cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypothesizing about Signaling Networks

Abstract The current knowledge about signaling networks is largely incomplete. Thus biologists constantly need to revise or extend existing knowledge. The revision and/or extension is first formulated as theoretical hypotheses, then verified experimentally. Many computer-aided systems have been developed to assist biologists in undertaking this challenge. The majority of the systems help in finding “patterns” in data and leave the reasoning to biologists. A few systems have tried to automate the reasoning process of hypothesis formation. These systems generate hypotheses from a knowledge base and given observations. A main drawback of these knowledge-based systems is the knowledge representation formalism they use. These formalisms are mostly monotonic and are now known to be not quite suitable for knowledge representation, especially in dealing with the inherently incomplete knowledge about signaling networks. We propose an action language based framework for hypothesis formation for signaling networks. We show that the hypothesis formation problem can be translated into an abduction problem. This translation facilitates the complexity analysis and an efficient implementation of our system. We illustrate the applicability of our system with an example of hypothesis formation in the signaling network of the p53 protein.
Macropipelined multicomputer architecture for image analysis

We present a scheme for macropipelining an L-stage image-analysis algorithm into a message-passing Ns-processor multicomputer system in which Ns > L. The resulting architectures achieve high speeds in processing multiple images. Most image-processing applications consist of a sequence of tasks, e.g., preprocessing, detection, segmentation, feature extraction, and classification. This sequence lends itself to an assignment of the tasks to a series-connected set of processors, or pipelining of the tasks. We refer to this form of pipelining as macropipelining. To minimize the effects of throughput-limiting tasks, or bottlenecks, in this pipeline, we introduce a performance model that accounts for both the computation aspects and the communication aspects of parallel processing. With the help of this model, we assign the appropriate number of processors to each task so as to balance the workloads. We then generate a problem graph describing the relationships among the tasks. We use an estimator of the frame-time of the image-processing system as an objective function for choosing a mapping of the problem processing graph into a system graph. This estimator takes account of computation times and communication intensities the tasks in the problem graph, and it accounts for link contentions. To find an efficient mapping, we use a among heuristic optimization in which possible bottlenecks are given high priority in the mapping procedure. We tested our macropipelining scheme on a target-recognition algorithm in a simulated hypercube computer system. The results support our belief that this scheme yields effective architectures for high-speed processing of long sequences of images.
Issues in irrigation pricing in developing countries

Abstract This paper surveys the current literature on irrigation pricing in developing countries and discusses the important issues involved. In particular, this paper discusses the role of government in irrigation development and allocation, economics of irrigation pricing, current status of irrigation water pricing and cost recovery in developing countries, and the reasons for the marginal cost pricing principal being not followed in developing countries. The paper also provides some suggestions for improving methods of water pricing and cost recovery.
Physico-chemical characteristics of juice extracted by blender and mechanical press from pomegranate cultivars grown in Georgia

Abstract Pomegranate juice is consumed widely for its possible health benefits. The aril juice from 15 pomegranate cultivars grown in Georgia were analysed for juice yield based on fresh weight (FW) and physico-chemical properties, using blender and mechanical press extraction. Blender had a higher juice yield (42.04% FW) compared to mechanical press (38.05% FW). Total phenolics and antioxidant capacity was determined by Folin–Ciocalteau method and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays, respectively. Total monomeric anthocyanins were determined by pH differential method and RP-HPLC. The major anthocyanin was delphinidin 3-glucoside. High negative and significant ( p ⩽ 0.05) correlations were found between pH and titratable acidity (TA). The total soluble solids content (TSS) averaged 15.59 in blender and 14.94 °Brix in mechanical press. Chemical analysis of juice showed significant differences among cultivars and extraction methods. Overall, blender was more efficient than mechanical press juice extraction.
Immunocytochemical localization of short-chain family reductases involved in menthol biosynthesis in peppermint

Biosynthesis of the p-menthane monoterpenes in peppermint occurs in the secretory cells of the peltate glandular trichomes and results in the accumulation of primarily menthone and menthol. cDNAs and recombinant enzymes are well characterized for eight of the nine enzymatic steps leading from the 5-carbon precursors to menthol, and subcellular localization of several key enzymes suggests a complex network of substrate and product movement is required during oil biosynthesis. In addition, studies concerning the regulation of oil biosynthesis have demonstrated a temporal partition of the pathway into an early, biosynthetic program that results in the accumulation of menthone and a later, oil maturation program that leads to menthone reduction and concomitant menthol accumulation. The menthone reductase responsible for the ultimate pathway reduction step, menthone-menthol reductase (MMR), has been characterized and found to share significant sequence similarity with its counterpart reductase, a menthone-neomenthol reductase, which catalyzes a minor enzymatic reaction associated with oil maturation. Further, the menthone reductases share significant sequence similarity with the temporally separate and mechanistically different isopiperitenone reductase (IPR). Here we present immunocytochemical localizations for these reductases using a polyclonal antibody raised against menthone-menthol reductase. The polyclonal antibody used for this study showed little specificity between these three reductases, but by using it for immunostaining of tissues of different ages we were able to provisionally separate staining of an early biosynthetic enzyme, IPR, found in young, immature leaves from that of the oil maturation enzyme, MMR, found in older, mature leaves. Both reductases were localized to the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm of the secretory cells of peltate glandular trichomes, and were absent from all other cell types examined.
Optimization of human serum albumin monoliths for chiral separations and high-performance affinity chromatography.

Various organic-based monoliths were prepared and optimized for immobilization of the protein human serum albumin (HSA) as a binding agent for chiral separations and high-performance affinity chromatography. These monoliths contained co-polymers based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) or GMA and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM). A mixture of cyclohexanol and 1-dodecanol was used as the porogen, with the ratio of these solvents being varied along with the polymerization temperature to generate a library of monoliths. These monoliths were used with both the Schiff base and epoxy immobilization methods and measured for their final content of HSA. Monoliths showing the highest protein content were further evaluated in chromatographic studies using R/S-warfarin and d/l-tryptophan as model chiral solutes. A 2.6–2.7-fold increase in HSA content was obtained in the final monoliths when compared to similar HSA monoliths prepared according to the literature. The increased protein content made it possible for the new monoliths to provide higher retention and/or two-fold faster separations for the tested solutes when using 4.6 mm i.d. × 50 mm columns. These monoliths were also used to create 4.6 mm i.d. × 10 mm HSA microcolumns that could separate the same chiral solutes in only 1.5–6.0 min. The approaches used in this study could be extended to the separation of other chiral solutes and to the optimization of organic monoliths for use with additional proteins as binding agents.
The gene family for major urinary proteins: Expression in several secretory tissues of the mouse

The major urinary proteins (MUPs) of the mouse are encoded by a multigene family located at the Mup a locus on chromosome 4. Previous investigations have shown that the MUPs are synthesized in the liver, secreted and then excreted in the urine. We have found significant levels of MUP mRNA in several secretory tissues: the liver and the submaxillary, lachrymal and mammary glands. There are striking differences in hormonal and developmental regulation of MUP gene expression in these tissues. Furthermore, each tissue appears to express a characteristic pattern of MUP mRNAs. In particular, the lachrymal glands appear to express an entirely different set of MUP mRNAs. These results are discussed in relation to the organization of the MUP gene cluster and a possible function of the MUPs.
Effects of morphology and orientation on the behavior of two-dimensional hexagonal foams and application in a re-entrant foam anchor model

Abstract This study deals with the elastic behavior of regular (equal strut lengths) hexagonal foams, both convex and non-convex (re-entrant). Explicit constitutive relations are given based on the unit cell geometry and strut material properties. Sensitivity studies show the effects of unit cell architecture and loading direction on the structural properties of the unit cell. The effect of cell strut angle on the structural properties is clarified by considering the change in relative density of the foam that is related to changes in the strut angles. It is shown that the density varies dramatically with strut angle for fixed strut lengths, which significantly effects the interpretation of results. An important conclusion regarding the effect of foam orientation (or loading direction) is that what has been referred to as a negative Poisson's ratio for re-entrant foams is actually a negative Poisson's ratio effect. This effect can in fact be reversed by simply rotating the foam; for intermediate rotation angles the foam may demonstrate a positive Poisson's ratio deformation behavior. Hexagonal re-entrant foams do not have a unique value of Poisson's ratio since they are anisotropic. For demonstration, the elastic re-entrant foam constitutive relations are embedded into a finite element model to study a foam anchor between rigid parallel walls. The effect of the cell strut angle on the anchoring effectiveness of the foam is discussed. Foams with strut angles of 100° and 110° and equal relative densities are compared, and it is concluded that the foam with 100° strut angle provides better anchoring. This conclusion is based on the finding that the 100° foam is stiffer and has a stronger negative Poisson's ratio (lateral expansion under tension) effect than the 110° foam having the same relative density.
Breaching the Great Salt Lake Causeway: An Addendum

An analysis Interfaces, Vol. 10, No. 2 led to a recommendation that the state of Utah not pay for breaching the causeway across the Great Salt Lake because the estimate of maximum benefits to the state was significantly less than the minimum cost. However, between 1982 and late 1984, the lake level increased an unprecedented 9.45 feet, and lakeside mineral industries, transportation, wildlife areas, recreation, and public utilities were severely affected. On August 3, 1984, the causeway was breached by a 300-foot cut; unfortunately, the full benefits of the breach were not realized because the water level had already reached 4,209.25 feet. The only savings will be the incremental difference between losses already incurred and those of future year's if the lake continues to rise.
Finite Element analysis of aluminum tube hydroforming based on non-quadratic yield function

Although very accurate in representing the material anisotropy, finite element analysis based on direct use of a polycrystal model is CPU-intensive (Guan et al., 2006a). In the present study, this Taylor-type polycrystalline model was firstly used to predict the anisotropy coefficients of Yld96 yield function. Then this phenomenological anisotropic yield function was implemented into ABAQUS/Standard finite element code, using UMAT, for the hydroforming simulation of a 6061-T4 extruded aluminum tube. It was shown that compared with von Mises (1913) and Hill's (1948) yield function, the Yld96 material model's predictions are in better agreement with experimental data.
Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor levels in Coats disease: rapid response to pegaptanib sodium

The purpose was to report a case of elevated intraocular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in a 2-year-old boy with stage 4 Coats disease. Interventional case report. A 2-year-old boy with severe Coats disease and complex retinal detachment refractory to surgical intervention underwent two injections of intravitreal pegaptanib sodium in his right eye 8 weeks apart. After intravitreal injection there was a marked reduction in VEGF (908 to 167 pg/ml) levels and improvement of exudation, hemorrhage, and nearly complete reattachment of his retina within 3 weeks of treatment. The patient remains stable 6 months post-treatment. Coats disease may have a component of dysregulation of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis as evidenced by elevated levels in this patient.
Methods of Flow Measurement

All flowmeters may be placed in one of three basic classifications: the differential pressure type, the volumetric type, and the mass rate type. Differential pressure flowmeters incorporate a suitable restriction in the flow passage. For steady-state liquid flows, the pressure drop caused by the restriction is related by a simple square law to the velocity, so tha t when either the pressure difference or the area of the restriction is fixed, the value of the other parameter will provide an indication of the volumetric flow rate. For known fluid density, the mass flow may then be computed. This type of flowmeter is not generally suited to the measurement of pulsating flows, since the square-law relationship means that , if any averaging action occurs in the pressure measurement, an erroneous signal will be obtained. Volumetric flowmeters are distinguished from the differential type in tha t they measure fluid velocity independently of pressure. Although inherently more accurate than the differential type due to the relatively small effect of viscosity, they possess the disadvantage of requiring a knowledge of fluid density in order to obtain mass flow. Turbine meters and electromagnetic flowmeters, which can be used in pulsating flows, are some specific examples of this class. The use of the hot-wire anemometer for the measurement of liquid flows is also discussed. In the case of the true mass rate flowmeter, the signal is directly proportional to the mass flow itself. Although several designs of a mass flowmeter have been conceived, only one appears to be commercially available at this t ime. Its operation depends on the measurement of the angular momentum of a rotating fluid passage.
Fractals, chaos, self-organized criticality and tectonics

Some geological structures have simple geometrical forms and can be analysed using deterministic equations. Examples include alluvial fans and many sedimentary basins. But most geological structures are complex and appear to defy mathematical analyses. Yet in the complexity there is an order. Complex geological structures generally obey fractal statistics. Examples include topography, distributions of earthquakes and faults, and mineral deposits. An unresolved question is whether the fractal order is simply the result of scale invariance or the result of governing equations that yield deterministic chaos. In order to try to answer this question a variety of slider-block models have been considered. The stick-slip behaviour of slider-block models is a simple analogy to earthquakes. A pair of slider-blocks has been shown to behave chaotically. Models that use many slider-blocks exhibit self-organized criticality and generate fractal statistics similar to the statistics of regional seismicity.
Sphagnum fuscum moss as an indicator of atmospheric cadmium deposition across Canada.

Abstract The concentration of cadmium was determined in samples of Sphagnum fuscum moss collected from 37 sites across Canada from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean and Labrador Sea. At 22 of the sites, Cd was less than 0·2 mg kg−1, the detection limit. Elevated Cd levels were only found in mosses collected in the vicinity of the smelters at Flin Flon, Manitoba, and Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where a maximum concentration of 12 mg kg−1 was measured.
Asymmetric synthesis of 4,4-disubstituted-2-imidazoli-dinones: potent NK1 antagonists.

A highly efficient and practical synthesis of 4,4-Disubstituted-2-Imidazolidinones utilizing a “self-reproduction of the center of chirality” strategy is described.
CpG suppression in vertebrate genomes does not account for the rarity of (CpG)n microsatellite repeats

Simple microsatellite repetitive sequences are widely distributed in eukaryotic genomes. Using the GCG Find program, the distribution of each type of mono- and dinucleotide repetitive sequence has been examined in GenBank sequences. Examples of each type of simple satellite sequence could be found, although the frequency of (CpG)n greater than or equal to 8 repeats was extremely low. The suppression of CpG dinucleotides in vertebrates does not adequately explain the rarity of this repeat since (CpG)n repeats are also extremely infrequent in species genomes where CpG dinucleotides are not suppressed. Instead, it is proposed that (CpG)n repeats must possess a DNA conformation that has a deleterious structural effect.
Restricted Lie algebras of maximal class

Let L be a possibly infinite-dimensional Lie algebra of maximal class. We show that if L admits the structure of a Lie p -algebra then the dimension of L can be at most p + 1. Furthermore, this bound is best possible.
Effects of moisture on structural silicone rubber sealants used in window glazing applications

When a structural sealant is exposed to moisture, a number of phenomena are known to occur which may cause it to deteriorate. The degree of deterioration, however, is a function of various parameters such as the type of sealant, the time of curing, etc. Silicone sealants are widely used for structural glazing applications because of their good resistance to weathering. In this study, moisture effects on commercial silicone sealants were monitored by observing changes in their physical properties. The moisture was applied as a water spray in which the pH of the water ranged from 3 to 11. The extremes of the pH range represent recorded values for acid rain (pH of 3) and basic cleaning solutions (pH of 11). Laboratory evaluations of deterioration were based on changes in tensile tangential modulus, percentage elongation and ultimate tensile stress.
Approximate model for a viscoelastic oscillator

An oscillator where the restoring force is furnished by a viscoelastic bar and therefore depends on the history of the motion is considered. The history-dependent force is characterized by a relaxation modulus and a relaxation time. Assuming that the relaxation time is small, an approximate model for the oscillator is derived. This model is then linearized for the study of small vibrations. It is shown that the viscoelastic force, in addition to viscous damping, effects an apparent decrease in mass that modifies the natural frequency of the linear oscillator. The temperature dependence of the relaxation time, and consequently the frequency shift, is studied.
Model-Independent Fluorescence Depolarization Studies Of Labeled Myosin Cross-Bridges In Muscle Fibers

We calculated the fluorescence depolarization signal following polarized excitation using a model-independent approach where the time development of the molecular orientation density is equal to the operation of a linear time-development operator on the initial molecular orientation density. The time-development operator, T, is not explicitly specified and the time dependent fluorescence signal can be expressed in terms of well defined matrix elements of T. We discuss two strategies with which to calculate the matrix elements of T from the experimental time-resolved signal. We applied this formalism to time-resolved studies of fluorescent labeled myosin cross-bridges in relaxed muscle fibers to measure the steady-state cross-bridge angular probability density. We find that using the model of rotational diffusion in an angular potential we can estimate the rank six order parameters of the angular probability density. The rank six order parameters are shown to make a significant contribution to the proposed cross-bridge angular distribution for relaxed muscle fibers.
Pain as an Atypical Presentation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

background. Cancer of the skin may be difficult to diagnose clinically if there are minimal skin findings on examination. objective. To remind physicians that the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma (SCO may precede physical signs of the tumor. methods. Perineural invasion of SCC was confirmed by histologic examination of surgical specimens. results. We present two patients whose initial presentation of SCC was facial pain due to extensive perineural invasion. Their diagnoses were delayed until skin lesions eventually became evident months later. conclusion. Early detection can be lifesaving, thus emphasizing the importance of including skin cancer in the differential for facial pain or paresthesia.
Identification of Residues in the N-terminal Domain of theYersinia Tyrosine Phosphatase That Are Critical for Substrate Recognition

YopH is a 468-amino acid protein-tyrosine phosphatase that is produced by pathogenic Yersinia species. YopH is translocated into host mammalian cells via a type III protein secretion system. Translocation of YopH into human epithelial cells results in dephosphorylation of p130(Cas) and paxillin, disruption of focal adhesions, and inhibition of integrin-mediated bacterial phagocytosis. Previous studies have shown that the N-terminal 129 amino acids of YopH comprise a bifunctional domain. This domain binds to the SycH chaperone in Yersinia to orchestrate translocation and to tyrosine-phosphorylated target proteins in host cells to mediate substrate recognition. We used random mutagenesis in combination with the yeast two-hybrid system to identify residues in the YopH N-terminal domain that are involved in substrate-binding activity. Four single codon changes (Q11R, V31G, A33D, and N34D) were identified that interfered with binding of the YopH N-terminal domain to tyrosine-phosphorylated p130(Cas) but not to SycH. These mutations did not impair YopH translocation into HeLa cells infected with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Introduction of the V31G substitution into catalytically inactive (substrate-trapping) forms of YopH interfered with the ability of these proteins to bind to p130(Cas) and to localize to focal adhesions in HeLa cells. In addition, the V31G substitution reduced the ability of catalytically active YopH to dephosphorylate target proteins in HeLa cells. These data indicate that the substrate- and SycH-binding activities of the YopH N-terminal domain can be separated and that the former activity is important for recognition and dephosphorylation of substrates by YopH in vivo.
Canonical features in the inflectional morphology of Spanish-speaking individuals with agrammatic speech

Non-fluent agrammatic speech output, a typical feature of Broca's aphasia, involves marked difficulty using complex verb tenses. This experiment examined the interactional effect among canonical pr...
Avian adipose lipoprotein lipase: cDNA sequence and reciprocal regulation of mRNA levels in adipose and heart

Abstract cDNA clones for chicken adipose lipoprotein lipase were isolated from an expression library in λgt11 by antibody screening and characterized by hybridization selection and nucleotide sequencing. Based on the cDNA sequence and on N-terminal sequence analysis of the purified enzyme, chicken adipose lipoprotein lipase is a mature protein of 465 amino acids with a signal peptide of 19 or 25 amino acids, depending on which of two methionine residues is used for translation initiation. The predicted amino-acid sequence was found to be 73–77% identical to the four known mammalian adipose lipoprotein lipase sequences, with conservation of position of cysteine residues and putative functional domains, and number of potential N-glycosylation sites. Chicken lipoprotein lipase differs from mammalian lipoprotein lipases with respect to the position of one N-glycosylation site and the presence of an additional 15–17 C-terminal amino acids. 32P-labeled cDNA clones hybridized to mRNA species of 3.7 and 4.0 kb in Northern blots of heart and adipose, but not of liver RNA. In chickens that were fasted for 48 h and then refed, lipoprotein lipase mRNA levels in adipose increased to a maximal level of 350% that of controls at 10 h, whereas heart lipoprotein lipase mRNA levels fell to 40% of controls at 14 h. Concomitantly, no changes in total RNA were observed. Thus, avian lipoprotein lipase is subject to reciprocal pretranslational regulation in adipose and heart.
Collection of hydrophilic and hydrophobic charged submicron particles by charged water droplets

Abstract An experimental system capable of measuring the collection efficiency of charged submicron particles by charged water droplets is described. Collection efficiencies are measured for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic particles to clarify the effect of wettability on collection. Excellent agreement with the theory is obtained for hydrophilic submicron particles when the Coulombic force is dominant. No significant difference in collection efficiencies between hydrophilic and hydrophobic particles is observed. It is concluded that the wettability of submicron particles has no effect on its collection by water drops when Coulombic attraction is the dominant mechanism.
Spatial summation of signals and adaptation by the surround response mechanism of cat retinal ganglion cells.

The summing properties of the surround response mechanism of cat retinal ganglion cells were assessed by determining area-sensitivity and area-adaptation curves. The two curves were found to be similar for X and Y cells but for many Y cells adaptive sensitivity was found to be dependent upon the size of the test target. These results suggest that, for X cells, the retinal area over which the surround integrates signals and adaptation are spatially coextensive. Most Y cells appear to pool adaptive effects over a smaller region than they pool signals.
Explicit occlusion detection based deformable fitting for facial landmark localization

This paper addresses the problem of facial landmark localization on partially occluded faces. We proposes an explicit occlusion detection based deformable fitting model for occluded landmark localization. Most recent shape registration methods apply landmark local search and attempt to simultaneously minimize both the model error and localization error. However, if part of the shape is occluded, those methods may lead to misalignment. In this paper, we introduce regression based occlusion detection to restrict the occluded landmarks' error propagation from passing to the overall optimization. Assuming the parameter model being Gaussian, we propose a weighted deformable fitting algorithm that iteratively approaches the optima. Experimental results in our synthesized facial occlusion database demonstrate the advantage of our method.
Reply to James Miller's Review of "The Ethos of a Late-Modern Citizen"

The result is rather tepid, a hortatory text apparently aimed mainly at people like White himself: thoughtful and compassionate professors of political thought who are otherwise bereft of strong religious or politi cal convictions. Readers who also write for this journal (which White formerly edited) will doubtless be able to savor the many subtleties and nuances of his suggestive text. But whether anyone else will be instructed by White's slender volume is another question entirely.
Tropicamide effects on pupil size and pupillary light reflexes in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

Diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease (AD) involving tropicamide blockade of cholinergic oculomotor functions were examined in AD patients (n=15), Parkinson's disease (PD) patients (n=15), and non-clinical control (NC) participants (n=15). Pupillographic methods were used to measure pupil diameter and pupillary light reflexes after double-blind ocular administration of dilute tropicamide (0.01%) in one eye and saline in the other eye. Changes in pupil size were measured in bright background light and near-darkness. Tropicamide increased pupil diameter to a similar extent in all three groups in light and darkness. Tropicamide also reduced the amplitude and latency of the pupillary light reflex to a similar extent for all three groups. Tropicamide pupillary response tests, therefore, were not sensitive or specific diagnostic tests for AD. Peak constriction amplitude of the pupillary light reflex was significantly reduced in both eyes in AD and PD groups relative to non-clinical controls, but AD and PD groups did not differ significantly. The pupillary light reflex test, therefore, was sensitive to AD, but lacked adequate specificity. Finally, peak constriction amplitude correlated significantly with dementia severity and donepezil treatment may have partially normalized pupillary light reflex abnormalities in AD patients. The pupillary light reflex test, therefore, may index central cholinergic dysfunction associated with disease progression and improvement in cholinergic function associated with pharmacologic treatment response in AD.
Cyclotrimerization of sterically hindered alkynes in ultrahigh vacuum: TPD of tert-butylacetylene on the reduced TiO2(001) surface

Abstract Cyclization of tert -butylacetylene on reduced TiO 2 (001) surfaces yields one of the highest carbon-number products observed for thermally driven association reactions in ultrahigh vacuum. The C 18 -cyclotrimer tri- tert -butylbenzene was the principal product of tert -butylacetylene conversion. The chemistry of tert -butylacetylene was essentially the same as that of alkynes containing less bulky substituents: open chain dimeric as well as hydrogenated monomeric species were observed in addition to the cyclotrimer. Both the dimer and trimer products have been attributed to the formation of metallacyclopentadiene intermediates at surface Ti 2+ cations. The total conversion to oligomeric products for tert -butylacetylene was the same as that for methylacetylene, but the more hindered alkyne exhibited a lower trimer dimer ratio. This comparison indicates that the tert -butyl group does not affect the population of the intermediate metallacyclopentadiene species on the surface but does hinder the addition of the third alkyne necessary to produce the cyclotrimer.
Medieval orality, mothers, and bonding.

Abstract The role of women in the Middle Ages was vilification, veneration, and exclusion. Due to the high rates of maternal and infant mortality bonding shifted from the mother–child dyad to one in which the Church, Holy Family, and king acted as pseudo-parents. In art this is suggested by the virtual absence of eye contact between the Virgin and Christ-child. Frustration of early oral needs consequent to lack of adequate mother–child bonding prompted a reactive emphasis on orality in art and legend. A decrease in infant mortality and a reciprocal improvement in mother–child bonding contributed to cultural shifts in how self-realization would be accomplished during the Renaissance and in the later emergence of secular humanism.
Introducing Undergraduates to Global Health Epidemiology, Emerging Infectious Diseases, and Parasitology: A Small Book with a Big Impact

Review of: Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases: The Neglected Tropical Diseases and their Impact on Global Health and Development , 2 nd Edition; Peter J. Hotez; (2013). ASM Press, Washington, DC. 255 pages.
The planar junction etch for high voltage and low surface fields in planar devices

A modification of the moat etch type of surface contouring is described which can increase the avalanche breakdown voltage of planar p-n junctions and greatly reduce peak surface electric fields. A properly located moat etch or bevel is used to achieve what is effectively a positive bevel intersection angle between the junction and the surface. Qualitative arguments based on charge balance, exact computer solutions, and experimental results show that higher breakdown voltage and much lower surface fields can be achieved as some, but not all, of the deleterious effects of the junction curvature are eliminated. Optimum design and sensitivity to process variations are also considered.
Application of recipient-derived dendritic cells to induce donor-specific T-cell hyporesponsiveness.

Abstract Administration of donor-derived immature dendritic cells (DC) treated with NF-κB oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN) prevents allograft rejection. We attempted to explore the use of recipient-derived DC pulsed with donor antigens, in which the donor antigens were presented to host T cells via an indirect pathway (cross-priming). Expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86 on DC was significantly inhibited by treatment with NF-κB ODN, whereas MHC class I and II were minimally affected. Normal C3H DC pulsed with B10 antigens stimulated proliferative responses and donor-specific CTL activity in C3H T cells, both of which were, however, markedly inhibited when DC were treated with NF-κB ODN. This manipulation was associated with reduced IFN-γ and increased IL-10 production in the supernate, suggesting a Th2 bias. More frequent apoptotic T cells were observed in cultures with NF-κB ODN DC. In contrast to administration of normal DC pulsed with donor antigens that accelerated rejection of B10 cardiac allografts (median survival time [MST] 7 days versus 10 days in no-DC treatment control, P
Computational Study of Aluminum Chloride Activation for Toluene Chlorination

Aluminum chloride, in the absence of solvent and moisture, was observed to exert a negligible catalytic effect upon the chlorination of toluene, but in the presence of atmospheric moisture, a very large catalytic effect was evident. DFT calculations were performed on a number of possible intermediates involved in the chlorination process. The calculations suggest that dimeric aluminum chloride predominates in the absence of solvents or moisture, and it is not active as a catalyst. It is suggested that HCl is produced by reaction of water with the aluminum chloride leading to the formation of monomeric complexes with molecular chlorine. These complexes are believed to serve as the electrophile during catalytic toluene chlorination. The results further suggest that very strong complexes can form between water and monomeric aluminum chloride. Complexes between aluminum chloride and toluene were also identified in the calculations, but their catalytic significance remains unclear.
Adaptive Changes in the Acetate Metabolism of Euglena

SUMMARY. The acetate metabolism of Euglena grown on ethanol at pH 3.5 (Et-grown) differs from that of the same strain grown on acetate at pH 7.3 (Ac-grown) in several respects. Et-grown cells have a rate of acetate oxidation at pH 7.0 lower than that of Ac-grown cells. The rate of acetate oxidation by Et-grown cells is markedly increased at low pH, whereas that of Ac-grown cells is relatively independent of pH. At pH 5.5, the respiratory rate of Et-grown cells can be increased by increasing acetate concentrations up to 18.4 IBM, whereas that of Ac-grown cells is independent of acetate concentration above 4 mM. At pH 7.0, both types of cell are unaffected by changes in acetate concentration above 4 mM. Et-grown cells incubated in the presence of acetate for about 80 minutes frequently adapt to acetate, taking on characteristics similar to those of Ac-grown cells.
Modulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling reduces intimal hyperplasia in aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts

Objectives Fifty percent of human aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts are occluded after 10 years. Intimal hyperplasia is an initial step in graft occlusion and consists of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and its downstream regulator, the inositol 3-phosphatase PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10), are important regulators of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and cell death. This study tests whether overexpression of PTEN in aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts can reduce intimal hyperplasia. Methods Adult dogs underwent aortocoronary bypass grafting to the left anterior descending artery by using the autologous saphenous vein. Saphenous vein grafts were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (n = 9), empty adenovirus (n = 8), or adenovirus encoding for PTEN (n = 8). Arteriography at 30 and 90 days assessed saphenous vein graft patency. A subset received saphenous vein grafts treated with a marker transgene (β-galactosidase, n=3), empty adenovirus (n = 4), or adenovirus encoding for PTEN (n = 4) and were killed on postoperative day 3 to confirm expression. Vascular smooth muscle cells were isolated from canine saphenous vein infected with adenovirus encoding for PTEN, and immunoblotting and proliferation assays were performed. Results Saphenous vein graft transgene expression was confirmed by means of immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and polymerase chain reaction. Arteriograms revealed all saphenous vein grafts to be patent. Saphenous vein grafts treated with adenovirus encoding for PTEN demonstrated reduced intimal area compared with those treated with empty adenovirus and phosphate-buffered saline (1.39 ± 0.11 vs 2.35 ± 0.3 and 2.57 ± 0.4 mm 2 , P P Conclusion This study demonstrates that PTEN overexpression in aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts reduces intimal hyperplasia. The mechanism of this antiproliferative effect in vascular smooth muscle cells is likely due to inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling through Akt, with resultant decreases in vascular smooth muscle cell growth and survival. Therefore modulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway through PTEN overexpression might represent a novel therapy to prevent saphenous vein graft intimal hyperplasia after coronary artery bypass grafting.
Creating context for critical thinking in practice: the role of the preceptor.

Title. Creating context for critical thinking in practice: the role of the preceptor. Aim. This paper is a report of a study to determine the impact of the preceptor coaching component of a reflective contextual learning intervention on novice nurses’ critical thinking skills during the first 6 months of their practice. Background. The use of preceptors to develop novice nurses’ clinical skills has been well documented in the literature. However, there is little literature focused on preceptor involvement to develop novice nurses’ critical thinking. Method. This small case study was conducted in the United States of America in 2004 with six nurse/preceptor dyads. Stake’s qualitative instrumental case study design was used to evaluate the preceptor component of the contextual learning intervention. Stories of preceptor experiences were analyzed using Stake’s phases of data analysis (i.e. description, categorical aggregation, establishing patterns, naturalistic generalizations). Specific questions (e.g. nature of coaching used by the preceptor) guided the analysis. Repeating patterns were coded and isolated and later collapsed as the analysis moved forward. Findings. Preceptors use of the contextual learning intervention created a context that stimulated novice nurses’ critical thinking. Two main themes describe the novice nurses’ critical thinking skills relative to the preceptor coaching: 1) critical thinking as organizing and carrying out tasks; and 2) critical thinking as intentional, reflective thinking. Conclusion. Preceptor education should incorporate the following components: understanding the impact of power and anxiety on critical thinking of novice nurses transitioning into practice; creating dialogue that invites questions in a reflective and critical manner; and challenging thinking through sharing of perspectives.
Multi-attribute utility analysis using the promes approach

Traditional utility analyses have focused on the economic value of increased job performance. While providing a great deal of information to decision makers, such approaches fail to account for other potentially critical outcomes of implementing a selection system (e.g. legal exposure). This paper proposes a new method for incorporating multiple outcomes in utility analysis. An example shows how to incorporate economic gains due to job performance, legal exposure, effect on protected groups, and organizational image in the decision to implement a new selection system. Integrating these four outcomes into utility analysis captures managerial policy that will allow examination of the ‘process’ of using utility information to aid decision making. In addition, the method is amenable to use of sensitivity, breakeven, and Monte Carlo analyses advocated by utility researchers (Boudreau, 1991).
Congenital heart disease and childhood adjustment.

This report deals with the findings from a study of twenty-eight children, all of whom had ventricular septal defects and were studied by the same cardiovascular team. One-half of the group had a surgical procedure for correction of the defect.The study investigated three problems in children with ventricular septal defect (VSD). (1) Do children with surgical intervention for VSD show greater impairment of intellectual functioning than non-operated children? (2) Do children with surgical intervention show greater emotional disturbance than non-operated children? (3) Do children with surgical intervention show greater alteration of body image than do non-operated children?Data were collected using questionnaires, family interviews, subject interviews, medical records, school reports, physicians' reports and Human Figure Drawings, both inside and outside the body.The findings conclude that (a) operated children do demonstrate significantly more impairment of intellectual functioning; (b) there was no signif...
Yield Modeling with Rule Ensembles

In this paper we introduce the application of a new statistical modeling algorithm called rule ensembles to the problem of yield-loss characterization. Yield loss modeling is viewed as a regression or classification problem, and a model is constructed as a linear combination of simple rules derived from the data. These rule ensembles have been shown to produce predictive models competitive with the best methods. In addition to their high accuracy, however, these rules are easy to understand. Similarly, the degree of relevance of each rule, and its respective variables, can be assessed. The algorithm also provides methodology for automatically identifying those variables that are involved in interactions with other variables, and the strength and degrees of those interactions. To illustrate the interpretation advantages of the method, an analysis on semiconductor manufacturing data is provided.
Do Plant Invasions Change the Effects of Fire on Animals

Fire and invasions by nonnative plants can change the structure and function of ecosystems, and independent effects of each of these processes have been well studied. When fire is restored to areas where it has been excluded and the native plant communities have been invaded by nonnative species, changes in vegetation structure and composition are likely to alter the fire regime. These changes, in turn, might alter the effects of fire on wildlife and wildlife habitat. In this paper, we develop a framework to evaluate whether fire and plant invasion act as independent, additive processes, or whether applying fire in invaded areas results in novel effects on wildlife. We explore changes in abundance of three small mammal species in response to experimental fires set along a gradient of dominance by Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana), an African bunchgrass that has invaded semidesert grasslands of the southwestern USA. For two of three species of small mammals, the effect of fire on abundance varied with the degree of invasion, suggesting a fire × invasion interaction. In systems dominated by nonnative plants, fire can function differently than it did prior to invasion, especially for animals with habitat requirements that match conditions created by the invading plant species. Consequently, prescriptions for restoration fires will need to consider the novel effects of fires on native plants and animals in areas where the plant community has changed.
Learning Task Performance in Market-Based Task Allocation

Auction based algorithms offer effective methods for de-centralized task assignment in multi-agent teams. Typically there is an implicit assumption that agents can be trusted to effectively perform assigned tasks. However, reliable performance of team members may not always be a valid assumption. An approach to learning team member performance is presented, which enables more efficient task assignment. A policy gradient reinforcement learning algorithm is used to learn a cost factor that can be applied individually to auction bids. Experimental results demonstrate that agents that model team member performance using this approach can more efficiently distribute tasks in multi-agent auctions.
Overview: Cellular plasticity, cancer stem cells and metastasis

Recently, a number of hypotheses have converged into a unified theoretical framework which addresses the most vexing aspects of cancer: metastasis, relapse and therapeutic resistance. The central component of this framework is the new paradigm of cellular differentiation, once viewed as a unidirectional process, but now recognized as a plastic process in which cancer cells can dedifferentiate into more primitive, stem-like phenotypes. This plasticity is controlled by both intrinsic biochemical processes and bi-directional environmental cues involving cancer-associated non-cancerous cells. Such plastic phenotypic shifts may influence the discontinuous behavior of cancers, in which some cancers remain dormant for months or years after therapy, only to relapse and wreak havoc. This Special Issue of Cancer Letters assembles a collection of mini-reviews describing the current knowledge of cellular plasticity and its relationship to cancer "stemness" and progression, illuminating how progress in this field may yield major benefits in overcoming resistance and thwarting metastasis.