cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Approach to Overcoming Knowledge Sharing Challenges in a Corporate IT Environment

It is often assumed that to pursue knowledge management, a knowledge management system must be independently developed or purchased. The intent of this paper is to illustrate that a knowledge management framework can be designed by combining existing technologies and techniques. While some development work may be required, it should be largely limited to the integration required to produce and fill gaps that are critical to a usable knowledge framework. This recommended approach will be demonstrated in a globally diverse corporate environment through the implementation of a proof-of-concept project. Promising results appropriate for the maturity level of the proof-of-concept implementation are documented. With management support gained, future plans for maturing the knowledge sharing project and evaluating the impact on the organization will be presented.
Biochemical and Immunological Heterogeneity of 100 Å Filament Subunits from Different Chick Cell Types

The 100 A filament subunit proteins of chick fibroblasts and gizzard smooth muscle were compared. These proteins are major cellular components in these cell types, constituting up to 8% of the cell's total protein. Co-electrophoresis of cytoskeletal fractions of fibroblasts and smooth muscle revealed that the subunit proteins differed hi their molecular weights: 58,000 daltons in fibroblasts and 55,000 daltons in smooth muscle. Cytoskeletal fractions from other cell types were also examined: chondroblasts contained the 58,000 dalton subunit, and cytoskeletons of skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle contained both 55,000 and 58,000 dalton proteins. Chick skin and rat kangaroo Pt K2 cells had more complex subunit patterns which resemble prekeratin. The peptide patterns resulting from proteolytic digestion of the 58,000 dalton protein of fibroblasts, the 55,000 dalton proteins of smooth muscle and PT K2 cells, and chick brain tubulin differed from one another. Two-dimensional electrophoresis of reconstituted gizzard smooth muscle 100 A filaments showed the 55,000 dalton subunit to be composed of two major components, differing in their isoelectric points. Antibodies prepared against electrophoretically purified 55,000 dalton subunit protein reacted in immunodiffusion against the original smooth muscle antigen and cytoskeletal fractions from skeletal and cardiac muscle, but not from fibroblasts, brain, liver, or skin cells. A specific antigenic determinant common to subunit proteins in smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, is therefore indicated. A previously described antibody against fibroblast subunit protein reacted weakly against smooth muscle filament protein in immunodiffusion revealing the presence of a common antigenic determinant between the two subunit proteins. These data demonstrate striking antigenic and primary structural differences in 100 A filament subunits from even such closely related cell types as fibroblasts on the one hand and muscle cells on the other.
The effect of training and various work loads on the lactacid-alactacid oxygen debt response of exercising dogs

The involvement of the lactacid and alactacid mechanisms in oxygen debt was examined in 2 dogs prior to and after a 6-week training program by using tryptophan and quinolinic acid to block the removal of lactate by the liver. The results show that the lactacid mechanism is involved at work loads resulting in sufficient elevation of blood lactate during the recovery period. It was further shown that training produced a significant decrease in both oxygen debt and blood lactate. Mechanisms responsible for the findings are discussed.
The Native Comic Book Project: native youth making comics and healthy decisions

Background American Indians and Alaska Natives have traditionally used stories and drawings to positively influence the well-being of their communities.
Cruiser: concurrent heap buffer overflow monitoring using lock-free data structures

Security enforcement inlined into user threads often delays the protected programs; inlined resource reclamation may interrupt program execution and defer resource release. We propose software cruising, a novel technique that migrates security enforcement and resource reclamation from user threads to a concurrent monitor thread. The technique leverages the increasingly popular multicore and multiprocessor architectures and uses lock-free data structures to achieve non-blocking and efficient synchronization between the monitor and user threads. As a case study, software cruising is applied to the heap buffer overflow problem. Previous mitigation and detection techniques for this problem suffer from high performance overhead, legacy code compatibility, semantics loyalty, or tedious manual program transformation. We present a concurrent heap buffer overflow detector, Cruiser, in which a concurrent thread is added to the user program to monitor heap integrity, and custom lock-free data structures and algorithms are designed to achieve high efficiency and scalability. The experiments show that our approach is practical: it imposes an average of 5% performance overhead on SPEC CPU2006, and the throughput slowdown on Apache is negligible on average.
Catalytic Roles of βLys87 in Tryptophan Synthase: 15N Solid State NMR Studies

Abstract The proposed mechanism for tryptophan synthase shows βLys87 playing multiple catalytic roles: it bonds to the PLP cofactor, activates C4′ for nucleophilic attack via a protonated Schiff base nitrogen, and abstracts and returns protons to PLP-bound substrates (i.e. acid–base catalysis). e- 15 N-lysine TS was prepared to access the protonation state of βLys87 using 15 N solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy for three quasi-stable intermediates along the reaction pathway. These experiments establish that the protonation state of the e-amino group switches between protonated and neutral states as the β-site undergoes conversion from one intermediate to the next during catalysis, corresponding to mechanistic steps where this lysine residue has been anticipated to play alternating acid and base catalytic roles that help steer reaction specificity in tryptophan synthase catalysis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cofactor-dependent proteins: evolution, chemical diversity and bio-applications. Guest Editors: Andrea Mozzarelli and Loredano Pollegioni.
On a theorem of Brown and Adams

Let ℸ be the homotopy category of all spectra, Tc ⊂ T the full sub-category of finite spectra. Brown and Adams proved that any homological functor H:Tcop → Ab is the restriction of a representable functor on T. Furthermore, any natural transformation is the restriction of a map in ℸ. One may naturally wonder whether this generalizes to arbitrary triangulated categories, for instance D(R) where R is a ring. We show that the answer is in general no, although for R countable the generalization holds.
Renocolic fistulas : complementary roles of computed tomography and direct pyelography

Three patients with renocolic fistulas are presented. Antegrade or retrograde pyelography showed the fistula in one patient but was unsuccessful in two others. CT demonstrated perinephric inflammation extending to the colon, complex air-fluid collections within the kidney, or extension of renal contrast into the colon. CT and direct pyelography complement each other for the diagnosis of renocolic fistulas.
Using situational judgment tests to assess training effectiveness: Lessons learned evaluating military equal opportunity advisor trainees.

Situational judgment tests (SJTs) are well suited for training evaluation, especially when measures of on-the-job behaviors/performances are unavailable. Yet, SJTs are underutilized in the training...
Comparative Analysis of Armadillo Family Proteins in the Regulation of A431 Epithelial Cell Junction Assembly, Adhesion and Migration

p0071 is an armadillo family protein related to both the adherens junction protein p120ctn and to the desmosomal proteins plakophilins 1–3. p0071 assembles into both adherens junctions and desmosomes, suggesting that this protein may regulate the balance between adherens junction and desmosome formation. Furthermore, this subfamily of proteins may also regulate cell functions directly influenced by intercellular junctions, including the strength of cell adhesion and the ability of cells to migrate. These possibilities were tested by expressing exogenous p0071 in A431 epithelial cells and monitoring the effects on adhesive junction assembly in comparison to other closely related armadillo family proteins. In this model system, p0071 specifically enhanced adherens junction assembly but dramatically compromised desmosome assembly, resulting in keratin filament retraction from regions of cell–cell contact. Protein interaction studies revealed that p0071 bound to the first 160 amino-terminal residues of desmoplakin and also interacted directly with plakoglobin, suggesting that p0071 may regulate desmosome assembly by controlling plakoglobin availability. Using an in vitro assay to measure the strength of cell–cell contacts, both plakophilin-1 and p120ctn were found to increase the strength of adhesion. Interestingly, p0071 expression caused no overall changes in adhesive strength, but dramatically inhibited the ability of A431 cells to close an in vitro wound. These results suggest that p120ctn/plakophilin family proteins interact with intercellular junction binding partners to differentially modulate the adhesive and migratory behavior of epithelial cells.
Abstract P3-11-02: Women with pregnancy-associated early breast cancer achieve improved emotional well-being as a result of their cancer experience

Background: Pregnancy-associated early breast cancer (PAEBC) has increased in incidence as more women pursue childbearing at an older age. The objective of this study was to measure the impact of diagnosis and treatment on emotional health and evaluate the positive emotional outcomes in a group of women with PAEBC. Methods: Between 1989 and 2010, 81 patients were treated for PAEBC with 5-flurouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (FAC) chemotherapy. Patients completed the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), which is a questionnaire that measures subjective distress caused by traumatic events and the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PGI), which measures positive outcomes after a traumatic event. Results: Of the 81 women, 53% (43/81) completed the IES-R and 44% (36/81) also completed the PGI. The time since diagnosis ranged from 6 months to greater than 5 years. The median age of the participants was 33 years (range 26-43 years). Of the 43 patients who completed the IES-R, 91% (39/43) did not use avoidance as a primary coping strategy; they felt well equipped to deal with feelings about their diagnosis and treatment. Of patients who inadvertently thought about their diagnosis, 70% (30/43) noted that they avoided becoming upset by their thoughts. Less than 10% (9/43) of patients surveyed felt apathetic towards their diagnosis and subsequent treatment. In terms of positive outcomes , 94% (33/36) felt they were enabled to depend on others in times of crises and felt a greater appreciation for people and their kindness following their diagnosis of PAEBC. Eighty-six percent (31/36) had changed their priorities about what is important in life, felt more compassionate towards others, and felt a greater appreciation for the value of their own life. In addition, 86% (30/36) of patients indicated that they had discovered their inner strength and felt more inclined to change things in their life. Finally, 75% of patients surveyed felt they had developed a stronger religious faith because of their experience and had a better understanding of spiritual matters. The majority of patients reported improvement in interpersonal skills – placing more effort into their relationships and sharing a greater sense of closeness with others. Conclusions: Although women who experience PAEBC are thought to be at high risk for experiencing psychosocial distress, these findings suggest that most do not suffer negative emotional consequences; in fact, these data suggest that they often achieve improved emotional well-being as a result of their cancer experience. It is possible that these women have better emotional outcomes because they have successfully carried a pregnancy while facing a life-threatening illness. Comparisons to other premenopausal breast cancer survivors will be crucial in interpreting these findings. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-11-02.
Ancient Geomagnetic Field Intensities–I Historic and Archaeological Data: Sets H1‐H9*

Regular lists of palaeomagnetic directional data, which are of great benefit to other workers in the field, have been compiled by Irving (1960-1963, 1965) and Irving & Stott (1963). Greater attention is now being paid to determinations of ancient field intensities; hence it is thought that regular tabulation of the results of these would likewise be useful. This first list contains ancient field intensities covering the historic and archaeological time scale that are available up to 1966 December. For the present purpose historic and archaeological time has been defined as the past 10 OOO years; and all results up to this limit have been included. A similar compilation of geological time scale field intensity data is at present being prepared. The results are presented in the accompanying Table. The data from each original author or group of authors have been given a reference number prefixed with the letter H (historic and archaeological). Each individual field intensity determination has also been allocated a number which follows the set number after a dash. Thus, for example, H3-1 (column 2) represents the first field intensity value in the third set of historic and archaeological data (in this case Russian). Ages of the materials used are given in column 3 where dates AD have been expressed as positive numbers and dates BC as negative numbers. The ' age ' of a sample as here recorded refers to the age of the natural remanence and not necessarily to the physical age of the sample. For example, the ' age ' of a piece of pottery will refer to the time at which it was fired, and the ' age ' of a furnace will generally refer to the last time it was used. Data within each set are arranged in order of increasing age. Column 4 shows the material localities as precisely as the original publications will allow; and column 5 gives the type of material used in each determination. Experimental methods are recorded in column 6, where Th refers to the technique developed by Thellier & Thellier (1959) for materials possessing TRM and De refers to artificial sedimentation under water in a laboratory field for materials possessing DRM. The main tests of reliability and precautions taken to obtain reliable results are listed in column 7 where the code letters used refer to the list beneath the Table. The convention used in palaeomagnetism whereby specimens are cut from separately collected samples has also been used here even though samples are frequently unoriented. Numbers of samples and specimens used are given in columns 8 and 9 respectively, but where no distinction has been made between the two in the originals, numbers are entered in column 8. The basic field intensity data are listed in columns 10-13, where applicable, and from these the ancient dipole moments and equatorial field intensities have been calculated assuming an essentially dipolar field. Generally archaeomagnetic directions have not been presented in the originals, and hence in each case the equatorial * Publication authorized by the Director, U.S. Geological Survey.
Characterizing benthic substrates of Santa Monica Bay with seafloor photography and multibeam sonar imagery

Seafloor photography from three cruises is combined with multibeam sonar imagery to characterize benthic substrates and associated fauna of Santa Monica Bay, California. The multibeam EM1000 imagery was collected in 1996. Two sampling cruises (in 1998 and 1999) provided photographs at 142 sites throughout the Bay; a final cruise (in 2000) collected still photographs and continuous video along nine transects on the mainland shelf from Pt. Dume to the Palos Verdes peninsula. Muddy substrates (typically low backscatter) were the predominant habitat throughout the Santa Monica Bay, from the 20 m isobath to the adjacent Santa Monica basin floor (780 m). Bioturbation was pervasive as evidenced by abundant open burrows, mounds, and faunal tracks and trails. Sandy substrates (typically intermediate to high backscatter) were restricted to the innermost mainland shelf and a narrow outer shelf band north of Santa Monica Canyon. Cobble and gravel substrates (high backscatter) were restricted to the innermost shelf south of El Segundo and limited parts of the shelf edge. Rocky substrates (high backscatter) with interspersed patches of sand and gravel occurred on the high-relief marginal plateau and along parts of the shelf break offshore of Malibu.
Foliar oxidative stress and insect herbivory: Primary compounds, secondary metabolites, and reactive oxygen species as components of induced resistance.

Oxidative responses of plants to pathogens and other environmental stresses have received considerable recent attention. We propose that an oxidative response also occurs following attack by herbivores. Our data strongly indicate a shift in the oxidative status of soybean following herbivory by the insectHelicoverpa zea. Herbivory caused significant increases in lipid peroxidation and ·OH radical formation. The activity of several oxidative enzymes including lipoxygenases, peroxidase, diamine oxidase, ascorbate oxidase, and NADH oxidase I increased after herbivory on soybean. The enhanced production of phenolic compounds is indicated by an increase in the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase in wounded tissues. On the other hand, the level of soybean foliar antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, nonprotein thiols, and catalase decreased significantly following herbivory. These results implicate primary compounds (e.g., ascorbic acid, proteins), secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolics), and reactive oxygen species (e.g., hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide) as multiple components of induced resistance. The oxidative changes in the host plant correspond with increased oxidative damage in the midgut of insects feeding on previously wounded plants. Decreases in nonprotein thiols and reduced ascorbic acid occurred in midgut epithelial tissue from insects feeding on wounded plants compared to the insects on control plants. In contrast, midgut hydroperoxides and dehydroascorbic acid concentrations were greater in insects on wounded plants compared to their counterparts on control plants. We conclude that oxidative responses in soybean may have both positive and negative effects upon the host plant: a decrease in herbivory and an increase in oxidative damage to the plant. The salient benefit to the plant, in terms of insect resistance, is the relative balance between these opposing effects.
Four thousand years of hysteria.

Abstract We have briefly noted that the principal models used to conceptualize hysteria, following historical trends, have been organic, demonological, neurological, psychological and social-communicative. This mutable disorder has mirrored the medical and social-intellectual scene for thousands of years. Our current nomenclature (hysterical neurosis) reflects medical history in that it combines two metaphors originating more than 2500 years apart. But it is an anachronism rooted in an organic model more appropriate to 1770 than to 1970. George Rosen's historical sociology has shown that "From the eighteenth century to the present there has existed the concept that social stress is in some way related to the causation of mental illness." 19 The term "hysterical neurosis" seems to ignore this important intellectual trend.
Wind farms participation in frequency regulation and its impact on power system damping

The impact of the participation of wind farms in frequency regulation in power system damping is studied. Two schemes to participate in frequency regulation are considered, which are based on inertial response and power reserve. Using a 15-bus test system, a small-signal stability analysis is performed for several loading conditions and synchronous generators (SGs) inertia. The impact of WTGs participating through power reserve is found to be minimal; eigenvalues for practical purposes are the same than when WTGs do not participate in frequency regulation. When WTGs participate in frequency regulation through inertial response, the power system damping is considerably altered and the location of WTGs has an important role. For the considered test system, the largest increase in power system damping is obtained when WTGs are connected closer to the generator with less inertia. These results are promising as they can lead to useful metrics or rules for planning purposes.
Wind speed influence on phytoplankton bloom dynamics in the Southern Ocean Marginal Ice Zone

Analysis of satellite ocean color and wind speed data within the seasonal ice zone (SIZ) of the Southern Ocean sheds light on the physical processes that influence phytoplankton biomass distributions. A compilation of monthly averaged chlorophyll and percent sea ice cover data within the SIZ from 1997 to 2005 has been compared with monthly average wind speed data from 1999 to 2005. The size of the marginal ice zone (MIZ, areas of recent ice retreat) was fairly consistent from year to year, always peaking in December, with a mean area of 6.0 million km2. The mean area within the MIZ with phytoplankton blooms (chlorophyll exceeding 0.8 mg/m3) was 0.36 million km2. While the bloom areal extent seems small compared to the MIZ, in reality, because of gaps in the chlorophyll data, blooming regions comprise a much larger fraction of the MIZ. Considering only areas with valid chlorophyll data, the percentage of the MIZ with blooms was 17%, 21%, and 24% for the months of December, January, and February, respectively. December always has the largest MIZ area, but MIZ mean chlorophyll concentrations sometimes do not peak until February. Wind speed strongly impacts phytoplankton bloom dynamics within the MIZ. There is an inverse relation between wind speed and bloom occurrence, with blooms largely suppressed at high wind speeds. At low wind speeds (∼5 m/s), blooms are observed over about one third of the MIZ. Blooms are also much more frequent near the continent than in offshore waters, likely due to increased iron availability. Open ocean phytoplankton blooms in the Southern Ocean are likely to become iron-light co-limited except in regions where the mixed layer depth is relatively shallow.
Role of progesterone and estrogen in development of uterine tone in mares.

Abstract In two experiments (30 mares/experiment), the uterus was recorded as having flaccid tone characteristic of estrus or seasonal anestrus (tone score 1), intermediate tone characteristic of diestrus (tone score 2), or increased or maximal tone characteristic of early pregnancy (tone score 3 or 4). In Experiment I (five mares/group), uterine tone in seasonally anovulatory mares was not altered significantly from the flaccid state by daily administration of 100 mg progesterone plus 1 mg estradiol 17β or 1 mg estradiol 17β alone. Uterine tone in seasonally anovulatory mares receiving 100 mg progesterone alone increased to intermediate level (score 2; P
New infinite families of simple 5-designs

A t-(ν, k, λ) design is a pair (X, B), where B is a collection of k-subsets (called blocks) from a ν-set X such that each t-subset of X occurs in exactly λ, blocks of B. A design (X, B) is called simple if no block of B is repeated; and trivial if each k-subset of X occurs precisely m times in B. For 0 ⩽ i ⩽ t, λi = λ · (t⇔ν−i)(t−ik−i) denotes the number of blocks of the design passing through any i-subset of X. Generalizing a recent result of T. van Trung (Math. Z. 187 (1984), 285–287), we show that if there exists a t − (ν, k, λ) design and if s < ν is a positive integer for which λ0(λ0−λ1)<(kv)(sν + s)−1), then there exists a t −(ν + s, k, λ · (s ν + s −t)) design. Using Alltop's family of 5 - (2n + 2, 2n−1 + 1, (2n−1 − 3)(2n−2 −1)) designs we construct new infinite families of simple, non-trivial 5-(2n + 2 + s, 2n−1 + 1, (s2n + s − 3)(2n−1 − 3)(2n−2 − 1)) designs for each s ⩾ 2 and n sufficiently larger New families of 4-designs are also constructed.
Bcl6 Mediates the Development of T Follicular Helper Cells

A fundamental function of CD4+ helper T (TH) cells is the regulation of B cell–mediated humoral immunity. Development of T follicular helper (TFH) cells that provide help to B cells is mediated by the cytokines interleukin-6 and interleukin-21 but is independent of TH1, TH2, and TH17 effector cell lineages. Here, we characterize the function of Bcl6, a transcription factor selectively expressed in TFH cells. Bcl6 expression is regulated by interleukin-6 and interleukin-21. Bcl6 overexpression induced TFH-related gene expression and inhibited other TH lineage cell differentiation in a DNA binding–dependent manner. Moreover, Bcl6 deficiency in T cells resulted in impaired TFH cell development and germinal center reactions, and altered production of other effector T cell subsets. Our data thus illustrate that Bcl6 is required for programming of TFH cell generation.
Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Mucormycosis: Examining the Evidence

Despite aggressive antifungal therapy and surgical intervention, mortality and clinical response rates for invasive mucormycosis infections remain suboptimal. Combination therapy with other antifungal agents, immunosuppressive drugs, and various other agents, have been studied as a means to improve outcomes. However, most clinical outcomes data evaluating combination therapy are from case series and case reports, and the majority of comparative data derives from in vitro models and animal studies. Thus, this review evaluates the rationale and risks of various combinations for the treatment of invasive mucormycosis infections.
Is There Any Difference in Outcomes Between Long Pigtail and Short Flanged Prophylactic Pancreatic Duct Stents

Prophylactic pancreatic duct (PD) stent placement has been shown to reduce the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) especially in high-risk patients. However, there is no consensus on the best type of PD stent. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the differences in the outcomes between long (>3 cm) pigtail and short (≤3 cm) flanged 4 Fr Freeman Pancreatic Flexi-Stents in preventing PEP. We retrospectively reviewed all ERCP procedures performed between 08/01/2006 and 10/01/2007 by one of two experienced endoscopists (>5 years of experience) with the assistance of a trainee. Patient data was collected for indications, risk factors for PEP, type and reason for PD stent, complications, and any mortality. The PD stent was removed endoscopically if it was still in place on abdominal X-ray done 2 weeks post-ERCP. The data was analyzed with Student's t test, Chi-square, and ANOVA tests by using SPSS software version 15.0. Out of a total of 753 ERCP procedures, 179 (23.8%) required either long or short prophylactic PD stents. The incidence of PEP was 3.7% versus 13.6% for long and short stent groups, respectively (p = 0.019). Spontaneous stent dislodgement rate was 95.4% versus 81.8% for long and short stent groups, respectively (p = 0.007). There was no difference in non-pancreatic complications between the two stent groups. There was no procedure-related mortality. Long (>3 cm) pigtail PD stent due to their specific design showed better outcomes as compared to short (<3 cm) flanged PD stent in preventing PEP and spontaneous stent dislodgement rates. However, further prospective trials are needed.
Free surface and saturated-unsaturated analyses of borehole infiltration tests above the water table

Abstract Constant head borehole infiltration tests are widely used for the in situ evaluation of saturated hydraulic conductivities of unsaturated soils above the water table. The formulae employed in analysing the results of such tests disregard the fact that some of the infiltrating water may flow under unsaturated conditions. Instead, these formulae are based on various approximations of the classical free surface theory which treats the flow region as if it were fully saturated and enclosed within a distinct envelope, the so-called ‘free surface’. A finite element model capable of solving free surface problems is used to examine the mathematical accuracy of the borehole infiltration formulae. The results show that in the hypothetical case where unsaturated flow does not exist, the approximate formulae are reasonably accurate within·a practical range of borehole conditions. To see what happens under conditions closer to those actually encountered in the field, the effect of unsaturated flow on borehole infiltration is investigated by means of two different numerical models: a mixed explicit-implicit finite element model, and a mixed explicit-implicit integrated finite difference model. Both of these models give nearly identical results; however, the integrated finite difference model is considerably faster than the finite element model. The relatively low computational efficiency of the finite element scheme is attributed to the large number of operations required in order to re-evaluate the conductivity (stiffness) matrix at each iteration in this highly non-linear saturated-unsaturated flow problem. The saturated-unsaturated analysis demonstrates that the classical free surface approach provides a distorted picture of the flow pattern in the soil. Contrary to what one would expect on the basis of this theory, only a finite region of the soil in the immediate vicinity of the borehole is saturated, whereas a significant percentage of the flow takes place under unsaturated conditions. As a consequence of disregarding unsaturated flow, the available formulae may underestimate the saturated hydraulic conductivity of fine grained soils by a factor of two, three, or more. Our saturated-unsaturated analysis leads to an improved design of borehole infiltration tests and a more accurate method for interpreting the results of such tests. The analysis also shows how one can predict the steady state rate of infiltration from data collected during the early transient period of the test.
Agonist peptide from a cytotoxic t-lymphocyte epitope of human carcinoembryonic antigen stimulates production of tc1-type cytokines and increases tyrosine phosphorylation more efficiently than cognate peptide.

The identification of an agonist peptide (YLSGADLNL, designated CAP1-6D) to an immunodominant cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope (designated CAP1) of human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has previously been reported. The agonist peptide harbors a single amino acid substitution at a non-MHC anchor residue and is proposed to exert its effects at the level of the T-cell receptor (TCR). The type and magnitude of cytokines produced by CAP1-reactive CTL upon stimulation with the agonist peptide, CAP1-6D, were compared to those obtained upon stimulation with the cognate CAP1 peptide. In addition, early events in the TCR signaling pathway were examined for differences in tyrosine phosphorylation. Upon stimulation with the agonist peptide CAP1-6D, several different CEA-specific CTL lines exhibited a marked shift in the peptide dose response, which resulted in as much as a 1,000-fold increase in the levels of GM-CSF and γ-IFN produced as compared with the use of the CAP1 peptide. However, levels of IL-4 and IL-10, which are associated with anti-inflammatory effects, were very low or non-existent. The cytokine profile of CAP1- and CAP1-6D-specific CTL is consistent with a Tc1-type CTL. Consistent with these findings, CEA-specific CTL showed increased tyrosine phosphorylation of TCR signaling proteins ZAP-70 and TCR ζ chains in response to both peptides. However, when CAP1-6D was compared with the wild-type peptide, the increase in ZAP-70 phosphorylation was greater than the increase in ζ phosphorylation. CTL generated with the CAP1-6D agonist were shown capable of lysis of human carcinoma cells expressing native CEA. The ability to upregulate the production of GM-CSF, γ-IFN, TNFα and IL-2 with the agonist peptide, as compared with CAP1, may help in initiating or sustaining anti-tumor immune responses and thus potentially prove to be useful in the treatment of CEA-positive tumors. Int. J. Cancer 85:829–838, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa serological analysis in young children with cystic fibrosis diagnosed through newborn screening.

Background With newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF), eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is possible if PA detection occurs early. A serological response to infection likely precedes culture positivity in CF patients, so PA serological testing is very appealing in this population. However, controversies continue to exist about serology testing, titer cutoffs for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibody tests, and their value in children with CF. Methods This longitudinal, prospective study collected respiratory secretions as oropharyngeal swabs or expectorated sputum for culture and also sera over 6 years in 69 patients diagnosed by NBS. Serology assessed PA antibody titers against cell lysate, exotoxin A, and elastase. A novel statistical approach with weighted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to determine best antibody titer cutoff values to predict subsequent PA positive cultures. Results Using these weighted ROC curves, the order of sensitivity was found to be cell lysate, exotoxin A, and then elastase while age-specific cutoffs were better than fixed cutoffs previously used. Age-specific serological cutoffs both predict and detect PA respiratory infections with a higher sensitivity and specificity. Serological responses to the PA antigens determined that a response to cell lysate occurs significantly earlier than culture positivity. Conclusions Age-specific serological cutoffs rather than fixed values against common PA antigens improve early PA identification in infants and young children diagnosed with NBS. Regular serological assessment with age-specific cutoffs in these children appears to be a worthy diagnostic tool. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:55–61. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fabrication and characterization of non-linear parabolic microporous membranes

Large scale fabrication of non-linear microporous membranes is of technological importance in many applications ranging from separation to microfluidics. However, their fabrication using traditional techniques is limited in scope. We report on fabrication and characterization of non-linear parabolic micropores (PMS) in polymer membranes by utilizing flow properties of fluids. The shape of the fabricated PMS corroborated well with simplified Navier-Stokes equation describing parabolic relationship of the form L - t1/2. Here, L is a measure of the diameter of the fabricated micropores during flow time (t). The surface of PMS is smooth due to fluid surface tension at fluid-air interface. We demonstrate fabrication of PMS using curable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The parabolic shape of micropores was a result of interplay between horizontal and vertical fluid movements due to capillary, viscoelastic, and gravitational forces. We also demonstrate fabrication of asymmetric "off-centered PMS" and an array of PMS membranes using this simple fabrication technique. PMS containing membranes with nanoscale dimensions are also possible by controlling the experimental conditions. The present method provides a simple, easy to adopt, and energy efficient way for fabricating non-linear parabolic shape pores at microscale. The prepared parabolic membranes may find applications in many areas including separation, parabolic optics, micro-nozzles / -valves / -pumps, and microfluidic and microelectronic delivery systems.
Lipomas compressing the radial nerve at the elbow

Four patients have been treated for compression of the radial nerve by lipomas at the elbow. The treatment of all cases was surgical excision with complete resolution. Lipomas are a very common tumor but infrequently cause nerve compression symptoms.
Status of Fish Populations in Georgia Ponds 1‐4 Years after Stocking

Abstract Two hundred and twenty-five randomly selected Georgia ponds stocked with bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from state hatcheries in 1975-1976 were surveyed 1 year after stocking largemouth bass to determine the state of balance of their populations and the key factors associated with unbalanced ponds. The same ponds were examined again 4 years later. The percentage of balanced ponds 1 year after stocking, from analyses of seine catches in 205 of the ponds, was 31%; 4 years after stocking it was 37%. These two percentages were not significantly different. Poor physical features and improper fertilization practices were significant factors in unbalanced ponds. Time of stocking was significant for ponds in temporary balance. Recommended improvements in the state's pond-stocking program included stocking at the unfertilized rate, performing pre-stocking evaluations, improving the quality of information recorded on fish ap...
Relaxation of optically pumped Cs in wall-coated cells.

Low spin-relaxation rates of optically pumped Cs atoms are obtained in paraffin-wall-coated cells. The data are analyzed to determine the electron randomization rate for cesium-wall collisions. Pumping of cesium atoms by the paraffin wall coating is also observed.
Monitoring and Inhibiting MT1-MMP during Cancer Initiation and Progression

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a zinc-dependent type-I transmembrane metalloproteinase involved in pericellular proteolysis, migration and invasion. Numerous substrates and binding partners have been identified for MT1-MMP, and its role in collagenolysis appears crucial for tumor invasion. However, development of MT1-MMP inhibitors must consider the substantial functions of MT1-MMP in normal physiology and disease prevention. The present review examines the plethora of MT1-MMP activities, how these activities relate to cancer initiation and progression, and how they can be monitored in real time. Examination of MT1-MMP activities and cell surface behaviors can set the stage for the development of unique, selective MT1-MMP inhibitors.
Packet classification on multiple fields

Routers classify packets to determine which flow they belong to, and to decide what service they should receive. Classification may, in general, be based on an arbitrary number of fields in the packet header. Performing classification quickly on an arbitrary number of fields is known to be difficult, and has poor worst-case performance. In this paper, we consider a number of classifiers taken from real networks. We find that the classifiers contain considerable structure and redundancy that can be exploited by the classification algorithm. In particular, we find that a simple multi-stage classification algorithm, called RFC (recursive flow classification), can classify 30 million packets per second in pipelined hardware, or one million packets per second in software.
The employment relationship: un-tied or re-tied?

Executive Overview Employment relationships in the United States are under attack. As American companies attempt to become internationally competitive, many people see a new cooperative employment relationship being created. However, given the recent business environment during the past ten years—lay offs. wage and benefit reductions, and harder work—a cooperative relationship seems unlikely. This article starts by presenting divergent views on the definition of cooperation, how viewing the organization as family is dysfunctional, the Human Resource Department's role, and the question of unequal power between management and the employee. Several new employment relationships are starting to appear. Three types are examined here: core, contractual, and flexible. These new relationships, particularly the core one. reflect the changing nature of work and the work force in America. If we are to move to a cooperative relationship, these changes in employment relationships are going to require changes in manager...
Sepiapterin attenuates 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells transfected with neuronal NOS: Role of tetrahydrobiopterin, nitric oxide, and proteasome activation

Abstract In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of toxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), an ultimate toxic metabolite of a mitochondrial neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, that causes parkinsonism in experimental animals and humans. Using wild-type and human neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) stably transfected neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y), we showed that nNOS overexpression in SH-SY5Y cells greatly enhanced proteasome activity and mitigated MPP+-induced apoptosis. During MPP+-induced oxidative stress, intracellular BH4 levels decreased, resulting in nNOS “uncoupling” (i.e., switching from nitric oxide to superoxide generation). Increasing the intracellular BH4 levels by sepiapterin supplementation restored the nNOS activity, inhibited superoxide formation, increased proteasome activity, decreased protein ubiquitination, and attenuated apoptosis in MPP+-treated cells. Implications of BH4 depletion in dopaminergic cells and sepiapterin supplementation to augment the striatal nNOS activity in the pathogenesis mechanism and treatment of Parkinson disease are discussed.
Corneal integrins and their functions

Integrins were first described just over 20 years ago and have been studied in the cornea by many groups interested in how the cornea functions in health and disease. There are a minimum of 12 different integrin heterodimers reported to be expressed by the major resident cells of the cornea: the corneal and limbal epithelial cells, keratocytes/fibroblasts, and corneal endothelial cells. These different integrin heterodimers play important and varied roles in maintaining the cornea and organizing how its cells interact with their surrounding extracellular matrix to maintain corneal clarity. In this review, an overview of the discovery and functions of integrins is provided along with a description of the current state of our knowledge of this large family of important proteins. While we have learned a lot about corneal integrins over the past 20 years, there is still much to learn. Areas where gaps in our knowledge of integrin functions in the cornea are slowing our progress in understanding corneal diseases and dystrophies at a molecular level are highlighted.
An Input-Training Neural Network Approach for Gross Error Detection and Sensor Replacement

Input-Training Neural Networks (IT-nets) are a nonlinear method for data dimensionality reduction. Starting from a large set of original variables (sensor measurements), an IT-net is trained to determine a smaller set of latent variables and a (neural-network based) model for reproducing the original variables from the latent ones. IT-nets achieve this task through input training, in which each input pattern (containing values of the latent variables) is not fixed but adjusted along with internal network parameters to reproduce its corresponding output pattern (the values of the original variables). Once trained, the network can be used to determine the latent variables (as trained inputs) for any new pattern of measured variables. Dimensionality reduction with IT-net allows process monitoring tasks such as missing sensor replacement, sensor error detection and rectification.
Effect of Intratracheal Dexamethasone on Oleic Acid-induced Lung Injury in the Rat

The therapeutic efficacy of single-dose intratracheal dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg) in oleic acid-induced acute lung injury in the rat was established by showing significant improvement in bronchoalveolar lavage parameters and lung compliance at 24 h after oleic acid as compared with animals not treated with oleic acid. An equivalent dose of intraperitoneal dexamethasone demonstrated no therapeutic benefit at 24 h after oleic acid. The therapeutic effect of this single-dose intratracheal dexamethasone regimen was accompanied by recovery to normal bronchoalveolar parameters and lung compliance at 7 days, in contrast to previous observations made with high-dose sustained intraperitoneal dexamethasone (4 mg/kg for 7 days). This improved benefit:toxicity ratio of intratracheal dexamethasone compared with systemic dexamethasone may be due to enhanced topical anti-inflammatory potency relative to systemic potency and toxicity.
Global exposure models for automotive coating photo-oxidation

Abstract Successful prediction of long-term weatherability performance of organic coatings in different markets requires an understanding of the relationship between the rate of weathering in specific outdoor and accelerated tests with those observed in the field within that market. Since the rate of weathering is, to a large extent, controlled by the rate of coating photo-oxidation, the development of such relationships requires the following information: (1) identification of the critical environmental variables that control photo-oxidation rate; (2) determination of the dependence of the rate of photo-oxidation for coatings of interest on those variables; (3) determination of the distribution of the values of the critical variables in the given market relative to those for the controlled exposure. For general polymer photo-oxidation, the critical environmental variables are well known: light intensity, wavelength distribution, and temperature. For some polymeric materials, including those widely used in automotive coatings, humidity and moisture also play an important role in weathering. In this paper, three specific models for the dependences of coating photo-oxidation on these variables are developed. Using these models and measured or calculated distributions of light intensity, wavelength, temperature and humidity in specific automotive markets, predictions are made of the length of time required for standard outdoor exposures to insure performance in those markets.
Effects of fabrication errors on the performance of cylindrical diffractive lenses: rigorous boundary-element method and scalar approximation

The effects of fabrication errors on the performance of collimating finite-thickness cylindrical diffractive lenses with eight discrete levels are investigated with a rigorous boundary-element method and a scalar approach. The photolithographic fabrication errors considered are mask alignment errors, exposure errors (that result in linewidth errors), and etch-depth errors. A cylindrical Gaussian beam of TE or TM polarization is incident upon the resulting lenses. Lenses of F/4, F/2, and F/1.4 are examined. The diffraction efficiencies of the lenses with fabrication errors are generally lower than the error-free lenses with the most severe performance degradation occurring for mask misalignment and exposure errors.
A subset of dorsal neurons modulates circadian behavior and light responses in Drosophila.

Summary A fundamental property of circadian rhythms is their ability to persist under constant conditions. In Drosophila , the ventral Lateral Neurons (LNvs) are the pacemaker neurons driving circadian behavior under constant darkness. Wild-type flies are arrhythmic under constant illumination, but flies defective for the circadian photoreceptor CRY remain rhythmic. We found that flies overexpressing the pacemaker gene per or the morgue gene are also behaviorally rhythmic under constant light. Unexpectedly, the LNvs do not drive these rhythms: they are molecularly arrhythmic, and PDF—the neuropeptide they secrete to synchronize behavioral rhythms under constant darkness—is dispensable for rhythmicity in constant light. Molecular circadian rhythms are only found in a group of Dorsal Neurons: the DN1s. Thus, a subset of Dorsal Neurons shares with the LNvs the ability to function as pacemakers for circadian behavior, and its importance is promoted by light.