cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applying the triple parameter hypothesis to maintenance scheduling

A method for identifying values for a genetic algorithm's probability of crossover, mutation rate, and selection pressure that promote the evolution of better results in fewer generations has recently been proposed. This approach, termed the Triple Parameter Hypothesis, uses schema theory to derive these values. However, in initial experimental tests of the hypothesis, the schema distances used were at the extreme ends of the spectrum. In the work presented here, we evaluate the parameters predicted by the hypothesis in a series of maintenance scheduling experiments which use a schema distance in between these extremes. Results show that evolutionary runs which use parameters that satisfy the hypothesis statistically significantly outperform runs that use parameters that do not satisfy the hypothesis, indicating that the hypothesis can be a general purpose process for identifying "good" parameter values
Positioning Multiple Proteins at the Nanoscale with Electron Beam Cross-Linked Functional Polymers

Constructing multicomponent protein structures that match the complexity of those found in nature is essential for the next generation of medical materials. In this report, a versatile method for precisely arranging multicomponent protein nanopatterns in two-dimensional single-layer or three-dimensional multilayer formats using electron beam lithography is described. Eight-arm poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) were modified at the chain ends with either biotin, maleimide, aminooxy, or nitrilotriacetic acid. Analysis by 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that the reactions were efficient and that end-group conversions were 91−100%. The polymers were then cross-linked onto Si surfaces using electron beams to form micron-sized patterns of the functional groups. Proteins with biotin binding sites, a free cysteine, an N-terminal α-oxoamide, and a histidine tag, respectively, were then incubated with the substrate in aqueous solutions without the addition of any other reagents. By fluorescence microscopy experiments it w...
Historical and fundamental developments in control systems

The author tries to convey some of the highlights of talks in the first ever "history" session at the 33rd Conference on Decision and Control, Lake Buena Vista, FL, (1994). >
The Health Care Directive: Learning How to Draft Advance Care Documents

Despite wide popularity and numerous state statutes, living wills have been previously little used. Now the Patient Self Determination Act promises to close the gap. The medical world is obliged to move fast in an attempt to provide good advance planning to patients and to avert the possible negative outcomes of poor advance planning. A good document has the potential to stimulate good doctor-patient discussion and good planning. A model advance directive is proposed which seeks to keep the merits of the original Medical Directive yet modify it according to empirical data on its use by patients. The remodelled directive still provides an instructional section, a durable power of attorney section, a values statement section, and an organ donation section in addition to the illness scenarios section, much as in the Medical Directive. In the illness scenarios section, however, the Health Care Directive makes use of a wider range of scenarios that may be particularly relevant to the elderly or chronically ill and an intervention selection system that includes statements about goals of treatment.
Programming models for high-performance computing

The first version of the MPI standard was released in November 1993. At the time, many of the authors of this standard, myself included, viewed MPI as a temporary solution, to be used until it is replaced by a good programming language for distributed memory systems. Almost twenty years later, MPI is the main programming model for High-Performance Computing, and practically all HPC applications use MPI, which is now in its third generation; nobody expects MPI to disappear in the coming decade. On the other hand, attempts to replace MPI with languages, such as High-Performance-Fortran, failed. Current attempts (UPC, Fortran, X10, Chapel, etc.) face major obstacles and seem unlikely to replace MPI. The talk will discuss some plausible reasons for this situation. These include: 1. Design issues with the various proposed languages: Namely, a few key things that MPI got right and most potential alternatives got wrong 2. Lack of compelling motivation, so far, for switching programming environments 3. The economic and social constraints of High-Performance Computing 4. The large volume of "legacy" MPI code We shall next discuss the implications of this situation for research on new programming models for High-Performance Computing.
Mean flow and turbulence scaling in a tidal boundary layer

Abstract Calculations based on data from 10 triplets of orthogonally oriented ducted impeller current meters vertically spaced near the bottom of an estuary in Puget Sound show that: (1) 10 min averaging reduces the uncertainties in the value of the various means to±3.6% for the velocity,± 8.8% for the friction velocity,±50% for the extrapolated zero-velocity height (roughness length), and±40% for the Reynolds stress (95% confidence); (2) because of the magnitude of the lowfrequency (tidal) variability, lengthening of the averaging period does not reduce the uncertainties; and (3) a quasi-stationary model suffices to relate the Reynolds stress to the mean velocity profile within the above uncertainties. Including the dynamic effects of temporal variability in the model does not produce a measurably better prediction.
Pure magnetic and electric geons

A rigorous, static, cylindrically symmetrical solution of the combined sourceless Einstein-Maxwell system showing the persistent local energy-stress concentration that can be taken as the defining characteristic of a geon was obtained. The solution represents a parallel bundle of electric or magnetic flux held together by its own gravitational pull. (auth)
Broadening Horizons: Considerations for Creating a More Complete Science of Diversity

“The way to stop discriminating on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race,” opined Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts in a recent court decision striking down a school in...
Behavior of Natural Uranium, Thorium and Radium Isotopes in The Wolfcamp Brine Aquifers, Palo Duro Basin, Texas

Previously reported results for Palo Duro deep brines show that Ra is highly soluble and not retarded. Relative to Ra, U and Th are highly sorbed. Uranium, like thorium, is in the +4 valence state, indicating a reducing environment. Additional data reported here support these results. However, one Wolfcamp brine sample gives somewhat different results. Radium appears to be somewhat sorbed. Uranium is largely in the +6 valence state, indicating a less reducing condition. In all brines, kinetics for sorption (/sup 228/Th) and desorption (/sup 224/Ra) are rapid. This Wolfcamp brine was tested for the effects of colloids for Ra, U, and Th concentrations. No effects were found.
Further studies on non-H-2 histocompatibility alloantibodies in the mouse

Immunofluorescence tests indicate that alloantibodies specific for mouse histocompatibility antigens H-1a, H-3a, and H-13a have been produced, using four different immunizations. Furthermore, an immunization employing donors and recipients which were H-2k at the MHC produced stronger anti-H-3a and anti-H-13a than did immunizations where donors and recipients were H-2b at the MHC.
Persistent shoulder pain: possible visceral or systemic sources

AbstractBackground: Several case studies and expert commentaries have been published relating to visceral and systemic sources of persistent shoulder pain; yet, as the evidence presented here suggests, more published work is needed. No systematic reviews have been published to date, likely because this problem is not conducive to randomized control trial investigations.Objectives: This narrative presents a review of the literature of various serious medical conditions that may present as persistent shoulder pain. As physical therapists (PTs) are managing patients with multiple complicated health issues, the PT must be proficient in performing a thorough history and review of systems in order to refer the patient if indicated.Major Findings: In addition to being proficient in examining the shoulder for neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) conditions, it is important that PTs are competent in the screening procedures that may alert the PT of the need for prompt medical referral. Signs and symptoms that present as an ...
Optically detected impurity D0 and D− transitions in GaAs quantum wells

Abstract We have carried out a far-infrared magnet-optical study on shallow donor states confined in GaAs quantum wells (QWs), applying a recently developed optical detection technique. We have observed, in addition to cyclotron resonance, the 1 s → 2 p + transition of neutral donors (D 0 ), and singlet and triplet transitions of negative donor ions (D − ); the latter observation verifies the existence of D − ions in well-only doped QWs under optical pumping. This is the first observation of optically detected impurity resonances in confined systems and demonstrates the power and utility of this technique for such studies.
Macroinvertebrate distribution and production on the floodplains of two lowland headwater streams

SUMMARY. 1 Spatial and temporal distribution, abundance and production of the floodplain macroinvertebrate communities of two low-gradient headwater streams in Virginia, U.S.A., were studied over 1 year. 2 Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of invertebrates were affected by inundation patterns. Numbers, biomass and production were higher in low than high floodplain areas and on a floodplain continuously inundated over 9 months compared with a floodplain completely flooded only occasionally during storms. 3 The predominant species in terms of numbers and production on both floodplains was the harpacticoid copepod Attheyella illinoisensis Forbes. Other species with relatively high production were the sphaeriid clam Pisidium sp., the leptophlebiid mayfly Leptophlebia sp., the isopod Caecidotea racovitzai (Williams), and the chironomids Paratendipes sp. and Polypedilum spp. 4 Annual invertebrate production (dry weight) on the floodplain continuously inundated over 9 months was 6.1 g m−2; production on the periodically inundated floodplain was 1.7 g m−2. Collector-gatherers accounted for 58–61%, and predators 19–25%, of the production. 5 Annual invertebrate production on the floodplains, calculated on the basis of a linear metre of channel length, was 84–490 gm−1, or about one to two orders of magnitude greater than probable production in the channels, suggesting the significance of floodplain invertebrates to stream system trophic dynamics.
Recent advances in aerosol analysis by infrared spectroscopy

Abstract This paper reviews recent advances in optical sampling techniques for particle analysis by infrared spectroscopy. Single particle spectroscopy, i.r. microscopy, attenuated total reflection spectroscopy, photoacoustic spectroscopy and i.r. spectroscopy of particles collected on filters are all described and representative results are presented. Mass detection limits and spectral quality are compared for the various methods.
Serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme levels in patients after major esophageal surgery, esophageal dilation, and acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract All three isoenzymes of creatine kinase (CK), including MB, the fraction used in diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI), have been found in the esophagus. Clinical reports suggest that injuries to the esophagus can cause changes in peripheral serum CK. This prospective study was designed to delineate whether esophageal dilation or major esophageal surgery would cause changes in serum CK and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes that might be consistent with the diagnosis of an AMI. Two groups of patients admitted to a coronary care unit were used as controls: patients with electrocardiographically proved AMI and those who had chest pain but who had AMI ruled out by sequential electrocardiograms. The coronary care unit patients had serum enzymes determined on admission, then every 8 hours for four samples, and then daily for 3 days. The surgical patients had determinations preoperatively, in recovery, every 8 hours for four samples, and daily for 5 days. The patients who had esophageal dilations had serum enzyme levels drawn before the procedure and every 8 hours for 2 days after dilation. Serum total CK and lactate dehydrogenase levels were determined by automated spectrophotometry. Isoenzyme levels were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The data suggest (1) that small serum CK-MB bands that may be generated by esophageal surgery or dilation can be differentiated from those seen in AMI and (2) that AMI can be confirmed by simultaneous analysis of serum lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes.
Zero-energy state in graphene in a high magnetic field.

The fate of the charge-neutral Dirac point in graphene in a high magnetic field $H$ has been investigated at low temperatures ($T\ensuremath{\sim}0.3\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$). In samples with small gate-voltage offset ${V}_{0}$, the resistance ${R}_{0}$ at the Dirac point diverges steeply with $H$, signaling a crossover to a state with a very large ${R}_{0}$. The approach to this state is highly unusual. Despite the steep divergence in ${R}_{0}$, the profile of ${R}_{0}$ vs $T$ in fixed $H$ saturates to a $T$-independent value below 2 K, consistent with gapless charge-carrying excitations.
Fatty acids of kenaf seed oil

Freshly extracted oil from a sample of kenaf seed, var.Cubano, was found to contain an appreciable amount of epoxy acid as glyceride;cis-12,13-epoxyoleic acid was isolated. Its identity was confirmed by analysis and by conversion to threo-12,13-dihydroxyoleic acid. The remaining fatty acids were esterified, distilled, and identified by the usual procedures. The percentage composition of the fatty acids was estimated from the data as follows: 9-hexadecenoic 1, palmitic 19, linoleic 41, oleic 30, stearic 2, arachidic (trace), 12,13-epoxyoleic 5, undetermined 2.
Current-driven plasma instabilities in solid-state layered systems with a grating.

We have investigated the effects of a grating on current-driven plasma instabilities in layered solid-state systems. By quenching the excess momentum of the plasma mode the grating makes it possible to convert the plasma wave energy into the electromagnetic radiation. We show that a grating can also play an active role by modifying an existing instability, or even generating an instability.
Simplifications and improvements in unified constitutive equations for creep and plasticity—I. Equations development

Abstract An improved version of the MATMOD unified constitutive equations for creep and plasticity is developed. The new physical-phenomenological model, MATMOD-BSSOL, is the first version of the equations that is capable of modeling both solute strengthening and complex strain softening phenomena, but it combines the capabilities of previous versions in a way that simplifies the equations and minimizes the number of material constants. The major improvement present in MATMOD-BSSOL is the way in which solute strengthening is treated; both athermal flow stress plateaus and Class I steady state creep are simulated via the effects of solute concentration on the evolution of short range back stresses , which are already present in the equations to treat directional strain hardening. The physical significance of this new approach to modeling solute effects and the way in which it unifies the low and high temperature behavior of alloys are discussed.
Constituents of Anemopsis californica

Abstract Light petroleum extract of the roots and rhizomes of Anemopsis californica (Nutt.) Hook and Arn. yielded a compound identified as (+)-asarinin from its spectral and other analytical data.
Are per-incident rape-pregnancy rates higher than per-incident consensual pregnancy rates?

Is a given instance of rape more likely to result in pregnancy than a given instance of consensual sex? This paper undertakes a review and critique of the literature on rape-pregnancy. Next, it presents our own estimation, from U.S. government data, of pregnancy rates for reproductive age victims of penile-vaginal rape. Using data on birth control usage from the Statistical Abstract of the United States, we then form an estimate of rapepregnancy rates adjusted for the substantial number of women in our sample who would likely have been protected by oral contraception or an IUD. Our analysis suggests that per-incident rape-pregnancy rates exceed per-incident consensual pregnancy rates by a sizable margin, even before adjusting for the use of relevant forms of birth control. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are discussed, as are its implications to ongoing debates over the ultimate causes of rape.
Development of miniature bending fatigue specimens

Abstract Two new miniaturized bending fatigue specimens have been designed and developed to aid in the scoping of materials for fusion first-wall and blanket structural applications. One of these is rectangular in shape with a gauge section 6.35 mm in length, while the other is cut from a 3 mm transmission electron microscopy (TEM) disk and has a gauge length of 1.5 mm. Test results for unirradiated annealed type 316 stainless steel tested at room temperature, 550°C and 650°C are presented. A good correlation between miniature and standard subsize fatigue specimen results was obtained. The miniature specimen results show the same dependence of strain range on cycles to failure as the standard subsize specimens with the miniature-disk specimen results falling below all the other results. The results indicate that these specimens provide reliable data that can be used to scope fatigue properties for fusion applications.
Negative radix transformation algorithms and a sequential logic machine for bidirectional binary implementation

The purpose of this paper is twofold: to give a positive integer algorithm for transforming both negative and positive numbers between equal magnitude radices of opposite sign; to implement a sequential logic machine for bidirectional conversion of radix 2 numbers which requires no “a priori” or “a posteriori” knowledge of the sign digit and which automatically generates the properly signed data and its complement, when required, on a digit-by-digit basis starting with the least significant digit.
Co-volume methods for degenerate parabolic problems

A complementary volume (co-volume) technique is used to develop a physically appealing algorithm for the solution of degenerate parabolic problems, such as the Stefan problem. It is shown that, these algorithms give rise to a discrete semigroup theory that parallels the continuous problem. In particular, the discrete Stefan problem gives rise to nonlinear semigroups in both the discreteL 1 andH ?1 spaces.
Birefringent scatterplate phase-shifting interferometer

A new phase shifting scatterplate interferometer is realized by exploiting the polarization characteristics of a birefringent scatterplate. The advantages of this design are that it does not require any optical components to be placed near the surface under test and, the hot spot and background intensity, which are inherent to scatterplate interferometers, are eliminated. The theory of the interferometer is presented.
Identification of a developmentally regulated sialidase in Eimeria tenella that is immunologically related to the Trypanosoma cruzi enzyme.

Sporozoites and merozoites of three species ofEimeria, E. tenella, E. maxima, andE. necatrix, that cause diarrhea in chickens worldwide, were examined for their expression of sialidase (SA) activity. The enzyme was found in three species, and the activity of merozoites was 10–20 times higher than that of sporozoites. The enzyme was resistant to degradation by proteases that are normally present in the intestine, a site inhabited by theEimeria parasites, and it was relatively resistant to heat, with optimum activity being at 40°C, which is within the range of temperature in the chicken intestine (40–43°C).E. tenella SA was immuniprecipitated by monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies raised against theTrypanosoma cruzi SA (TCSA), and enzyme activity was neutralized by these antibodies.E. tenella SA was identified by immunoblots as a doublet of molecular weight 190 000 and 180 000 using, as a probe, anti-TCSA antibodies and antibodies against a synthetic peptide (TR) derived from the long tandem repeat domain of TCSA. Binding of the monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies toE. tenella was completely blocked by TR, but not by an irrelevant peptide (BR). Therefore,E. tenella expresses a developmentally regulated SA that is structurally related to theT. cruzi counterpart. Because of the high SA activity in merozoites, and by analogy with other SA-producing microbes that inhabit mucin-rich epithelia, we suggest that theEimeria SA plays a role in desialylating intestinal mucins to reduce viscosity of the local environment and thereby facilitate parasite migration. The enzyme could also play a role in host cell-parasite interaction.
An invariant subspace problem forp=1 Bergman spaces on slit domains

In this paper, we characterize thez-invariant subspaces that lie between the Bergman spacesA1(G) andA1(G/K), whereG is a bounded region in the complex plane andK is a compact subset of a simple arc of classC1.
Treatment of acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia in children with a multiple‐drug protocol

Twenty-one children with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) were treated with a combination regimen consisting of arabinosyl cytosine (Ara-C), 6-thioguanine (TG), and Adriamycin, The incidence of complete remission was 74%. For consolidation, addition courses of Ara-C and TG were given, followed by L-asparaginase. The maintenance program was the same as that for the lymphoblastic type (L-2) including intrathecal methotrexate for prophylaxis of meningeal leukemia. Of the 16 who were evaluable for the duration of complete remission, six developed bone marrow relapse, one meningeal leukemia within 3-14 months after entering complete remission and one was lost to follow-up. Eight remain in complete remission for 9-72 months. In five of eight, chemotherapy has been terminated after 3 years, and all continue in remission for 11-32 months post-treatment. Although the results do not compare well to those of the lymphoblastic morphology, long-term disease-free survival can be achieved with multiple-drug intensive treatment in childhood ANLL.
Human telomere probes in clinical cytogenetics: probe characteristics, methods, applications and limitations

Human telomere probes in clinical cytogenetics: probe characteristics, methods, applications and limitations
Thrombospondin 2 Functions as an Endogenous Regulator of Angiogenesis and Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thrombospondin 2 (TSP2), a matricellular protein with a primary role in modulating cell-matrix interactions, has been implicated in tissue repair and foreign body responses. Here we show that TSP2 has regulatory function in the chronic inflammatory lesions of rheumatoid arthritis. Tissue TSP2, produced by synovial fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages correlated not only with the intensity of angiogenesis but also with the architecture of lymphoid infiltrates. Synovial tissues with diffuse inflammatory infiltrates had high levels of TSP2, whereas synovial tissues with ectopic germinal center reactions and T cell-B cell aggregates produced low levels. Cell-based gene therapy with TSP2 was used to examine the in vivo effects of the matrix protein on neoangiogenesis and lymphoid organization. Human synovium-severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse chimeras were treated with TSP2-transfected fibroblasts deposited into the peritoneum. Overexpression of TSP2 led to the accumulation of TSP2 protein in the inflamed synovium and resulted in a prompt inhibition of lesional vascularization. Beside its anti-angiogenic activity, TSP2 also suppressed the production of the proinflammatory mediators, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, and induced the depletion of tissue-residing T cells. We propose that TSP2 is an endogenous regulator of angiogenesis and autoimmune inflammation in the synovium and represents a protective mechanism preventing ectopic lympho-organogenesis and persistent inflammation in this tissue site.
Falls in Newly Admitted Nursing Home Residents: A National Study

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between nursing home (NH) organizational characteristics and falls in newly admitted NH residents. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2006. SETTING: NHs in the United States in 2006. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (n = 230,730) admitted to a NH in 2006 without a prior NH stay and with a follow-up Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment completed 30 days or more after admission. MEASUREMENTS: The relationship between experiencing a fall noted on the MDS assessment and NH characteristics (e.g., staffing, profit and chain status, religious affiliation, hospital-based facility status, number of beds, presence of a special care unit, funding) was examined, adjusting for NH resident characteristics. RESULTS: Twenty-one percent of this cohort (n = 47,750) had experienced at least one fall in the NH at the time of the MDS assessment, which was completed for newly admitted NH residents who had at least a 30-day stay. NHs with higher certified nursing assistant (CNA) staffing had lower rates of falls (adjusted odds ratio = 0.97, 95% confidence interval = 0.95-0.99). CONCLUSION: For newly admitted NH residents, NHs with higher CNA staffing had a lower fall rate. In an effort to maximize fall prevention efforts, further research is needed to understand the relationship between CNA staffing and falls in this NH population. Language: en
Novel mechanism of reducing tumourigenesis: Upregulation of the DNA repair enzyme OGG1 by rapamycin-mediated AMPK activation and mTOR inhibition

Abstract Inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin is an important approach in cancer therapy. In early clinical trials, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-related kidney tumours were found to regress following rapamycin treatment. Since loss of function of the DNA repair OGG1 enzyme has a major role in multistep carcinogenesis of the kidney and other organs, we investigated the effect of rapamycin on OGG1 regulation. Treatment of HK2 cells, mouse Tsc-deficient cells and human VHL-deficient cells (786-O) with rapamycin resulted in decrease in p70S6K phosphorylation at Thr389, and increase in the expression of NF-YA and OGG1 proteins. In addition, rapamycin increased OGG1 promoter activity in cells transfected with OGG1 promoter construct. Furthermore, rapamycin increased the phosphorylation at Thr172 of the energy sensor AMPK. Downregulation of AMPK phosphorylation by high glucose (HG) increases the phosphorylation of p70S6K and decreases the protein expression of NF-YA and OGG1. Pretreatment of the cells with rapamycin before exposure to HG reversed the effects of HG. However, downregulation of AMPK by dominant negative (DN)-AMPK in Tsc2+/− cells abolished AMPK and decreased OGG1 expression. In contrast, transfection of Tsc2+/− cells with DN-S6K abolished p70S6K phosphorylation and increased OGG1 expression, a response enhanced by rapamycin. Treatment of Tsc2+/− mice with rapamycin resulted in activation of AMPK, downregulation of phospho-p70S6K and enhanced OGG1 expression. Our data show that inhibition of mTOR can activate AMPK and lead to upregulation of DNA repair enzyme OGG1. These data comprise the first report to provide one mechanism whereby rapamycin might prevent or inhibit the formation and progression of certain cancers.
Fatty Acids Modulate Toll-like Receptor 4 Activation through Regulation of Receptor Dimerization and Recruitment into Lipid Rafts in a Reactive Oxygen Species-dependent Manner

The saturated fatty acids acylated on Lipid A of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or bacterial lipoproteins play critical roles in ligand recognition and receptor activation for Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and TLR2. The results from our previous studies demonstrated that saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids reciprocally modulate the activation of TLR4. However, the underlying mechanism has not been understood. Here, we report for the first time that the saturated fatty acid lauric acid induced dimerization and recruitment of TLR4 into lipid rafts, however, dimerization was not observed in non-lipid raft fractions. Similarly, LPS and lauric acid enhanced the association of TLR4 with MD-2 and downstream adaptor molecules, TRIF and MyD88, into lipid rafts leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways and target gene expression. However, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, inhibited LPS- or lauric acid-induced dimerization and recruitment of TLR4 into lipid raft fractions. Together, these results demonstrate that lauric acid and DHA reciprocally modulate TLR4 activation by regulation of the dimerization and recruitment of TLR4 into lipid rafts. In addition, we showed that TLR4 recruitment to lipid rafts and dimerization were coupled events mediated at least in part by NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species generation. These results provide a new insight in understanding the mechanism by which fatty acids differentially modulate TLR4-mediated signaling pathway and consequent inflammatory responses which are implicated in the development and progression of many chronic diseases.
Subcellular localization of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase and dopamine receptor binding activities

Abstract The subcellular localization of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase was studied in rat brain striatum and compared to the distribution of dopamine binding sites. The highest specific activity of adenylate cyclase activities sensitive to dopamine was associated almost exclusively with synaptic membranes (mithchondrial fraction; P2). Using [3H] haloperidol and [3H] apomorphine as markers for the dopamine receptor, specific binding was observed in both the mitochondrial (P2) and microsomal (P3) fractions. Data for the mitochondrial fraction revealed a heterogeneity of binding sites. Two saturable sites for [3H] haloperidol were observed with Kd values of 2.5nM and 12.5nM respectively. Overall, the localization of multiple binding sites in the crude synaptosomal fraction correlates well with the localization of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in this fraction.
Endobronchial management of benign, malignant, and lung transplantation airway stenoses

Since 1991, we have managed 57 patients with benign (10), malignant (23), or lung transplantation (24) airway obstructions using silicone stenting and debridement (manual/neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet laser). Ten patients with benign lesions (4 intubation, 4 inflammatory, 1 malacia, 1 bronchial fistula) had 4 T tubes, 3 Y stents, 3 bronchial stents, and 1 straight tracheal stent placed. Eight of 10 patients (80%) received symptomatic relief with the stents in place for up to 43 months. Twenty-three patients with malignant strictures (18 lung, 5 metastatic) had 26 stents inserted (13 Y stents, 12 bronchial, 1 T tube) of which 16 required combined debridement and stenting. Four stents required repositioning. Three hospital deaths were due to unrelated causes. Of 20 discharged patients, 6 remain alive at 2 to 10 months, whereas 14 patients who died of progressive disease obtained effective palliation for 10.5 ± 5.6 months. Significant bronchial anastomotic complications developed in 24 of 212 lung transplants (11.3%). Thirty-one stents were placed in 19 of the patients; 5 patients were managed with laser debridement alone. Of the 19 patients receiving stents, 3 required only temporary stents (6 to 15 days), 11 patients needed long-term stents (40 to 507 days), and 5 patients died with their stents in place functioning well. All patients received symptomatic relief with stenting. There were no procedure-related deaths and one bronchial laceration during attempted stent placement. Early, aggressive treatment of benign and malignant tracheobronchial strictures with endoscopic debridement and stenting is safe and well tolerated, and effectively palliates airway obstruction. Repositioning of stents frequently may be required in the transplant population. Techniques of stent insertion require no specialized equipment and may be performed expeditiously with minimal morbidity.
Synthesis of polyfunctional glycerol esters: Lipase-Catalyzed esterification of glycerol with diesters

The enzymatic esterification of glycerol with dicarboxylic acids or esters was studied to produce mono- and/or diesterified glycerol adducts. Such materials are useful synthons in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers and surfactants. In this work two strategies were studied for preparing these prepolymeric glycerol derivatives: the lipase-catalyzed esterification of free glycerol with diacids or esters and the reaction of supported or protected glycerol with diesters. For example, reaction of isopropylidene glycerol with dimethyl sebacate gave a >95% yield of isopropylidene glycerol-monomethyl sebacate ester. Reaction of glycerol supported on silica with dimethyl adipate gave a 40% yield of glycerol-monomethyl adipate ester. Best yields of glycerol-mono- and diesters (70% and 10%, respectively) were obtained by direct esterification of free glycerol with a diester in a solvent-free system containing small amounts of water (<4%).
Corpses and Capital: Narratives of Gendered Violence in Two Costa Rican Novels

In a region prone to violence and political corruption, Costa Rica has been touted as an ecological paradise, a stable democracy, and an egalitarian society. However, Costa Rican fiction from the late twentieth century contests this idyllic image and presents instead a world of intrigue, violence, and criminality. El ano del laberinto (2000) by Tatiana Lobo and Cruz de olvido (1999) by Carlos Cortes are two novels that serve as an excellent introduction to developments in postwar fiction and scholarship from Central America. In my analysis, I first situate the novels in the context of Central American cultural and political developments in recent decades and then consider the linking of narrative, gender, and violence in the novels. My study centers on the authors' use of crime to challenge national myths and to deconstruct narratives that have been instrumental in constructing cherished national identities. Of particular importance is the depiction of gendered bodies and the violence practiced upon them, as well as the politics surrounding bodies and violence in national narratives and in the authors' contemporary stories. This article is available in Studies in 20th & 21st Century Literature: http://newprairiepress.org/sttcl/vol32/iss1/7 Corpses and Capital: Narratives of Gendered Violence in Two Costa Rican Novels Laura Barbas Rhoden Wofford College For many audiences, Central America is a peripheral place, relevant for its revolutions in the 1970s and 1980s and for the free trade debates of globalization. In discussions outside the isthmus, Central America is most famous for its political unrest, natural disasters, and perhaps for the culture wars surrounding Rigoberta Menchu’s testimony. Few are aware that in recent decades, Central America has faced dramatic changes, including debt crises, social turmoil, and mass migration to the United States and other countries. Fewer still are aware of the wealth of literature from Central America or of the energetic debates about cultural studies and politics among scholars and authors from the region. Two recent novels from Costa Rica serve as an excellent introduction to developments in fiction and scholarship from the isthmus. They also make important contributions on the topic of gender politics and offer a new understanding of the relevance of Central American fiction in discussions of contemporary literature. In the last decades of the twentieth century, Central America faced the chaotic aftermath of several decades of civil war. The isthmus also experienced economic globalization driven by the neoliberal policies governments adopted in the post-war years. Costa Rica did not suffer the same debilitating civil conflicts as its neighbors, and the nation was one of the first to capitalize on the opportunities neoliberal policies seemed to offer. With no military, no revolutions, and no gun-toting opposition featured on international media outlets, the country drew the first Intel plant in Latin America. It also 1 Rhoden: Corpses and Capital: Narratives of Gendered Violence in Two Costa Published by New Prairie Press
Spatial directions and situation model organization.

Do spatial directions, such as “to the right,” influence the integration and segregation of information into situation models? According to a single-framework hypothesis, spatial location serves as an event framework, and spatial directions serve as relational information within that framework but do not establish separate sublocation frameworks. Alternatively, according to a fragmented-framework hypothesis, spatial directions lead the larger framework to be broken down such that each direction is treated as a separate sublocation, thereby producing retrieval interference. In three experiments, people memorized sentences about objects in locations. The results support the fragmented-framework hypothesis. Control conditions ruled out explanations based on the ease of memorization, retrieval demands, or sentence complexity.
A new peptide coupling agent-phosphonitrilic chloride.

Phosphonitrilchlorid, dessen Verbindung razemisierungsfrei erfolgt, kann als Reagens zur Synthese von Peptiden verwendet werden.
Children's Perceived Agency in the Context of Marital Conflict: Relations With Marital Conflict Over Time

Consistent with the bidirectional perspective on parent-child relations, the current study examined children’s perceptions of agency in the context of marital conflict. A storytelling task was completed by 115 five-year-old children, tapping perceived agency. These children and their mothers and fathers completed measures of marital conflict at two time points. Consistent with clinical theory and research (e.g., Emery, 1989, 1999) and with theory about negative emotionality as related to children’s motivation for agency (e.g., Davies & Cummings, 1994), destructive marital conflict predicted more negative child emotional reactivity, which predicted greater child perceived agency. By contrast, children’s perceived agency at Time 1 was negatively related to marital conflict at Time 2. The results supported the hypothesis that children’s perceived agency about marital conflict relates to reduced marital conflict over time, controlling for initial level of marital conflict. Implications for dynamic conceptualizations of children’s agency from a family-wide perspective are discussed.
Aldosterone secretion: Effect of phorbol ester and A23187

Abstract The effects of the divalent ionophore, A23187, the phorbol ester, and/or 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate on aldosterone secretion from adrenal glomerulosa cells were compared to those of angiotensin II (AII). AII causes a prompt and sustained increase in secretion. A23187 causes an initial increase followed by a gradual decline to values less than 25 percent of those seen with AII. TPA causes no initial increase but a slowly progressive rise in secretion rate to a less than maximal value. When TPA and A23187 act together, there is a prompt and sustained increase in aldosterone production rate similar to that seen after AII addition. The effect of TPA is dependent on the free Ca 2+ concentration of the cell cytosol. These results are interpreted in terms of a model of cell activation in which two branches of the calcium messenger system operate to control respectively the initial and sustained phases of the secretory response. The first phase occurs as a consequence of amplitude modulation of the calmodulin branch of the system by a rise in [Ca 2+ ] c , and the second phase as a consequence of the sensitivity modulation of the C-kinase branch by diacylglycerol.
The SenseChair: the lounge chair as an intelligent assistive device for elders

The elder population is rising. In the United States, the number of those needing assistance far exceeds the number of care facilities available to help the aging population. This creates a great incentive to help elders remain independently in their homes.Our group is exploring how robotic technology, designed in forms as familiar as home appliances, might be used to assist elders and those who provide care. We have designed the SenseChair, an intelligent assistive lounge chair that brings assistive technology to elders in a comfortable and familiar fashion. The SenseChair takes information about a sitter's behavior and the environment and provides information ranging from ambient displays to explicit notification. It serves as a research platform to understand how we can help elders stay independently in their homes, and offer them physical, social, and emotional support.
IMPACT AND DYNAMICS OF PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT AND TRADITIONAL ASSESSMENT IN A COLLEGE PHYSICS COURSE

Popular belief in alternative assessment procedures suggests that the use of student portfolios can help learners successfully organize and integrate newly acquired scientific knowledge. This two-group comparison study documents the use of student created portfolios in an algebra-based, college-level, introductory physics course. Sixteen students were assessed primarily using a portfolio-style assessment procedure. Nineteen students were assessed primarily using traditional, objective examinations. Both groups were given the same cumulative, multiple-choice final examination. All students completed a pre- and post-self-report survey of achievement in physics. There were no significant differences in learner achievement between the two groups on the final examination or on the self-report of achievement given before and after instruction. Analysis of two focus group discussions did, however, suggest that students assessed by portfolios feel less anxious about learning physics, devote considerable time to reading and studying outside of class, internalize and personalize the content material, and enjoy the learning experience. The results of this study suggest that portfolio-style assessment procedures support student achievement at least at the same level as traditional assessment procedures and appear to have additional benefits. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 34: 255–271, 1997.
Stigmergy and Collaboration: Tracing the Contingencies of Mediated Interaction

Social network analysis is primarily based in the investigation of ties between nodes and the groups that those ties form. Computer-mediated interaction has introduced many unique forms of tie data to the field. The form of data used in this research are traces of activity left when people create and edit digital artifacts, and when navigating around hyperlinked environments. Using intentional and unintentional traces of activity to generate social graphs provides a unique window into collaboration and interaction. This paper elaborates a technique that uses event log data to trace contingencies in user activity and generate directed two-mode graphs, associograms, which can then be abstracted to sociogram representations. The social network ties generated represent connections between people based on actions contingent on one another. These ties can be used to represent potential social connections for collaboration, social collectives for coordination, and stigmergic self-organization.
Characterization of methanogenic and methanotrophic assemblages in landfill samples

A greater understanding of the tightly linked trophic groups of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria residing in municipal solid waste landfills will increase our ability to control methane emissions and pollutant fate in these environments. To this end, we characterized the composition of methanogenic and methanotrophic bacteria in samples taken from two regions of a municipal solid waste landfill that varied in age. A method combining polymerase chain reaction amplification, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and phylogenetic analysis was used for this purpose. 16S rDNA sequence analysis revealed a rich assemblage of methanogens in both samples, including acetoclasts, H2/CO2-users and formate-users in the newer samples and H2/CO2-users and formate-users in the older samples, with closely related genera including Methanoculleus, Methanofollis, Methanosaeta and Methanosarcina. Fewer phylotypes of type 1 methanotrophs were observed relative to type 2 methanotrophs. Most type 1 sequences clustered within a clade related to Methylobacter, whereas type 2 sequences were broadly distributed among clades associated with Methylocystis and Methylosinus species. This genetic characterization tool promises rapid screening of landfill samples for genotypes and, therefore, degradation potentials.
Stresses Induced by Differential Sintering in Powder Compacts

Stresses created by differential sintering, due to differences in initial bulk density, were determined, to an order of magnitude, by an experiment which estimated the differential sintering phenomenon on a macroscopic level. The experiments entailed determining the shrinkage rates of a powder isostatically pressed to two bulk densities. Using this information, stresses were determined by forcing the slower-densifying compact to shrink at the same rate as the faster-densifying compact and measuring the resulting forces with a load cell. Maximum stresses (between 1 and 3 MPa) were observed to occur in the intermediate stage of densification. Despite larger differential strains at higher temperatures, stresses decreased to zero at the latter stage of densification. Viscoelastic experiments, of the stress-relaxation type, were performed. Results showed that the sintering specimen was more rigid at lower temperatures and more fluidlike at higher temperatures. This explains the development of maximum stresses at intermediate temperatures.
Frontiers in Optical Imaging of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism

In vivo optical imaging of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and metabolism did not exist 50 years ago. While point optical fluorescence and absorption measurements of cellular metabolism and hemoglobin concentrations had already been introduced by then, point blood flow measurements appeared only 40 years ago. The advent of digital cameras has significantly advanced two-dimensional optical imaging of neuronal, metabolic, vascular, and hemodynamic signals. More recently, advanced laser sources have enabled a variety of novel three-dimensional high-spatial-resolution imaging approaches. Combined, as we discuss here, these methods are permitting a multifaceted investigation of the local regulation of CBF and metabolism with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. Through multimodal combination of these optical techniques with genetic methods of encoding optical reporter and actuator proteins, the future is bright for solving the mysteries of neurometabolic and neurovascular coupling and translating them to clinical utility.