cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative transcriptome analysis of thiamethoxam susceptible and resistant Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), using RNA-sequencing

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), transmits the causal pathogen of huanglongbing and is a global pest of citrus. D. citri populations exhibit resistance to multiple insecticide modes of action in areas where these chemicals have been overused. We performed genome-wide transcriptional analysis for two field populations of D. citri (Wauchula and Lake Alfred, Florida, USA) that exhibit 1300-fold resistance to the neonicotinoid insecticide, thiamethoxam, and compared it to that of susceptible psyllids collected from the same area and without imposed selection. The Lake Alfred population responded to insecticide resistance by up-regulation of 240 genes and down-regulation of 148 others. The Wauchula population exhibited similar patterns to the Lake Alfred population with up-regulation of 253 genes and down-regulation of 115 others. Gene Ontology annotation associated with cellular processes, cell, and catalytic activity were assigned to differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs from Lake Alfred and Wauchula populations were mapped to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathways and implicated enrichment of metabolic pathways, oxidative phosphorylation, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, and insect hormone biosynthesis in the resistant populations. Up-regulation of 60s ribosomal proteins, UDP-gluscoyltransferases, cytochrome c oxidases, and CYP and ABC transporters among thiamethoxam-resistant D. citri implicates a broad array of novel and conventionally understood resistance mechanisms.
イサム.ノグチ:日本庭園の近代化

鉄筋コンクリートといった近代素材が可能にした高層建築やモータリゼーションの結果としての企業ランドスケープとの出会いは、日本の庭を変貌させずにはいなかった。このような情況をいちはやく認識し、積極的に日本庭園の新しい造形に取り組んだひとりに、イサム・ノグチ (1904-88) がいる。彼は、日本文化とアメリカ文化双方をみずからの活動の場とした彫刻家/デザイナーである。日本庭園の伝統に強く惹かれたノグチは、現代空間にそれをどのように取り込むかという問題にあたって、「日本庭園の近代化」という道を切り拓いたのである。
On the quantification of bridging tractions during subcritical crack growth under monotonic and cyclic fatigue loading in a grain-bridging silicon carbide ceramic

Abstract The mechanisms of cyclic fatigue-crack propagation in a grain-bridging ceramic, namely an in situ toughened, monolithic silicon carbide, is examined. The primary goal is to directly quantify the bridging stresses as a function of cyclic loading. To investigate the effect of the number of loading cycles on the strength of the wake bridging zone, crack-opening profiles of cracks grown at high velocity near the Kc instability (to simulate behavior on the R-curve) and at low velocity near the fatigue threshold (to simulate the cyclically-loaded crack) were measured in situ in the scanning electron microscope at a fixed applied stress intensity. Differences between the measured profiles and those computed for elastic traction-free cracks permit the estimation of the traction distributions. These are then used to simulate resistance curve and fatigue-crack growth rate date. Predictions are found to be in close agreement with experimental measurements on disc-shaped compact-tension specimens. The results provide direct, quantitative evidence that bridging tractions are indeed progressively diminished due to cyclic loading during fatigue-crack propagation in a grain-bridging ceramic.
Essential Elements: Prepare, Design, and Teach Your Online Course

Based on the Concord Consortium e-Learning Model, this easy-to-follow handbook provides a rich working overview of online teaching-and reveals the 17 essential elements of successful online teaching. A must-have for every new or seasoned online instructor to be successful and engaging in an online educational environment.
A Study of Project Management Techniques for Developing Interactive Multimedia Programs: A Practitioner’s Perspective

AbstractThe need for more effective information processing in business and education has created a market for multimedia technology. Many people are entering the field of multimedia software design and development. This article reports a study conducted with several successful multimedia developers on their project management system. The strategies and techniques used by these practitioners are emphasized. It is intended to provide useful information on the project management process to those who are interested in becoming managers of multimedia projects.
Optical-infrared synchrotron emission in luminous AGN

We use high and variable linear polarization as a signature of synchrotron emission in the optical spectra of luminous AGN. Our new and other published measurements of a sample of 122 core-dominant radio quasars, including BL Lac objects (Wills, Antonucci, Barvainis, Breger and Wills 1988) show:(ί) more than half have a significant synchrotron component, with degree of polarization, p, > 3%, (ίί) there is a very significant decrease in the fraction of highly-polarized quasars with increasing redshift, simply explained by a decrease in p with decreasing rest wavelength in many core-dominant quasars. This result is readily explained by a quiescent, unpolarized quasar optical spectrum combined with a steep (α 1.5 to 2) optical synchrotron continuum, and (ίίί) there is a highly significant increase in p with increasing dominance of a compact radio core — if the radio core emission is relativistically beamed, then the optical synchrotron component is also beamed. This explanation of (ί), (ίί), and (ίίί) in terms of a two-component IR-UV continuum is borne out convincingly by measurement of the wavelength dependence of fluxdensity and polarization for individual core-dominant AGN at U, B, V, R, 1, J, H, K, (L′) (Wills, Hough, Bailey, Wills and Ballard 1988)—we have discovered steep ( α −1.8) IRoptical synchrotron components, distinct from the flatter, unpolarized Big Blue Bump (accretion disk?) and 3 pin μm components, in 6 of 18 “normal” quasars measured so far (including 3C 273).
Abstract 4318: Mycoplasma arginini infection shifts the energy catabolism ratio of metastatic macrophages towards fermentation and is associated with an increase in primary tumor size, metastasis and malignancy

Mycoplasma are the smallest self-replicating prokaryotes and are burdened by their notoriety. It is widely unknown that mycoplasma are readily detected in many primary human cancer tissues and can influence tumorigenesis. Some mycoplasma species such as M. fermentans and M. hyorhinis can transform normal murine and human cell lines into tumorigenic cells. Mycoplasma infection can inactivate tumor suppressor genes and activate oncogenes. These observations suggest that mycoplasma can be both carcinogenic and or onco-modulators. We found that M. arginini was present in the metastatic macrophage cell line VM-M3 (referred to as M3myco+). Antibiotic was used to eradicate M. arginini (verified by mycoplasmal 16S rDNA PCR amplification) from the M3 cells (M3myco- cells). Oxygen consumption rate was higher in the than the M3myco- cells than in the M3myco+ cells, whereas lactate production was similar in both the M3myco+ and M3myco- cells. Glucose suppressed oxygen consumption in both cell lines indicating a Crabtree effect. The in-vitro proliferation rate was similar in both cell lines when seeded at low density, but was higher in the M3myco+ cells than in the M3myco- cells at higher cell densities. Tumor size at the primary inoculation site in flank was notably smaller and systemic metastasis in the syngeneic inbred VM mouse host was qualitatively less for the M3myco- cells than for the M3myco + cells, respectively. Survival was also longer in VM mice inoculated with the M3myco- cells compared to the M3myco+ cells. Our data indicate that M. arginini is an onco-modulator that might influence tumor growth through an effect tumor cell energy metabolism. (Supported by Boston College Research Expense fund). Citation Format: Roberto Flores, Ashley K. Brown, Zeynep Akgoc, Thomas N. Seyfried. Mycoplasma arginini infection shifts the energy catabolism ratio of metastatic macrophages towards fermentation and is associated with an increase in primary tumor size, metastasis and malignancy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4318. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4318
Overview of Existing Studies on Community Impacts of Land Reuse

The productive reuse of properties that are contaminated by hazardous substances has been increasingly emphasized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state and environmental agencies. As reuse on contaminated sites has grown, the documentation and analysis of the beneficial effects of such reuse also has expanded. This paper reviews the existing literature on the effects of reuse—summarizing the principal studies, measures of beneficial effects, and associated data—and discusses conceptual issues and difficulties that need to be addressed when estimating the beneficial effects of reuse. Studies included in the review represent a range of scales from the national to the local level and four different methodological approaches (routine data collection, case studies, survey-based methods, and analytical approaches). Directions for improving estimation of the beneficial effects include a wider variety of metrics for capturing the effects, an increased emphasis on the distribution of these effects, and a more rigorous economic accounting perspective
Discovery of mammalian genes that participate in virus infection.

Background Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that rely upon the host cell for different steps in their life cycles. The characterization of cellular genes required for virus infection and/or cell killing will be essential for understanding viral life cycles, and may provide cellular targets for new antiviral therapies.
On the complexity of containment, equivalence and reachability for finite and 2-dimensional vector addition systems with states

In this paper, we analyze the complexity of the reachability, containment, and equivalence problems for two classes of vector addition systems with states (VASSs): finite VASSs and 2-dimensional VASSs. Both of these classes are known to have effectively computable semilinear reachability sets (SLSs). By giving upper bounds on the sizes of the SLS representations, we achieve upper bounds on each of the aforementioned problems. In the case of finite VASSs, the SLS representation is simply a listing of the reachability set; therefore, we derive a bound on the norm of any reachable vector based on the dimension, number of states, and amount of increment caused by any move in the VASS. The bound we derive shows an improvement of two levels in the primitive recursive hierarchy over results previously obtained by McAloon, thus answering a question posed by Clote. We then show this bound to be optimal. In the case of 2-dimensional VASSs,we analyze an algorithm given by Hopcroft and Pansiot that generates a SLS representation of the reachability set. Specifically, we show that the algorithm operates in \(2^{2^{c*l*n} }\) nondeterministic time, where l is the length of the binary representation of the largest integer in the VASS, n is the number of transitions, and c is some fixed constant. We also give examples for which this algorithm will take \(2^{2^{d*l*n} }\) nondeterministic time for some positive constant d. Finally, we give a method of determinizing the algorithm in such a way that it requires no more than \(2^{2^{c*l*n} }\) deterministic time. From this upper bound and special properties of the generated SLSs, we derive upper bounds of DTIME(\(2^{2^{c*l*n} }\)) for the three problems mentioned above.
Short-term Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs Enhance Cultural Exchange and Self-Awareness

72 Though many experts argue that semester or year abroad study is the optimal path, short-term programs meet the needs of students who would not otherwise study abroad and can be effective at increasing intercultural competency. The present study describes one type of short-term program—the embedded faculty-led model—and provides evidence that programs three weeks or less may be practical and affordable. Participants (N=136) in short-term faculty-led study abroad courses completed the Global Perspectives Inventory in a pre-post test format. Results indicated that these short-term programs enhanced participants’ understanding and awareness of other cultures and languages, appreciation of the impact of other cultures on the world, and awareness of their own identity. However, these programs may need to address more fully the value of living in complex situations, respect and acceptance of varying cultural perspectives, and a greater sense of responsibility to others. This model can be used with students from a variety of cultures. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
The Female Athletic Role as a Status Determinant Within the Social Systems of High School Adolescents.

This study examined the relationship between female athletic participation and status attainment within the social status systems of high school adolescents. Although earlier research has consistently demonstrated that the athletic role for males is associated with greatest status within the school, findings regarding the status of female athletes have been contradictory: Some studies have found high status rankings for female athletes while others have revealed negative results. It was therefore argued that current research go beyond the general construct of "female athlete" and consider the type of sport with which the adolescent female is associated as a possible status determinant. Employing a sport typology proposed by Metheny (1967), it was predicted that females associated with sex-appropriate or "feminine" sports (e.g., tennis) would receive significantly higher status ratings than those identified with sex-inappropriate or "masculine" sports (e.g., basketball). One hundred and twenty-one male subjects were asked to indicate which female athlete (associated with a sex-appropriate versus a sex-inappropriate sport) they would most like to date, while 111 female subjects were asked to choose which female athlete they would most like to have as a friend. Chi-square analyses revealed that, as predicted, females associated with sex-appropriate sports were given significantly greater status than females identified with sex-inappropriate sports by both male and female subjects. These results suggest that social assessments made about female sport participation within high school status systems remain heavily influenced by traditional beliefs regarding feminine, "ladylike" behavior.
Role of confirmatory PCRs in determining performance of Chlamydia Amplicor PCR with endocervical specimens from women with a low prevalence of infection.

The role of confirmatory PCR assays for determining the performance of Chlamydia Amplicor PCR for endocervical specimens from women with a low prevalence of infection was evaluated. An endocervical swab was collected from 770 women and tested by culture or direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) staining. A second swab was tested by Chlamydia Amplicor PCR (Roche Molecular Systems, Branchburg, N.J.). Discordant results were resolved by three confirmatory PCRs: one targeting the plasmid by using different primers and two directed to the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) gene. Of the 30 swabs that were positive by culture or DFA (3.9%), 27 were positive by Amplicor PCR. An additional five swabs were positive by Amplicor PCR but negative by culture or DFA. Both plasmid and MOMP confirmatory PCRs identified the five culture-DFA negatives and the three Amplicor negatives as true positives. The three specimens originally classified as negative by Amplicor PCR were positive on repeat Amplicor testing. After resolution of the discordant results by confirmatory PCR testing, the sensitivity of the initial Amplicor PCR was 91.4% (32 of 35 specimens), changing to 100% after storage and repeat testing. The specificity of Amplicor PCR was 100% (735 of 735 specimens). Our results demonstrated that plasmid and MOMP confirmatory PCRs worked equally well in resolving false-positive and false-negative Amplicor PCR results. Some specimens may contain inhibitors of Amplicor PCR which may disappear with time.
The contribution of mangrove expansion to salt marsh loss on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Landscape-level shifts in plant species distribution and abundance can fundamentally change the ecology of an ecosystem. Such shifts are occurring within mangrove-marsh ecotones, where over the last few decades, relatively mild winters have led to mangrove expansion into areas previously occupied by salt marsh plants. On the Texas (USA) coast of the western Gulf of Mexico, most cases of mangrove expansion have been documented within specific bays or watersheds. Based on this body of relatively small-scale work and broader global patterns of mangrove expansion, we hypothesized that there has been a recent regional-level displacement of salt marshes by mangroves. We classified Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper images using artificial neural networks to quantify black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) expansion and salt marsh (Spartina alterniflora and other grass and forb species) loss over 20 years across the entire Texas coast. Between 1990 and 2010, mangrove area grew by 16.1 km2, a 74% increase. Concurrently, salt marsh area decreased by 77.8 km2, a 24% net loss. Only 6% of that loss was attributable to mangrove expansion; most salt marsh was lost due to conversion to tidal flats or water, likely a result of relative sea level rise. Our research confirmed that mangroves are expanding and, in some instances, displacing salt marshes at certain locations. However, this shift is not widespread when analyzed at a larger, regional level. Rather, local, relative sea level rise was indirectly implicated as another important driver causing regional-level salt marsh loss. Climate change is expected to accelerate both sea level rise and mangrove expansion; these mechanisms are likely to interact synergistically and contribute to salt marsh loss.
Ocular problems in the patient with end-stage renal disease

The patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is at risk for development of eye disease. This risk is related to the comorbid conditions that are often seen in ESRD patients as well as to the unique effects of hemodialysis and the uremic state in leading to changes in the conjunctivae, cornea, retina, and macula. The most common ocular complaints in ESRD patients include red, irritated eyes, and may be associated with elevations in the calcium-phosphate product. In those patients with chronically elevated calcium-phosphate products, band keratopathy may result. Other eye conditions include macular edema, ischemic optic neuropathy, elevated intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, and retinal hemorrhage. Prompt recognition of these conditions that may threaten a patient's vision is required. This may prove challenging to the nephrologist in the dialysis unit where a detailed ophthalmological examination is difficult. However, a basic knowledge of the common ocular diseases encountered in the dialysis patient forms a framework for deciding which patients require urgent consultation with an ophthalmologist.
Stability of Natural Slopes

The significance of progressive failure in slides of natural or cut slopes is reviewed and qualitative methods for taking it into account are discussed. Nevertheless, it is concluded that present procedures do not permit reliable assessment of the factor of safety of natural or cut slopes under most conditions encountered in practice. This conclusion is illustrated by the history of a landslide that destroyed the Lower Baker Power Plant near Seattle. The failure occurred while the sliding mass was thought to be temporarily under control although remedial measures were being planned. The reliability of predictions is enhanced in old landslide areas, provided the existence of the old slide material is recognized.
A review of: “Performance Modeling of Automated Manufacturing Systems” N. Viswanadham and Y. Narahari Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1992

(1993). A review of: “Performance Modeling of Automated Manufacturing Systems” N. Viswanadham and Y. Narahari Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1992. IIE Transactions: Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 105-105.
The Biochemical Identification of Vahlkampfiid Amoebae1

. Isoenyme electrophoresis of three different enzymes was used to compare 16 strains of vahlkampfiid amoebae and a strain identified as a slime mold. The strain designated as an Echinostelium sp. was found to be an isolate of Naegleria fowleri on the basis of zymogram type and other characters, confirming Cursons & Brown's similar conclusion drawn in 1975. The N. fowleri strains examined expressed the typical zymograms of the species. The N. gruberi strains in this study presented two distinctive groups of patterns that were different from the two previously reported types for N. gruberi. Each of the remaining species studied formed single distinctive groups by which they could be identified.
Enzyme activities in Appalachian soils: 4. Dehydrogenase

Abstract Dehydrogenase enzymes significantly mediate biological oxidation of organic compounds in soil. Dehydrogenase activities were determined in surface and subsurface horizons of 14 major hill land soils of the Appalachian Region. Soil samples were stored air‐dry (AD) and field‐moist at 4°C prior to determination of dehydrogenase activities. Each soil type had its own level of dehydrogenase activity. The average dehydrogenase activities of surface and subsurface horizons stored at 4°C were 1.4 and 3.3 times higher than soil samples stored AD. Mean dehydrogenase activities of surface horizons were 5.3 and 2.2 times higher than subsurface horizons stored at AD and 4°C, respectively. Depending on storage method (AD or 4°C) and type of horizon (surface or subsurface). dehydrogenase activities were either positively or negatively related to soil moisture status, organic C, total N, soil texture, and forms of ? and S. Most of these relationships were nonsignificant. Dehydrogenase activities were positively ...
Customers' perceptions of salespersons' orientation and susceptibility to salespersons' influence.

This study examined correlations of scores for salespersons' and customers' orientation, as indicated by a modified Salesperson Orientation-Customer Orientation scale, with self-reported consumers' susceptibility to salespersons' information, recommendations, and relational influence. Vehicle purchasers provided 508 useable survey responses. Correlations for customers' perceptions of both salespersons' orientation (-.39 and -.21) and customers' orientation (.39 and .24) were related to self-reports of susceptibility to salespersons' information and relational influence.
Earnings Information Conveyed by Dividend Initiations and Omissions

Abstract Firms that initiate dividend payments have positive earnings changes both before and after the dividend policy change, while those omitting dividend payments have negative earnings changes. Subsequent earnings changes are positively related to the dividend announcement return, and stock price reactions at subsequent earnings announcements are smaller than usual, suggesting that these earnings changes are partially anticipated at the dividend announcement. The results indicate that investors interpret announcements of dividend initiations and omissions as managers' forecasts of future earnings changes.
Proper Motions of Faint Ultraviolet‐bright Sources in the Sandage Two‐Color Survey of the Galactic Plane

ABSTRACT Proper motions with values ≥10 or ≤−10 mas yr−1 have been extracted from the USNO‐B1.0 and Tycho‐2 catalogs for all Lanning UV‐bright sources identified in the Sandage Two‐Color Survey of the Galactic Plane and presented in Papers I–VI. Of the 572 sources examined, we find at least 213 that exhibit a significantly large proper motion. Based on the location of the sources in a reduced proper motion diagram, we demonstrate that about two‐thirds of the high proper motion sources are likely or very likely to be heretofore unidentified white dwarfs.
Results of Emergency Postoperative Re-Angiography After Cardiac Surgery Procedures

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic role of emergency coronary angiography (ECA) in the setting of acute ischemic or hemodynamic instability after cardiac surgery. Methods Between January 2005 and September 2014 we prospectively collected data from a consecutive cohort of 5,275 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Patients who underwent ECA due to new ST-segment changes on electrocardiogram (ECG), ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest or hemodynamic collapse, new changes in regional wall motion, or any other relevant suspect of myocardial ischemia during postoperative intensive care unit stay were included. Results Forty patients (0.7% of the overall population) were enrolled. Nineteen patients (47.5%) received isolated coronary surgery, 21 (52.5%) underwent valve or aortic or combined operations. The most common indications to ECA were new ECG or echo signs of acute ischemia (62.5%). The mean time from primary operation to ECA was 51 hours (27 minutes to 9 days). Graft failure was found in 17 cases (42.5%), native coronary artery occlusion in 7 (20%), and coronary spasm in 5 (12.5%). No pathologic alterations were found in 7 cases (17.5%). Three patients (7.5%) underwent reoperation (group 1), 15 (37.5%) underwent percutaneous interventions (PCI) (group 2), and 22 (55%) were managed conservatively (group 3). In-hospital mortality was 100% in group 1, 6% in group 2, and 0% in group 3; 93% of the patients who underwent PCI had complete resolution of the ischemic or hemodynamic problems. No complications related to angiography occurred. Kaplan-Meier survival curves differed significantly according to the post-angiography management. At multivariate analysis combined surgery and the strategy of treatment were independent predictors of long-term mortality. Conclusions Emergency coronary angiography is safe and allows diagnosis and resolution of the instability in the great majority of cases. An ECA should be the first-line measure in case of acute ischemic or hemodynamic instability after cardiac surgery.
The Emotional Impact of Chosen and Imposed Thoughts

Two studies tested the idea that perceptions of choice can alter the self-relevance and emotional impact of thoughts. Participants who were initially in either a positive or negative mood engaged in a thought exercise that involved either positive or negative thinking. Half of the participants received information stressing the optional nature of the task, thereby fostering a sense of choice and personal determination. The results indicate that under high-choice, mood-incongruent thinking was especially self-relevant, memorable, and produced the most mood change. The findings raise new considerations for self-perception and cognitive dissonance theories and offer insights into the relationship between cognition and emotion.
Bilateral testicular carcinoma in situ inpersistent müllerian duct syndrome: A case report and literature review

Bilateral testicular carcinoma in situ in a 17-year-old patient with persistent mullerian duct syndrome is reported. The pertinent literature is reviewed and the management of both testicular carcinoma in situ and persistent mullerian duct syndrome is discussed.
Sufficient conditions for the uniqueness of parameter estimates from binary-response data ☆

Abstract The procedure of fitting parameterized models to experimental data is that of extremalizing a statistically meaningful scalar-valued vector function. The existence of multiple local extrema can greatly complicate the search for the global solution. Sufficient conditions for uniqueness of the parameter estimates are usually determined from the convexity of the criterion surface: the convexity properties are determined by the statistical criterion, the structure of the model, the underlying distribution, and the observations (data). In this paper, we seek the combinations of criteria, models, and distributions which yield sufficient conditions for unique parameter estimates regardless of the observed binary-response data values. Under mild sufficient conditions usually satisfied in practice, the Maximum Likelihood, Minimum Chi Square, and Minimum Transform Chi Square criteria are convex functions when the parameters appear linearly. These results are applied to equalvariance models of signal detection/recognition, sequential response, and additive learning models with implications on the experimental design. Unequal-variance models and models of discrete-sensory processing (rectilinear ROC curves) lead to nonconvex criteria for some observations (saddlepoints are demonstrated). Although convexity cannot be assured for these cases, the results suggest an efficient search procedure in a lower dimensional subspace to find global extrema. The extension of these results to more than two response levels is discussed.
A New Ferrite Isolator

A new ferrite isolator is described, which uses a helical transmission line. The main advantage of the new isolator, as compared to other isolators, is that no externally applied magnetic field is required. This has been achieved by using closed rings of soft ferrites with a square-loop magnetization curve. Although designed primarily for use in traveling-wave tubes, the new isolator should also find other applications. By suitable modifications, it can be used as an isolator, switch, or modulator with helical as well as hallow waveguide and coaxial lines. The best ratio of backward-loss to forward-loss in decibels obtained with the new isolator is 25:1 at 6500 mc, with a ratio better than 15:1 over a 25 per cent frequency band. Ratios of 100:1 were measured when a small external magnetic field was applied. Switching times of less than a microsecond are feasible.
Laser Radar Beam Control With Holographic Diffraction Gratings

Binary holographic diffraction gratings were developed to shape Gaussian laser-beam profiles into flattop profiles and to multiplex local oscillator wavefronts for use in active infrared laser radar systems. The use of detector arrays in such systems requires amplitude and phase matching of multi-beam local oscillators to signal wavefronts in order to maximize the system's signal-to-noise ratio and resolution and to minimize the heat generated on the focal plane. In addition, a beam shaper in the transmit beam of the laser radar must shape the centro-symmetric Gaussian profile of the laser beam into a stretched profile that efficiently and uniformly illuminates the far-field footprint of the detector array. Other potential applications include synthetic optical elements, laser beam samplers, and uses in laser annealing and optical communication.
Collisional energy transfer from I2 (B 3Π0u+) to CO2

Abstract Electronic to vibrational energy transfer from I 2 (B 2 II 0u + ) to the ν 3 vibrational mode of CO 2 is reported. Only 4 ± 2% of the collisions in which CO 2 quenches I 2 (B 3 II 0u + ) result in CO 2 (ν 3 ) excitation. This efficiency does not vary markedly with excitation wavelength in the region 575–620 nm, suggesting the absence of resonant contributions to the quenching process.
A mechanistic analysis of the Rh-catalyzed intramolecular C–H amination reaction

Abstract A detailed mechanistic investigation of the intramolecular dirhodium tetracarboxylate-catalyzed sulfamate ester C–H amination reaction is presented. These studies provide support for the formation of a sulfamate-derived iminoiodinane, which reacts rapidly with the rhodium catalyst to generate a nitrenoid-type oxidant. Reactivity patterns, Hammett analysis, kinetic isotope measurement, and a cyclopropane clock experiment are indicative of a concerted, asynchronous transition structure in the product-determining C–H insertion event.
Episodic refinement of episodic skeletal-plan refinement

This paper describes successive reformulations of skeletal-plan refinement as a problem-solving method. We argue that, whereas ideas derived from planning literature helped to determine the overall structure of the planning systems, domain-derived considerations and architectural framework in which the systems were implemented played important roles in these reformulations. We illustrate the argument by describing a new framework that integrates knowledge-based applications with a temporal data-abstraction and data-management system. In this framework, both applications and temporal-data mediators are encapsulated as Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) objects. The skeletal-plan refinement method itself is formulated as a collection of cooperating CORBA objects. We have found that we needed to reformulate the method ontology, mapping relations and control structure of the skeletal-planning problem-solving method in this framework. Our experience suggests that problem-solving methods are not necessarily fixed structures that can be plugged into arbitrary application environments, and that we need to develop a flexible configuration environment and expressive mapping formalisms to accommodate the requirements of application environments. These requirements include the ways data are made available and the ways software components interact with one another.
A far-infrared study and investigation of the difference between the asymmetric and symmetric POO− stretching frequencies in metal diphosphonate complexes☆

Lanthanide complexes of P,P'-di(2-ethylhexyl) methanediphosphonic acid, H2DEH[MDP], were prepared and investigated by infrared spectroscopy. Qualitative information about the nature of the phosphonate binding in the complexes was obtained by measuring the asymmetric and symmetric POO- stretching frequencies of the ligand. These vibrational modes appear at lower energy in the complexes than in the sodium salt. This indicates symmetrical coordination of the phosphonate groups through chelate and/or bridging interactions. The frequency difference between the POO- stretching bands {Delta}{nu} becomes smaller as the ionic potential e/r of the metal ion increases. The correlation is valid when both oxygen atoms are involved in the bonding and no other absorption bands interfere with the POO- vibrations. The origin of this empirical correlation is the change in the P---O bond order which arises from a change in the strength of the metal-diphosphonate interaction. The far-infrared spectra of the lanthanide complexes, an 54Fe-labelled compound, and the sodium salt of H2DEH[MDP] were measured to provide insight into the nature of the metal-ligand interaction. The appearance of metal-oxygen stretching bands in the iron compound indicates that the iron-diphosphonate interaction has a substantial covalent component whereas the absence of metal-oxygen stretching bands in the lanthanide complexes indicates the bindingmore » is predominantly ionic.« less
Left atrial spontaneous echo contrast is highly associated with previous stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation or mitral stenosis.

Spontaneous echo contrast is a dynamic smokelike signal that is detected by transesophageal echocardiography in patients with stasis of blood in the left atrium. We designed this study to determine if spontaneous echo contrast is associated with an increased risk of previous stroke or peripheral embolism.Forty-two patients with spontaneous echo contrast were identified (34 had atrial fibrillation or mitral stenosis; 8 had neither). Control subjects comprised 40 patients randomly selected from patients with atrial fibrillation or mitral stenosis who did not have spontaneous echo contrast at transesophageal echocardiography. The frequency of vascular risk factors, echocardiographic features, and stroke or peripheral embolism within 1 year of echocardiography were compared in the two groups.The frequency of traditional risk factors for stroke were the same in both groups, yet 9 of 42 patients with spontaneous contrast had stroke or peripheral embolism compared with only 1 of 40 control subjects (P < .02; rel...
Transport studies of Al x Ga 1-x As/GaAs quantum heterostructures using BEEM

In 1988, Kaiser and Bell first demonstrated the unique capability of Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy (BEEM) not only to perform microscopy studies with nanometer resolution, but also to spectroscopically probe metal/semiconductor (M/S) interfaces on a local scale. The majority of BEEM studies to date have focused on transport across M/S interfaces. We have explored the novel application of BEEM to study charge transport across spatially buried quantum structures. Unlike conventional transport measurement techniques, BEEM allows the injected electron energy to be precisely varied independent of the band profile. We have shown that BEEM can be used as a powerful spectroscopic tool to study transport in GaAs/AlxGa1−x As single barrier structures and a GaAs/AlxGa1−x As double barrier resonant tunneling structure spatially buried beneath the Schottky barrier. We will present band-offset measurements of buried single barrier GaAs/AlxGa1−x As heterostructures as a function of the Al mole fraction (x) and temperature. We will discuss the observation of quasi-bound states and band-structure effects in the double barrier resonant tunneling structure as deduced from the systematic temperature evolution of the BEEM Spectra. We will show that BEEM can potentially be used to study charge transport in low-dimensional quantum structures such as quantum wires and quantum dots, and also to characterize newly-developed and exotic compound semiconductor materials.
Broken Chiral Symmetry and the Transformation Properties of Asymptotic Fields

The chiral transformation of asymptotic fields in the presence of symmetry breaking is discussed in a model of interaction between a quantized Dirac field and an external electromagnetic field. We conclude from this model that the asymptotic fields will generally transform nonlocally and nonlinearly. Only if the symmetry breaking is small, or if the interaction is sufficiently weak, will the asymptotic fields transform locally and linearly as a first approximation.
A note on the potential transport of scalars and organisms by surface waves

Wave-induced transport that is not directly reflected in Eulerian current measurements, an effect known as Stokes drift, may play a significant role in the transport of organisms and solutes in the nearshore environment. Two sets of field observations are presented that illustrate the potential importance of wave-induced transport. Velocities measured near Santa Barbara, California, are used to show that the theoretical Stokes drift can be stronger than measured Eulerian currents. Dye plume measurements made at Duck, North Carolina, in both wavy and nonwavy conditions indicate that wave-induced scalar transport can be significant. To demonstrate the generality of these results, we present calculations of the Stokes drift for several depths and as functions of wave amplitude and period. Given that cross-shore velocities typical of the nearshore coastal ocean are generally comparable to or smaller than these computed values of the Stokes drift, we conclude that observations and predictions of nearshore transport should include explicit consideration of wave-induced transport.
Multichannel time encoding with integrate-and-fire neurons

Time encoding is a mechanism of mapping amplitude information into a time sequence. We show that multichannel time encoding using filter banks and integrate-and-fire neurons provides, under natural conditions, an invertible representation of information, i.e., a sensory stimulus can be recovered from its multidimensional spike train representation loss-free. We describe an algorithm for perfect stimulus recovery and derive conditions that guarantee its convergence.
Effects of water table position and plant functional group on plant community, aboveground production, and peat properties in a peatland mesocosm experiment (PEATcosm)

Our objective was to assess the impacts of water table position and plant functional type on peat structure, plant community composition and aboveground plant production. We initiated a full factorial experiment with 2 water table (WT) treatments (high and low) and 3 plant functional groups (PFG: sedge, Ericaceae, sedge and Ericaceae- unmanipulated) in twenty-four 1 m3 intact peatland mesocosms. We measured vegetation cover, aboveground plant production, and peat subsidence to analyze interactive PFG and WT effects. Sphagnum rubellum cover increased under high WT, while Polytrichum cover increased with low WT and in sedge only PFGs. Sphagnum production was greatest with high WT, while vascular plant production was greater in low WT treatments. There was an interactive WT x PFG effect on Ericaceae production. Lowered WT resulted in significant peat surface change and increased subsidence. There were significant PFG and WT effects on net peat accumulation, with the lowest rates of accumulation, high and low WT, in sedge only PFGs. The shift in water balance leading to lowered water table position predicted with changing climate could impact plant community composition and production, and would likely result in the subsidence of peat.
Organic Diets: Lu et al. Respond

Avery is concerned that the language used in our recent article (Lu et al. 2005), as well as in an earlier article (Curl et al. 2003), may be used to mislead the public regarding the relative safety of organic foods compared with foods derived from crops treated with pesticides.
Digital signal processing for high rate gamma-ray spectroscopy☆

Abstract A fully digital system for acquisition of NaI gamma-ray spectra was developed and tested. A fast digitizer is used to digitize unprocessed photomultiplier anode pulses to 8-bit resolution at 5 ns intervals. Digital filtering and a pulse searching algorithm are used to identify pulses, detect and correct for pileup and determine pileup corrected pulse areas. A pulse height distribution is generated, corresponding to a conventional multichannel analyzer spectrum. Pileup is detected with excellent sensitivity compared to conventional pileup detection methods. Since pileup events are corrected rather than rejected, all events are retained, with no loss of counting statistics. No electronics are used between the photomultiplier and the digitizer, eliminating the usual amplification, filtering, baseline restoration, etc.
Using nonlinear regression procedures for approximate function optimization

Abstract This paper shows how nonlinear least squares regression procedures may be used for quick and convenient exploratory function optimization. Although this technique is not as precise as exact codes and programs for nonlinear programming, it serves as a useful tool for preliminary model exploration. The results can be extended to any system which provides a nonlinear regression capability. Some possible remedies to the shortcomings of this procedure are mentioned. An example is provided which illustrates the technique with one popular 4th generation package.
Architecture selection and optimization for planet-finding interferometers

A number of stellar systems that can be searched for presence of Earth-like planets in a given mission lifetime is a key figure of merit for planet hunting stellar interferometers. We have developed a method to calculate the number of stellar systems that can be searched and characterized. Using this method we have evaluated the performance of a number of architectures. We conclude that simpler second-order null architectures outperform more complicated fourth-order null architectures. We also quantify the advantages of the variable length formation-flying configurations vs. fixed length structurally connected configurations.
Purification and properties of a UDP glucose: Thiohydroximate glucosyltransferase from higher plants☆

Abstract An enzyme which catalyses the formation of desulfobenzylglucosinolate by glucosyl transfer from UDP glucose to phenylacetothiohydroximate has been isolated from leaves of Tropaeolum majus L. and purified 20-fold. The enzyme possessed a high degree of specificity for the sugar acceptor molecule (thiohydroximates), the donor nucleotide (UPD) and its sugar (glucose). The activity of the enzyme was increased by sulfhydryl, chelating and reducing compounds: the activity disappeared in the absence of β-mercaptoethanol and was strongly inhibited by mercuric chloride and p -chloromercuribenzoate. Cell-free extracts of other glucosinolate-containing plants, including Sinapis alba L., Nasturtium officinale R. Br. and Armoracia lapathifolia Gilib. contained a similar glucosyl-transferase activity. It is concluded that the glycosylation of phenylacetothiohydroximate is an integral step in the biosynthesis of benzylglucosinolate.
A cryptic cause of Cushing's disease.

A 26-year-old woman with Cushing’s syndrome (CS), including hypertension, weight gain, and amenorrhea, had a 24-hour urine free cortisol value of 423 g (normal, 50 g) and endocrine testing consistent with Cushing’s disease (CD). Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Figure 1A) suggested that a lesion on the left, inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) was consistent with CD, the ACTH concentrations were higher on the left, and she had exploratory surgery of the left side of the gland with removal of what was thought to be a microadenoma. Pathology was negative, and she remained hypercortisolemic. Postoperative MRI (Figure 1B) indicated only the site of the surgery (arrow), and a second IPSS was consistent with CD, but the ACTH concentrations from this procedure were higher on the right (in neither IPSS were the ACTH levels normalized to the concurrent prolactin levels). She then had repeat exploratory surgery, but no adenoma was found and CS continued. Three months later she was referred to the University of Virginia and a coronal MRI with thin cuts (1.2 mm) revealed a 5to 6-mm adenoma within the right cavernous sinus (Figure 1C, arrow), consistent with an ectopic parasellar microadenoma. At transsphenoidal surgery, a 5-mm microadenoma was found completely within the right cavernous sinus and was removed. It stained positive for ACTH. Her plasma cortisol and ACTH levels promptly dropped to subnormal levels (Figure 1D), and resolution of the clinical features of CS occurred over the next several weeks. In retrospect the adenoma could clearly be seen on all prior MRI but was in such an unusual location that it had been overlooked on the previous scans. This case highlights the importance of inspection of the parasellar regions in patients with CD and an MRI that demonstrates a normal pituitary (1).
Elevated serum insulin associated with leucine-induced hypoglycaemia.

SINCE the original description of leucine-induced hypoglycaemia in 19561, much interest has been aroused concerning the mechanism by which the administration or ingestion of L-leucine or leueine-containing proteins produces a profound lowering of blood sugar-levels in susceptible individuals. Our previous experiences with two leucine-sensitive children have been reported in detail elsewhere2,3; the present communication deals with new and pertinent observations.