCNQ4 is part of this pathway but may also mediate subtle modulation of outer hair cell function. The next important step is to understand in detail the normal function of the channels. Adenoviruses infect hair cells and efficiently mediate expression of other potassium channels in vitro (Holt et al. 1999xHolt, J.R, Johns, D.C, Wang, S, Chen, Z.-Y, Dunn, R.J, Marban, E, and Corey, D.P. J. Neurophysiol. 1999; in pressSee all ReferencesHolt et al. 1999). Because so many of these ion channel deafnesses are dominantly inherited, acute viral introduction of dominant negative constructs may prove particularly useful in elucidating the functions of ion channels in hearing.*To whom correspondence should be addressed (e-mail: corey@helix.mgh.harvard.edu).
Cadmium deposition in rat heart following cadmium chloride and/or 60Co radiation

Abstract Male Sprague‐Oawley rats were separated into nine groups and injected with cadmium (Cd) intraperitoneally every three days for 29 days for a total of nine injections. Injection doses ranged from 0 to 2.5 mg Cd/kg‐1 of body weight. Twenty‐four hours following Cd injections, rats received an acute whole body 60Co gamma radiation dose of 0, 3.62, or 5.43 Gray (Gy) at a dose rate of 3.04 Gy/min. Rats were sacrificed on day January 1994 7, or 21 post‐irradiation. Co‐insult groups which had been irradiated following Cd injections showed lower Cd concentrations in heart tissue than those groups which had been injected with Cd and sham‐irradiated. Our data indicate that radiation contributed to clearance of Cd from the heart. The present study points to a need for researchers to continue to study links between the environment and disease.
Pressure sensitivity of low permeability sandstones

Abstract Detailed core analysis has been carried out on 32 tight sandstones with permeabilities ranging over four orders of magnitude (0.0002 to 4.8 mD at 5000 psi confining pressure). Relationships between gas permeability and net confining pressure were measured for cycles of loading and unloading. For some samples, permeabilities were measured both along and across bedding planes. Large variations in stress sensitivity of permeability were observed from one sample to another. The ratio of permeability at a nominal confining pressure of 500 psi to that at 5000 psi was used to define a stress sensitivity ratio. For a given sample, confining pressure vs permeability followed a linear log-log relationship, the slope of which provided an index of pressure sensitivity. This index, as obtained for first unloading data, was used in testing relationships between stress sensitivity and other measured rock properties. Pressure sensitivity tended to increase with increase in carbonate content and depth, and with decrease in porosity, permeability and sodium feldspar. However, scatter in these relationships increased as permeability decreased. Tests for correlations between pressure sensitivity and various linear combinations of variables are reported. Details of pore structure related to diagenetic changes appears to be of much greater significance to pressure sensitivity than mineral composition.
The First Amendment and the doctrine of corporate personhood Collapsing the press–corporation distinction

This article traces the development of the American idea that corporations are people and entitled to constitutional rights – commonly referred to as corporate personhood – and what that developmen...
The selection of portal aperture using interactively displayed eye sections

Abstract Portal apertures are often defined by wax-pencil lines drawn on simulator films. The simulator-film images, suffer degradation due to X ray absorption and scatter in tissues proximal to and distal to the intended target volume. We describe a method for avoiding that degradation by using a 3-D dataset to produce high-contrast section images with a user-defined orientation. The calculation of these Beam's Eye Section (BES) images requires a set of medium to high-resolution transverse section data (the 3-D dataset), as well as a medium- to high-performance computer workstation. These CT-like section images, providing more contrast and detail than a projection (that is, a simulator or Digitally Reconstructed Radiograph [DRRJ) image, should allow for more accurate selection of portal apertures. The BES image plane is oriented perpendicular to the central axis of a user-selected beam. Once the user has created a beam, the system allows the user to step along that beam with a new BES image produced at each step. Contours manually drawn on these BES images are ultimately projected onto a DRR image. The outermost segments of these sometimes crisscrossing contours (the union of all projected areas) accurately defines the portal aperture needed to encompass the target at all levels.
On the portability of quantitative software estimation models

Abstract Evidence in the literature indicates that the portability of currently available quantitative software estimation models is poor. A primary reason is that most models fail to account for managerial characteristics of the software development environment; a set of factors that tend to vary significantly from one organization to another. A major stumbling block has been the inability to quantify the impact of managerial-type factors on cost. In this study, we take a first step towards rectifying this situation. An extensive simulation model of the software development process is developed and used to identify managerial factors that impact the cost of software development, and to quantify the degree of that impact. Because the areas identified are variables that the project manager can objectively evaluate at the beginning of a software project, it should be feasible to incorporate them in future cost estimation models. This, we feel, would improve both their accuracy and portability.
Advanced Approaches to Characterizing Nonlinear Pavement System Responses

The use of falling weight deflectometer—based backcalculation techniques to determine pavement layer moduli is a cost-effective and widely used method for the structural evaluation of an existing pavement. The nonlinear stress-sensitive response of pavement geomaterials has been well established, and mechanistic-based pavement design can be improved by inclusion of these nonlinear material properties. To further the science of nonlinear backcalculation, the TRB Strength and Deformation Characteristics of Pavement Sections Committee has assembled four data sets that can be used to demonstrate the ability to derive stress-dependent moduli for pavement layers. In this study, validated artificial neural network (ANN)—based backcalculation-type flexible pavement analysis models were used to evaluate the TRB Nonlinear Pavement Analysis Project data sets. The Illi-Pave finite element (FE) model, considering nonlinear stress-dependent geomaterials characterization, was utilized to generate a solution database for...
Reducing subspaces of compressed analytic Toeplitz operators on the Hardy space

In this paper we discuss necessary conditions and sufficient conditions for the compression of an analytic Toeplitz operator onto a shift coinvariant subspace to have nontrivial reducing subspaces. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the kernel of a Toeplitz operator whose symbol is the quotient of two inner functions to be nontrivial and obtain examples of reducing subspaces from these kernels. Motivated by this result we give necessary conditions and sufficient conditions for the kernel of a Toeplitz operator whose symbol is the quotient of two inner functions to be nontrivial in terms of the supports of the two inner functions. By studying the commutant of a compression, we are able to give a necessary condition for the existence of reducing subspaces on certain shift coinvariant subspaces.
Electron impact excitation of the G¹∑g+ state of H 2 †

The optical excitation function for the G¹∑g+→B¹∑u+ transition of the H2 spectrum has been determined for the electron impact energies in the range 0–500 eV and at H2 gas pressures ≤ 30 mtorr. Measurements of the absolute emission cross section for the λ = 4634 A [G → B(0, 0) P1,R2,R3] vibration-rotational line blend have been carried out at 200 eV incident electron energy. Measurements of the G¹∑g+(ν′=0) state radiative lifetime have also been carried out and yield a single-mode decay, with a lifetime of ∼ 30 ns. Both dc intensity and time-solved lifetime measurements are observed to be independent of H2 gas pressure and electron beam current over the regions ∼ 2 to 50 mtorr and 5 μA to 1 mA, respectively.
Designing with Emerging Publics: The Case of Physician-Assisted Suicide

As interactive technologies continue to become pervasive, new opportunities arise for such technologies to be leveraged by wider publics. Yet, in many ways, publics remain a wicked problem that is difficult to characterize. In my PhD thesis, I propose to draw on research through design and value sensitive design to investigate design with emerging publics in the case of physician-assisted suicide, primarily within the USA (the state of Washington) and, for a point of comparison, in The Netherlands.
Blood leukotriene levels during the acute asthma attack in children.

Abstract Leukotrienes (LT) have been proposed to be important mediators in the etiology of the acute asthma attack (AAA). We therefore studied blood LT levels in 18 children having AAA. Heparinized blood samples were obtained before and after treatment with epinephrine injections and/or metaproterenol inhalations in the emergency room. The samples were acidified and subjected to Sep-pak chromatography. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy and bioassay on guinea pig ileum were used to identify the LT based on comparison to data produced by standard synthetic LT samples. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to further confirm the presence of LT LT C, D and E were detected in the plasma of children having AAA. Only LT C levels were significantly elevated over control values. The mean blood LT C level of control patients was 1.6 ± 1.2 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml, mean t SEM) while that of the asthma patients was 73.8 ± 18.2 ng/ml prior to treatment. After emergency room treatment the asthma patients had a mean blood LT C level of 22.5 ± 11.7 ng/ml. Lowered levels of LT C accompanied improved clinical condition of the patients. This finding indicates that the AAA in children is associated with elevated blood levels of LT C.
Treatment of clinical experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in the rat using fragments and combinations of monoclonal antibodies

We reported previously that two different anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (W3/25, MRC OX35) were effective in treating experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in the Lewis rat whereas anti-I-A antibody was ineffective. Further studies with other monoclonal antibodies and fragments have now been performed. Anti-I-E antibody was ineffective in shortening the disease duration even when used in combination with anti-I-A antibody. Anti-CD2 (T11) antibody was marginally effective, shortening the duration of disease by only one day on the average. Combination of anti-CD4 antibody with anti-CD2 antibody did not improve the recovery time over the use of anti-CD4 antibody alone. On the other hand, the F (ab')2 fragment of the anti-CD4 antibody was as effective in the treatment of disease as the intact antibody molecule, indicating that it was sufficient to block the CD4 molecules on the cell surface of the EAE effector cells in order to affect the disease course.
798-6 Acute Effects of Zatebradine on Cardiac Conduction and Repolarization in Anesthetized Dogs

Zatebradine, a potent bradycardic agent, is believed to act selectively at the sinoatrial node. However, the selectivity of such an action relative to various electrophysiologic classes of action is not well defined. To characterize tie electrophysiologic properties of zatebradine, the corrected sinus node recovery time (SNRT/sinus cycle length), sinoatrial conduction time (SACT), conduction intervals, effective refractory period in atrium (AERP) and monophasic action potential duration (APD 90 ) in ventricle were measured before (Ctrl) and after administration of incremental doses of zatebradine (Zat, 0.1–1.5 mg/kg) in 15 anesthetized dogs. The effects of zatebradine on various electrophysiologic parameters could be observed immediately after a single i.v. bolus and reached steady-state at 15 min. Results (Mean ± S.D.): HR SNRTc SACT (ms) P-A (ms) A-H (ms) H-V (ms) P (ms) P-R (ms) QRS (ms) QTc (ms) AERP(ms) VAPD 90 (ms) Ctrl 78 1.28 130 20 135 68 68 187 115 501 175 413 ±8 ±0.2 ±20 ±2 ±19 ±8 ±9 ±12 ±31 ±33 ±10 ±16 Zat 43 2.27 140 20 178 70 70 235 122 553 260 562 ±9 ±0.3 ±29 ±2 ±24 ±8 ±9 ±13 ±32 ±35 ±14 ±15 p l0.01 l0.001 NS NS l0.01 NS NS l0.01 NS l0.01 l0.01 l0.01 ED 50 0.23 0.22 – – 0.58 – – 0.57 – 0.76 0.60 0.78 (mg/kg) Conclusion At low dose, Zat has a depressant effect on sinus nodal function; at higher doses, it has additional actions on A-V nodal function and lengthens repolarization reflecting effects on other ion channels. Download high-res image (48KB) Download full-size image
Metabolic transceivers: in tune with the central melanocortin system

The central melanocortin system plays an essential role in the regulation of energy metabolism. Key to this regulation are the responses of neurons expressing proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) to blood-borne metabolic signals. Recent evidence has demonstrated that POMC and AgRP neurons are not simply mirror opposites of each other in function and responsiveness to metabolic signals, nor are they exclusively first-order neurons. These neurons act as central transceivers, integrating both hormonal and neural signals, and then transmitting this information to peripheral tissues via the autonomic nervous system to coordinate whole-body energy metabolism. This review focuses on most recent developments obtained from rodent studies on the function, metabolic regulation, and circuitry of the central melanocortin system.
Large-Scale Structures in a Compressible Mixing Layer over a Cavity

An experimental study was made of a e ow in which a turbulent boundary layer separates at a backward-facing step, forms a free shear layer over a cavity, and reattaches on a ramp downstream. Accurate characterization of the mixing layer turbulence is important given the strong link between large-scale organized structures and intense unsteadiness at reattachment found in our previous study of this e ow (Poggie, J., and Smits, A. J., “ Shock Unsteadiness in a Reattaching Shear Layer,”Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Vol. 429, 2001, pp. 155‐ 185). To this end, detailed e ow visualization experiments were carried out in theself-similar portion of the turbulent mixing layer at a nominal convective Mach numberof1.1. Thee ow visualization technique was based on Rayleigh scattering from nanometer-scale contaminant particles present in the freestream e ow. The interface marked by the vaporization of the particlesrevealed thelarge-scaleorganized turbulence structures in themixing layer. Quantitativemeasures of the length scale, orientation, and speed of organized structures were derived from the e ow visualization data, and were found to agree well with conventional point-probe measurements. As has been found in other studies of planar mixing layers, the measured convection velocity varied moderately along the transverse direction, and the corresponding convective Mach number differed from the prediction of the isentropic model. The present results, along with previously published probesurveys, demonstratethat thee owoverthecavity isessentially equivalent to a standardplanarmixinglayere ow,and thusformsawell-characterizedinitialconditionforthereattachmente ow downstream. In combination with our previous study, the present results add insight into cavity e ow unsteadiness for the case where the driving mechansim is related to broad-band turbulent e uctuations, rather than discrete acoustic resonances.
Guided Vehicle Suboptimal Path Planning For Execution Speed In A Factory Environment

The methods of path planning for an Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) are discussed with regards to algorithm speed and method of world representation. Existing methods of path solution are often too slow for real time execution and must be done off line by the Factory Management System (FMS). By using a linked list world model and a modification of Djikstras algorithm to allow suboptimal results, execution may be sped up by a factor of 10 to 50 with the suboptimal error relative to the optimal path cost being bounded.
Estelle formal specification of ISO virtual terminal

Abstract The ISO Virtual Terminal Protocol (VTP) is specified in Estelle, an ISO International Standard (IS) formal description technique. VTP allows heterogeneous terminals to communicate without each having to know the details of the other. This is accomplished by having two virtual terminal users negotiate a common subset of capabilities. The Estelle specification herein consists of an architecture model, a behavior model, and channel descriptions. The architecture model includes modules and their appropriate interconnections (channels). The behavior model specifies each module's underlying extended finite state machine, i.e. sequencing of events and activities. Channel descriptions declare the message elements (PDUs and service primitives) that are communicated between modules. Inconsistencies in an earlier draft ISO VTP document were discovered while specifying it in Estelle; these inconsistencies and the decisions how to formally specify them are discussed. The result is a formal specification that is precise, easy to follow, and as close to the ISO VTP IS as possible. Suggestions are given for making Estelle a more powerful and convenient formal description technique.
Material investment and prey capture potential of reduced spider webs

The webs of Miagrammopes animotus have a simple structure and variable form. However, both the length of their lines and the total surface area of their capture threads are closely associated with spider size. These spiders' ability to deposit both linear and looped cribellar capture threads along a web's diverging capture lines plays an important role in establishing these relationships. Looped capture threads have the greater surface area and are more prominent in the webs of older spiders where they increase a web's surface area and enhance its ability to retain prey. The predicted performance of these webs is supported by comparisons of the stickiness of their threads and a survey of the prey their owners capture. Cribellar thread stickiness increases with spider size, and larger spiders capture prey that have greater masses.
Summer Spatial Patterning of Chukars in Relation to Free Water in Western Utah

Free water is considered important to wildlife in arid regions. In the western United States, thousands of water developments have been built to benefit wildlife in arid landscapes. Agencies and researchers have yet to clearly demonstrate their effectiveness. We combined a spatial analysis of summer chukar (Alectoris chukar) covey locations with dietary composition analysis in western Utah. Our specific objectives were to determine if chukars showed a spatial pattern that suggested association with free water in four study areas and to document summer dietary moisture content in relation to average distance from water. The observed data for the Cedar Mountains study area fell within the middle of the random mean distance to water distribution suggesting no association with free water. The observed mean distance to water for the other three areas was much closer than expected compared to a random spatial process, suggesting the importance of free water to these populations. Dietary moisture content of chukar food items from the Cedar Mountains (59%) was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than that of birds from Box Elder (44%) and Keg-Dugway (44%). Water developments on the Cedar Mountains are likely ineffective for chukars. Spatial patterns on the other areas, however, suggest association with free water and our results demonstrate the need for site-specific considerations. Researchers should be aware of the potential to satisfy water demand with pre-formed and metabolic water for a variety of species in studies that address the effects of wildlife water developments. We encourage incorporation of spatial structure in model error components in future ecological research.
Pathfinding and synapse formation in a zebrafish mutant lacking functional acetylcholine receptors

Abstract We induced and characterized a recessive lethal mutation, nic-1 , in zebrafish that blocks the function of muscle acetylcholine (ACh) receptors. Homozygous nic-1 embryos are nonmotile and fail to respond to exogenous application of cholinergic agonists, although their muscles contract in response to direct electrical stimulation. Moreover, we do not detect cell surface labeling by α-bungarotoxin or monoclonal antibodies that recognize the other three subunits of ACh receptors. Motoneurons, however, establish morphologically normal patterns of innervation and normal neuromuscular junctions. We suggest that neither transmitter-mediated nerve signaling nor any other aspect of ACh receptor function is required for the formation of appropriate nerve connections in this system.
BlueSpace: personalizing workspace through awareness and adaptability

This paper reports on research in workplace issues encountered by knowledge workers in cubicle environments, and on BlueSpace, a prototype workspace with the goal of addressing workers' critical needs for privacy, concentration and personalization. To inform the design process, more than 50 on-site interviews with knowledge workers were conducted at six companies ranging from dot.com startups to Fortune 100 corporations. Several common requirements emerged including the need for a sense of control of one's workspace, the ability to create privacy on-demand to improve concentration and minimize unwanted interruptions, as well as in-place support for dyadic interactions. Many other common workplace complaints (e.g. too hot, too cold, too noisy) were found to be derivative of the major requirements for individual control and privacy.
Perturbation theory of classical systems with time dependent forces

Abstract The problem of finding the motion of a Hamiltonian system in which the forces depend explicitly upon the time is solved by means of time dependent perturbation theory. The final motion is expressed in terms of the initial conditions by means of a scattering operator whose perturbative expansion is shown to converge. If at the initial and final times the Hamiltonian is time independent and varies slowly in the interim, the change in the action variables is found to be an infinitely flat function of a “slowness parameter” in every order of perturbation theory, thus demonstrating explicitly the adiabatic invariance of the action integral “to all orders”. This result shows the connection between time dependent perturbation theory and the WKB approximation. Separate treatments are given for the linear system and the general Hamiltonian system. The former is susceptible to a comparatively simple algebraic treatment which exhibits more clearly the essentials of the problem. Two examples are given to illustrate the method.
Immunohistological detection of BRAF25 in human prostate tumor and cancer specimens

BRAF25 is an alternatively spliced protein of BRAF35 (see associated paper). We have mapped the BRAF25 gene to chromosome sub-band 19p13.3, a region where loss of chromosomal heterozygosity has been reported in about 50% of ovarian cancers. Because of the high incidence of genetic links of prostate cancer to breast and ovarian cancers, we investigated the BRAF25 expression in the prostate specimens. Immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies specific for BRAF25 revealed a strong immunostaining in sections of the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The staining was concentrated on the nuclei of cells facing the lumen of prostatic glands, even though the sporadic nuclei of cells in stromas were also stained. However, the expression of BRAF25 was dramatically reduced in intermediate prostate cancer and absent in advanced prostate cancer. Preincubation of the antibody with the immunizing peptide abolished immunostaining in BPH specimens. Therefore, the expression of BRAF25 was gradually lost in prostate cancer.
Bayesian Active Learning for Keyword Spotting in Handwritten Documents

We propose the Bayesian Active Learning by Disagreement (BALD) model for keyword spotting in handwritten documents. In the context of keyword spotting in handwritten documents, the background text is all regions in the document that do not contain the keywords. The model tries to learn certain characteristics of the keyword and background text in an active learning framework. It takes into account the local character level scores and global word level scores to distinguish keywords from non-keywords. We propose to apply the bayesian active learning strategy to identify the regions of sample space from which more meaningful labeled samples of keywords and non-keywords can be extracted. This work is an extension to our previous work which used a variational dynamic background model to model the large variations of background text. The approach has been tested on IAM dataset for English. The results show that a decent background model can be learned in a more quicker and efficient manner using the BALD framework. The approach outperforms our prior work and other state of the art approaches.
Optimization of actuator placement and hybrid controller design in flexible plates using PZT actuators

The objective of this investigation is to present a computational scheme for the optimal placement of actuating devices in flexible plates that utilize piezoceramic patches as actuators. In addition to controllability criteria, the candidate locations are required to also exhibit robustness with respect to the spatial distribution of disturbances. These PZT actuators are bonded at optimal locations that are determined by statically minimizing the optimal value of a disturbance-to-output transfer function with respect to the worst distribution of disturbances. Once the optimal actuator locations are determined, that in addition to performance specifications also satisfy a spatial robustness criterion, a suitable LQR-based controller is designed. At a given interval of time, only one PZT is activated and the remaining ones are kept dormant. The rationale of actuator/controller switching is to demonstrate the better vibration alleviation characteristics of switching between actuators over the use of a single actuator that is always in continuous use. The optimality of switching is made with respect to a cost-to-go performance index that corresponds to each actuating device. Extensive computer simulations with repeatable spatiotemporally varying disturbance profiles, reveal that this algorithm offers better performance over the non-switched case.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Preparation of conductive graphene/graphite infused fabrics using an interface trapping method

Conductive fabrics are central to smart textiles, a concept that has been gaining attention for applications such as wearable electronics or biosensors. However, current approaches for creating electrically conductive fabrics struggle with issues ranging from low conductivity to skin irritation. The use of graphitic carbon has been investigated as a possible way to impart conductivity to fabrics, yet low loadings, required post-infusion reductions, or the need to remove additives, has limited the application of these materials. In this paper, we introduce an approach that infuses fabric with pristine few layer graphene (FLG)/graphite from natural bulk graphite using an interfacial trapping method. No additives or chemical modification of the graphite is required, and electrical conductivities an order of magnitude higher than previous approaches are achieved.
Invariant chain distinguishes between the exogenous and endogenous antigen presentation pathways

Class I MHC molecules acquire peptides from endogenously synthesized proteins, whereas class II antigens present peptides derived from extracellular compartment molecules. This dichotomy is due to the fact that the invariant chain associates with class II molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum, preventing binding of endogenous peptides. The mutually exclusive binding of peptide and invariant chain to class II molecules suggests that the invariant chain might play a part in autoimmune disease.
Knowledge Representations and Knowledge Transfer

Cognitive and learning theories were used to develop a framework in which different knowledge representations prime recipients with different schemata and thereby differentially affect their decisi...
Evolution of Block Copolymer Lithography to Highly Ordered Square Arrays

The manufacture of smaller, faster, more efficient microelectronic components is a major scientific and technological challenge, driven in part by a constant need for smaller lithographically defined features and patterns. Traditional self-assembling approaches based on block copolymer lithography spontaneously yield nanometer-sized hexagonal structures, but these features are not consistent with the industry-standard rectilinear coordinate system. We present a modular and hierarchical self-assembly strategy, combining supramolecular assembly of hydrogen-bonding units with controlled phase separation of diblock copolymers, for the generation of nanoscale square patterns. These square arrays will enable simplified addressability and circuit interconnection in integrated circuit manufacturing and nanotechnology.
Non-Fermi-liquid behavior due to nested Fermi surfaces: renormalization of the electron–phonon coupling and softening of phonons

Abstract The nesting of the Fermi surfaces of an electron pocket and a hole pocket separated by a wave vector Q and the interaction between electrons gives rise to spin- and charge-density waves (SDW and CDW). The order can gradually be suppressed by mismatching the nesting and a quantum critical point (QCP) is obtained as the critical temperature TN→0. The renormalization group (RG) flow leads to a strong coupling fixed point. We study the enhancement of the electron–phonon coupling and the softening of the phonon with wave vector Q. The phonons couple to the charge-density waves giving rise to a Peierls distorted ground state. Close to an antiferromagnetic (AF) instability the results are discussed in the context of non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) behavior observed in several heavy fermion compounds.
RELATION OF RENAL GROWTH TO DIABETIC GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS

Abstract In diabetes mellitus abnormal quanti Summary ties of glycoprotein may be formed in the basement membrane of the glomerulus and both renal function and size may increase. It is suggested that these changes, of quite different potential significance, have a common origin in an increased rate of uridine-triphosphate synthesis resulting from hyper-glycaemia.
The synthesis of polyacrylamide nanoparticles in supercritical carbon dioxide

Polyacrylamide nanoparticles, 50 to 200 nm, were created by inverse emulsion polymerization of acrylamide in supercritical carbon dioxide. The cross-linked polyacrylamide was produced by intermolecular imidization.
Neuronal Activity in the Rabbit Interpositus Nucleus During Classical NM-Conditioning With a Pontine-Nucleus-Stimulation CS

The nictitating membranes of six rabbits were classically conditioned using a pontine-nucleus-stimulation conditioned stimulus with an air-puff unconditioned stimulus and a tone conditioned stimulus with an air-puff unconditioned stimulus. Multiple-unit neuronal activity in the cerebellar interpositus nucleus was monitored during the stimulation and tone training. Significant increases in the number of learned responses as well as increases in conditioning-related neuronal activity in the interpositus were observed during stimulation training. The number of conditioned nictitating-membrane responses and level of learning-related neuronal activity remained high during subsequent tone training. These data show that the cerebellum is activated in a similar manner when pontine stimulation or peripheral tones are used as a conditioned stimulus during classical nictitating-membrane conditioning.
The microtubule-pore gatekeeper.

Cyclostreptin, a natural product, cell toxin and covalent modifier of microtubules, has been shown to bind irreversibly to a previously unidentified site on the outer wall of microtubules. The exterior low-affinity location seems to be a way-station for microtubule-stabilizing agents traveling to the high-affinity site in the microtubule interior.
Immobilization or Recovery of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons from Contaminated Groundwater Using Clathrate Hydrates: A Proof-of-Concept

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the formation of solid clathrate hydrates by certain chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds and water would be amenable to in situ immobilization and ex situ recovery of these contaminants from groundwater. Using help gases to enhance the formation of the solids, the melting points of clathrate hydrates of CCl{sub 4}, 1,1-DCE, PCE, and TCE were measured at 1 atm pressure. CCl{sub 4} hydrates had melting points between 16 and 20 C; 1,1-DCE hydrates had lower melting points of between 11 and 13 C. TCE and PCE hydrates could not be formed unless crystallizing seed material was introduced into the system. Concentrations of CCl{sub 4} and 1,1-DEC in the hydrate phase and the aqueous phase after hydrate formation were determined from experiments in which the chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds existed as a separate dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) or as dissolved species in water. Enrichment factors (C{sup H}/C{sup A}, where C is the concentration of the organic in the hydrate [H] and aqueous [A] phase) were between 200 and 500 for 1,1-DCE and CCl{sub 4}, respectively. These experiments provided a proof-of-concept suggesting that the in situ immobilization or ex situ recovery of some common hydrophobicmore » groundwater contaminants may be possible in a wide range of subsurface environments.« less
Is the range war over

Cet article met en evidence la preference des usagers d'une universite pour la communication par e-mail, utilisant l'ecrit, par rapport au v-mail, utilisant la voix. Cependant, les deux modes de communication sont apprecies et utilises. Les resultats sont indiques par categories de personnel, par genre, âge et niveau de carriere