cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive resource utilization and remote access capabilities in high-performance distributed systems: The Open HPC++ approach

Development of high-performance distributed applications, called metaapplications, is extremely challenging because of their complex runtime environment coupled with their requirements of high-performance and Quality of Service (QoS). Such applications typically run on a set of heterogeneous machines with dynamically varying loads, connected by heterogeneous networks possibly supporting a wide variety of communication protocols. In spite of the size and complexity of such applications, they must provide the high-performance and QoS mandated by their users. In order to achieve the goal of high-performance, they need to adaptively utilize their computational and communication resources. Apart from the requirements of adaptive resource utilization, such applications have a third kind of requirement related to remote access QoS. Different clients, although accessing a single server resource, may have differing QoS requirements from their remote connections. A single server resource may also need to provide different QoS for different clients, depending on various issues such as the amount of trust between the server and a given client. These QoS requirements can be encapsulated under the abstraction of remote access capabilities. Metaapplications need to address all the above three requirements in order to achieve the goal of high-performance and satisfy user expectations of QoS. This paper presents Open HPC++, a programming environment for high-performance applications running in a complex and heterogeneous run-time environment. Open HPC++ provides application level tools and mechanisms to satisfy application requirements of adaptive resource utilization and remote access capabilities. Open HPC++ is designed on the lines of CORBA and uses an Object Request Broker (ORB) to support seamless communication between distributed application components. In order to provide adaptive utilization of communication resources, it uses the principle of open implementation to open up the communication mechanisms of its ORB. By virtue of its open architecture, the ORB supports multiple, possibly custom, communication protocols, along with automatic and user controlled protocol selection at run-time. An extension of the same mechanism is used to support the concept of remote access capabilities. In order to support adaptive utilization of computational resources, Open HPC++ also provides a flexible yet powerful set of load-balancing mechanisms that can be used to implement custom load-balancing strategies. The paper also presents performance evaluations of Open HPC++ adaptivity and load-balancing mechanisms.
Antivirus immune activity in multiple sclerosis correlates with MRI activity

Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether reactivation of Epstein-Barr (EBV) or activation of the anti-EBV immune response correlates with MS disease activity on MR imaging. Methods Subjects with early, active relapsing-remitting MS were studied for 16 weeks with blood and saliva samples collected every 2 weeks and brain MRI performed every 4 weeks. We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from each blood sample and tested the immune response to EBV, autologous EBV-infected lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), varicella zoster virus (VZV), tetanus, and mitogens. We measured the proliferative response and the number of interferon-γ secreting cells with ELISPOT. We measured the amounts of EBV, HHV6, and VZV DNA in blood and saliva with quantitative PCR. On MRI, we measured number and volume of contrast enhancing and T2 lesions. We tested for correlation between the immunologic assays and the MRI results, assessing different time intervals between the MRI and immunologic assays. Results We studied 20 subjects. Ten had enhancing lesions on one or more MRI scans and one had new T2 lesions without enhancement. The most significant correlation was between proliferation to autologous LCL and the number of combined unique active lesions on MRI 4 weeks later. Both proliferation and number of cells secreting interferon-γ in response to LCL correlated with the number of enhancing lesions 8 weeks later. Conclusions We find evidence for correlation of antiviral immune responses in the blood with subsequent disease activity on MRI scans.
Computational Study of CO2 Reduction by Amines

Calculations at the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ//MPWB1K/aug-cc-pVDZ level are reported for the reduction of CO2 by aminesprimarily triethylamine. A polarizable continuum model is used to represent acetonitrile solvent for the reaction. Starting from a photochemically generated radical ion pair state, the mechanism of reduction is deduced to be one in which the CO2â€¢- begins to use one of its oxygens to abstract a hydrogen from an I± carbon of the amine radical cation. During this event, and before the transition state for H transfer is reached, the system encounters a surface crossing, which provides pathways for unproductive back electron transfer and for productive reduction, with the latter involving attachment of the hydrogen to the carbon of CO2. The result of the reduction is a closed-shell iminium formate ion pair, which completes the reaction by proton transfer between the ions, to give an eneamine and formic acid. On the basis of the calculations, approaches for improving the efficiency of the reduction and increasing the wavelength of the light used to drive the reaction are discussed. One of these modifications involves the use of a bicyclic amine as reductant.
Rare B decays from CLEO

Recent results on rare B meson decays are presented from the CLEO Collaboration. The data were taken with the CLEO II detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR).
EPR study of the photoinitiated polymerization of styrene

Abstract Using previously described continuous-flow procedures, we have studied, using electron paramagnetic resonance, the photolysis by near-ultraviolet radiation of dilute solutions of three symmetrical aliphatic azo compounds [RN : NR with R- equal to in neat styrene at ca. 25°C. For each RN:NR/styrene solution, we could fully interpret the EPR absorption observed in terms of two signals, one from the R· radical and the other from addition radicals of structure R-[-CH2 CHPh-]n CH2-, CHPh, [1], n ≥ 0. Since the spectroscopic properties of [1], n ≥ 0, radicals were independent of the identity of R-, we conclude that, for each RN : NR/styrene solution, the fraction of these addition radicals with n = 0 was probably small. We have carried out spin and relative-radical concentration measurements of R· and [1], n ≥ 0, radicals for each reaction solution and used these concentrations in a kinetic analysis to show that this conclusion is reasonable. Since radicals of type [1], n > 0, are chiral, in general, their β-CH2 protons would be expected to be magnetically inequivalent even if there were rapid rotation about the (α-C)-(β-CH2) bond. However, we found no evidence for magnetic inequivalence: for each case the two α(β-CH2) values for the addition radical component of the EPR absorption appeared equal and of size consistent with there being little hindrance to internal rotation about the (α-C)-(β-CH2) bond and there was no sign of differential line broadening (ΔHpp, 0.6 G); i.e., any magnetic inequivalence must be small.
The problem of primary production in the seas through geologic time

Abstract The geologic history of primary production in the oceans is inferred. The existing primary chain—(1) diatoms, (2) dinoflagellates, (3) coccolithophores—appears to have persisted for the past 70 million years. Late Mesozoic rise of marine diatoms to predominance in the food chain is viewed as a major event in the biological history of the oceans. In terms of evolving primary production, new questions may be asked pertaining to: (1) paleosalinities, (2) Late Mesozoic extinction of calcareous nannoplankton, (3) Mesozoic and post-Mesozoic migration from shelf to deep water, (4) role of phytoplankton pre- and post-attainment of the Pasteur Point in atmospheric oxygen, and (5) primary production and continental drift.
Estimation of platelet-activating factor receptors in the endometrium of the pregnant rabbit: Regulation of ligand availability and catabolism by bovine serum albumin

High affinity receptors have been demonstrated for the potent phospholipid autacoid, platelet-activating factor (PAF C18:0; 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine) in a variety of tissues, including the endometrium. Because of the relative instability of PAF and our previous demonstration that lyso-PAF (1-O-alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine), the major metabolite of PAF, displaced [3H]PAF from endometrial PAF receptor sites, we have examined the ability of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to prevent degradation of PAF and have characterized PAF and lyso-PAF binding sites in purified rabbit endometrial membranes isolated on Day 6 of pregnancy. In buffer containing the phospholipase A2 inhibitors, quinacrine (10 microM) and dibromoacetophenone (2 microM), and 0.25% BSA, 87.4 +/- 3.2% of added [3H]PAF C18:0 remained intact after incubation at 25 degrees C for 150 min. The metabolic products, lyso-PAF and 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (alkylacyl-GPC), only amounted to 5.2 +/- 3.2 and 3.3 +/- 1.1, respectively. At the same concentration, rabbit serum albumin (RSA) also significantly protected [3H]PAF C18:0 from metabolism, but bovine gamma globulin (BGG) was ineffective. The presence of 0.25% BSA, however, did not protect [3H]lyso-PAF C18:0 from extensive catabolism: the major product formed was [3H]alkylacyl-GPC. Insignificant amounts of [3H]PAF were formed. Under the same conditions (25 degrees C, 150 min) in the presence of 0.25% BSA, saturation analysis revealed the presence of two types of PAF C18:0 receptors in the endometrial membranes. Type 1 sites had a Kd of 0.42 +/- 0.03 nM (mean +/- SD; n = 3) and binding capacity of 0.11 +/- 0.01 pmol/mg protein. Type 2 receptor sites had a Kd of 5.96 +/- 0.35 nM and a binding capacity of 1.59 +/- 0.22 pmol/mg protein. Thus, in the presence of BSA, the binding capacities of the two classes of receptors were markedly reduced compared to values generated previously in its absence. The Kd of the Type 1 sites was not significantly changed by the presence of BSA. A single class of saturable high-affinity binding sites was demonstrable for lyso-PAF C18:0: Kds ranged from 0.76 +/- 0.58 to 11.1 +/- 0.62 nM, depending on which method of analysis was used (Eadie-Hofstee, Scatchard-Rosenthal, or the Lundon nonlinear method). The binding capacities were equally varied, ranging from 0.15 +/- 0.08 to 15.17 +/- 4.95 pmol/mg protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A component-in-the-loop test methodology for precision deployable structures

A number of future space based science instruments key to NASA's Origins program require exceptionally large and precise support structures. The scale of these structures and stringency of their dimensional stability will present a number of challenges in the ground verification testing stage of their development and deployment. This paper will discuss a number of the unique challenges involved in developing validation procedures for these structures. It will also describe a novel approach to the development and validation of nonlinear component models of the structural mechanics. This "Component in the Loop" approach offers the ability to directly measure the in situ coupled behavior of a structural component as part of the ex situ component testing process. This testing methodology would allow the coupled system level response of the larger structure to be assessed without the need for assuming particular nonlinear component model forms. The proposed method is not limited to conducting virtual system tests. Feedback functions can be specifically designed to maximize the sensitivity of the output with respect to uncertain parameter(s). Maximum sensitivity is desired to accurately characterize the parameter in question, which is fundamental in model updating procedures.
Pyridine nucleotide metabolism in mitotic cells

The biosynthesis and turnover of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) have been examined in mitotic cells of the human culture line, D98/AH2. No significant difference in the incorporation of nicotinic acid or nicotinamide could be detected between mitotic and interphase cells. The distribution of newly-incorporated nicotinic acid among the various pyridine nucleotides was also identical in mitotic and interphase cells. Whereas previous results have shown that the nucleus is necessary for NAD biosynthesis, the present results show that an intact nucleus is not required. In contrast to the equivalent rates of biosynthesis in mitotic and interphase cells, the pyridine ring of NAD was lost twice as fast from mitotic as from interphase cells. Loss of the pyridine ring to the medium is not necessarily an accurate measure of turnover, and the difference between mitotic and interphase cells may reflect differential reutilization of the pyridine ring within the cell. However, it is clear that NAD turnover is substantial in mitotic cells and possibly greater in mitotic cells than interphase cells.
Mapping Genotype Distributions in the Unisexual Ambystoma Complex

Abstract Mapping species' distributions is a primary challenge when managing cryptic lineages of conservation concern. In the case of unisexual Ambystoma salamanders, mapping geographic distribution of genotypes can also help us understand the evolutionary dynamics of one of the most intriguing vertebrate reproductive systems. We combined a mitochondrial sequencing technique with existing nuclear microsatellite methods to map genotypes in 15 Ambystoma populations throughout Massachusetts. We found that the host species A. jeffersonianum and A. laterale have disjunct east/west distributions, whereas unisexuals are distributed widely in Massachusetts. We did not find both host species at any single locality. In our samples, unisexuals outnumbered either host species in 11 of 15 populations. Ambystoma jeffersonianum nuclear genomes were present in at least 97% of unisexual salamanders in regions where A. laterale and unisexuals exist but A. jeffersonianum mitochondria were absent. If previous studies of the ...
The national ignition facility high-energy ultraviolet laser system

The National Ignition Facility (NIF), currently under construction at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, is a stadium-sized facility containing a 192-beam, 1 .&Megajoule, 500-Terawatt, ultraviolet laser system together with a 10-meter diameter target chamber with room for nearly 100 experimental diagnostics. When completed, NIF will be the world's largest and most energetic laser experimental system, providing an international center to study inertial confinement fusion and the physics of matter at extreme energy densities and pressures. NIF's 192 energetic laser beams will compress fusion targets to conditions required for thermonuclear burn, liberating more energy than required to initiate the fusion reactions. Other NIF experiments will allow the study of physical processes at temperatures approaching 10{sup 8} K and 10{sup 11} Bar, conditions that exist naturally only in the interior of stars, planets and in nuclear weapons. NIF is now entering the first phases of its laser commissioning program. The first four beams of the NIF laser system have generated 106 kilojoules of infrared light and over 10 kJ at the third harmonic (351 nm). NIF's target experimental systems are also being installed in preparation for experiments to begin in late 2003. This paper provides a detailed look the NIF laser systems,more » the significant laser and optical systems breakthroughs that were developed, the results of recent laser commissioning shots, and plans for commissioning diagnostics for experiments on NIF.« less
Influence of Trainee Characteristics, Instructional Satisfaction, and Organizational Climate on Perceived Learning and Training Transfer

This study examines the effect of transfer variables on trainee characteristics, instructional satisfaction, and organizational factors of perceived learning and training transfer made by a group of trainees who attended a financial training program conducted for a Korean conglomerate. Data analyses revealed several variables in the three domains that significantly influenced the trainees' perceived learning and learning transfer immediately after and three months after the training. Discussions and implications for practice and future research are included.
Identification of Prenylcysteines and Prenylated Proteins by Formation of Substituted Naphthopyrans

Posttranslational modification by prenylation is important in the activation of a diverse group of proteins. The C15 and C20 prenylated proteins have been identified by metabolic labeling with radioisotopic mevalonate, but many organisms do not incorporate this precursor readily. We have shown that the thioether bond of prenylated proteins can be cleaved by 2-naphthoxide to yield substituted naphthopyrans 2b and 2c. These products are readily resolved by HPLC due to their strongly absorbing chromophore. Thus, this reaction is suitable for qualitative identification of prenylated proteins. The results of model studies and a proposed reaction mechanism for the formation of 2b and 2c are discussed.
Rho Small GTPases Activate the Epithelial Na+ Channel

Small G proteins in the Rho family are known to regulate diverse cellular processes, including cytoskeletal organization and cell cycling, and more recently, ion channel activity and activity of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PI(4)P 5-K). The present study investigates regulation of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) by Rho GTPases. We demonstrate here that RhoA and Rac1 markedly increase ENaC activity. Activation by RhoA was suppressed by the C3 exoenzyme. Inhibition of the downstream RhoA effector Rho kinase, which is necessary for RhoA activation of PI(4)P 5-K, abolished ENaC activation. Similar to RhoA, overexpression of PI(4)P 5-K increased ENaC activity suggesting that production of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)) in response to RhoA-Rho kinase signaling stimulates ENaC. Supporting this idea, inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, but not the RhoA effector phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and MAPK cascades, markedly attenuated RhoA-dependent activation of ENaC. RhoA increased ENaC activity by increasing the plasma membrane levels of this channel. We conclude that RhoA activates ENaC via Rho kinase and subsequently activates PI(4)P 5-K with concomitant increases in PI(4,5)P(2) levels promoting channel insertion into the plasma membrane.
Cardiovascular genetics: are we there yet?

Cardiovascular genetics Since 1900, cardiovascular disease has been the number one killer in the United States every year except 1918, the year of the great influenza pandemic. Cardiovascular disease claims more lives each year than the next five leading causes of death combined, which are cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, accidents, diabetes mellitus, influenza and pneumonia.1 Cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of death in Europe, accounting for over 4 million deaths each year and, according to World Health Organization estimates, 16.6 million people around the globe die of cardiovascular disease each year.2 Based on the United States National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study, in its 44 year follow up of participants and a 20 year follow up of their offspring, coronary artery disease accounts for more than half of all cardiovascular events in men and women under the age of 75. Further, coronary artery disease is the single largest killer of men and women in America.1 Coronary artery disease has a complex aetiology, involving multiple genetic and environmental influences and interactions. In a recent review, Lusis estimates the total number of genes involved in cardiovascular disease by considering the risk factors for cardiovascular disease that are under genetic control.3 Some of these risk factors with a significant heritability include cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome, all of which themselves have many genes involved in their susceptibility.3,4 Therefore, at least hundreds of genes are involved in the susceptibility to cardiovascular disease.3 The identification and characterisation of these genes has been a major undertaking and challenge for researchers. A recent call to arms from Sing et al5 makes recommendations for what needs to be done to cope with these complexities, including developing new statistical …
Noncholinesterase actions of an irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor on synaptic transmission and membrane properties in autonomic ganglia.

1. Superfusion of the organophosphorous acetylcholinesterase inhibitor soman (pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate; 0.01–25µM) produced a dose-dependent reduction of extracellularly and intracellularly recorded synaptic responses in the isolated rat superior cervical ganglia at frequencies of orthodromic stimulation that do not normally produce synaptic depression. The magnitude of depression was dependent upon the frequency of stimulation (0.02–1 Hz), was maintained after the removal of soman from the superfusion solution, and recovered by over 65% during periods of inactivity. 2. The depression of synaptic transmission produced by soman was not dependent upon the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity by this agent. Transmission was increasingly depressed by doses of soman greater than those needed to inactivate all measurable ganglionic AChE activity. Dose-dependent depression of synaptic transmission in soman also occurred after pretreatment with the irreversible AChE inhibitor diisopropylphosphofluoridate (DFP; 100µM), which inhibited greater than 98% of the AChE activity in the ganglia. 3. Soman produced a decline in the input resistance, resting potential, spike amplitude, and spike threshold and a reduction in the hyperpolarizing afterpotential. 4. Soman-induced depression of synaptic transmission was not due primarily to a blockade of postsynaptic nicotinic receptors. At concentrations of soman which produced significant depression in transmission, ganglionic depolarization produced by bath-applied carbamylcholine (carbachol) was either slightly depressed or facilitated. 5. In the presence of soman, repetitive focal application of acetylcholine or carbachol did not reveal use-dependent desensitization. 6. Muscarinic antagonists, atropine and pirenzepine, protected against the usedependent depression of synaptic transmission induced by soman. These results suggest that a principal site of action for soman is at the presynaptic terminal and that this site is sensitive to muscarinic receptor blockade.
III. Drug receptors on single enteric neurons

There are many substances contained within enteric nerves which excite or inhibit other nerves when these substances are applied to single neurons. The actions of these substances and of drugs which mimic these actions is to open or close membrane ion channels. The effects on membrane potential are dependent on the nature of the ions which pass through the channel and whether the channel is opened or closed. In the enteric nervous system, drugs can act at one of three broad classes of receptors: [1] those which are part of an ion channel complex and which open either cation channels or chloride channels, both of which result in membrane depolarization [2] those which open potassium channels resulting in hyperpolarization or [3] those which close potassium channels resulting in depolarization. Receptors which open potassium channels are coupled to the channel via a G-protein while receptors which close potassium channels are coupled to the channel, in some cases, via a cyclic AMP-dependent system while in other cases another second messenger system is involved.
When Graduate Degrees Prostitute the Educational Process: Degrees Gone Wild.

Graduate degrees prostitute the educational process when they are sold to consumers by unaccredited degree/diploma mills as being equivalent to legitimate, bona-fide degrees awarded by accredited graduate schools. This article carefully analyzes the serious problems of bogus degrees and their association with the religious higher education enterprise. This study examined the historical evolution of bogus degrees and the eventual formation of degree/diploma mills in America. The effects and ramifications that the prostitution of the educational process has on society is analyzed from a social perspective. The findings reveal that society suffers from the proliferation of bogus degrees awarded by degree/diploma mills. A biblical perspective is presented to demonstrate the serious crisis plaguing religious institutions of higher education because of religious degree/diploma mills.
Administration of growth hormone (GH), but not insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), by continuous infusion can induce the formation of the 150-kilodalton IGF-binding protein-3 complex in GH-deficient rats

In the adult circulation, 70-90% of the serum insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are carried by IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), which exists as part of a 150-kilodalton (kDa) ternary complex including IGF and an acid-labile subunit (ALS). We have examined the hormonal regulation and molecular distribution of IGFBP-3 in the circulation of a uniquely GH-deficient (GHD) rat model. For 7 days, GHD rats were given GH by either twice daily injections (1 mg/kg) or continuous infusion (2.4 mg/kg.day) or IGF-I by continuous infusion (1.4 mg/kg.day). Each day, weight and feed and water intake were monitored, and on day 7, liver, kidney, spleen, heart, and lung were weighted, and sera were collected. Serum IGF-I was analyzed by immunoassay, and the molecular distribution of the IGFBPs was determined by neutral size-exclusion chromatography combined with Western ligand blot and Western immunoblot. The GHD rats were 40-60% lighter than their normal littermates, and all organs examined were proportionately smaller. Se...
Biochemical composition, energy content and chemical antifeedant and antifoulant defenses of the colonial Antarctic ascidian Distaplia cylindrica

The colonial ascidian Distaplia cylindrica occurs both as scattered individual colonies or in “gardens” of colonies in fine-grained soft substrata below 20 m depths off Anvers Island along the Antarctic Peninsula. Individual colonies, shaped as tall rod-like cylinders and anchored in the sediments by a bulbous base, may measure up to 7 m in height. D. cylindrica represent a considerable source of materials and energy for prospective predators, as well as potential surface area for fouling organisms. Nonetheless, qualitative in situ observations provided no evidence of predation by sympatric predators such as abundant sea stars, nor obvious biofouling of colony surfaces. Mean energy content of whole-colony tissue of D. cylindrica was relatively high for an ascidian (14.7 kJ g−1 dry wt), with most of this energy attributable to protein (12.7 kJ g−1 dry wt). The sympatric omnivorous sea star Odontaster validus consistently rejected pieces of D. cylindrica colonies in laboratory feeding assays, while readily ingesting similarly sized alginate food pellets. Feeding deterrence was determined to be attributable to defensive chemistry, as colonies of D. cylindrica are nutritionally attractive and lack physical protection (conspicuous skeletal elements or a tough outer tunic), and O. validus display significant feeding-deterrent responses to alginate food pellets containing tissue-level concentrations of organic extracts. In addition, high acidity measured on outer colony surfaces (pH 1.5) as well as homogenized whole-colony tissues (pH 2.5) are indicative of surface sequestration of inorganic acids. Agar food pellets prepared at tissue levels of acidity resulted in significant feeding deterrence in sea stars. Thus, both inorganic acids and secondary metabolites contribute to chemical feeding defenses. D. cylindrica also possesses potent antifoulant secondary metabolites. Tissue-level concentrations of hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts caused significant mortality in a sympatric pennate diatom. Chemical feeding deterrents and antifoulants are likely to contribute to the abundance of D. cylindrica and, in turn, play a role in regulating energy transfer and community structure in benthic marine environments surrounding Antarctica.
Nucleon-nucleon elastic scattering to 3 GeV

A partial-wave analysis (PWA) of NN elastic scattering data has been completed. This analysis covers an expanded energy range, from threshold to a laboratory kinetic energy of 3 GeV, in order to include recent elastic pp polarized scattering measurements performed at SATURNE II. Results of the energy-dependent fit are compared with single-energy solutions and Saclay amplitudes obtained via the direct-reconstruction approach. We also comment on the status of {epsilon}{sub 1} in the low-energy region. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Participant Perceptions of Lay Health Workers in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

Objective: To determine whether the Lay Health Educators (LHEs) who teach the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) have the qualities, characteristics, and abilities as outlined in the lay helping literature and whether EFNEP participants perceive these qualities and characteristics as important when receiving nutrition education. Design, Setting and Participants: Data were collected from a cross-sectional convenience sample of Illinois EFNEP participants (n 1⁄4 202), using a developed survey based on Social Support, Social Network Theory, and Social Learning Theory (SLT). OutcomeMeasures andAnalysis:Descriptive statistics were used to report the characteristics that were detected and rated important. Results: Participants highly rated the LHEs who teach the program to have the traits as outlined in the literature, especially in the areas of informational and emotional support, SLT constructs, and personal characteristics of friendliness, compassion, respect, credibility, and trust. Lower ratings were received for instrumental support and components of Social Network Theory. Correspondingly, participants perceived the same traits to be important when receiving nutrition education. Conclusions and Implications: According to these results, recommendations for the EFNEP and programs that use LHEs would be to screen for qualities related to informational and emotional support and the personal characteristics (respect, trust, etc) related to lay helping when selecting and training staff and provide curriculum and training where social support and SLT concepts could be enhanced. Funding: None.
Combinatorial Bid Generation Problem for Transportation Service Procurement

In combinatorial auctions, solving the bid generation problem (BGP) for bidders is critical to achieving efficiency. However, in the recent surge of combinatorial auction research, little attention has been paid to the BGP. In this paper, the BGP faced by transportation service providers is studied. First, the bidder's optimality criterion of a combinatorial bid is clarified, and then the focus is on the bundling method when an OR bid language is used. Through examples, bundles generated by solving the optimal truck routing problem were examined, and it was found that the resulting bid might not be optimal. This heuristic is compared with a simple nearest insertion method. The simulation result shows that whereas the former outperforms the latter in most cases, many times the latter outperforms the former by 5% to 8%.
A pilot study of young adults with multiple sclerosis: demographic, disease, treatment, and psychosocial characteristics.

Background Although multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurologic disease disabling younger adults, very little is known about the characteristics of young adults with MS and the impact of MS on their lives. Objectives To conduct a pilot study of the demographic, disease, treatment, and psychosocial characteristics of young adults with MS (aged 18 and 31 years). Methods We solicited participation from all 452 members of the Registry of the North American Research Committee On Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Project aged 18 to 31 years, collecting data from 100 of these young adults (22%) by computer-assisted telephone interviews. Data included basic demographic, disease, and treatment characteristics, ratings of satisfaction with access to and quality of MS and mental health care, and beliefs about the impact of MS on their current and future lives. Results Participants were 93% female and averaged 28.6 years of age, and 88% had relapsing-remitting MS. Forty-three percent received the majority of their MS-focused care at an MS clinic and 94% had seen a neurologist in the previous 12 months. More than 40% reported depressive symptoms at the time of the survey. These young adults with MS had relatively low rates of concern about the impact of MS in the present but higher rates of worry about their future. Conclusions These findings suggest the need for a study with a larger, representative sample of young adults with MS to guide development of programs, interventions, and services tailored to meet their needs.
Model of Free-Flow Speed for Indiana Arterial Roads

As a basic characteristic of traffic flow, vehicular travel speed is indispensable in many research and management tasks. In travel speed estimation, vehicular free-flow speed is a crucial determining factor, particularly when the traffic is light or moderate. The current state-of-the-art modeling of free-flow speeds is explored. The development of models of free-flow speed for Indiana arterial roads that may also be suitable for other states in the Midwest is described. Separate free-flow-speed models are presented for cars and trucks during daytime and nighttime hours. Aggregate models could easily be available if the methods provided are followed. The presentation includes the research background, the data-collection and data-processing procedures, a description of model development, and an analysis and a description of a means of refinement of the model.
A comprehensive review of laparoscopic redo fundoplication

The last decade has seen the publication of multiple case series investigating the feasibility of performing reoperative fundoplications using laparoscopic techniques. Most of these studies are small and reflect initial experiences with the procedure. To examine the collective experience with laparoscopic redo fundoplications, a systematic review was conducted. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases (January 1999 to March 2010) were reviewed. A total of 17 series representing 1,167 cases were selected. The mean patient age was 51.8 years, and 42.8% of the patients were men. The most common indication for reoperation was recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and the most common etiology of failure was herniation of the wrap. The mean operative time was 172 min, and the mean hospital stay was 2.8 days. Intraoperative complications occurred in 18.6% of cases, and the most common complication was gastrointestinal perforations (14.2%). The rate of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery was 7.4%. The average postoperative follow-up period was 18 months. Postoperative complications were encountered with 16.9% of the patients, and the most common categorized complication was incisional hernia (1.6%). Success rates, defined variably, averaged 81%. This review demonstrates that although technically challenging, redo laparoscopic fundoplication can be an effective tool in the operative management of clinically significant problems after primary fundoplication.
Changes in Plaque pH in vitro by Sweeteners

A new in vitro pH method was used to compare the ability of natural dental plaque to convert nine sweeteners to acid. Tests made in 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0% concentration, or sucrose sweetener equivalents, showed that isomaltulose gave the lowest pH, followed in order by Lycasin, mannitol, palatinit, sorbitol, sorbose, and then, with negligible acid production, aspartame, saccharine, and xylitol. Unlike the other sweeteners, xylitol and saccharine gave smaller pH depressions in higher concentrations of test solutions. At the concentrations tested, none of the sweeteners interfered with acid production from sucrose.
Automated polymerase chain reaction in capillary tubes with hot air

Abstract We describe a simple, compact, inexpensive thermal cycler that can be used for the polymerase chain reaction. Based on heat transfer with air to samples in sealed capillary tubes, the apparatus resembles a recirculating hair dryer. The temperature is regulated via thermocouple input to a programmable set-point process controller that provides proportional output to a solid state relay controlling a heating coil. For efficient cooling after the denaturation step, the controller activates a solenoid that opens a door to vent hot air and allows cool air to enter. Temperature-time profiles and amplification results approximate those obtained using water baths and microfuge tubes.
Biologically relevant metal-cation binding induces conformational changes in heparin oligosaccharides as measured by ion mobility mass spectrometry

Abstract Heparin interacts with many proteins and is involved in biological processes such as anticoagulation, angiogenesis, and antitumorigenic activities. These heparin–protein interactions can be influenced by the binding of various metal ions to these complexes. In particular, physiologically relevant metal cations influence heparin–protein conformations through electronic interactions inherent to this polyanion. In this study, we employed ion mobility mass spectrometry (IMMS) to observe conformational changes that occur in fully-sulfated heparin octasaccharides after the successive addition of metal ions. Our results indicate that binding of positive counter ions causes a decrease in collision cross section (CCS) measurements, thus promoting a more compact octasaccharide structure.
Transversely isotropic fluids

We formulate and examine what seems to be the simplest properly invariant theory of anisotropic fluids.
Known and potential processes underlying developmental trajectories in childhood and adolescence.

Recent research on influences associated with variability in child and adolescent adjustment has highlighted the nature of the multiple processes underlying this variability. Variability in child and adolescent adjustment is viewed as a function ofcovarying influences from multiple domains, operating on specific developmental outcomes across a backround of time and the availability of environmental niches for the individual.
Photoinduced electron and energy transfer in soluble polymers

Abstract In soluble polystyrene polymers that contain polypyridyl complexes of Ru II or Os II it has been possible to demonstrate the existence of intrastrand photochemical electron and energy transfer.
Paranoia (delusional disorder): a valid psychiatric entity?

Since the days of Kraepelin, the diagnostic status of paranoia (here termed delusional disorder or DD) has been controversial. Three main views have emerged that consider DD to be (1) a subtype of schizophrenia, (2) a subtype of affective illness, and (3) a distinct diagnostic entity. After a brief historical review, we review here some of the literature relevant to the diagnostic status of DD. From the perspective of demographic factors familial distribution of psychopathology, and diagnostic stability, the bulk of the evidence supports the viewpoint that DD represents, along with schizophrenia and affective illness, a third major ‘functional' psychosis. Research into the etiology and treatment of DD has been neglected and is much needed.
Testing lake energy budget models under varying atmospheric stability conditions

Abstract Several variations of a basic energy budget model were tested under varying atmospheric stability conditions using temperature data from Lake Mendota and meteorologic data from nearby Truax Airfield, Madison, Wisconsin. The flux enhancements predicted by Model 1 (Deardorff) for prevailing over-lake lapse conditions were inconsistent with measured changes in lake heat storage. When using the Budyko formulation for sky emissivity, e, satisfactory energy residuals were obtained by eliminating the lapse enhancement while retaining the suppressive effects of over-lake inversions (Model 2 = modified Deardorff). Here, the best estimate of the 10 m Dalton coefficient was 1.45 × 10−3 (cgs units; neutral profile). However, when the Koberg model for e was adopted instead, satisfactory energy residuals were obtained only after eliminating all adjustments for non-neutral conditions, and increasing the 10 m Dalton coefficient to approximately 1.55 × 10−3 (Model 3). Models 2 and 3 predicted annual evaporation from Lake Mendota of 71 and 86 cm during 1977 (including approximately 6 cm of sublimation during ice cover), bracketing earlier estimates for this locality (76 cm) based on U.S. Weather Bureau Class A pan data, and consistent with intensive studies of Pretty Lake in northern Indiana. My estimates of the 10 m Dalton coefficient (1.45 × 10−3 to 1.55 × 10−3) also narrowly bracket values for Lake Hefner and Lake Mead (1.49 × 10−3), obtained in studies by the U.S. Geological Survey. Moreover, as in the case of the Will Rogers airport near Lake Hefner, meteorologic data collected at Truax Airfield, Wisconsin, proved adequate for estimating sensible and latent heat transfer over the adjacent lake.
p53 regulates mtDNA copy number and mitocheckpoint pathway

Background: We previously hypothesized a role for mitochondria damage checkpoint (mito-checkpoint) in maintaining the mitochondrial integrity of cells. Consistent with this hypothesis, defects in mitochondria have been demonstrated to cause genetic and epigenetic changes in the nuclear DNA, resistance to cell-death and tumorigenesis. In this paper, we describe that defects in mitochondria arising from the inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (mtOXPHOS) induce cell cycle arrest, a response similar to the DNA damage checkpoint response. Materials and Methods: Primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts obtained from p53 wild-type and p53-deficient mouse embryos (p53 -/-) were treated with inhibitors of electron transport chain and cell cycle analysis, ROS production, mitochondrial content analysis and immunoblotting was performed. The expression of p53R2 was also measured by real time quantitative PCR. Results: We determined that, while p53 +/+ cells arrest in the cell cycle, p53 -/- cells continued to divide after exposure to mitochondrial inhibitors, showing that p53 plays an important role in the S-phase delay in the cell cycle. p53 is translocated to mitochondria after mtOXPHOS inhibition. Our study also revealed that p53-dependent induction of reactive oxygen species acts as a major signal triggering a mito-checkpoint response. Furthermore our study revealed that loss of p53 results in down regulation of p53R2 that contributes to depletion of mtDNA in primary MEF cells. Conclusions: Our study suggests that p53 1) functions as mito-checkpoint protein and 2) regulates mtDNA copy number and mitochondrial biogenesis. We describe a conceptual organization of the mito-checkpoint pathway in which identified roles of p53 in mitochondria are incorporated.
Mobile technologies and collaboration

This minitrack focuses rapidly changing and evolving use of wireless mobile computing technologies for human-to-human and human-to-machine collaboration. The Mobile Technologies and Collaboration minitrack focuses on the conceptual design, implementation, use, and evaluation of wireless mobile computing technologies in controlled, organizational, and broader societal settings.
Fault terminations and barriers to fault growth

Abstract Field observations of strike slip faults in jointed granitic rocks of the central Sierra Nevada, California, combined with a mechanical analysis of fault interaction, provide insight into how fault terminations vary with scale. We document here a strike-slip fault system 2–3 km long. Clustered about the west end of the fault system are several dozen faults that parallel the three main fault zones in the system. We interpret this cluster of small faults as a barrier that inhibited growth of fault zones in the fault system. A two-dimensional mechanical analysis shows that a cluster of small faults flanking the tip of a large fault zone will tend to diffuse the stress concentration near the fault zone tip—an analogous effect in engineering is known as crack-tip shielding. Near-tip stress concentrations promote fault growth, and processes that decrease these stress concentrations inhibit fault growth. As faults lengthen and grow, they interact with features at greater distances and over a broader area, so the potential for tip shielding effects will increase as fault length increases. This effect can account for why the mechanisms and character of fault terminations would tend to vary as a function of scale.
Cooperation and Competitive Goals: A Social-Comparison Analysis

Ss' choice behavior in two types of mixed-motive games was used to classify them according to their predominant goal orientation. Ss with competitive (Relative Gain) goals and those with individualistic (Own Gain) goals were then presented with 50 decomposed Prisoner's Dilemma games in which they interacted with a conditionally cooperative other. Some Ss saw their own and the other person's outcomes displayed on each trial, while others also saw a bogus Average outcome. The latter outcome was constructed such that comparison with it made the mutually competitive outcomes “look bad” and the mutually cooperative outcomes “look good.” On the basis of social-comparisons, it was predicted that Relative-gain Ss would learn to cooperate in the “Average” condition but not in the Other condition. Own-gain Ss were expected to show high levels of cooperation over-all and to cooperate sooner in the Average condition than in the Other condition. Predictions were significant only for Own-gain Ss, though they were also ...
OPTIMAL TIMING OF EXAMINATION FOR ACUTE RETROLENTAL FIBROPLASIA

The records of low birth weight infants who had ophthalmic examination during the first year of life were studied to determine the optimal age at which to screen for retrolental fibroplasia. Fifty-nine cases of RLF were detected in a total of approximately 175 examinations for the birth weight category under 1700 gm during a five-year period. Although about 25% of the initial examinations were performed prior to age 5 weeks, only two cases of RLF were found in that age range. Nine patients found to have a normal peripheral fundus at initial examination, later developed RLF. Since examinations performed during the fourth fortnight of life were 85% positive for RLF, and since retinal detachment in this condition rarely occurs before age 8 weeks, the present series of cases suggests that the optimal time for a single screening examination for RLF is between 7 and 9 weeks of age.
Thermodynamic control of the electrocyclic ring opening of cyclobutenes: C=X substituents at C-3 mask the kinetic torquoselectivity.

The thermal ring-opening reactions of 4-phenyl-1,3,3-triethoxycarbonylcyclobutene and 4-methyl-1,3,3-triethoxycarbonylcyclobutene yield dienes that result from an unexpected selectivity for “inward” rotation of the phenyl and methyl groups. With 1-ethoxycarbonyl-4-phenylcyclobutene, “outward” rotation of the phenyl group occurs exclusively. Density functional theory was used to investigate the role of the 3,3-geminal diester groups and the origin of torquoselectivity in these electrocyclic reactions. The rules of torquoselectivity still hold, with a calculated 6−8 kcal/mol preference for outward rotation of the methyl and phenyl substituents. However, cyclization of the “out” dienes to pyran intermediates allows for isomerization and thermodynamic control of stereoselectivity.