Long-lasting semantic interference effects in object naming are not necessarily conceptually mediated

Long-lasting interference effects in picture naming are induced when objects are presented in categorically related contexts in both continuous and blocked cyclic paradigms. Less consistent context effects have been reported when the task is changed to semantic classification. Experiment 1 confirmed the recent finding of cumulative facilitation in the continuous paradigm with living/non-living superordinate categorization. To avoid a potential confound involving participants responding with the identical superordinate category in related contexts in the blocked cyclic paradigm, we devised a novel set of categorically related objects that also varied in terms of relative age – a core semantic type associated with the adjective word class across languages. Experiment 2 demonstrated the typical interference effect with these stimuli in basic level naming. In Experiment 3, using the identical blocked cyclic paradigm, we failed to observe semantic context effects when the same pictures were classified as younger–older. Overall, the results indicate the semantic context effects in the two paradigms do not share a common origin, with the effect in the continuous paradigm arising at the level of conceptual representations or in conceptual-to-lexical connections while the effect in the blocked cyclic paradigm most likely originates at a lexical level of representation. The implications of these findings for current accounts of long-lasting interference effects in spoken word production are discussed.

Interference of Two Closely Spaced Strip Footings on Sand Using Model Tests

By using small scale model tests, the interference effect on the ultimate bearing capacity of two closely spaced strip footings, placed on the surface of dry sand, was investigated. At any time, the footings were assumed to (1) carry exactly the same magnitude of load; and (2) settle to the same extent. No tilt of the footing was allowed. The effect of clear spacing (s) between two footings was explicitly studied. An interference of footings leads to a significant increase in their bearing capacity; the interference effect becomes even more substantial with an increase in the relative density of sand. The bearing capacity attains a peak magnitude at a certain (critical) spacing between two footings. The experimental observations presented in this technical note were similar to those given by different available theories. However, in a quantitative sense, the difference between the experiments and theories was seen to be still significant and it emphasizes the need of doing a further rigorous analysis in which the effect of stress level on the shear strength parameters of soil mass can be incorporated properly.

SIR Analysis and Interference Cancellation in Uplink OFDMA with Large Carrier Frequency/Timing Offsets

In uplink orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), large timing offsets (TO) and/or carrier frequency offsets (CFO) of other users with respect to a desired user can cause significant multiuser interference (MUI). In this letter, we analytically characterize the degradation in the average output signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) due to the combined effect of both TOs as well as CFOs in uplink OFDMA. Specifically, we derive closed-form expressions for the average SIR at the DFT output in the presence of large CFOs and TOs. The analyticalexpressions derived for the signal and various interference terms at the DFT output are used to devise an interference cancelling receiver to mitigate the effect of CFO/TO-induced interferences.

Gene expression evidence for off-target effects caused by RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of Ubiquitin-63E in the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus.

Knowledge of cattle tick (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus; Acari: Ixodidae) molecular and cellular pathways has been hampered by the lack of an annotated genome. In addition, most of the tick expressed sequence tags (ESTs) available to date consist of similar to 50% unassigned sequences without predicted functions. The most common approach to address this has been the application of RNA interference (RNAi) methods to investigate genes and their pathways. This approach has been widely adopted in tick research despite minimal knowledge of the tick RNAi pathway and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) uptake mechanisms. A strong knockdown phenotype of adult female ticks had previously been observed using a 594 bp dsRNA targeting the cattle tick homologue for the Drosophila Ubiquitin-63E gene leading to nil or deformed eggs. A NimbleGen cattle tick custom microarray based on the BmiGI.V2 database of R. microplus ESTs was used to evaluate the expression of mRNAs harvested from ticks treated with the tick Ubiquitin-63E 594 bp dsRNA compared with controls. A total of 144 ESTs including TC6372 (Ubiquitin-63E) were down-regulated with 136 ESTs up-regulated following treatment. The results obtained substantiated the knockdown phenotype with ESTs identified as being associated with ubiquitin proteolysis as well as oogenesis, embryogenesis, fatty acid synthesis and stress responses. A bioinformatics analysis was undertaken to predict off-target effects (OTE) resulting from the in silico dicing of the 594 bp Ubiquitin-63E dsRNA which identified 10 down-regulated ESTs (including TC6372) within the list of differentially expressed probes on the microarrays. Subsequent knockdown experiments utilising 196 and 109 bp dsRNAs, and a cocktail of short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) targeting Ubiquitin-63E, demonstrated similar phenotypes for the dsRNAs but nil effect following shRNA treatment. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analysis confirmed differential expression of TC6372 and selected ESTs. Our study demonstrated the minimisation of predicted OTEs in the shorter dsRNA treatments (similar to 100-200 bp) and the usefulness of microarrays to study knockdown phenotypes.

Photoelastic studies on progress of separation in interference fits

Interference fits are used extensively in aircraft structural joints because of their improved fatigue performance. Recent advances in analysis of these joints have increased understanding of the nonlinear load-contact and load-interfacial slip variations in these joints. Experimental work in these problems is lacking due to difficulties in determining partial contact and partial slip along the pin-hole interface. In this paper, an experimental procedure is enumerated for determining load-contact relations in interference/clearance fits, using photoelastic models and applying a technique for detecting progress of separation/contact up to predetermined locations. The study incorporates a detailed procedure for model making, controlling interference, locating break of contact up to known locations around the interface, estimating optically the degree of interference, determining interfacial friction and evaluating stresses in the sheet. Experiments, simulating joints in large sheets, were carried out under both pin and plate loads. The present studies provide load-separation behavior in interference joint with finite interfacial friction.

Plot size matters: interference from intergenotypic competition in plant phenotyping studies

Genetic and physiological studies often comprise genotypes diverse in vigour, size and flowering time. This can make the phenotyping of complex traits challenging, particularly those associated with canopy development, biomass and yield, as the environment of one genotype can be influenced by a neighbouring genotype. Limited seed and space may encourage field assessment in single, spaced rows or in small, unbordered plots, whereas the convenience of a controlled environment or greenhouse makes pot studies tempting. However, the relevance of such growing conditions to commercial field-grown crops is unclear and often doubtful. Competition for water, light and nutrients necessary for canopy growth will be variable where immediate neighbours are genetically different, particularly under stress conditions, where competition for resources and influence on productivity is greatest. Small hills and rod-rows maximise the potential for intergenotypic competition that is not relevant to a crop’s performance in monocultures. Response to resource availability will typically vary among diverse genotypes to alter genotype ranking and reduce heritability for all growth-related traits, with the possible exception of harvest index. Validation of pot experiments to performance in canopies in the field is essential, whereas the planting of multirow plots and the simple exclusion of plot borders at harvest will increase experimental precision and confidence in genotype performance in target environments.

Reproductive interference between honey bee species in artificial sympatry

Reproductive isolation between closely related species is often incomplete. The Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, and the Eastern hive bee, A. cerana have been allopatric for millions of years, but are nonetheless similar in morphology and behaviour. During the last century the two species were brought into contact anthropogenically, providing potential opportunities for interspecific matings. Hybrids between A. mellifera and A. cerana are inviable, so natural interspecific matings are of concern because they may reduce the viability of A. cerana and A. mellifera populations – two of the world's most important pollinators. We examined the mating behaviour of A. mellifera and A. cerana queens and drones from Caoba Basin, China and Cairns, Australia. Drone mating flight times overlap in both areas. Analysis of the spermathecal contents of queens with species-specific genetic markers indicated that in Caoba Basin, 14% of A. mellifera queens mated with at least one A. cerana male, but we detected no A. cerana queens that had mated with A. mellifera males. Similarly, in Cairns, no A. cerana queens carried A. mellifera sperm, but one third of A. mellifera queens had mated with at least one A. cerana male. No hybrid embryos were detected in eggs laid by interspecifically-mated A. mellifera queens in either location. However A. mellifera queens artificially inseminated with A. cerana sperm produced inviable hybrid eggs, or unfertilised drones. This suggests that reproductive interference will impact the viability of honey bee populations wherever A. cerana and A. mellifera are in contact. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Interference and management of parthenium: The world's most important invasive weed

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is one of the most aggressive herbaceous weeds of the Asteraceae family. It is widely distributed, almost across the world and has become the most important invasive weed. Comprehensive information on interference and control of this devastating species is required to facilitate better management decisions. A broad review on the interference and management of this weed is presented here. Inspite of its non-tropical origin, parthenium grows quite successfully under a wide range of environmental conditions. It is spreading rapidly in Australia, Western Africa, Asia, and Caribbean countries, and has become a serious weed of pastures, wastelands, roadsides, railwaysides, water courses, and agricultural crops. The infestations of parthenium have been reported to reduce grain and forage yields by 40–90%. The spread of parthenium has been attributed to its allelopathic activity, strong competitiveness for soil moisture and nutrients, and its capability to exploit natural biodiversity. Allelochemicals released from parthenium has been reported to decrease germination and growth of agronomic crops, vegetables, trees, and many other weed species. Growth promoting effects of parthenium extracts at low concentrations have also been reported in certain crops. Many pre- and post-emergence herbicides have been evaluated for the control of parthenium in cropped and non-cropped areas. The most effective herbicides are clomazone, metribuzin, atrazine, glyphosate, metsulfuron methyl, butachlor, bentazone, dicamba, and metsulfuron methyl. Extracts, residues, and essential oils of many allelopathic herbs (Cassia, Amaranthus, and Xanthium species), grasses (Imperata and Desmostachya species), and trees (Eucalyptus, Azadirachta, Mangifera species, etc.) have demonstrated inhibitory activities on seed germination and seedling growth of parthenium. Metabolites of several fungi, e.g., Fusarium oxysporun and Fusarium monilifonne, exhibit bioherbicidal activity against seeds and seedlings of this weed. Intercropping, displacement by competitive plant species like Cassia species, bisset bluegrass, florgen blugress, buffelgrass, along with the use of biological control agents like Mexican beetle, seed-feeding and stem-boring weevils, stem-galling and leaf-mining moth, and sap-feeding plant hopper, have been reported as possible strategies for the management of parthenium. An appropriate integration of these approaches could help minimize spread of parthenium and provide sustainable weed management with reduced environmental concerns.

A comprehensive study of interference and clearance fit pins in large plates

Pin joints in structures are designed for interference, push or clearance fits. That is, the diameter of the pin is made greater than, equal to or less than the hole diameter. Consider an interference fit pin in a plate subjected to a continuously increasing in-plane load.

Cochannel Interference in Partially Coherent Communication

Effects of cochannel interference and synchronization error of the carrier phase on the probability of error in binary communications are considered. Several bounds on the probability of error are proposed. The bounds are easy to compute and do not require complete statistical characterization of the errors. They turn out to be simple linear combinations of error probabilities with no cochannel interferences and no phase errors. Several illustrative examples are given which show that the bounds can be tight.

The interference environment of radio Noise froh4 lightning

The paper furnishes a review and air ovendepr "f radio noise *om lightning as rr so~irce of interference to analogue and digital Corn?tunicatioiz. The parameters of fhe different fornls < f, noise necessary .for pssessigth e interfering effect of the rloise are described. 4railublr irfjrncroiun thrr tndevstor71zs, thunder-clouds, convecrion cells and lightning are er ieveadn d their liizitatimsp ointed oui. Thew fol101r.s a descripiicn of how the source, popugafiona nd receiver chaacteristidse termine the sfrticture qf a/rnosplro.ic noise as receiwd at a point of observation. The tratrrral unit for this noise i.s the mise burst rtrising from o w complete lightning.flas4. The pmuneters of the nrise birrst as a 11.hole and its structure ctetennine the inrqfflrrence enrirnniient. A hisforic reriel$. qf t2sophericii oke .studies sho1(5 that it i. wrreirt(v of importance oldy in thc ropicarl egions of' the wr ldf i>rs hichf hc neailable data are wry defective. New data are ficnrished. The contribution of atmospheric noise for backgrouzd interference even in remote places ,for r.adicj astronomy at VHF is firrnished. The imporlance of aimcspizeric nctise cceurring ;vporadiea@ in high values fur slzort inier.als at VHF and higher frequencies in the tropics is brought out.

Performance Analysis of MQAM-OFDM based WLAN in presence of Zigbee interference in AWGN and Rayleigh fading channel

In this paper we give the performance of MQAM OFDM based WLAN in presence of single and multiple channels Zigbee interference. An analytical model for getting symbol error rate (SER) in presence of single and multiple channel Zigbee interference in AWGN and Rayleigh fading channel for MQAM OFDM system is given. Simulation results are compared with analytical symbol error rate (SER) of the MQAM-OFDM system. For analysis we have modeled the Zigbee interference using the power spectral density (PSD) of OQPSK modulation and finding the average interference power for each sub-carrier of the OFDM system. Then we have averaged the SER over all WLAN sub-carriers. Simulations closely match with the analytical models. It is seen from simulation and analytical results that performance of WLAN is severely affected by Zigbee interference. Symbol error rate (SER) for 16QAM and 64QAM OFDM system is of order of 10(-2) for SIR (signal to interference ratio) of 20dB and 30dB respectively in presence of single Zigbee interferer inside the WLAN frequency band for Rayleigh fading channel. For SIR values more than 30dB and 40dB the SER approaches the SER without interference for 16QAM and 64QAM OFDM system respectively.

Quantum Interference in Coherent Molecular Conductance

Coherent electronic transport through individual molecules is crucially sensitive to quantum interference. We investigate the zero-bias and zero-temperature conductance through pi-conjugated annulene molecules weakly coupled to two leads for different source-drain configurations, finding an important reduction for certain transmission channels and for particular geometries as a consequence of destructive quantum interference between states with definite momenta. When translational symmetry is broken by an external perturbation we find an abrupt increase of the conductance through those channels. Previous studies concentrated on the effect at the Fermi energy, where this effect is very small. By analyzing the effect of symmetry breaking on the main transmission channels we find a much larger response thus leading to the possibility of a larger switching of the conductance through single molecules.

SIR Analysis and Interference Cancellation in Uplink OFDMA with Large Carrier Frequency/Timing Offsets

In uplink OFDMA, carrier frequency offsets (CFO) and/or timing offsets (TO) of other users with respect to a desired user can cause multiuser interference (MUI). In practical uplink OFDMA systems (e.g., IEEE 802.16e standard), effect of this MUI is made acceptably small by requiring that frequency/timing alignment be achieved at the receiver with high precision (e.g., CFO must be within 1 % of the subcarrier spacing and TO must be within 1/8th of the cyclic prefix duration in IEEE 802.16e), which is realized using complex closed-loop frequency/timing correction between the transmitter and the receiver. An alternate open-loop approach to handle the MUI induced by large CFOs and TOs is to employ interference cancellation techniques at the receiver. In this paper, we first analytically characterize the degradation in the average output signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) due to the combined effect of large CFOs and TOs in uplink OFDMA. We then propose a parallel interference canceller (PIC) for the mitigation of interference due to CFOs and TOs in this system. We show that the proposed PIC effectively mitigates the performance loss due to CFO/TO induced interference in uplink OFDMA.

BER-optimized linear parallel interference cancellers for multicarrier DS-CDMA systems

In this paper, we consider the design and bit-error performance analysis of linear parallel interference cancellers (LPIC) for multicarrier (MC) direct-sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) systems. We propose an LPIC scheme where we estimate and cancel the multiple access interference (MAT) based on the soft decision outputs on individual subcarriers, and the interference cancelled outputs on different subcarriers are combined to form the final decision statistic. We scale the MAI estimate on individual subcarriers by a weight before cancellation. In order to choose these weights optimally, we derive exact closed-form expressions for the bit-error rate (BER) at the output of different stages of the LPIC, which we minimize to obtain the optimum weights for the different stages. In addition, using an alternate approach involving the characteristic function of the decision variable, we derive BER expressions for the weighted LPIC scheme, matched filter (MF) detector, decorrelating detector, and minimum mean square error (MMSE) detector for the considered multicarrier DS-CDMA system. We show that the proposed BER-optimized weighted LPIC scheme performs better than the MF detector and the conventional LPIC scheme (where the weights are taken to be unity), and close to the decorrelating and MMSE detectors.