cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transformations in Space

The invariance of the laws of physics under time translations, space translations, and rotations is naturally linked with the conservation laws of energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum, respectively. In Chapter 1 we have briefly described time translations in terms of the time development operator; spatial transformations, however, can be expressed most compactly and elegantly in the language of group theory. The rotation-group operators are the infinitesimal generators of angular momentum; the group closure property then leads to the familiar commutation relations of angular momentum. We shall also consider in detail the structure of vector and spinor wave functions, spin matrices, tensor operators, and the Wigner—Eckart theorem. Such a review of rotations will serve as a bridge between nonrelativistic and relativistic quantum theory. In particular it will serve as a basis for our treatment of Lorentz transformations in the next chapter.
Surface micromachined glass and polysilicon microchannels using MUMPs

MUMPs (Multi-User MEMS Process) based, surface micromachined glass and polysilicon microchannels are fabricated by means of surface micromachining. The prototype glass microchannels are made of a 0.75 /spl mu/m-thick PSG2 layer on top with cross section of 70 /spl mu/m in width and 4 /spl mu/m in height. The polysilicon microchannel are made of a 2 /spl mu/m-thick poly I layer with a cross section of 7 /spl mu/m in width and 2 /spl mu/m in height. Both microchannels have been tested to transport and contain water by means of surface tension force. Because these microchannels are fabricated strictly from the foundry-based micromachining process, they present opportunities for economical prototyping process and provide great potential to be integrated with other micromachined microfluidic systems using foundry-based services for device applications, such as DNA chip and lab-on-a-chip.
Biomechanical analysis of revision strategies for rod fracture in pedicle subtraction osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoarthrosis after pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) can require revision surgery due to posterior rod failure, and the stiffness of these revision constructs has not been quantified. OBJECTIVE: To compare the multidirectional bending stiffness of 7 revision strategies following rod failure. METHODS: Seven fresh-frozen human spines (T11-pelvis) were tested as follows: (1) posterior instrumentation from T12-S1 (excluding L3) with iliac fixation and L3 PSO; (2) inline connectors after rod breakage at L3 (L2 screws removed for access); (3) cross-links connecting rods above and below inline connectors; satellite rods (4) parallel, (5) 45° anterior, and (6) 45° posterior to original rods; 45° posterior with cross-links connecting (7) original and (8) satellite rods. Groups 3 to 8 were tested in random order. Nondestructive pure moment flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) tests were conducted to 7.5 Nm; 3D motion tracking monitored the primary range of motion. RESULTS: Addition of inline connectors alone restored stiffness in FE and LB (P > .05), but not in AR (P .05), but not in AR (P .05). The addition of cross-links (groups 3, 7, and 8) restored stiffness in all bending modes (P > .05) and were significantly greater than inline connectors alone in AR (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that these revision strategies can restore stiffness without entire rod replacement. Failure of AR stiffness restoration can be mitigated with cross-links. The positioning of the satellite rods is not an important factor in strengthening the revision.
Clofibrate-induced alterations in serum protein patterns.

Abstract Clofibrate when added to the diet at 0.05 to 1.25% (w/w) not only causes an apparently dose-dependent decrease in serum cholesterol of rats but also markedly affects the plasma protein pattern. An increase in albumin is detectable by cellulose acetate strip electrophoresis, acrylamide gel electrophoresis, and by extraction of albumin from plasma. Cellulose acetate strip electrophoresis reveals a decrease in the α 2 -globulin fraction, while acrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates that there are manifold changes. Extractable seromucoid concentration declined from 440 mg/100 ml to 150 mg/ml as the dose of clofibrate increased. A concentration decrease in plasma glucose was also observed. Part of the decrement in seromucoid at low drug levels may be related to lessened haptoglobin concentration. The trypsin inhibitory capacity of the plasma was significantly decreased in what appeared to be a dose-dependent fashion. The decrease in seromucoid is consistent with the reduction in bound fraction of ribosomal RNA. Another explanation would appear to be required to explain the rise in albumin.
Higher-order calculation of the radiatively induced Higgs-meson mass

The mass of the Higgs meson in the standard model of the electroweak interactions has been calculated to $O(\ensuremath{\alpha})$ by Coleman and Weinberg to be approximately 10 GeV when the gauge symmetry is broken due to radiative corrections. Motivated by the possibility of a precise determination of the weak mixing angle $\ensuremath{\theta}$ and the possibility of overlap with the $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}$ states, we calculate, in this framework, $O({\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2})$ corrections to the mass of the Higgs meson. Corrections come from the two-loop effective potential and one-loop corrections to the scalar and vector propagators and to coupling constants. We find that these contribute approximately 300 MeV to the mass. With the range of values of ${sin}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}$ from the grand unified SU(5) model, the inclusion of $O({\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2})$ corrections gives 10.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 GeV for the mass, which is above the $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}$ states. The uncertainty is due to the range of values of ${sin}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}$ allowed in SU(5).
BABAR non-CP physics results

Abstract The BABAR experiment at SLAC has just presented its first physics results, with the primary attention on the expected measurement of the CP-violating sin(2β) parameter. Apart from the observation of CP asymmetries, the first year of operation has led to a variety of results that are already competitive with the world's best measurements. We present a selection of these results including B B mixing, B lifetimes and a variety of branching fractions, in particular for rare B decays.
The Contour Model Lambda Calculus Machine

Much work has been done towards characterizing the semantics of block structured programming languages using the lambda calculus [2]. Johnston [3] recently introduced a cell-based approach, called the contour model, for specifying the execution semantics of such languages. This paper relates the two approaches by giving a contour model evaluator for compiled lambda expressions.Section 2 gives the basic definitions needed from the lambda calculus to make the paper self-contained. Section 3 defines the Contour Model Lambda Calculus Machine (CMLCM). Unfortunately publication limitations preclude some worked examples which would greatly aid the reader's understanding. They will be provided in the talk itself and in an expanded version of this paper for the Tutorial Conference on Semantic Models of Computation. Section 4 outlines the structure of the proof of the CMLCM's correctness. And Section 5 is a set of concluding remarks on the significance of the CMLCM.
Analytical solutions for consolidation aided by vertical drains

Soil disturbance caused during the installation of vertical drains reduces the in situ hydraulic conductivity of soft deposits in the immediate vicinity of the drains, resulting in a slower rate of consolidation than would be expected in the absence of disturbance. Experimental investigations have revealed the existence of two distinct zones, a smear zone and a transition zone, within the disturbed zone around the vertical drain. The degree of change in the hydraulic conductivity in the smear and transition zones is difficult to assess without performing of laboratory tests. Based on the available literature, four different profiles of hydraulic conductivity versus distance from the vertical drain were identified. Closed-form solutions for the rate of consolidation for each of these four hydraulic conductivity profiles were developed. It is found that different variations of the hydraulic conductivity profiles in the disturbed zone result in different rates of consolidation.
Labour and upland rice production

This paper, with the use of field data collected from 106 farm households in Sierra Leone, evaluates the ‘labour-surplus model’ for West African rice farms. The analysis of labour utilisation on traditional upland farms suggest the existence of economies of size for selected work activities. Labour organisation and the quality of labour used on larger farms help to explain the benefits of size. It is noted that over the long-run the expansion of upland rice cultivation in Sierra Leone will confront a land availability constraint. Resume MAIN-D'OEUVRE ET PRODUCTION RIZIERE SUR TERRES ELEVEES Les auteurs, se servant de donnees recueillies sur le terrain en provenance de 106 exploitations individuelles situees au Sierra Leone, font une evaluation du ‘modele de surplus de main-d'oeuvre’ pour les rizeries de l'Afrique occidentale. L'analyse de l'utilisation de la main-d'oeuvre dans les exploitations traditionnelles des hautes terres permet de conclure a la possibilite d'economies d'echelle pour certains travaux selectionnes. L'organisation du travail et la qualite de la main-d'oeuvre employee dans les exploitations de grande taille contribuent a l'explication des benefices de dimension. L'etude constate qu'a la longue, l'extension des cultures rizieres sur terrains eleves au Sierra Leone finira par se heurter a une contrainte en matiere de disponibilites de terres. Zusammenfassung ARBEIT UND OBERLANDREISPRODUKTION Dieser Artikel evaluiert unter Verwendung von Forschungsunterlagen, die von 106 Farmhaushalten in Sierra Leone gesammelt wurden, das ‘Arbeits uberschussmodell’ fur westafrikanische Reisfarmer. Die Analyse der Arbeitsnutzung auf traditionellen Oberlandfarmen fuhrt zu dem Schluss, dass Grossenwirtschaften fur ausgesuchte Tatigkeitsaktivitaten bestehen sollten. Arbeits-organisation und Arbeitsqualitat, die auf grosseren Farmen genutzt werden, helfen, die Vorteile der Grosse zu erklaren. Es wird festgestellt, dass die Ausdehnung des Oberlandreisanbaus in Sierre Leone langfristig auf Landbeschrankungen stossen wird.
Teaching for the future.

Reading and discussing classic papers can be an effective way of teaching graduate students how to learn the skills they will need for a career in research, as Indira M Raman explains.
Maternal obesity induces sustained inflammation in both fetal and offspring large intestine of sheep

Obesity has become a serious problem in the United States, affecting around one-third of the total population.1 According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2002), 29% of nonpregnant women between 20–39 years of age are obese and there is a continuing rapid increase in obesity. Maternal obesity (MO) negatively affects maternal health and fetal development that can result in harmful, persistent effects in offspring.2–4 Inflammatory disorders of intestine, including pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD), is also increasing.5–8 MO is associated with low-grade fetal inflammation.9 Since the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a major immune organ, we hypothesize that MO leads to inflammation in fetal GI, which has a persistent effect on offspring gut raising the possibility of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Sheep have been extensively used as a model for human pregnancy studies.10–15 As a precocial species such as humans, sheep pregnancy studies provide power for translation to human pregnancy, which is in contrast to altricial species such as rodents.16,17 The intestinal mucosal immune system develops around midgestation in sheep and humans.18 Lymphoid follicles are lymphoid tissues distributed along the large intestine. In the small intestine, lymphoid follicles aggregate to form Peyer’s patches. Lymphoid follicles and Peyer’s patches are key sites for the mucosal immune response in the GI tract. T-lymphocytes are activated in lymphoid follicles and then differentiate into T-helper (Th) 1 cells responsible for the cell-mediated response, or Th2 cells which mediate humoral immune responses.19 At the same time in gestation, a group of T cells differentiate into regulatory T cells (Tregs), which mediate overall immune responses.20 Recently, a new population of T cells, proinflammatory Th17 cells, has been identified, which are involved in intestinal inflammation and are associated with the development of CD.21 Transforming growth factor (TGF) β promotes differentiation of Th17 cells.22 Therefore, we hypothesize that MO induces an inflammatory response in the fetal large intestine which activates TGF-β and Th17 differentiation, predisposing offspring gut to IBDs. Using the pregnant sheep model, we investigated the impact of MO on the inflammation in the fetal large intestine in late gestation and offspring gut. Our data showed that MO upregulates the expression of inflammation cytokines and Toll-like receptors (TLR), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways, as well as the TGFβ pathway and Th17 differentiation in the large intestine of fetuses of obese mothers, which elicited persistent effects on offspring gut.
Classification of domestic cat (Felis catus) vocalizations by naive and experienced human listeners

To test for possible functional referentiality in a common domestic cat (Felis catus) vocalization, the authors conducted 2 experiments to examine whether human participants could classify meow sounds recorded from 12 different cats in 5 behavioral contexts. In Experiment 1, participants heard singlecalls, whereas in Experiment 2, bouts of calls were presented. In both cases, classification accuracy was significantly above chance, but modestly so. Accuracy for bouts exceeded that for single calls. Overall, participants performed better in classifying individual calls if they had lived with, interacted with, and had a general affinity for cats. These results provide little evidence of referentiality suggesting instead that meows are nonspecific, somewhat negatively toned stimuli that attract attention from humans. With experience, human listeners can become more proficient at inferring positive-affect states from cat meows.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal hepatic metastases: role of route of administration and timing.

Abstract Improved results in the adjuvant and therapeutic treatment of colon cancer has led to renewed interest in the role of adjuvant chemotherapy following liver resection for colorectal hepatic metastases. However, little is known about the most effective method or timing of delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy. Sixty-nine BD-IX rats underwent a right hepatic lobectomy following tumour inoculation via a splenic injection of 10 7 K12/TRb colon cancer cells. The rats were then randomized to receive systemic FUdR (1 mg kg −1 d −1 for 7 d) or regional (hepatic artery or portal vein) FUdR (2 mg kg −1 d −1 for 7 d) immediately or 72 h following tumour injection. On Day 28, a laprotomy was performed, and tumour nodules in the liver were counted. The animals were followed to death, and at autopsy the cause of death from hepatic or extrahepatic metastases was determined. All methods of FUdR infusion were superior to no treatment. Immediate portal vein (PV) FUdR infusion delayed the appearance of hepatic tumour ( P = 0.003), changed the cause of death from hepatic to extrahepatic disease ( P = 0.019), and prolonged survival ( P P = 0.04) and improved survival ( p
TV news: The control of work and construction of reality

(1975). TV news: The control of work and construction of reality. Politics: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 149-154.
Trophoblastic Giant Cells of the Mouse Placenta as the Site of Proliferin Synthesis

Proliferin (PLF) is a PRL-related glycoprotein secreted by a number of mouse cell lines and by minced mouse placenta. To further investigate the hormone-like characteristics of PLF, we have determined the site of PLF synthesis and storage in the placenta and its concentration in blood serum during pregnancy. By immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization PLF protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) were localized to the trophoblastic giant cells. Individual cells contained both PLF and placental lactogen II. Trophoblastic giant cells appear to secrete PLF into the circulation since PLF was found at levels up to 5 micrograms/ml in the serum of pregnant mice by RIA and at somewhat lower concentrations in the amniotic fluid. Moreover, the serum concentration of PLF during pregnancy varied directly with the level of PLF mRNA in the placenta and with the number of placentas per animal. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that PLF is a placental hormone; its function is not known.
Monoliths for the purification of whey protein-dextran conjugates.

Abstract Proteins conjugated to neutral biopolymers are of keen interest to the food and pharmaceutical industries. Conjugated proteins are larger and more charge shielded than un-reacted proteins, making purification difficult using conventional beaded chromatographic supports because of slow mass transfer rates, weak binding, and viscous solutions. Past methods developed for pharmaceuticals are unsuitable for foods. In this work, a food-grade whey protein–dextran conjugate was purified from a feed solution also containing un-reacted protein and dextran using either a column packed with 800 mL of a beaded support that was specifically designed for purification of conjugated proteins or an 8 mL tube monolith. The monolith gave a similar dynamic binding capacity as the beaded support (4–6 g/L), at a 42-fold greater mass productivity, and 48-fold higher flow rate, albeit at somewhat lower conjugate purity. Performance of the monolith did not depend on flow rate. In conclusion, monoliths were found to be well suited for the purification of whey protein–dextran conjugates.
Oxidation of lysozyme by iodine: Identification and properties of an oxindolyl ester intermediate; evidence for participation of glutamic acid 35 in catalysis☆

Abstract The first product formed in the iodine oxidation of tryptophan 108 of lysozyme has a transition temperature more than 20 deg. C higher than that of native and oxindolealanine 108-lysozyme. Irreversible rapid conversion to the oxindole follows unfolding. The spectrum of the oxidized residue of the intermediate resembles that of tryptophan. The iodine oxidation of tryptophan 108 is faster than that of N -acetyltryptophan ethyl ester. These and other aspects of the lysozyme-iodine reaction are explained by the formation, possibly concerted with oxidation, of the oxindolyl ester of glutamic acid 35. The data accord with results of high-resolution crystallographic analysis (Beddell & Blake, 1970). Ester 108-lysozyme binds substrate like the native enzyme but retains less than 0.1% of the native activity. These results and the crystallographic data demonstrate catalytic function for glutamic acid 35. Oxindolealanine 108-lysozyme binds substrate only weakly. Introduction of an ester crosslink adds more than 6 kcal to the stability of lysozyme.
ATP secretion and extracellular protein phosphorylation by CNS neurons in primary culture.

Abstract The significant role of secreted ATP in the regulation of neuronal function and the activity of ecto-protein kinases which utilize extracellular ATP to phosphorylate proteins localized at the cell surface have been previously studied in peripheral neurons and in cloned neural cell lines. In the present study we have utilized neostriatal neurons differentiated in primary culture to demonstrate vesicular secretion of ATP and phosphorylation of proteins by extracellular ATP in neurons derived from the central nervous system (CNS). Neostriatal neurons from embryonic mice were maintained in a chemically defined medium for 15–18 days. Functional differentiation was determined by measuring evoked GABA-release. ATP-secretion was measured by luciferin-luciferase assays, and protein phosphorylation by adding γ- 32 P-ATP to the extracellular medium. Depolarization by 50 mM KCl induced a Ca ++ -dependent ATP release, and stimulation by 100 μM veratridine resulted in secretion of ATP that could be blocked by tetrodotoxin. Phosphorylation of specific protein components with apparent molecular mass of 110 Kd, 80 Kd, 55 Kd, 30 Kd and 20 Kd was detected in striatal neurons incubated for 15 min with γ- 32 P-ATP added to the medium, but not by labeling intracellular ATP pools with equivalent amounts of radioactivity presented as inorganic 32 Pi. These results open for investigation the role of extracellular protein phosphorylation systems in processes underlying the responsiveness of CNS neurons to secreted ATP.
Correlation of intracoronary ultrasound plaque characteristics in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease patients with clinical variables

It was examined whether intracoronary ultrasound-defined plaque morphology of symptom-producing, severely stenosed, atherosclerotic coronary artery lesions is related to patient-related clinical variables. Data regarding anginal pattern (stable vs unstable), age, sex, history of smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and lesion location were recorded in 146 hemodynamically stable patients referred for clinically indicated balloon angioplasty or directional atherectomy. Intracoronary ultrasound images of the lesions were obtained before and after the intervention. Lesions were classified as soft (homogeneous echoes less dense than adventitia) or hard (bright echoes with or without acoustic shadowing). Eighty-three lesions (57%) were classified as soft and 63 (43%) as hard. Univariate analysis showed anginal pattern, age, vessel location and history of smoking to be significantly related to plaque morphology. Multivariate analysis revealed only anginal pattern, age and vessel location to be independent predictors of plaque morphology. The frequency of echogenic hard plaque was significantly higher in patients aged > 60 years (56 vs 30%; p = 0.001), those with stable angina (69 vs 35%; p = 0.002), and lesions located in the distal arterial segments (68 vs 31%; p < 0.001) than in younger ones, those with unstable angina, and lesions in proximal segments, respectively. Based on previous studies, echogenic hard plaques are likely to be predominantly fibrous or calcific, or both, whereas low-echogenicity soft plaques are likely to be fibrocellular, lipid rich or thrombotic, or a combination. This difference in plaque morphology is probably due to differences in the predominant mechanism of plaque formation (i.e., slow growth vs rupture/thrombosis).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Crystalline inclusions in a Muong Nong-type indochinite

Zircon, corundum, rutile, monazite and quartz (identified by x-ray diffraction) have been recovered from a Muong Nong-type indochinite. X-ray asterism studies indicate that all of the minerals are shocked. The tektite glass surrounding the rutile crystals is a dark brown color rather than yellow-green like the rest of the glass, indicating that the rutile was starting to melt. The corundum appears to be a decomposition product of one of the Al2SiO5 minerals (kyanite, sillimanite or andalusite). The presence of an Al2SiO5 mineral strongly suggests a metamorphic component in the tektite parent material. The presence of zircon, rutile, monazite, chromite and quartz as well as an unknown aluminum silicate mineral in this and another Muong Nong-type tektite indicates that the tektites were produced from a detrital sedimentary material. The presence of these minerals in Muong Nong-type tektites seems to strengthen the case for a terrestrial origin for tektites.
Quality Changes of Vine‐Ripened Tomatoes within the Postharvest Handling System

Quality characteristics of fresh-market tomatoes were monitored throughout the postharvest handling system to determine the nature and extent of color and firmness changes at component handling steps. Greatest changes in hue and chroma were observed during simulated warehouse ripening and storate (12.5°C). Greatest changes in color value (lightness) and firmness were noted during simulated retail ripening and storage (21°C). Tomatoes harvested at carlier stages of maturity tended to maintain firmness longer and remained lighter as the hue changed from pink to red than those harvested at later stages. Shipping of tomatoes at the ‘pink’ stage or beyond requires modification of handling techniques to slow ripening starting at the packing house.
Receivers for the Millimeter Array

The Millimeter Array, being planned by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in conjunction with the radio astronomy community, will have almost complete coverage of the observable spectrum from 30 to 950 GHz. This paper discusses the choice of frequency bands and describes our present concept of the main receiver components for the MMA, including HFET (heterostructure field-effect transistor) amplifiers for the lower frequencies and sideband separating SIS (superconductor-insulator-superconductor) mixers for higher frequencies. Recent progress on HFET amplifiers has shown them to be competitive with SIS mixers for astronomical applications at frequencies up to approximately 100 GHz. The exact crossover frequency between HFET and SIS receivers in the context of the MMA is not yet determined. HFET receivers for the lower frequencies will be used not only for direct observations, but also for rapid calibration of instrumental and atmospheric phase in 'fast-switching' observing mode. We have already developed cryogenic HFET amplifiers for frequencies up to 110 GHz. Sideband-separating SIS mixers will improve the sensitivity in many spectral line measurements by greatly reducing the effect of atmospheric noise in the image sideband. We have developed an experimental 200 - 300 GHz sideband-separating receiver in which all the RF components -- quadrature hybrid, LO power splitter, LO couplers, and SIS junctions -- are on a single quartz chip. To reduce the effect of sideband noise from the LO source, and also substantially reduce the required LO power, we are developing a balanced SIS mixer, also on a single chip. We plan ultimately to develop a balanced, sideband-separating SIS mixer on a single chip. A first-IF amplifier stage inside the SIS mixer block is expected to eliminate the need for an IF isolator in an SIS receiver, thus permitting a 4 - 12 GHz IF.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Current Status of Lasers for Arrhythmia Ablation

Current Status of Lasers for Arrhythmia Ablation. Wavelength specific effects and mode of laser operation allow either photocoagulation or tissue removal as a means of approaching arrhythmia ablation. Successful intraoperative ablation of ventricular tachycardias has been performed with the Nd: YAG laser (photocoagulation) and argon laser (tissue vaporization). The argon laser has been used intraoperatively for transection of accessory pathways. Experimental studies indicate a strong theoretical potential for Nd:YAG laser catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia. Laser energy has been used experimentally to evaluate the possibility of AV junctional ablation/modification and accessory pathway ablation. Adaption of laser energy to effective catheter systems for arrhythmia ablation requires solutions to problems inherent in all catheter systems and some unique to laser energy. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 3, pp. 345–353, August 1992)
Phosphorylation of DGCR8 increases its intracellular stability and induces a progrowth miRNA profile.

Summary During miRNA biogenesis, the microprocessor complex (MC), which is composed minimally of Drosha, an RNase III enzyme, and DGCR8, a double-stranded RNA-binding protein, cleaves the primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) in order to release the pre-miRNA stem-loop structure. Using phosphoproteomics, we mapped 23 phosphorylation sites on full-length human DGCR8 expressed in insect or mammalian cells. DGCR8 can be phosphorylated by mitogenic ERK/MAPK, indicating that DGCR8 phosphorylation may respond to and integrate extracellular cues. The expression of phosphomimetic DGCR8 or inhibition of phosphatases increased the cellular levels of DGCR8 and Drosha proteins. Increased levels of phosphomimetic DGCR8 were not due to higher mRNA levels, altered DGCR8 localization, or DGCR8's ability to self-associate, but rather to an increase in protein stability. MCs incorporating phosphomutant or phosphomimetic DGCR8 were not altered in specific processing activity. However, HeLa cells expressing phosphomimetic DGCR8 exhibited a progrowth miRNA expression profile and increased proliferation and scratch closure rates relative to cells expressing phosphomutant DGCR8.
Gradual increase vs. constant-intensity shock during rabbit heart rate conditioning

In an attempt to delineate some aspects of heart rate conditioning anomolies, 40 New Zealand albino rabbits were subjects in a classical discrimination conditioning study employing a pulsed tone for a conditioned stimulus and an electric shock as an unconditioned stimulus. A 2 by 2 factorial design used two different shock intensities of 6 and 14 mA and two different conditions of shock administration, gradual increase of intensity, and constant intensity. The conditioned heart rate response was measured by comparing the heart rate for 10 beats preceding the tone onset with the rate for 10 beats following the tone onset during interpolated test trials. No differences among the four groups were found in discrimination ability, nor were there any differences between the 6- and 14-mA groups for either shock administration condition. Both constant shock groups, however, showed significantly larger decelerator heart rate responding during the first several days of training, but this responding decreased rapidly to the same relatively stable level of responding exhibited by the gradual increase groups.
Excitation and charge transfer in proton-hydrogen collisions

Excitation and charge transfer cross sections for collisions of protons with hydrogen are calculated by direct solution of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation on a three-dimensional Cartesian lattice. The $2s,$ $2p,$ $3s,$ $3p,$ and $3d$ excitation cross sections and the $1s,$ $2s,$ $2p,$ $3s,$ $3p,$ and $3d$ charge transfer cross sections from the $1s$ ground state at 10-, 40-, and 100-keV incident proton energy are found by projecting a time-evolved wave function onto the lattice target states of hydrogen. Excitation processes are calculated in the rest frame of the hydrogen atom, while capture processes are calculated in the rest frame of the proton. The computed excitation and charge transfer cross sections are in good agreement with recent experiments and other theoretical results based on coupled-channels methods.
Two-Dimensional Shape Recognition Using Redundant Hashing

In addition to invariance with respect to certain geometric transformations, there are two other key requirements for any shape recognition system. It should be flexible enough to adopt to a variety of sets of shapes with minimal training; and it should be capable of performing even in presence of occlusion. This paper describes one such shape recognition system that is currently under development. The system is based on the redundant hashing scheme of Kohonen for recognizing and correcting misspelt words. The current version of the system is meant for 2-D shapes; however, the same approach is applicable to 3-D shape recognition. In the present implementation for 2-D shapes, a polygonal approximation of the given shape is encoded in the form of a string. The encoded string is then used to generate a very small set of shape hypotheses through the use of redundant hashing. The best hypothesis from the set of competing hypotheses is selected by a very simple matching scheme followed by a verification phase based on rotation transformation. The experiments thus far indicate that the system is capable of recognizing shapes in presence of occlusion with about 5% error. The system has significant ability to adopt to new sets of shapes; it does not require any training except the building of hash index table and the corresponding shape dictionary.
The Acupuncture Trialists’ Collaboration: individual patient data meta-analysis of chronic pain trials

The purpose of clinical trials of acupuncture is to help clinicians and patients make decisions about treatment. But using acupuncture trials to aid clinical decisions is not straightforward. Take the case of a patient consulting an evidence-based physician for chronic low back pain and asking whether acupuncture might be of value. The doctor searches MEDLINE and, as of May 2009, finds 65 English-language randomised trials. Even if the doctor were to obtain copies of all of these trials, he or she would find that the results were inconsistent. Some report acupuncture to be superior to sham (placebo) acupuncture1 while others show evidence that acupuncture is superior to no treatment but not sham2 and still others conclude that acupuncture is no better than usual care.3 Clearly what is needed is a meta-analysis to synthesise the results from the different studies. Indeed, many meta-analyses of acupuncture for chronic pain have been published. These studies have tended to come to somewhat indeterminate conclusions, such as “there is limited evidence that acupuncture is more effective than no treatment for chronic pain; and inconclusive evidence that acupuncture is more effective than placebo”.4 This appears to be because, until recently, acupuncture research was dominated by small trials of questionable quality. The landscape of clinical acupuncture research has recently been dramatically altered by the publication of several large, high quality trials. These include the two NHS funded trials of acupuncture chronic headache disorders (n = 401)5 and back pain (n = 241)6 and the German Acupuncture Randomised Trials (ART) studies2 7 8 9 which randomised 300 patients each in four separate trials on osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, migraine and chronic tension headache. But even these trials are dwarfed by the German Acupuncture (GERAC) trials which accrued close to 1000 patients each in trials …
Convergence Rate of the Extended SMI Algorithm for Narrowband Adaptive Arrays

An extended sample matrix inversion (SMI) algorithm can be used for minimizing the mse (mean-squared error) between the output of an N-element adaptive array and a desired reference signal. This algorithm is shown to yield mse within 3 dB of minimum (on the average) after (2N - 1) observations of the antenna element outputs.
Synthesis and biological activities of (R)- and (S)-N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-N,2,6-trimethyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[d]pyrimidin-4-aminium chloride as potent cytotoxic antitubulin agents.

(R,S)-1 is a potent antimitotic compound. (R)-1·HCl and (S)-1·HCl were synthesized from (R)- and (S)-3-methyladipic acid. Both enantiomers were potent inhibitors of cell proliferation and caused cellular microtubule loss and mitotic arrest. They inhibited purified tubulin assembly and the binding of [3H]colchicine to tubulin, with (S)-1 being about twice as potent. Cytotoxicity against 60 tumor cell lines, however, indicated that the (S)-isomer was 10- to 88-fold more potent than the (R)-isomer.
On the Accurate Determination of Reaction Rate Constants in Batch-Type Solar Photocatalytic Oxidation Facilities

A rigorous analysis is presented which allows for the accurate determination of reaction rate constants in batch-type photocatalytic oxidation facilities as well as any other batch-type chemical process where the reaction kinetics are known. Experimental verification of the model is accomplished using an indoor facility which utilizes an ultraviolet (UV) lamp source for the destruction of 4-chlorophenol (4CP). It has been observed that the first-order reaction rate constant increases by about 50 percent with an order of magnitude increase in flow rate. Using the present analysis, it is demonstrated that the approximate method of determining rate constants (the product of the apparent rate constant and the ratio of the reactor volume to the total system volume) is useful over a surprisingly wide range of operating conditions.
A case of bilateral cystadenoma of the epididymides presenting as infertility.

The case report of a 32-year-old man complaining of infertility is presented. The upper pole of each epididymis was enlarged hard and irregular but not tender. The sperm count was 20000/ml. Biopsy of the right epididymis showed cystadenoma. The left side was not explored. This tumor is rare but benign. It may be evidence of a systemic disorder known as Lindaus disease. In this disease hemangiomas of the central nervous system are associated with visceral cystic and epithelial tumors including epididymalpapillary cystadenomata. Lindaus disease is inherited as an autosomal Mendelian dominant. A family history of central nervous system tumors is suggestive. An examination should include the optical fundus to exclude retinal hemangioma and an intravenous urogram.
On finding optimal paths in multi-radio, multi-hop mesh networks using WCETT metric

We focus on the algorithmic aspect of selecting a path that minimizes a recently proposed nonlinear path metric (namely, WCETT) for providing high throughput in multi-radio, multihop wireless mesh networks. First, we consider an iterative line search technique and describe how to use it for finding the optimal path in some cases while finding approximately good paths in other cases. We also use the final line search to provide a lower bound on the optimal path. Second, we consider heuristics that might search the concave region of the search space and discover better paths missed by the line search. Specifically, we propose a linearly-guided nonlinear search (LGNS) heuristic. Using simulations, we show the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.
Environmental Activism and Moral Schemas: Cultural Components of Differential Participation

Why do some people, but not others, participate in environmental activism? This article considers a potentially powerful yet underresearched explanation: variation in moral schemas. Drawing on Durk...
Designing Parametric Equations for Business Games

The article explores some approaches for designing parametric equations for computerized business gaming models. Details related to the problems associated with developing and quantifying the relat...
Positron emission tomographic imaging of the dopamine transporter with 11C-WIN 35,428 reveals marked declines in mild Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is characterized by a selective loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons that results in a marked reduction of dopaminergic nerve terminals in the striatum. Recently, 11C-WIN 35,428, a cocaine analogue that specifically labels the dopamine transporter, was developed and can be used to label dopaminergic nerve terminals in vivo by positron emission tomography. In healthy control subjects, binding of 11C-WIN 35,428 is highest in the striatum. In addition, 2 symmetrical focal areas of low binding were observed in the midbrain. The cerebellum functioned as an appropriate region for nonspecific binding. The binding of 11C-WIN 35,428 in patients with PD (Hoehn-Yahr II) was compared with that in healthy control subjects by using the (region-cerebellum)/cerebellum ratio for data acquired 34 to 82 minutes after injection. In control subjects, this ratio varied, at approximately 2, in the striatum. In patients with PD, binding in the posterior putamen was reduced by 78%, whereas the anterior putamen and the caudate nucleus showed a reduction of 59 and 39%, respectively. The reduction in 11C-WIN 35,428 binding was highest in the midbrain (84%). The high specific/nonspecific binding ratio and the pronounced reduction in binding in mild PD may permit detection of even earlier stages of PD or presymptomatic individuals with dopaminergic cell loss.
The Exhibit as Planned Versus the Exhibit as Experienced

Is it even possible to design museum exhibits that have an above average chance of engaging visitors in meaningful experiences? Museum-based researchers and designers, working over the past several decades, have endeavored to address this and other questions. Recently, a promising Ideas-People-Objects (IPO) model of the visitor experience, subsequently elaborated on to include Physical (IPOP) has been used in the design and subsequent study of visitors' museum experiences. Here I briefly describe the model and introduce three papers featured in this issue of Curator: The Museum Journal that offer new insights and perspectives for understanding the theory behind the model, as well as features of the IPOP model that have been used in the design and interpretation of exhibitions, and a comparison of analytic techniques that produce results that can be used in IPOP-related research.
Evidence for distinct conformations of the two α1 subunits in diazepam-bound GABAA receptors

Benzodiazepines allosterically modulate GABAA receptors to increase currents induced by submaximal GABA concentrations. Benzodiazepine-induced conformational changes in the transmembrane domain increase the reactivity of cysteines substituted for a subset of residues in the α 1 subunit M3 membrane-spanning segment. With the cysteine-substitution mutant α 1F296Cβ1γ2 we previously noted that p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate (pCMBS) modification in the presence of diazepam potentiated subsequent GABA-induced currents. In contrast, pCMBS modification in the presence of GABA caused inhibition of subsequent responses. We now show that in the presence of diazepam, pCMBS only reacts with the engineered cysteine in one of the two α subunits; whereas, in the presence of GABA, pCMBS reacts with the cysteine in the other α subunit, or with both cysteines. This implies that the two α subunits have distinct conformations in the diazepam-bound state. Based on analysis of single channel kinetic data, others have hypothesized that diazepam only alters the GABA affinity of one of the two GABA binding sites. The results presented here provide structural evidence to support the hypothesis that diazepam binding only alters the conformation of one of the two α subunits in a GABAA receptor and provides new insights into the mechanism of allosteric potentiation by benzodiazepines.  2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Modeling the gas flow upstream and in the sampling nozzle of the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer via the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo algorithm

The Direct Simulation Monte Carlo algorithm has been applied to the flow of neutral argon gas through the first vacuum stage of the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. Good agreement is found between the simulation results and the equations of fluid dynamics, including the approximate hemispherical sink model of Douglas and French. The simulation reveals details of boundary layer formation in the nozzle, including a reduction in the total flow through the nozzle of about 15% from the ideal value calculated by Douglas and French.
PROPERTIES OF THE ONE-PARTICLE GREEN'S FUNCTION FOR NONUNIFORM MANY-FERMION SYSTEMS

In this paper we discuss some general properties of the one-particle Green's function, for nonuniform many-fermion systems and the associated single-particle interpretation of physical properties of such systems. We consider, in particular, the ground-state energy, the density of particles in the ground state, and the single-particle excitation spectrum. The investigation is restricted to the case of a static external field and a system at zero temperature. Various general approximation methods are studied starting from one in which the self-energy operator is replaced by an Hermitian and energy-independent operator.
Mid-infrared interband cascade lasers based on type-II heterostructures

Abstract Interband cascade lasers take advantage of the broken-gap band alignment in type-II InAs/Ga(In)Sb heterostructures to reuse electrons for sequential photon emissions from successively connected active regions; thus, they represent a new type of mid-IR light source. The mid-IR interband cascade lasers have recently been demonstrated with large peak optical output powers (∼0.5 W/facet), high differential external quantum efficiency (>200%), and near-room-temperature operation (286 K). Also, emission wavelength from interband cascade light-emitting diodes has been extended to as long as 15 μm; thus verifying the unique capability of this Sb-family type-II heterostructure system to be tailored over a wide spectral range. In this work, the explorations toward the demonstration and improvement of these interband cascade lasers will be reviewed. The features and issues related to the design and modeling of the interband cascade lasers will also be discussed in connection with device performance.
Unconstrained eigen-filter pairs for SAR detection

A new distortion-invariant filter algorithm for object detection in SAR imagery is presented. The filters are linear combinations of eigen-images, reject clutter, have no peak constraints, and employ false-class training. The algorithm is base on two premises: filters that separate object classes are also expected to reject clutter and using eigen-data instead of actual training images and removing fixed peak constraints improve the generalization of the filter. We describe the new filter synthesis algorithm and initial test results on six classes of SAR data.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Phytochrome-Mediated Detection of Changes in Reflected Light

Measurements of phytochrome photoequilibria and photoconversion rates in vivo, in seedlings of Cucurbita pepo L. exposed to light in growth chambers, indicate that significant changes in the state of phytochrome can be brought about by changes in the quality and quantity of the light reflected from the walls of the growth chambers. The changes in reflected light, although large, were small in terms of the total radiation (direct light from the lamps plus wall-reflected light) to which the seedlings were exposed. The conditions used were approximate simulations of direct and reflected sunlight conditions in the natural environment. Keeping in mind the limitations imposed by the approximation of the simulations, the results from this study are consistent with the hypothesis that, in the natural environment, a plant might be capable of detecting the presence of nearby plants, before being shaded by them, through the phytochrome-mediated perception of changes in reflected light.
Reactivity of Gas-Phase Benzene and Naphthalene Radical Cations with N-Methylimidazole, a Model DNA Base

The focus of this research is to evaluate the gas-phase reactivity of benzene and naphthalene radical cations with the model DNA base, N-methylimidazole, by using mass spectrometric techniques. Res...
Sacral Stress Fracture Causing Radiculopathy in a Female Runner: A Case Report

Sacral stress fractures are an unusual cause of low back and buttock pain. Initially described as an insufficiency fracture by Lourie [1] in 1982, they were first reported in healthy military recruits in 1989 by Volpin et al [2]. A rare complication of sacral stress fractures is neurologic compromise, more commonly involving the lower lumbar and upper sacral nerve roots. We describe a case of a healthy, middle-aged, female runner with symptoms of a lumbar polyradiculopathy diagnosed with a unilateral sacral ala fracture.