cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Backbone dynamics of the RNase H domain of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Previous NMR relaxation studies of the isolated RNase H domain of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase at low pH have revealed that it is substantially more dynamic and less ordered than the relatively stable and catalytically active E. coli RNase HI. Using more recently developed techniques, we have investigated the dynamic behavior of the RNase H domain of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase at a more physiological pH (6.8), under a variety of solution conditions: no Mg2+, 80 mM Mg2+, and 80 mM Mg2+ plus AMP ligand. In addition, we have repeated the previous measurements on a sample containing 100 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.4. Under all conditions studied, the order parameters from NMR relaxation analysis are uniformly high (>0.8) for most of the domain with the exception of the C-terminal region. Subtle differences can be found among the conditions studied, although the statistical significance of the differences is marginal. Residues 71−114 show a slight increase in order parameter with the addition of 5‘-AMP. Conformat...
Sulfate-enriched water effects on a floodplain forest in Florida

Sulfate-enriched water that was discharged experimentally into a floodplain forest in Florida caused H2S formation, and trees showed signs of stress within one year. Chloride-enriched water also caused trees to show signs of stress. Trees in this ecosystem may also be sensitive to changes in hydroperiod.
Framing and Deliberation: How Citizens' Conversations Limit Elite Influence

Public opinion research demonstrates that citizens' opinions depend on elite rhetoric and interpersonal conversations. Yet, we continue to have little idea about how these two forces interact with one another. In this article, we address this issue by experimentally examining how interpersonal conversations affect (prior) elite framing effects. We find that conversations that include only common perspectives have no effect on elite framing, but conversations that include conflicting perspectives eliminate elite framing effects. We also introduce a new individual level moderator of framing effects—called “need to evaluate”—and we show that framing effects, in general, tend to be short-lived phenomena. In the end, we clarify when elites can and cannot use framing to influence public opinion and how interpersonal conversations affect this process.
Effect of dioxygen on copper(II) binding to α-synuclein

Abstract Using the fluorescent amino acid tryptophan (Trp), we have characterized the copper(II) binding of F4W α-synuclein in the presence and absence of dioxygen at neutral pH. Variations in Trp fluorescence indicate that copper(II) binding is enhanced by the presence of dioxygen, with the apparent dissociation constant (Kd(app)) changing from 100 nM (anaerobic) to 10 nM (aerobic). To investigate the possible role of methionine oxidation, complementary work focused on synthetic peptide models of the N-terminal Cu(II)-α-syn site, MDV(F/W) and M∗DV(F/W), where M∗ = methionine sulfoxide. Furthermore, we employed circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to demonstrate that the phenyl-to-indole (F→W) substitution does not alter copper(II) binding properties and to confirm the 1:1 metal–peptide binding stoichiometry. CD comparisons also revealed that Met1 oxidation does not affect the copper–peptide conformation and further suggested the possible existence of a CuII-Trp/Phe (cation-π) interaction.
Influence of indoor cooling on heat balance and body weight gain in Americans over recent decades.

Abstract 1. We address the extent to which the average body mass gains experienced by Americans over the last 40 years may have been due to adaptive thermogenesis by calculating the weight gains which would have been required to maintain heat balance due to environmental changes over this time period. 2. Population-weighted degree-cooling-day data and air-condition adoption rates from 1960 to 2002 indicate that the average American in 2002 was living in an environment, that was, on average, 1.4 °C cooler than in 1960. 3. Under these conditions, heat balance would require body mass gains of approximately 11.7 kg in men, and 9.0 kg in women if adaptive thermogenesis were the sole adaptive strategy utilized. 4. Consistency of the model predictions with actual weight gains leads to the suggestion that body mass may primarily reflect an involuntary adaptive response; correspondingly, extensive exposures to indoor cooling may significantly influence obesity prevalence.
Hummel-Dreyer method in high-performance liquid chromatography for the determination of drug-protein binding parameters

Abstract Two types of Hummel-Dreyer elution pattern were developed, one with a positive peak followed by a negative peak and the other with two positive peaks.
Open letter to the incoming director general of the World Health Organization : time to refocus

Ruth Levine argues that WHO needs to concentrate on confronting global health risks, improving the health of poor people, and marshalling technical expertise
Design of small paddle wheel aerators

Abstract The oxygen-transfer rate and power input to the aerator shaft were determined for paddle wheel aerators of different paddle wheel diameters (61–91 cm), paddle wheel lengths (15–75 cm), paddle depths (8–18 cm), and paddle wheel rotational speeds (75–125 rev min −1 ). These data allowed selection of the best design criteria for 0·25-, 0·33-, 0·5-, 0·75-, 1·0-, 1·5-, and 2·0-hp paddle wheel aerators. These aerators had standard aeration efficiencies of 2·0–2·6 kg O 2 kW h −1 . Small paddle wheel aerators made according to this design would be slightly less efficient in transfering oxygen to pond water than large wheel aerators commonly used in channel catfish ponds, but they would be more efficient than most other types of small aerators.
The role of cyclic AMP in mesenteric vasodilation

Abstract We tested the hypothesis that one mechanism regulating vasodilation in the mesenteric arterial circulation involves an increase in the cyclic AMP (cAMP) content of vascular smooth muscle. In anesthetized dogs, mesenteric blood flow measured with an electromagnetic flowmeter increased during intra-arterial infusion of isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1, papaverine, and cAMP. Propranolol blocked the vasodilator response to isoproterenol but not the dilatory effects of the other drugs. Segments of mesenteric arteries were incubated with the preceding drugs (except cAMP), and tissue concentrations of cAMP were measured. Mesenteric artery cAMP content was increased by isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1, and papaverine. The effect of isoproterenol on tissue cAMP was blocked by propranolol. For comparison we studied the effect of oxygen tension on arterial cAMP content. Varying the pO2 of the bathing solution from 680 to 0 mm Hg did not significantly alter mesenteric artery cAMP content except for a small reduction at zero pO2. The present results are consistent with the concept that isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1, and papaverine induce dilation of mesenteric arteries via increases in intracellular cAMP.
Synthesis and properties of polyimidazopyrrolones

The preparation of polyimidazopyrrolones by three general synthetic methods has been presented. The effects of structure, conversion temperature, and conversion environment were determined. The polyimidazopyrrolones were shown to retain useful mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, after severe chemical treatment and after unusually high exposure to ionizing radiation. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers indicated the effect of structure on oxidative stability was relatively minor; furthermore, the relative stabilities of a series of eight polymers in air were not directly comparable to the order of stability in a vacuum environment.
Haemofiltration therapy – a sturdy pair of shoes!

Abstract The spectrum of indications and availability of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) have increased massively over the last three decades. The availability of commercially produced equipment has reduced many of the associated risks. The mortality associated with paediatric CRRT remains significant and reflects the severity of the underlying aetiologies. Whilst little evidence exists to identify the best modality of CRRT, haemofiltration (HF) has obvious advantages in unstable patients and is ideal for many critically ill, haemodynamically labile children. Owing to its superior clearance of middle molecules, it may still prove itself valuable in future prospective studies of sepsis and immunomodulation. The ongoing prospective paediatric CRRT registry may yet shed further light on many of the issues outlined in this review.
The Art and science of long-range forecasting

Ask meteorologists about the reliability of long-range forecasts, and you get a broad spectrum of opinions. Some say that there is no skill whatsoever in forecasts for a month or season in advance, while others apply the term ‘marginal’ skill or just slightly better than chance. A few overenthusiastic practitioners are apt to make extravagant claims, even to claim ability to forecast detailed weather for a given day, weeks ahead. The truth, determined by rigid statistical verification, lies somewhere between these extreme viewpoints. Certainly the modest success currently achievable has a long way to go before the accomplishment of really reliable long-range forecasts. Taking 50% as chance (climatological probability), something on the order of 65% or 70% for monthly and seasonal forecasts is a reasonable figure, although temperature is easier to predict than precipitation because of more temporal persistence and greater coherence in space. This skill matches or exceeds that of other geophysical predictions, or economic forecasts.
Globalization, Global History and Local Identity in ‘Greater China’

This article offers a brief contour of the differing interests in, and engagements with, the study of globalization and global history in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It argues that in the face of the onrush of globalization, each of these three regions, under the rubric of ‘Greater China’, has developed and adopted distinct strategies to perceive and interpret its multifaceted impact. Scholars, movie makers and journalists in mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong have appropriated different meanings of globalization and engaged with its multifarious impacts from their own localized concerns and interests. Globalization has generated more dialogues among the three entities and helped highlight their differences.
Molecular behavior in the vibronic and excitonic properties of hydrogenated silicon nanoparticles

The molecular behavior of silicon nanoparticles, produced via electrochemical etching of a bulk precursor, is studied. The smallest particle, $1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ in diameter, is amenable to first principles modeling due to the manageable number of atoms in the structure. The ability to produce these particles in macroscope amounts allows for the testing of these models through various optical techniques. Raman spectroscopy measurements, performed on $1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ silicon nanoparticles suspended in liquid, were found to agree well with vibrational modes calculated using Hartree-Fock theory through the GAMESS package. The Raman peaks offer direct evidence of stretched Si-Si surface dimers in the reconstructed particle, which have been suggested to be the source of its blue luminescence. The peak positions and full widths at half maximum, along with calculations of the normal modes, suggest that the nanoparticle exhibits strong molecular behavior despite its derivation from a bulk structure. Low temperature photoluminescence measurements show the involvement of the dimers in the luminescence characteristics.
A Conserved Tripeptide in CNG and HCN Channels Regulates Ligand Gating by Controlling C-Terminal Oligomerization

Cyclic nucleotides directly enhance the opening of the tetrameric CNG and HCN channels, although the mechanism remains unclear. We examined why HCN and certain CNG subunits form functional homomeric channels, whereas other CNG subunits only function in heteromeric channels. The "defect" in the CNGA4 subunit that prevents its homomeric expression was localized to its C-linker, which connects the transmembrane domain to the binding domain and contains a tripeptide that decreases the efficacy of ligand gating. Remarkably, replacement of the homologous HCN tripeptide with the CNGA4 sequence transformed cAMP into an inverse agonist that inhibits HCN channel opening. Using analytical ultracentrifugation, we identified the structural basis for this gating switch: whereas cAMP normally enhances the assembly of HCN C-terminal domains into a tetrameric gating ring, inclusion of the CNGA4 tripeptide reversed this action so that cAMP now causes gating ring disassembly. Thus, ligand gating depends on the dynamic oligomerization of C-terminal binding domains.
Gravity dual corrections to the heavy quark potential at finite-temperature

Abstract We apply gauge/gravity duality to compute 1 / N c 2 corrections to the heavy quark potentials of a quark–anti-quark pair ( Q Q ¯ ) and of a quark–quark pair (QQ) immersed into the strongly coupled N = 4 SYM plasma. On the gravity side these corrections come from the exchanges of supergravity modes between two string worldsheets stretching from the UV boundary of AdS space to the black hole horizon in the bulk and smeared over S 5 . We find that the contributions to the Q Q ¯ potential coming from the exchanges of all of the relevant modes (such as dilaton, massive scalar, 2-form field, and graviton) are all attractive, leading to an attractive net Q Q ¯ potential. We show that at large separations r and/or high-temperature T the potential is of Yukawa-type, dominated by the graviton exchange, in agreement with earlier findings. On the other hand, at small-rT the Q Q ¯ potential scales as ∼ ( 1 / r ) ln ( 1 / r T ) . In the case of QQ potential the 2-form contribution changes sign and becomes repulsive: however, the net QQ potential remains attractive. At large-rT it is dominated by the graviton exchange, while at small-rT the QQ potential becomes Coulomb-like.
Dynamic contributions of the components of binocular vergence

Experimental results from step stimulation of the two major dynamic components in ocular vergence showed that while fusional covergence dominated a coordinated binocular vergence movement, accomodative convergence always contributes to the dynamic response. A quantitative analysis of component dynamics, both in isolation and during coordinated movements, indicates that these components are additive at least through a portion of the movement. Two alternative hypotheses are presented for the role of accommodative convergence during the period immediately following a binocular vergence movement.
Molecular-Level Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Dopaminergic Signaling

We demonstrate a technique for mapping brain activity that combines molecular specificity and spatial coverage using a neurotransmitter sensor detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This molecular functional MRI (fMRI) method yielded time-resolved volumetric measurements of dopamine release evoked by reward-related lateral hypothalamic brain stimulation of rats injected with the neurotransmitter sensor. Peak dopamine concentrations and release rates were observed in the anterior nucleus accumbens core. Substantial dopamine transients were also present in more caudal areas. Dopamine-release amplitudes correlated with the rostrocaudal stimulation coordinate, suggesting participation of hypothalamic circuitry in modulating dopamine responses. This work provides a foundation for development and application of quantitative molecular fMRI techniques targeted toward numerous components of neural physiology.
Spatial Pulse Modulation

Pulse modulation of electronic time signals is a well-proven concept, particularly in the context of data communications and computers. We suggest that pulse modulation of spatial optical signals might be another fruitful concept. The optical components and optical methods for performing the necessary operations for spatial pulse modulation are available. We demonstrate this experimentally by encoding a two-dimensional analog signal (an image) into a one-dimensional pulse signal. This might be of interest in connection with picture transmission over electronic channels, with cinematography, and with holography.
Political Environment and Policy Change: The National Endowment for the Arts in the 1990s

The relationship between changes in the stability of the political environment and policy changes are examined through the case of the National Endowment for the Arts in the 1990s. The terminologies of Hall's first-, second-, and third-order policy change and Baumgartner and Jones’ punctuation equilibrium theory of policy change are employed to analyze the relationship evident in the policy history of the Arts Endowment. The case of the Arts Endowment in the 1990s suggests that first-order changes generally occur in a stable political environment (i.e., policy equilibrium) while great instability in a political environment (i.e., policy punctuation) allows the larger second- and the largest third-orders of policy change.
Cognitive support, UML adherence, and XMI interchange in Argo/UML

Abstract Software design is a cognitively challenging task. Most software design tools provide support for editing, viewing, storing, and transforming designs, but lack support for the essential and difficult cognitive tasks facing designers. These cognitive tasks include decision-making, decision ordering, and task-specific design understanding. This paper describes Argo/UML, an object-oriented design tool using the unified modeling language (UML) design notation. Argo/UML supports several identified cognitive needs of software designers. This support is provided in the form of design tool features. We describe each feature in the context of Argo/UML and provide enough detail to enable other tool builders to provide similar support in their own tools. We also discuss our implementation of the UML and XMI standards, and our development approach.
The top ten tips for completing the USDA Annual Report

From choosing the wrong pain categories, to sloppy arithmetic, there are a number of potential pitfalls when completing and filing a USDA annual report. The authors offer clarification and guidance to make the process easier.
Exploring the experiences of novice clinical instructors in physical therapy clinical education: a phenomenological study.

Abstract Objective To explore the perceptions of novice physical therapy clinical instructors (CIs) about their interactions and teaching behaviours with physical therapy students. Design A phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Participants Six novice physical therapy CIs (less than two years as a CI and supervised fewer than three students) were recruited purposefully from a large metropolitan area in the USA. All participants were credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association as CIs. Main outcome measures Transcripts of interview data and focus group data were analysed using interpretative analysis for themes and subthemes. Results Participants viewed the transition of students from the classroom to the clinic as their primary role, using strategies of ‘providing a way in’, ‘fostering critical thinking’, ‘finding a balance’, ‘overcoming barriers’ and ‘letting go’. Conclusion While novice CIs showed skill in fostering student reflection and providing orientation, they struggled with student autonomy and balancing the competing obligations of patient care and clinical instruction. They expressed issues related to anxiety and lack of confidence. In the future, novice CIs could benefit from training and support in these areas.
Angular induction is modulated by the orientation of the test segment but not its length.

Angular induction is the basic process by which the orientation of line segments can affect the perceived orientation of other segments as well as their alignment. In this laboratory, we have found that the effect on alignment follows approximately linear rules, with the inducing segment having its greatest influence when its orientation is near to that of the segment being judged. Other laboratories, however, have reported peak effects when the relative angle between the two is at 45°, and with the inducing segment being aligned with one of the cardinal axes of the observer. It has been said that the length of the test segment being judged is a critical factor, but the first experiment of the present study shows a similar linear decline of induction strength irrespective of test segment length. The second experiment indicates that the orientation of the test segment relative to the observer modulates the induction to determine the location of peak effects. A two-factor linear model predicts the observed pattern of results.
Epidemiology of Osteochondrodysplasias: Changing Trends Due to Advances in Prenatal Diagnosis

The osteochondrodysplasias (skeletal dysplasias) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormalities in cartilage and bone growth and development. Some of these disorders are detectable during the second trimester by sonographic techniques. We ascertained cases of osteochondrodysplasias in elective pregnancy terminations, stillborn infants older than 20 gestational weeks, and liveborn infants diagnosed by the fifth day of life as part of an ongoing active malformation surveillance program. Forty-nine cases of osteochondrodysplasias were identified among approximately 126,000 deliveries at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) during a 15-year period (Feb. 16, 1972–Feb. 15, 1975; Jan. 1, 1979–Dec. 31, 1990). When cases delivered to women who had planned to deliver at another hospital but were transferred for high-risk care (transfers) were excluded, the prevalence rate was 2.14 cases per 10,000 deliveries. During the early period (1972–1975) no cases were suspected prenatally, while during the 1988–1990 period, 80% of all cases and 57% of cases delivered to women who had always planned to deliver at BWH (non-transfers) were suspected by ultrasonography. Birth status changed through our period of surveillance. In the final 3-year period (1988–1990), 40% of all cases and 29% of non-transfers with osteochondrodysplasias were pregnancy terminations, compared to none during the 1972–1975 period. The increasing frequency of pregnancy terminations complicated the diagnosis of these conditions. Despite extensive evaluation, a definitive diagnosis was not possible in 8 of 49 cases (16%). Biochemical and molecular genetic methods of diagnosis will continue to become more important if the current trend of wide utilization of prenatal sonography and termination of affected pregnancies continues. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Unamuno in England: Four Unpublished Articles (1909), Part II

In the tenth number of The Englishwoman (November 1909) an editorial note announces the publication of four articles by Unamuno1 in the following terms: Don Miguel de Unamuno, the Rector of the University of Salamanca, a leader in Spain, both because of his own strong personality and of his official position, has written for us four articles, the first two of which we publish today. The third and fourth will be published in our December number, and bear the titles: ‘Spanish Religion’ and ‘Spanish Catholicism’. ‘Spanish anarchism is a product of Spanish despair, and is the ground reached by souls hungry for immortality who have lost their faith; if we cannot attain the highest, let us wreck all. The truly Spanish preoccupation is not of sin, but of grim death; it is not ethical, but religious.’ The temper and tone of these articles are in strong contrast with the usual temper and tone of articles about Spain by non-Spaniards; and we regret that some of the beauty and spirit of the original Spanish, and its...
The influence of race in the social evaluation of assertion in conflict situations

In two separate experiments, black and white college students evaluated standard and empathic assertion emitted in black-to-white, black-to-black, white-to-white, and white-to-black conflict interactions. Overall, both black and white subjects perceived empathic assertion to be more socially desirable than standard assertion, but their judgments were affected by the race of the participants. Whites evaluated empathic assertion more favorably than standard assertion when the asserter was white, but made no such distinction when he was black. Blacks perceived empathic assertion to a black to be more positive than standard assertion when the asserter was black, but reversed their judgment of the two styles when the asserter was white. Both blacks and whites evidenced discomfort with assertion by individuals of the other race. The clinical implications of these findings and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Anal Malignancies: A Preliminary Toxicity and Disease Outcomes Analysis

Purpose Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has the potential to reduce toxicities associated with chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of anal cancer. This study reports the results of using IMRT in the treatment of anal cancer. Methods and Materials Records of patients with anal malignancies treated with IMRT at Duke University were reviewed. Acute toxicity was graded using the NCI CTCAEv3.0 scale. Overall survival (OS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), local-regional control (LRC) and colostomy-free survival (CFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Forty-seven patients with anal malignancy (89% canal, 11% perianal skin) were treated with IMRT between August 2006 and September 2008. Median follow-up was 14 months (19 months for SCC patients). Median radiation dose was 54 Gy. Eight patients (18%) required treatment breaks lasting a median of 5 days (range, 2–7 days). Toxicity rates were as follows: Grade 4: leukopenia (7%), thrombocytopenia (2%); Grade 3: leukopenia (18%), diarrhea (9%), and anemia (4%); Grade 2: skin (93%), diarrhea (24%), and leukopenia (24%). The 2-year actuarial overall OS, MFS, LRC, and CFS rates were 85%, 78%, 90% and 82%, respectively. For SCC patients, the 2-year OS, MFS, LRC, and CFS rates were 100%, 100%, 95%, and 91%, respectively. Conclusions IMRT-based chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer results in significant reductions in normal tissue dose and acute toxicities versus historic controls treated without IMRT, leading to reduced rates of toxicity-related treatment interruption. Early disease-related outcomes seem encouraging. IMRT is emerging as a standard therapy for anal cancer.
How many types of calcium channels exist in neurones

Abstract Biochemical attempts to identify voltage sensitive calcium channels have met with some success but have also raised interesting questions. Recent electrophysiological studies have now provided evidence for multiple neuronal calcium channels. The distribution and functions of these various channels are now the subject of intensive investigations. This article compares data from both biochemical and electrophysiological sources.
Isozymic patterns of lactate dehydrogenase in whole embryos and adult tissues of the Mexican axolotl

Abstract 1. 1. The objective of this study was to determine the general ontogeny of lactate dehydrogenase isozymes in whole embryos and various adult tissues of the Mexican axolotl. 2. 2. The LDH isozymes were resolved by polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis. 3. 3. LDH from embryos showed predominantly anodal activity. 4. 4. Skeletal muscle LDH pattens also showed chiefly anodal activity. This result differs substantially from previously reported studies. 5. 5. We suggest that the patterns of LDH isozymes from skeletal muscle of this aquatic salamander may reflect a greater availability of oxygen to this tissue than in terrestrial animals of this type.
Organization and the Body: Post‐Fordist Dimensions

Attempts to reformulate the notion of organizational control considering the new dictates of the post‐Fordist agenda. Ideology, as a control mechanism, takes on a secondary role with the body (re‐)emerging as the ontological priority for the examination of human subjectivity, or more importantly the lack thereof. The major implication is the recognition that post‐Fordism, at least for the labour force, is nothing more than a ploy by the advocates of capital to further perpetuate control relationships. Identifies and discusses repercussions for postmodern organization “theory”.
Using Autobiographical Essays to Encourage Student Reflection on Socialization Experiences

Students enter physical education teacher education (PETE) programs with preconceived notions about what it means to be a physical educator, developed in response to their own experiences in K–12 physical education. These preconceived notions may be flawed or incomplete and, in order to be effective, PETE programs must help preservice teachers question and critique their prior experiences. Reflection is a key component of this process. Among other strategies, student autobiographical essays can help preservice teachers to better understand the effect of their own socialization on their current perspectives as aspiring teachers. This article elaborates on the use of autobiographies as a pedagogical tool within PETE. A sample student autobiography is presented, and the strategy is positioned within the framework of occupational socialization theory.
Long ncRNAs expressed during human cytomegalovirus infections

ABSTRACT: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has a tremendous coding capacity within its dsDNA genome that has allowed it to coevolve with its host. Transcription of the virus genome is not limited to protein-coding genes; in fact, most of the transcription from the HCMV genome during lytic replication generates viral ncRNAs that are not translated into protein. Four long ncRNAs (RNA5.0, RNA4.9, RNA1.2 and RNA2.7) account for the majority of HCMV transcription during lytic replication. Here, we review the expression and function of these long ncRNAs in the context of virus replication and pathogenesis. Long ncRNAs may contribute to HCMV evasion of the host response and manipulate cellular and viral programs to successfully persist throughout the lifetime of its host.
Detection of planetary systems and the search for evidence of life

The Solar System is our only example of a planetary system, and the Earth is the only known instance of a planet harbouring life. The formation of planetary systems may occur commonly among stars like the Sun, but whether life arises frequently, rarely, or is a unique event is more problematical. Astrometric techniques capable of detecting major planets (similar to Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus) orbiting nearby stars are currently active1–4, but detection of an Earth-like planet is beyond current techniques. Direct imaging of planetary systems (refs 5, 6; B. M. Oliver, unpublished data) is even more challenging, and current opinion seems to have dismissed the possibility of imaging a planet as small as the Earth. The problem is not an impossible one, however: by combining radioastronomy and optical methods, images of Earth-like planets orbiting nearby stars should be obtainable, and their atmospheres could be studied spectroscopically for evidence of life.
A comparative evaluation of three aerosol sensing methods.

Abstract Several direct reading methods for aerosol counting and sizing have been suggested in the literature in recent years. This paper reports on an investigation of three proposed techniques—a piezoelectric crystal sensor, an acoustical sensor, and a hot-wire sensing element—and compares their relative merits with each other. It is concluded that the hot-wire anemometer appears to offer the most promise for further development, particularly because of its ability to discriminate between solid and liquid aerosols.
Hydrocarbon acidities and Brønsted Correlations

We had previously reported [1] two separate Bronsted correlations relating methanolic sodium methoxide catalyzed hydrogen isotope exchange rates of hydrocarbons with pKCsCHA values. One correlations having a slope of 0.37 at 45 °C applies to fluorenyl and related compounds having a cyclopentadienyl moiety. This correlation has now been extended an additional 2 pK units to higher acidity by study of 1,3-diphenylindene. This compound shows a normal primary isotope effect despite being only 3 pK units less acidic than methanol itself [2]. The second linear correlation having a slope of 0.58 at 45 °C (0.46 at 100 °C) applies to polyarylmethanes. This correlation has been extended up to p-methylbiphenyl and toluene without significant deviation. The important region between the two correlations has been studied with derivatives of phenalenes, hydrocarbons as acidic as fluorene and indene but without a cyclopentadienyl moiety. These hydrocarbons actually define the nature of the intersection between two related but different Bronsted correlations.
The role of NAAG and NAALADase in axon-to-glia signalling

Recent investigations from our laboratories have identified N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) as the probable primary axon-to-glia signalling agent and source of signalling glutamate (GLU) at nonsynaptic regions of crayfish nerve fibers. NAAG is released from giant axons and mimics the action of the natural signalling agent in hyperpolarizing the glia. GLU formed extracellularly during inactivation of NAAG by NAALADase has a similar, but smaller, effect on the glia. A consequence of these actions of NAAG and GLU appears to be an activation of a signal transduction cascade leading to modulation of water and K+ homeostasis of the neuronal microenvironment. GLU or a related substance also appears to be a neuron-glia signalling agent at nonsynaptic and synaptic regions of vertebrate nervous system. Therefore, conserved mechanisms of neuron-glia signalling, mediated at least in part by NAAG and/or GLU, may regulate signal transmission and processing at axons and synapses under physiological and pathological conditions in invertebrates and vertebrates. Acknowledgements: Supported by NIH grant NS34799 and Guilford Pharmaceuticals (Baltimore, MD).
Boosting of synaptic potentials and spine Ca transients by the peptide toxin SNX-482 requires alpha-1E-encoded voltage-gated Ca channels.

The majority of glutamatergic synapses formed onto principal neurons of the mammalian central nervous system are associated with dendritic spines. Spines are tiny protuberances that house the proteins that mediate the response of the postsynaptic cell to the presynaptic release of glutamate. Postsynaptic signals are regulated by an ion channel signaling cascade that is active in individual dendritic spines and involves voltage-gated calcium (Ca) channels, small conductance (SK)-type Ca-activated potassium channels, and NMDA-type glutamate receptors. Pharmacological studies using the toxin SNX-482 indicated that the voltage-gated Ca channels that signal within spines to open SK channels belong to the class CaV2.3, which is encoded by the Alpha-1E pore-forming subunit. In order to specifically test this conclusion, we examined the effects of SNX-482 on synaptic signals in acute hippocampal slices from knock-out mice lacking the Alpha-1E gene. We find that in these mice, application of SNX-482 has no effect on glutamate-uncaging evoked synaptic potentials and Ca influx, indicating that that SNX-482 indeed acts via the Alpha-1E-encoded CaV2.3 channel.
Increased power conversion efficiency through photon recycling in quantum well lasers

This paper reports a study of the photon recycling effect in semiconductor quantum well (QW) lasers and how to enhance such an effect to reduce threshold current density and to increase power conversion (wall-plug) efficiency. To maximize the enhancement of the spontaneous emission recycling, it is necessary to use metal contacts with high reflectivity, to remove the substrate, and to optimize the overall doping profile design. The modeling results have also shown that the threshold current density in a multiple quantum well laser has a weak dependence on the number of QWs when the photon recycling effect is strong. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The contributions of Marcel Proust to psychoanalysis.

Abstract This article is about the major contribution of Marcel Proust to psychoanalysis in his seven-part novel, A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu (translated as Rembrance of Things Past, 1934). This work spans two decades, from 1988, when Proust writing to 1927, when the last part eas published 5 years after his death. Proust, a literary scholar whose knowledge dated to the early Greeks, knew nothing of Freud or psychoanalysis. His major contributions were to the emergence of memory, specifically the exquisite details of the descriptive unconscious, which we can now explain in cognitive neuroscientific terms. Freud wanted to do this for all mental processes in ‘The Project.’ Proust contributed to the projective aspects of passionate love. Kernberg has pointed out that altough psychoanalysts knew about transference love, idealization, and sex, love has only been a subject for us in the 1900s. Proust also wrote of jealousy as a necessary concomitant of love. He proposed that all humans had pluripotential sexu...
BraceForce: a middleware to enable sensing integration in mobile applications for novice programmers

Even as the use of sensor networks to support mobile applications grows, our ability to seamlessly and efficiently incorporate sensor network capabilities into our mobile applications remains astoundingly difficult. Today, accessing remote sensing data and integrating this data into the adaptive behavior of a dynamic user-facing mobile application requires interacting with multiple platforms, languages, data formats, and communication paradigms. We present BraceForce, an open and extensible middleware that allows developers to access the myriad remote sensing capabilities inherent to today’s mobile computing spaces (where mobile devices and sensors are closely integrated) using very minimal code. Further, BraceForce incorporates event- and model-driven data acquisition as first-class concepts to provide efficient access to sensing while retaining expressiveness and flexibility for applications. We present the BraceForce architecture and key abstractions, describe their implementations, and provide an empirical study using BraceForce to support mobile applications integrating sensing.
Pattern synthesis for loaded N-port scatterers

A method is given for synthesizing a desired scattering pattern by reactively loading an N -port scatterer. The procedure involves specifying the pattern in magnitude only, without restriction of its phase. The real port current (or voltage) which gives a least-squares approximation to a desired radiation field magnitude is found and then resonated by reactive loads at the ports. If a sufficient number of ports is chosen, and if the body is of electrically small or of intermediate size, then the scattered field pattern is approximately the same as the synthesized radiation pattern. Numerical examples of the method are given for a body consisting of a wire triangle with two cross wires, on which four ports are defined.
Fusion of likelihood ratios in distributed Bayesian detection

A discrete-time Bayesian detection model is considered in which sensors collect data records, and it is assumed that any two sensors are statistically independent. A binary hypothesis is tested, and it is assumed that a state-variable random process model represents the two hypotheses for each sensor. The optimum Bayesian detector is constructed by the computation of the local likelihood ratios at each sensor in real time and the subsequent transmission of these ratios to the fusion center. A study is made of the performance for various parameters; in particular, the effects of the data size and the number of sensors on the performance of the detection scheme. >
Dispatching Petroleum Products

Petroleum products are distributed worldwide from refineries and lube plants to retail outlets and industrial customers. Proper dispatching of shipments of such products, packaged and in bulk, may result in significant transportation and inventory cost savings. This work examines the variety of operational environments which exist in dispatching petroleum products, and the operations research tools used by oil companies to dispatch such products. In addition, it identifies gaps where additional research is needed.
Delivered Oxygen Concentrations Using Low-Flow and High-Flow Nasal Cannulas

INTRODUCTION: Nasal cannulas are commonly used to deliver oxygen in acute and chronic care settings; however, there are few data available on delivered fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2). The purposes of this study were to determine the delivered FIO2 on human subjects using low-flow and high-flow nasal cannulas, and to determine the effects of mouth-closed and mouth-open breathing on FIO2. METHODS: We measured the pharyngeal FIO2 delivered by adult nasal cannulas at 1–6 L/min and high-flow nasal cannulas at 6–15 L/min consecutively in 10 normal subjects. Oxygen was initiated at 1 L/min, with the subject at rest, followed by a period of rapid breathing. Gas samples were aspirated from a nasal catheter positioned with the tip behind the uvula. This process was repeated at each liter flow. Mean, standard deviation, and range were calculated at each liter flow. FIO2 during mouth-open and mouth-closed breathing were compared using the dependent t test for paired values, to determine if there were significant differences. RESULTS: The mean resting FIO2 ranged from 0.26–0.54 at 1–6 L/min to 0.54–0.75 at 6–15 L/min. During rapid breathing the mean FIO2 ranged from 0.24–0.45 at 1–6 L/min to 0.49–0.72 at 6–15 L/min. The mean FIO2 increased with increasing flow rates. The standard deviation (±0.04–0.15) and range were large, and FIO2 varied widely within and between subjects. FIO2 during mouth-open breathing was significantly (p CONCLUSIONS: FIO2 increased with increasing flow. Subjects who breathed with their mouths open attained a significantly higher FIO2, compared to those who breathed with their mouths closed.
Role of chemical effects in the formation of electron concentration depletions during HF heating of the ionosphere

Abstract A chemical mechanism which reduces the electron concentration in the upper ionosphere during HF heating is presented. It is based on the excitation of nitrogen vibrational levels by fast electrons which have appeared as a result of absorption of a radio wave. The vibrational excitation of nitrogen leads to an increase in ion-molecular exchange, followed by a depletion of the electron concentration because the positive molecular ions are very effective in electron -ion recombination. Two different models arc discussed. In the equilibrium model, the vibrational temperature has been established in the region disturbed by the radio wave. In the nonequilibrium model, the fast electrons are moving inside a thin duct where the time of vibrational-vibrational relaxation is greater than the time required by the excited molecules to leave the channel due to diffusion, so that the vibrational temperature cannot be established.
Preliminary Development and Evaluation of an Algorithm to Identify Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Toxicities Using Electronic Medical Records and Administrative Data

If validated in other samples and health care settings, algorithms to capture toxicity could be useful in comparative and cost effectiveness evaluations of community practice–delivered treatment.
Drosophila DPM Neurons Form a Delayed and Branch-Specific Memory Trace after Olfactory Classical Conditioning

Formation of normal olfactory memory requires the expression of the wild-type amnesiac gene in the dorsal paired medial (DPM) neurons. Imaging the activity in the processes of DPM neurons revealed that the neurons respond when the fly is stimulated with electric shock or with any odor that was tested. Pairing odor and electric-shock stimulation increases odor-evoked calcium signals and synaptic release from DPM neurons. These memory traces form in only one of the two branches of the DPM neuron process. Moreover, trace formation requires the expression of the wild-type amnesiac gene in the DPM neurons. The cellular memory traces first appear at 30 min after conditioning and persist for at least 1 hr, a time window during which DPM neuron synaptic transmission is required for normal memory. DPM neurons are therefore "odor generalists" and form a delayed, branch-specific, and amnesiac-dependent memory trace that may guide behavior after acquisition.
Performance analysis of slotted ALOHA over fading communications channels

The performance of the slotted ALOHA protocol in a fading multipath communications environment is determined using a two-state Gilbert-channel error model with memory. Average throughput and delay evaluations are performed for a finite-user population model. The stability of the protocol is determined by evaluating the average first exit time (FET) from the safe operating region. Gilbert clustered-channel error models having clustered error burst behavior are considered as representative of fading multipath channels. The average throughput, delay, and FET performance for clustered channels are shown to be significantly worse than that for memoryless channels with the same packet error rate. >
Capacity of nearly decomposable Markovian fading channels under asymmetric receiver-sender side information

We investigate the following issue: if fast fades are Markovian and known at the receiver, while the transmitter has only a coarse quantization of the fading process, what capacity penalty comes from having the transmitter act on the current coarse quantization alone? For time-varying channels which experience rapid time variations, sender and receiver typically have asymmetric channel side information. To avoid the expense of providing, through feedback, detailed channel side information to the sender, the receiver offers the sender only a coarse, generally time-averaged, representation of the state of the channel, which we term slow variations. Thus, the receiver tracks the fast variations of the channel (and the slow ones perforce) while the sender receives feedback only about the slow variations. While the fast variations (micro-states) remain Markovian, the slow variations (macro-states) are not. We compute an approximate channel capacity in the following sense: each rate smaller than the "approximate" capacity, computed using results by Caire and Shamai, can be achieved for sufficiently large separation between the time scales for the slow and fast fades. The difference between the true capacity and the approximate capacity is O(/spl epsi/log/sup 2/(/spl epsi/)log(-log(/spl epsi/))), where /spl epsi/ is the ratio between the speed of variation of the channel in the macro- and micro-states. The approximate capacity is computed by power allocation between the slowly varying states using appropriate water filling.