cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of multistriatin enantiomers and their action onScolytus multistriatus (Coleoptera:Scolytidae)

A pheromone mixture containing enantiomerically pure (−)-α-multistriatin of known absolute configuration prepared by total synthesis was found to be as attractive as the natural pheromone to the smaller European elm bark beetle,Scolytus multistriatus, a vector of Dutch elm disease. Its (+)-enantiomer, on the other hand, was no more active than controls in both laboratory and field tests, and at high levels it appeared to inhibit the response to the (−)-enantiomer.
New protein sequenator with increased sensitivity

New developments in automated amino acid sequence analysis permit a 10^4-fold increase in sensitivity (to ~ 10-picomole level) over that initially described by Per Edman in 1967.
FEEDING ECOLOGY OF FOUR SYMPATRIC OWLS

Four species of owls, Great Horned (Bubo virginianus), Long-eared ( Asio otus), Burrowing (Speotyto cunicularia), and Barn (Tyto alba), which occur together on the short-grass prairie and farmland of north-central Colorado, were selected for a study of feeding ecology. The purpose of this study was to assess the overlap in foods of the four owls and to examine feeding mechanisms which allow them to coexist. Primary objectives were (1) to analyze and compare the food habits of each owl species considering frequency of occurrence of prey species and biomass contributed by each prey species, and (2) to describe and evaluate the primary factors involved in capture of prey by the four owl species. Few studies have been attempted in relation to the feeding of owls in this geographic area and none was a long-term study. Reed (1957) examined Barn Owl pellets from Larimer County, and Kelso (1938) and Hamilton (1941) noted Burrowing Owl foods in the Denver area. Catlett et al. (1958) studied foods of Long-eared Owls near Boulder, and Long and Kerfoot (1963) listed Great Horned Owl foods from east-central Wyoming. Most abundant of these owls is the Great Horned. This species, a permanent resident of the area, is extremely versatile in both its nesting and feeding, allowing it to utilize a wide variety of habitats. The Burrowing Owl is abundant during summer. Burrowing Owls are restricted to open lands with available nesting and roosting sites in abandoned mammal burrows, chiefly those of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Arriving by mid-April, they spend about 6 months in the area before returning south in midto late October. Barn Owls are less common. Northcentral Colorado is close to the northern limits of this species' range and some may move south in winter. However, some remain through the year. Rock cliffs or ditch banks are sought for nesting and roosting by Barn Owls. Long-eared Owls are also uncommon. They appear to be nomadic-there one year and gone the next. Low, dense coniferous or deciduous trees attract them for nesting and roosting. A number of other vertebrate predators are present in this area whose diets may overlap with those of the four owl species. Other avian predators are the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Marsh Hawk (Circus cyaneus), Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Swainson's Hawk (B. swainsoni), Rough-legged Hawk (B. lagopus), Ferruginous Hawk (B. regalis), American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), Prairie Falcon (F. mexicanus), and Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). Mammalian predators include red fox (Vulpes fulva), coyote (Canis latrans), raccoon (Procyon lotor), American badger (Taxidea taxus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and longtailed weasel (Mustela frenata). The more abundant reptilian predators are the gopher snake (Pituophus melanoleucus) and prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). The research was carried out from Decem-
An implementation of Sakai open source course management system in post-secondary education

Course management system (CMS) is expected to be a part of major system developments in educational intitutions as the information technology continues to emerge into all levels of education. Particularly, this trend has also been expanded to all post-secondary institutions. Indeed, the adoption of packaged commercial CMS (e.g. WebCT and Blackboard) is a common practice in most institutions, yet it is often lack of flexibility to satisfy the special needs in the institutions, especially in our community college. In addition to the issue of system design, a long-term financial commitment and the high cost of system maintenance are expected, which stands as the stumbling block in the college development. To solve our challenges, we have adopted the Sakai Collaboration and Learning Environment (CLE) [1] that offers an open and community source framework. In this paper, we propose a practical implementation method based on our design experience on our newly developed CMS using the Sakai project platform. Our approach is a cost effective solution with minimum resources usage such as the size of the development team, project time frame, and hardware requirements. In addition, technical backgrounds including the system architecture, software installation, tools development and system enhancements will be introduced and explained in details. We believe our experience in CMS development and research findings can make a significant contribution to the post-secondary institutions, especially in Hong Kong.
Rickettsia Sca2 is a bacterial formin-like mediator of actin-based motility

Diverse intracellular pathogens subvert the host actin-polymerization machinery to drive movement within and between cells during infection. Rickettsia in the spotted fever group (SFG) are Gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens that undergo actin-based motility and assemble distinctive 'comet tails' that consist of long, unbranched actin filaments. Despite this distinct organization, it was proposed that actin in Rickettsia comet tails is nucleated by the host Arp2/3 complex and the bacterial protein RickA, which assemble branched actin networks. However, a second bacterial gene, sca2, was recently implicated in actin-tail formation by R. rickettsii. Here, we demonstrate that Sca2 is a bacterial actin-assembly factor that functionally mimics eukaryotic formin proteins. Sca2 nucleates unbranched actin filaments, processively associates with growing barbed ends, requires profilin for efficient elongation, and inhibits the activity of capping protein, all properties shared with formins. Sca2 localizes to the Rickettsia surface and is sufficient to promote the assembly of actin filaments in cytoplasmic extract. These results suggest that Sca2 mimics formins to determine the unique organization of actin filaments in Rickettsia tails and drive bacterial motility, independently of host nucleators.
Prevalence of High C-Reactive Protein in Persons with Serum Lipid Concentrations within Recommended Values

Background: C-Reactive protein (CRP) has been shown to be a strong predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD) and is being considered in cardiovascular disease risk assessment. The number of normolipidemic individuals who are eligible for evaluation of CRP in overall CHD risk assessment is not known. Methods: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2000 and computed the prevalence of high CRP (>3 mg/L) among normolipidemic adults. We also computed the prevalence among individuals free of CHD and diabetes. In addition, we examined the prevalence stratified by body mass index. Results: The prevalence of high CRP among those with lipid concentrations within recommended values ranged from 28.8% to 35.3%, depending on the lipid fraction examined. Exclusion of individuals with CHD or diabetes and those with CRP concentrations >10 mg/L reduced the prevalence range (23.1–27.1%). Prevalence increased with increasing body mass index. Conclusions: In 2000, ∼12 million adults in the United States considered normolipidemic had high CRP concentrations. Additional studies to explore the role of CRP in cardiovascular disease risk assessment are needed.
Effect of chemical modification strategy on the characteristics of copper-67-Labeled immunoconjugates, Part I: Immunoreactivity

AbstractThe synthetic porphyrins N-benzyl-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (N-bzHTCPP) and N-4-nitrobenzyl-5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris(4-sulfophenyl)porphine (NbzHCS3P) represent excellent radiocopper chelating agents that may find utility in antibody-mediated diagnosis and/or therapy. Detailed analyses were performed to explore the effect of the chemical modification strategy on the characteristics of immunoconjugates prepared from the anti—renal cell carcinoma monoclonal antibody A6H and N-bzHCS3P. The parameters included in the study were antibody type [intact A6H and two of its fragments, half A6H and A6H-F(ab’)2], chemical linkage type and site, the presence or absence of intermediate linker molecules, and the nature of the chemical modification steps employed. The immunoconjugate synthesized by directly coupling N-bzHCS3P to whole antibody retained 75–85% of the immunoreactivity of the unmodified antibody. In general, however, immunoconjugates prepared using the fragments or the in...
Intercostal nerve transfer for brachial plexopathy

Thirteen patients with traumatic brachial plexopathy underwent intercostal nerve transfer to the biceps motor branch (9 patients) or combined gracilis muscle and intercostal nerve transfer (4 patients; 3 for elbow flexion and 1 for elbow extension). Follow-up time ranged from 12 to 48 months (mean, 25 months) on 12 patients. Useful elbow flexion or extension was obtained in a total of 9 patients. Comparison of pre- and postoperative spirometry in 4 patients demonstrated a mild decline in pulmonary function, although there was no subjective change in respiratory status. Intercostal nerve transfer and combined gracilis muscle and intercostal nerve transfer are viable, although technically demanding, alternatives for restoring active elbow motion in patients with irreparable brachial plexus lesions when conventional tendon transfers are not feasible. The morbidity of intercostal nerve harvest with respect to pulmonary function is minimal.
An interactive query system for MPS solution information

This paper describes the design, development and use of an interactive query system for the MPS solution. A packed data structure is presented which reduces the storage requirement of the file by an order of magnitude allowing larger files to be resident in core. The language syntax is described and examples are presented.
Alternative production of calcitonin and CGRP mRNA is regulated at the calcitonin-specific splice acceptor

Alternative splicing of eukaryotic messenger RNA precursors represents a common mechanism for generating multiple transcripts from a single gene. Although there has been increasing information concerning the sequence requirements and the biochemical mechanisms involved in the constitutive splicing of primary RNA transcripts, very little is known about the sequences or mechanisms which determine alternative RNA-processing events in complex transcription units. The calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) primary RNA transcript undergoes tissue-specific alternative processing, resulting in the differential production of calcitonin mRNA in thyroid C cells and CGRP mRNA in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these alternative RNA processing events, we have examined the nucleotide sequences involved in the production of calcitonin and CGRP mRNAs. Analyses of HeLa and F9 cell lines transfected with a variety of mutant calcitonin/CGRP transcription units have demonstrated that alternative splice-site selection is primarily regulated by cis-active element(s) near the calcitonin-specific 3'-splice junction. We suggest that the tissue-specific pattern of alternative RNA processing is conferred by sequence information at the calcitonin-specific acceptor which serves to inhibit the production of calcitonin transcripts in CGRP-producing cells.
Cultivating a Professional Ethic in Covering Marginalized Populations Learning about the Poor through Service-learning

As communications students learn to tell stories, the curriculum should teach them to cover diverse groups accurately. Scholars have studied coverage of diversity in gender, nationality, ethnicity,...
Water-vapor conductance of testudinian and crocodilian eggs (class reptilia)

Flexible-shelled eggs of snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) have conductances to water vapor that are 55 times higher than predicted for avian eggs of similar size, whereas rigid-shelled eggs of softshell turtles (Trionyx spiniferus) and American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) have conductances that are only five times higher than expected for comparable eggs of birds. The differences between empirical and predicted values result from the much higher effective pore areas in reptilian eggshells than in those of birds. The relatively high porosities of these reptilian eggs presumably facilitate the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide eggshells in later stages of incubation when air trapped inside nest chambers may become hypoxic and hypercapnic, yet seem not to lead to excessive transpiration of water vapor owing to the high humidities in nests where incubation occurs.
Olfactory sensitivity in the black-billed magpie and in the pigeon

Abstract 1. 1. Changes in respiration frequency were used to evaluate the olfactory sensitivity of the black-billed magpie and the pigeon to ethanethiol, butanethiol, menthol and putrid meat odorants. 2. 2. The threshold concentrations of ethanethiol and butanethiol, but not menthol, were lower in the magpies than in the pigeons. Only the magpies responded to the putrid meat odorant. 3. 3. The greater responsiveness of the magpies to ethanethiol, butanethiol and putrid meat odorants is attributed to the biological relevance which these odors have for them.
Independent Control of Aging and Axon Regeneration

Axon regeneration capacity often declines with age. One might assume that loss of regeneration is an obvious consequence of organismal aging. However, in the latest issue of Neuron, Byrne et al. (2014) demonstrate that regeneration ability and aging are regulated cell-autonomously within neurons, and can be decoupled.
A rapid method for determining the carbohydrate component of dietary fibre

Abstract A simplified procedure for the determination of the non-starch polysaccharides in foods is described. Starch is removed by treatment with heat-stable α-amylase and resistant starch by treating with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and amyloglucosidase. Total neutral sugars and uronic acids are then measured colorimetrically in the acid hydrolysates of the starch-free material. The method is more rapid than the complex fractionation procedures (Southgate, 1969; Selvendran et al., 1979; Englyst, 1981) but does not provide a detailed composition. The time per sample compares favourably with the gravimetric assay of Asp et al. (1983) and a direct measure of the carbohydrate content of the dietary fibre fraction is obtained. The results compare favourably with those obtained by the complex method of Englyst et al. (1982). The method is applicable to a range of foods, both raw and cooked, and should have application in the routine analysis of dietary fibre since it is comparatively rapid and does not require complex or expensive equipment.
Performance-based outcomes of inpatient rehabilitation facilities treating hip fracture patients in the United States.

Abstract Objective To examine the influence of facility and aggregate patient characteristics of inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) on performance-based rehabilitation outcomes in a national sample of IRFs treating Medicare beneficiaries with hip fracture. Design Secondary data analysis. Setting U.S. Medicare-certified IRFs (N=983). Participants Data included patient records of Medicare beneficiaries (N=34,364) admitted in 2009 for rehabilitation after hip fracture. Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Performance-based outcomes included mean motor function on discharge, mean motor change (mean motor score on discharge minus mean motor score on admission), and percentage discharged to the community. Results Higher mean motor function on discharge was explained by aggregate characteristics of patients with hip fracture (lower age [ P =.009], lower percentage of blacks [ P P P =.030], higher motor function on admission [ P P P P P =.048], smaller IRFs [ P =.014]). The findings were similar for motor change, but motor change was also associated with lower mean cognitive function on admission ( P =.008). Higher percentage discharged to the community was associated with aggregate patient characteristics (lower age [ P P =.009], higher percentage of patients living with others [ P P Conclusions Performance-based measurement offers health policymakers, administrators, clinicians, and consumers a major opportunity for securing health system improvement by benchmarking or comparing their outcomes with those of other similar facilities. These results might serve as the basis for benchmarking and quality-based reimbursement to IRFs for 1 impairment group: hip fracture.
Making Engineering Education Fun

Maintaining student interest is more than an academic exercise. Institutions or departments that fail to challenge and actively involve their students in the learning process risk losing them to competing programs where the curricula are more dynamic and relevant. Within the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Oregon State University, we continually seek innovative ways to promote student retention while maintaining academic excellence. One recent effort was to restructure a first-year nuclear engineering/health physics course. Using nuclear techniques, students were required to solve a fictitious murder. In the process they learned about teamwork, nuclear forensics methods, radiation protection, and basic radiation interactions. The class members were brought into the mystery playing the part of “graduate students” who helped their police-detective uncle solve the case. To assist in their investigation the students subpoenaed expert “witnesses” to educate them on nuclear principles. The students, through homework, explained their actions, methods, and reasoning to a nontechnical participant (their “uncle“). By building on knowledge gained through interviews and homework, the students were able to solve the mystery. This mode of teaching requires extensive hands-on faculty participation. However, the potential long-term benefit is increased comprehension of course content as well as greater student interest and retention.
Viscous starting jets

The transient motion which is produced when a viscous incompressible fluid is forced from an initial state of rest is studied. The equations for unsteady particle paths, written in terms of similarity variables, are analyzed as a quasi-autonomous system with the Reynolds number treated as a parameter. By finding and classifying critical points in the system's phase portrait, the flow structure is examined. It is shown that: (1) bifurcations in the phase portrait occur at specific values of the Reynolds number of the flow in question, and (2) the exact solutions of the Stokes equations for the low-Reynolds-number limit contain two critical Reynolds numbers and three distinct states of motion which culminate in the onset of a vortex roll-up.
Effects of Activity and Temperature on Aerobic and Anaerobic Metabolism in the Galapagos Marine Iguana

1 Standard and maximal levels of oxygen consumption, and lactate production during burst activity were determined in the Galapagos marine iguana,Amblyrhynchus cristatus. This semiaquatic lizard sustains vigorous activity at relatively low body temperatures during underwater feeding (<25°C). 2. Intense activity can be sustained only briefly, 90% of the response occurring within 2 min (Fig. 5). The amount of activity elicited by stimulation is independent of body temperature (Fig. 4). 3. Standard oxygen consumption has a strong temperature dependence (Q 10=2.9) over the range studied (24.8–41.6°C). Oxygen consumption during activity is maximal at 30–40°C (Fig. 1). 4. Aerobic scope is maximal at 35°C, the basking temperature of the species. 5. The rate of increase of oxygen consumption during activity is temperature dependent (Fig. 2). 6. High concentrations of lactic acid appear in the blood after maximal activity (Fig. 3). 7. An estimated 97–99% of the carbohydrate catabolized during maximal activity enters anaerobic pathways; 71–92% of the ATP produced is derived anaerobically. 8. Despite its atypical thermal regime and energetically demanding mode of feeding,Amblyrhynchus displays a metabolic pattern similar to that of more terrestrial species in the same family (Iguanidae).
Research Assessing Couple and Family Therapy

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . DEFINING THE DOMAIN OF COUPLE AND FAMILY THERAPy . THE EFFICACY OF COUPLE AND FAMILY THERAPY .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . EFFICACY OF SPECIFIC TYPES OF COUPLE AND FAMILY THERAPy ......... . . . . . .. . . . . . . Behavioral Couple and Family Therapy .
POINT-COUNTERPOINT: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of the Newborn

Because of the continued concern expressed by one of the readers regarding our article "Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of the Newborn" (PIR. 12:5(Nov 1990):136-141), we have drafted the following statement. The goal of our article was to provide the pediatrician with appropriate guidelines for this crucial and lifesaving intervention for newborn infants. However, possible confusion on the relationship of Apgar scores and resuscitation needs to be resolved. Apgar scores should not be used to make decisions regarding the course of initial resuscitation, and this is clearly stated in our article. Instead, decisions should be based primarily upon evaluation of an infant9s respirations, heart rate, and color.
Role of the Igh Intronic Enhancer Eμ in Clonal Selection at the Pre–B to Immature B Cell Transition

We previously described a checkpoint for allelic exclusion that occurs at the pre–B cell to immature B cell transition and is dependent upon the IgH intronic enhancer, Eμ. We now provide evidence that the breach in allelic exclusion associated with Eμ deletion results from decreased Igμ levels that make it difficult for emerging BCRs to reach the signaling threshold required for positive selection into the immature B cell compartment. We show that this compartment is smaller in mice carrying an Eμ-deficient, but functional, IgH allele (VHΔa). Pre–B cells in such mice produce ∼ 50% wild-type levels of Igμ (mRNA and protein), and this is associated with diminished signals, as measured by phosphorylation of pre-BCR/BCR downstream signaling proteins. Providing Eμ-deficient mice with a preassembled VL gene led not only to a larger immature B cell compartment but also to a decrease in “double-producers,” suggesting that H chain/L chain combinations with superior signaling properties can overcome the signaling defect associated with low Igμ-chain and can eliminate the selective advantage of “double-producers” that achieve higher Igμ-chain levels through expression of a second IgH allele. Finally, we found that “double-producers” in Eμ-deficient mice include a subpopulation with autoreactive BCRs. We infer that BCRs with IgH chain from the Eμ-deficient allele are ignored during negative selection owing to their comparatively low density. In summary, these studies show that Eμ's effect on IgH levels at the pre–B cell to immature B cell transition strongly influences allelic exclusion, the breadth of the mature BCR repertoire, and the emergence of autoimmune B cells.
Perceived social support, self esteem, and pregnancy status among Dominican adolescents.

Abstract Adolescent pregnancy is a major health concern among Dominicans in the U.S. and in the Dominican Republic (DR). Twenty three percent of adolescents age 15–19 have experienced pregnancy and this trend is rising. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore and compare social support, self-esteem and pregnancy between Dominican adolescents in the DR with those who have immigrated to the U.S. Methods This study used an exploratory, descriptive design including study samples from both the U.S. and DR. Findings showed that young women with stronger social support and higher self esteem experienced lower pregnancy rates in both the DR and U.S. samples. Results Neither self esteem nor social support was found to be predictors of pregnancy. Conclusion Important findings from this study will inform the development of interventions aimed at preventing pregnancy in adolescents.
Infrastructure investment and productivity : the case of Nigerian manufacturing - a framework for policy study

This paper reviews the Nigerian situation regarding the private provision of infrastructure services by manufacturers. Such private provision is observed all over Nigeria and in most manufacturing sectors. It occurs in electric power generation, water supply, intraurban freight and worker transport, telecommunications and waste disposal. Manufacturing firms have developed private provision responses which are identified and analyzed. A model of public infrastructure supply which is pertinent for developing countries is proposed and discussed. This model incorporates a modern treatment of the economics of monopolistic supply and pricing subject to quality constraints. A general cost-benefit analysis framework for evaluating the net social benefits of infrastructure improvements is also presented. Policy options which can be used to improve the efficiency of the current situation are examined and discussed. It is argued that the most promising options are likely to be those which encourage new modes of cooperative private provision among manufacturers, accompanied by deregulation, privatization, contestability, modern pricing and selective maintenance in the public agencies. The recommended options are especially timely within Nigeria's ongoing structural adjustment program.
Enhancing nursing knowledge through democratic cross-national collaboration

Enhancing nursing knowledge requires the exchange of ideas worldwide through the collaboration of nurse scientists. Healthy partnerships abide by the values of collaboration, mutual trust, respect and dignity. However, a lack of information exists regarding the nature of cross-national academic partnerships in nursing. The purpose of this article is twofold: to explore democratic cross-national collaborations in nursing and to pose theoretically-based interventions to enhance future democratic collaborations cross- nationally in nursing. While a review of the literature revealed some model nursing partnerships, nursing can benefit from having a better evidence based understanding of the topic. Theoretical formulations from education, philosophy and critical anthropology offer complementary lenses to aid in the analysis. The process can help nursing academics to think more critically about the issues and to delineate theory driven protocols for democratic cross-national collaboration with the ultimate aim of enhancing nursing knowledge. DESCRIPTORS: Nursing. Knowledge. Collaboration. Globalization. International aspects.
Body-voltage estimation in digital PD-SOI circuits and its application to static timing analysis

We describe a technique for estimating the floating body potentials of partially-depleted silicon-on-insulator (PD-SOI) circuits under steady switching activity and under initial activity after a long period of quiescence. The approach is based on a unique state diagram abstraction of the PD-SOI FET that captures all of the essential device physics. This picture yields a simple analytic model of the body voltage which is used within the context of a prototype transistor-level static timing analysis engine. Results are presented that demonstrate the accuracy of the analytic body-voltage model and the reduction in delay uncertainty possible with this technique.
Multipole-free fast multilevel algorithm for layered media

A purely plane-wave based fast algorithm is presented for layered media problems. As long as the steepest descent path for the 2-D translator is well defined, the accuracy can be maintained under the MFLMA paradigm, and ultimately achieves the same computational complexity as the mixed form fast inhomogeneous plane-wave algorithm (FIPWA). The advantage is that multipoles are not needed, which makes this new form of FIPWA more easily adaptable to problems that must exploit a mixture of propagating and evanescent plane-waves.
Proof of unconditional stability for a single-field discontinuous Galerkin finite element formulation for linear elasto-dynamics

Abstract A discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method (FEM) for the solution of linear elasto-dynamic problems is revisited and modified. The new DG FEM is based on a method originally proposed by [Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg. 84 (1990) 327] and recently adapted by [Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg. 191(46) (2002) 5315] for the solution of dynamic solid–solid phase transitions. As the FEM formulations in both the cited works have been found not to be unconditionally stable in cases where the underlying FEM grid is completely unstructured, this paper offers a modification of these formulations yielding a single-field DG FEM that is unconditionally stable without any restrictions on the grid structure. Furthermore, an energy conserving variant of the formulation is also suggested.
Tense, Aspect and the Cognitive Representation of Time

This paper explores the relationships between a computational theory of temporal representation (as developed by James Allen) and a formal linguistic theory of tense (as developed by Norbert Hornstein) and aspect. It aims to provide explicit answers to four fundamental questions: (1) what is the computational justification for the primitives of a linguistic theory; (2) what is the computational explanation of the formal grammatical constraints: (3) what are the processing constraints imposed on the learnability and markedness of these theoretical constructs: and (4) what are the constraints that a linguistic theory imposes on. representations. We show that one can effectively exploit the interface between the language faculty and the cognitive faculties by using linguistic constraints to determine restructions on the cognitive representations and vice versa.Three main results are obtained: (1) We derive an explanation of an observed grammatical constraint on tense .. the Linear Order Constraint .. from the information monotonicity property of the constraint propagation algorithm of Allen's temporal system: (2) We formulate a principle of markedness for the basic tense structures based on the computational efficiency of the temporal representations: and (3) We show Allen's interval-based temporal system is not arbitrary. but it can be used to explair, independently motivated linguistic constraints on tense and aspect interpretations.We also claim that the methodology of research developed in this study .. "cross-level" investigation of independently motivated formal grammatical theory and computational models .. is a powerful paradigm with which to attack representational problems in basic cognitive domains, e.g., space. time, causality, etc.
Developing Proactive Information Delivery System through Bluetooth in Ubiquitous Networks

Ubiquitous and pervasive computing (UPC) is a popular paradigm whose purpose is to emerge computers into the real world, to serve humans where the ubiquitous network is the underneath infrastructure. In order to provide ubiquitous services (u-Service) which deliver useful information to service users without human intervention, this paper implements a proactive information delivery system using Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth is a low- powered networking service that supports several protocol profiles, most importantly file transfer. Combined together, ubiquitous computing and Bluetooth have the potential to furnish ubiquitous solutions (u-Solutions) that are efficient, employ simplified design characteristics, and collaboratively perform functions they are otherwise not capable. Thus, this paper first addresses the current Bluetooth technology. Then, it suggests and develops the proactive information delivery system utilizing Bluetooth and ubiquitous computing network concepts. The proactive information delivery system can be used in many ubiquitous applications such as ubiquitous commerce (u-Commerce) and ubiquitous education (u-Education).
Atoh1 induces auditory hair cell recovery in mice after ototoxic injury

Objectives To evaluate the ability of the Ad28.gfap.atoh1 to promote hair cell regeneration and hearing recovery in cochlea injured with kanamycin and furosemide.
Some electrophysiological and permeability properties of the mouse egg.

Abstract Certain electrophysiological and ionic properties of the mouse egg (CF-1 and BDF 12–18 hr post ovulation) have been investigated. Membrane potential (−14 ± 0.4 mV, ± SE, inside negative), membrane resistance (2610 ± 38 ohm·cm 2 ), and membrane capacitance (1.6 ± 0.03 μF cm −2 ) have been determined by means of intracellular microelectrode recording techniques. Membrane potential and related parameters are stable for extended periods of time upon impalement and the magnitude of the cell membrane potential has been demonstrated to be sensitive to alteration in external sodium. The electrophysiological studies in conjunction with measurements of unidirectional potassium fluxes using isotope tracer-techniques have allowed determination of membrane permeability to potassium (8 × 10 −8 cm sec −1 ) and membrane potassium conductance (25 μmho cm −2 ). Furthermore, the use of tracer flux techniques has indicated that the exchangeable fraction of intracellular potassium is 204 ± 14 m M . This represents the bulk of egg potassium (222 ± 19 m M as determined from flame photometry). Studies of unidirectional potassium efflux have indicated that its movement out of the egg is made up of at least two components; an external potassium-independent potassium efflux and external potassium-dependent efflux, the latter possibly representing a potassium exchange mechanism. The combined electrophysiological and tracer-flux data indicate that only a small portion of the total membrane conductance is composed of potassium conductance at this stage of development. This and the fact that the membrane potential is far from the potassium equilibrium potential are similar to observations made on mature eggs of several other species.
Nonesterified Fatty Acids, Albumin, and Platelet Aggregation

It has been known for five decades that nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) have a role in the activation of platelets and thrombosis. Thus, the infusion of NEFAs leads to massive thrombosis and platelet activation (1–4). It has also been shown that their binding to albumin protects the platelets from activation (5). Thus, it follows that a fall in the concentrations of albumin, as in the nephrotic syndrome, would potentially lead to platelet activation. This has been demonstrated in several studies (6). Similarly, any condition that leads to an increase in NEFAs or a decrease in plasma albumin concentrations or a combination of the two would contribute to platelet hyperactivity. Insulin is a potent antilipolytic hormone and thus insulin-resistant states are characterized by accelerated lipolysis and increased NEFA concentrations. This promotes platelet aggregation. In addition, elevated NEFA concentrations interfere with insulin signal transduction and induce insulin resistance (7). NEFAs also induce oxidative and inflammatory stress (8) and thus activate monocytes, which express the prothrombotic tissue factor (TF) on their cell membranes (9). TF activates the extrinsic pathway of thrombin generation and hence may precipitate thrombosis. Activated platelets in patients with diabetes and …
Logarithmic and Exponential Function Evaluation in a Variable Structure Digital Computer

Sequential table look-up algorithms are proposed for the evaluation of ln x and exp x. Tables of pre-computed constants are utilized in transforming the argument into a range where the function may be approximated by a simpler polynomial. In the case of ln x, x is transformed so that it falls into a close neighborhood of 1; in the case of exp x, x is transformed to a close neighborhood of 0. These algorithms are particularly effective when mechanized so as to carry out the predetermined sequence of operations without waste manipulation. Such special purpose organization is reasonable within the variable structure part of UCLA's proposed Fixed-Plus-Variable structure computer, as the same equipment may be reorganized for use in other special purpose configurations at other times. In this paper the sequential table look-up algorithms and their speed advantages over existing subroutine approximation procedures are described. The design of special purpose configurations which leads to another factor of speed increase as compared to a stored program implementation of the algorithms is presented. The properties of the supervisory control which integrate the operation of the ``fixed structure'' general purpose computer and the ``variable structure'' special purpose configurations are specified and the over-all computational gains evaluated. An order-of-magnitude increase in speed compared to existing subroutines is predicted in both cases.
Potential Role of BNIP3 in Cardiac Remodeling, Myocardial Stiffness and Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondrial Calcium Homeostasis in Diastolic and Systolic Heart Failure

Background— We have shown that BNIP3 expression is significantly increased in heart failure (HF). In this study, we tested the effects of BNIP3 manipulation in HF. Methods and Results— In a rat model of pressure overload HF, BNIP3 knockdown significantly decreased left ventricular (LV) volumes with significant improvement in LV diastolic and systolic function. There were significant decreases in myocardial apoptosis and LV interstitial fibrosis. Ultrastructurally, BNIP3 knockdown attenuated mitochondrial fragmentation and restored mitochondrial morphology and integrity. On the molecular level, there were significant decreases in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial apoptotic markers. One of the mechanisms by which BNIP3 mediates mitochondrial dysfunction is via the oligomerization of the voltage-dependent anion channels causing a shift of calcium from the ER to mitochondrial compartments, leading to the decrease in ER calcium content, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and LV interstitial fibrosis, and hence contributes to both systolic and diastolic myocardial dysfunction, respectively. In systolic HF, the downregulation of SERCA2a (sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase), along with an increased BNIP3 expression, further worsen myocardial diastolic and systolic function and contribute to the major remodeling seen in systolic HF as compared with diastolic HF with normal SERCA2a expression. Conclusions— The increase in BNIP3 expression contributes mainly to myocardial diastolic dysfunction through mitochondrial apoptosis, LV interstitial fibrosis, and to some extent to myocardial systolic dysfunction attributable to the shift of calcium from the ER to the mitochondria and to the decrease in ER calcium content. However, SERCA2a downregulation remains a prerequisite for the major LV remodeling seen in systolic HF.
CAMD 6-m toroidal grating monochromator beamline

The design and performance of a 6-m 201 deflection-angle toroidal grating monochromator (TGM) installed on the 1.5 GeV CAMD electron storage ring is described. A novel front-end optical configuration based on float-glass mirror technology enables effective use of 28 mrad of bending magnet radiation. Ray tracing is used to evaluate and optimize the theoretical resolution and transmission of the TGM. Experiments that characterize the CAMD bending magnet source parameters and evaluate the performance of the float-glass mirror are described. Alignment procedures and measurements that establish beamline performance (resolution and flux) are presented. The CAMD TGM covers 10–200 eV, delivers good flux at moderate resolution (B2 � 10 12 photons/s in a 0.1% bandwidth) and achieves an
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Interface Bonding Via Substrate Remelting of an Impinging Molten Metal Droplet

A molten metal droplet landing and bonding to a solid substrate is investigated with combined analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques. This research supports a novel, thermal spray shape deposition process, referred to as microcasting, capable of rapidly manufacturing near netshape, steel objects. Metallurgical bonding between the impacting droplet and the previous deposition layer improves the strength and material property continuity between the layers, producing high-quality metal objects. A thorough understanding of the interface heat transfer process is needed to optimize the microcast object properties by minimizing the impacting droplet temperature necessary for superficial substrate remelting, while controlling substrate and deposit material cooling rates, remelt depths, and residual thermal stresses. A mixed Lagrangian-Eulerian numerical model is developed to calculate substrate remelting and temperature histories for investigating the required deposition temperatures and the effect of operating conditions on remelting. Experimental and analytical approaches are used to determine initial conditions for the numerical simulations, to verify the numerical accuracy, and to identify the resultant microstructures. Numerical results indicate that droplet to substrate conduction is the dominant heat transfer mode during remelting and solidification. Furthermore, a highly time-dependent heat transfer coefficient at the droplet/substrate interface necessitates a combined numerical model of the droplet and substrate for accurate predictions of the substrate remelting. The remelting depth and cooling rate numerical results are also verified by optical metallography, and compare well with both the analytical solution for the initial deposition period and the temperature measurements during droplet solidification.
Deficiency in the receptor tyrosine kinase EphB2 attenuates experimentally-induced liver fibrosis in mice (CAM1P.156)

Beyond the well-defined role of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases in biological processes, cell migration, adhesion, nothing is known about their implication in liver pathologies. During blood-stage rodent malaria infection, EphB2 mRNA and proteins are upregulated in the liver, a result likely driven by elevated surface expression on macrophages. This is significant for malaria pathogenesis because EphB2 -/- mice are protected from malaria-induced liver fibrosis despite having a similar liver parasite burden compared with littermate mice. This protection is correlated with a defect in inflammatory potential of hepatocytes from EphB2 -/- mice resulting in a reduction in adhesion molecules, chemokine/chemokine receptors RNA levels and infiltration of leukocytes including Kupffer cells which mediate liver fibrosis during malaria. These observations are recapitulated in the well-established carbon tetrachloride (CCL 4 ) model of liver fibrosis in which EphB2-/- CCL 4 -treated mice showed a significant reduction of liver fibrosis compared to CCL 4 -treated littermate mice. EphB2 is predominantly expressed by Kupffer cells and depletion of macrophages abrogates liver EphB2 mRNA and protein increase in malaria infected mice, as well as fibrosis. Altogether these results reinforce the critical role played by EphB2 in promoting liver inflammation and fibrosis. To our knowledge, this work is the first to reveal the potential profibrotic nature of EphB receptor tyrosine kinases in liver injury.
A command language for taskable virtual agents

In this paper, we report progress on making synthetic characters more taskable. In particular, we present an English-like command language that lets one specify complex behaviors an agent should carry out in a virtual environment. We also report compilers that translate English commands into a formal notation and formal statements into procedures for ICARUS, an agent architecture that supports reactive execution. To demonstrate the benefits of such taskability, we have integrated ICARUS with TWIG, which provides a simulated physical environment with humanoid agents. We use the command language to specify three complex activities, including responding to an object contingently, collecting and storing a set of objects, and negotiating with another agent in order to purchase an item. We also discuss related work on controlling synthetic characters, along with paths for additional research on taskability.
Controlling Tracheal Mites (Acari: Tarsonemidae) in Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) with Vegetable Oil

Field experiments conducted between 1991 and 1993 demonstrated that treating colonies of honey bees, Apis mellifera L., continuously with vegetable oil depressed populations of tracheal mites Acarapis woodi (Rennie). In 1992-1993, continuous exposure to oil patties, with or without the antibiotic Terramycin, produced significant control of mites. Five of 11 untreated (control) colonies perished. None of the oil-pattytreated colonies died, and only two of 10 colonies treated with Terramycin patties expired. Oil patties were made from a combination of solid vegetable oil (shortening) and white sugar, with or without the addition of the antibiotic. Two oil patty treatments during the summer of 1991 failed to prevent mite population increases in bees by that fall.
The Pedagogy of Democracy: Coercive Public Protest in India

Throughout the history of Indian politics in the 20th Century runs a curious and disturbing thread. Both before and after the achievement of independence in 1947, large segments of the Indian populace felt that the institutional means of redress for grievances, frustrations and wrongs—actual or fancied—were inadequate. Since the British withdrawal a fuller panoply of democratic procedures for influencing government has been introduced, but a basic suspicion persists that government is still alien and elite—although now the separation is based upon indigenous social division rather than upon foreign conquest and race. The fact is that the gaining of independence has marked very little change in the use of the more direct and agitational modes of public suasion. The Congress Government has been treated to an almost constant tattoo of demands supported by the same techniques popularized during the independence struggle, such as hunger-strikes, black-flag demonstrations, the courting of arrest, impeding of public business, and violent riots.
Encoding Strategies Used by Young and Elderly Adults in a Keeping Track Ta

College students and older adults (mean ages 20.4 and 71.5 years) performed in a "keeping track" task that required them to recall, in response to probe questions, the most recently presented of each of a fixed set of categories. Questions alternated with presentations of new sets of items. Response accuracy, reaction times, and verbal reports provided information on the participants' strategies. The findings were consistent with the view (e.g., Hasher & Zacks, 1979) that older adults' poorer memory results from reduced use of effortful strategies. The older persons used fewer active encoding strategies than the college students and were less accurate and slower to respond. A subgroup of the elderly adults reported some active encoding activities; they performed more like the college students than the remaining elderly participants. A follow-up study in which college students were allowed reduced opportunity for active encoding produced performance intermediate between the other two groups.