cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer in the rat: dissociation of acid load and blood flow.

Duodenal mucosal blood flow (DMBF) and duodenal acid load were studied in nonanesthetized rats. Four groups of animals were injected with an ulcerogenic dose of mepirizole [1-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-2-pyrimidinyl)-3-methyl-5-methoxypyrazole] and were studied at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after drug administration. Three additional groups were given an injection of the vehicle used to solubilize the drug and were studied 3, 12, and 24 h later. All animals studied 24 h after mepirizole showed ulceration of the proximal duodenum. DMBF in animals that received vehicle averaged 141 +/- 12 ml.100 g-1.min-1. A significant duodenal hyperemia was observed 3 and 6 h after mepirizole (498 +/- 113 and 377 +/- 92 ml.100 g-1.min-1, respectively). A large increase in duodenal acid load was also found at these times (47.6 +/- 2.6 and 46.4 +/- 7.3 mueq/h, respectively). DMBF declined progressively afterwards to reach subnormal levels at 24 h after mepirizole. Acid load, however, remained at a high level throughout the 24 h of observation. In contrast, no significant changes in blood flow were observed in pancreas, jejunum, ileum, or colon. In animals with a duodenal ligature 5 mm distal to the pylorus, a hyperemia was observed in the portion of duodenum in continuity with the stomach. This phenomenon was absent in the duodenum distal to the ligature. It is concluded that the high duodenal acid load observed in the face of decreasing DMBF could explain the occurrence of duodenal damage between 12 and 24 h after mepirizole administration.
Creating features from a learned grammar in a simulated student

Understanding and developing intelligent agents that simulate human learning has been a long-standing goal in both artificial intelligence and cognitive science. Although learning agents are able to produce intelligent behavior with less human knowledge engineering than in the past, intelligent agent developers are still required to manually encode much prior domain knowledge. We recently proposed an efficient algorithm that acquires representations of the world using an unsupervised grammar induction algorithm, and integrated this representation learner into a simulated student, SimStudent. In this paper, we use the representation learner to automatically generate a set of feature predicates based on the acquired representation, and provide the automatically generated feature predicates to SimStudent as prior domain knowledge. We show that with the automatically-generated feature predicates, the learning agent can perform at a level comparable to when it is given manually-constructed feature predicates, but without the effort required to create these feature predicates.
Retain or extract: The decision process

It is difficult to give up attempts to save a tooth and decide to extract. Sometimes the decision is easy because experience allows the dentist to evaluate the patient and the situation and make an educated prognosis for the tooth. The thought process is extremely involved and many variables must be taken into consideration, some of which the dentist has very little control over. The process was much less involved when there were fewer options available to the patient and the dentist. Teeth in themselves are very rarely hopeless; it is the desires of the patient, the expertise of the dentist, and the conditions of the oral environment that lead to a hopeless prognosis. A tooth can be moved to another place in the mouth or even into another patient's mouth, and the treatment decision changes, making it not as hopeless. The wish of the patient is usually the final, determining factor for how treatment is carried out. Patients make the decision whether to spend their time and money to save the tooth with extraordinary effort or whether to cut their losses and give up on the tooth.
Taxonomy of ' Euconnus complex'. Part II. Revision of Archiconnus Franz, Parapseudoconnus Franz and Mexiconnus gen. nov. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)

Neotropical Scydmaeninae Archiconnus Franz and Parapseudoconnus Franz (with two subgenera) are re-defined and details of their morphology are illustrated. Archiconnus mexicanus Franz is placed in a separate genus Mexiconnus gen. nov. (resulting in a new combination Mexiconnus mexicanus (Franz)). The current division of Parapseudoconnus into the nominotypical subgenus and a subgenus Neuraphornimus Franz is weakly supported by only minor morphological differences, but the subgenera are retained, pending further study. Archiconnus huallaganus Franz, Mexiconnus mexicanus, Parapseudoconnus (s. str.) aberrans Franz and P. (Neuraphomimnus) simulator Franz are redescribed, while detailed redescriptions of P (N.)fraudulentus Franz and P (N.) mnonticola Franz were not possible due to partly or entirely damaged type specimens.
A longitudinal, collaborative, practice-based learning and improvement model to improve post-discharge heart failure outcomes.

BACKGROUND Practice-based learning and improvement is one of the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education's core competencies fortrainees. Residencyprograms have grappled with how to accomplish this goal. AIM We describe our institution's unique, longitudinal post-graduate year process and project. SETTING West Haven, VA Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS Yale University School of Medicine junior residents on ambulatory electives and faculty preceptor. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Longitudinal program aimed to decrease re-admissions for hospitalized patients with congestive heart failure. DISCUSSION We feel that our longitudinal project is a novel innovation worthy of further study.
Multidimensional Poverty Among the Native- and Foreign-Born in the United States: Evidence from the 2010–2014 American Community Surveys

We examine data from the 2010-2014 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year Public Use Microdata Sample files (U.S. Census, American Community Survey, 2010–2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2016) and employ the methodology of Alkire and Foster (Counting and Multidimensional Poverty Measurement. Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI), OPHI Working Paper No. 32, 2009) to measure multidimensional poverty in the United States. While our findings confirm the results of earlier studies, we also report considerable variation across native- and foreign-born residents of the U.S. and across immigrant home countries in terms of the incidence and intensity of deprivation and, thus, in Multidimensional Poverty Index values. Our econometric analysis identifies several factors that contribute to multidimensional poverty and, again, we examine variation in the determinants across both native- and foreign-born cohorts as well as across groupings of immigrants’ home countries that are based on relative incidence and intensity of deprivation.
Measuring UV Curing Parameters of Commercial Photopolymers used in Additive Manufacturing

A testing methodology was developed to expose photopolymer resins and measure the cured material to determine two key parameters related to the photopolymerization process: Ec (critical energy to initiate polymerization) and Dp (penetration depth of curing light). Five commercially available resins were evaluated under exposure from 365 nm and 405 nm light at varying power densities and energies. Three different methods for determining the thickness of the cured resin were evaluated. Caliper measurements, stylus profilometry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed similar results for hard materials while caliper measurement of a soft, elastomeric material proved inaccurate. Working curves for the five photopolymers showed unique behavior both within and among the resins as a function of curing light wavelength. Ec and Dp for the five resins showed variations as large as 10×. Variations of this magnitude, if unknown to the user and not controlled for, will clearly affect printed part quality. This points to the need for a standardized approach for determining and disseminating these, and perhaps, other key parameters.
Cross-Reacting Idiotypes in the Human System

One of the most striking phenomena regarding anti-idiotypic antisera and monoclonal antibodies is the remarkable cross-reactions observed. This is certainly true in the human system. These cross-reactions extend well beyond simple immunoglobulin variable regions but also involve ordinary cell receptors as well as the T-cell receptors for specific antigens. In fact, the latter cross-reaction between immunoglobulins and T-cells receptors has been misleading and led to the broad impression that similar Vgenes are involved. Current evidence indicates that this is not the case.(1,2) Much of the work in the human system has been carried out on autoantibodies, particularly those that appear in monoclonal form. Idiotypic cross-reactions are striking in these autoantibodies, and this may be a special characteristic of these antibodies. In this discussion a number of these autoantibody systems will be reviewed with special emphasis on the chemical basis for certain of the cross-reacting idiotypes (CRI). In addition, recent work on T-cell-specific idiotypes and CRIs will be discussed.
A Physiologically-Based Population Rate Code for Interaural Time Differences (ITDs) Predicts Bandwidth-Dependent Lateralization

Interaural time difference (ITDs) are the most important cue to the location of sounds containing low-frequency energy (Wightman and Kistler 1992). ITDs are encoded centrally in the medial (MSO) and lateral (LSO) superior olives which transmit the code to the inferior colliulus (IC) (Batra et al. 1997; Goldberg and Brown 1969). Each ITD-sensitive neuron is characterized by its best ITD (BD), the one producing maximal discharge rate. It is a longstanding view that these neurons are conceptually arranged in an array with best frequency (BF) on one axis and BD on the other to form a labeled-line code. According to this model, the stimulus ITD corresponds to the BD (i.e. the label) of the most active neuron in the array (Jeffress 1948). The labeled-line model is challenged by physiological data from guinea pig (confirmed in cat and gerbil) showing that the distribution of BD is highly dependent on BF, and in general does not correspond to the range of naturally-occurring ITDs (Brand et al. 2002; Hancock and Delgutte 2004; McAlpine et al. 2001). Instead, best interaural phase (BP = BD × BF) is more nearly independent of BF, such that the steepest slopes of neural rate-ITD curves tend to occur near the midline. Because the slopes, not the peaks, align near the midline (where perceptual ITD acuity is finest), it has been suggested that ITD is encoded by the discharge rate itself rather than by the locus of maximal activity (McAlpine et al. 2001). Thus, ITD may be represented by a population rate code, in which the activity of many neurons pool to form monolithic ITD channels on each side of the brain, and the stimulus ITD may be inferred by comparing the relative activity of the two channels (van Bergeijk 1962; von Bekesy 1960). Though the physiological data suggest the existence of a rate code, analysis of its viability has barely begun (Marquardt and McAlpine 2001). Here, we demonstrate that a population rate code model can account for the dependence of perceived laterality on stimulus bandwidth.
Tuberculosis--problems in diagnosis and eradication.

Review of data for a ten-year period on culture vs. guinea pig inoculation for the diagnosis of tuberculosis indicates that animal inoculation was far superior to culture. This was consistently true each year. During this time, in 53 (14.8%) of 358 specimens the disease would not have been diagnosed if only cultures had been used to isolate the organism. The 53 specimens represented 38 patients. This contrasts with five specimens that were positive by culture only. The data indicate that both culture and guinea pig inoculation should be used for detecting mycobacteria. Cultures are necessary for isolating the atypical mycobacteria frequently found in lesions clinically and histologically resembling those due to tubercle bacilli. Care should be taken to have the guinea pigs on a diet free from antibiotics, which might give the effect of prophylactic chemotherapy.
Social class and taste in the context of US cities: Validating Bourdieu's theory of distinction using restaurant reviews

In this study, we intend to validate Bourdieu's theory of distinction in the context of United States by using crowdsourced restaurant reviews from Yelp. Bourdieu argues that cultural capital was employed and reinforced by people of higher class to distinguish themselves from the people of lower social standing. This difference emerges from the fact that people of different groups have access to different resources depending on a multitude of variables such as race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, and age. Bourdieu's argument has been critiqued by many scholars on the grounds that it may not be generalized to the current social condition of the United States. Generally, critiques argue that this theory is too deterministic, diminish the influence of individual's choice and variability, data used in Bourdieu's study is outdated and doesn't take new societal changes into consideration, and some argue that individualism in the modern age has added more intricacy to one's cultural choice which cannot be only explained by social hierarchy. To validate Bourdieu's theory, we investigate the association between foods and drinks mentioned in different restaurants and a set of demographic factors which are used to define social class. The results of this study show that different food and drink types are associated with certain demographic features. Based on this observation we conclude that Bourdieu's theory of distinction is still evident in the context of US cities. This theory helps us better understand the structure of social class in the American cities.
Genetic circuits to engineer tissues with alternative functions

Persistent and complex problems arising with respect to human physiology and pathology have led to intense investigation into therapies and tools that permit more targeted outcomes and biomimetic responses to pathological conditions. A primary goal in mammalian synthetic biology is to build genetic circuits that exert fine control over cell behavior for next-generation biomedical applications. In pursuit of this, synthetic biologists have engineered cells endowed with genetic circuits with sensor that are capable of reacting to a variety of stimuli and responding with targeted behavior. Here, we highlight how synthetic biology approaches are being used to program cells with novel functions for therapeutic applications, and how they can be used in stem cells to improve differentiation outcomes. These approaches open the possibilities for engineering synthetic tissues for employing personalized medicine and to develop next-generation biomedical therapies.
Spectral Projection Model for Analyzing Electromagnetic Scattering from Two Dimensional Conducting Objects

In this paper, a novel new formulation based on the addition theorem for Bessel and Hankel functions is developed for electromagnetic scattering from two-dimensional, conducting objects. The addition theorem is used to represent the Green's function as a projection of spectral signatures of source points on to spectral signatures of the observation points. The spectral signatures are defined in terms of the Bessel and Hankel functions. Known as the spectral projection model, this formulation allows one to define the scattered signal in terms of a spectral signature of a virtual image current as opposed to induced surface currents. The spectral signatures do not have to be defined in space and can easily be related to the scattered field in the far-field. MATLAB simulations of scattering from two-dimensional objects are used to verify and validate this new formulation. The model is applied to infinitely long conducting cylinders with elliptical cross-sections. The results from the spectral projection model are compared with those from the Method of Moments (MoM) for accuracy and speed. The results indicate that the new model performs well for cylinders with elliptical cross-sections for moderate axial ratios. For larger axial ratios, the model has to be modified to account for the wider spectral signatures. A new multi-reference spectral signature is defined and shown to work for scattering from cylinders with large axial ratios.
Performance optimality or reproducibility: that is the question

The era of extremely heterogeneous supercomputing brings with itself the devil of increased performance variation and reduced reproducibility. There is a lack of understanding in the HPC community on how the simultaneous consideration of network traffic, power limits, concurrency tuning, and interference from other jobs impacts application performance. In this paper, we design a methodology that allows both HPC users and system administrators to understand the trade-off space between optimal and reproducible performance. We present a first-of-its-kind dataset that simultaneously varies multiple system- and user-level parameters on a production cluster, and introduce a new metric, called the desirability score, which enables comparison across different system configurations. We develop a novel, model-agnostic machine learning methodology based on the graph signal theory for comparing the influence of parameters on application predictability, and using a new visualization technique, make practical suggestions for best practices for multi-objective HPC environments.
Geotechnical Properties of Sucrose-Saturated Fused Quartz for Use in Physical Modeling

This study presents the geotechnical properties of a synthetic transparent soil made of fused quartz saturated with a water-based sucrose solution that is suitable for modeling the behavior of sand in small-scale model tests. Geotechnical properties presented include particle size, dry density, peak angle of friction, hydraulic conductivity, and compressibility index. Sucrose is inert and non-toxic, which facilitates its use in educational settings. The availability of a safe and easy-to-use transparent sand permits measurement of three-dimensional deformation patterns and flow characteristics in controlled research experiments. The introduction of an aqueous solution permits the use of two immiscible pore fluids, one made of mineral oil and the other made of a sucrose solution, for modeling multi-phase flow problems, as well as coupled flow–deformation problems.
Highlighting Contributions of Behavioral and Social Sciences in Advancing Public Health: Where We've Come, Where We're Headed.

Context Social and behavioral sciences, a cross-disciplinary field that examines the interaction among behavioral, biological, environmental, and social factors, has contributed immensely to some public health achievements over the last century. Through collaboration with community organizations and partners, social and behavioral scientists have conducted numerous program interventions involving community engagement and advocacy efforts at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Contributions of social and behavioral sciences This article traces select historical underpinnings of the applications of social and behavioral sciences theories and evidence to public health and highlights 4 areas in which health education specialists have distinctly contributed to public health achievements by building on theory and evidence. Applied social and behavioral sciences have formed the basis of various health education interventions. These 4 areas include the following: (1) Theory, Model Development, and the Professionalization of Health Education; (2) Participation and Community Engagement; (3) Health Communication; and (4) Advocacy and Policy. Discussion We present contemporary challenges and recommendations for strengthening the theory, research, and practice of health education within the context of social and behavioral sciences in addressing emerging public health issues.
A metagenomic examination of the pathobiome of the invasive tick species, Haemaphysalis longicornis, collected from a New York City borough, USA.

Abstract Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick, is an invasive tick species that has spread rapidly across the northeastern and southeastern regions of the United States in recent years. This invasive pest species, known to transmit several tick-borne pathogens in its native range, is a potential threat to wildlife, livestock, domestic animals, and humans. Questing larval (n = 25), nymph (n = 10), and adult (n = 123), along with host-derived adult (n = 25) H. longicornis ticks were collected from various locations on Staten Island, NY. The pathobiome of each specimen was examined using two different high throughput sequencing approaches, virus enrichment and shotgun metagenomics. An average of 45,828,061 total reads per sample were recovered from the virus enriched samples and an average of 11,381,144 total reads per sample were obtained using shotgun metagenomics. Aside from endogenous viral sequences, no viruses were identified through either approach. Through shotgun metagenomics, Coxiella-like bacteria, Legionella, Sphingomonas, and other bacterial species were recovered. The Coxiella-like agent was ubiquitous and present at high abundances in all samples, suggesting it may be an endosymbiont. The other bacterial agents are not known to be transmitted by ticks. From these analyses, H. longicornis do not appear to host any endemic human tick-borne pathogens in the New York City region.
Tobacco perceptions and practices: User groups and demographic characteristics, Mississippi, USA.

Introduction Despite decreases in the overall US smoking rate, tobacco use remains more common in some areas and by some groups. Deeper understanding of group differences is needed in order to tailor public health campaigns to the interests, perceptions and experiences of targeted audiences. Although some differences have been identified across African American and Caucasian smokers in the United States, additional insight is needed regarding factors that differentiate these groups. This study examined tobacco-related perceptions and practices, with an emphasis on identifying differences across African American and Caucasian smokers. Toward this goal, we examined key demographic variables of race and age, and tobacco use characteristics. Methods The sample consisted of 284 people from the Jackson, Mississippi area who participated in focus groups and completed surveys addressing a variety of tobacco-related topics, including knowledge and perceptions of products as well as use and health information seeking behavior. The selection criteria and recruitment approach ensured a balance across race (black, white), age (18-34, >35 years), sex, and cigarette smoking status (current, former, never). Statistical analyses were performed using SAS (v.9.4). Results Differences were observed across demographic subgroups regarding type and pattern of tobacco products used (e.g. mentholated, markers of nicotine dependence, hookah). Differences in preferred sources of health information based on age as well as perceptions of risk as a function of age, smoking status and race were also noted. Exposure to secondhand smoke and perceptions of its risks, quitting efforts and cessation methods differed by race. Conclusions Study findings suggest key differences across important subgroups. Knowledge of such differences has the potential to improve strategic public health messaging, allowing health campaigns to more effectively prevent tobacco product uptake as well as promote interest in quitting tobacco.
Bond Selective Excitation of Molecules

Bond selective photochemical reactions have provided an elusive target for laser photochemists. Early claims of mode selectivity in multiphoton dissociation have largely been discredited [1]. Although the laser pumps a single vibrational mode, energy is transferred to other modes more rapidly than the molecule is excited above dissociation thresholds by sequential absorption of photons. Single photon excitation appears more promising for mode selective vibrational photochemistry [2]. All of the energy is absorbed at once. The strongest high overtone absorptions come from the most anharmonic excitations, local modes (LM), in which a single bond is excited [3–5]. Small differences in C-H stretching potential functions are resolved. In the example presented here the chemically equivalent but spatially inequivalent in-plane and out-of-plane C-H oscillators are resolved in the high overtone spectra for the methyl groups of gaseous propane. The ability to excite a single C-H oscillator in a particular steric position suggests a highly selective form of vibrational photochemistry [2, 6, 7].
91 Accuracy of a computerized horse aging program

Aging horses through dental evaluation has many applications. Typically, users view the occlusal surface of the incisors to evaluate the appearance and disappearance of cups and rings. When the structure of the cup becomes smaller than half the surface of the tooth and the dental star appears, the cups are considered worn. The cups start wearing on the middle incisor teeth first and then laterally until all cups are worn on incisors. A similar pattern then repeats the process with rings. The ring is a characteristic found at the very bottom of the cup. It disappears on the central incisors and then proceeds laterally until all rings disappear. Recently, a Computerized Horse Aging Program (CHAP) app was developed for use on a mobile platform. The app uses the camera on a mobile device to capture the occlusal surface of the incisor teeth. The app will provide a 2-year age range based upon the cup system analysis. The cups are detected by computer vision, then analyzed through artificial intelligence, and compared with a database of horses with known age. The objective of this study was to determine whether CHAP could accurately predict horse ages. One hundred and 2 registered horses were used for this study. Images of both the upper and lower incisor teeth were captured and uploaded to CHAP. Estimated ages were compared with actual ages using Bland Altman agreement analysis and the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS v 9.4), to determine whether the difference between predicted and actual (residual) age was different from 0. CHAP could accurately predict age using upper incisors in horses between 8 and 13, while lower incisors were accurate between 8 and 10 years (Table 1). Age prediction in horses greater than 14 years and less than 8 years was not accurate. Older horses have consumed a variety of feeds throughout their lifetimes which can influence age prediction. Further, our data set included fewer horses of these ages. CHAP is recommended for use on younger horses and users should take upper and lower teeth into consideration.
Effect of matrix heterogeneity on cell mechanosensing

Cells sense mechanical signals within the extracellular matrix, the most familiar being stiffness, but matrix stiffness cannot be simply described by a single value. Randomness in matrix structure causes stiffness at the scale of a cell to vary by more than an order of magnitude. Additionally, the extracellular matrix contains ducts, blood vessels, and, in cancer or fibrosis, regions with abnormally high stiffness. These different features could alter the stiffness sensed by a cell, but it is unclear whether the change in stiffness is large enough to overcome the noise caused by heterogeneity due to the random fibrous structure. Here we used a combination of experiments and modeling to determine the extent to which matrix heterogeneity disrupts the potential for cell sensing of a locally stiff feature in the matrix. Results showed that, at the scale of a single cell, spatial heterogeneity in local stiffness was larger than the increase in stiffness due to a stiff feature. The heterogeneity was reduced only for large length scales compared to the fiber length. Experiments verified this conclusion, showing spheroids of cells, which were large compared to the average fiber length, spreading preferentially toward stiff inclusions. Hence, the propagation of mechanical cues through the matrix depends on length scale, with single cells being able to sense only the stiffness of the nearby fibers and multicellular structures, such as tumors, also sensing the stiffness of distant matrix features.
Team Performance Relative to Expectations and Its Impact on Player Personnel Decisions in Major League Baseball

This paper explores the relationship between team success, both in absolute terms and relative to preseason expectations, and subsequent personnel investments in Major League Baseball. Given the many ways in which luck impacts game outcomes, underperforming expectations could partially reflect negative, nonpersistent luck. If teams account for this, underperforming teams would make personnel investments more in line with teams with higher win totals. Using fixed effect panel regressions, I find that higher win totals lead to more invest more in personnel for the following season (as measured by changes in payroll and free agent signings) and that, conditional on win totals, underperformance leads to more investment. This is consistent with the theoretical prediction. Additional investment is rational, as I find a team’s level of underperformance is roughly 30% nonpersistent noise. The remaining 70% of underperformance is informative and is effectively incorporated into expected win totals for the following season.
A Partial Dopamine Lesion Impairs Performance on a Procedural Learning Task: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease which affects the dopamine (DA) cells of the ventral midbrain. Although PD has primarily been thought of as a disorder of the motor system, clinical evidence now shows that subtle neuropsychological abnormalities are present relatively early in the disease process. These deficits are dissociated from Alzheimer-type impairments of short-term memory. Instead PD patients have difficulties learning routines in new circumstances, known as procedural learning. Frontostriatal networks are believed to mediate procedural learning, but little is known about the specific circuitry involved. We used low, chronic doses of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to create a model of early PD. We then tested normal and partially lesioned animals on a simple procedural learning task. All normal animals succeeded on the task on the first trial. Partially lesioned animals naive to the task were unable to solve it over repeated trials. A partially lesioned animal that had solved the task prior to MPTP lesioning retained the strategy, and successfully completed the task on the first trial after MPTP. Behavioral results were correlated with regional changes in staining for tyrosine hydroxylase in the midbrain and striatum.
On Basic Knowledge and Justification

Robert F. Almeder believes he has discovered a 'pressing problem': 'stating the conditions under which we determine whether a person's basic belief is true without introducing an evidence condition for knowledge' (127). 1 He believes further that this is 'a problem needing resolution before any ultimately satisfying explication of basic knowledge can be offered' (116). My aim is to show that Almeder has failed to discover any problem at all, but I begin by asking: how could the question how we determine the (mere) truth of another's basic belief (regardless of how we do so) have any bearing on the correct explication of the concept of basic knowledge?
P4: A platform for FPGA implementation of protocol boosters

Protocol Boosters are functional elements, inserted and deleted from network protocol stacks on an as-needed basis. The Protocol Booster design methodology attempts to improve end-to-end networking performance by adapting protocols to network dynamics.
The Dementias: A View to the Future

Today we have had the opportunity to consider the broad array of current approaches to the dementias with especial concern for the commonest form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease. As we look ahead to the next steps in our search for understanding, it is appropriate not only to look at where we are and where we have been, but also to take on that most dangerous of professions, that of the prophet. This discussion will focus on neurogenetic research strategies in Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies on the biochemistry and fine structure of silica shell formation in diatoms: Changes in concentration of nucleoside triphosphates during synchronized division of Cylindrotheca fusiformis Reimann and Lewin☆

Abstract Exponential cultures of the diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis subjected to a single dark period of 24 hr, followed by re-illumination at a high light intensity, undergo a synchronized cycle of growth, which can be divided into three periods: (1) increase in carbon mass; (2) silicon uptake, nuclear division, cytokinesis, and wall formation; (3) cell separation. Marked changes in the concentration of nucleoside triphosphates were observed during transitions in illumination and during the synchronized growth cycle. A decrease in concentration of NTP/μg carbon was observed during the period of silicon uptake, whereas a subsequent increase in NTP/μg carbon occurred once silicon uptake from the medium ceased. These changes, differing from those reported for several non-siliceous organisms, suggest that in C. fusiformis NTP participates in the silicon metabolism of cell wall formation.
Cross-linking of glycoprotein oligomers during herpes simplex virus type 1 entry.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) has 10 glycoproteins in its envelope. Glycoprotein B (gB), gC, gD, gH, and gL have been implicated in virus entry. We previously used chemical cross-linking to show that these five glycoproteins were close enough to each other to be cross-linked into homodimeric and hetero-oligomeric forms; hetero-oligomers of gB-gC, gC-gD, gD-gB, gH-gL, gC-gL and gD-gL were found in purified virions. To better understand the roles of these glycoproteins in viral entry, we have modified a standard HSV penetration assay to include cross-linkers. This allowed us to examine changes in associations of viral glycoproteins during the entry process. HSV-1(KOS) was adsorbed at 4 degrees C to human neuroblastoma cells (SY5Y). The temperature was raised to 37 degrees C and cells were treated with cross-linker at various times after the temperature shift. Cytoplasmic extracts were examined by Western blotting (immunoblotting) for viral glycoproteins. We found that (i) as in virus alone, the length and concentration of the cross-linking agent affected the number of specific complexes isolated; (ii) the same glycoprotein patterns found in purified virions were also present after attachment of virions to cells; and (iii) the ability to cross-link HSV glycoproteins changed as virus penetration proceeded, e.g., gB and gD complexes which were present during attachment disappeared with increasing time, and their disappearance paralleled the kinetics of penetration. However, this phenomenon appeared to be selective since it was not observed with gC oligomers. In addition, we examined the cross-linking patterns of gB and gD in null viruses K082 and KOSgD beta. Neither of these mutants, which attach but cannot penetrate, showed changes in glycoprotein cross-linking over time. We speculate that these changes are due to conformational changes which preclude cross-linking or spatial alterations which dissociate the glycoprotein interactions during the penetration events.
Construction and Characterization of a Temperature-Sensitive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase Mutant

A temperature-sensitive (ts) human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT) mutant was generated by charged-cluster-to-alanine mutagenesis. The mutant virus, containing three charged residues within the RT finger domain changed to alanine (K64A, K66A, and D67A), replicated normally at 34.5 but not 39.5 degrees C. Quantitating virus particle production by p24 antigen capture or virion-associated RT activity and virus infectivity by the MAGI cell assay, we found that (i) mutant virions produced at the permissive temperature were indistinguishable from wild-type virus in assays performed at the nonpermissive temperature, suggesting that the ts mutation did not impair early steps in the virus replication cycle and that the mutant RT enzyme was not ts; and (ii) virus particle production in cells transfected with the ts mutant at the nonpermissive temperature was comparable to that of wild-type virus. However, the particle-associated RT activity and infectivity of mutant virions produced at the nonpermissive temperature were greatly reduced when assays were conducted at the permissive temperature. These results are consistent with an irreversible ts event affecting RT that occurs during virus particle production. Radioimmunoprecipitation analyses revealed that both p66 and p51 RT subunits were absent from mutant virions generated at 39.5 degrees C. The presence of normal levels of HIV-1 integrase in mutant particles produced at the nonpermissive temperature was inconsistent with defective Gag-Pol synthesis or Gag-Pol incorporation into progeny virions. Furthermore, wild-type levels of the mutant Pr160(gag-pol) were detected in virions produced at the nonpermissive temperature when the HIV-1 protease was inactivated by site-specific mutagenesis. Taken together, these results are most consistent with a ts defect affecting the degradation or aberrant processing of the mutated RT during its processing/maturation within nascent particles.
Butyric Acid Spoilage of Fermented Cucumbers

Small cucumbers brined to equalize at 2.3% NaCl in an anaerobic tank underwent a normal primary lactic acid fermentation that resulted in 1.09% titratable acidity (as lactic) and pH 3.7. Nine months later the product was observed to have spoiled, as evidenced by an unpleasant ordor. Products formed during spoilage in order of concentration were acetic acid greater than butyric acid greater than n-propanol greater than propionic acid. No lactic acid remained. No botulinal toxin was detected. Clostridium tertium was identified as contributing to the spoilage, but did not produce propionic acid or n-propanol under test conditions. Evidence indicated that unidentified bacteria, possibly propionibacteria sp., degraded lactic acid causing a rise in pH which allowed C. tertium to grow.
Estimation of small area event rates and of the associated standard errors

We develop empirical best estimators for small area event rates based on the hierarchical Poisson model with log-normal mixing distribution, when the basic data consists of area level measurements. We derive an approximate expression to the mean squared error of the estimators and we provide a method for estimating this expression.
Language, competence, use, ideology, and community on Rapa Nui

Abstract Rapa Nui (Easter Island) provides a good illustration of a small community experiencing heterogeneous and changing understandings of communicative competence and of the dynamic relationships between language, competence, use, community, and consciousness. Using ethnographic and linguistic analyses of micro-interactional and macro-sociological processes, this paper demonstrates that communicative style repertoires and competence are socially generated and transformed.
Immunologic determinants of susceptibility to experimental glomerulonephritis: Role of cellular immunity

To identify the immunologic mechanisms that influence susceptibility to GN, we compared the severity of accelerated anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) nephritis between Lewis (LEW) and Brown Norway (BN) rats and analyzed differences in their immune responses to the nephritogenic immunoglobulin. Lewis (LEW) rats preimmunized with sheep IgG developed proliferative GN with marked proteinuria [peak protein excretion (mean +/- SEM) = 85.3 +/- 15.3 mg/24 hr; normal = 6.4 +/- 0.8 mg/24 hr] after receiving a subnephritogenic dose of sheep anti-rat GBM antiserum. Identically treated Brown Norway (BN) rats, on the other hand, had minimal renal pathology and minimal proteinuria (peak protein excretion = 22.6 +/- 3.1 mg/24 hr; normal = 13.0 +/- 0.6 mg/24 hr). Serum titers of rat anti-sheep IgG isotypes and intraglomerular binding of sheep IgG, rat IgG, and rat complement (C3) were comparable in both strains. In contrast, only LEW rats developed a strong cellular immune response to sheep IgG represented by intrarenal T lymphocyte (OX19+) and monocyte (ED1+) accumulation [LEW vs. BN (mean +/- SEM): OX19+ = 0.60 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.14 +/- 0.01 cells/glomerulus, control = 0.02 +/- 0.01; ED1+ = 4.0 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.2 cells/glom., control = 0.8 +/- 0.3] and a significant cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction [LEW versus BN (mean +/- SEM): delta ear thickness = 0.22 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.05 +/- 0.03 mm; control = 0.04 +/- 0.02 mm]. Upon rechallenge with sheep IgG in vitro, LEW splenocytes expressed a T helper 1 (Th1) cytokine pattern (IFN gamma and IL-2 mRNA, but little IL-4 mRNA) which is associated with delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. BN splenocytes, on the other hand, expressed IL-4 in addition to IL-2 and IFN gamma mRNA that is consistent with an undifferentiated (Th0) cytokine profile. These studies suggest that humoral immunity to heterologous immunoglobulin planted in the kidney is not sufficient for full expression of accelerated anti-GBM nephritis, and that additional cellular immune mechanisms are required. We conclude that susceptibility to accelerated anti-GBM nephritis is strongly influenced by the host's propensity to mount a Th1-type response and DTH reaction to the disease-inciting immunoglobulin.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein and induced differentiation of glia in vitro

Abstract Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a protein largely limited to astrocytes, is abundant and uniformly distributed in spindle-shaped human astrocytoma cells in early explants in culture but becomes predominantly perinuclear as the cells assume a “flat” irregular (epithelioid) shape. GFAP moves from the predominantly perinuclear site to the periphery of the cells and into the developing processes of those cells in which differentiation has been induced by serum starvation in minimum essential medium (MEM). This redistribution of GFAP does not occur in a small percentage of cells, specifically those in which low serum concentration fails to induce morphologic differentiation. In Eagle's basal medium (BME), which, combined with serum starvation, fails to induce differentiation, there is no shift of GFAP. Spontaneously differentiated cells in media with 10% serum, differ morphologically from cells with induced differentiation; in the former the cell bodies are smaller and the processes better developed and longer. GFAP in the spontaneously differentiated cells is distributed throughout the cytoplasm and the processes and is more abundant than in cells with induced differentiation. The results suggest the following: (1) GFAP redistribution plays a role in glial differentiation and process formation. (2) There are differences between spontaneous and induced differentiation. (3) There is some critical difference between MEM and BME in the induction of differentiation. (4) A heterogeneous expression of GFAP is implied in the variable staining of cells grown from different primary tumors. Also it is hypothesized that GFAP may play an inhibitory role in highly plastic movements of astrocytes but not in extension and retraction movements of processes.
The Preterm Prediction Study: Prediction of preterm premature rupture of membranes through clinical findings and ancillary testing

Objective: Our objective was to determine the relative importance of demographic characteristics, clinical risk factors, and ancillary screening tests in the prediction of preterm birth as a result of premature rupture of membranes. Study Design: A total of 2929 women were evaluated in 10 centers at 23 to 24 weeks’ gestation. Demographic and clinical characteristics were ascertained. Cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin and bacterial vaginosis were evaluated. Cervical length was measured by vaginal ultrasonography. Patients were evaluated for spontaneous preterm birth caused by preterm premature rupture of membranes at <37 and <35 weeks’ gestation. Multivariate analyses were performed separately for nulliparous women and multiparous women. Results: Premature rupture of membranes at <37 weeks’ gestation complicated 4.5% of pregnancies, accounting for 32.6% of preterm births. Univariate analysis revealed low body mass index, pulmonary disease, contractions within 2 weeks, short cervix (≤25 mm), positive results of fetal fibronectin screening, bacterial vaginosis, and a previous preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes (in multiparous women) to be significantly associated with preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes in the current gestation. Short cervix, previous preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes in multiparous women, and presence of fetal fibronectin were the strongest predictors for both preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes at <37 and <35 weeks’ gestation. Women with positive fetal fibronectin screening results and a short cervix had greater risks both of preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes at <37 weeks’ gestation (relative risk, 4.9) and of preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes at <35 weeks’ gestation (relative risk, 13.5) than did those without these risk factors. Multiparous women with all three risk factors had a 31.3-fold increased risk of preterm birth caused by premature rupture of membranes at <35 weeks’ gestation. Conclusion: The combination of short cervical length, previous preterm birth caused by preterm premature rupture of membranes, and positive fetal fibronectin screening results was highly associated with preterm delivery caused by preterm premature rupture of membranes in the current gestation. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:738-45.)
Quantifying spatio-temporal interactions of animals using probabilistic space–time prisms

Abstract Probabilistic space–time prisms are a recent development in time geography. They can be used to determine the probability of an object's location at any time given tracking data that record information about its whereabouts periodically. This paper extends this approach in order to quantify probabilities of interaction for two or more individuals that have tracking data for overlapping time periods. The method relies on using a voxel-based representation of the probabilistic space–time prism. Equations for computing interaction probabilities from the intersection of overlapping space–time prisms are formulated for single voxels, each time step, each raster cell, and for the tracking duration overall. The approach is illustrated using tracking data for three zebras. Probabilistic space–time prisms are mapped simultaneously for all three zebras, and the resulting interactions are summarized using probability clocks and maps. The results show when and where each pair of zebras, or all three zebras, were most likely to have physically interacted with one another. Implications of this research in GIScience, ecology, and other disciplines are also discussed.