cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New tools for integrated genetic and physical analyses of the Escherichia coli chromosome

Abstract Genetic and biophysical techniques have traditionally been applied to genome mapping independently of one another. We present a series of Escherichia coli mini-Tn10 insertions that contain the rare-cutting polylinker 1 (RCP1) of rare restriction sites [including BlnI/AvrlI, Spel, NheI, XbaI, NotI, PacI and Sfil; Mahillon and Kleckner, Gene 116 (1992) 69–74] which allows them to be used not just for genetic mapping, but also for rapid physical mapping and integrated physical and genetic mapping of the E. coli chromosome. Their isolation and their physical and genetic coordinates in K-12 strain MG1655 are presented. Also, their use in purifying insertion-delimited DNAs from E. coli K-12 and in macrorestriction mapping of a pathogenic strain's chromosome is demonstrated. These insertions allow integration of (i) different macrorestriction patterns of a single strain's chromosome, (ii) the physical map of a single strain's chromosome with the genetic map of the species, and (iii) the physical maps of different strains' chromosomes.
Transceiver cascade system analysis and design via a contribution method

An approach to the design of cascade receiver and transmitter systems for maximum spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) is introduced. The contribution method developed here provides a good initial assignment of noise figure, gain, and linearity requirement to individual stages and enables informed assessment of trade-offs during system design. Application of the approach to the design of a receiver preselector cascade for maximum SFDR is discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2006.
Monte Carlo simulations of phase transformations in Fe-Cr alloys

Phase stability properties of bcc based Fe-Cr alloys are examined in the framework of the first-principles KKR-CPA-GPM formalism and Monte Carlo simulations. For Fe-rich alloys, ordered configurations are found stable with respect to the random state of the alloy, but unstable with respect to the pure Fe and Cr metals. The results are compared with the ones obtained by using energy parameters extracted from experimental diffuse scattering data.
EXTINCT RADIOACTIVITY AND THE DISCOVERY OF A NEW PLEOCHROIC HALO.

BECAUSE of the cosmological implications of such a discovery1, considerable effort has been expended toward the detection of extinct radioactivity in crustal rocks and meteorites. An excess of fissiogenic xenon isotopes in the Fayetteville meteorite2 and the presence of excess fission tracks in the Toluca meteorite3 have in each case been considered possible evidence of spontaneous fission from the extinct nuclide plutonium-244. Although an earlier search for the neptunium series in nature failed to reveal its existence4, later results suggest that it may exist5.
On Solving Large-Scale Finite Minimax Problems Using Exponential Smoothing

This paper focuses on finite minimax problems with many functions, and their solution by means of exponential smoothing. We conduct run-time complexity and rate of convergence analysis of smoothing algorithms and compare them with those of SQP algorithms. We find that smoothing algorithms may have only sublinear rate of convergence, but as shown by our complexity results, their slow rate of convergence may be compensated by small computational work per iteration. We present two smoothing algorithms with active-set strategies and novel precision-parameter adjustment schemes. Numerical results indicate that the algorithms are competitive with other algorithms from the literature, and especially so when a large number of functions are nearly active at stationary points.
Solid-state 27Al and 29Si NMR studies of the reactivity of the aluminum-containing clay mineral kaolinite

Abstract Solid-state 27 Al and 29 Si NMR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and other chemical analyses have been used to study the dealumination of uncalcined and calcined (850°C) kaolinite following extraction with aqueous HCI solutions at 98°C. The degree of the dealumination is dependent on the extraction stoichiometry and the temperature of calcination pretreatment of the kaolinite. Solid-state MASS 27 Al and CP/MASS 29 Si NMR studies provide unique information about the aluminum and silicon atoms in kaolinite samples before and following the dealumination process. The results are discussed in light of the current mechanisms proposed for the dehydration and dealumination processes of kaolinite.
Impact of climate change on electricity systems and markets – A review of models and forecasts

Abstract Climate change has serious implications for the electricity sector, especially for the future of electricity demand and supply. Understanding the climate change phenomenon and its impact on electric power system is of increasing importance to policymakers across the world. An extensive literature review on the impact of climate change on the electricity sector is the first step in understanding and building impact assessment model for the electric power sector. This review highlights the research areas where the knowledge frontier has advanced significantly like: temperature-sensitive demand estimation, plant-level effects of cooling water/ambient air temperature increase; supply vulnerabilities due to decreased water availability for power generation; localized impact of climate variations on wind resources etc. The research areas where the impacts are still unclear includes: system-wide impact on renewable and thermal power generation; economic modeling of extreme events; vulnerabilities of transmission and coastal energy infrastructure to extreme events; long-term combined modeling at a state or regional level; the effects of climate, policy and impact uncertainties on modeling outcomes etc. It is hoped that the outcome of this research review could inform the design of future electricity markets and system models.
Effects of instructions and class contrast on children's and adolescents' similarity judgments.

An experiment is reported in which the effects of age, instructions, and contrast class on the width of similarity judgments are evaluated. It was found that instruction affects similarity judgments of 5-yr.-old children and adolescents in the manner predicted. There were no over-all age differences. Contrast class also had no general effect, contrary to Wallach's hypothesis. Contrast class was effective only under very restricted conditions in the case of adolescents.
Histamine Content and Secretion in Basophils and Mast Cells

Biochemical determinations of the histamine content and secretion from basophils and mast cells have been available for some time, and much of the complex anatomy of these cellular populations and their release reactions has been documented using the electron microscope. The ultrastructural analyses led to the description of vesicular transport between secretory granules and the plasma membrane as a mechanism for secretion from basophils and mast cells--a process termed piecemeal degranulation. Proof of concepts incorporated in a general degranulation model put forth in 1975 (DVORAK, H.F. and DVORAK, A.M.) requires high magnification imaging of a granule constituent in trafficking vesicles in the process of a stimulated release reaction in which the constituent release is monitored biochemically. Development and application of a new enzyme-affinity method to detect histamine at high magnifications in well-preserved ultrastructural samples have provided the necessary means to establish proof that appropriate secretagogues can stimulate the vesicular transport of histamine in basophils and mast cells during release reactions monitored biochemically. The background information necessary to the understanding of this result is presented here, as well as the development and verification of the diamine oxidase-gold method to image histamine in human mast cell granules as the test system. Also presented are applications using this technology to examine histamine stores and secretion in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo in human basophils and mast cells and in mouse mast cells. Specifically examined are histamine stores developing in maturing mast cells induced to develop de novo from cultured human cord blood cells, secretagogue-stimulated release and recovery of histamine stores from isolated, purified human lung mast cells ex vivo, cytokine-stimulated degranulation of human skin mast cells and their histamine stores in vivo, piecemeal degranulation of human gut mast cells and their histamine stores in inflammatory bowel disease in vivo, piecemeal degranulation of mouse skin mast cells and their histamine stores in inflammatory eye disease in an interleukin-4 transgenic mouse model in vivo, and the stimulated secretion and recovery of histamine from human basophils ex vivo.
The contribution of Langerhans cells to cutaneous malignancy

The skin is at the forefront of environmental exposures, such as ultraviolet radiation and a myriad of chemicals, and is at risk for malignant transformation. The skin is a highly responsive immunological organ that contains a unique population of immature intraepidermal dendritic cells (DCs) called Langerhans cells (LCs). Although LCs show morphological and migratory changes in response to epidermal perturbation, and can function as antigen-presenting cells to activate T cells, their role in carcinogenesis is unknown. Here we review recent studies that have provided clues to the potential roles that LCs might play in the pathogenesis of skin cancer, beyond their stimulation or regulation of adaptive immunity. Understanding this role of LCs might provide new perspectives on the relevance of DC populations that are resident within other epithelial tissues for cancer.
Kinetic Isotope Effects for Electron-Transfer Pathways in the Oxidative C−H Activation of Hydrocarbons

Fast hydrogen atom transfers from various methylbenzenes (ArH) to photoactivated quinones Q* show primary kinetic isotope effects k(H)/k(D) of 2.4−5.6. The quantitative effects of added inert salt on the kinetics and on the yields of the intermediate cation radical ArH+• demonstrate that hydrogen transfer proceeds via a two-step sequence involving an initial electron transfer to form the ion-radical pair [ArH+•, Q-•] which subsequently undergoes proton transfer according to the electron-transfer mechanism in Scheme 1.
Self-tuning gains of PI controllers for current control in a PMSM

In this paper, a self-tuning proportional plus integral (PI) controller is proposed for current control in a permanent magnet synchronous motor system (PMSM). Based on the Lyapunov stability theorem, the self-tuning laws are derived and the coefficients of the PI controllers can be suitably adjusted to deal with uncertainties and external disturbances. Thus, the on-line tuned coefficients can force the tracking error to approach zero. The system robustness, as well as stability is proven. In addition, the proposed self-tuning laws are very simple and can be effectively implemented. Numerical simulation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
A formatter generator or programming a formatter machine

It happened with compilers, and I guess it had to happen eventually with text formatters. But the source for this development in formatters is surprising--at least to someone who has spent so much time in an academic environment. After having written enough compilers, we, the computer industry, abstracted ourselves to the stage of producing compiler generators. We have, by now, been writing text formatters for quite some time, and yet no one has produced a "theory of text formatting" enabling him to write a formatter generator. Yet Autologic', a leading manufacturer of computer controlled typesetters, needed a formatting facility more sophisticated than those generally available on the standard time sharing system. Serving printers is far different from serving terminal-bound authors.
Climatology and Meteorological Evolution of Major Wildfire Events over the Northeast United States

AbstractThis study presents a spatial and temporal climatology of major wildfire events, defined as >100 acres burned (>40.47 ha, where 1 ha = 2.47 acre), in the northeast United States from 1999 to 2009 and the meteorological conditions associated with these events. The northeast United States is divided into two regions: region 1 is centered over the higher terrain of the northeast United States and region 2 is primarily over the coastal plain. About 59% of all wildfire events in these two regions occur in April and May, with ~76% in region 1 and ~53% in region 2. There is large interannual variability in wildfire frequency, with some years having 4–5 times more fire events than other years. The synoptic flow patterns associated with northeast United States wildfires are classified using the North American Regional Reanalysis. The most common synoptic pattern for region 1 is a surface high pressure system centered over the northern Appalachians, which occurred in approximately 46% of all events. For reg...
Signal transduction: Clamping down on Src activity

Recent high-resolution structures of members of the Src family of protein-tyrosine kinases illustrate how a series of cooperative intramolecular interactions represses the catalytic activity of these kinases, but allows for their rapid activation by a variety of regulatory inputs.
New spectroscopic method for aqueous solutions: Raman ξ-function dispersion for NaClO4 in water

A new Raman method is exemplified by ξ≡−RT[∂ln(Iω∕IREF)∕∂X1]T,P,n2,n3 for ternary NaClO4∕D2O∕H2O, or by ξ≡−RT[∂ln(Iω∕IREF)∕∂X2]T,P for binary NaClO4∕H2O solutions. (Fundamental differences exist between ξ and the chemical potential μ.) Iω is the Raman intensity at ω, IREF is the reference intensity, e.g., at the isosbestic frequency, X2 is the H2O and X1 the small D2O mol fraction, and n2 and n3 are constant mols of H2O and NaClO4, respectively. Maxima (max) and minima (min) were observed in ξ versus ω(cm−1); ξmax−ξmin=Δξmax. Δξmax=8050±100cal∕mol H2O for the coupled, binary solution OH stretch, and Δξmax=4200±200cal∕mol H bond for the decoupled, ternary solution OD stretch. The perchlorate ion breaks the H bonds in water. 8050cal∕mol H2O corresponds to the maximum tetrahedral Δξmax value for two H bonds, i.e., Δξmax=4025cal∕mol H bond, in agreement with the HDO Δξmax=4200±200cal∕mol H bond. [Δξmax is not the H bond enthalpy (energy).] Minima occur in ξ at the peak ω values corresponding to the HDO∕H2O an...
An analysis of entropy estimators for blind source separation

An extensive analysis of a non-parametric, information-theoretic method for instantaneous blind source separation (BSS) is presented. As a result a modified stochastic information gradient estimator is proposed to reduce the computational complexity and to allow the separation of sub-Gaussian sources. Interestingly, the modification enables the method to simultaneously exploit spatial and spectral diversity of the sources. Consequently, the new algorithm is able to separate i.i.d, sources, which requires higher-order spatial statistics, and it is also able to separate temporally correlated Gaussian sources, which requires temporal statistics. Three reasons are given why Renyi's entropy estimators for Information-Theoretic Learning (ITL), on which the proposed method is based, is to be preferred over Shannon's entropy estimators for ITL. Also contained herein is an extensive comparison of the proposed method with JADE, Infomax, Comon's MI, FastICA, and a non-parametric, information-theoretic method that is based on Shannon's entropy. Performance comparisons are shown as a function of the data length, source kurtosis, number of sources, and stationarity/correlation of the sources.
Catalytic hydrogenation of cyclohexene: 3. Gas-phase and liquid-phase reaction on supported palladium

The hydrogenation of cyclohexene was studied in both gas and liquid phases on six different palladium catalysts supported on silica gel and alumina between 264 and 308 K at hydrogen pressures from 4 to 89 kPa, cyclohexene partial pressures from 0.46 to 1.5 kPa, and cyclohexene concentrations from 0.15 to 3.0 M . Under these conditions the turnover frequency is independent of particle size (1.5 to 10 nm) in both liquid and gas phases, of the nature of the support, and of the nature of nonaromatic solvents (methanol, n -heptane, ethyl acetate, and cyclohexene). The order of reaction was one-half with respect to hydrogen for the reaction in both liquid and gas phases and zero with respect to cyclohexene partial pressure (gas phase) or with respect to cyclohexene molar concentration (liquid phase). At the same temperature and hydrogen pressure, the turnover frequency was about twice as high in the gas phase as in the liquid phase.
Three Models of Narrative Comprehension in William Stafford's “Traveling through the Dark”: Some Relations between Schemata and Interpretive Context (Part 1)

This paper discusses the mechanisms involved in accounting for William Stafford's poem “Traveling Through the Dark.” Part 1 presents the narrative models of Teun van Dijk and William Labov, while Part 2 continues the discussion of Labov's Model, introduces Stanley Fish's view of narrative, and relates all three models to Roger Schank's and Robert de Beaugrande's theoretical work on stories. In the conclusion, a number of criteria for the evaluation of narrative theories are suggested.
Regime Shift in Sandy Beach Microbial Communities following Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Remediation Efforts

Sandy beaches support a wide variety of underappreciated biodiversity that is critical to coastal ecosystems. Prior to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the diversity and function of supratidal beach sediment microbial communities along Gulf of Mexico coastlines were not well understood. As such, it was unclear if microbial community compositional changes would occur following exposure to beached oil, if indigenous communities could biodegrade oil, or how cleanup efforts, such as sand washing and sediment redistribution, would impact microbial ecosystem resiliency. Transects perpendicular to the shoreline were sampled from public beaches on Grand Isle, Louisiana, and Dauphin Island, Alabama, over one year. Prior to oil coming onshore, elevated levels of bacteria associated with fecal contamination were detected (e.g., Enterobacteriales and Campylobacterales). Over time, significant shifts within major phyla were identified (e.g., Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria) and fecal indicator groups were replaced by taxa affiliated with open-ocean and marine systems (e.g., Oceanospirillales, Rhodospirillales, and Rhodobacterales). These new bacterial groups included putative hydrocarbon degraders, similar to those identified near the oil plume offshore. Shifts in the microbial community composition strongly correlated to more poorly sorted sediment and grain size distributional changes. Natural oceanographic processes could not account for the disrupted sediment, especially from the backshore well above the maximum high-tide levels recorded at these sites. Sand washing and tilling occurred on both open beaches from August through at least December 2010, which were mechanisms that could replace fecal indicator groups with open-ocean groups. Consequently, remediation efforts meant to return beaches to pre-spill compositions caused a regime shift that may have added potential ecosystem function, like hydrocarbon degradation, to the sediment. Future research will need to assess the persistence and impact of the newly formed microbial communities to the overall sandy beach ecosystems.
The Similarity Differential Rate Hypothesis

After Contrastive Analysis was called into question because it could not predict areas of difficulty, it was modified into the so-called moderate version, claiming that similar phenomena are more difficult to acquire than dissimilar phenomena (see Oller & Ziahosseiny, 1970). Eckman (1977) added a very significant modification to further salvage Contrastive Analysis by incorporating markedness. In addition, the prolific work of Flege on similarity,including his Speech Learning Model (1995), has provided us with extensive data on degree of difficulty in second language acquisition. Although the bulk of his and his collaborators' work supports his claim that similar sounds are harder to learn than dissimilar sounds, there are important exceptions (e.g., Bohn & Flege, 1992). Furthermore, other researchers have presented conflicting claims and results. The importance of this chapter is that it ties together similarity and markedness in a claim concerning rate of acquisition, rather than “degree of difficulty”—a vaguely defined term. The Similarity Differential Rate Hypothesis (SDRH) quite simply claims that similar phenomena are acquired at faster rates than dissimilar phenomena and that markedness is a mediating factor that slows rate. In making its claims, it calls into question some widespread time-honored concepts in L1 and L2 studies that are poorly defined or mean different things to different researchers. Specifically, what criterion level or percent accuracy is needed for a phenomenon to be “acquired”? What does it mean for x to be acquired before y? If at Stage I, x = 40% accuracy and y = 20% accuracy, we could say x is acquired before y and is less difficult; but if at Stage II, x = 50% and y = 80%, we could say y is acquired before x and is more difficult. In light of this, the SDRH claims that we have been asking the wrong questions, and that rate is the significant factor. In the example above, what is consistent is rate: The rate of acquisition of y is faster than x. In L1 acquisition research, although order of acquisition has been a perennial concern (e.g., Jakobson, 1941, 1968, and current research on the minimal word involving morae), according to David Ingram (personal communication, 1998), rate has not been a major topic in L1 phonology. (Although Ingram himself [1991] has talked about gradual and abrupt rates, he says there is no explanation why these variable patterns exist.) However, because rates have predictive implications (with the caveat that any learner, L1 or L2, may fossilize at any point) and because L1 and L2 phenomena are reflected in a wide range of contexts—for example, historical change, languages in contact, and dialect variation—it follows that the investigation of rate is an important area of research for both L1 and L2 acquisition.
Comparison of Clinical and Biomechanical Measures of Balance and Mobility in Elderly Nursing Home Residents

Objective: To compare biomechanics force platform measurements of postural sway with clinical measures of balance and mobility, in frail elderly residents of community nursing homes, in terms of feasibility, correlation with other known risk factors for falls, and intercorrelation with each other. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Twelve Tennessee community nursing homes. Subjects: Of 1315 residents 360 (≥65) could stand independently (≥10 seconds). Of these eligible subjects, 303 (84%) provided informed consent and were assessed. Measurements: The biomechanics force platform measurements were postural sway during quiet standing characterized as elliptical area and mean velocity. The clinical measures were functional reach, mobility maneuvers (adapted from Tinetti's Mobility Index), timed chair stands, and 10-foot walk. Resident characteristics and function were also obtained. Results: Balance measurements were obtained on most (100% for postural sway to 67% for chair stand) consenting residents and were reliable on test-retest (intraclass correlation from .56 to .98). Performance in both groups of balance measures deteriorated with increasing musculoskeletal disability. Functional reach and mobility maneuvers correlated with height, and mobility maneuvers with depressive symptoms. Elliptical area correlated with mean velocity of postural sway (Pearson's r = 0.72; P < 0.001), and the clinical measures of balance (functional reach, mobility maneuvers, timed chair stands and walk) were modestly intercorrelated (r from 0.35 to 0.65; all P values ≤0.05). However, the biomechanical measures were not correlated with the clinical measures. Conclusions: Standard measures of balance were obtained reliably from nursing home residents who could stand independently for ≥10 seconds. However, in this group, further research is needed to determine which measures best predict falls. Further research is also needed to identify predictors of falls in the majority of residents who were too frail to undergo these standard assessments.
Reliability and validity of adolescents' scores on the Body Esteem Scale

The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Body Esteem Scale (BES) among 255 girls and 436 boys from Grades 5 through 12. To date, the BES has been found to yield reliable and va...
Baclofen, procainamide, verapamil, and prenylamine in hereditary muscular dystrophy of the chicken

Abstract Two “myotonia antagonists” (baclofen and procainamide) and two “calcium antagonists” (verapamil and prenylamine) were evaluated for their effects on hereditary muscular dystrophy of the chicken. Righting ability of dystrophic chicks was improved only by baclofen and procainamide. Plasma creatine kinase activity of dystrophic chicks was reduced 45% after chronic administration of baclofen, but was still nearly nine-fold greater than activity in plasma of normal chicks. Baclofen and verapamil both reduced acetylcholinesterase activity in pectoralis major muscles of dystrophic chicks by about 40%, but these values were still significantly greater than those measured in muscles of normal chicks. The data provide further support for the concept that impaired righting ability of young dystrophic chickens is associated with the presence of myotonia in affected muscles, but do not rule out the possibility that certain of the biochemical features of the avian dystrophy may involve calcium.
From Asylums to Jails: The Prevailing Impact on Female Offenders

More than half of prisoners who are in city or county jails have a mental illness, a higher number than persons incarcerated in state and federal prisons (James & Glaze, 2006). More important, 75% of jailed female offenders have a mental illness compared to 63% of their male counterparts. By their very nature, jails are dramatically different compared to prisons. Persons in jails are there temporarily or are serving a relatively short sentence, normally a year or less. Thus, jails have higher daily admissions and releases of offenders than prisons. Jail administrators and correctional officers are also more often confronted with inmates whose mental stability deteriorates faster upon their incarceration. Quickly identifying mentally ill inmates, particularly those who are suicidal, is essential in order to provide timely intervention and manage this population. This article provides an in-depth examination of women's mental illnesses and etiology. It also provides a critical analysis of risk factors and a...
PICA: Backside failure analysis of CMOS circuits using Picosecond Imaging Circuit Analysis

Abstract Normal operation of complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices entails the emission of picosecond pulses of light, which can be used to diagnose circuit problems. The pulses that are observed from submicron sized field effect transistors (FETs) are synchronous with logic state switching. Picosecond Imaging Circuit Analysis (PICA), a new optical imaging technique combining imaging with timing, spatially resolves individual devices at the 0.5 micron level and switching events on a 10 picosecond timescale. PICA is used here for the diagnostics of failures on two VLSI microprocessors.
Combined chemoresistive and chemocapacitive microsensor structures

This paper introduces a novel CMOS-compatible multifunctional impedimetric chemical sensor. The sensor features a simple 3-electrode structure to combine resistive and capacitive measurement modes in a three-mask process. With chemically sensitive coatings and different lead configurations, both resistance and capacitance responses upon analyte exposure can be extracted to improve the sensor selectivity. The response of these multifunctional sensors drop-coated with conductive poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and non-conductive polyepichlorohydrin (PECH) polymers to different concentrations of alcohol and aromatic hydrocarbon vapors is explored.
Team-Teaching Around the World and Across the Equator

The author addresses the question of how and why university teachers today, in the United States, teach about South Africa, and how people in South Africa teach about the United States. As one who has taught in both countries and now focuses on comparing their literatures, the author found it essential to explore the similarities, differences, and connections between the two countries and necessary to develop pedagogical techniques based on her teaching experiences. Teaching around the world and across the equator involves adjustment to different time schedules, course structures, and forms of technological assistance as well as interaction among students with vastly different preparations and expectations.
Advance selling and internet intermediary: travel distribution strategies in the e-commerce age

We investigate two challenges advance of e-commerce creates for traditional practice of travel distribution. First, we explore whether travel providers benefit from strategically controlling the timing to start advance selling. Second, we study when should travel providers use Internet intermediaries, in particular, should they promote or limit Internet intermediaries' distribution power? We find that the best timing for travel providers to start advance selling depends on the type of demand uncertainty they face. When the key uncertainty is spot demand, travel providers should not start advance selling too early if they expect higher advance selling price in later period. When travel providers face demand uncertainty in both advance and spot periods, they are worse off not using the advance channel; whether they should start advance selling early depends on advance and spot price, and demand ration between advance and spot periods. In studying travel providers' strategic position of whether to promote or limit Internet intermediary's distribution power, we find that when both parties possess the same quality of demand information, travel providers should always limit intermediary's distribution power under pure forwards contract; when the two parties possess different quality of information, the informational advantages of one party over the other plays a critical role. Surprisingly, in our model setting, travel providers should limit intermediary's distribution power when the latter has more accurate demand information or when the former have a slightly better informational advantage over the intermediary. Otherwise, when travel providers have a huge informational advantage over the intermediary, they should promote the intermediary.
Military Ascendancy And Political Culture: A Study Of Indonesia's Golkar

Most of the earlier studies on the Indonesian political party, Golkar, tend to view the organization solely as an electoral machine used by the military to legitimize its power. However, this study is different in that it considers Golkar less an electoral machine and more as a political organization which inherited the political traditions of the nominal Muslim parties and the Javanese governing elite pre-1965, before the inauguration of Indonesia's New Order. Golkar, then, is seen in this book as nominal Islam with a military element that tends to differentiate it from previous political parties in the country. Leo Suryadinata traces the birth, struggle, and emergence of this party so closely identified with Indonesia's President Suharto. Yet, to claim that Suharto and the military dominate the party is to view Golkar superficially, for the party is also composed of factions of civil servants and the Minister of Security and Defense, as well as several other governmental agencies. A complex and well-detailed cultural history of Indonesia's most powerful political party, this case study should have wider implications for the study of military behavior in the Third World.
Growth Inhibition of Selected Aquatic Bacteria by Tannic Acid and Related Compounds

Abstract Tannic acid, propyl gallate, methyl gallate, and gallic acid were tested for their inhibitory effects on selected aquatic microorganisms by the well assay technique. Tannic acid, propyl gallate, and methyl gallate in deionized water inhibited the growth of Aeromonas hydrophila, A. sobria, Edwardsiella iclaluri, E. tarda, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Escherichia coli, but gallic acid did not. When 500-μg/mL concentrations of these four compounds were tested in sterilized fish pond water at pH 7.0 and with a low bacterial inoculum of 103–104 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter, they inhibited the growth of P. fluorescens and (except for tannic acid) E. coli. Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculated at 103–104 CFU/mL in pond water was inhibited by methyl gallate, propyl gallate, and tannic acid concentrations as low as 50 μg/mL, but a gallic acid contration of 100 μg/mL was required for inhibition. Escherichia coli was inhibited by methyl gallate and propyl gallate at 250 μg/mL and by gallic acid at...
Inhibiting gap junctional intercellular communication alters expression of differentiation markers in osteoblastic cells

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) may contribute to cellular differentiation. To examine this possibility in bone cells we examined markers of cellular differentiation, including alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and osteopontin, in ROS17/2.8 cells (ROS), a rat osteoblastic cell line expressing phenotypic characteristics of fully differentiated osteoblasts. We utilized ROS rendered communication deficient either by stable transfection with antisense cDNA to connexin 43 (Cx43), the predominant gap junction protein in bone (RCx16 cells), or by overexpression of Cx45, a gap junction protein not normally expressed in ROS (ROS/Cx45 cells). Both RCx16 and ROS/Cx45 cells displayed reduced dye coupling and Cx43 protein expression relative to ROS, control transfectants, and ROS/Cx45tr, ROS cells expressing carboxylterminal truncated Cx45. Steady-state mRNA levels for osteocalcin as well as alkaline phosphatase activity, two markers of osteoblastic differentiation, were also reduced in poorly coupled RCx16 and ROS/Cx45 cells. On the other hand, steady-state mRNA levels for osteopontin increased slightly in RCx16 and ROS/Cx45 cells. These results suggest that GJIC at least partly contributes to the regulation of expression of markers of osteoblastic differentiation.
Class A Scavenger Receptor-mediated Macrophage Adhesion Requires Coupling of Calcium-independent Phospholipase A2 and 12/15-Lipoxygenase to Rac and Cdc42 Activation

Class A scavenger receptors (SR-A) participate in multiple macrophage functions including adhesion to modified extracellular matrix proteins present in various inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. By mediating macrophage adhesion to modified proteins and increasing macrophage retention, SR-A may contribute to the inflammatory process. Eicosanoids produced after phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-catalyzed release of arachidonic acid (AA) are important regulators of macrophage function and inflammatory responses. The potential roles of AA release and metabolism in SR-A-mediated macrophage adhesion were determined using macrophages adherent to modified protein. SR-A-dependent macrophage adhesion was abolished by selectively inhibiting calcium-independent PLA2 (iPLA2) activity and absent in macrophages isolated from iPLA2 β–/– mice. Our results further demonstrate that 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX)-derived, but not cyclooxygenase- or cytochrome P450-dependent epoxygenase-derived AA metabolites, are specifically required for SR-A-dependent adhesion. Because of their role in regulating actin polymerization and cell adhesion, Rac and Cdc42 activation were also examined and shown to be increased via an iPLA2- and LOX-dependent pathway. Together, our results identify a novel role for iPLA2-catalyzed AA release and its metabolism by 12/15-LOX in coupling SR-A-mediated macrophage adhesion to Rac and Cdc42 activation.
EPR of mixed valence complexes: Hexaaminecobalt(III) chlorocuprates(I, II)

Abstract Eleven compounds in the mixed valence series of hexaaminecobalt(III) chlorocuprate(I, II), which may be formulated as [Co(NH 3 ) 6 ][CuCl 4 ] x [CuCl 5 ] 1− x have been investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance at room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature. The data show a variation of linewidth with concentration that is consistent with the structural data at room temperature. At 77°K a somewhat different variation is observed which suggests that the preferred crystal structure is a function of temperature. The interpretation indicates that exchange narrowing is a major factor in determining the linewidth but it is a function of several parameters.
Efficient in vivo gene delivery using modified Tat peptide with cationic lipids.

A combination of modified HIV-1 Tat (mTat) peptide and cationic lipids, FuGENE HD (FH), dramatically enhanced transfection efficiency across a range of cell lines when compared to mTat or FH alone (Biomaterials 35:1705–1715 2014). The efficiency of this Tat peptide combination was significantly higher than many commercial non-viral vectors. In this present study, we tested the feasibility of this non-viral vector, mTat/FH, in vivo using plasmid DNA encoding a luciferase gene. The results of the in vivo studies showed that animals administered mTat/FH/DNA intramuscularly had significantly higher and longer luciferase expression (≈7 months) than those with mTat/DNA, FH/DNA, or DNA alone. Histological evaluation showed little immune response in the muscles, livers, and kidneys of mice administered with the mTat/FH. The combination of mTat with FH could significantly improve transfection efficiency, expanding the potential use of non-viral gene vectors in vivo.
Modeling of the liquid/solid and the eutectoid phase transformations in spheroidal graphite cast iron

A model of phase transformations in spheroidal graphite (SG) cast iron has been developed to quantitatively describe the microstructural evolution during solidification and the subsequent solid-state phase transformations (eutectoid reaction) during continuous cooling and to predict some of the microstructural characteristics of final phases formed in SG iron castings. Such characteristics include phase fractions, phase spacings, and grain dimensions. In the model, the nucleation and growth of primary dendrites and eutectics were described based on existing theories, whereas the mathematical formulation for the eutectoid reaction,i.e., the formation of pearlite and ferrite from the as-cast austenite, was developed based on theories as well as physical evidence obtained from the experimental work. The Johnson-Mehl equation and the Avrami equation were used to calculate the fraction of transformed phases under continuous cooling conditions. The role of the grain impingement factor used in these two equations and the significance of the additivity principle in treating nonisothermal transformations were briefly discussed. The latent heat method was used for the numerical treatment of the release of latent heat during phase transformations. A two-dimensional finite element code which can be used in either Cartesian or cylindrical coordinates (ALCAST-2D) was used to solve the time-dependent temperature distribution throughout the metal/mold system. Numerical predictions were validated against experimental results, and good agreement was obtained.
Anne Askew Constructing Her Text, Constructing Her Self

This essay describes how The first examinacyon of Anne Askew is artfully organized as a result of Askew's identifying with Stephen, but not as a martyr; rather, as one of the Church's first preachers. Askew's discourse uses the narrative elements of Stephen's story to shape her own narrative. This narrative displays the reformist 'I', in that Askew creates a scripturally based self-representation which enables her to be absorbed within the discursive space that she constructs and controls. That absorption shows how Askew could name herself as a Stephen as she participated in a drama larger than her self. Such participation reveals that The first examinacyon is fundamentally about Askew's behaviour and about Askew's need to report her behaviour to her London reformist community. In her own discursive space, absent anything Bale might have done to her, Askew duplicates Stephen's moments of victory over the stiffnecked and in so doing reveals something of her 'real' self.
Genetic influences on bipolar EEG power spectra

The EEG bipolar power spectra provide more localization than spectral measures obtained from monopolar referencing strategies, and have been shown to be useful endophenotypes of psychiatric disorders such as alcoholism. We estimated the additive genetic heritability of resting bipolar EEG power spectra in a large sample of non-twin sibling pairs. The corresponding heritabilities ranged between 0.220 and 0.647 and were highly significant at all 38 electrode pairs for theta (3-7 Hz), low-alpha (7-9 Hz), high-alpha (9-12 Hz), low-beta (12-16 Hz), middle-beta (16-20 Hz) and high-beta (20-28 Hz) frequency bands. The heritabilities were the highest in the high-alpha and low-beta bands at most electrode pairs. The heritabilities were most variable across the head in the three beta bands. Other heritability patterns were also identified within each frequency band. Our results suggest that substantial proportions of the variability in the bipolar EEG measures are explained by genetic factors.
Synthesis and base promoted intramolecular nucleophilic reaction of 8-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrachloro-9,9-dimethoxy-1α,4α,4aα,6,7,8β,8aα-hexahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalene-5(1H)-one

Catalytic hydrogenation of two substituted hexahydro-1,4-dimethanonaphthalene-5,8-diones results in reduction of the enedione carbon-carbon double bond with concomitant reduction of only one of the two chemically equivalent C=O groups. Reaction of one partially reduced product with base results in intramolecular addition to the carbon-carbon double bond.
Mentoring in the Army: From Buzzword to Practice

As in many organizations, mentoring is a common buzzword in the U.S. Army. Yet, it is not clearly defined, and little data document the nature and extent of its practice. In addition, concern exist...
A STUDY OF CATECHOLAMINE NUCLEOTIDE COMPLEXES BY NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY.

The direct chemical interaction of catecholamines with adenine nucleotides has been examined using the technique of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Preferential stabilization of the alpha and beta carbons of the side chain of epinephrine has been demonstrated by selective changes in the relaxation times of the protons attached to these carbons. By varying the concentrations of amine and nucleotide, it has been shown that at pH 5.6, three molecules of epinephrine can interact with one molecule of ATP and one molecule of epinephrine can interact with one molecule of AMP. An additional catecholamine molecule may be attached to the adenine nucleotide complexes at a higher pH. The complex appears to involve an ionic bond between the catecholamine nitrogen and the phosphate moiety of the nucleotide and a hydrogen bond between the beta hydroxyl group of the catecholamine and a phosphate oxygen. The very small preferential stabilization of the side chain carbons of dopamine in the presence of ATP indicates that the beta hydroxyl group of the catecholamine plays a role in the interaction.
A Hierarchy of Urban Communities: Observations on the Nested Character of Place:

Revisiting Hunter's (1974, 1979) classic but rarely applied notion of a “hierarchy of communities,” this article investigates the nested meanings and uses of place in the urban realm. Qualitative r...
A general software reliability model for performance prediction

Abstract In this paper we give a general Markov process formulation for a software reliability model and present expressions for software performance measures. We discuss a general model and derive the maximum likelihood estimates for the required parameters of this model. The generality of this model is demonstrated by showing that the Jelinski-Moranda model and the Non-Homogeneous Poisson Process (NHPP) model are both very special cases of our model. In this process we also correct some errors in a previous paper of the NHPP model.
Secondary Structure and Hybridization Accessibility of Hepatitis C Virus 3′-Terminal Sequences

The 3'-terminal sequences of hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive- and negative-strand RNAs contribute cis-acting functions essential for viral replication. The secondary structure and protein-binding properties of these highly conserved regions are of interest not only for the further elucidation of HCV molecular biology, but also for the design of antisense therapeutic constructs. The RNA structure of the positive-strand 3' untranslated region has been shown previously to influence binding by various host and viral proteins and is thus thought to promote HCV RNA synthesis and genome stability. Recent studies have attributed analogous functions to the negative-strand 3' terminus. We evaluated the HCV negative-strand secondary structure by enzymatic probing with single-strand-specific RNases and thermodynamic modeling of RNA folding. The accessibility of both 3'-terminal sequences to hybridization by antisense constructs was evaluated by RNase H cleavage mapping in the presence of combinatorial oligodeoxynucleotide libraries. The mapping results facilitated identification of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides and a 10-23 deoxyribozyme active against the positive-strand 3'-X region RNA in vitro.
Simulation of imperfect information in vulnerability modeling for infrastructure facilities

A model of malicious intrusions in infrastructure facilities is developed that uses a network representation of the system structure together with Markov models of intruder progress and strategy. Simulation is used to analyze varying levels of imperfect information on the part of the intruders in planning their attacks. This provides an explicit mechanism to estimate the probability of successful breaches of physical security, and to evaluate potential means to reduce that probability.
Geometric disproportion of cardiac structure and graft ischemia affect tricuspid valve regurgitation early after neonatal heart transplantation.

Background Although tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) after heart transplantation is a known complication, there has been little discussion of this subject in neonatal heart transplantation. We aim to elucidate the prevalence, etiology, and evolution of TR early after transplant in neonates. Methods Eighty-five neonatal recipients were studied retrospectively by two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. The semiquantitative grading of TR was based on the ratio of regurgitation jet area to right atrial area. Results Immediately after neonatal heart transplantation, TR was recognized in 47 patients (grade 1, n=18; grade 2, n=22; grade 3, n=7; and grade 4, n=0). Tricuspid regurgitation prevalence diminished from 55% to 19% with reduction in severity 1 year after transplantation. The prevalence of TR (grade 2 and grade 3) was affected by a donor/recipient body weight ratio of more than 2.0 ( p = 0.004) and graft ischemia for more than 3 hours ( p = 0.014). The ratio of donor and recipient right atria portion, which had a correlation with donor/recipient body weight ratio (r 2 = 0.415, p p = 0.0064) and also at 1 year after transplantation in all surviving grafts from 1.48 ± 0.54 to 0.8 ± 0.32 ( p Conclusions Early posttransplant TR was affected by atria geometrical disproportion and by graft ischemia. Tricuspid regurgitation was not a risk factor for graft survival because of its amelioration over time, perhaps induced by recipient growth and recovery of myocardial injury relating to graft procurement.