cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast axonal transport in extruded axoplasm from squid giant axon

Development of video-enhanced contrast-differential interference contrast for light microscopy has permitted study of both orthograde and retrograde fast axonal transport of membranous organelles in the squid giant axon. This process was found to continue normally for hours after the axoplasm was extruded from the giant axon and removed from the confines of the axonal plasma membrane. It is now possible to follow the movements of the full range of membranous organelles (30-nanometer vesicles to 5000-nanometer mitochondria) in a preparation that lacks a plasma membrane or other permeability barrier. This observation demonstrates that the plasma membrane is not required for fast axonal transport and suggests that action potentials are not involved in the regulation of fast transport. Furthermore, the absence of a permeability barrier surrounding the axoplasm makes this an important model for biochemical pharmacological, and physical manipulations of membranous organelle transport.
Few-channel models of nuclear reactions: Three-body model for deuteron elastic scattering and breakup

This paper is concerned with the reduction of the general deuteron-nucleus collision problem to a three-body model describing deuteron elastic scattering and elastic breakup. A formally exact reduction is carried out using an antisymmetrized, multiparticle scattering theory, viz., the Bencze-Redish-Sloan theory in precursor form. All effects of the Pauli principle due to the target nucleons are thus included in the Hamiltonian H/sub 3/ describing the three-body model. Since deuteron elastic scattering and breakup have been treated for quite some time via an empirical, three-body model Hamiltonian H/sub M/, the main purpose of this work has been to establish the relation between H/sub 3/ and H/sub M/. It is shown that, even with inclusion of the Pauli principle, H/sub 3/ has exactly the form conjectured some years ago by Austern and Richards using a distinguishable particle ansatz. That is, H/sub 3/ is a sum of the following terms: the two kinetic energy operators, the neutron-proton interaction V/sub np/ binding the deuteron, the sum of the exact (antisymmetrized) neutron-nucleus and proton-nucleus optical potentials, each evaluated at an ''energy'' shifted by the kinetic energy operator of the other (spectator) nucleon, and a three-body interaction. Contrary to other conjectures, the Pauli principle does notmore » give rise to a term V/sub np/Q (or QV/sub np/), where Q is a Pauli blocking factor, projecting off states occupied in the (exact) target ground state. The deuteron in a deuteron-nucleus collision is thus not like a nucleon pair in the structure problem described by the Bethe-Goldstone theory.« less
Collective Smile: Measuring Societal Happiness from Geolocated Images

The increasing adoption of social media provides unprecedented opportunities to gain insight into human nature at vastly broader scales. Regarding the study of population-wide sentiment, prior research commonly focuses on text-based analyses and ignores a treasure trove of sentiment-laden content: images. In this paper, we make methodological and computational contributions by introducing the Smile Index as a formalized measure of societal happiness. Detecting smiles in 9 million geo-located tweets over 16 months, we validate our Smile Index against both text-based techniques and self-reported happiness. We further make observational contributions by applying our metric to explore temporal trends in sentiment, relate public mood to societal events, and predict economic indicators. Reflecting upon the innate, language-independent aspects of facial expressions, we recommend future improvements and applications to enable robust, global-level analyses. We conclude with implications for researchers studying and facilitating the expression of collective emotion through socio-technical systems.
A Near-Millimeter Wave interferometric radar

Due to the paucity of high-power sources along with strong electromagnetic absorption by water vapor at frequencies between ~100 GHz and ~10 THz, there are very few radar systems operating in the terahertz range of the spectrum. Source technology, however, is improving, thus facilitating radar systems operating in this gap. The Near-Millimeter Wave (NMMW) range typically refers to frequencies from 100 to 1000 GHz, or, wavelengths straddling the transition from millimeter to sub-millimeter (3 mm to 300 μm). At the lower end of this range where components are more readily available and atmospheric attenuation is moderate an interferometric radar system for imaging surfaces up to several hundred meters has been designed and is being built. By scanning a fan beam and receiving at two displaced locations, three dimensional images of the surface topography (in range, azimuth and height) can be generated. This paper describes the design considerations for this radar and the prototype system.
the sexual division of labor in Kofyar agriculture

Previous models of the sexual division of labor in agriculture have suggested that men and women universally have distinctive work routines and differential access to agricultural labor. This article argues that these generalizations will not always hold true and illustrates this point with the particular example of intensive agriculture dependent on manual labor. An analysis of detailed labor data from the Nigerian Kofyar support this contention. [sexual division of labor, agriculture, agricultural intensification, control and access to labor, Nigeria]
A Prospect Dynamic Model of Decision-Making:

In their 1979 article, Kahneman and Tversky introduced the world to the prospect theory of decision-making under risk as a critique of expected utility theory and its emphasis on final assets. Crit...
On the optimal control of systems governed by nonlinear volterra equations

Existence theorems are stated and proved for optimal control problems monitored by a nonlinear Volterra-type integral equation. Growth conditions are taken into consideration which ensure the needed compactness on the set of trajectories and entail the existence of the usual optimal solutions for the given problem. Weak or approximate solutions are taken into consideration in a subsequent paper.
Apolipoprotein A1 in channel catfish: transcriptional analysis, antimicrobial activity, and efficacy as plasmid DNA immunostimulant against Aeromonas hydrophila infection.

The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine transcriptional profiles of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) in collected channel catfish tissues after infection with Aeromonas hydrophila by bath immersion; 2) investigate whether recombinant channel catfish apolipoprotein A1 produced in Escherichia coli expression system possesses any antimicrobial activity against A. hydrophila; 3) evaulate whether recombinant channel catfish apolipoprotein A1 plasmid DNA could be used as immunostimulant to protect fish against A. hydrophila infection. Quantitative PCR revealed that the transcription levels of ApoA1 in infected catfish were significantly (P < 0.05) more induced in the anterior kidney. Recombinant apoA1 produced in E. coli expression system exhibited lytic activity against Gram-positive Micrococcus lysodeikticus and Gram-negative A. hydrophila. When pcDNA3.2-vectored recombinant apoA1 was transfected in channel catfish gill cells G1B, the over-expression of pcDNA-ApoA1 offered significant (P < 0.05) protection to G1B cells against A. hydrophila infection. When channel catfish were intraperitoneally injected with QCDCR adjuvant formulated pcDNA-ApoA1 and challenged with a highly virulent A. hydrophila strain AL-09-71 at two days post injection, pcDNA-ApoA1 injection offered 100% protection to channel catfish. Macrophages of fish injected with pcDNA-ApoA1 produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher amounts of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide than that of fish injected with pcDNA vector alone. Our results suggest that pcDNA-ApoA1 could be used as a novel immunostimulant to offer immediate protection to catfish against A. hydrophila infection.
Dielectric Properties of Cellulose Paper-II

Studies of the dielectric properties of pure cellulose paper as used for high voltage insulation are reported in this paper. The studies reported in Part I, presented herewith, include investigation of the dielectric loss, phase difference, and capacitance of paper insulated specimens as related to the moisture content of the paper. In Part II, which is scheduled for publication in a subsequent issue, these studies are extended to the variations in dielectric properties as related to temperature when the paper is extremely dry.
We're Here, We're Queer—and We're Better Than You: The Representational Superiority of Gay Men to Heterosexuals on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy:

Throughout most of U.S. television history, gay men have been represented, both explicitly and implicitly, as individuals who are always already inferior to heterosexuals. Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, the makeover reality series that features five gay men improving the lives of “schlubby” straight men, reverses that representational trend. This groundbreaking television series consistently offers viewers the most positive representation of gay men on U.S. television that has ever been available to them. It does so not only by defying stereotypical media conventions but also by inverting the power dynamic between gay men and straights and encoding its experts as a band of (gay) superheroes that heterosexuals who want to live truly happy lives simply cannot live without.
Dopamine depletion in the medial prefrontal cortex induces sensitized-like behavioral and neurochemical responses to cocaine

It has been postulated that behavioral sensitization to cocaine is associated with an attenuation of cocaine-induced dopamine (DA) transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Hence, experiments were designed to examine the effects of chemically-induced cortical DA depletion on the acute behavioral and neurochemical responses to cocaine. One week following two bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injections into the mPFC, animals received injections of cocaine (7.5, 15 or 30 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (1 ml/kg, i.p.) in a randomized fashion with a minimum 3 day intertrial interval. Cocaine produced a dose-dependent increase in motor activity which was significantly enhanced in animals depleted (mean of 76%) of dopamine in the mPFC. Likewise, 6-OHDA lesions of the mPFC produced a significant enhancement of cocaine-induced DA transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) as estimated by in vivo microdialysis. These data indicate a permissive involvement of cortical DA in mediating behavioral and neurochemical responses to cocaine, as well as confirm the ability of the mPFC to influence subcortical structures in response to an acute injection of cocaine. Collectively, the present findings suggest that alterations in cortical DA transmission may be a neural substrate mediating the development of sensitization to cocaine, and thus, may contribute to the addictive properties of cocaine.
Historical Perspectives on the Management of Hypertension

As late as the 1950s, elevated blood pressure was considered by many expert physicians to be necessary for the adequate perfusion of vital organs. Although the morbidity and mortality risks of hypertension were known at that time to insurance companies, which often refused life insurance policies to people with high blood pressure, there was a lag in the recognition of the dangers of hypertension in the medical community. Following the pioneering efforts of researchers who began to treat patients with malignant hypertension, the results of clinical trials and population studies, and the availability of effective antihypertensive agents, hypertension management improved rapidly. This review traces the history of hypertension management from the 1940s, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died of a cerebrovascular accident-a result of uncontrolled hypertension-to today, when a large number of patients, even those with less severe hypertension, are being treated successfully, with a resulting dramatic decrease in hypertension-related vascular disease.
On a Differential Equation Occurring in Page's Theory of Electromagnetism.

In a recent article Mr. Leigh Page(1) has generalized the electromagnetic equations by introducing the idea of a rotation of the field round a moving electric pole.
Theory of donor states in GaP: The role of the camel's back☆

Abstract We present a theoretical study of the influence of the camel's back structure on the low lying excited states of the donors in GaP. Based on comparison with the observed spectrum, we conclude that the appropriate values for the parameters describing the camel's back are Δ E = 3.2 meV and k o = 0.083 ( a o 2π ) .
Characterization of CuO supported on tetragonal ZrO2 catalysts for N2O decomposition to N2.

A series of tetragonal zirconia-supported CuO oxide catalysts with various CuO loadings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron spin resonance (ESR), ultraviolet and visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV/vis−DRS), and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) measurements. The results indicate that the dispersion capacity of copper oxide on this support is approximately 8.6 Cu2+ ions/nm2 ZrO2. The state of the resulting supported copper species depends on the CuO loading. At CuO loadings below the dispersion capacity, only highly dispersed copper ion species are present on the surface of t-ZrO2. In particular, isolated Cu ions are the predominant species at low loadings. In contrast, pair Cu ions become the most abundant species at loadings near the dispersion capacity. It has been proposed that these dispersed CuO (isolated and paired Cu ions) have a symmetric 5-fold-oxygen-coordination symmetry (C3v symmetry) and can be described as distorted o...
FORMATION OF SINGLE–CELL PROTEIN FILAMENT WITH HYDROCOLLOIDS

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carrageenan were found to improve the spinnability of single-cell protein (SCP) dope with a slight increase in apparent viscosity as observed in the earlier study. This experiment was designed to further investigate the effect of these hydrocolloids on rheological and filament forming properties at various levels of addition. In addition to continuity and uniformity, stretchability of the filaments was also examined during the tests. Tensile strength of the resultant filaments was measured to facilitate objective evaluation. As a result, CMC was determined to be a more desirable additive than carrageenan for the SCP filament. Furthermore, a mechanism hypothesizing the molecular orientation and rearrangement of SCP to achieve the filament formation by extrusion/spinning was proposed.
Methamphetamine Inhibits HIV-1 Replication in CD4+ T Cells by Modulating Anti–HIV-1 miRNA Expression

Methamphetamine is the second most frequently used illicit drug in the United States. Methamphetamine abuse is associated with increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition, higher viral loads, and enhanced HIV-1 pathogenesis. Although a direct link between methamphetamine abuse and HIV-1 pathogenesis remains to be established in patients, methamphetamine has been shown to increase HIV-1 replication in macrophages, dendritic cells, and cells of HIV transgenic mice. Intriguingly, the effects of methamphetamine on HIV-1 replication in human CD4+ T cells that serve as the primary targets of infection in vivo are not clearly understood. Therefore, we examined HIV-1 replication in primary CD4+ T cells in the presence of methamphetamine in a dose-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that methamphetamine had a minimal effect on HIV-1 replication at concentrations of 1 to 50 μmol/L. However, at concentrations >100 μmol/L, it inhibited HIV-1 replication in a dose-dependent manner. We also discovered that methamphetamine up-regulated the cellular anti–HIV-1 microRNAs (miR-125b, miR-150, and miR-28-5p) in CD4+ T cells. Knockdown experiments illustrated that up-regulation of the anti-HIV miRNAs inhibited HIV-1 replication. These results are contrary to the paradigm that methamphetamine accentuates HIV-1 pathogenesis by increasing HIV-1 replication. Therefore, our findings underline the complex interaction between drug use and HIV-1 and necessitate comprehensive understanding of the effects of methamphetamine on HIV-1 pathogenesis.
Predicting the timing of carter's decision to initiate a hostage rescue attempt: Modeling a dynamic information environment

To illustrate how a bounded rationality, indicator‐based, model designed to examine decision making in war applies to domestic political decisions, I analyze the timing of President Jimmy Carter's April 1980 decision to launch the Iranian hostage rescue. I argue that we can capture the primary domestic political forces that triggered this foreign policy shift by analyzing the rate of change of critical indicators monitored by a key group of presidential advisors. This analysis allows us to construct a powerful, ex ante, model of decision making that accurately predicts the timing of Carter's decision to launch the hostage rescue. The proposed model is a more effective explanation of Carter's decision than other general explanations, and can be applied to other decision making situations.
Collagen-bound glycoprotein of Guerin epithelioma

Summary The polymeric collagen of Guerin epithelioma is strongly bound to a large amount of noncollagenous substance. Almost full dissociation of this complex was achieved by heating in 7 Murea, at 100 °C for 4 hours. The collagen bound substance was identified as an acidic glycoprotein containing glucose, galactose, glucosamine, galactosamine and M-acetylneuraminic acid. Heterogeneity of this substance in regard to molecular weight was found.
Reflex control of regional circulations in humans

This study of autonomic control of the peripheral vascular system deals with reflex control of regional circulations, vasoconstriction in the upright posture, disturbances in the normal regulation caused by dysautonomia and spinal cord transection, regional vasomotor responses to thermal stress, and the overall sympathetic nerve activity in humans under stress. Data presented describe local and overall reactions that occur in normal and abnormal states. In varieties of stresses, humans adjust by increasing sympathetic nerve outflow in a highly predictable fashion. However, powerful local or humoral influences, such as those generated by hypoxia, hemorrhage, etc., are pitted against neurogenic vasoconstriction so that prediction of responses is very difficult.
A computationally efficient approach to microwave circuit modeling of complex high temperature superconductor circuits

A computationally efficient approach to modeling complex high temperature superconductor (HTS) microwave circuits is described which combines two-dimensional electromagnetic solutions of microwave transmission lines, incorporating a phenomenological description of HTS behavior, with conventional commercially available microwave-circuit computer-aided-design software. Internal inductance effects are known to have a substantial impact on the design and implementation of narrowband HTS circuits. Phase velocities and characteristic impedances can be well modeled using a phenomenological description of HTS superconductivity along with a generalized approximate boundary condition and a two dimensional electro-magnetic solution to the waveguiding structure. Resultant parameterized design equations can then be incorporated into standard commercially available microwave-circuit computer-aided-design software. The test case examined in detail was the superconducting channelized receiver delivered by the Naval Research Laboratory to Phase II of the High Temperature Superconducting Space Experiment. Excellent agreement was obtained between measurements made on the demultiplexer and this HTS microwave circuit modeling approach.
Comparison of suppressor cells obtained from tumor-allosensitized adult and untreated neonatal mice.

Abstract Splenic suppressor cells from neonatal (“intrinsic”) and adult (tumor-allosensitized) mice were compared. Both are non-antigen specific and non-H-2 restricted, and are Ly 1+2+ , I-J + , Qa 2+ T-cells. Injection of adult peritoneal exudate cells into neonates or adult tumor-allosensitized mice decreases suppressor cell activity, suggesting that macrophages may control the activity of both types of suppressor cells. Injection of neonatal or tumor-allosensitized adult spleen into neonatal mice prolongs suppressor cell activity in neonates. Skin allografts survive longer in tumor-allosensitized mice or recipients of tumor-allosensitized spleen cells. We have been unable to prolong skin allograft survival with neonatal spleen cells. This may be due to the inability of neonatal spleen cells to survive and proliferate in an “adult” environment, and not to a basic difference between neonatal and adult suppressor cells. The results indicate that the phenotype and several functional properties are similar. This could suggest that the “intrinsic” neonatal and allogeneic tumor-induced adult suppressor cells are derived from the same cell lineage.
Conventional Missions for China's Second Artillery Corps

China's traditionally nuclear missile force has added a conventional force component with an inventory of over 1,000 short-range ballistic missiles and an emerging class of theater ballistic and ground-launched cruise missiles. This growing conventional missile force provides Beijing an operational-tactical and strategic capability in theater without the political and practical constraints associated with nuclear-armed missiles. China's emerging inventory of conventional antiship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) affords its military an extra employment option enhancing its layered defense posture against potential offshore threats beyond Taiwan. The military's conventional missiles, operational doctrine, and threat perceptions create conditions for China's escalation to conventional missile attacks against U.S. or allied forces and bases in Asia, including ASBM strikes against U.S. Navy aircraft carriers in any hypothetical China–Taiwan conflict. China's senior leaders would be more likely to authorize such str...
The behaviour of metal oxides injected into an argon induction plasma

Abstract The behaviour of Al2O3, CuO, NiO and TiO2 injected along the axis of an argon thermal plasma, generated at 1 atm by induction heating at 4MHz, has been studied by determining the extent of decomposition as a function of the distance travelled within the plasma by particles of different sizes and for different power inputs to the gas. The amount of heat received by the particles can thus be calculated as a function of the distance. The results have been examined on the assumption that the rate-determining step of the decomposition process is the transfer of heat across the boundary layer surrounding the particles. The coefficients of heat transfer in the presence of mass counterflow have been evaluated from the transport properties of argon and from the thermodynamic data of the decomposition process. The equation of motion of the particles has been determined by assuming the validity of Stoke's law. It is concluded that the experimental results can be satisfactorily discussed on the assumption of reaction control by heat transfer.
Eulerian—Lagrangian relationships in monte carlo simulations of turbulent diffusion

Abstract A Monte Carlo technique for simulating turbulent diffusion is developed based on the Eulerian space-time velocity autocorrelation function. This method is an improvement over the usual Lagrangian approach since the Eulerian statistical properties of the turbulence are more easily measured. The analysis leads to some simple analytic relations between Eulerian and Lagrangian integral scales.
Upper eyelid retraction: treatment by levator marginal myotomy

Upper eyelid retraction may be caused by a number of disorders, the most common of which is Graves' disease. Levator marginal myotomy is an operation which can quantitatively lower upper eyelids in many patients. This operation has been successfully used to treat patients with a variety of conditions, including Graves' disease, congenital levator contraction, ptosis surgery overcorrection, and loss of eyelid tissue due to tumor resection. The technique of this operation and the management of some of its complications are discussed. The clinical features of seven patients treated by levator marginal myotomy are described.
THE HOST RESPONSE TO CALMETTE-GUÉRIN BACILLUS INFECTION IN MICE

Heterologous organisms (L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium) were used to study the rate of development, magnitude, and persistence of the antimicrobial resistance engendered in mice by vaccination with BCG. These same methods were used to investigate the influence of prior vaccination on the host response to reinfection. The rate of onset and magnitude of the resistance produced by BCG varied with the vaccinating dose. Increased resistance was detected within 48 hr of injecting large numbers of BCG (approximately 10(8) viable units), but concurrent treatment with isoniazid interrupted its further development. An equal number of heat-killed organisms failed to influence host resistance significantly. The development of tuberculin sensitivity was also dependent upon the continued survival of the immunizing population of BCG. When vaccinated mice were reinfected with BCG, host resistance in spleen and liver was rapidly augmented to the accompaniment of striking changes in the morphology and microbicidal activity of the peritoneal macrophages. These changes occurred most rapidly in mice with a high level of delayed hypersensitivity at the time of reinfection.
LOCF approach to handling missing data overestimates the pain score improvement of drop-outs.

To the Editor: The results of Shaibani et al’s 2 clinical trial comparing lacosamide to placebo in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are potentially misleading as presented. The authors defined the primary endpoint as the ‘‘within-patient change in the mean daily pain score from baseline to the mean value over the last 4 weeks’’ of the maintenance period. In order to perform an intention-to-treat analysis incorporating all patients who took study medication, some method of incorporating patients with missing data must be used. The authors of this study used a last-observation-carried-forward (LOCF) method of handling missing data. This approach, which has been previously employed in chronic neuropathic-pain clinical trials 1 and was also used in the other published phase III clinical trial of lacosamide in painful DPN, 4 overestimates treatment benefit because the pain scores of patients unable to tolerate the treatment are carried forward to the endpoint. In a chronic-pain clinical trial studying an analgesic that is not known to modify the underlying disease, pain scores would be projected to return to baseline levels in patients who stop taking the analgesic; for this reason, a baseline
Environmental tobacco smoke and Parkinson's disease†‡§

Background: Parkinson's disease is inversely associated with cigarette smoking, but its relation with passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke exposure is rarely examined. Methods: Within a case–control study, we assessed the association between Parkinson's disease and living or working with active smokers. Cases were newly diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (n = 154) from western Washington State in 2002–2008. Age- and sex-matched controls (n = 173) were neurologically normal and unrelated to cases. Results: Compared with never active or passive tobacco smokers, we observed reduced Parkinson's disease risks for ever passive only smokers (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16–0.73), similar to those for ever active smokers (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17–0.73). Among persons whose only tobacco smoke exposure was passive smoking at home, risk was inversely associated with years exposed. Conclusions: These observations parallel those well established for active smoking. However, it remains unresolved whether a true protective effect of tobacco smoke, generally detrimental to health, underlies these associations. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Modulation of Immunity against Herpes Simplex Virus Infection via Mucosal Genetic Transfer of Plasmid DNA Encoding Chemokines

ABSTRACT In this study, we examined the effects of murine chemokine DNA, as genetic adjuvants given mucosally, on the systemic and distal mucosal immune responses to plasmid DNA encoding gB of herpes simplex virus (HSV) by using the mouse model. The CC chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1β) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) biased the immunity to the Th2-type pattern as judged by the ratio of immunoglobulin isotypes and interleukin-4 cytokine levels produced by CD4+ T cells. The CXC chemokine MIP-2 and the CC chemokine MIP-1α, however, mounted immune responses of the Th1-type pattern, and such a response rendered recipients more resistant to HSV vaginal infection. In addition, MIP-1α appeared to act via the upregulation of antigen-presenting cell (APC) function and the expression of costimulatory molecules (B7-1 and B7-2), whereas MIP-2 enhanced Th1-type CD4+ T-cell-mediated adaptive immunity by increasing gamma interferon secretion from activated NK cells. Our results emphasize the value of using the mucosal route to administer DNA modulators such as chemokines that function as adjuvants by regulating the activity of innate immunity. Our findings provide new insight into the value of CXC and CC chemokines, which act on different innate cellular components as the linkage signals between innate and adaptive immunity in mucosal DNA vaccination.
Identification of the Hfq-binding site on DsrA RNA: Hfq binds without altering DsrA secondary structure

DsrA RNA regulates the translation of two global regulatory proteins in Escherichia coli. DsrA activates the translation of RpoS while repressing the translation of H-NS. The RNA-binding protein Hfq is necessary for DsrA to function in vivo. Although Hfq binds to DsrA in vitro, the role of Hfq in DsrA-mediated regulation is not known. One hypothesis was that Hfq acts as an RNA chaperone by unfolding DsrA, thereby facilitating interactions with target RNAs. To test this hypothesis, we have examined the structure of DsrA bound to Hfq in vitro. Comparison of free DsrA to DsrA bound to Hfq by RNase footprinting, circular dichroism, and thermal melt profiles shows that Hfq does not alter DsrA secondary structures, but might affect its tertiary conformation. We identify the site on DsrA where Hfq binds, which is a structural element in the middle of DsrA. In addition, we show that although long poly(U) RNAs compete with DsrA for binding to Hfq, a short poly(U) stretch present in DsrA is not necessary for Hfq binding. Finally, unlike other RNAs, DsrA binding to Hfq is not competed with by poly(A) RNA. In fact, DsrA:poly(A):Hfq may form a stable ternary complex, raising the possibility that Hfq has multiple RNA-binding sites.
Some metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands reduce kynurenate synthesis in rats by intracellular inhibition of kynurenine aminotransferase II.

Abstract: Some metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) ligands, such as quisqualate, L-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4), 4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine (4C3HPG), and L-serine-O-phosphate (L-SOP), reduced the formation of the endogenous excitatory amino acid receptor antagonist kynurenate in brain and liver slices. The use of novel, subtype-selective mGluR agonists and antagonists excluded a role for any known mGluR subtype in this effect. The reduction of kynurenate formation was no longer observed when slices were incubated with the active mGluR ligands in the absence of extracellular Na+. trans-Pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (trans-PDC), a broad-spectrum ligand of Na+-dependent glutamate transporters, was also able to reduce kynurenate formation. Quisqualate, 4C3HPG, L-AP4, and L-SOP did not further reduce kynurenate formation in the presence of trans-PDC, suggesting that the two classes of drugs may share the same mechanism of action. Hence, we hypothesized that the active mGluR ligands are transported inside the cell and act intracellularly to reduce kynurenate synthesis. We examined this possibility by assessing the direct effect of mGluR ligands on the activity of kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs) I and II, the enzymes that transaminate kynurenine to kynurenate. In brain tissue homogenates, KAT II (but not KAT I) activity was inhibited by quisqualate, 4C3HPG, L-AP4, L-SOP, and trans-PDC. Drugs that were unable to reduce kynurenate formation in tissue slices were inactive. We conclude that some mGluR ligands act intracellularly, inhibiting KAT II activity and therefore reducing kynurenate formation. This effect should be taken into consideration when novel mGluR ligands are developed for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Either Alfalfa Silage or Alfalfa Hay as the Sole Forage

Alfalfa was harvested from alternate windrows as 40% DM silage or hay in small rectangular bales and fed in two 12-wk 4 x 4 Latin square trials, each with 20 multiparous lactating cows (4 with ruminal cannulas). Diets contained (DM basis) 69 (trial 1) or 66% (trial 2) alfalfa, 26 to 33% high moisture corn, 1.3% minerals and vitamins, and about 1.6 Mcal of NEL/kg of DM. In trial 1, second-cutting silage (21.2% CP) and hay (19.7% CP) containing 35% NDF were fed in diets: 1) silage (17.3% CP), 2) hay (16.3% CP), 3) silage with 3% fish meal (19.1% CP), and 4) hay with 3% fish meal (18.1% CP). Cows had lower DMI and lost BW on diet 1. Yields of milk and milk components were similar on diets 1 and 2 and greater on diet 3 than on the other three diets, except that fat yield was greater on diets 1 and 3 than on diets 2 and 4. In trial 2, first-cutting silage and hay containing 19.9 and 16.5% CP and 40 and 41% NDF were fed in diets: 1) silage (16.8% CP), 2) hay (14.6% CP), 3) silage with 3% fish meal (18.2% CP), and 4) hay with 3% fish meal (16.0% CP). Cows had lower DMI and lost BW on diets 1 and 3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Built-in test generation for synchronous sequential circuits

We consider the problem of built-in test generation for synchronous sequential circuits. The proposed scheme leaves the circuit flip-flops unmodified, and thus allows at-speed test application. We introduce a uniform, parametrized structure for test pattern generation. By matching the parameters of the test pattern generator to the circuit-under-test, high fault coverage is achieved. In many cases, the fault coverage is equal to the fault coverage that can be achieved by deterministic test sequences. We also investigate a method to minimize the size of the test pattern generator, and study its effectiveness alone and in conjunction with the insertion of test-points.
Fault analysis of in-core detectors in a PWR using time-series models

Instrument fault detection and estimation is important for process surveillance, control, and safety functions of a nuclear power plant. In this study, a method incorporating the dual-hypotheses decision procedure and system characterization using time-domain models of process variables representing a subsystem is presented. The multivariate time-series models can be developed on-line, and can be adapted to changing system conditions. The method can be made more effective by considering specific subsystems of a pressurized water reactor (PWR), and by signal selection such that a strong cause and effect relationship exists among the measured variables. The technique is applied to the reactor core subsystem of the Loss of Fluid Test (LOFT) reactor using in-core neutron detectors and core-exit thermocouples. Thermocouple anomalies such as bias error, excess noise, changes in response characteristics are detected and estimated using appropriate measurement models.
An Investigation Of The Comparative Accuracy And Bias Of Equity Securities Analysts East And West European Firms Earnings Forecasts

This research investigates the comparative accuracy and bias of West European and East European firms equity securities analysts earnings forecasts for 29 European countries 12 of which are characterized as being East European. We utilize measures of equity securities analysts earnings forecast accuracy and bias in making comparisons of the statistical properties of earnings forecasts for firms having domiciles in East European and West European countries. Our results indicate that securities analysts earnings forecasts for companies domiciled with East European countries display larger forecast error and greater degree of optimistic forecast bias. Our results persist after controlling for cross-listing of ADRs on US securities exchanges. We generalize our results using the growing literature on the ever-changing characteristics of the Russian people, Russian business professionals and the rapidly evolving Russian stock market and the transitional Russian political economy.
Influence of Slurry Parameters on the Characteristics of Spray‐Dried Granules

A systematic study has been performed to determine how the characteristics of granules prepared by spray drying aqueous alumina slurries are influenced by processing parameters: binder type (PEG Compound 20M or PEG-8000), solids loading (30 or 40 vol%), ammonium polyacrylate deflocculant level (0.35-1.00 wt%), and spray-dryer type. Correlations between slurry rheology and granule characteristics have been made, and a model for granule formation is presented. The packing density of the primary particles within the granules is lower for slurries with higher yield stress and is dependent on the slurry solids loading. Granules prepared using 0.35 wt% deflocculant (0.14 mg/m2), which correspond to high slurry yield stress, are of solid morphology, whereas higher deflocculant levels result in hollow granules that contain a single large open pore or crater. The degree to which particles are able to rearrange during drying influences the final granule density and is determined by the strength of the floc structure, as indicated by the slurry yield stress. When the yield stress is low, a crater may form from the inward collapse of the surface of a forming granule when the particle packing density in a droplet continues to increase after the droplet size becomes fixed by the formation of a rigid shell, leaving an internal void with internal pressure lower than that of the surrounding atmosphere.
PARALANGUAGE IN COMPUTER MEDIATED COMMUNICATION

This paper reports on some of the components of person to person communication mediated by computer conferenceing systems. Transcripts from two systems were analysed: the Electronic Information and Exchange System (EIES), based at the New Jersey Institute of Technology; and Planet, based at Infomedia Inc. in Palo Alto, California. The research focused upon the ways in which expressive communication is encoded by users of the medium
The use (and misuse) of sediment traps in coral reef environments: theory, observations, and suggested protocols

Sediment traps are commonly used as standard tools for monitoring ''sedimentation'' in coral reef envi- ronments. In much of the literature where sediment traps were used to measure the effects of ''sedimentation'' on corals, it is clear from deployment descriptions and inter- pretations of the resulting data that information derived from sediment traps has frequently been misinterpreted or misapplied. Despite their widespread use in this setting, sediment traps do not provide quantitative information about ''sedimentation'' on coral surfaces. Traps can pro- vide useful information about the relative magnitude of sediment dynamics if trap deployment standards are used. This conclusion is based first on a brief review of the state of knowledge of sediment trap dynamics, which has pri- marily focused on traps deployed high above the seabed in relatively deep water, followed by our understanding of near-bed sediment dynamics in shallow-water environ- ments that characterize coral reefs. This overview is fol- lowed by the first synthesis of near-bed sediment trap data collected with concurrent hydrodynamic information in coral reef environments. This collective information is utilized to develop nine protocols for using sediment traps in coral reef environments, which focus on trap parameters that researchers can control such as trap height (H), trap mouth diameter (D), the height of the trap mouth above the substrate (zo), and the spacing between traps. The hydro- dynamic behavior of sediment traps and the limitations of data derived from these traps should be forefront when interpreting sediment trap data to infer sediment transport processes in coral reef environments.
Using external magnetic field inhomogeneities to guide microwaves in plasma waveguides

Summary form only given, as follows. A new idea for the guiding of electromagnetic radiation by a plasma is presented. The scheme uses the magnetic field dependence of the index of refraction of in a magnetized plasma. An external DC axial magnetic field that varies with transverse position induces a transverse variation of the index of refraction of an electromagnetic wave propagation in the axial direction. The concept is similar to laser guiding in a density channel, but differs in that the plasma is now homogeneous and gradients are obtained by variation of the external fields. Using standard theoretical techniques employed in laser-plasma interactions, an equation for the evolution of the transverse size of the wave can be obtained. The equation relates the gradient in the magnetic field with the size of the guided electromagnetic wave. Two-dimensional XOOPIC simulations compared with theory. A further extension of the concept envisions using the cyclotron resonance in the dispersion relation to generate a highly localized steep gradient in the index of refraction. The resonance region acts as barrier to the wave in this magnetic waveguide. The theory is tested in a XOOPIC run using a planar magnetic wiggler field. The field model has transverse and axial fields, satisfying Maxwell's Equations, with exponential increases transversely and sinusoidal variation in the axial direction. Simulations clear demonstrate the validity of the concept.
Configurable and scalable high throughput turbo decoder architecture for multiple 4G wireless standards

In this paper, we propose a novel multi-code turbo decoder architecture for 4G wireless systems. To support various 4G standards, a configurable multi-mode MAP (maximum a posteriori) decoder is designed for both binary and duo-binary turbo codes with small resource overhead (less than 10%) compared to the single-mode architecture. To achieve high data rates in 4G, we present a parallel turbo decoder architecture with scalable parallelism tailored to the given throughput requirements. High-level parallelism is achieved by employing contention-free interleavers. Multi-banked memory structure and routing network among memories and MAP decoders are designed to operate at full speed with parallel interleavers. We designed a very low-complexity recursive on-line address generator supporting multiple interleaving patterns, which avoids the interleaver address memory. Design trade-offs in terms of area and power efficiency are explored to find the optimal architectures. A 711 Mbps data rate is feasible with 32 Radix-4 MAP decoders running at 200 MHz clock rate.
Dirichlet energy for analysis and synthesis of soft maps

Soft maps taking points on one surface to probability distributions on another are attractive for representing surface mappings in the presence of symmetry, ambiguity, and combinatorial complexity. Few techniques, however, are available to measure their continuity and other properties. To this end, we introduce a novel Dirichlet energy for soft maps generalizing the classical map Dirichlet energy, which measures distortion by computing how soft maps transport probabilistic mass from one distribution to another. We formulate the computation of the Dirichlet energy in terms of a differential equation and provide a finite elements discretization that enables all of the quantities introduced to be computed. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework for understanding soft maps arising from various sources. Furthermore, we suggest how these energies can be applied to generate continuous soft or point-to-point maps.
New distributed algorithm for connected dominating set in wireless ad hoc networks

Connected dominating set (CDs) has been proposed as virtual backbone or spine of wireless ad hoc networks. Three distributed approximation algorithms have been proposed in the literature for minimum CDS. We first reinvestigate their performances. None of these algorithms have constant approximation factors. Thus these algorithms can not guarantee to generate a CDs of small size. Their message complexities can be as high as O(n/sup 2/), and their time complexities may also be as large as O(n/sup 2/) and O(n/sup 3/). We then present our own distributed algorithm that outperforms the existing algorithms. This algorithm has an approximation factor of at most 8, O(n) time complexity and O(n log n) message complexity. By establishing the /spl Omega/(n log n) lower bound on the message complexity of any distributed algorithm for nontrivial CDs, our algorithm is thus message-optimal.
Impact of Carbapenem Resistance and Receipt of Active Antimicrobial Therapy on Clinical Outcomes of Acinetobacter baumannii Bloodstream Infections

Nosocomial Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infections occur with significant prevalence and mortality. The relationship between carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii and patient outcomes remains unclear. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with A. baumannii bacteremia. Outcomes, controlling for confounders, were compared for carbapenem-nonresistant A. baumannii (CNRAB) and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB). The primary outcome studied was all-cause hospital mortality, and the secondary endpoints evaluated were time to mortality, time to negative cultures, and length of stay postinfection for survivors. A total of 79 patients, 37 infected with CRAB and 42 with CNRAB, were studied. Hospital mortality was greater in the CRAB group as determined based on bivariate analysis (P < 0.01); however, this effect was nullified when controlling for relevant confounders with logistic regression and a Cox proportional-hazards model (P = 0.71 and 0.75, respectively). Values for time to mortality and time to negative cultures did not differ between the groups. The median number of days of stay postinfection for survivors was greater for the CRAB group than the CNRAB group (14 versus 6.5; P < 0.01). Patients who received active antimicrobial therapy were less likely to die (93.5% versus 74.2%; P = 0.02), regardless of carbapenem susceptibility classifications, and this result was robust in the multivariate model (P = 0.02). Trends existed for improved outcomes in patients receiving an active beta-lactam, and patients fared worse if they had received a polymyxin as an active agent. Patients with CRAB bloodstream infections were more chronically ill and had more comorbidities. Inactive therapy was more important than carbapenem susceptibility with respect to outcomes, was a strong predictor of death, and is potentially modifiable.