cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral irradiance calibrations at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC)

The basis of accurate photometric evaluations of light sources is provided by accurate spectral measurements under specified geometric conditions. This accuracy is ensured by traceable, internationally recognized absolute spectroradiometric scales. National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) develop primary-level spectroradiometric facilities and verify these absolute optical measurements through international comparisons with other NMIs. This paper describes the NRC facilities, standards and the results of recent international CCPR (Consultative Committee for Photometry and Radiometry) key comparisons of spectral irradiance measurements. It concludes with a brief update on our plans for using our new high-temperature blackbody as the basis for a new spectroradiometric scale.
A Proposal for More Powerful Learning Algorithms

Judd (1988) and Blum and Rivest (1988) have recently proved that the loading problem for neural networks is NP complete. This makes it very unlikely that any algorithm like backpropagation which varies weights on a network of fixed size and topology will be able to learn in polynomial time. However, Valiant has recently proposed a learning protocol (Valiant 1984), which allows one to sensibly consider generalization by learning algorithms with the freedom to add neurons and synapses, as well as simply adjusting weights. Within this context, standard circuit complexity arguments show that learning algorithms with such freedom can solve in polynomial time any learning problem that can be solved in polynomial time by any algorithm whatever. In this sense, neural nets are universal learners, capable of learning any learnable class of concepts.
The effect of a lymphotoxic factor from patients with multiple sclerosis on acute lymphosarcoma cell leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Eight patients with acute lymphosarcoma cell leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia received infusions of plasma containing a lymphotoxic factor. The lymphotoxic factor induced a transient fall in the number of "blast" cell forms in the peripheral blood in six of the eight patients but did not produce sustained remissions. Previous investigations have demonstrated that this lymphotoxic factor, found in the plasma of patients with active multiple sclerosis, is of low molecular weight and does not have the properties normally associated with an antibody. This factor appears to selectively interfere with ribonucleic acid synthesis in the thymus-derived lymphocyte. Lymphotoxic factor activity was demonstrated in the serum of one patient during a remission in leukemia induced by a viral illness.
The effect of gravity on the shape and strength of a liquid bridge between two spheres

Etudes de la force et des criteres de rupture du pont liquide entre 2 spheres, dans un champ gravitationnel
Tidal evolution of the Galilean satellites: A linearized theory

The Laplace resonance among the Galilean satellites Io, Europa, and Ganymede is traditionally reduced to a pendulum-like dynamical problem by neglecting short-period variations of several orbital elements. However, some of these variations that can now be neglected may once have had longer periods, comparable to the 'pendulum' period, if the system was formerly in deep resonance (pairs of periods even closer to the ratio 2:1 than they are now). In that case, the dynamical system cannot be reduced to fewer than nine dimensions. The nine-dimensional system is linearized here in order to study small variations about equilibrium. When tidal effects are included, the resulting evolution is substantially the same as was indicated by the pendulum approach, except that evolution out of deep resonance is found to be somewhat slower than suggested by extrapolation of the pendulum results. This slower rate helps support the hypothesis that the system may have evolved from deep resonance.
On the transport of mass by time-varying ocean currents

Abstract In order to calculate the mean mass flux past a given recording station it is necessary to know more than the mean velocity in a fixed, vertical section. One must add an additional term—the ‘Stokes velocity’ which depends also on the time and distance scales of the fluctuating currents. In typical circumstances, where the fluctuations are larger than the mean current, the Stokes velocity may dominate the mass transport, and lead to the mass transport being opposite in direction to the mean current. Some general expressions are given for the Stokes velocity, and these are studied in detail for the particular case of waves propagated along a sloping sea bed (double Kelvin waves). Such waves are always propagated with the shallower water to their right in the northern hemisphere. It is shown that in regions of small bottom gradient the Stokes velocity is in the same direction as the phase velocity, but in the region of large bottom gradient the sign of the Stokes velocity is reversed. The mean Stokes velocity is in the direction of wave propagation. However, the total transport (integrated with respect to the depth and width) is in the opposite direction.
Hybrid Analog-Digital Linear Algebra Processors

Analog optics is very fast but not very accurate. Digital electronics is much slower but much more accurate. Compromise (hybrid) systems appear to be intermediate in both speed and accuracy. As there are cases in which analog optics is too inaccurate and digital electronics is too slow; hybrid processors may have an important role to play.
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Administering Pegylated Recombinant Megakaryocyte Growth and Development Factor to Newborn Rhesus Monkeys

Thrombocytopenia is common among sick neonates. Certain groups of thrombocytopenic adults respond favorably to the administration of recombinant thrombopoietin or to pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF), a recombinant human polypeptide that contains the receptor-binding N-terminal domain of thrombopoietin. The effectiveness and safety of such treatment in neonates, however, have not been reported. The purpose of the present study was to determine the biologic activity and safety of PEG-rHuMGDF administration to newborn rhesus monkeys. Eight monkeys were divided into four groups and treated subcutaneously with 0.00, 0.25, 1.00, or 2.50 μg/kg once daily for 7 d. Complete blood counts, serum chemistries, clotting panels, and MGDF levels were followed serially, and hematopoietic progenitor cell assays were performed on bone marrow aspirates before the first dose and again on d 8. Pharmacokinetic evaluations were performed on the animals that received the highest dose of PEG-rHuMGDF. All monkeys had normal growth during the study period, and all chemistries, clotting studies, and blood pressure measurements were normal. The peak serum MGDF concentration occurred at 3 h, and the half-life was 8.4 to 13.0 h. As in adult rhesus monkeys, platelet counts in the treated neonates began to rise on d 6, peaked on d 11, and returned to baseline by d 23. The two highest doses generated an 8- to 12-fold increase in platelets, whereas those treated with 0.25 μg/kg had a 6-fold increase. Other hematologic parameters measured were unaffected. Thus, newborn monkeys responded to doses of PEG-rHuMGDF that were similar to or smaller than (per kilogram body weight) those that are effective in adult animals and did so without obvious short-term toxicity.
Engine performance, combustion, and emissions study of biomass to liquid fuel in a compression-ignition engine

Abstract In this work, the effects of diesel, biodiesel and biomass to liquid (BTL) fuels are investigated in a single-cylinder diesel engine at a fixed speed (2000 rpm) and three engine loads corresponding to 0 bar, 1.26 bar and 3.77 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP). The engine performance, in-cylinder combustion, and exhaust emissions were measured. Results show an increase in indicated work for BTL and biodiesel at 1.26 bar and 3.77 bar BMEP when compared to diesel but a decrease at 0 bar. Lower mechanical efficiency was observed for BTL and biodiesel at 1.26 bar BMEP but all three fuels had roughly the same mechanical efficiency at 3.77 bar BMEP. BTL was found to have the lowest brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and the highest brake thermal efficiency (BTE) among the three fuels tested. Combustion profiles for the three fuels were observed to vary depending on the engine load. Biodiesel was seen to have the shortest ignition delay among the three fuels regardless of engine loads. Diesel had the longest ignition delay at 0 bar and 3.77 bar BMEP but had the same ignition delay as BTL at 1.26 bar BMEP. At 1.26 bar and 3.77 bar BMEP, BTL had the lowest HC emissions but highest HC emissions at no load conditions when compared to biodiesel and diesel. When compared to diesel and biodiesel BTL had lower CO and CO2 emissions. At 0 bar and 1.26 bar BMEP, BTL had higher NOx emissions than diesel fuel but lower NOx than biodiesel at no load conditions. At the highest engine load tested, NOx emissions were observed to be highest for diesel fuel but lowest for BTL. At 1.26 bar BMEP, diesel had a higher smoke opacity than BTL and biodiesel. At 3.77 bar BMEP, BTL had the highest smoke opacity with diesel fuel having the lowest opacity. This work also demonstrated the effectiveness of BTL as a renewable alternative fuel with characteristics comparable to regular diesel fuel.
The Effect of Water Diuresis on Spread of Bacteria through the Urinary Tract

bacteria in the left kidney. Similarly, with enterococcal or S. aureus infections, titers in the right kidney were equivalent in diuresing and nondiuresing rats. In cases of infection due to E. coli, the right kidneys of rats drinking 596 glucose in water had much higher titers of bacteria than those of rats drinking tap water. All three species of bacteria multiplied more rapidly in vitro in urine from diuresing rats than in urine from nondiuresing rats. Histological studies demonstrated marked pyelonephritis of all left kidneys. The right kidneys showed histological changes only in rats with titers of 105 or more per kidney. Many of these kidneys showed marked infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the medulla just beneath the epithelium lining the papilla.
Acoustic scattering of an incident cylindrical wave by an infinite circular cylinder

Exact scattered acoustic fields generated by an infinite circular cylinder in the presence of an incident cylindrical wave are derived for fluid media. Equations are given for the scattered field outside the cylinder and for the total field within. >
Effects of excimer laser radiation on attenuated phase-shift masking materials

The use of attenuated phase-shift masking materials is being considered as one of the key resolution enhancement techniques for sub-0.18 micrometers lithography. In addition to proper optical performance, films for use at DUV and 193 nm wavelengths require suitable plasma etch characteristics and stability at mask exposure levels of pulse excimer lasers. This may limit practical materials to those which allow suitably volatile etch bi-products and possess stable stoichiometric composition. Several film families have been produced which can deliver a (pi) phase shift and 4 - 15% transmission within a single films thickness including Al/AlN, MoSiO, TaSiO, Zr/ZrN, SixNy, and TaN/Si3N4. Of these materials, TaSiO, SixNy, and TaN/Si3N4, allow for adequate plasma etch performance with selectivity to fused silica and resist. Excimer laser 193 nm exposure at fluences corresponding to mask exposure levels show some degree of optical degradation of materials prone to oxidation.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Functionalism revisited: An unsettled science

Stocking, George W., ed. Functionalism Historicized: Essays on British Social Anthropology. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1984. 244 pp. including index. $19.95 cloth.
Purification and characterization of enolase fromEscherichia coli

A method for the purification of enolase (EC 4.2.1.11) from an overproducing strain ofEscherichia coli JA 200 pLC 11–8 is described. The procedure included treatment of the crude sonic extract with protamine sulfate, followed by ammonium sulfate fractionation, hydrophobic interaction chromatography with phenyl Sepharose, HPLC ion exchange chromatography with a DuPont Sax column, and HPLC hydrophobic interaction chromatography with a Bio-Rad 5-PW column. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity as determined by silver staining of 10% sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gels. The native molecular weight ofE. coli enolase was found to be 92 kilodaltons and consisted of two subunits of identical molecular weight, 46 kilodaltons each. The isoelectric point was found to be 4.9.
Aristotle's “special topics”; in rhetorical practice and pedagogy

(1987). Aristotle's “special topics”; in rhetorical practice and pedagogy. Rhetoric Society Quarterly: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 61-70.
Finding an optimal tree searching strategy in linear time

We address the extension of the binary search technique from sorted arrays and totally ordered sets to trees and tree-like partially ordered sets. As in the sorted array case, the goal is to minimize the number of queries required to find a target element in the worst case. However, while the optimal strategy for searching an array is straightforward (always query the middle element), the optimal strategy for searching a tree is dependent on the tree's structure and is harder to compute. We present an O(n)-time algorithm that finds the optimal strategy for binary searching a tree, improving the previous best O(n3)-time algorithm. The significant improvement is due to a novel approach for computing subproblems, as well as a method for reusing parts of already computed subproblems, and a linear-time transformation from a solution in the form of an edge-weighed tree into a solution in the form of a decision tree.
Analytical and preparative HPLC of carbohydrates: inositols and oligosaccharides derived from cellulose and pectin

Abstract New methods are given for the production of cellodextrins by the TFA-catalyzed hydrolysis of cellulose and for the subsequent analytical and preparative high performance liquid chromatography of these useful oligosaccharides. In addition, recent methods developed in this laboratory for the analytical and preparative HPLC of inositols and pectin oligosaccharides are reviewed.
Online education horror stories worthy of HALLOWEEN: a short list of problems and solutions in online instruction

Abstract This article examines many surprising problems that arise in the process of distance education using the Internet and describes ways in which instructors and administrators can solve these problems. The information in the article is based largely on the experience of educators at Utah State University who have been exploring distance education for the past six years by teaching a wide range of online courses via the Internet. As a result of this varied online teaching, we have encountered a broad spectrum of challenges to which we have tried to respond and from which we have tried to learn. The solutions described are generalizable to other programs using online delivery for instruction.
Elastic moduli of a cracked solid

Abstract Calculations on the basis of the self-consistent method are made for the elastic moduli of bodies containing randomly distributed flat cracks, with or without fluid in their interiors. General concepts are outlined for arbitrary cracks and explicit derivations together with numerical results are given for elliptic cracks. Parameters are identified which adapt the elliptic-crack results to arbitrary convex crack shapes. Finally, some geometrical relations involving randomly distributed cracks and their traces on cross-sections are presented.
Irradiation of olivine by 4 keV He+: Simulation of space weathering by the solar wind

[1] We have studied the effects of 4 keV He+ ion irradiation on olivine while measuring, in situ, changes in the near-infrared (NIR) reflectance and in the chemical composition of the surface. The observed changes in reflectance are reddening and the attenuation of the Fe-3d absorption bands in the NIR. Spectral reddening of irradiated olivine powder (<45 μm) correlates with the amount of metallic iron formed by ion impact, consistent with the idea that space-weathering effects in the reflectance of olivine-bearing S type asteroids are due to the formation of metallic iron. The metallization rate of the powder is about half that of a sectioned rock of olivine, which we propose is a consequence of redeposition of sputtered material. The NIR spectral changes observed in ion irradiation experiments are similar to those observed in our previous experiments on vapor redeposition, indicating that different space weathering mechanisms can lead to similar final effects on reflectance. Finally, we estimate that at 1 AU the spectral reddening caused by the solar wind saturates approximately 2 orders of magnitude faster than comparable reddening caused by micrometeorite impacts.
TLR5 Ligand–Secreting T Cells Reshape the Tumor Microenvironment and Enhance Antitumor Activity

The tumor microenvironment counters antitumor T cell responses in part by blunting their activation and infiltration. Ligands that engage Toll-like receptors (TLR) on T cells and antigen-presenting cells can act as potent immune adjuvants. In this study, we show how tumor-reactive T cells engineered to secrete bacterial flagellin, a TLR5 ligand (TLR5L), can engender a co-stimulatory signal that augments antitumor activity. Human T cells engineered to express TLR5L along with DMF5, a T cell receptor that recognizes the melanoma antigen MART-127-35 (DMF5TLR5L T cells), displayed increased proliferation, cytokine production and cytolytic activity against melanoma cells. In a xenogenetic model, adoptive transfer of DMF5TLR5L T cells reduced tumor growth kinetics and prolonged mouse survival. In a syngeneic model, similarly engineered melanoma-reactive T cells (pmelTLR5L) displayed a relative increase in antitumor activity against established tumors, compared to unmodified T cells. In this model, we documented increased T cell infiltration associated with increased levels of CCR1 and CXCR3 levels on T cells, a reduction in PD1+Lag3+ T cells and CD11+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and changes in the chemokine/cytokine profile of tumors. Our findings show how T cell-mediated delivery of a TLR agonist to the tumor site can contribute to antitumor efficacy, in the context of adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
On spectral flow of transversal dirac operators and a theorem of Vafa-Witten

We outline the proof of a theorem of Vafa-Witten type on uniform bounds for the eigenvalues of a family of transversal Dirac operators relative to a Riemannian foliation. The family in question is parameterized by a moduli space of basic connections with respect to the foliation modulo a suitable group of foliation preserving gauge transformations. The proof is based on the concept of spectral flow, applied to the suspension of suitable gauge transformations to periodic families of Dirac operators.
Characterization of high resolution range and Doppler LADAR

Compared to microwave radar systems, chaotic ladar has the potential for providing a range resolution well into the mm range. The purpose of this project is to determine the signal processing schemes required to extract range and Doppler information from a chaotic signal scattered by environmental targets. Specifically, a ladar would be driven into the coherence collapse through an external optical resonator, thus generating a chaotic electromagnetic field with a wide rms bandwidth of several GHz. The reflected field would be processed though optical correlation to extract range and Doppler information. Simulations show that the power spectral density properties of the field are dependent on the Lyapunov exponent of the chaotic field, which be exploited to obtain optimum range resolution. A complete statistical analysis of the wideband ambiguity function of the field reveals that the signal has better performance than noise-like signals generated via electro-optic amplitude modulation, thus allowing for high resolution imaging of terrains with pseudo random reflectivity variations.
Brain and body temperature homeostasis during sodium pentobarbital anesthesia with and without body warming in rats.

Abstract High-speed, multi-site thermorecording offers the ability to follow the dynamics of heat production and flow in an organism. This approach was used to study brain–body temperature homeostasis during the development of general anesthesia induced by sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg, ip) in rats. Animals were chronically implanted with thermocouple probes in two brain areas, the abdominal cavity, and subcutaneously, and temperatures were measured during anesthesia both with and without (control) body warming. In control conditions, temperature in all sites rapidly and strongly decreased (from 36–37 °C to 32–33 °C, or 3.5–4.5 °C below baselines). Relative to body core, brain hypothermia was greater (by 0.3–0.4 °C) and skin hypothermia was less (by ∼0.7 °C). If the body was kept warm with a heating pad, brain hypothermia was three-fold weaker (∼1.2 °C), but the brain–body difference was significantly augmented (−0.6 °C). These results suggest that pentobarbital-induced inhibition of brain metabolic activity is a major factor behind brain hypothermia and global body hypothermia during general anesthesia. These data also indicate that body warming is unable to fully compensate for anesthesia-induced brain hypothermia and enhances the negative brain–body temperature differentials typical of anesthesia. Since temperature strongly affects various underlying parameters of neuronal activity, these findings are important for electrophysiological studies performed in anesthetized animal preparations.
Posterior urethral valves in patients with Down syndrome

Renal and urological anomalies in Down syndrome (DS) have received little attention compared with the nephrourological findings described in other chromosomal abnormalities. Renal hypoplasia, hydroureteronephrosis, ureterovesical and ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and vesicoureteral reflux, but not posterior urethral valves, have been associated with DS. We report the occurrence of posterior urethral valves in three male infants with DS at a single institution. All had multiple urological procedures for correction or palliation of obstruction. Children with DS may have an increased risk for developing posterior urethral valves and obstructive uropathy. Furthermore, they may also develop chronic renal failure secondary to posterior urethral valves. Therefore, we suggests that infants with DS be screened with ultrasonography for renal and urological abnormalities early in life and, if abnormal, a contrast voiding cystourethrogram be performed to rule out posterior urethral valves or other bladder or urethral abnormalities. A review of the renal and urological anomalies in DS reported in the literature since 1960 is presented.
Characteristics of Bovine Plasma Gels as Affected by pH Sodium Chloride, and Sodium Tripolyphosphate

A model system, which simulated the pH, sodium chloride (NaCl), and alkaline phosphate (STP) levels of typical processed meat products, was used to determine the effect of NaCl, STP and pH on firmness and percent cooked yield of bovine plasma gels. Bovine plasma gel firmness increased with increasing plasma pH, whereas percent cooked yield was not affected. In contrast, when the pH, of the plasma solutions, was adjusted to a constant 5.6 to simulate the pH and buffering of meat, percent cooked yield was affected; gel firmness was not affected. With increased levels of NaCl and STP, the percent cooked plasma gel yield increased.
Galaxy clustering and the origin of large-scale flows

Peebles's 'cosmic virial theorem' is extended from its original range of validity at small separations, where hydrostatic equilibrium holds, to large separations, in which linear gravitational stability theory applies. The rms pairwise velocity difference at separation r is shown to depend on the spatial galaxy correlation function xi(x) only for x less than r. Gravitational instability theory can therefore be tested by comparing the two up to the maximum separation for which both can reliably be determined, and there is no dependence on the poorly known large-scale density and velocity fields. With the expected improvement in the data over the next few years, however, this method should yield a reliable determination of omega.
Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia: growth responses to reducing agents.

Abstract The growth responses of Entamoeba histolytica strains HM-1:IMSS and HK-9 to a variety of reducing agents were tested for one subculture in TYI-S-33 medium, prepared with no cysteine or ascorbic acid. Amoebae did not grow in this medium. Addition of l -ascorbic acid, d - or l -cysteine, or l -cystine each permitted the maximum growth observed. Dithiothreitol supported 68% maximum growth of HK-9 amoebae, but only 12% of HM-1. In contrast, growth of both strains was greatly diminished (0–13% growth) with 11 other compounds tested including glutathione, thiomalic acid, thioglycolic acid, and methionine. The growth responses of Giardia lamblia were similarly tested in TYI-S-33, as well as in TP-S-1 media. If l -cysteine was omitted from either medium, trophozoites did not grow, and eventually lysed. In TYI-S-33 medium, the requirement for l -cysteine was specific, whereas in TP-S-1 medium, other sulfhydryl compounds were partially effective and lower concentrations of l -cysteine satisfied the requirement. Ascorbic acid or l -cystine alone was totally ineffective; however, in combination, 30 to 60% of maximum growth was achieved. Once added to either medium, cysteine was rapidly oxidized. Amino acid analysis of the growth media revealed that the broth components of TP-S-1 medium contained 2.8 mM and TYI-S-33 broth 2.1 mM endogenous levels of cysteine (or half-cystine), with an additional 3 mM contributed by 10% serum.
Variation in thermally induced melanism in monarch butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from three North American populations

Abstract 1. As ectotherms, insects often experience varying temperatures throughout their life cycle, and some respond by becoming more or less melanistic (dark coloring) during development to increase or decrease thermal energy absorption as larvae or adults. 2. Monarch butterflies ( Danaus plexippus ) breed in temperate and tropical environments worldwide and are exposed to different average and extreme temperatures in different parts of their geographic range. In this study, we compared variation in thermally induced melanism among monarch butterflies from eastern and western North America and from South Florida. 3. We raised the progeny of wild-captured adult butterflies from these populations in a common garden experiment, rearing individuals in cold (19 °C), moderate (26 °C), and hot (32 °C) temperatures to examine population variation in larval and adult pigmentation. 4. Across all populations, monarch larvae developed the darkest coloration in the cold treatment and were lightest when reared in hot temperatures. Similar results were observed for measures of adult wing melanism, with the exception of adult females, which developed darker colored wings in warmer temperatures. 5. Significant population-level differences in average measures of melanism among larvae and adult butterflies were observed. Larvae from the eastern population became substantially darker in colder temperatures than S. Florida or western larvae. Western larvae were lightest overall, which might be adaptive to high temperatures experienced throughout portions of their summer breeding range. S. Florida larvae showed a lower response to cold temperatures relative to monarchs from either migratory population. 6. Population level differences were also observed for thermal responses in wing melanism, particularly among adult females. Moreover, we found significant family level effects for each measure of larval and adult melanism, pointing to a genetic basis or strong maternal effects influencing these traits in monarch butterflies.
Adaptor complex AP2/PICALM, through interaction with LC3, targets Alzheimer's APP-CTF for terminal degradation via autophagy

The hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are the aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and tau protein. Autophagy is a major cellular pathway leading to the removal of aggregated proteins. We have reported recently that autophagy was responsible for amyloid precursor protein cleaved C-terminal fragment (APP-CTF) degradation and amyloid β clearance in an Atg5-dependent manner. Here we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which autophagy mediates the degradation of APP-CTF and the clearance of amyloid β. Through affinity purification followed by mass spectrum analysis, we identified adaptor protein (AP) 2 together with phosphatidylinositol clathrin assembly lymphoid-myeloid leukemia (PICALM) as binding proteins of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3). Further analysis showed that AP2 regulated the cellular levels of APP-CTF. Knockdown of AP2 reduced autophagy-mediated APP-CTF degradation. Immunoprecipitation and live imaging analysis demonstrated that AP2 and PICALM cross-link LC3 with APP-CTF. These data suggest that the AP-2/PICALM complex functions as an autophagic cargo receptor for the recognition and shipment of APP-CTF from the endocytic pathway to the LC3-marked autophagic degradation pathway. This molecular mechanism linking AP2/PICALM and AD is consistent with genetic evidence indicating a role for PICALM as a risk factor for AD.
Signaling pathways involved in phase II gene induction by α, β-unsaturated aldehydes

Phase II enzymes are induced primarily through the common electrophile response element (EpRE) signaling. Studies performed in different cell types and with different inducer appear to indicate var...
Narrative speech production: An fMRI study using continuous arterial spin labeling

Abstract Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) was employed to monitor brain activation during narrative production of a semi-structured speech sample in healthy young adults. Subjects were asked to describe a wordless children’s picture story. Significant activations were found in bilateral prefrontal and left temporal–parietal regions during narrative production relative to description of a single picture and relative to viewing the wordless picture story while producing a nonsense word. We conclude that inferior frontal cortex serves as a top–down organizational resource for narrative production and demonstrate the feasibility of collecting extended speech samples using CASL perfusion fMRI.
Strain-specific propagation of PrPSc properties into baculovirus-expressed hamster PrPC.

The conversion of the cellular isoform of the prion protein (PrPC) to the abnormal disease-associated isoform (PrPSc) has been simulated in cell-free conversion reactions in which PrPSc-enriched preparations induce the conformational transition of PrPC into protease-resistant PrP (PrP-res). We explored the utility of recombinant hamster (Ha)PrPC purified from baculovirus-infected insect cells (bacHaPrPC) as a replacement for mammalian-derived HaPrPC in the conversion reactions. Protease-resistant recombinant HaPrP was generated after incubation of 35S-bacHaPrPC with PrPSc-enriched preparations. Moreover strain-specific PrP-res was also reproduced using insect-cell derived HaPrPC and PrPSc from two different strains of hamster-adapted transmissible mink encephalopathy, designated hyper (HY) and drowsy (DY). Two strain-mediated properties were tested: (i) molecular mass of the protease-digested products and (ii) relative resistance to proteinase K (PK) digestion. Similar to in vivo generation of PrPHY and PrPDY, the converted products selectively reproduced both characteristics, with the DY conversion product being smaller in size and less resistant to PK digestion than the HY product. These data demonstrate that non-mammalian sources of recombinant HaPrP can be converted into PK-resistant form and that strain-mediated properties can be transmitted into the newly formed PrP-res.
The benefits of 3D networks-on-chip as shown with LDPC decoding

In this work we describe our network-on-chip (NoC) simulator, which fills the gap between architectural level and circuit level NoC simulation. The core is a fast, high level transaction-based NoC simulator, which accesses carefully compiled power, timing, and area models for basic NoC componets built from detailed circuit simulation. It makes use of the architectural evaluator, which performs a detailed global interconnect analysis within the framework of industry-standard design tools. Using low density parity check decoding as a test vehicle, the NoC simulator is used in an NoC design study comparing 2D and 3D integrated circuits, and shows a method by which on-chip networks can be optimized.
Challenging collective violence: A scientific strategy

Collective violence (war, terrorism, violent political conflicts, genocide, repression, organized criminal activity, disappearances, torture, and a range of other abuses of human rights) killed at least 200 million persons directly or indirectly, and injured many more, during the 20th century (Krug, Dahlberg, Mercy, Zwi, & Lozano, 2002). Recent advances in the science of behaviour can help to explain why humans turn so quickly to collective violent actions in response to threat or opportunity, and why such actions are in a real sense “natural.” However, in the contemporary world the potential costs of relying on these nearly automatic responses are unacceptably high. This paper explores the roots of this violence from the perspective of the natural science of behaviour. Strategies for modifying collective violence should take into consideration motivational factors such as verbal processes and cultural perceptions, shifting motivating antecedents, etc. Rules, models, and structural conditions are also rel...
Measuring attentional ability in older adults: Development and psychometric evaluation of driverscan

Although deficits in visual attention are often postulated as an important component of many declines in cognitive processing and functional outcomes in older adults, surprisingly little emphasis has been placed on evaluating psychometric instruments with which individual differences in visual attention ability can be assessed. This article reports the development and beginning psychometric evaluation of DriverScan, a change detection measure of attentional search for older adults. A constrained graded response model is used to approximate response speed and accuracy with categories of immediate, delayed, or no response. DriverScan items are shown to have excellent reliability over the studied sample, and the distribution of items is shown to adequately cover the difficulty continuum and to be maximally sensitive at distinguishing individuals with lower than average abilities (i.e., individuals with attention deficits). Item design features representing goal-directed and stimulus-driven attentional processing significantly predict item difficulty as hypothesized.
Reconceptualizing Teacher Preparation for Inclusive Classrooms: A Description of the Dual License Program at the University of New Mexico

This paper describes the Dual License Teacher Preparation Program at the University of New Mexico and the national and state context within which it was developed and continues to evolve. Graduates of the Dual License Program are eligible for licensure in general education (K-8) and special education (K-12). Our belief in democratic ideals in education, together with the vision of preparing all teachers to be ready to teach all students, has required us to reconceptualize the ways in which we implement university based coursework and field experiences. This paper gives specific examples of the ways in which faculty in the Dual License Program model collaboration between general and special education to prepare apprentice teachers to collaborate in the schools in order to provide inclusive educational practices for all students. This paper specifically highlights the inclusion ofbest practices for students with severe disabilities as an integral part of curriculum development right from the start. Also, ch...
Sequences from the beginning of the fiber messenger RNA of adenovirus-2.

Abstract Small restriction fragments, from around co-ordinate 86.6 on the adenovirus-2 genome, have been used as primers for direct DNA sequence analysis by Sanger's (Sanger et al., 1977) chain termination method with Ad2 † DNA as template. The genomic sequences obtained have been compared with sequences deduced using fiber messenger RNA from Ad2 or Ad2+ ND5-infected cells as template. With one primer, Hha 54, the sequences complementary to mRNA match those of the genome for 10 nucleotides but then differ from those found on the genome because this primer hybridizes near the point at which the leader sequence becomes joined to the main body of fiber mRNA. Using Ad2+ ND5 fiber mRNA as template, the sequence beyond the point of divergence matches the known sequence of the third leader component of one of the late Ad2 mRNAs, that encoding the hexon polypeptide. With Ad2 fiber mRNA, a heterogeneous sequence continuation is found, in accordance with earlier findings that two major species of fiber mRNA are present, which differ in the nature of the leader component joined to the main body of fiber mRNA (Chow & Broker, 1978). Nevertheless, the data suggest that both leader components appear to become joined to the same nucleotide at the start of the main body of fiber mRNA. The AUG codon, which probably encodes the N-terminus of the fiber polypeptide, occurs just two nucleotides beyond the point at which these leader segments become spliced to the main body of fiber mRNA.
Gut gemeint ist nicht gleich gut gemacht

Der Beitrag von Manfred Becker lasst sich wohlmeinend als Pladoyer fur einen pragmatischen Umgang mit dem AGG lesen. Er mochte Personaler/-innen zeigen, wie die Vorgaben des AGG im Rahmen eines Human Resources Diversity Managements positiv umgesetzt werden konnen. In weiten Teilen uberzeugen die Ausfuhrungen des Autors aber nicht. Gerade die Darstellung der Inhalte des AGG ist stark von seiner skeptischen Grundhaltung gegenuber dessen Zielsetzung gepragt. Auch wenn die Ausfuhrungen zu konkreten Betriebs- und Personalmasnahmen gelungener sind, stellt dieser Beitrag insgesamt kein uberzeugendes und lesenswertes Werk dar.
Neural Bases of Moderation of Cortisol Stress Responses by Psychosocial Resources

Psychosocial resources have been tied to lower psychological and biological responses to stress. The present research replicated this relationship and extended it by examining how differences in dispositional reactivity of certain neural structures may underlie this relationship. Two hypotheses were examined: (a) psychosocial resources are tied to decreased sensitivity to threat and/or (b) psychosocial resources are associated with enhanced prefrontal inhibition of threat responses during threat regulation. Results indicated that participants with greater psychosocial resources exhibited significantly less cortisol reactivity following a stress task, as predicted. Analyses using functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed that psychosocial resources were associated with greater right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and less amygdala activity during a threat regulation task but were not associated with less amygdala activity during a threat sensitivity task. Mediational analyses suggest that the relation of psychosocial resources to low cortisol reactivity was mediated by lower amygdala activity during threat regulation. Results suggest that psychosocial resources are associated with lower cortisol responses to stress by means of enhanced inhibition of threat responses during threat regulation, rather than by decreased sensitivity to threat.
Microbial resistance to penicillin as related to penicillinase or penicillin acylase activity.

Summary1. The penicillin moiety, 6-aminopenicillanic acid, has antibacterial activity but is considerably less active than penicillin. 2. Resistance to penicillin in one group of bacteria could be explained logically by presence of penicillinase activity, i.e., conversion of penicillin to the inactive penicilloic acid. 3. Resistance to penicillin in a second group of bacteria could be explained logically by presence of penicillin acylase activity, i.e., conversion of penicillin to the relatively inactive 6-aminopenicillanic acid. 4. In a third group of bacteria resistant to penicillin, neither penicillinase nor penicillin acylase activity could be detected. Still another metabolic mechanism other than penicillinase or penicillin acylase activity must be present in selected bacteria.
Protection of infant rats from Haemophilus influenzae type b infection by antiserum to purified outer membrane protein a.

Abstract Protein a (46,000 molecular weight [46K]) was purified from outer membranes of Haemophilus influenzae type b by a relatively simple procedure. Spontaneously shed outer membranes from a 24-h, 12-liter culture of an unencapsulated variant of strain Eag were combined with outer membranes released from the cells by Tris buffer and extracted with the nonionic detergent octylpolyoxyethylene. The extract was then subjected to open column chromatography on Sephacryl S-200 and Trisacryl-carboxymethyl to yield 7.5 mg of protein a from 180 mg of outer membrane protein. Approximately 99% of the protein in this preparation was protein a; in addition, the preparation contained 1.25% (wt/wt) lipopolysaccharide and had a residual detergent/protein ratio of 1.6:1 (wt/wt). Antibodies to the preparation were induced in rabbits by using alum as an adjuvant. As determined by immunoblotting, the great preponderance of antibodies induced were specific for protein a. However, very low levels of antibodies to several other outer membrane components, which were not apparent on gels of the pure preparation of protein a, were also induced. Preimmune and postimmune sera, after depletion of antibodies to capsular polysaccharide and lipopolysaccharide, were tested for biological activity against H. influenzae type b. Compared with preimmune serum, postimmune serum was bactericidal in vitro against strain Eag (the only strain tested) and offered significant protection (P less than 0.01) to infant rats against infection by all four strains tested, two of which had a protein a that was larger (47K) than the 46K protein a in the preparation. These results indicate that protein a should be considered as a vaccine to prevent H. influenzae type b disease.
Pre-Service Elementary Teachers Bridge the Gap between Research and Practice.

The goal of this study was to examine the two related links of research to teaching practice and teaching practice to research that pre-service elementary teachers made during an action research project focusing on a conceptual-change teaching experience with elementary school students. Data were collected from the final written reports from 144 groups of students. Analysis of the data by the process of grounded theory showed that the majority of students (96%) were able to link current educational research successfully to their teaching practice while fewer students (16%) were able to link their teaching practice back to the research base. Many students (30%), however, found new knowledge in the form of identifying new misconceptions or finding previously reported misconceptions with new populations or confirming prior research. Preliminary results (n = 17) based on the changes to the course showed significant improvement.
For what should hospitals be accountable

Article-at-a-Glance Background An underlying assumption in discussing for what hospitals should be accountable is that the public trusts that hospitals will act in patients’ best interests. Therefore, hospitals must be accountable to demonstrate that they deliver high-quality care. They must also demonstrate that they are doing so as efficiently as possible for the patients of public payers (and others). Issues Current mechanisms for public accountability are neither comprehensive nor do they incorporate a systematic approach for ensuring that hospitals deliver high-quality care. Current efforts to establish which information is helpful for monitoring the quality of hospital care are duplicative and incomplete. In addition, many current approaches are not reliable or valid; there is no routine mechanism for evaluating reliability and validity of data released to the public. Conclusion Recommendations are made regarding what kinds of information hospitals should be required to give to federal agencies. A federally organized effort is needed to develop standard quality measures, as well as specification of the state or other agencies that should be required to monitor the quality of hospital care for all patients and of the requirements for ongoing evaluation of the reliability and validity of the data used to assess quality of care. Changes in policy are suggested that would facilitate a federal effort to develop and maintain standard quality measures.
Solitary brain metastasis: radiosurgery in lieu of microsurgery in 32 patients.

Thirty-two consecutive patients with 34 small brain metastases underwent boost stereotactic radiosurgery using the first North American Gamma Unit between May 1988 and July 1990. The majority of tumors (n = 24; 71%) were considered resistant to conventional, fractionated irradiation (malignant melanoma, n = 13; non-small cell lung carcinoma, n = 7; renal cell carcinoma, n = 4). During the follow-up period (median = 10 months; range = 1.5–15 months) no patient suffered a complication of radiosurgical treatment, and no patient died from a radiosurgically-treated metastasis. Shrinkage or growth-arrest was documented in 20 of 23 patients (87%) available for follow-up. Median survival after treatment was 10 months.
Usability study of travel websites

A usability study was conducted to identify usability problems as well as recommendations for improvement for three travel sales websites. The study performed testing on twenty participants, between the ages of 19 and 65, recruited from the university campus consisting of students, faculty, and staff. The three websites tested were Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, and Travelocity.com. Each participant was given general instructions and a pre-survey to determine their demographics and level of Internet experience. The usability study tested participants on the task of finding the same itinerary on each travel website. The participant during testing was under observation of the experimenter that maintained an observation log. A post-survey along with a debriefing session was conducted to gather additional feedback. The average testing time for participants was 30 minutes. The results of this study are presented as well as a future research discussion consisting of the development of usability guidelines for designers of travel websites.
Influence of Gold Nanorod Geometry on Optical Response

As noble metal nanoparticles are deployed into increasingly sophisticated environments, it is necessary to fully develop our understanding of nanoparticle behavior and the corresponding instrument responses. In this paper, we report on the optical response of three important gold nanorod configurations under dark field and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy after first establishing their absolute geometries with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The observed longitudinal plasmon wavelengths of single nanorods are located at wavelengths consistent with previously developed theory. A dimer is shown exhibiting a multipole plasmon at wavelengths that are consistent with the dipole plasmon of single nanorods in the sample. DIC can also distinguish a single nanorod from a pair of uncoupled nanorods with an interparticle distance below the diffraction limit. The experimental observations are consistent with simulated DIC images using a DIC point spread function. The findings herein are a c...