cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of Passivity Motivated Controller Design for a Nonlinear Flexible Pointing System

This paper presents a passivity based approach to the stabilization of a flexible beam and its application to a testbed at the Picatinny Arsenal. The basic control design consists of tuning an inner passive loop for the rigidbody response, synthesizing a passive output based on an observer and all the available outputs, and finally filtering the synthesized passive output by an optimal passive filter before closing the loop. Previous simulation and experimental experience in the C La MS Laboratory at Rensselaer has shown the efficacy of this approach. Preliminary simulation results based on the Picatinny model are encouraging. Experimental validation on the physical testbed is currently planned.
Emergency Medical Service Systems that Improve Patient Survivability

The goal of emergency medical service (EMS) systems is to save lives. Although EMS systems traditionally deploy their units at fixed locations (i.e., “stations”), this is not necessarily the optimal way to respond when resources are limited. This article summarizes the key issues in defining performance measures, utilizing scarce emergency medical resources, and assessing EMS performance when applying operations research methodologies to EMS systems and explicitly focusing on patient outcomes. This article overviews standards currently used by many EMS systems and proposes several performance measures to use in operations research models for EMS systems. Several areas within EMS system design that could benefit from the application of operations research methodologies are described. Keywords: EMS systems; computer-aided dispatching systems; survivability model; response time threshold; advanced life support
Transient behavior of Hg 1-x Cd x Te film growth on (111)B CdTe substrates by chemical vapor transport

As part of a systematic investigation of the effects of substrate surfaces on epitaxial growth, the transient behavior of Hg1−xCdxTe film growth on (111)B CdTe by chemical vapor transport (CVT) has been studied as a function of growth time under vertical stabilizing (hot end on top) and vertical destabilizing (hot end at bottom) ampoule orientations. The experim ental results show the morphological transition of the Hg1−xCdxTe deposition on (111)B CdTe at 545°C from three-dimensional islands to layers within about 0.5 and 0.75 h for the growth under vertical stabilizing and destabilizing conditions, respectively. The combined effects of small convective flow disturbances on the growth morphology and defect formation are measurable. The overall trends of the time dependent growth rates and compositions of the Hg1−xCdxTe epitaxial layers under stabilizing and destabilizing conditions are similar. The system atically higher growth rates of the Hg1−xCdxTe films by about 10% under vertical destabilizing conditions could be influenced by a small convective contribution to the mass transport. The combined results show that improved Hg1−xCdxTe epitaxial layers of low twin density on (111)B CdTe substrates can be obtained by CVT under vertical stabilizing conditions.
Name Recognition and Candidate Support

The mass media devote a great deal of attention to high-profile elections, but in American political life such elections are the exception, not the rule. The majority of electoral contests feature candidates who are relative unknowns. In such situations, does name recognition breed contempt, indifference, or affection? Existing work presents modest theory and mixed evidence. Using three laboratory experiments, we provide conclusive evidence that name recognition can affect candidate support, and we offer strong evidence that a key mechanism underlying this relationship is inferences about candidate viability. We further show that the name-recognition effect dissipates in the face of a more germane cue, incumbency. We conclude with a field study that demonstrates the robustness of the name-recognition effect to a real-world political context, that of yard signs and a county election.
Unilateral Giant Bullous Emphysema With Placental Transmogrification of the Lung

Abstract A case of severe unilateral bullous emphysema in an otherwise healthy young man is presented to highlight a rare histologic variant termed "placental transmogrification of the lung." The etiology is unknown, but operation has been curative in the small number of cases reported.
The Stability of Market Shares in Liner Shipping

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) of 1998 significantly shifted the industrial structure of liner shipping markets from one that was dominated by price-fixing liner shipping conferences to one that is dominated by non-binding discussion agreements, global alliances, and long-term confidential contracting. The objective of this paper is to determine the extent to which the abandonment of the liner conference system on U.S. trade lanes affected the market share stability of individual steamship lines. The approach is to estimate a model of market share variation in U.S. liner shipping markets and compare the results under the two separate regulatory regimes.
There are more strategy-proof procedures than you think

Abstract With as few as eight individuals and five alternatives, there are 561, 304, 372, 286, 875, 579, 077, 983 strategy-proof social choice rules.
Regulation of ghrelin structure and membrane binding by phosphorylation

Abstract The peptide hormone ghrelin requires Ser-3 acylation for receptor binding, orexigenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Functions of desacylghrelin are less well understood. In vitro kinase assays reveal that the evolutionarily conserved Ser-18 in the basic C-terminus is an excellent substrate for protein kinase C. Circular dichroism reveals that desacylghrelin is ∼12% helical in aqueous solution and ∼50% helical in trifluoroethanol. Ser-18-phosphorylation, Ser-18-Ala substitution, or Ser-3-acylation reduces the helical character in trifluoroethanol to ∼24%. Both ghrelin and desacylghrelin bind to phosphatidylcholine:phosphatidylserine sucrose-loaded vesicles in a phosphatidylserine-dependent manner. Phosphoghrelin and phosphodesacylghrelin show greatly diminished phosphatidylserine-dependent binding. These results are consistent with binding of ghrelin and desacylghrelin to acidic lipids via the basic face of an amphipathic helix with Ser-18 phosphorylation disrupting both helical character and membrane binding.
Management situations and the engineering mindset

Abstract This paper uses the method of assumptional analysis to understand the behavior patterns and the problem-solving strategies employed by the engineer/scientist. It is shown that the engineering mindset, although useful for the solution of the problem situations that generally arise in the engineering fields, has serious inadequacies, and is often counterproductive, in handling ill-structured management problems; hence, the often reported, less-than-adequate performance of engineers in management situations. This article moves from the analysis of engineering-problem situations to the basic assumptions underlying the engineer's world picture and thence to the engineer's strategies for problem solution. Comparisons with the nature of management situations, the manager's world picture, and his problem-handling activities are made. The analysis is, in the main part, paradigmatic. It is pointed out that the basic feature of all ill-structured problems is that they network across many and diverse knowledge bases. Further, this article argues that a new and different world view needs to be introduced into the training of future generations of engineers, for with the increased networking of society, not just management but also technological problem situations will move more and more towards the ill-structured end of the spectrum.
Oxygen adaptation. The role of the CcoQ subunit of the cbb3 cytochrome c oxidase of Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1.

Abstract The cbb 3 cytochromec oxidase of Rhodobacter sphaeroides consists of four nonidentical subunits. Three subunits (CcoN, CcoO, and CcoP) comprise the catalytic “core” complex required for the reduction of O2 and the oxidation of a c-type cytochrome. On the other hand, the functional role of subunit IV (CcoQ) of the cbb 3 oxidase was not obvious, although we previously suggested that it is involved in the signal transduction pathway controlling photosynthesis gene expression (Oh, J. I., and Kaplan, S. (1999) Biochemistry 38, 2688–2696). Here we go on to demonstrate that subunit IV protects the core complex, in the presence of O2, from proteolytic degradation by a serine metalloprotease. In the absence of CcoQ, we suggest that the presence of O2 leads to the loss of heme from the core complex, which destabilizes the cbb 3 oxidase into a “degradable” form, perhaps by altering its conformation. Under aerobic conditions the absence of CcoQ appears to affect the CcoP subunit most severely. It was further demonstrated, using a series of COOH-terminal deletion derivatives of CcoQ, that the minimum length of CcoQ required for stabilization of the core complex under aerobic conditions is the amino-terminal ∼48–50 amino acids.
Experimental Evidence of a Gaussian Roughness at Si ( 111 ) / SiO 2 Interfaces

With a plan-view transmission electron microscope technique to unambiguously image the {open_quotes}physical{close_quotes} interface position between Si and furnace grown SiO{sub 2} layers, we first show experimental evidence that the height-height autocorrelation function is a Gaussian function at Si(111)/SiO{sub 2} interfaces. With a simple kinetic model, we have found that this Gaussian autocorrelation function is a natural consequence of step motion during silicon oxidation. This result puts interfacial roughness measurements on a firmer foundation in the future. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society }
The relationship of state-trait anxiety and task difficulty to learning from written discourse

Concepts of anxiety derived from drive theory suggest that Ss who are high in A-Trait respond with high levels of A-State to difficult tasks and have a higher probability of error. Thirty-six undergraduate Ss were divided into high and low A-Trait groups based on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores and were randomly assigned a difficult or easy prose passage. Difficulty was manipulated through cloze procedures. Ss were given a 36-item retention test immediately after learning and 2 weeks later. Difficulty level was found to affect recall on immediate retention, but not on long-term recall. High A-Trait Ss did not demonstrate higher levels of A-State than low A-Trait Ss on immediate recall, but did so on long-term retention. Results were discussed in terms of Ss’ habituating to threatening stimuli associated with the task and methodological differences in determining difficulty between the present study and previous research.
Modeling and Simulation Of A Protein Tertiary Complex: Study of the Interaction Interface and Conformational Dynamics of Dark State Rhodopsin in complex with Transducin

We report the first all-atom Molecular Dynamics simulation of a transmembrane protein tertiary complex composed of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) rhodopsin and its G-protein intracellular counterpart transducin in a mixed DOPC membrane/water environment. Based on the analysis of our μsec-timescale simulation trajectory starting from a docked conformation of the complex, we characterize the dynamics present in the dark-adapted state and their influence in the properties and stability of the interaction interface between the protein subunits. Our results demonstrate the large-amplitude collective motions that span across the different protein subunits and indicate the broad range of dynamics present in the dark state that prelude the allosteric changes which take place during the activation of the complex. We suggest that the intracellular domains and cytosolic extensions of the transmembrane α-helices in rhodopsin participate in correlated motions that influence their interaction with key structural elements of transducin, such as the N- and C-terminal α-helices. Despite the very transient nature of the interaction interface, persistent interdomain interactions involving hydrophobic clusters and charged groups are crucial in the stability of the complex. We propose the general structural features of the interaction interface and relate our results with atomic site distance measurements from electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments. Our results further suggest novel mutagenesis experiments that can be used to investigate the stability and correlated dynamics of this model receptor system. This work is funded by the NSF, IBM and RPI.
Conformational stability from Raman spectra, r0 structural parameters, and vibrational assignment of methylcyclohexane

The Raman spectra (3500–50 cm−1) of the liquid and solid methylcyclohexane and the infrared spectra of the gas and solid methylcyclohexane have been recorded. The Raman band at 754 cm−1 in the liquid has been confidently assigned to the less stable axial conformer and its intensity was recorded as a function of temperature from 25 to −95 °C. By the utilization of 15 different temperatures, the enthalpy difference between the more stable chair-equatorial conformer and the chair-axial form was determined to be 712 ± 71 cm−1 (8.50 ± 0.84 kJ/mol). The ab initio predicted value of 710 cm−1 (8.50 kJ/mol) from the MP2(full)/6-311G(2d,2p) calculations with and without diffuse functions is in excellent agreement. The harmonic force fields, infrared intensities, Raman activities, depolarization ratios, and vibrational wavenumbers have been obtained for both conformers from MP2(full)/6-31G(d) ab initio calculations. With two scaling factors of 0.88 for the C-H stretches and 0.9 for the remaining ones, the fundamental wavenumbers have been predicted and along with the depolarization values and infrared band contours (B-type for A″ modes) a complete vibrational assignment has been made for the chair-equatorial conformer. Predicted r0 structural parameters have been provided from adjusted parameters from ab initio MP2(full)/6-311+G(d,p) calculations. The results are discussed and compared with the corresponding properties of some similar molecules. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appearing, Disappearing, and Reappearing Fumed Silica Nanoparticles: Tapping-Mode AFM Evidence in a Condensation Cured Polydimethylsiloxane Hybrid Elastomer

Tapping-mode atomic force microscopy evidence that nanoparticles act as reporters for near-surface siliceous domain build-up in poly(dimethylsiloxane) condensation cure.
Empirically supported interventions in school psychology: The role of negative results in outcome research

We discuss the role that negative results or “no-difference” findings play in research and research reviews of empirically supported interventions in school psychology. Specifically, we examine the dimensions of negative-results research within the context of randomized experimental between group and experimental single-case design, discuss some reasons for negative-results findings in these methodological approaches, and present some positive aspects of negative results in intervention research. We also examine the relationship of negative-results findings to replication research including direct replication, systematic replication, and clinical replication. We argue for publication of negative-results findings in our school psychology journals when these findings occur in the context of development of empirically supported interventions and translation of these interventions into school psychology practice. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Enhancing school-based asthma education efforts using computer-based education for children.

Background. Schools are an important site for delivery of asthma education programs. Computer-based educational programs are a critical component of asthma education programs and may be a particularly important education method in busy school environments. Objective. The objective of this brief report is to review and critique computer-based education efforts in schools. Results. The results of our literature review indicated that school-based computer education efforts are related to improved knowledge about asthma and its management. In some studies, improvements in clinical outcomes also occur. Data collection programs need to be built into games that improve knowledge. Many projects do not appear to last for periods greater than 1 year and little information is available about cultural relevance of these programs. Conclusions. Educational games and other programs are effective methods of delivering knowledge about asthma management and control. Research about the long-term effects of this increased kn...
OLEDs for lighting: new approaches

OLED technology has improved to the point where it is now possible to envision developing OLEDs as a low cost solid state light source. In order to realize this, significant advances have to be made in device efficiency, lifetime at high brightness, high throughput fabrication, and the generation of illumination quality white light. In this talk, the requirements for general lighting will be reviewed and various approaches to meeting them will be outlined. Emphasis will be placed on a new monolithic series-connected OLED design architecture that promises scalability without high fabrication cost or design complexity.
Restriction of nonglucosylated T-even bacteriophage: properties of permissive mutants of Escherichia coli B and K12.

Abstract Mutants of Escherichia coli B and K12 which are permissive for either nonglucosylated T6 alone or for all the nonglucosylated T-even bacteriophages have been isolated after mutagenesis with nitrosoguanidine. The fully permissive mutants of B, derived in a single step, require vitamin Bl, whereas those of K12, obtained in two steps, have no novel nutritional requirements. Extracts of related permissive and restricting bacteria show no differences in the levels or specificities of their endonuclease I and exonuclease III activities. Strain K12-1100, an endonuclease-deficient strain, restricts all nonglucosylated T-even bacteriophages. Spheroplasts of restricting bacteria restrict π particles of the nonglucosylated T-even phages.
Matrix eigenvalues by numerical integration.

where X is an eigenvalue and I is the unit matrix. As is well known, there are n values of X for which nontrivial solutions (eigenvectors) x of Eq. (1) exist. One component of each eigenvector may be chosen arbitrarily. Let the first component of x be chosen arbitrarily and designated as xi*. Then, following the procedure of Kane, consider X and the other n — 1 components Xi to be functions of a variable r. Designate x and X at r — 0 as x and X, respectively. Define a constant vector c by the relation
Polymorphisms in inflammatory genes, plasma antioxidants, and prostate cancer risk

Presence of xenotropic murine leukemia virus–related virus and chronic inflammation in prostate tumor suggests that inflammation plays a role in prostate cancer etiology. This study investigated whether variants in inflammatory genes act alone or interact with plasma antioxidants to influence prostate cancer risk in a population-based case–control study in Central Arkansas. Cases (n = 193) were men, aged 40–80, diagnosed with prostate cancer in three major hospitals in 1998–2003, and controls (n = 197) were matched to cases by age, race, and county of residence. After adjustment for confounders, polymorphisms in COX-2 (rs689466) and IL-8 (rs4073) were not significantly associated with prostate cancer risk. However, apparent interactions were observed between these genetic variants and plasma antioxidants on the risk of this malignancy. The protective effect of the mutant allele of the COX-2 polymorphism was more pronounced among subjects with high plasma levels of β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, β-carotene, or selenium (≥median) [e.g., OR (95% CI): 0.37 (0.15, 0.86) (AG/GG vs. AA) for β-cryptoxanthin]. Conversely, the promoting effect of the variant allele of the IL-8 polymorphism was more remarkable in subjects with low plasma levels of Lutein/zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and β-carotene (<median) [e.g., OR (95% CI): 2.44 (1.08, 5.75) (AT/TT vs. AA) for β-carotene]. We found that sequence variants in inflammatory genes interact with plasma antioxidants to modulate prostate cancer risk.
Ultra-sensitive infrared spectroscopy of proteins with collective excitations of nanoplasmonic arrays

Short interaction lengths limit the application of infrared absorption spectroscopy to the study monolayer thickness films. We employ periodic infrared antenna arrays to obtain 104−105 enhancement of protein absorption signals corresponding to zepto-mole sensitivity.
The effects of slope degradation on lichenometric dating of Little Ice Age moraines

Abstract Over the last four decades, lichenometry has been used globally to determine late Holocene moraine ages that are necessary for developing glacier-length chronologies. However, the influence of a variety of environmental factors that can affect the demographics of a lichen population in glacial landscapes led to the development of a variety of different methods of data collection and analysis. Although the benefits of many methods have been discussed in the context of different controlling factors, none has provided information regarding the effects of landform evolution on lichenometric dating techniques. Because matrix-supported moraines widen and flatten over time, boulders at the crest are continually exhumed while those at the toe are gradually buried. Using a commonly applied sediment-diffusion model and an exhaustive field analysis of the distribution of the largest lichen on each boulder in a 18-m-wide swath on two moraine slopes, the effects of moraine degradation are related to lichen demographics. Results indicate that diffusion describes the evolution of a moraine profile, and further show that slope degradation processes affect the number, frequency, and distribution of boulders available for lichen colonization over time. This model of a constantly changing landscape typically is not considered when applying lichenometry in recently deglaciated terrain. However, the amount of degradation indicated herein is substantial on decadal to centennial time-scales and indicates that degradation processes must be considered when choosing the statistic of a lichen population for constructing growth curves and dating landforms. This study suggests that for many moraines a technique that identifies the largest lichen, or the average of the largest lichens on five different boulders, is likely to result in more accurate growth curve construction and subsequent landform ages than statistically rigorous techniques.
A nonlinear dynamic problem for a thick-walled cylinder of electrostrictive material

Abstract Equations governing axially symmetric motions of thick-walled cylinders of incompressible hyperelastic dielectric are derived. It is shown that dielectric properties of the material influence the amplitude and the period of oscillations. General results are specified to a particular class of materials whose stored energy is represented by a linear function of the deformation invariants. For this class of materials (which in the purely elastic case become those of the Mooney-Rivlin type) an illustrative example is solved. For some specific values of the elastic and dielectric constants, of the influence constant and the thickness of the cylinder, the amplitude and the period of oscillations decrease in the presence of the electric field as compared with the purely elastic case.
Comparative Studies on the Metabolism of Shallow-Water and Deep-Sea Marine Fishes. III. Apparatus for Studies of Tissue Preparations under High Hydrostatic Pressures

Design information is given for hydrostatic-pressure apparatus permitting either intermittent or continuous monitoring of the rates of nonoptically observable biochemical and physiological processes in the fluids supporting surviving preparations of living tissues or tissue fractions. Semi-micro scale experiments can be carried out over the full range of temperatures and hydrostatic pressures occurring in the oceans of the world. Samples are obtained at 1 atm pressure, whatever the experimental pressure. The apparatus is simple to use, safe, reliable, and readily portable for work on shipboard. Specially designed components described in detail are: magnetically stirred pressure vessels, sampling valves, and magnetic stirrer drive.
Sarcomas and carcinosarcomas of the uterine cervix

The clinical findings, pathologic characteristics, and end results of 26 primary sarcomas and carcinosarcomas of uterine cervix, excluding malignant lymphomas, embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas of infancy and childhood, and four sarcomas that could not be definitely classified as to cell type, are presented. Eight neoplasms occurring in patients 31 to 61 years of age were leiomyosarcomas. Six of these patients died with massive pelvic recurrences and/or distant metastases irrespective of type of treatment within 2 years. Two patients are alive and free of disease 6 and 10 years after surgical excisions. Six patients whose age averaged 61 years had carcinosarcomas, and all succumbed to recurrent and metastatic disease within 15 months of diagnosis. In three patients, the sarcomatous component was homologous and in the other three heterologous. One neoplasm had, in addition to adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma, areas of adenocystic carcinoma. Twelve endocervical stromal sarcomas in patients averaging 54 years of age comprised the largest group in the series. The better differentiated neoplasms tended to remain localized and to have a better prognosis than the more poorly differentiated lesions which pursued aggressive courses. Four patients are alive and free of disease 2, 3, 11, and 18 years after surgical excisions and a fifth died of other causes after 16 years. Six patients died of recurrent and metastatic disease 2 to 24 months after diagnosis. At the present time, surgical removal of uterus and, when indicated, contiguous tissues and viscera offers the best hope of cure for cervical sarcomas and carcinosarcomas.
The Tripartite Structure of Social Science Analysis

The goal of sociology, and all social science, is to produce reliable knowledge about human behavioral and social phenomena. To reach that goal, we undertake three kinds of activities: theoretical work, empirical work, and, even more basic, we develop frameworks that assemble the fundamental questions together with the fundamental tools that will be used to address them. This article examines the three sets of activities and their interrelations. Both deductive and nondeductive theory are highlighted, as are three kinds of empirical work—testing the predictions of deductive theories, testing the propositions produced by nondeductive theories, and extratheoretical measurement and estimation. Illustrations are drawn from the fields of status, justice, and migration.
Dynamic analysis for free vibrations of rotating sandwich tapered beams

Cette analyse s'inspire des modeles de poutre de Timoshenko et de poutre d'Euler-Bernouilli. Elle tient compte du deplacement de l'axe neutre du aux effets centrifuges et a la geometrie non symetrique. Determination des frequences propres pour des vitesses de rotation diverses en resolvant un probleme aux valeurs propres. Etude du comportement dynamique
The Contribution of Sulfate and Nitrate to Atmospheric Fine Particles During Winter Inversion Fogs in Cache Valley, Utah

Abstract Air pollutants were collected in Logan, Cache County, UT, in February 1993 during two periods of atmospheric inversion accompanied by fog. The following atmospheric species were determined: (1) gaseous SO2, NO2 (semi-quantitatively),HNO3, NH3, and HF; (2) fine particulate SO4 =, NO3 -, NH4 +, F–, H+, C, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Se, Br, and Sr, and; (3) fine particulate mass, which was calculated. The major components of fine particulate matter were carbonaceous material, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate, while the soil component was small. Calculated, fine particulate mass averaged 80 μg/m3 and reached concentrations as high as 120 μg/m3. SO2/Sox and NO2/NOy mole ratios generally varied between 0.2 and 0.1 during inversions. These ratios also showed moderate but consistent diurnal patterns. The emission inventory for Cache County indicates sources of SO2 and NOx but not significant amounts of primary sulfate and nitrate. The observations reported here indicate there is sign...
Effect of ageing on pulmonary inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and T and B cell responses in antigen‐sensitized and ‐challenged mice

Summary Background The effect of ageing on several pathologic features of allergic asthma (pulmonary inflammation, eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion), and their relationship with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is not well characterized. Objective To evaluate lung inflammation, mucus metaplasia and AHR in relationship with age in murine models of allergic asthma comparing young and older mice. Methods Young (6 weeks) and older (6, 12, 18 months) BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). AHR and bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF), total inflammatory cell count and differential were measured. To evaluate mucus metaplasia, quantitative PCR for the major airway mucin-associated gene, MUC-5AC, from lung tissue was measured, and lung tissue sections stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) for goblet-cell enumeration. Lung tissue cytokine gene expression was determined by quantitative PCR, and systemic cytokine protein levels by ELISA from spleen-cell cultures. Antigen-specific serum IgE was determined by ELISA. Results AHR developed in both aged and young OVA-sensitized/challenged mice (OVA mice), and was more significantly increased in young OVA mice than in aged OVA mice. However, BALF eosinophil numbers were significantly higher, and lung histology showed greater inflammation in aged OVA mice than in young OVA mice. MUC-5AC expression and numbers of PAS+ staining bronchial epithelial cells were significantly increased in the aged OVA mice. All aged OVA mice had increased IL-5 and IFN-γ mRNA expression in the lung and IL-5 and IFN-γ protein levels from spleen cell cultures compared with young OVA mice. OVA-IgE was elevated to a greater extent in aged OVA mice. Conclusions Although pulmonary inflammation and mucus metaplasia after antigen sensitization/challenge occurred to a greater degree in older mice, the increase in AHR was significantly less compared with younger OVA mice. Antigen treatment produced a unique cytokine profile in older mice (elevated IFN-γ and IL-5) compared with young mice (elevated IL-4 and IL-13). Thus, the airway response to inflammation is lessened in ageing animals, and may represent age-associated events leading to different phenotypes in response to antigen provocation.
Foreign investment policy in China: Towards a change of emphasis

Whilst recognising the positive steps taken so far, this paper suggests a new precise content in China's foreign investment policies. For instance, attention should be turned away from granting special preferences to foreign investors and towards abolishing the obstacles imposed on them. Similarly, instead of favouring particular geographical localities, they should be allowed to compete for foreign investment. The underlying principle of the new emphasis is a shift away from administrative rules towards basic competition for foreign investment. European businessmen and dedicated “China watchers” will find these prescriptions interesting, and useful, indicators to the future.
Magnetotransport and magnetic properties of InAs/Mn digital alloys

Abstract We have investigated the magnetic and magneto-transport properties of a systematic sequence of five InAs/Mn digital alloys grown by a combination of molecular beam epitaxy and atomic layer epitaxy. The samples consist of 30 periods of Mn fractional monolayers (ML) (0.17– 0.5 ML ) separated by 14 ML thick InAs spacer layers in a superlattice configuration. Four samples show n-type electrical conduction while the fifth (0.25 ML Mn ) is p-type. Squid magnetization measurements performed on these samples show remnant magnetization above room temperature, which is apparently related to a second phase.
Associative memory in phasing neuron networks

We studied pattern formation in a network of coupled Hindmarsh-Rose model neurons and introduced a new model for associative memory retrieval using networks of Kuramoto oscillators. Hindmarsh-Rose Neural Networks can exhibit a rich set of collective dynamics that can be controlled by their connectivity. Specifically, we showed an instance of Hebb's rule where spiking was correlated with network topology. Based on this, we presented a simple model of associative memory in coupled phase oscillators.
Myasthenia gravis animal model: Quantitative analysis of the efficiency of pre- and postjunctional regions of intercostal muscles in rabbits immunized with Torpedo acetylcholine receptor

Abstract Rabbits were immunized with acetylcholine (ACh) receptor from Torpedo ocellata electric organ, and when paralyzed and moribund, an extensive study was undertaken of neuromuscular transmission in the intercostal muscles of these experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) rabbits. The resting membrane potential was not significantly changed. The end-plate potentials were large enough to trigger an action potential in only 40% of the surface fiber of EAMG rabbits and miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs) were greatly reduced in magnitude. Muscle fibers in each EAMG rabbit differed in the levels of inhibition of MEPPs and junctional ACh sensitivity. Extrajunctional ACh sensitivity did not significantly differ between control and EAMG rabbits, and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase with diisopropylfluorophosphate increased the MEPP amplitude in each end plate of EAMG rabbits, but not to the value of the control. Average junctional ACh sensitivity was 3094 ± 701 mV/nC in control rabbits and 898 ± 551 mV/nC in EAMG rabbits, which suggested that there were reduced numbers of functional ACh-receptor-ionic channel complexes in the postsynaptic membrane. In end-plates where no MEPPs could be recorded, junctional ACh sensitivity averaged 28% of control, being 13.5% of control in half the fibers and 43% of control in the other half. Because this last ACh sensitivity was as high as that of other fibers where MEPPs could be recorded, yet none were observed, we suggest that in these few fibers there was an additional defect that was other than postsynaptic, more likely due to detachment of entire end-plates from muscle fibers.
Inositol 1,3,4-Trisphosphate 5/6-Kinase Is a Protein Kinase That Phosphorylates the Transcription Factors c-Jun and ATF-2

Phosphorylation of inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate by inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase is the first committed step in the formation of higher phosphorylated forms of inositol. We have shown that the eight proteins called the COP9 signalosome complex copurify with calf brain 5/6-kinase. Because the complex has been shown to phosphorylate c-Jun in vitro, we tested both the complex and 5/6-kinase and found that both are able to phosphorylate c-Jun and ATF-2 on serine/threonine residues. These findings establish a link between two major signal transduction systems: the inositol phosphates and the stress response system.
Dislocations and stacking faults in hexagonal GaN

We present experimental and theoretical results on extended defects of hexagonal GaN grown by metal organic vapour deposition (MOCVD). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements indicate the presence of 3 nm wide type I 1 stacking faults (SFs) related to the MOCVD growth, and 2― 4 nm SFs of unidentified type related to the ion implantation. We simulated infinite SFs of different types I 1 , I 2 and I 3 . First principles calculations were used to model Shockley partial dislocations, the core structure of the dislocations and intrinsic SFs. We estimate defect level positions and the formation energy of the infinite SFs. We also present results of the calculations and available experimental data on finite size SFs bounded by partial dislocations in wurtzite GaN. Calculation of the infinite SFs revealed shallow levels, but no deep levels. In the SFs bound by dislocations there are deep filled levels in the range of 0.4―0.8 eV from the valence band maximum (VBM) located at the atoms of the 90° dislocations. We also calculated the segregation of the C, n-dopant, Si or O and the p-dopant, Mg, to the dislocations and SFs. The effect of the segregation is found to be stronger for the SFs with partials. The results of the calculations are correlated with the experimental data on GaN obtained from high resolution TEM and Hall measurements. We suggest mechanisms of the formation of the SFs I 1 and I 2 after ion implantation and high temperature anneal and explain the difficulties of p-type doping with the formation of the extended defects.
976-9 Effects of Facilitation on Human AV Nodal Fast and Slow Pathways

The effect of facilitation on AV nodal function was studied in twelve patients before and after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the slow pathway. AV nodal recovery time (H1A2 or H2A3)was plotted against AV nodal conduction time (A2H2 or A3H3) for test intervals from control and facilitation protocols respectively (see figure). The mean A1A2 for the facilitation protocol was 363 ± 15 ms. The minimal recovery time (RT), functional refractory period (FRP) and conduction time (CT) of both the fast and slow pathways were determined. The effect of facilitation on CT was assessed at the minimal RT obtained during control testing. Results Fast Pathway Slow Pathway Pre-RFA RT FRP CT RT FRP CT Control 271 ± 22 430 ± 30 161 ± 12 198 ± 14 462 ± 22 273 ± 15 Facilitation 228 ± 25 391 ± 17 132 ± 9 131 ± 15 421 ± 20 231 ± 11 p value 0.003 00007 0.0006 l0.0001 l00001 0.0006 Fast and slow pathway properties were enhanced by facilitation in all patients. Facilitation significantly decreased the minimal RT. FRP and CT of both pathways (see table). The window of test impulses over which slow pathway conduction was observed was significantly increased by the facilitation protocol (81 ± 17 vs 110 ± 23 ms. p = 0.04) and in four patients facilitation unmasked dual AV nodal physiology and resulted in AVNRT induction. The effect of facilitation on fast pathway CT persisted after RFA but changes in minimum RT and FRP were not observed. Conclusions 1) Facilitation enhances AV nodal fast and slow pathway function and promotes the induction of AVNRT. 2) The effects of facilitation on fast pathway function are attenuated following slow pathway ablation. Download : Download high-res image (97KB) Download : Download full-size image
A note on boundary-layer collision in a curved pipe

Electrochemical measurements of the local wall shear were made along the inner bend of a curved pipe in the entry region, to examine the nature of the secondary-flow boundary-layer collision. Analysis by Stewartson, Cebeci & Chang (1980) predicts a vanishing of the wall shear at the collision point, but without flow reversal. The experimental results are in good agreement with the analytical predictions upstream of the collision point, and its location appears to be predicted accurately. However, downstream of the collision point agreement is poor.
Foodweb transfer, sediment transport, and biological impacts of emerging and legacy organic contaminants in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA: USGS Contaminants and Habitat (ConHab) Project

Science of the Total Environment 484 (2014) 319–321 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Science of the Total Environment journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/scitotenv Introduction Foodweb transfer, sediment transport, and biological impacts of emerging and legacy organic contaminants in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA: USGS Contaminants and Habitat (ConHab) Project The effects of chemicals of emerging and of legacy concern—including their quantities, spatial patterns, transfer, and accumulation—on food- webs in large aquatic ecosystems are little understood. As such, the Columbia River Contaminants and Habitat Characterization (ConHab) Project, an interdisciplinary study, investigated transport pathways, chemical fates and effects of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) ﬂame retardants and other endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in water, sediments, and the foodweb in the lower Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, USA. The ConHab project was a collaboration of 13 principal investigators from seven US states. The approach included interdisciplinary technol- ogies and strategies, such as passive sampling, novel analytical chemis- try methods, endocrine and reproductive biomarker development and use, gene expression microarray development and use, and coupling geochemical data to habitat characteristics and hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling. The Columbia River drains roughly 670,000 square kilometers of the Paciﬁc Northwest of the United States and ﬂows more than 1950 kilo- meters from its headwaters in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia, across the State of Washington, and along the border of Oregon and Washington to its mouth at the Paciﬁc Ocean. The system provides critical habitat for 13 stocks of threatened and endangered salmonid species and numerous resident ﬁsh. Aquatic biota using or residing in the lower Columbia River are exposed to a variety of environmental contaminants from numerous sources, including municipal and indus- trial permitted discharges, atmospheric deposition, urban and industrial nonpoint source pollution, accidental spills of hydrocarbons and haz- ardous materials, and runoff from agricultural and forested areas as Fig. 1. Map of the region with inset of the study area. Foodweb sampling areas are shaded and labeled: Skamania, Columbia City, and Longview. (Map created by Jill Hardiman, USGS, Western Fisheries Research Center, Cook, Washington, USA). 0048-9697/$ – see front matter. Published by Elsevier B.V. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.07.127
Structural consequences of cysteinylation of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase.

The metalloenzyme Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) catalyzes the reduction of superoxide anions into molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can oxidize SOD1, resulting in aberrant protein conformational changes, disruption of SOD1 function, and DNA damage. Cells may have evolved mechanisms of regulation that prevent such oxidation. We observed that cysteinylation of cysteine 111 (Cys111) of SOD1 prevents oxidation by peroxide (DOI 10.1021/bi4006122). In this article, we characterize cysteinylated SOD1 using differential scanning fluorometry and X-ray crystallography. The stoichiometry of binding was one cysteine per SOD1 dimer, and there does not appear to be free volume for a second cysteine without disrupting the dimer interface. Much of the three-dimensional structure of SOD1 is unaffected by cysteinylation. However, local conformational changes are observed in the cysteinylated monomer that include changes in conformation of the electrostatic loop (loop VII; residues 133–144) and t...
Disseminated neuroblastoma in the nude rat: A xenograft model of human malignancy

BACKGROUND The overall survival of children with neuroblastoma remains less than 30% due to disease dissemination at the time of diagnosis. An animal model of neuroblastoma, with characteristics similar to those observed clinically in children, would be beneficial to investigations into the diverse biology of this tumor. The purpose of this study was (1) to develop a model of disseminated neuroblastoma in the nude rat by intracardiac injection of neuroblastoma cells derived from cell lines with different N-myc copy numbers; (2) to investigate the effect of age on tumor growth and dissemination; and (3) to assess progression of disease radiologically and correlate with autopsy findings. METHODS Nude rats (n = 38), 5–13 weeks of age, underwent intracardiac injection of the human neuroblastoma cell lines IMR-32 with amplified N-myc oncogene and SKNSH with 1 N-myc copy. The animals were observed for at least six weeks for the development of tumor. Twelve rodents injected with IMR-32 cells underwent imaging studies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), skeletal radiographs, and indium-111(IN-111)-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid-D-Phe1-octreotide scintigraphy. Autopsies with standardized microscopic examinations were performed on all animals. RESULTS Most of the nude rats (95%) developed neuroblastoma following intracardiac injection of neoplastic cells. Disseminated tumor was evident in 66% of animals. Anatomic sites of neuroblastoma growth were similar to those observed clinically in children, including adrenal glands, paraspinal ganglia, bone, bone marrow, and skin, but no tumor was identified in the liver. Disseminated disease occurred in more animals injected with IMR-32 (78% of animals) than with SKNSH cells (34% of animals) (P < 0.05). Tumor spread appeared to be age dependent; only rodents 5–8 weeks old at the time of injection developed disseminated disease when compared with animals 9 weeks of age or older (P < 0.0001). Radioreceptor scintigraphy demonstrated only pericardial tumor; MRI identified pericardial, adrenal gland, and subcutaneous neoplasms; only skeletal radiographs detected neuroblastoma in cortical bone. CONCLUSIONS (1) Following intracardiac injection of human neuroblastoma cell lines into nude rats, a xenograft model of disseminated disease develops that closely parallels the malignant process in children. (2) Tumor dissemination is associated with the cell line that demonstrates N-myc amplification and with young age of the recipient at the time of injection. (3) Tumor growth and dissemination may be assessed radiologically. (4) This model of human malignancy may offer an opportunity to investigate the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying tumor development and dissemination in advanced stage neuroblastoma. Cancer 1996;77:409-19.
Contracting with Children and Helmet Distribution in the Emergency Department to Improve Bicycle Helmet Use

This study investigates whether injury prevention and behavioral counseling delivered in the emergency department (ED) could increase self-reported bicycle helmet use among children. The authors undertook a trial of counseling in 222 children, aged 5 to 15 years old, recruited in an urban ED between August 2000 and October 2001. Children were assigned either to a control group or an intervention group. The children in the intervention group received a personal counseling session and signed a contract promising to wear their bicycle helmets. In addition, half of the intervention children were assigned to be fitted with helmets if they did not already own them. Parents were contacted four weeks after the ED encounter for follow-up. Follow-up data were obtained for 148 of the children, of whom only 69 reported riding a bicycle in the four weeks after their ED visit. Of the final sample, 38 belonged to one of the intervention groups. About 66% of these reported always wearing a helmet while cycling during the four weeks after their ED visit, versus 42% in the control group. The effect of the intervention was independent of whether the children owned a helmet at baseline. These results indicate that an intervention that combined counseling and contracting with ensuring that the children had helmets significantly increased the odds of parent-reported helmet use. The difficulties involved in sustaining an injury prevention program in the ED are also discussed.