cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From annotated genomes to metabolic flux models and kinetic parameter fitting.

Significant advances in system-level modeling of cellular behavior can be achieved based on constraints derived from genomic information and on optimality hypotheses. For steady-state models of metabolic networks, mass conservation and reaction stoichiometry impose linear constraints on metabolic fluxes. Different objectives, such as maximization of growth rate or minimization of flux distance from a reference state, can be tested in different organisms and conditions. In particular, we have suggested that the metabolic properties of mutant bacterial strains are best described by an algorithm that performs a minimization of metabolic adjustment (MOMA) upon gene deletion. The increasing availability of many annotated genomes paves the way for a systematic application of these flux balance methods to a large variety of organisms. However, such a high throughput goal crucially depends on our capacity to build metabolic flux models in a fully automated fashion. Here we describe a pipeline for generating model...
A simple and inexpensive method to measure urinary excretion in nonhuman primates

A simple and inexpensive automated method is described for simultaneous recording of time of day and frequency of urinary excretion. A 24-h event record for eight rhesus monkeys illustrates possible usefulness of the method in determining individual differences, response to environmental factors, and diumal patterns.
Supporting Early Childhood Special Education Personnel for Itinerant Service Delivery Through a State-Level Technical Assistance Project

An itinerant service delivery model takes early intervention and special education services to environments where young children with disabilities participate in their communities. Reconciliation of the mismatch that often occurs between recommended and actual practice requires support at all levels of the service delivery system, including professional development systems. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the use of a state-level technical assistance project as it relates to support and training for the provision of itinerant ECSE service. Those who provide professional development activities have a responsibility to ensure they apply research-based, adult learning principles that will effectively expand the knowledge and skills of those they seek to support and train. This article discusses the results of focus groups that were held to gather information related to training and supports early childhood professionals believed they would need to implement itinerant models that better reflected...
Finite‐volume methods for non‐linear elasticity in heterogeneous media

An approximate Riemann solver is developed for the equations of non-linear elasticity in a heterogeneous medium, where each grid cell has an associated density and stress-strain relation. The non-linear flux function is spatially varying and a wave decomposition of the flux difference across a cell interface is used to approximate the wave structure of the Riemann solution. This solver is used in conjunction with a high-resolution finite-volume method using the CLAWPACK software. As a test problem, elastic waves in a periodic layered medium are studied. Dispersive effects from the heterogeneity, combined with the non-linearity, lead to solitary wave solutions that are well captured by the numerical method.
Pharmacological alteration of oxygen-induced lung toxicity

Abstract The effect of eight selected drugs on oxygen-induced pulmonary injury was evaluated in the rat. Several drug treatments, including meclofenamate (5 mg/kg/day), aminophylline (15 mg/kg/day), and vitamin C (20 and 50 mg/kg/every 12 hr) were found not to alter the survival of rats in 96 to 98% oxygen. Although vitamin E deficiency has repeatedly been shown to aggravate oxygen toxicity, pharmacologic doses of vitamin E (20 and 50 mg/kg/every 12 hr) in animals maintained on a normal diet did not offer protection against oxygen-induced lung toxicity. For the remaining drug treatments, the activity of pulmonary antioxidant defense systems [superoxide dimutase (SOD), catalase (CA), glutathione peroxidase (GP), and reduced glutathione (GSH)] were analyzed to explore the possible mechanism of pharmacological alteration of oxygen toxicity. Lungs from rats treated with dexamethasone (0.4 mg/kg/day) were found to have greater oxygen-induced lung damage and significantly lower pulmonary antioxidant activity. Rats pretreated with propylthiouracil (10 mg/kg/day) showed less oxygen-induced lung damage and greater pulmonary GSH levels and CA activity. Indomethacin pretreatment did not affect the course of oxygen toxicity or the activity of pulmonary antioxidant defense systems. GSH levels were lower in lungs of rats pretreated with levothyroxine (16.7 mg/kg/day), which produced an accelerated development of pulmonary oxygen toxicity. It was concluded that modification of the activity of the pulmonary antioxidant defense systems provides a plausible mechanism in explaining pharmacological alteration of oxygen-induced pulmonary injury.
Synthesis and investigation of urea compounds as transdermal penetration enhancers

Abstract Twelve urea and thiourea compounds were examined for their transdermal penetration enhancing properties in vitro using hairless mouse skin and hydrocortisone as a model drug. Skins were pretreated for 1 h with the enhancer in propylene glycol before application of the drug also in propylene glycol. Enhancement ratios ( ER ) were calculated for permeability coefficient ( P ), 24 h receptor concentration ( Q 24 ), and skin content of drug ( SC ) and compared to control values (no enhancer present). Control values for permeability coefficients were 0.71±0.27 cm h −1 , 24 h receptor concentration: 11.9±3.4 μ M, and skin content of drug 44.6±18.5 μ g g −1 . The most effective enhancer of the series was 1-dodecyl-3-methylthiourea. This enhancer produced the highest values for all three penetration parameters with a permeability coefficient 4.7±1.8×10 −4 cm h −1 ( ER P 6.6), a 24 h receptor concentration of 62.7±16.3 μ M ( ER Q 24 5.3), and a skin content of 90.1±17.7 μ g g −1 ( ER SC 2.0). A structure-activity relationship was observed in that the thio-substituted analogs were more effective enhancers than the oxygen-containing compounds. Although these compounds show promise as penetration enhancers, further study is needed to determine their effectiveness with other drugs and their irritation potential.
Observations of mercury-containing aerosols.

In situ analyses with a laser ionization mass spectrometer have shown that a large fraction of aerosols in the bottom few kilometers of the stratosphere contain small amounts of mercury (1). Electron microscopy of particles collected near the tropopause has also detected mercury. The distribution of mercury onto many particles, including those less than 20 nm in diameter, indicates that the mercury is from local condensation of mercury compounds onto particles rather than transport of mercury-rich aerosols from surface sources. Although the results are only semiquantitative, they suggest that most of the mercury in the lower stratosphere is converted into the particulate phase. Mercury-containing particles were present at both middle latitudes and the tropics in two seasons. There is therefore good reason to believe that particulate mercury above the tropopause is global and could affect the atmospheric lifetime of mercury. There are indications that bromine and/or iodine may be involved in the conversion...
In the Footsteps of the Prince: A Look at Renaissance Ferrara

The history of Ferrara and its princes has left a clear and readable imprint on the city’s streets, palaces and churches. Written in their stones is the memory of what has gone before. Ferrara was the site of the Nexus 2000 conference on architecture and mathematics, 4–7 June 2000.
Stratigraphy and chronology of quaternary deposits of the Puget Lowland and Olympic Mountains of Washington and the Cascade Mountains of Washington and Oregon

in the southern Puget Lowland probably are correlative with Salmon Springs Drift, but farther north, drift directly beneath Vashon till is most likely correlative with much younger drifts, such as the Double Bluff or Possession Drifts. Thus, virtually all previouslymapped Salmon Springs Drift needs to be re-examined to determine if it is indeed correlative with Salmon Springs Drift or is younger.
The semantic-episodic distinction and the history of long-term memory typologies

The field of human memory contains many typologies that distinguish among various types of memory (Ladd, 1894). Once in a while, there is a typology that pertains to the entire memory system. Such a typology requires extra consideration because of its potential impact on research and theory. The semantic-episodic distinction (Tulving, 1972) is such a typology. The present article examined this distinction and its implications through a historical study of predecessors to the distinction in Western thought. The results showed that from Aristotle up to Tulving’s statement of the distinction in 1972, there have been many scholars who have proposed distinctions that are similar to the semantic-episodic one. Additionally, the review indicated that instead of a dichotomy (like the semantic-episodic distinction), classification of long-term memory phenomena requires a trichotomy: semantic memory, episodic memory, and skill memory.
Sex and Sectarianism: The Legal Architecture of Lebanese Citizenship

In this essay Mikdashi examines the legal practice of strategic conversion, or religious conversion undertaken in order to make use of different aspects of the Lebanese legal system. Mikdashi illustrates the process of strategic conversion by comparing it to that of correcting one’s sex in the census registry, an act that also changes the network of laws that applies to a citizen. A further comparison is made by introducing the practice of removing one’s madhhab completely from state census registries, a right won by activists for a secular personal status law in March 2009. Through ethnographic and archival research on these practices of strategic conversion, madhhab removal, and the legal “correction” of sex by transsexual citizens, Mikdashi questions what effect the legal and bureaucratic transformation of madhhab or sex has on the identification and/or recognition of a citizen’s sect or gender. Mikdashi teases out the different technologies through which sex, gender, madhhab , and sect are both recognized and practiced in contemporary Lebanon. She calls for the categories of madhhab and sect to be critically reinterrogated, just as the categories of sex and gender were and continue to be.
Therapeutic Strategies in Fragile X Syndrome: Dysregulated mGluR Signaling and Beyond

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited neurodevelopmental disease caused by loss of function of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). In the absence of FMRP, signaling through group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors is elevated and insensitive to stimulation, which may underlie many of the neurological and neuropsychiatric features of FXS. Treatment of FXS animal models with negative allosteric modulators of these receptors and preliminary clinical trials in human patients support the hypothesis that metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling is a valuable therapeutic target in FXS. However, recent research has also shown that FMRP may regulate diverse aspects of neuronal signaling downstream of several cell surface receptors, suggesting a possible new route to more direct disease-targeted therapies. Here, we summarize promising recent advances in basic research identifying and testing novel therapeutic strategies in FXS models, and evaluate their potential therapeutic benefits. We provide an overview of recent and ongoing clinical trials motivated by some of these findings, and discuss the challenges for both basic science and clinical applications in the continued development of effective disease mechanism-targeted therapies for FXS.
Parallel solution of Toeplitzlike linear systems

Abstract The known algorithms invert an n × n Toeplitz matrix in sequential arithmetic time O(n log2 n), but their parallel time is not better than linear in n. We present a weakly numerically stable algorithm that numerically inverts an n × n well-conditioned Toeplitz matrix A in sequential time O(n log4 n log log n) or in parallel time of O(log3 n) using O(n log n log log n) processors. The algorithm keeps all its advantages being applied to the inversion of Toeplitzlike matrices, having smaller displacement ranks (which makes it applicable to pseudo-inversion of Toeplitzlike matrices of full rank).
Alanine scanning mutagenesis of oxygen-containing amino acids in the transmembrane region of the Na,K-ATPase.

Abstract Oxygen-containing amino acids in the transmembrane region of the Na,K-ATPase α subunit were studied to identify residues involved in Na+ and/or K+ coordination by the enzyme. Conserved residues located in the polar face of transmembrane helices were selected using helical wheel and topological models of the enzyme. Alanine substitution of these residues were introduced into an ouabain-resistant sheep α1 isoform and expressed in HeLa cells. The capacity to generate essential Na+ and K+ gradients and thus support cell growth was used as an initial indication of the functionality of heterologous enzymes. Enzymes carrying alanine substitution of Ser94, Thr136, Ser140, Gln143, Glu144, Glu282, Thr334, Thr338, Thr340, Ser814, Tyr817, Glu818, Glu821, Ser822, Gln854, and Tyr994 supported cell growth, while those carrying substitutions Gln923Ala, Thr955Ala, and Asp995Ala did not. To study the effects of these latter replacements on cation binding, they were introduced into the wild-type α1 sheep isoform and expressed in mouse NIH3T3 cells where [3H]ouabain binding was utilized to probe the heterologous proteins. These substitutions did not affect ouabain, K+, or Na+ binding. Expression levels of these enzymes were similar to that of control. However, the level of Gln923Ala-, Thr955Ala-, or Asp995Ala-substituted enzyme at the plasma membrane was significantly lower than that of the wild-type isoform. Thus, these substitutions appear to impair the maturation process or targeting of the enzyme to the plasma membrane, but not cation–enzyme interactions. These results complete previous studies which have identified Ser755, Asp804, and Asp808 as absolutely essential for Na+ and K+ transport by the enzyme. Thus, it is significant that most transmembrane conserved-oxygen-containing residues in the Na,K-ATPase can be replaced without substantially affecting cation–enzyme interactions to the extent of preventing enzyme function. Consequently, other chemical groups, aromatic rings or backbone carbonyls, should be considered in models of cation-binding sites.
Paths of Assimilation in the Second Generation

In this short book (125 pages plus a long appendix), Joel Perlmann compares the educational and economic progress of Southern and Eastern European immigrants and their offspring in the early and mid-twentieth century with that of post-1965 Mexican immigrants and their children. The aim is to examine the extent to which the process of socioeconomic assimilation to American society has changed over time by comparing immigrants whose backgrounds and roles in the American economy were similar. To this end, Perlmann deftly mines the currently available microdata sample for various census years and advances a series of astute observation about the suitability of certain comparisons over time. He properly excludes Russian Jewish immigrants from the comparison on the grounds that "Jewish immigrants were more likely to be employed as skilled workers or to be self-employed, eventually in commerce, than immigrants from the other SCE (South, Central, Eastern European) groups" (p. 12). He also warns that the timing of arrival of the first generation, the proportion of child immigrants among them, and the rate of marriage to the native-born make a great deal of difference. Concerning the latter point, Perlmann notes that, in every case, the achievements of children of mixed parentage are higher than those of full foreign parentage, and that the percentage of the mixed-parentage group is greater in the later cohorts. Thus, "when one examines the educational attainments for any group's second generation, the rise in educational attainment across time is partly due to
Melanoma inhibits dendritic cell induction of cell-mediated immunity

Abstract Cell-mediated immunity is essential for tumor defense. Mature dendritic cells promote cell-mediated immunity through induction of Th1 responses from naive CD4+ T cells. This requires dendritic cell production of IL-12. Th1 responses facilitate generation of cytotoxic T cells from CD8+ precursors. Melanoma inhibits peritoneal macrophage function in vivo and in vitro. Peritoneal macrophages harvested from melanoma-bearing mice are less cytotoxic to B16 melanoma cells, have less candidacidal capacity, and produce less TNF-α, nitric oxide, and superoxide. Similar impairment of macrophage function has been demonstrated in vitro using B16 melanoma conditioned media. The purpose of this study was to determine whether melanoma inhibits dendritic cell maturation, IL-12 production, and/or subsequent T cell activation. Methods: Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) were cultured from C57BL/6 mice using media containing GM-CSF and IL-4. Melanoma conditioned media (MCM) was generated by incubating B16 melanoma cells in control media for 24 hours. DCs were exposed to control or MCM for 24 hours prior to maturation with LPS (100 ng/ml). DCs and supernatants were harvested 24 hours after stimulation. DC maturation was measured by flow cytometry using antibodies to CD40, CD54, CD80, CD86, MHC class I, and MHC class II. IL-12 levels were measured by ELISA. DCs were pulsed with antigen, fixed, and co-cultured with T cells in the presence of control or MCM. IL-2 levels (a marker of T cell activation) were measured by ELISA from 24-hour supernatants. Results: Dendritic cells exposed to MCM produce less IL-12 in response to LPS than controls (82 pg/ml vs. 110 pg/ml, p = 0.0015). LPS induced DC maturation was not affected by exposure to MCM as surface expression of CD40, CD54, CD80, CD86, MHC class I, and MHC class II was similar. T cells activated by DCs in the presence of MCM produced 45% less IL-2 than controls (29 pg/ml vs. 53 pg/ml). Conclusion: Melanoma inhibits dendritic cell induction of cell-mediated immunity by decreasing IL-12 production and inhibiting T cell activation. However, dendritic cell maturation, as assessed by surface expression of classical markers, was not affected by MCM.
Computer-enhanced photon tunneling microscopy for surface characterization of optical materials

Surface characterization of optical materials is a time consuming and complex process. The complexity of these materials provides a challenging task for determining the effects of such factors as polishing, surface defects, subsurface fracture and variations in optical surface coatings. Our laboratory has incorporated several types of non-intrusive techniques for surface analysis and sample characterization. The newest and one of the most promising techniques is Computer Enhanced Photon Tunneling Microscopy. This paper describes our current photon tunneling microscopy (PTM) system and its use in the characterization of the surface topography of ion-implanted optical sapphire. Examination of implanted surfaces by PTM can be used to determine the amount of material removed by ion sputtering as well as the roughening of the surface by the implantation.
Biased Metropolis-heat-bath algorithm for fundamental-adjoint SU(2) lattice gauge theory

For SU(2) lattice gauge theory with the fundamental-adjoint action an efficient heat-bath algorithm is not known so that one had to rely on Metropolis simulations supplemented by overrelaxation. Implementing a novel biased Metropolis-heat-bath algorithm for this model, we find improvement factors in the range 1.45 to 2.06 over conventionally optimized Metropolis simulations. If one optimizes further with respect to additional overrelaxation sweeps, the improvement factors are found in the range 1.3 to 1.8.
[D-Thr2, Thz5]- and [D-Met2 ,Thz5]-enkephalinamides: potent analgesics by intravenous injection.

Abstract Two enkephalin analogs, [D-Met 2 , Thz 5 ]-enkephalinamide and [D-Thr 2 , Thz 5 ]-enkephalinamide, have been synthesized by the solid-phase method. When injected centrally, [D-Thr 2 , Thz 5 ]-enkephalinamide is 3.5 times more potent than the [D-Met 2 , Thz 5 ] analog. However, the two are equipotent and 4.2–4.8 times more potent than morphine when injected intravenously.
Occurrence of Contaminant Accumulation in Lead Pipe Scales from Domestic Drinking-Water Distribution Systems

Previously, contaminants, such as Al, As, and Ra, have been shown to accumulate in drinking-water distribution system solids. Accumulated contaminants could be periodically released back into the water supply causing elevated levels at consumers’ taps, going undetected by most current regulatory monitoring practices and consequently constituting a hidden risk. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of over 40 major scale constituents, regulated metals, and other potential metallic inorganic contaminants in drinking-water distribution system Pb (lead) or Pb-lined service lines. The primary method of analysis was inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, following complete decomposition of scale material. Contaminants and scale constituents were categorized by their average concentrations, and many metals of potential health concern were found to occur at levels sufficient to result in elevated levels at the consumer’s taps if they were to be mobilized. The data indicate ...
FLAVOR GONIOMETRY BY PROTON DECAY

Unification of strong and electroweak forces implies that protons (and bound neutrons) decay. Modes like $\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}\ensuremath{\pi}$, ${e}^{+}\ensuremath{\pi}$, and ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{K}^{0}$ are expected, while modes like ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}\ensuremath{\pi}$ and ${e}^{+}{K}^{0}$ are "Cabibbo" suppressed. Branching ratios can reveal much about the nature of the unifying group and the origin of fermion masses. Plausible models of unification and flavor mixing give surprisingly different predictions for two-body branching ratios.
Identifying necessity and sufficiency relationships in skeletal-part representation using fuzzy-set theory

Traditional approaches to the analysis of skeletal representation in faunal assemblages that employ correlation analyses work well when there is a linear or curvilinear relationship or no relationship at all between the variables under investigation. However, in taphonomic applications in zooarchaeology, these approaches can mask meaningful variation in certain cases where the relationship between the causal variable and skeletal-part representation is one of limitation rather than absolute determination. Such relationships are typified by triangular distributions of points in scatter plots. Using fuzzy-set theory, these relationships can be interpreted more comprehensively by distinguishing necessity and sufficiency relationships between the causal variable and skeletal part representation. Graphs in which data points are distributed in a triangle in the lower-right part of the scatter plot are consistent with an interpretation of necessity, while graphs where data points are distributed in an upper-left triangle are consistent with an interpretation of sufficiency. Such interpretations parallel transport strategies inferred from graphs of utility and representation, and can be applied profitably to graphs of density and representation. In some cases, this leads not only to refinement of the interpretation of density effects, but also to retrieval of economic evidence that might otherwise be overlooked.
Pleural Pneumocystis carinii infection.

Extrapulmonary Pneumocystis carinii infection is a rare occurrence in patients with AIDS. Pleural involvement has been demonstrated in only one case, and this occurred after pneumothorax. This is a case report of pleural pneumocystosis in a patient with AIDS who did not have a pneumothorax. (Chest 1991; 99:774–76)
Effect of Adhesive Thickness and Properties on the Biaxial Interfacial Shear Stresses in Bonded Joints Using a Continuum Mixture Model

In this work, an analytical model based on continuum mixture theories is developed to study the biaxial interfacial shear stresses in adhesive-bonded joints due to thermomechanical loading. The model predicts the effect of adhesive thickness and properties on the interfacial shear stresses. Two sets of governing partial differential equations are solved for the displacement field in each layer of the joint. The interfacial shear stresses between the adhesive and each adherend are determined using the constitutive equations. Numerical results show that both the adhesive thickness and the material properties have a significant effect on the thermomechanically induced interfacial shear stresses between the adherends and the adhesive. The proposed model inherently has the capacity for optimizing the selection of the adhesive thickness and material properties that would yield a more reliable bonded joint.
LA Sprouts: A Gardening, Nutrition, and Cooking Intervention for Latino Youth Improves Diet and Reduces Obesity

Abstract Evidence demonstrates that a gardening and nutrition intervention improves dietary intake in children, although no study has evaluated the effect of this type of intervention on obesity measures. The objective of this pilot study was to develop and test the effects of a 12-week, after-school gardening, nutrition, and cooking program (called LA Sprouts) on dietary intake and obesity risk in Latino fourth- and fifth-grade students in Los Angeles, CA. One hundred four primarily Latino children (mean age 9.8±0.7 years), 52% boys and 59% overweight, completed the program (n=70 controls, n=34 LA Sprouts participants). Weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat (via bioelectrical impendence), blood pressure, and dietary intake (via food frequency screener) were obtained at baseline and postintervention. LA Sprouts participants received weekly 90-minute, culturally tailored, interactive classes for 12 consecutive weeks during spring 2010 at a nearby community garden, whereas control participants received an abbreviated delayed intervention. Compared to subjects in the control group, LA Sprouts participants had increased dietary fiber intake (+22% vs −12%; P =0.04) and decreased diastolic blood pressure (−5% vs −3%; P =0.04). For the overweight subsample, LA Sprouts participants had a significant change in dietary fiber intake (0% vs −29%; P =0.01), reduction in body mass index (−1% vs +1%; P =0.04) and less weight gain (+1% vs +4%; P =0.03) compared to those in the control group. We conclude that a gardening, nutrition, and cooking intervention is a promising approach to improve dietary intake and attenuate weight gain in Latino children, particularly in those who are overweight.
SOME DETERMINANTS OF THE PEAK SHIFT IN STIMULUS GENERALIZATION

A peak shift in the stimulus generalization gradient has been defined by Hanson (1959) as a shift in the mode of the gradient away from S+ in a direction away from S-. While he has shown that the amount of peak shift is inversely proportional to the S+/S- separation during discrimination training, more recent studies (e.g., Ellis, 1970) have examined the role of other variables in producing the peak shift while holding the S+/S- separation constant. The possibility that the particular S+/S- separation used may have contributed to the production of the peak shift has neither been considered nor investigated. In the present study, the S+/S- separation during discrimination training was systematically varied, so that the possible contribution of two other variables, behavioral contrast (Reynolds, 196 1 ) and the Sf reinforcement schedule during discrimination training, could be measured at several S+/S- separations. Behavioral contrast may be defined as the increase in rate of responding to one discriminative stimulus (S+) that follows a decrease in the rate of responding to another stimulus (S-). Terrace (1966a) has concluded that the conditions producing the peak shift are the same as those producing behavioral contrast, and recently (Terrace, 1968) has suggested that the sufficient condition producing both is the reduction of response rate in the presence of S-. Yarczower, Dickson, and Gollub (1966), on the other hand, suggested that differential behavior in the presence of two discriminative stimoli without reduction of responding in the presence of either is sufficient to produce the peak shift, but that behavioral contrast need not occur under these conditions. 'This paper is based upon a dissertation submitted to the Graduate School of Boston University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree. The author thanks Garry Margolius for his advice and guidance at the various stages of the investigation. 'Reprints may be obtained from Stephanie G. Weinberg, Institute for Behavioral Research, Inc., 2429 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.
Nitric Oxide Disrupts H2O2-dependent Activation of Nuclear Factor κB: ROLE IN SENSITIZATION OF HUMAN TUMOR CELLS TO TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-α-INDUCED CYTOTOXICITY

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) exerts its effect by two distinct signaling pathways. It can trigger cytotoxicity in sensitive target cells. TNF-alpha can also promote nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity and regulate the expression of genes that interfere with apoptosis and thus conferring resistance to several apoptotic stimuli. We have observed that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) sensitizes human ovarian carcinoma cell lines to TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis and further, IFN-gamma induces the expression of the inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and the generation of nitric oxide (NO). This study examines the role of NO in the sensitization of the ovarian carcinoma cell line AD10 to TNF-alpha-mediated cytotoxicity. Treatment of AD10 cells with the NOS inhibitor l-NMA blocked the IFN-gamma-dependent sensitization whereas NO donors (S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine) sensitized these cells to TNF-alpha cytotoxicity. Analysis of the activation status of NF-kappaB upon treatment with NO donors confirmed the inhibitory role of NO on both the NF-kappaB DNA-binding property and its activation. Moreover, the inhibition of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation by NO donors directly correlated with the intracellular concentration of H(2)O(2) and was reversed by the addition of exogenous H(2)O(2). These findings show that NO might interfere with TNF-alpha-dependent NF-kappaB activation by interacting with O(2) and reducing the generation of H(2)O(2), a potent NF-kappaB activator. Therefore, NO-mediated disruption of NF-kappaB activation results in the removal of anti-apoptotic/resistance signals and sensitizes tumor cells to cytotoxic cytokines like TNF-alpha.
Construction of an ellipsoidal mirror analyzer for ion detection

Abstract An ellipsoidal mirror analyzer (EMA) has been constructed at the National Bureau of Standards for the analysis of ions produced by photon stimulated desorption. This type of analyzer can measure simultaneously differential kinetic energy, angular distribution, and mass. The design of the EMA is similar to one developed previously [D.E. Eastman, J.J. Donelon, N.C. Hien and F.J. Himpsel, Nucl. Instr. and Meth. 172 (1980) 327]. However, an entirely new approach has been used in the mechanical design, construction materials, and in the technique for charged particle position detection. The primary differences are an aberration corrected mirror, the use of titanium for the main structural components, and a resistive-anode area detector. A description of these differences and their advantages is given in detail.
Evaluating the usability of CAPTCHAs on a mobile device with voice and touch input

The usability of text-based CAPTCHAs, featuring distorted letters, and image-based CAPTCHAs, featuring pictures, was explored on an Apple iPad. Five conditions were explored: Confident CAPTCHA with...
NT-3 stimulates sympathetic neuroblast proliferation by promoting precursor survival

Although proliferation is fundamental to the generation of neuronal populations, little is known about the function of trophic mechanisms during neurogenesis. We now describe a novel role for neurotrophin-3 (NT-3): the neurotrophin stimulates proliferation of sympathetic neuroblasts through trophic mechanisms. NT-3 promotes survival of the dividing precursors, but does not directly stimulate mitosis. NT-3 trophic effects differ markedly from those of the sympathetic mitogen, insulin. Furthermore, whereas NT-3 exhibits trophic activity for dividing neuroblasts, nerve growth factor characteristically promotes survival of postnatal sympathetic neurons. The stage-specific activity of NT-3 and nerve growth factor in culture parallels the sequence of trkC and trkA receptor gene expression detected in vivo. Thus, neurotrophins apparently serve as trophic factors during ontogeny, acting sequentially during establishment of individual populations.
A model of edge cracking in sheared and bent steel plate

Steel plate subjected to transverse force bending will develop cracks in the outer edges of the curved portion of the bent part, if bending strains are sufficiently high, and the plate has been cut to size by shearing. A pilot study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of a model for predicting the approximate lengths of such cracks. It was stipulated that the model be sufficiently compact to be programmed on a hand-held programmable calculator. A semi-empirical model was developed based on the hypothesis that edge cracks propagate away from the edge and into the plate until the effective strain based on the sums of the true shearing and bending strain components equals the effective plane strain fracture strain.
Magnetic monopoles near the black hole threshold

We present new analytic and numerical results for self-gravitating SU(2)-Higgs magnetic monopoles approaching the black hole threshold. Our investigation extends to large Higgs self-coupling, $\ensuremath{\lambda},$ a regime heretofore unexplored. When $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is small, the critical solution where a horizon first appears is extremal Reissner-Nordstr\"om outside the horizon but has a nonsingular interior. When $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is large, the critical solution is an extremal black hole with non-Abelian hair and a mass less than the extremal Reissner-Nordstr\"om value. The transition between these two regimes is reminiscent of a first-order phase transition. We analyze in detail the approach to these critical solutions as the Higgs expectation value is varied, and compare this analysis with the numerical results.
NORMAL ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE CANINE NECK

High-resolution, real-time ultrasonographic examinations of the neck were performed on eight normal dogs maintained under general anesthesia. Water-soluble dye was injected into imaged structures under sonographic guidance in two dogs. The anatomy of the neck was verified at postmortem by visualization of dye deposited in the injected structures. Anatomical mapping was then completed by performing complete cervical ultrasound examinations in the remaining six dogs. Normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the canine neck and major anatomic landmarks useful in clinical imaging are described.
Help or Hindrance? Religion's Impact on Gender Inequality in Attitudes and Outcomes

Summary This paper investigates the effect of religiosity on attitudes toward gender equality using World Values Survey data. Results indicate that religiosity is strongly correlated with gender inequitable attitudes across countries. Further, OLS, TSLS, and 3SLS regression estimates reveal that gender inequitable attitudes are associated with negative effects on seven measures of gender equality of well-being and public policy. No single religion stands out as more gender inequitable than others. The impact of religiosity is likely transmitted via “stealth” effects on everyday behavior in economic transactions in labor markets, household resource allocation, and government spending.
Creep behavior of a new cast austenitic alloy

A new cast austenitic alloy, CF8C-Plus, has been developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Caterpillar for a wide range of high temperature applications including diesel exhaust components and turbine casings. The creep strength of the CF8C-Plus steel is much greater than that of the standard cast CF8C stainless steel and is comparable to the highest strength wrought commercial austenitic stainless steels and alloys, such as NF709. The creep properties of CF8C-Plus are discussed in terms of the alloy design methodology and the evaluation of some long-term creep tested specimens (over 20,000 h). Microcharacterization shows that the excellent creep strength is due mainly to the precipitation of very fine nano-scale and stable MC carbides, without the formation of deleterious intermetallic phases.
A Note on Approximating Correlations from Odds Ratios

An approximate relationship between the odds ratio and the tetrachoric correlation for 2×2 contingency tables is presented. The approximation is simple in form and demonstrates a close linkage betw...
The dna replication schedule is not affected in a division blocked mutant of tetrahymena thermophila

Abstract Cell cycle parameters (generation time, G1, S, G2 period) have been determined for the temperature sensitive mutant mol a of Tetrahymena thermophila in which the cell division and macronuclear division are blocked at a restrictive temperature, whereas the first stages of cell division occur. It was found that in cells blocked in this way DNA replication continues in a rhythmical pattern. Replication during the S period leads to a doubling of the macronuclear DNA content. The generation time is shorter at a restrictive temperature but there is no difference between mutant and wild-type cells. The duration of the cell cycle phases changes proportionally to the generation time. Again, in this respect there is no significant difference between mol a and wild type cells at a restrictive and permissive temperature. These findings indicate that the timing and completion of macronuclear DNA replication is not affected by the mutation at the mol locus and is not directly dependent on a preceding cell and macronuclear division.
On local gouging in five-axis sculptured surface machining using flat-end tools

Abstract This paper proposes an exact method for the detection and elimination of local gouging, at a cutter contact point, in five-axis machining of sculptured surfaces using flat-end tools. The designed surface is assumed to be at least C 2 and could have C 1 and/or C 0 seams.
Intercalary endoprosthetic reconstruction for diaphyseal bone tumours

Custom-made intercalary endoprostheses may be used for the reconstruction of diaphyseal defects following the resection of bone tumours. The aim of this study was to determine the survival of intercalary endoprostheses with a lap joint design, and to evaluate the clinical results, complications and functional outcome. We retrospectively reviewed six consecutive patients, three of whom underwent limb salvage with intercalary endoprostheses of the tibia, two of the femur, and one of the humerus. Their mean age was 42 years (28 to 64). The mean follow-up was 21.6 months (9 to 58). The humeral prosthesis required revision at 14 months owing to aseptic loosening. There were no implant-related failures. Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional outcome scores indicated that patients achieved 90% of premorbid function. Custom intercalary endoprostheses result in reconstructions comparable with, if not better than, those of allografts. Using this design of implant reduces the incidence of early complications and difficulties experienced with previous versions.
A Flexible Query Graph Based Model for the Efficient Execution of Continuous Queries

In this paper, we propose a simple and flexible execution model that (i) supports a wide spectrum of alternative optimization and execution strategies and their mixtures, (ii) provides for dynamic reconfiguration when adding/deleting queries and changing optimization goals, (iii) optimizes response time in idle-waiting prone operators, such as union, joins, and operators used in time series and temporal sequence queries. Thus, we introduce a flexible and concrete model of execution semantics for continuous DSMS queries, and demonstrate its many applications. Our tuple-oriented model dovetails and complements the abstract set-oriented semantics of current DSMS constructs and operators, which are often based on relational algebra and SQL enhanced with windows.
Treatment of type III acetabular deficiencies in revision total hip arthroplasty without structural bone—graft

The use of structural bone allografts has been advocated for the reconstruction of type III acetabular defects, but the results reported for this method have shown revision rates from 20 to 30% and failure rates averaging 50% at short-, to intermediate-term follow-up periods. A prospective study was undertaken to determine the results of reconstructing type III defects without structural allograft and to compare the results using spherical components with the results using eccentric components. Quantitative inclusion criteria were developed and applied to all hips undergoing revision arthroplasty between 1987 and 1991. Twenty-one hips (20 patients) were identified and included in this study. An evaluation protocol including radiographs, and for defects greater than 30 mm, computed tomography scans and three-dimensional models, was used. At an average follow-up period of 46 months, 19 hips (18 patients) were evaluated. Hip scores of these patients improved from 46 to 75. The location of the hip center was improved to a greater degree in those hips with revised to eccentric components, but implant stability was poor. Overall, the mechanical failure rate was 26%, the clinical failure rate was 16%, and the revision rate was 11%. These results compare favorably with the results of reconstruction using structural graft at the same length of follow-up time. Good results can be achieved by reconstructing type III defects without structural allograft if a cementless spherical component can be placed in stable position on host-bone.
Facilitating speech in the patient with a tracheostomy

A tracheostomy tube decreases the ability of the patient to communicate effectively. The ability to speak provides an important improvement in the quality of life for a patient with a tracheostomy. In mechanically ventilated patients, speech can be provided by the use of a talking tracheostomy tube, using a cuff-down technique with a speaking valve, and using a cuff-down technique without a speaking valve. Speech can be facilitated in patients with a tracheostomy tube who are breathing spontaneously by use of a talking tracheostomy tube, by using a cuff-down technique with finger occlusion of the proximal tracheostomy tube, and with the use of a cuff-down technique with a speaking valve. Teamwork between the patient and the patient care team (respiratory therapist, speech-language pathologist, nurse, and physician) can result in effective restoration of speech in many patients with a long-term tracheostomy.
Cross-layer Energy and Performance Evaluation of a Nanophotonic Manycore Processor System Using Real Application Workloads

Recent advances in nanophotonic device research have led to a proliferation of proposals for new architectures that employ optics for on-chip communication. However, since standard simulation tools have not yet caught up with these advances, the quality and thoroughness of the evaluations of these architectures have varied widely. This paper provides the first complete end-to-end analysis of an architecture using on-chip optical interconnect. This analysis incorporates realistic performance and energy models for both electrical and optical devices and circuits into a full-fledged functional simulator, thus enabling detailed analyses when running actual applications. Since on-chip optics is not yet mature and unlikely to see widespread use for several more years, we perform our analysis on a future 1000-core processor implemented in an 11nm technology node. We find that the proposed optical interconnect can provide between 1.8x and 4.8x better energy-delay product than conventional electrical-only interconnects. In addition, based on a detailed energy breakdown of all processor components, we conclude that a thermal ring resonators and on-chip lasers that allow rapid power gating are key areas worthy of additional nanophotonic research. This will help guide future optical device research to the areas likely to provide the best payoff.
The Kepler Guest Observer Programme

The Kepler Guest Observer Office is dedicated to the service of the broad science community, with a charter to promote the exploitation of Kepler data and broaden the scientific impact of the Kepler mission. There are four routes by which to gain access to Kepler data: the Guest Observer programme annual call for proposals, the quarterly call for Director's Discretionary Targets, the Kepler Asteroseismic Science Consortium, and by accessing the Kepler public data archive. The Guest Observer Office supports all users of Kepler data no matter which route they took to access data, and to that end have developed software tools which can be used by the community in their data analyses.
Antagonistic control of a tendon driven manipulator

Two antagonistic control algorithms are described. These algorithms are used to control manipulator links which are antagonistically driven by two actuators via tendons. They have been simulated and experimentally shown to produce better active and passive performance for an electric test system than control algorithms developed earlier. The algorithms use both positive and negative (push and pull) commands to be given to the actuators. Previous systems generated only pull commands, ensuring that tendons would not go slack and give rise to backlash and other problems. The proposed controllers allow push commands to the actuators but still do not allow tendons to go slack. Each actuator, in addition to being fed back its respective tendon force, is fed back both positive and negative manipulator joint torques. This feature allows both actuators to simultaneously respond to torque errors. >
Polyadenylation helps regulate functional tRNA levels in Escherichia coli

Here we demonstrate a new regulatory mechanism for tRNA processing in Escherichia coli whereby RNase T and RNase PH, the two primary 3 0 !5 0 exonucleases involved in the final step of 3 0 -end maturation, compete with poly(A) polymerase I (PAP I) for tRNA precursors in wild-type cells. In the absence of both RNase T and RNase PH, there is a >30-fold increase of PAP I-dependent poly(A) tails that are � 10nt in length coupled with a 2.3- to 4.2-fold decrease in the level of aminoacylated tRNAs and a >2-fold decrease in growth rate. Only 7 out of 86 tRNAs are not regulated by this mechanism and are also not substrates for RNase T, RNase PH or PAP I. Surprisingly, neither PNPase nor RNase II has any effect on tRNA poly(A) tail length. Our data suggest that the polyadenylation of tRNAs by PAP I likely proceeds in a distributive fashion unlike what is observed with mRNAs.