cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural analysis and in vitro processing to p5 rRNA of a 9S RNA molecule isolated from an rne mutant of E. coli

A temperature-sensitive mutant of E. coli, rne (RNAase E-), accumulates a number of relatively small RNA molecules at the nonpermissive temperature. One of these molecules, 9S, contains 5S rRNA sequences. The 9S RNA can be processed in vitro to 5S (p5) and a 4S-sized molecule. The 9S and the p5 and 4S RNAs processed from it were all characterized by RNAase T1 fingerprinting and pancreatic RNAase redigestion analysis. Unique oligonucleotides found in the p5 and the 4S RNA are present as unique oligonucleotides in the 9S RNA, suggesting that each 9S molecule contains one 5S and one 4S RNA moiety. Since the 9S RNA contains about 420 nucleotides, and intervening sequences are not known to exist in E. coli, the 5S an 4S RNAs cannot be more than 200 nucleotides apart in the genome. E. coli contains at least three different sequence variants of 5S rRNA, all of which can be identified in the 9S transcript, indicating that 9S RNA is transcribed from most, if not all, of the active rRNA genes, and that RNAase E processes transcripts derived from all these rRNA genes. No modified bases were found in the 4S RNA, nor was its sequence compatible with the known sequences of tRNAs found near the 5S rRNA. We therefore conclude that the 9S RNA doses not contain tRNA, and that the tRNA molecules located near the 5S rRNA are distal to it.
Provide detailed and real-time indoor environmental information using POD–LSE and limited measurements

Abstract In general, the building environment is a system of unsteady variables that are constantly changing (or fluctuating), even within a single space. Current monitoring capabilities such as thermostats do not fully capture the detailed dynamically changing processes for major environmental parameters in a building/space with regard to both spatial and temporal variations. Detailed indoor environmental information can be provided for potentially better building environmental control and building energy performance improvement using fast calculations from a proper orthogonal decomposition–linear stochastic estimation (POD–LSE) methodology with limited measurements. In this work, the POD–LSE method has been used to reconstruct the entire fluctuating thermal field in an experimental room with a high level of accuracy (error less than 0.56 °C for cooling) based on a few real-time measurements. Evaluations to the mechanically conditioned thermal environment through a single temperature from the thermostat and the comprehensive mean temperature of the occupied zone from the proposed POD–LSE method have been compared. The dynamic PMV values from reconstructed temperatures and reconstructed air movement velocities based on measurements only at the supply diffuser and the thermostat location are also presented, which show a good agreement with the PMV values calculated directly from measurements.
Robust Shape Control of Deformable Objects Using Model-Based Techniques

Shape control of a deformable object by a robotic system is a challenging problem because of the difficulty of imposing shape change by a finite number of actuation points to an essentially infinite-dimensional object. In this paper, a new approach to shape changing of deformable objects by a system of manipulators is presented. First, an integrated dynamic equation of motion for a system of multiple manipulators handling a deformable object is developed. A shape correspondence between the initial contact points of the multiple manipulators on a deformable object and a two-dimensional curve that represents the final desired shape is determined. A shape Jacobian that contains the local shape information of the desired shape of the object is formulated and is introduced into the control law. We develop a shape estimator with a second-order dynamics that is used to estimate the curve parameters corresponding to the end-effector position in each time step as the initial object is deformed to its desired final...
The Future of Local Government : Twenty-First-Century Challenges

Local governments in the twenty-first century face challenges regarding service delivery, finance, the workforce, and citizen engagement. While privatization was a major innovation in the last decades of the twentieth century, lack of costs savings and the loss of public values in market provision are prompting reversals in privatization, increases in regulation, and new approaches to government enterprise. The twenty-first century must focus on rebuilding the capacity of local governments to finance critical infrastructure, attract and retain a skilled labor force, and engage citizen in designing innovative solutions to address public problems. Innovations in public service delivery will move beyond public private partnerships to models that more effectively balance accountability, equity, and efficiency concerns.
Cardiac risk in noncardiac surgery: an update.

The preoperative evaluation and management of the patient potentially at risk for cardiac complications of noncardiac surgery require the collaborative efforts of the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and medical physician. Each brings a somewhat different perspective and expertise to the problem, and ideal decisions are possible only if all work together in a collaborative, mutually respectful manner. Cardiologists and internists should refrain from trite recommendations such as “avoid hypotension” and should not pretend to make recommendations regarding anesthetic routes and techniques except in very unusual circumstances. In the context of the appropriate role for the consulting internist and cardiologist, this review will emphasize important issues in the preoperative and postoperative periods and highlight a probabalistic approach to risk assessment and decision-making, in which additional information is helpful only if it provides incremental assistance.
Metabolism of vitamin D3 in the chick embryo.

Abstract In agreement with previous reports, chick intestinal calcium-binding protein does not appear in the chick embryo until 1 day after hatching while intestinal alkaline phosphatase begins to appear at 19–20 days of embryonic life. The ability of chick embryo to metabolize vitamin D 3 to 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 , 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 , and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 is present at least by day 18 of embryonic life as demonstrated by in vivo and in vitro techniques. It also illustrates that metabolism of vitamin D 3 was not the limiting factor in the appearance of calcium-binding protein and alkaline phosphatase in intestine. Instead, the uptake of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 by the duodenum was very low prior to hatching, even though significant amounts were present in the yolk sac. Injection of a physiological dose of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 to chick embryo at 9 days failed to stimulate appearance of calcium binding protein by 18 days of embryonic life. Thus, it appears that either the normal mechanism for transport of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 to intestine or its receptors in intestine may not be present prior to day 18–19. A large fraction of radioactive vitamin D 3 injected into the yolk sac was found esterified especially in the embryonic liver. The significance of this is not yet understood. Injection of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 at 325 pmoles/per egg at 9 days resulted in 70% mortality of embryos while a 32-pmole dose resulted in no significant increase in mortality. The basis for this toxicity is not yet understood.
Adenosine diphosphate inhibits the serotonin transporter.

Adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) caused rapid and significant reductions in the rates of [3H]serotonin uptake observed for human platelets, human platelet vesicles, and rat brain synaptic vesicles. Estimated Vmax values in platelets (N = 15), platelet vesicles (N = 3), and synaptic vesicles (N = 3) exposed to 100 μM ADP were 42.3 ± 11.4%, 78.8 ± 1.4%, and 56.8 ± 9.9% of control values, respectively. The EC50 values observed for ADP in platelets and platelet vesicles were 10–24 μM. Exposure to 100 μM ADP had small, inconsistent effects on KM values observed for the platelet transporter. ADP (100 μM) caused only a slight competitive inhibition of the platelet membrane binding of [3H]citalopram, a ligand for the 5HT uptake site of the transporter (5.0% displacement of 1.0 nM [3H]citalopram, 13% increase in apparent KD). The ADP analogue 2-methylthioADP caused similar decreases in the rates of platelet [3H]serotonin uptake, while a number of other related compounds had little or no effect on rates of platelet uptake. The ADP-effect on uptake was rapid, occurring in less than 2.5 s, and was additive with reductions produced by protein kinase C (PKC) activation. The ADP-induced decreases in uptake did not appear to occur through the ADP receptor or known platelet second messenger systems. The exact mechanism of the ADP-effect and its functional significance remain to be determined.
Provision of primary care by office-based rheumatologists: results from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys, 1991-1995.

Objective. To determine the extent to which office-based rheumatologists provide primary care to patients without rheumatic diseases or provide principal care to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was used to determine national probability estimates of the nature and types of conditions treated by office-based rheumatologists in 1991-1995. At each of 1,074 patient visits, the rheumatologists recorded up to 3 diagnoses and 3 patient-reported reasons for the visit, as well as information on the treatments provided at the visit. Results. In only 9.8% of new consultations and 11.9% of return visits was neither a rheumatic disease diagnosis nor a musculoskeletal complaint recorded, indicating that the rheumatologist was likely acting as a primary care provider at a minority of patient visits. Among continuing patients with RA, the patient's primary reason for the visit was something other than a musculoskeletal complaint in only 9.9% of visits, and any nonrheumatic complaint was recorded in 30.4% of visits, indicating that at only some visits was the rheumatologist acting as the principal caregiver. In addition, only 31.1% of visits included the provision of medication for a nonrheumatic condition. Conclusion. In 1991-1995, most visits to rheumatologists involved the provision of specialized or consultative care to patients with rheumatic diseases or musculoskeletal complaints, and few visits were made by patients without either indication. Provision of principal care by rheumatologists to patients with RA is not currently widespread.
Effect of response effort requirement on frequency of short interresponse times

Higher levels of required response effort in an operant task resulted in a greater absolute and relative frequency of short (less than 1 sec) interresponse times.
Metabolism-guided drug design

Preclinical drug metabolism studies play a key role in the lead identification and optimization process in drug discovery. Characterization of the metabolic pathways of new chemical entities is an integral part of drug discovery not only in optimizing clearance properties but also in eliminating potential safety concerns associated with the formation of protein and/or DNA-reactive metabolites. Metabolism studies in early discovery have been used to identify metabolic soft spots leading to high metabolic instability, and also in the characterization of active metabolites. Availability of such information has aided in the rational design of compounds with increased resistance to metabolism and overall improvements in oral pharmacokinetics and dose size. Mechanistic drug metabolism studies have proven particularly invaluable in mitigating reactive metabolite risks, which can lead to mutagenicity, time-dependent inactivation of cytochrome P450 enzymes and/or idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions. Characterization of stable conjugates derived from bioactivation of small molecule drug candidates provides indirect information on the structure of the reactive metabolite species, thereby providing insight into the bioactivation mechanism and hence a rationale on which to base subsequent chemical intervention strategies. This review will showcase case studies of metabolism-guided drug design using literature and in-house examples.
A PRACTICAL METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING INTEGRATED RURAL DEVELOPMENT

As an alternative to conventional project evaluation, which does not meet the challenge of multiple inputs in integrated rural development, it is proposed to survey multiple project impact at the community level by means of a before-and-after informant survey. Multiple regression is used to control on important background factors as well as the initial level of the criterion variable. The community-level informant survey approach is in most respects more appropriate for integrated regional development programs than is qualitative “process analysis” or before-and-after designs that use census or survey data. RESUME A la methode traditionnelle d'evaluation de projet, qui ne rend pas compte du probleme des effets multiples du developpement rural integre, cet article propose une alternative: celle-ci consiste aetudier ces impacts a travers une enquete prealable et une enquete posterieure aupres d'informatcurs dans les communautes rurales. La technique de regression multiple est utilisee pour tenir compte aussi bien des facteurs de base que du niveau initial des variables d'evaluation. A beaucoup d'egards, cette approche par une enquete au niveaucommunautaire se revele plus adequate pour evalucr les programmes de developpement integre ou regional que l'analyse qualitative du changement ou les modeles “avant-apres” qui utilisent des donnees de recensement ou dc surveys KURZFASSUNG Als Alternative zur konventionellcn Projektevaluierung, die nicht ausreichend die unter-schicdliche Bedeutung vcrschiedenartiger Inputs bei der integriertcn landlichen Entwick-lung berucksichtigt, wird vorgeschlagen, die vielfaltigen Auswirkungen von Projekten durch Befragung von Schlusselpersonen auf der Gcmeindeebenc zu ermittcln. Multiple Regression wird zur Kontrolle wichtiger Hintergrundfaktoren und des Ausgangsniveaus der Zielvariablen eingesetzt Der Ansatz einer Befragung von Refcrenzpersonen auf der Gemeindecbene ist in vielfachcr Hinsicht besser geeigner fur integrierte regionale Entwick-lungsprogramme als die qualitative “Prozesanalyse” oder der Vergleich von Ausgangs- und Endsituation an Hand von Daten der amtlichen Statistik oder Umfragedaten.
A note on limit theorems for perturbed empirical processes

Abstract Let X i , i ⩾ 1, be a sequence of i.i.d. R k -valued random variables with common distribution P . Let H n n ⩾1, be a sequence of distribution functions (d.f.) such that H n H 0 , where H 0 is the d.f. of the unit mass at zero. The perturbed empirical d.f. is defined by F n (x):=n −1 Σ i⩽n x H n (x−X i ); P n denotes the associated perturbed empirical probability measure. Strong laws of large numbers and weak invariance principles are obtained for the perturbed empirical processes ( P n −P)(f) , f ∈ F , where F denotes a class of functions on R k . The results extend and generalize those of Winter and Yamato and have applications to non-parametric density estimation.
Complete response to steroids in dural inflammatory pseudotumor associated with Still’s disease

Abstract We report a unique case of a dural-based inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) arising in the left cavernous sinus of a patient with a history of juvenile Still’s disease. The patient presented with hemi-facial paresthesias, dull, constant headaches, and transient episodes of sharp pain along the temporalis region. Treatment with oral steroid therapy resulted in complete regression of the lesion and accompanied neuralgia symptoms. Because intracranial IPT can mimic meningiomas both clinically and radiographically and can be associated with systemic arthritic diseases, neurosurgeons should be familiar with this entity in order to avoid unnecessary radical surgery and alternatively consider a tapering course of steroid therapy.
Global well-posedness for the lake equations

Abstract We prove global well-posedness for the lake equations. These equations arise to leading order in a low aspect ratio, low Froude number (i.e. low wave speed) and very small wave amplitude expansion of the three-dimensional incompressible Euler equations in a basin with a free upper surface and a spatially varying bottom topography. Well-posedness means that there exists a solution, that it is unique and that it depends continuously on the data, i.e. the initial condition and the bottom topography. Our approach follows the works of Yudovitch and Bardos in constructing the solutions as the inviscid limit of solutions to a system with artificial viscosity which is the analog of the Navier-Stokes with respect to the Euler equations. One of the main assumptions in the present work is a nondegenerate bottom topography.
Occult carbon monoxide poisoning in patients with neurologic illness

To investigate occult carbon monoxide poisoning in patients with neurologic illness, we prospectively studied 168 patients who presented to the emergency department between December 1987 and February 1988 with neurologic symptoms for evidence of carbon monoxide exposure. Patients with known carbon monoxide poisoning were excluded. The mean carboxyhemoglobin level was 3.1 percent; there were no significant differences in carboxyhemoglobin between categories of neurologic illness (F(5,162) = 1.35; p less than 0.25). Five patients (3 percent) had a carboxyhemoglobin greater than 10 percent, with levels ranging from 11.7 percent to 29.5 percent. After controlling for the effects of active and passive exposure to cigarette smoke, problems with the home heating system (odds ratio 9.6; p less than 0.03) and the presence of cohabitants with concurrent headache or dizziness (odds ratio 21.6; p less than 0.0001) were associated with an increased risk of a carboxyhemoglobin greater than 10 percent. A rule for obtaining carboxyhemoglobin tests only on patients who used gas stoves for heat or who had symptomatic cohabitants would have correctly identified all patients with carboxyhemoglobins greater than 10 percent, correctly excluded 77 percent of patients with lower levels, and eliminated the need for testing in 75 percent of cases. We conclude that unrecognized carbon monoxide poisoning occurs in a small but important fraction of patients with wintertime neurologic illness and can be identified by a characteristic risk factor profile.
Cooperation and the Prisoner's Dilemma: towards testable models of mutualism versus reciprocity

Abstract For the purpose of distinguishing between mutualism and reciprocity in nature, recent work on the evolution of cooperation has both oversimplifed and undersimplified the distinction between these two categories of cooperation. This article addresses the resulting issues of model testability, clarifies the role of time and argues that the category of ‘pseudo-reciprocity’ is an unnecessary complication.
Iron(III) 2,3-dihydroxyterephthalamides revisited. Charge effects on highly stable ferric complexes

Abstract A series of substituted 2,3-dihydroxyterephthalamides has been prepared and investigated by means of potentiometry, spectrophotometry and 1 H NMR spectroscopy at 25 °C. Proton association constants for the ligand and formation constants for the ferric complexes are as follows: 2,3-dihydroxy- N,N ’-diethylterephthalamide, log β 011 = 10.83, log β 012 = 17.09, log β 110 = 17.27, log β 120 = 31.59, log β 130 = 42.67; 2,3-dihydroxy- N,N ’-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalamide, log β 011 = 10.61, log β 012 = 16.66, log β 110 = 17.04, log β 120 = 31.0, log β 130 = 42.1; 2,3-dihydroxy- N,N ’-bis(ethanesulfonate)terephthalamide disodium salt, log β 011 = 11.01, log β 012 = 17.48, log β 110 = 18.24, log β 120 = 31.72, log β 130 = 40.3; 2,3-dihydroxy- N , N ’-bis( N , N -dimethylaminoethyl)terephthalamide dihydrobromide salt, log β 011 = 10.86, log β 012 = 20.10, log β 013 = 28.53, log β 014 = 33.92, log β 110 = 17.4, log β 120 = 32.5, log β 130 = 45.2. The equilibrium free metal ion concentrations (–log 〚Fe 3+ 〛 = pM) of these ligands are compared and discussed.
A class VII unconventional myosin is required for phagocytosis

Abstract Background: Phagocytosis, the process by which cells internalize particles, is essential for the defense of multicellular organisms against invading pathogens and is the major means by which many unicellular organisms obtain nutrients. The actin cytoskeleton plays a critical role in phagocytosis and the observation that a significant amount of force (10–20 nN) is generated during internalization, suggests that a myosin participates in the process. Although more than 15 distinct classes of myosin have been identified, their roles in phagocytosis are unknown. Results: The identification of a class VII unconventional myosin (DdMVII) in the Dictyostelium discoideum amoeba, which is a model for phagocytosis, is reported here. Mutant cells lacking DdMVII exhibited an 80% decrease in the uptake of particles whereas all other actin-based behaviors that were tested, including pinocytosis, exocytosis, cytokinesis and morphogenesis, proceeded normally. The defect in phagocytosis was neither because of altered particle binding nor inability to form actin-filled phagocytic cups. Conclusions: Molecular genetic analysis of Dictyostelium myosin VII reveals that this motor protein plays a specific and significant role in phagocytosis.
Cerebral reserve is decreased in elderly patients with carotid stenosis.

Objectives Octogenarians and even patients over 70 years old have unexplained poor outcomes with carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). We sought to evaluate whether older patients may have compromised intracranial collaterals and cerebral reserve and be intolerant to otherwise clinically silent emboli generated during CAS. Methods One thousand twenty-four cerebral blood flow (CBF) studies performed between 1991 and 2001 with stable xenon computed tomography scans (Xe/CT) were reviewed. CBF was measured before and after 1 gm intravenous acetazolamide (ACZ), a cerebral vasodilator. The normal response to ACZ is an increase in CBF. In areas of significant compromise of cerebral reserve (CR), CBF drops, representing a "steal" phenomenon. CBF changes were categorized as normal or abnormal and correlated with age, gender, cerebral symptoms, and with intracranial, carotid, or vertebral artery disease. Logistic regression was used to determine the effect of age on CR in the entire group and a subgroup of 179 patients with significant carotid stenosis of >50%. Results Nine hundred sixteen studies were suitable for analysis. Carotid occlusion was predictive of decreased reserve (OR, 3.9; P = .03) regardless of age. There was also a trend toward lower reserve with severe carotid stenosis >70% (OR, 3) and in women (OR, 1.8; P = .08). Age ≥70 had no effect on reserve in the overall heterogeneous population with and without carotid disease and neither did a history of stroke, carotid, or intracranial stenosis. However, in 179 patients with significant carotid stenosis, age ≥70 was predictive of poor reserve (OR, 2.7; P = .03) and so was the presence of peripheral vascular disease (OR, 3.7; P = .03). A trend toward decreased reserve was also seen in women (OR, 2.3; P = .08). Conclusions Age ≥70 is associated with poor cerebral reserve in patients with significant carotid stenosis as measured by CBF response to an ACZ challenge. Thus, patients ≥70 may be more sensitive to minor cerebral emboli, which may be one factor explaining their higher risk of stroke during CAS.
Diaphragm Muscle Thinning in Patients Who Are Mechanically Ventilated

Background Approximately 40% of patients in medical ICUs require mechanical ventilation (MV). Approximately 20% to 25% of these patients will encounter difficulties in discontinuing MV. Multiple studies have suggested that MV has an unloading effect on the respiratory muscles that leads to diaphragmatic atrophy and dysfunction, a process called ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD). VIDD may be an important factor affecting when and if MV can be discontinued. A sensitive and specific diagnostic test for VIDD could provide the physician with valuable information that might influence decisions regarding extubation or tracheostomy. The purpose of this study was to quantify, using daily sonographic assessments, the rate and degree of diaphragm thinning during MV. Methods Seven intubated patients receiving MV during acute care were included. Using sonography, diaphragm muscle thickness was measured daily from the day of intubation until the patient underwent extubation or tracheostomy or died. We analyzed our data using standard descriptive statistics, linear regression, and mixed-model effects. Results The overall rate of decrease in the diaphragm thickness of all seven patients over time averaged 6% per day of MV, which differed significantly from zero. Similarly, the diaphragm thickness decreased for each patient over time. Conclusion Sonographic assessment of the diaphragm provides noninvasive measurement of diaphragmatic thickness and the degree of diaphragm thinning in patients receiving MV. Our data show that diaphragm muscle thinning starts within 48 h after initiation of MV. However, it is unclear if diaphragmatic thinning correlates with diaphragmatic atrophy or pulmonary function. The relationship between diaphragm thinning and diaphragm strength remains to be elucidated.
Effects of water‐soluble constituents of plant residues on water uptake by seeds

Abstract There has been strong support for the hypothesis that the adverse effects of plant residues on crop yields are due to phytotoxic compounds derived from these residues. This hypothesis is based largely on studies showing that, when compared with distilled water, aqueous extracts of plant residues have an adverse effect on seed germination and seedling growth. Because seed germination and seedling growth are reduced by a delay in germination resulting from slow uptake of water by seeds, we studied the possibility that the adverse effects of aqueous extracts of plant residues on seed germination and seedling growth might be at least partly due to water uptake by seeds being retarded by water‐soluble constituents of these residues. To test this possibility, we compared the rates of water uptake and germination of seeds of corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merrill], and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) when these seeds were treated with distilled water and with aqueous extracts of corn, sorgh...
Self-protecting and self-optimizing database systems: implementation and experimental evaluation

The ubiquity of database systems and the emergence of new and different threats require multiple and overlapping security mechanisms. Providing multiple and diverse database intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) is a critical component of the defense-in-depth strategy for DB information systems. However, providing this level of security can greatly impact a system's QoS requirements. It would then be advantageous to use the combination of IDPSs that best meets the security and QoS concerns of the system stakeholders for each workload intensity level. Due to the dynamic variability of the workload intensity, it is not feasible for human beings to continuously reconfigure the system. We offer an autonomic computing approach for a self-protecting and self-optimizing database system environment that captures dynamic and fine-grained tradeoffs between security and QoS. The approach uses a multi-objective utility function that considers security overhead, perceived risk level, and high level stakeholder objectives. We describe the implementation of an autonomic controller that uses combinatorial search techniques and queuing network models to dynamically search for a near-optimal security configuration. We validate our approach experimentally on a TPC-W e-commerce site and show that our approach balances QoS and security goals.
A multi-demensional examination of the positive reinforcing properties of acetaldehyde

The suggestion that acetaldehyde may be endowed with positive reinforcing properties and may in fact mediate some of the psychopharmacological actions of ethanol has been examined by us and other investigators using a variety of paradigms. We first reported that non-dependent animals would self-administer acetaldehyde through an intra-cerebroventricular route. In addition, we have demonstrated that central infusion induced a conditioned place preference. We have also shown that an animal's propensity to self-administer acetaldehyde directly into the brain was related to its subsequent voluntary intake of ethanol. Lastly, we have reported that inhibition of acetaldehyde metabolism resulted in an enhancement of alcohol-induced euphoria in man. The data collected to date from four different paradigms strongly support the notion that acetaldehyde is endowed with positive reinforcing properties which may play a critical role in the mediation of ethanol euphoria.
Vision-based localization in urban environments

As part of DARPA's MARS2020 program, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed a vision-based system for localization in urban environments that requires neither GPS nor active sensors. System hardware consists of a pair of small FireWire cameras and a standard Pentium-based computer. The inputs to the software system consist of: 1) a crude grid-based map describing the positions of buildings, 2) an initial estimate of robot location and 3) the video streams produced by each camera. At each step during the traverse the system: captures new image data, finds image features hypothesized to lie on the outside of a building, computes the range to those features, determines an estimate of the robot's motion since the previous step and combines that data with the map to update a probabilistic representation of the robot's location. This probabilistic representation allows the system to simultaneously represent multiple possible locations, For our testing, we have derived the a priori map manually using non-orthorectified overhead imagery, although this process could be automated. The software system consists of two primary components. The first is the vision system which uses binocular stereo ranging together with a set of heuristics to identify features likely to be part of building exteriors and to compute an estimate of the robot's motion since the previous step. The resulting visual features and the associated range measurements are software component, a particle-filter based localization system. This system uses the map and the then fed to the second primary most recent results from the vision system to update the estimate of the robot's location. This report summarizes the design of both the hardware and software and will include the results of applying the system to the global localization of a robot over an approximately half-kilometer traverse across JPL'S Pasadena campus.
The amino acid composition of gray matter ganglioside-peptides of normal human and tay-sachs brains☆

Abstract Ganglioside-peptides were extracted from brain gray matter with chloroform-methanol followed by partition into a water phase. Two-dimensional maps of the oxidized ganglioside-peptides were run both before and after tryptic digestion. Little difference was found between the positively charged peptides of normal and Tay-Sachs brains but the neutral to slightly acidic peptides showed distinct differences both before and after tryptic digestion. Amino acids were quantitated with ion-exchange chromatography after acid hydrolysis of the separated peptide moieties. Ten out of 18 amino acid values of the TS peptide differed from the normal. Values for glycine, alanine and threonine were significantly decreased in TS peptides as compared with normal values, and valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, half-cystine, methionine and aspartic acid were increased (at the 1% probability level). Of these, alanine and threonine showed the most striking and significant differences. It can be concluded from these results that the peptide moiety of the ganglioside-peptide of gray matter in TS disease differs significantly in composition from that of normal brain. These results confirm our previously published data that the profile and concentrations of the cerebral free amino acids found in TS disease are abnormal and may result in altered peptide synthesis. The cause of these differences in peptide composition and their possible relationship to ganglioside accumulation in TS brain remains to be determined.
Multi-Gb/s optical computer interconnect

A crucial component in a future teraflop, distributed, massively-parallel processing system is an interconnection network capable of reaching an aggregate capacity of a terabyte-per-second with gigabyte-per-second access rates for each user. This is the target of the architecture described here, which is the optoelectronic extension of the interconnect previously used in a shared-memory, distributed, MIMD supercomputer. Because of its inherent flexibility, at a lower performance level this same architecture could also meet the growing near-term interconnect needs within and between current large computing centers. The architecture provides small block transfers, a source-destination latency approaching the physical minimum, high average and burst user bandwidth, and expandability to thousands of distributed users. The packet payloads remain in optical format from source to destination while being switched in the multi-state, multi-path network. Large-scale data compression by wavelength results in packets of a few nanoseconds length. Self-routing at intermediate nodes is achieved with brief excursions of the control headers into the electronic domain, where pipelined processors implement a hot potato/deflection switching protocol. A system demonstration is currently under construction.
A Far Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph for Shuttle

The development of the Far Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (FUVIS) Shuttle sortie missions, is described. Objectives of the experiment are to obtain spatially-resolved far-ultraviolet spectra of extraterrestrial sources, including emission-line and reflection nebulae, diffuse background radiation, extragalactic objects, and comets. The use of fast focal ratio (f/1) Schmidt optics and an opaque CsI photocathode which affords high quantum efficiency in the far-UV provides the maximum possible diffuse source sensitivity. Measured emission line intensities of 5 Rayleighs (or continua of intensity 1 R/A) in 300 sec exposures are expected. The development includes a dedicated pointing platform and a low light level television camera for payload specialist use in target acquisition and guiding.
Mutual control of breathing and blood pressure: case report

Trial outcome. To demonstrate the relationship between circulation and breathing with orthostasis in a tetraplegic man. A long-term care unit at a Veterans Administration Hospital, USA. A tetraplegic patient with a history of orthostatic hypotension was monitored for blood flow at the level of the supraorbital artery, for breathing by nasal air flow, and for pulse oxymetry on a tilt table at 0, 45 and 0° of head elevation. Tilting up caused a coincidental reduction in blood flow and enhanced breathing. These effects were coincidentally reversed by tilting down. Oxyhemoglobin concentration and pulse rates increased with orthostasis and returned to baseline on tilting down. A reciprocal relationship between breathing and circulation has been demonstrated in a tetraplegic patient challenged by orthostasis.
Evidence for a pineal contribution in the regulation of vertebrate reproductive systems

Abstract This report consists both of a brief and selective review of recent evidence concerning a possible pineal contribution to regulation of vertebrate reproductive systems, and of a presentation of some original results that in part confirm an effect of the pineal on the female reproductive system in hamsters ( Mesocricetus auratus ) subjected to 1 hour of light per day for 4 weeks. Also presented are negative findings in regard to the effect of pinealectomy on the reproductive and physiologically related organs in male and female laboratory rats. Problems in the interpretation of experiments employing pinealectomy and administration of pineal extracts and constituents are discussed. The possible primary sites of an action of the pineal affecting the gonadal system are noted, along with reference to previous work by the author which suggests that the pineal's primary site of action may be in the central nervous system.
Miniaturized integration of a fluorescence microscope

The light microscope is traditionally an instrument of substantial size and expense. Its miniaturized integration would enable many new applications based on mass-producible, tiny microscopes. Key prospective usages include brain imaging in behaving animals for relating cellular dynamics to animal behavior. Here we introduce a miniature (1.9 g) integrated fluorescence microscope made from mass-producible parts, including a semiconductor light source and sensor. This device enables high-speed cellular imaging across ∼0.5 mm2 areas in active mice. This capability allowed concurrent tracking of Ca2+ spiking in >200 Purkinje neurons across nine cerebellar microzones. During mouse locomotion, individual microzones exhibited large-scale, synchronized Ca2+ spiking. This is a mesoscopic neural dynamic missed by prior techniques for studying the brain at other length scales. Overall, the integrated microscope is a potentially transformative technology that permits distribution to many animals and enables diverse usages, such as portable diagnostics or microscope arrays for large-scale screens.
Interocular axial length difference as a predictor of postoperative visual acuity after unilateral pediatric cataract extraction with primary IOL implantation

Purpose To develop a model that aids in the preoperative determination of predisposition to poor postoperative visual prognosis, specifically investigating the relationship between preoperative interocular axial length difference (IALD) and postoperative visual acuity in unilateral cataracts. Methods Retrospective chart review of 96 pediatric patients with unilateral cataracts. Subjects were included if they had cataract extraction with primary IOL implantation and were between age birth and 18 years at the time of surgery. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used in analysis. Results Sixty-four subjects met all inclusion and exclusion criteria, had complete response and covariate data, and were used in analysis. Median postoperative visual acuity was 20/40, and median IALD was 0.74 mm. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed to predict the odds of poor postoperative visual acuity based on age at surgery, IALD, and compliance with amblyopia therapy ( p = 0.005), where postoperative visual acuity was categorized as good (better than or equal to Snellen visual acuity 20/40) and fair/poor (worse than Snellen visual acuity 20/40). With increasing IALD and age at surgery the odds of poor postoperative visual acuity increased (OR = 1.93; 95% CLs, 0.94-3.95 and OR=1.26, 95% CLs, 1.0−1.59, respectively, controlling for compliance with amblyopia therapy). There was an increase in the odds of a poor postoperative visual acuity among individuals with poor compliance to amblyopia therapy compared with those with good compliance (OR = 3.15, 95% CLs, 0.76-13.17). Conclusions There is a clinically important relationship between IALD and postoperative visual acuity. Better visual prognosis appears to be associated with a smaller IALD, younger age at surgery, and good compliance to amblyopia therapy.
Integrins interact with focal adhesions through multiple distinct pathways.

Integrin signaling involves oligomerization and a transmembrane conformational change induced by receptor occupancy. Previous work has shown that subsets of focal adhesion-associated proteins are recruited to integrins as a result of clustering, ligand binding, or both. However, it is unclear whether these discrete subsets reflect the differential binding of cytoplasmic proteins to the integrin or whether a single protein or set of proteins binds the integrin and is differentially activated by receptor occupancy or clustering. To address this question, we made mutations of the beta1 integrin cytoplasmic domain in the context of a single subunit chimera and studied their activation of various known integrin-mediated signaling pathways. We show here that the indirect association of the integrin with actin is distinct from its interactions with both preformed focal adhesions and FAK. Therefore, multiple independent signaling pathways exist from the integrin to the focal adhesion, which may reflect the association of independent factors with the integrin beta1 cytoplasmic domain.
Differences in the Recognition of CTL Epitopes during Primary and Secondary Responses to Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in Vivo

Abstract The immune response to HSV infection in C57BL/6 mice includes a CTL population that recognizes the virion envelope glycoprotein gB. However, previous studies showed that CTL specific for other vital determinants were also responding to HSV infection. These studies demonstrate that an additional determinant is the HSV immediate-early protein ICP27. During the primary response, both gB- and ICP27-specific CTL were detected in the draining lymph node. In response to reinfection, ICP27-specific CTL were present early in the lymph node, while the appearance of gB-specific CTL activity was delayed. Analysis of the primary amino acid sequence of ICP27 predicted two potential K b -binding epitopes, one of which sensitized uninfected cells for lysis by HSV-specific CTL. In addition, ICP27 epitope-specific CTL activity was detected in the splenic memory CTL pool. These results show that CTL which recognize different antigens may also exhibit differences in how they respond to HSV reinfection in vivo.
Electron-Nuclear-Double-Resonance and Electron-Spin-Resonance Evidence for a Fe 3 + ( K + Vacancy) Center in Iron-Doped KZn F 3

Crystals of KZn${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ doped with \ensuremath{\ge} 0.05-at.% iron exhibit ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ electron-spin-resonance (ESR) and electron-nuclear-double-resonance (ENDOR) spectra which indicate the existence of a charge compensator along a $〈111〉$ direction. This is over and above the cubic spectrum observed at lower doping levels. The ESR spin-Hamiltonian parameters of the compensated center at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are $a=+49.7(4)$, $D=+107.9(3)$, and $F=\ensuremath{-}2.7(4)$ (in units of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) and $g=2.0029(3)$. The angular ENDOR data for the two sets of three nearest-neighbor fluorines were analyzed to determine the local distortion in some detail. The results are in good accord with a model which assumes that one of the eight nearest-neighbor ${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$ ions surrounding the ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ is absent.
Combinatorics of q,t -parking functions

In [A conjectured combinatorial formula for the Hilbert series for diagonal harmonics, in: Proceedings of FPSAC 2002 Conference, Melbourne, Australia, Discrete Math., in press] Haglund, Haiman, and the present author conjectured a combinatorial formula CH"n(q,t) for the Hilbert series of diagonal harmonics as a weighted sum of parking functions. Another equivalent combinatorial formula was proposed by the present author in [Multivariate analogues of Catalan numbers, parking functions, and their extensions, UCSD doctoral thesis, June 2003]. These formulas involve three statistics on parking functions called area, dinv, and pmaj. In this article, we use the pmaj statistic to solve several combinatorial problems posed in [A conjectured combinatorial formula for the Hilbert series for diagonal harmonics, in: Proceedings of FPSAC 2002 Conference, Melbourne, Australia, Discrete Math., in press]. In particular, we derive a recursion satisfied by the combinatorial Hilbert series and show that q^n^(^n^-^1^)^/^2CH"n(1/q,q)=[n+1]"q^n^-^1.
Contesting Terrain in Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands: Political Ecology, Ethnography, and Peasant Resource Struggles

In this paper, I rethink some of the conceptual tools of “political ecology” through an analysis of environmental resource conflicts in a state-administered resettlement scheme bordering Nyanga Nat...
The Impact of Advancing Technology on Marketing and Academic Research

Academic research in marketing often and rightfully tends to either build on well-established past research topics or follow well-established practices in industry. However, as technology advances, it might be possible to foresee some more enduring trends and focus research on future issues rather than on past issues. One approach would be to study emerging technologies with rapidly declining costs. Each of these emerging technologies spawns myriad applications that have the potential to dramatically impact existing markets. Interesting research topics include the study of the impact of these applications on different market participants e.g., final consumers, the seller, the seller of complementary services, intermediaries, information providers, competitors, other industries. Research topics also include the optimal structure for products and services, given these new applications, as well as which intermediary should offer particular services. Research topics also include the interactive ability to rapidly customize marketing strategy by identifying individuals at particular points in time and under particular demand conditions. Five of these technologies include enhanced search services, biometrics and smart cards, enhanced computational speed, M-commerce, and GPS tracking.
Identification of basophils by a mAb directed against pro-major basic protein 1

Background Basophils possess characteristics of both mast cells and eosinophils, and all 3 cell types often are found together, particularly during allergic reactions. A mAb (J175-7D4) generated against the recombinant pro-form of human eosinophil granule major basic protein 1 (rproMBP1) appeared to stain only basophils in tissue specimens. Objective We investigated J175-7D4 to characterize its specificity for basophils. Methods Fluid-phase immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry were used to establish the specificity of J175-7D4. Results First, J175-7D4 binds to various glycosylated and proteolytically processed forms of rproMBP1, but not to major basic protein. Second, cells transfected with the rproMBP1 gene and human placental tissue (known to express the pro-form of major basic protein 1 [proMBP1]) stain specifically with J175-7D4. In contrast, although mature eosinophils contain substantial major basic protein, they lack proMBP1 and do not stain. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and skin mast cells also are not stained. However, blood basophils are stained by J175-7D4, anti-IgE, Wright-Giemsa (metachromatically), and a previously characterized basophil-specific mAb, 2D7. Finally, formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded basophils are identically detected by J175-7D4 and 2D7, and J175-7D4 also recognizes putative basophils in formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from inflammatory dermatoses, such as atopic dermatitis and delayed pressure urticaria. Conclusion The J175-7D4 mAb recognizes proMBP1 as a novel marker for human basophils. J175-7D4 should prove useful for characterizing basophil involvement in human health and disease.