cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from cynomolgus monkeys (M. fascicularis).

We recently reported the occurrence of natural infection with H. pylori in a group of cynomolgus monkeys with chronic active gastritis and gastric erosions. The goal of the present study was to characterize and to compare strains isolated from animals originating from two different geographical areas. Gross and microscopic pathology determined at the time of necropsy was similar in all animals. H. pylori were isolated from specimens harvested in five monkeys (four from Vietnam and one from the Philippines) with gastritis. Isolates from monkeys bred in Vietnam had a similar DNA fingerprint pattern, which was distinct from that of isolates from a monkey bred in the Philippines. All strains were of the s1a vacA subtype, but all the ‘Vietnamese’ strains were cagA+ and all but one were iceA1 whereas the ‘Philippino’ strains were cagA− and iceA2. The sequences of the 16S rRNA of the Vietnamese and Philippino strains shared 98% homology and both clustered with H. pylori sequences present in the NCBI database. In conclusion, cynomolgus monkeys can be naturally colonized by H. pylori, and the strains isolated from these animals appear to vary according to the geographical origin, thus indicating probable infection prior to importation. Since some of the cynomolgus monkeys developed antral erosions during natural infection, we propose that this animal model may be used to investigate the role of H. pylori in ulcerogenesis.
Recognizing Hopf algebroids defined by a group action

Abstract Let A be a complete noetherian regular local ring, and suppose that S is a profinite group acting continuously on A via ring homomorphisms. Let Γ = Map c ( S , A ) , the algebra of continuous functions from S to A. Then ( A , Γ ) has a canonical structure of a complete Hopf algebroid, determined by the action of S on A. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for a general complete Hopf algebroid to be of this form. Applications to Morava theory are also discussed.
Is "best-so-far" a good algorithmic performance metric?

In evolutionary computation, experimental results are commonly analyzed using an algorithmic performance metric called best-so-far. While best-so-far can be a useful metric, its use is particularly susceptible to three pitfalls: a failure to establish a baseline for comparison, a failure to perform significance testing, and an insufficient sample size. The nature of best-so-far means that it is highly susceptible to these pitfalls. If these pitfalls are not avoided, the use of the best-so-far metric can lead to confusion at best and misleading results at worst. We detail how the use of multiple experimental runs, random search as a baseline, and significance testing can help researchers avoid these common pitfalls. Furthermore, we demonstrate how best-so-far can be an effective algorithmic performance metric if these guidelines are followed.
LSTF: a new scheduling policy for complex real-time tasks in multiple processor systems

Abstract We propose a new algorithm, least space-time first (LSTF), for dealing with the general complex-taskmultiple-processor model. The results of the proof and simulation shown that LSTF outperforms other established heuristic algorithms (such as earliest-deadline-first) in the sense that it minimizes the maximum tardiness of a set of tasks. LSTF can gracefully incorporate some realistic overhead assumptions, such as context switch.
The role of stress and dopamine-GABA interactions in the vulnerability for schizophrenia

Current hypotheses concerning the etiology of schizophrenia often invoke both an abnormal gene(s) and an environmental disturbance as necessary components to the vulnerability for this disorder. According to one model of schizophrenia presented here, the putative environmental factor may consist of stress and require both pre- and post-natal exposure for a "mis-wiring" of dopaminergic inputs to GABAergic neurons of the cortex to occur. Since the cortical dopamine system continues to mature until the start of the early adult period, the normal ingrowth of dopamine fibers during late adolescence and their formation of aberrant connections with abnormal intrinsic corticolimbic circuits could "trigger" the onset of symptoms in those who carry the constitutional vulnerability for schizophrenia.
Formation of antibodies to prostaglandins in the yolk of chicken eggs

Abstract The critical step in the development of a radioimmunoassay procedure is the production of a specific, sensitive antibody. Such antibodies are usually obtained from the serum of immunized animals. A major disadvantage of this technique is that a limited amount of antibody can be obtained at any one time from an animal which can be practically maintained in a small vivarium. In addition, the acquisition of the antibody requires the use of an invasive technique which may be difficult for both the experimental animal and the investigator. We report here on a technique which takes advantage of the fact that the antibodies produced by immunized hens is secreted into the yolk of their eggs. Using this procedure, we have produced antibodies to several prostaglandins and used these antibodies to develop radioimmunoassay procedures. Our results indicate that antibody directed against a hapten can be obtained in a relatively inexpensive animal model system without the use of an invasive technique.
Kant on Existence, Predication, and the Ontological Argument

The subject matter of my paper can be discussed only against the background of two larger issues. They loom large both systematically and historically. They are the ontological argument for God’s existence1 and the Frege — Russell thesis that “is” is multiply ambiguous, 2 indeed ambiguous between the “is” of existence, “is” of identity, “is” of predication, and “is” of generic implication. These allegedly different meanings can be illustrated by “God is” or (∃x)(God = x), ‘Jack is John Jr.” or Jack = John Jr., “Jack is blond” or Blond(Jack), and “man is an animal”, or (x)(Man(x)⊃Animal(x)). Any discussion of Kant’s treatment of being is thus being tacitly presided over by Anselm and Frege.
Adenylate cyclase from guinea pig lung: further characterization and inhibitory effects of substrate analogs and cyclic nucleotides.

Abstract A potent ( K i = 0.01 mM ), competitive inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity in particulate fractions of guinea pig lung by 2′ O -palmitoyl cyclic AMP has been observed, in striking contrast to the inactivity of cyclic AMP and N 6 ,2′ O -dibutyryl cyclic AMP at concentrations of up to 1 m m or more. The possibility that 2′ O -palmitoyl cyclic AMP or similar compounds might function as endogenous regulators of the hormonal stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity is discussed. Several 6- and 8- substituted purine 3′,5′-cyclic ribotides also inhibit, probably by direct interaction with enzymatic sulfhydryl groups. A study of the inhibition by purine bases, nucleosides, and 5′ nucleotides suggests that most of the substrate (ATP) binding determinants reside in the nucleoside. The particulate enzyme fractions were found to have lower ATPase activity relative to cyclase activity than cyclase preparations from either guinea pig heart or bronchial smooth muscle. Lung cyclase fractions were maximally stimulated by 5–15 m m Mg 2+ in the presence of 1.2 m m ATP as substrate. The percentage of stimulation of cyclase activity by 0.01 m m isoproterenol is dependent on the Mg 2+ concentration. Cyclase activity was significantly stimulated not only by the catecholamines (isoproterenol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) and fluoride ion, but also by prostaglandins E 1 , E 2 , and F 2α , histamine, and glucagon.
Cosmic Rays: The Highest-Energy Messengers

The origin of the most energetic particles ever observed, cosmic rays, will begin to be revealed in the next few years. Newly constructed ultrahigh-energy cosmic ray observatories together with high-energy gamma-ray and neutrino observatories are well positioned to unveil this mystery before the centenary of their discovery in 2012. Cosmic ray sources are likely to involve the most energetic phenomena ever witnessed in the universe.
Hypercholesterolemia in children with cystinosis.

Ten children with cystinosis had their diet, serum creatinine, and total cholesterol (averaged in 6-month blocks and normalized by calculating a z score (TCz)] monitored for a mean of 5 years. The TCz scores were elevated in boys (P<0.01) but not girls (P=0.67). The boys had elevated TCz scores for 58% of their 29 pre-transplantation years of follow-up, rising as early as 1 year of age at a mean rate of 0.67 standard deviations per year. Cystinotic boys had higher TCz scores than children with other tubular disorders (P<0.025). All 4 cystinotic boys who developed renal insufficiency had a rise in TCz scores at a rate greater than control children with comparable renal impairment. Two cystinotic boys received a renal transplant; subsequent TCz scores were markedly lower, but remained elevated. The nutritional status of cystinotic children deteriorates after 3 years of age: they have decreased fat stores, elevated TCz scores and consume high fat diets insufficient in total calories. In summary, cystinotic boys have marked, progressive hypercholesterolemia which improves after renal transplantation.
Epigenetics: a potential mechanism for clonal plant success

Clonality in plants is widespread and includes species that span temporally and spatially heterogeneous environments. Yet, theory predicts that clonally reproducing plants evolve at slower rates, risk accumulating more mutations than sexuals, and potentially lack the benefits of DNA repair mechanisms afforded by meiosis. Does the apparent success of clonal plants contradict the severe costs of clonal reproduction suggested by theory? We examine how epigenetics may confer ecological advantages to clonal plants that could outweigh these evolutionary costs. Relying to various degrees on vegetative reproduction, the capacity to conserve or reverse gene regulation changes over cell divisions has clear potential for optimization of plasticity and acclimation in response to environmental variation encountered. Clonal plants may be one of the best examples of organisms taking advantage of epigenetic acclimation as an alternative to the slower mechanisms of adaptation through natural selection. If epigenetic processes are important in matching organismal response to the environment, this may prove to be a mechanism that will buffer plants against the challenges of current and future rapid environmental changes.
Detection, Number, and Sequence Location of Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids and Disulfide Bridges in Peptides by Ultrahigh-Resolution MALDI FTICR Mass Spectrometry

Here, we present several strategies for determining the number of sulfur atoms and disulfide bridges in selected biologically active peptides, based on MALDI FTICR mass spectrometry at femtomole sample consumption level. First, based on the 2-Da mass increase per disulfide bridge reduction, we show that repeated laser shots on the same sample spot can reduce (and therefore reveal the presence of) the disulfide bridge in oxytocin. Second, we show that the primary sequence positions of the disulfide-bridged cystines can be inferred from the presence/absence of MALDI-induced reduction in cystine-containing fragment ions. Third, we show that the presence and number of sulfur atoms as well as the degree of reduction in a peptide can all be determined directly from isotopic relative abundances of mass-resolved 34S, 13C2, and reduced all-12C species in a single ultrahigh-resolution MALDI FTICR mass spectrum. Methods for achieving such ultrahigh mass resolution of peptide ions of closely spaced m/z (m/delta m50% approximately 950,000 at m/z approximately 650) at modest magnetic field (3 T) are discussed.
Morphogenesis of placental membranes in the viviparous, placentotrophic lizard Chalcides chalcides (Squamata: Scincidae).

In the scincid lizard Chalcides chalcides, females ovulate small ova and supply most of the nutrients for development by placental means. The yolk is enveloped precocially by extraembryonic ectoderm and endoderm during the gastrula stage, establishing a simple bilaminar yolk sac placenta. The shell membrane begins to degenerate at this time, resulting in apposition of extraembryonic and maternal tissues. A true chorioplacenta has developed by the early pharyngula stage, as has a choriovitelline placenta and the first stages of an omphaloplacenta. Although the choriovitelline membrane disappears rapidly, the omphaloplacenta spreads to occupy the entire abembryonic pole. The yolk cleft is not confluent with the exocoelom, and no omphalallantoic placenta develops. By the limb-bud stage, an allantoplacenta has been established, with a mesometrial placentome composed of interdigitating ridges of chorioallantois and uterine mucosa. The discovery of five distinct placental arrangements in this species, three of which are transitory and two of which have not previously been recorded in reptiles, emphasizes the need for accounts that specify ontogenetic stages and the precise identity and composition of squamate placental membranes. Contrary to previous interpretations, the pattern of extraembryonic membrane development in C. chalcides is evolutionarily conservative, despite the presence of a reduced yolk mass and cytological specializations for nutrient transfer. Our observations indicate that substantial placentotrophy can evolve in squamates without major modifications of morphogenetic patterns. J Morphol 232:35-55, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The scattering amplitude for four off-shell tachyons from functional integrals

Abstract We use functional integral techniques to calculate the scattering amplitude for four open off-shell tachyons in Witten's string field theory and show that the residues of the first three poles agree with those obtained using oscillator methods.
Second autologous or allogeneic transplantation after the failure of first autograft in patients with multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND Most patients undergoing high-dose therapy and autologous transplant for multiple myeloma eventually develop a disease recurrence. However, to the authors' knowledge, the optimal salvage treatment for these patients is not well defined. Both autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations have been used for salvage therapy. The outcomes of salvage autologous or allogeneic transplants were analyzed retrospectively in patients relapsing after an autograft. METHODS Fourteen patients (median age, 52 yrs) received a second autograft for salvage, whereas 26 patients (median age, 51 yrs) underwent a reduced-intensity allogeneic transplantation (related in 18 patients and unrelated in 8 patients). The median interval between the first and the second transplant was 25 months in the autologous group and 17 months in the allogeneic group. The two groups were evenly matched with regard to other disease characteristics. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 18 months for the autologous group and 30 months for the allogeneic group, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the 2 groups were 6.8 months versus 7.3 months and 29 months versus 13 months, respectively. Acute and chronic graft versus host disease (15%) was the most common cause of nonrecurrence mortality in the allogeneic group and infections (14%) in the autologous group. On univariate analysis, an interval of > 1 year between the first and the salvage transplant predicted a better OS in the allogeneic group. CONCLUSIONS Both autografting and allografting are feasible as salvage therapy for myeloma patients who develop disease recurrence after the first autograft, although disease progression remains the major cause of failure. Better approaches are needed for salvage therapy in patients developing disease recurrence after an autograft. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Alteration of cellular resistance to Sindbis virus in mixed cultures of human cells attributable to interferon.

Abstract Results are presented of a study of the multiplication and cytopathic effect (CPE) of Sindbis virus in a system consisting of two kinds of human amnion cells, i.e., cells derived directly from the membrane (HA cells) and cells of an established line (WS cells). After infection of primary cultures of HA cells alone , multiplication of virus occurred and complete cellular destruction ensued. When moderate amounts of virus were added to WS cell cultures alone , no cytopathic effect was observed and no multiplication of complete virus was demonstrable. With high viral concentrations, CPE did occur in these cultures. After addition of a small number of WS cells to primary cultures of HA cells, Sindbis virus failed to destroy the HA cells. Analysis of this phenomenon indicated that the agent stimulated the WS cells (either in pure culture or in mixed culture) to produce large amounts of interferon. The interferon thus formed inhibited the usual CPE of Sindbis virus in HA cells. Occasionally, when too few WS cells were included, these elements as well as a proportion of HA cells were destroyed. Presumably under these conditions large quantities of virus were produced by HA cells before sufficient interferon became available to afford complete protection. These findings raise the possibility that similar phenomena may occur in tissues of the living animal.
Response of Overseeded Alfalfa and Bermudagrass to Alfalfa Row Spacing and Nitrogen Rate

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a rare forage crop on Coastal Plain soils. Acid soils, wet conditions, and the prevalence of perennial, warm-season grasses limit alfalfa production. Development of grazing-tolerant varieties raised interest in growing alfalfa on the Coastal Plain. This three-year dryland field study was conducted to evaluate coincident production of Alfagraze' alfalfa and 'Coastal' bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] as a sustainable forage system. Limestone (effective calcium carbonate equivalence ECCE 72%) at a rate of 6.1 t ha -1 was incorporated by roto-tilling 15 cm deep in an established sod of Coastal bermudagrass on a Darco loamy fine sand (loamy, siliceous, thermic Grossarenic Paleudults) in late winter 1990, with an additional 3 t ha -1 surface-applied in June 1991. Alfalfa was seeded in October 1990 at 23, 46, 69, and 92 cm between rows in main plots of a split-plot design. Nitrogen rates from 0 to 112 kg ha -1 in increments of 28 kg ha ' were applied to subplots for every bermudagrass regrowth cycle. Other plant nutrients (including P, K, Mg, S, B, Zn, and Cu) were applied at rates considered adequate for alfalfa on a low-fertility soil. Yield of alfalfa at the 23-cm row spacing in 1991 was 8.8 t ha -1 and declined to 6.7 t ha ' at 69 cm (P = 0.05), while yield of bermudagrass increased from 3.2 to 5.7 t ha -1 , respectively, at these row spacings. In 1992, alfalfa yield increased an additional 2.2 t ha -1 at each row spacing, with a compensating decline in bermudagrass production. Alfalfa yielded 11 t ha - 1 at all row spacings in 1993, despite a midseason drought, while bermudagrass yield was <450 kg ha -1 , Row spacing had no effect on total forage production in any year. Higher N rates increased bermudagrass yield the first two years. Applied N increased alfalfa yield at certain harvests, but had no effect on total annual production. Crude protein in alfalfa declined or remained similar as row spacing was widened. Soil pH was lowered by increasing N rates and by narrower alfalfa row spacings. Results indicate that alfalfa competes well with Coastal bermudagrass, even in drought conditions.
Mercury in the Calcasieu River/Lake Complex, Louisiana.

The Calcasieu River/Lake Complex is of great economic importance to southwestern Louisiana. Calcasieu Lake is an important fishing ground for shrimp and oysters. The Calcasieu River/Lake Complex has been the focus of an interdisciplinary study to assess the types and areas of pollution along this important waterway. Particular attention has been given to Hg because of the toxicity of this metal, and the local importance of the chloralkali industry--an industry that is known to discharge Hg into the environment. Water, sediment and biota were collected at stations in Calcasieu Lake, Calcasieu River, and along three bayou tributaries that were studied intensively. Intensive sampling included all stations along the particular bayou studied that month.
Thermodynamics of carbon dioxide and carbonic acid: (a) the standard enthalpies of solution of Na2CO3(s), NaHCO3(s), and CO2(g) in water at 298.15 K; (b) the standard enthalpies of formation, standard Gibbs energies of formation, and standard entropies of CO2(aq), HCO3−(aq), CO32−(aq), NaHCO3(s), Na2CO3(s), Na2CO3·H2O(s), and Na2CO3·10H2O(s)☆☆☆

Abstract Enthalpies of solution of CO 2 (g), NaHCO 3 (s), and Na 2 CO 3 (s) in excess NaOH solution were measured at 298.15 K by solution calorimetry. The results were reduced to standard-state processes through use of results from a preceding paper, and standard enthalpies of solution for CO 2 (g), NaHCO 3 (s), and Na 2 CO 3 (s) in water at 298.15 K were found to be: −(4720 ± 40), (4474 ± 30), and −(6371 ± 30) cal th mol −1 respectively. The results of equilibrium studies involving CO 2 (g) (solubility and e.m.f. studies) were reviewed and assembled,together with entropies for related solids. Standard values of ΔH f o , ΔG f o , and S o at 298.15 K were evaluated for CO 2 (aq, non-ionized), HCO 3 − (aq), CO 3 2− (aq), NaHCO 3 (s), Na 2 CO 3 (s), Na 2 CO 3 ·H 2 O(s), and Na 2 CO 3 ·10H 2 O(s).
Treatment of actinic cheilitis using a 1,927-nm thulium fractional laser.

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a precancerous condition of the lip that primarily affects people with Fitzpatrick skin types I and II as a result of chronic exposure to solar irradiation. Additional factors include poor oral hygiene, chronic lip irritation, and excessive tobacco use. The clinical spectrum of AC is varied and may include erythema, leukoplakia, scaling, atrophy, dryness, fissures, ulcers, and loss of the vermilion border. As with actinic keratosis (AK), AC has the potential to undergo malignant transformation into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Although the exact rate of malignant conversion is unknown, SCC of the lip is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity and is more aggressive than SCCs in other sites, so early diagnosis and effective treatment of AC is necessary to curtail its malignant transformation.
Spectroscopic and Functional Properties of Novel 2[4Fe-4S] Cluster-containing Ferredoxins from the Green Sulfur Bacterium Chlorobium tepidum *

Two distinct ferredoxins, Fd I and Fd II, were isolated and purified to homogeneity from photoautotrophically grown Chlorobium tepidum, a moderately thermophilic green sulfur bacterium that assimilates carbon dioxide by the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle. Both ferredoxins serve a crucial role as electron donors for reductive carboxylation, catalyzed by a key enzyme of this pathway, pyruvate synthase/pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase. The reduction potentials of Fd I and Fd II were determined by cyclic voltammetry to be −514 and −584 mV, respectively, which are more electronegative than any previously studied Fds in which two [4Fe-4S] clusters display a single transition. Further spectroscopic studies indicated that the CD spectrum of oxidized Fd I closely resembled that of Fd II; however, both spectra appeared to be unique relative to ferredoxins studied previously. Double integration of the EPR signal of the two Fds yielded approximately ∼2.0 spins per molecule, compatible with the idea that C. tepidum Fd I and Fd II accept 2 electrons upon reduction. These results suggest that the C. tepidum Fd I and Fd II polypeptides each contain two bound [4Fe-4S] clusters.C. tepidum Fd I and Fd II are novel 2[4Fe-4S] Fds, which were shown previously to function as biological electron donors or acceptors for C. tepidum pyruvate synthase/pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (Yoon, K.-S., Hille, R., Hemann, C. F., and Tabita, F. R. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 29772–29778). Kinetic measurements indicated that Fd I had ∼2.3-fold higher affinity than Fd II. The results of amino acid sequence alignments, molecular modeling, oxidation-reduction potentials, and spectral properties strongly indicate that the C. tepidumFds are chimeras of both clostridial-type and chromatium-type Fds, suggesting that the two Fds are likely intermediates in the evolutional development of 2[4Fe-4S] clusters compared with the well described clostridial and chromatium types.
Distributed data management with PetaShare

PetaShare is an NSF funded project which aims to solve the distributed data sharing and management problem. Data-aware storage systems, data-aware schedulers, and cross-domain metadata scheme are some of the key technologies being developed in order to prepare an underlying infrastructure for scientist to manage the low-level data handling issues. The initial system which manages 250 Terabytes of disk storage and 400 Terabytes of tape storage has been deployed across the state utilizing the 40Gb/sec LONI connection at five campuses: Louisiana Tech., University of New Orleans, Tulane University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Louisiana State University. PetaShare enables collaboration between those institutions and helps multidisciplinary research in different application areas such as coastal and environmental modeling, geospatial analysis, bioinformatics, medical imaging, fluid dynamics, petroleum engineering, numerical relativity, and high energy physics.
Robust Empirical Bayes Estimation of Means from Stratified Samples

Abstract This article considers simultaneous estimation of means from several strata, where each stratum contains a finite number of elements. For example, quite often estimates of annual incomes, unemployment rates, and so forth must be made simultaneously for many areas. Our results find application in small area estimation where very few samples are available from an individual area, and an estimate of a certain area mean or simultaneous estimates of several area means can be improved by incorporating information from similar neighboring areas. Ghosh and Meeden (1986) considered empirical Bayes estimation of the finite population mean assuming a normal superpopulation model. Their estimators generalize automatically when one estimates a vector of stratum means. This article relaxes the normality assumption and assumes instead that the posterior expectation of any stratum mean is a linear function of the sample observations. This is the so-called “posterior linearity” property as described in Ericson (1...
Immulectin-2, a Lipopolysaccharide-specific Lectin from an Insect, Manduca sexta, Is Induced in Response to Gram-negative Bacteria *

A lipopolysaccharide-specific lectin, immulectin-2, was isolated from plasma of the tobacco hornworm,Manduca sexta. Immulectin-2 has specificity for xylose, glucose, lipopolysaccharide, and mannan. A cDNA clone encoding immulectin-2 was isolated from an Escherichia coli-inducedM. sexta larval fat body cDNA library. The cDNA is 1253 base pairs long, with an open reading frame of 981 base pairs, encoding a 327-residue polypeptide. Immulectin-2 is a member of the C-type lectin superfamily. It consists of two carbohydrate recognition domains, which is similar to the organization of M. sextaimmulectin-1. Immulectin-2 was present at a constitutively low level in plasma of control larvae and increased 3–4-fold after injection of Gram-negative bacteria or lipopolysaccharide. Immulectin-2 mRNA was detected in fat body of control larvae, and its level increased dramatically after injection of E. coli. The concentration of immulectin-2 in plasma did not change significantly after injection of Gram-positive bacteria or yeast, even though its mRNA level was increased by these treatments. Compared with immulectin-1, immulectin-2 has a more restricted specificity for binding to Gram-negative bacteria. Immulectin-2 at low physiological concentrations agglutinatedE. coli in a calcium-dependent manner. It also bound to immobilized lipopolysaccharide from E. coli. Binding of immulectin-2 to lipopolysaccharide stimulated phenol oxidase activation in plasma. The properties of immulectin-2 are consistent with its function as a pattern recognition receptor for detection and defense against Gram-negative bacterial infection in M. sexta.
Thoughts and behaviors of women with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome

Objective: Women delay seeking care for symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) because of atypical symptoms, perceptions of invulnerability, or keeping symptoms to themselves. The purpose of this study was to explore how women recognized and interpreted their symptoms and subsequently decided whether to seek treatment within the context of their lives. Method: Grounded theory was used to provide the methodological basis for data generation and analysis. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 9 women with ACS. Results: All participants went through a basic social process of searching for the meaning of their symptoms which informed their decisions about seeking care. Stages in the process included noticing symptoms, forming a symptom pattern, using a frame of reference, finding relief, and assigning causality. The evolving MI group (n = 5) experienced uncertainty about bodily cues, continued life as usual, until others moved them toward care. The immediately recognizable MI group (n = 4) labeled their condition quickly, yet delayed, as they prepared themselves and others for their departure. Conclusions: All women delayed, regardless of their ability to correctly label their symptoms. Education aimed at symptom recognition/interpretation addresses only part of the problem. Women should also be educated about the potential danger of overestimating the time they have to seek medical attention.
Stress changes in the Costa Rica subduction zone due to the 1999 Mw=6.9 Quepos earthquake

Abstract Stress changes after large earthquakes can trigger substantial seismicity along many fault systems. As subduction zones produce the majority of large earthquakes, it is essential to understand how significant earthquakes may affect stress conditions and aftershock locations. Calculations of stress changes due to large underthrusting earthquakes can be used to examine likely zones of triggered seismicity in subduction environments. However, associations between stress changes and locations of small aftershocks are typically difficult because of large errors on offshore aftershock locations based on land-based seismic observations. After the 1999 Quepos earthquake ( M w =6.9) in the subduction zone offshore Costa Rica, small magnitude earthquakes were located using a local onshore–offshore temporary seismic network, providing a data set of high-quality aftershock locations. In light of these well-located aftershocks, we compute Coulomb stress changes for the 1999 Quepos earthquake for comparison. Our calculations show lobes of increased stress in regions coinciding with most of the small magnitude seismicity following the mainshock, as seen in many cases of large strike-slip earthquakes. Few small earthquakes occur in regions of decreased stress. Within three years, a large ( M w =6.4) earthquake occurred in this region, however based on this modeling, it does not appear that the 2002 earthquake occurred in a zone of stress increase from the 1999 event.
A systematic procedure for generating useful conformal mappings

A Procedure is presented for generating a class of conformal mappings useful in the formulation of finite−difference problems involving curved boundaries. The method provides a systematic approach that is capable, in principle, of reducing the geometry to a nearly−rectangular domain for a wide variety of partical problems. The introduction of sheared co−ordinates in this computational domain then provides for solution of the problem in a nearly−orthogonal (in fact, nearly−conformal) co−ordinate system, with its boundaries corresponding to co−ordinate lines. The method is based upon the Schwarz−Christoffel transformation and is quite simple to apply. Several examples illustrating the types of geometries which can be treated in this manner are presented.
Elimination of cluster interferences in secondary ion mass spectrometry using extreme energy filtering

A Cameca IMS-3f secondary ion microanalyzer has been modified to allow analysis using secondary ions emitted with initial kinetic energies as high as 4500 eV. Cluster ion signals including hydrides are essentially absent when ions with initial energies < 400 eV are rejected, while atomic ion signals are sufficiently intense to allow trace element analysis. The useful ion yield for 31P− sputtered from a phosphorus-implanted silicon wafer is comparable under these conditions to the useful ion yield in a depth profile obtained at high mass resolution. Because the mass spectrometer is operated at low mass resolution, peak switching is possible to monitor several ion signals in the course of a single depth profile, and the energy acceptance of the mass spectrometer can also be adjusted for individual species so that interference-free ions can be sampled at low initial energy and consequently high sensitivity.
Power, patriarchy and sexual abuse in churches of Christian denomination.

Child sexual abuse is a pervasive problem in our communities, and has been for the most part, ignored by churches in Christian denominations. This paper presents the current research regarding the impact of sexual abuse (particularly in children). It explores the hindrance the patriarchal structure of Christian churches has been in giving victims a spiritual place of healing. The author presents suggestions as to what churches can do to better equip their leaders and congregants to deal with the topic of sexual abuse and to make the Christian community a safer place for victims. The article also includes issues for secular traumatologists working with victims of sexual abuse by clergy. Language: en
The tethered agonist approach to mapping ion channel proteins – toward a structural model for the agonist binding site of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

The integral membrane proteins of neurons and other excitable cells are generally resistant to high-resolution structural tools. In this thesis we present our efforts to probe the structure of the agonist-binding site of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) using the tethered agonist approach, which combines chemical synthesis, the nonsense suppression methodology for unnatural amino acid incorporation and electrophysiology. In Chapter 2, we present the results of incorporating a series of tethered quaternary ammonium derivatives of tyrosine into the nAChR using the in vivo nonsense suppression methodology for incorporating unnatural amino acids site-specifically. At three sites, a constitutively active receptor results, but the pattern of activation as a function of chain length is different. At position alpha149, there is a clear preference for a three-carbon tether, while at position alpha93 tethers of 2-5 carbons are comparably effective. At position gamma55/delta57, all tethers except the shortest one can activate the receptor. Based on these and other data, a model for the binding site of the receptor can be developed by analogy to the acetylcholine esterase crystal structure. In Chapter 3, we report evidence that the N-terminal extracellular domain of nAChR is closely related to acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP), whose crystal structure was solved in May 2001. Based on the model obtained from docking acetylcholine into the structure of AChBP, we designed and incorporated a new tethered agonist, lysyl-carbamylcholine. Incorporation of this tethered agonist at several positions produced constitutively active receptors, with significant activity seen at alpha192, alpha193, and gamma119/delta121. These results demonstrated that the loop E residue gamma119/delta121 on the complementary subunit is very near the agonist-binding site. We also investigated the role of an intersubunit hydrogen bond, which was seen in the crystal structure of AChBP. Incorporation of tryptophan analogs that abolish the hydrogen bonding abilities slowed the desensitization of the receptor, which implied that this hydrogen bond might play a key role in the allosteric transitions of desensitization. In Chapter 4, we describe our efforts to prepare a short tethered agonist and the results of incorporating it into nAChR at alpha198 by chemical modification of cysteine mutants introduced by nonsense suppression methodology. Methanethiosulphonate ethyltrimethylammonium (MTSET) modification resulted in constitutive activity, which suggested the closeness of alpha198 to the agonist-binding site. In Chapter 5, methods in molecular biology, electrophysiology and molecular docking, and the synthesis of amino acids and dinucleotide dCA-amino acids are summarized.
OS-3: the Oregon State open shop operating system

This paper is a discussion of the OS-3 operating system developed at Oregon State University. Before proceeding to a discussion of that system, it is appropriate to say a few words in order to view this work within a more global context.
The hybrid Quantum Trajectory/Electronic Structure DFTB-based approach to Molecular Dynamics

This paper describes a quantum trajectory (QT) approach to molecular dynamics with quantum corrections on behavior of the nuclei interfaced with the on-the-fly evaluation of electronic structure (ES). Nuclear wavefunction is represented by an ensemble of trajectories, concurrently propagated in time under the influence of the quantum and classical forces. For scalability to high-dimensional systems (hundreds of degrees of freedom), the quantum force is computed within the Linearized Quantum Force (LQF) approximation. The classical force is determined from the ES calculations, performed at the Density Functional Tight Binding (DFTB) level. High throughput DFTB version is implemented in a massively parallel environment using Open MP/MPI. The dynamics has also been extended to describe the Boltzmann (imaginary-time) evolution defining temperature of a molecular system. The combined QTES-DFTB code has been used to study reaction dynamics of systems consisting of up to 111 atoms.
The experience-dependent maturation of a regulatory system in the orbital prefrontal cortex and the origin of developmental psychopathology

The maturation of corticolimbic systems that neurobiologically mediate essential affective and social regulatory functions is experience dependent. During the first and second years of life, the infant's affective experiences, especially those embedded in the relationship with the primary caregiver, elicit patterns of psychobiological alterations that influence the activity of subcortically produced trophic bioamines, peptides, and steroids that regulate the critical period growth and organization of the developing neocortex. Interactive attachment experiences of psychobiological attunemcnt, stressful misattunement, and stress-regulating repair and reattunement that maximize positive and minimize negative affect are imprinted into the orbitofrontal cortex — the hierarchical apex of the limbic system that is expanded in the early developing right hemisphere. During the critical period of maturation of this system , prolonged episodes of intense and unregulated interactive stress are manifest in disorganizing experiences of heightened negative affect and altered levels of stress hormones, and this chaotic biochemical alteration of the internal environment triggers an extensive apoptotic panellation of corticolimbic circuitries. In this manner less than optimal affect-regulating experiences with the primary caregiver are imprinted into the circuits of this frontolimbic system that is instrumental to attachment functions, thereby producing orbitofrontal organizations that neurobiologically express different patterns of insecure attachments. Such pathomorphogenetic outcomes result in structurally defective systems that, under stress, inefficiently regulate subcortical mechanisms that mediate the physiological processes that underlie emotion. The functional impairments of the cortical-subcortical circuitries of this prefrontal system are implicated in an enduring vulnerability to and the pathophysiology of various later forming psychiatric disorders.
Neuropsychological Treatment of Dyslexia in the Classroom Setting

The purpose of this study was to validate Bakker's (1990, 1992) clinical neuropsychological balance model of dyslexia when implemented in a traditional general education classroom environment. The sample included 45 middle school, right-handed boys and girls (mean age = 12.78) with L-type dyslexia (excessively fast readers who make substantive reading errors), P-type dyslexia (displaying accurate but slow and laborious reading), and M-type dyslexia (readers who commit a combination of L-type and P-type dyslexia errors). The experimental groups (L and P type dyslexia) were presented with hemisphere specific stimulation (HSS) and hemispheric alluding stimuli (HAS). HSS involves the presentation of words into the right visual field (RVF) or the left visual field (LVF) or through tactile exercises with the right or left hand. HAS is achieved by constructing semantically and phonetically challenging letters and words. The children with M-type dyslexia served as a control group and received traditional decoding and comprehension exercises. The readers were exposed to a specific treatment model for 16 weeks, depending on their reading accuracy and comprehension. Statistical analyses indicated that, although there were no significant changes in word recognition for the dyslexia subtypes, the readers with L-type, P-type, and M-type dyslexia exhibited significant improvement in reading accuracy and comprehension as assessed by results from pretest to posttest. These results suggest that Bakker's clinical neuropsychological intervention can be effectively applied to the general education setting as well.
Gender, Age, and the Social Evaluation of Assertion:

Lack of assertiveness has been characterized as a social skills deficit amenable to assertiveness training. Recent research suggests, however, that assertion may sometimes be negatively evaluated. This study examined the effects of gender and age on perceptions of assertion. Females and males in two age groups rated the behavior of a female or male model who exhibited one of three types of assertion. Judgments of the model's assertion were affected by the age and gender of the subject and by the interaction of model gender, subject gender, and age. These results are discussed in relation to studies using only college-student samples, and it is suggested that further attention to the interpersonal context of assertion is warranted in evaluating its effectiveness.
Thermal and electrical transport along MWCNT arrays grown on Inconel substrates

This work reports on thermal and electrical conductivities and interface resistances for transport along aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) films grown on a nickel superalloy (Inconel) substrate. The measured specific thermal resistance of the combined Inconel–CNT and indium–CNT interfaces is of the same order as reported for CNT and silicon or SiO2 interfaces but much higher than theoretical predictions considering perfect contact between the tubes and substrate. Imperfect mechanical contact with the substrate and a large contribution caused by indium–CNT interface are thought to be mainly responsible for the high interface resistances and the low effective values of thermal and electrical conductivities. However, reported results represent an incentive for further research on CNT synthesis on metallic substrates for thermal management applications and pave the way for much easier integration of carbon nanotubes in electronic applications.
Understanding Transmission Line Impedance Matching Using Neural Networks and PowerPoint

Impedance matching between transmission lines and antennas is an important and fundamental concept in electromagnetic theory. It is frequently performed with Smith charts or relatively complex formulas, but mathematical methods can yield unanticipated results unless the student has a solid grasp of the underlying theory. Unfortunately, students rarely show interest in graphical techniques and Smith charts can be difficult to use because of optical effects generated by the gridlines. This paper presents an alternative method of teaching single stub impedance matching by permitting students to verify their results from the Smith chart with a neural network. This technology provides instant feedback for most single stub problems, and is re-enforced through Web-based PowerPoint demonstrations. The neural network presents the solution, not the procedure, so it is the responsibility of the student to seek help from the instructor or use the PowerPoint tutorial. Student comments have been very positive, and course evaluations have improved
Cockpit task management

Terms and concepts related to the performance of multiple tasks by flightcrews are defined. A theory of cockpit task management (CTM) is presented. Several CTM errors committed by the flightcrew in a well-known air accident are discussed. Functions that advanced pilot-vehicle interfaces could perform that would facilitate CTM are recommended. An initial prototype embodying these suggestions is under development. >
Ionization produced by electron beams beneath curved surfaces.

Ionization produced by high-energy (6--18 MeV) electrons beneath cylindrical surfaces has been measured and compared to ionization at corresponding locations under a flat surface. Results are reported as ionization ratios over a range of depths, off-axis distances, radii of curvature, and electron energies. Phantoms with cylindrical entrance surfaces (radii 6--15 cm) were utilized to simulate patient contours. Measurements reveal that ionization ratios may depart from unity by as much as 50% and that a simple shifting of isodose curves may be insufficient to compensate for perturbation in electron dose distribution introduced by curved surfaces.
Addressing thermal nonuniformity in SMT workloads

We explore DTM techniques within the context of uniform and nonuniform SMT workloads. While DVS is suitable for addressing workloads with uniformly high temperatures, for nonuniform workloads, performance loss occurs because of the slowdown of the cooler thread. To address this, we propose and evaluate DTM mechanisms that exploit the steering-based thread management mechanisms inherent in a clustered SMT architecture. We show that in contrast to DVS, which operates globally, our techniques are more effective at controlling temperature for nonuniform workloads. Furthermore, we devise a DTM technique that combines steering and DVS to achieve consistently good performance across all workloads.