cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation Study of Rate Limiting Factors of Li-Ion Batteries Using Experimental Functions of Electronic and Ionic Resistances

Abstract The balance between the electronic and ionic resistances in electrodes is an important factor that governs the rate performance of Li-ion batteries. However, most battery simulation models reported to date use impractical formulas. We therefore conducted a simulation study using the Newman model under the constraint condition of constant energy density (250 Wh/kg), using the experimental functions of electronic and ionic resistances depending on the electrode structure. In addition to obtaining a battery design guideline that provides the best rate performance, we considered the rate-limiting factors. Using the conductive carbon weight ratio and the porosity and thickness of the positive electrode as the design parameters, we carried out a parametric study of the discharge properties. The batteries comprising a thin, low-porosity positive electrode exhibited better rate performances than those with a thick positive electrode of higher porosity for the design parameter sets with the same designed specific energy. Furthermore, the results revealed that the dependence on the electrode thickness of the diffusion-limiting behavior and thus, of the discharge rate performance was determined by the diffusivity of both the positive and negative electrodes.
Do multinuclear 3d metal catalysts achieve O–O bond formation via radical coupling or via water nucleophilic attack? WNA leads the way in [Co4O4]n+

Summary Catalytic water oxidation is a required process for clean energy production based on the concept of artificial photosynthesis. Here, we provide in situ spectroscopic and computational analysis for the closest known photosystem II analog, [Co4O4]n+ ([Co4O4Py4Ac4]0, Py = pyridine and Ac = CH3COO−), which catalyzes electrochemical water oxidation. In situ extended X-ray absorption fine structure detects an ultrashort, CoIV=O (∼1.67 A) moiety, a crucial intermediate for O–O bond formation. Density function theory analyses show that the intermediate has two CoIV centers and a CoIV=O unit of strong radicaloid character sufficient to support a CoIV=O + H2O = Co–OOH + H+ transition, where the carboxyl ligand accepts the proton and the bridging oxygen stabilizes the peroxide via hydrogen bonding. The proposed water nucleophilic attack mechanism accounts for all prior spectroscopic evidence on the Co4O44+ core. Our results are important for the design and development of efficient water oxidation catalysts, which contribute to the ultimate goal of clean energy from artificial photosynthesis.
Fission and PINK-1-mediated mitophagy are required for Insulin/IGF-1 signaling mutant reproductive longevity

Women′s reproductive cessation is the earliest sign of human aging and is caused by decreasing oocyte quality. Similarly, C. elegans′ reproduction declines with age and is caused by oocyte quality decline. Aberrant mitochondrial dynamics are a hallmark of age-related dysfunction, but the role of mitochondrial morphology in reproductive aging is largely unknown. We examined the requirements for mitochondrial fusion and fission in oocytes of both wild-type worms and the long-lived, long-reproducing insulin-like receptor mutant daf-2. We find that normal reproduction requires both fusion and fission. By contrast, daf-2 mutants require fission, but not fusion, for reproductive span extension. daf-2 mutant oocytes′ mitochondria are punctate (fissioned) and may be primed for mitophagy, as loss of the mitophagy regulator PINK-1 shortens daf-2′s reproductive span. Our data suggest that daf-2 maintain oocyte mitochondria quality with age via a shift toward punctate mitochondrial morphology and mitophagy to extend reproductive longevity.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis Outcomes of Patients With Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Treated With Budesonide Irrigations: A Case Series.

Background:Pathophysiology-targeting treatments exist for aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) through aspirin desensitization and biologics, such as dupilumab. With increasing attention ...
Glutaric Acidemia Type I: Diagnosis and Management

Glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA-1) is an autosomal recessive disorder of lysine, hydroxylysine, and tryptophan metabolism caused by a deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. It results in the accumulation of 3-hydroxyglutaric and glutaric acid. Patients can present with brain atrophy and macrocephaly, often with concurrent acute dystonia triggered by an intercurrent childhood infection and often with fever. This can occur anytime during the first 6 years of life, with a vulnerable period between 6 and 18 months of age. GA-1 is identified by elevated glutarylcarnitine (C5DC) on the newborn screening panel.
Vitamin A chemoprevention of lung cancer. A short-term biomarker study

This article describes an ongoing short-term biomarker study of Vitamin A in subjects at high risk for lung cancer. Workers exposed to asbestos and cigarettes have a markedly increased risk of developing lung cancer and parenchymal fibrosis. Epidemiologic and experimental studies have shown that dietary vitamin A has significant anticancer and immunomodulatory effects (1-6). However, whether intervention with supplemental vitamin A can reduce the mortality or morbidity from either disease and the mechanisms involved remains unclear. Airway metaplasia on bronchial biopsy and inflammation on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are considered potential markers for the development of lung cancer and parenchymal fibrosis respectively. Our prior clinical studies (see below) have shown an high incidence of both of these lesions in asbestos-exposed subjects, findings consistent with the idea that the processes of inflammation and carcinogenesis are linked. We have hypothesized that 1) the vitamin A intervention may reduce both bronchial metaplasia and lung inflammation, 2) the mechanism of this effect may be through modulation of relevant pulmonary cytokines, growth factors, and/or oncogenes, and 3) local lung vitamin A status may be a key modifiable host determinant or biomarker of susceptibility. We are performing a double-blind placebo controlled 6 month trial of combination 0-carotene and retinol in 50 subjects at high risk for both lung cancer and parenchymal fibrosis to address these hypotheses. This study should provide valuable data on whether vitamin A can modify potential early markers of lung cancer and fibrosis, the mechanisms involved, and the role of local vitamin A. The findings may lead to effective preventive strategies for lung cancer.
Modifying Melodic Intonation Therapy

Reports of the MIT protocol developed in the 1970s by the Boston group [2,3] emphasized that it was a language training program that used operant conditioning principles to treat adults with moderate nonfluent (Broca’s-type) aphasia. The authors reported success in increasing the expressive abilities of some individuals with aphasia for whom other clinical approaches had failed. The authors described MIT as a programmed approach with two levels of increasing difficulty, each level consisting of several steps. Short phrases or sentences were imbedded in simple, non-distinct melody patterns.
The Global Economy and Mass Policy Preferences in Developed Welfare States

This paper examines the influence of country exposure to the world economy on mass policy preferences in advanced capitalist democracies. Informed by economic and sociological accounts, I develop a set of competing claims for how signals from the world economy shape public policy demands. Claims are tested in a pair of empirical analyses; the first examines micro-level opinions for citizens in 17 democracies polled during the 2000s. The second test is a panel analysis of aggregate opinion using data from 19 countries from 1985 to 2008. Results from both sets of analyses find that citizens in more open economies are less likely to believe their government is responsible for delivering policies to improve economic performance, equality, and stability. At the same time, however, globalization means that publics place greater pressure on policymakers to deliver in non-economic domains. By looking at public preferences, and by disaggregating them by policy domain, this study sheds new light on current arguments about the effect of globalization on domestic politics.
Abstract P1-09-28: What is a healthful diet? – Cancer survivors' interpretations of their own dietary recall data

Background The number of long-term cancer survivors will continue to grow, and developing strategies for tertiary prevention of recurrence, cancer-related comorbidities, and general chronic disease-related health burden is critical. Nutrition and energy balance are increasingly recognized to play important roles in both decreasing recurrence risk, and improving health and well-being throughout survivorship. To inform strategies for nutrition education and behavior change for cancer survivors, we used a mixed methods approach to explore concepts about healthful diet and eating patterns among long-term cancer survivors. Methods We collected three ASA-24 dietary recalls from 53 breast, prostate and non-Hodgkins lymphoma survivors. Utilizing qualitative interviews, we provided participants with feedback on how their eating patterns compared to dietary guidelines, and asked respondents to reflect upon their diet and dietary changes. Results Like most American adults, respondents were not eating in accordance with many dietary recommendations. In terms of adequate intake of recommended nutrients, 68% met fruit and vegetable guidelines, but only 15% reported adequate intake of fiber. In terms of following recommendations for limits on intake, 89% reported diets that met guidelines for limiting alcohol intake, but only 55% met limits for cholesterol, 40% for saturated fat, 19% for caloric intake, and only 2% limited their sodium intake to within recommended levels. Respondents were often surprised by their own dietary patterns, and had differing conceptualizations of a "healthful" diet. Conclusions Cancer survivorship may provide motivation for dietary change, but survivors need nutrition education to identify specific strategies for dietary improvement. Citation Format: Ann C Klassen, Katherine C Smith, Michelle Brosbe, Kisha Coa, Susan Hannum, Laura Caulfield. What is a healthful diet? – Cancer survivors9 interpretations of their own dietary recall data [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-09-28.
Cycloadditions—XIX : Kinetics of the thermal decomposition of 2,5-diaryltetrazoles☆☆☆

Abstract The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of nine 2,5-diaryltetrazoles at 165.8° have been determined manometrically. For 2-aryl-5-phenyltetrazoles, a plot of log k against the Hammett substituent constants gives a good straight line with slope ϱ = 1·16. For 2-phenyl-5-aryltetrazoles, ϱ = −0·23. The pertinence of these results to the mechanism of the cycloadditions of 1,3-diarylnitrile imines is discussed.
Using remediation time as an optimization variable in groundwater remediation systems

Optimization by the use of computer simulations is a useful tool for designing subsurface remediation systems. Most optimization studies focus on minimizing cost while meeting a cleanup goal within a given time frame. However, decision-makers may be interested in analyzing tradeoffs between cost and time. In this work, we employ a multi-objective optimization to minimize cost and time simultaneously. The optimization procedure uses a niched Pareto genetic algorithm with state variables (hydraulic, head and concentration) generated from a finite difference flow simulator and a particle tracking contaminant simulator. Computational experiments were performed to verify the mutli-objective trade-off curve with the use of single objective optimization runs. The effect of interest rate on cost-time tradeoffs was investigated with two financial management scenarios. The result of this work showed only a weak relationship between remediation cost and time. Further investigation of the results produced insight in to the aquifer and treatment efficiency impacts of remediation time. Interest rate experiments showed that the effect is dependent on the financial methodology and has little impact on the technical selection of the remediation design.
Ulcerative colitis presenting as acute pancreatitis in a 6-year-old patient.

The association of pancreatitis and ulcerative colitis has been well described in the literature.1-11 Most reported patients have experienced acute pancreatitis due to drug toxicity.1,5-9,11 The association of pancreatic duct abnormalities and ulcerative colitis has also been described in the literature.12,13 Idiopathic pancreatitis is the term used to describe pancreatitis when no causes or associations are identified.3 We report the case of a young patient with acute idiopathic pancreatitis as a presentation of ulcerative colitis.
Feasibility of thoracic nerve root preservation in posterior transpedicular vertebrectomy with anterior column cage insertion: a cadaveric study.

Object Transpedicular thoracic vertebrectomy (TTV) is a safe alternative to the more standard transthoracic approach. A TTV is most commonly used to address vertebral body fractures due to tumor or trauma. Transpedicular reconstruction of the anterior column with cage/bone traditionally requires unilateral thoracic nerve root sacrifice. In a cadaveric model, the authors evaluated the feasibility of transpedicular anterior column reconstruction without nerve root sacrifice. If feasible, this may be a reasonable approach that could be extended to the lumbar spine where nerve root sacrifice is not an option. Methods A TTV was performed in 8 fixed cadaveric specimens. In each specimen, an alternate vertebra (either odd or even) was removed so that single-level reconstruction could be evaluated. The vertebrectomy included facetectomy, adjacent discectomies, and laminectomy; however, the nerve roots were preserved. The authors then evaluated the feasibility of inserting a titanium mesh cage (Medtronic Sofamor D...
Can Bundled Discounting Increase Consumer Prices Without Excluding Rivals

Since we abhor suspense, we will quickly answer the question our title poses: No. As a general matter, bundled discounting schemes lower prices to consumers unless they are predatory
Presidential Unilateralism and Political Polarization: Why Today's Congress Lacks the Will and the Way to Stop Presidential Initiatives

I know. This is a symposium about presidential power in the 21st century. My essay, however, will focus on Congress. In particular, I want to examine the conditions in which Congress will have the necessary will and way to check presidential initiatives. And even more particularly, I want to assess whether a politically polarized Congress can check presidential unilateralism. Let me start by quoting Justice Jackson, Justice Ginsburg, and David Gergen. First, Justice Jackson: In the Steel Seizure case, Justice Jackson—who had served both as Attorney General and Solicitor General in the Roosevelt administration—closed his opinion with an observation about the balance of power between the president, the Congress, and the judiciary: I have no illusion that any decision by this Court can keep power in the hands of Congress if it is not wise and timely in meeting its problems. . . . If not good law, there was worldly wisdom in the maxim . . . that “The tools belong to the man who can use them.” We may say that power to legislate for emergencies belongs in the hands of Congress, but only Congress itself can prevent power from slipping through its fingers. Justice Ginsburg echoed this theme when serving on the D.C. Circuit. In turning back a lawsuit by members of Congress who challenged the Reagan administration’s backing of the Contras as unconstitutionally subverting Congress’s war making powers, thenjudge Ginsburg contended that:
The Linear Ising Lattice: Competitive Cooperative Binding at High Ionic Strengths

A statistical weight 2×2 matrix is presented for competetive cooperative binding of small species to a linear macromolecule at high ionic strengths where the existence of unoccupied sites is excluded. Comparisons with other cooperative systems are made. A general set of equations is given that permits the calculation of any desired sequence on the linear macromolecule whose sites may exist in either of two possible states. Fur den Fall der kooperativen Konkurrenzbindung von zwei verschiedenen Arten von Molekulen an ein lineares Makromolekul bei hoher Ionenstarke wird eine statistische 2×2-Matrix beschrieben, die das Vorkommen von freien Bindungsstellen ausschliest. Vergleiche mit anderen kooperativen linearen Systemen werden angestellt. Eine vollstandige Reihe von exakten Gleichungen wird aufgefuhrt, die zur Berechnung jeder beliebigen Sequenz auf einem linearen Makromolekul. dessen Bindungsstellen in einem von zwei moglichen Zustanden vorliegen, benutzt werden konnen. Wechselwirkungen zwischen nachsten Nachbarn werden dabei berucksichtigt.
A comparative genomic map for Caulanthus amplexicaulis and related species (Brassicaceae).

Adaptation to environment is the cornerstone of ecological genetics. The subject of this study is a wild relative of the sequenced and annotated model plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana. Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae lives on serpentine soils, known for high concentrations of heavy metals and low concentrations of essential plant macronutrients, and provides a compelling example of an organism's adaptation to environment. We constructed an F(2) linkage map, using a cross to the nonserpentine sister taxon, C. amplexicaulis var. amplexicaulis. C. amplexicaulis is a member of a highly diverse set of taxa (within the tribe Thelypodieae), described here as the 'Streptanthoid Complex' that are adapted to a broad range of environments, yet share a common n = 14 chromosome number and likely arose by a recent radiation. The linkage map consists of 97 polymorphic microsatellite markers, and 40 exon-primed intron-crossing markers based on A. thaliana exon sequences and Brassica ESTs. The map covers 14 linkage groups and has a total length of 1513 cM. Both the patterns of marker segregation and the comparative map indicate that C. amplexicaulis is a diploid organism with a compact genome. All exon-primed intron-crossing markers, and an unexpectedly large number of microsatellite markers (83%), had significant similarity to the A. thaliana genome, facilitating the development of a comparative genome map. As a proof of principle, we used the comparative map to identify candidate genes underlying differences in sepal colour between the two parent taxa. We demonstrate that the genomic tools developed here will be portable throughout the Streptanthoid Complex.
Why Do We Publish

Academic publishing has changed enormously over the past 30 years. The reasons are many. Publishers are grappling with the consolidation of their industry, the emergence of electronic publishing, decreased subscription rates and increased production costs. In addition, heightened competition in academe and the corporatization of colleges and universities is changing the evaluative and reward structures for scholarly work—sometimes in troubling ways. As we think about this changing landscape and plan for the future of academic publishing, one very basic question deserves our most serious considerations, namely: why do we publish? In this essay, I consider that question, focusing both on the cultural ideals and cultural realities of academic publishing, as well as the changing context of the activity. Then, I offer some ideas on how we might reconcile ideals and realities in ways that move our discipline forward.
Exploring extreme programming in context: an industrial case study

A longitudinal case study evaluating the effects of adopting the extreme programming (XP) methodology was performed at Sabre Airline Solutions/spl trade/. The Sabre team was a characteristically agile team in that they had no need to scale or re-scope XP for their project parameters and organizational environment. The case study compares two releases of the same product. One release was completed just prior to the team's adoption of the XP methodology, and the other was completed after approximately two years of XP use. Comparisons of the new release project results to the old release project results show a 50% increase in productivity, a 65% improvement in pre-release quality, and a 35% improvement in post-release quality. These findings suggest that, over time, adopting the XP process can result in increased productivity and quality.
The structural basis of negative cooperativity: receptors and enzymes

Crystal structures of the negatively cooperative aspartate receptor caught at intermediate stages in the binding process help to elucidate structural factors involved in ligand binding. The frequency of occurrence of negatively cooperative proteins suggests that sequential changes in binding patterns will be extensive in positively cooperative as well as in negatively cooperative and no cooperativity proteins.
MINIMAX ESTIMATION OF A VARIANCE

The nonparametric problem of estimating a variance based on a sample of sizen from a univariate distribution which has a known bounded range but is otherwise arbitrary is treated. For squared error loss, a certain linear function of the sample variance is seen to be minimax for eachn from 2 through 13, exceptn=4. For squared error loss weighted by the reciprocal of the variance, a constant multiple of the sample variance is minimax for eachn from 2 through 11. The least favorable distribution for these cases gives probability one to the Bernoulli distributions.
Cranio‐dirachischisis totalis in cephalothoracopagus twins

A set of conjoined 13-day-old male hamster twins is described. The twins were joined at the head and thorax. The brain was exencephalic and the neural plate was completely open throughout its length. The notochord was duplicated throughout its entire length. Partial twinning of the neural plate as indicated by histologic reconstruction is suggested with fusion or non-separation of the neural plates in the medial alar wing area. There was complete separation of the neural plates together with duplication of the lower extremities and tails in the caudal region of this specimen.
Phononic band gaps induced by inertial amplification in periodic media

In the literature, phononic band gaps in periodic media are generated via two different means, namely, Bragg scattering and local resonances. In this paper, an alternative method is introduced, in which effective inertia of the wave propagation medium is amplified via embedded amplification mechanisms. A prototype two-dimensional mass-spring lattice is introduced. The band structure of this lattice is computed for various instantiations to highlight the benefits of inertial amplification and to quantify the sensitivity of inertial amplification induced band gaps to parametric variations. It is shown that inertial amplification gives rise to very wide band gaps at low frequencies.
Cloud detection in Landsat imagery of ice sheets using shadow matching technique and automatic normalized difference snow index threshold value decision

This work presents a new algorithm designed to detect clouds in satellite visible and infrared (IR) imagery of ice sheets. The approach identifies possible cloud pixels through the use of the normalized difference snow index (NDSI). Possible cloud pixels are grown into regions and edges are determined. Possible cloud edges are then matched with possible cloud shadow regions using knowledge of the solar illumination azimuth. A scoring index quantifies the quality of each match resulting in a classified image. The best value of the NDSI threshold is shown to vary significantly, forcing the algorithm to be iterated through many threshold values. Computational efficiency is achieved by using sub-sampled images with only minor degradation in cloud-detection performance. The algorithm detects all clouds in each of eight test Landsat-7 images and makes no incorrect cloud classifications.
A survey of inlet/engine distortion compatibility

The history of distortion analysis is traced back to its origin in parallel compressor theory which was initially proposed in the late fifties. The development of this theory is reviewed up to its inclusion in the complex computer codes of today. It is found to be a very useful tool to guide development but not quantitative enough to predict compatibility. Dynamic or instantaneous distortion methodology is also reviewed from its origins in the sixties, to its current application in the eighties. Many of the requirements for interpreting instantaneous distortion are considered and illustrated. Statistical methods for predicting the peak distortion are described, and their limitations and advantages discussed. Finally, some Reynolds number and scaling considerations for inlet testing are considered. It is concluded that the deterministic instantaneous distortion methodology combined with distortion testing of engines with screens will remain the primary method of predicting compatibility for the near future. However, parallel compressor analysis and statistical peak distortion prediction will be important tools employed during the development of inlet/engine compatibility.
Isomorphisms of differential forms and cochains

This paper proves an isomorphism theorem for cochains and differential forms, before passing to cohomology. De Rham’s theorem is a consequence. This leads to an extension of much of calculus and homology theory to nonsmooth domains, called chainlets,and makes available combinatorial techniques for smooth domains that limit to the classic analytic methods. We find maximal subspaces of L 1 forms that satisfy Stokes’s theorem for domains of chainlets giving a measurable, as well as optimal, extension of the theory.
An example showing that a new technique for LAV estimation breaks down in certain contingency tables

Abstract An example is given that shows how, in certain situations, a recently proposed technique to approximate the least absolute value (LAV) estimates of the unknown parameters of a linear model will break down, even though a well defined, but not unique, solution to the standard LAV estimation problem exists. Even if breakdown does not occur, examples can be constructed that cast doubts on the ability of the above mentioned technique to approximate LAV estimates with full generality.
Large scale, open cognitive collaboration of distributed crowds

Drawing on communication, sociology and social psychology theories, my research focuses on large scale, open cognitive collaboration of distributed crowds. I study how individuals interact and collaborate with each other via mediated communication channels, applying social network analysis, conducting online experiments and utilizing big data dumps of online communities, such as Wikipedia, Stack Overflow, Github and Threadless.com.
Increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome among Somali immigrants in Washington state.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare maternal and neonatal morbidity among Somali immigrants, US-born blacks and whites in Washington state. Study design Washington state birth certificate data was linked to hospital discharge records comparing singleton deliveries among Somali immigrants with US-born blacks and whites between 1993 and 2001, in a 1:3 ratio. Outcomes were compared using unconditional multiple logistic regression models calculating odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results Five hundred seventy-nine pregnancies from Somali women were compared with 2384 and 2435 pregnancies from black and white women, respectively. Nulliparous Somali women were more likely to have a cesarean delivery than black or white control women, OR 1.6 (95% CI, 1.1-2.3) and 2.0 (95% CI, 1.4-2.8), respectively. Among all women who had cesarean deliveries, Somali women more commonly had cesarean deliveries associated with fetal distress and failed induction of labor. They were 9 times more likely than both control groups to deliver after 42 weeks gestation, and 4 times more likely than black women and 8 times more likely than white women to have oligohydramnios. Somali women were more likely to have gestational diabetes and significant perineal lacerations, and less likely to smoke. Newborns of Somali women were at increased risk for prolonged hospitalization, lower 5-minute Apgar scores, assisted ventilation, and meconium aspiration. Conclusion Pregnancy outcomes should be evaluated within ethnically and culturally unique groups; Somali immigrants are a high-risk subpopulation.
An attempt at memory retraining in severe amnesia: An experimental single-case study

Abstract Experimental, single-case research designs provide a method for investigating the effects of memory retraining in clinical settings. Unfortunately, most previous single-case memory retraining studies have employed very brief interventions and inadequate pretreatment baselines of memory function, and have failed to control for practice effects on outcome measures. In this study, we address these methodological issues and report the attempted memory retraining of a postencephalitis patient with severe amnesia. Using a multiple-baseline, across-behaviours design, memory for word lists, text passages, and geometric figures was assessed over a 66-week period using repeated assessments with newly-developed, parallel-form instruments. The results demonstrated no improvement in word-list recall following a memory retraining intervention specifically designed to improve such performance.
The expression pattern of two zebrafish achaete-scute homolog (ash) genes is altered in the embryonic brain of the cyclops mutant.

Abstract Two achaete-scute homolog sequences, Zash-1a and Zash-1b , were isolated from a zebrafish embryonic cDNA library. The Zash-1a cDNA encodes a protein very similar to rat Mash-1 and Xenopus Xash-1, with over 94% identity in the C-terminal three-fourths of all three polypeptides. The Zash-1b cDNA encodes a more distantly related protein, with 80% identity of amino acids to Mash-1 in this part of the sequence. At 24 hr, the Zash-1a transcripts are found in the hindbrain in two bilaterally symmetrical lines of cells which mark the boundary between the alar and basal plates and in rhombomere 1 in ventral cells near the floorplate. The gene is also expressed in particular regions of the telencephalon and diencephalon, in the epiphysis, the ventral tegmentum, the neural retina, and in specific cells in the spinal cord. Zash-1b transcripts are found in the hindbrain in segmentally arranged fan-like groups of cells which are located close to the anterior and posterior boundaries of each of rhombomeres 2-6 and in ventral cells close to the floor plate of most rhombomeres. The gene is also expressed at sites distinct from cells expressing Zash-1a in the tegmentum, diencephalon, telencephalon, and spinal cord. In the mutant cyclops, Zash-1a transcripts are absent from the ventral region of the tegmentum and in the ventral cells of rhombomere 1, while more dorsal expression regions are unaffected. The effects of the mutation on Zash-1b expression, however, are more complex. In the hindbrain, the ventral expression zone of this gene is absent, the more dorsal segmented expression is disorganized, and ectopic expression in the alar plate is observed. A dramatic ectopic expression is also observed in the anterior tegmentum. The cyclops gene, therefore, has both positive and negative effects on the CNS of the wild-type embryo: it is required for activation of both Zash-1a and -1b in particular ventral cells, but it also restricts the expression of Zash-1b in other ventral cells and in some dorsal regions. Zash-1a and -1b gene probes will be extremely useful in the analysis of additional mutations affecting development of the central nervous system in zebrafish embryos.
RESPONSES AND COMPETITION OF THE PARASITOIDS SPALANGIA ENDIUS AND MUSCIDIFURAX RAPTOR (HYMENOPTERA: PTEROMALIDAE) AT DIFFERENT DENSITIES OF HOUSE FLY PUPAE

The functional response of Spalangia endius Walker was described by a linear relationship between attack rate and density of house fly pupae. S. endius searched well at higher host densities and in 72 h, appeared capable of attacking more than 80 pupae per female under laboratory conditions. The response of Muscidifurax raptor G. & S. was quadratic as poor searching ability limited this parasitoid’s attack rate at high host densities. Individual parasitoid efficiency of both species was reduced by intraspecific competition when parasitoid density was increased.
Phenotypic diversity of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains associated with the plasmid O157

Escherichia coli O157:H7, a food-borne pathogen, causes hemorrhagic colitis and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome. A putative virulence factor of E. coli O157:H7 is a 60-MDa plasmid (pO157) found in 99% of all clinical isolates and many bovine-derived strains. The well characterized E. coli O157:H7 Sakai strain (Sakai) and its pO157-cured derivative (Sakai-Cu) were compared for phenotypic differences. Sakai-Cu had enhanced survival in synthetic gastric fluid, did not colonize cattle as well as wild-type Sakai, and had unchanged growth rates and tolerance to salt and heat. These results are consistent with our previous findings with another E. coli O157:H7 disease outbreak isolate ATCC 43894 and its pO157-cured (43894-Cu). However, despite the essentially sequence identical pO157 in these strains, Sakai-Cu had changes in antibiotic susceptibility and motility that did not occur in the 43894-Cu strain. This unexpected result was systematically analyzed using phenotypic microarrays testing 1,920 conditions with Sakai, 43894, and the plasmid-cured mutants. The influence of the pO157 differed between strains on a wide number of growth/survival conditions. Relative expression of genes related to acid resistance (gadA, gadX, and rpoS) and flagella production (fliC and flhD) were tested using quantitative real-time PCR and gadA and rpoS expression differed between Sakai-Cu and 43894-Cu. The strain-specific differences in phenotype that resulted from the loss of essentially DNA-sequence identical pO157 were likely due to the chromosomal genetic diversity between strains. The O157:H7 serotype diversity was further highlighted by phenotypic microarray comparisons of the two outbreak strains with a genotype 6 bovine E. coli O157:H7 isolate, rarely associated with human disease.
Neighborhood assignments and cardinal functions: a unified approach to metrization and uniformity

Abstract We use neighborhood assignments and cardinal functions to give a unified approach to metrizability and uniformity. This leads to a number of characterizations of m(X), the metrizability degree of X, u(X), the uniform weight of X, and w(X), the weight of X. For X normal (and regular), m(X) = u(X); it is unknown whether this result extends to completely regular spaces.
Genes for beta 2-adrenergic receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor map to mouse chromosome 18.

The β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2R) mediates the response of various cell types to neurotransmitters, hormones, and drugs. The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) interacts with its receptor (PDGFR) to stimulate mesenchymal cell proliferation. In the human, ADRB2Rand PDGFRhave been mapped to the q31→q32 region of chromosome 5 (HSA5). Here we report the mapping of Pdgfrand Adrb2rto mouse chromosome 18 (MMU18) using somatic cell hybrid mapping techniques. Together with previous mapping of genes for the glucocorticoid receptor (human locus GRL; mouse locus Gr1-1),the class II HLA invariant chain (human locus PHLAG;mouse locus Ii)and the FMSprotooncogene to HSA5 and MMU18, the assignment of both Pdgfr and Adrb2r to MMU18 expands the conserved autosomal syntenic group.
Independent generation of the major adduct of hydroxyl radical and thymidine. Examination of intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer in competition with thiol trapping.

Abstract 5,6-Dihydro-5-hydroxythymid-6-yl (1) has been generated from 2 via photoinduced electron transfer from N-methylcarbazole. In agreement with prior reports, deuterium incorporation in conjunction with 2H NMR analysis of 5,6-dihydro-5-hydroxythymidine (3) formed from 1 provides no evidence for intramolecular hydrogen atom abstraction.
Compiler-directed Shared-Memory Communication for Iterative Parallel Applications

Many scientific applications are iterative and specify repetitive communication patterns. This paper shows how a parallel-language compiler and a predictive cache-coherence protocol in a distributed shared memory system together can implement shared-memory communication efficiently for applications with unpredictable but repetitive communication patterns. The compiler uses static analysis to identify program points where potentially repetitive communication occurs. At runtime, the protocol builds a communication schedule in one iteration and uses the schedule to pre-send data in subsequent iterations. This paper contains measurements of three iterative applications (including adaptive programs with unstructured data accesses) that show that a predictive protocol increases the number of shared-data requests satisfied locally, thus reducing the remote data access latency and total execution time.
Functional analysis of an electromechanical spinal cord injury device.

Feedback control in our injury device allowed the impactor to be sensitive to the biomechanical characteristics of the spinal cord and produce mechanically predictable injuries. We tested the hypotheses that (i) extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]e) in the rat spinal cord recovers with a time course dependent on the magnitude of injury intensity, (ii) [Ca2+]e is initially depressed at the injury epicenter to the same degree independent of injury severity, and (iii) acute (<3.0 h) recovery of [Ca2+]e to normal values occurs in that group of animals that shows only transient neurologic deficits in the postinjury period. Three levels of injury (light, intermediate, and heavy) were produced by controlling spinal displacement during the injury process. After injury, [Ca2+]e at the injury site decreased to values less than 0.1 mM and then recovered during the next 3 h. Incomplete recoveries occurred in the intermediate- and heavy-injury groups (0.72 ± 0.01 and 0.58 ± 0.01 mM, respectively). [Ca2+]e activity in the lightly injured group recovered to normal values by 3 h. Specific injury protocols therefore resulted in reproducible responses in the cellular microenvironment. Behavioral recovery could be predicted from mechanical impact parameters. Animals in the light-injury group had transient neurologic deficits in some behavioral tests (open-field walking) with no alteration in others (inclined-plane analysis). Neurologic tests that required coordination between fore and hind limbs (grid walking) did not reveal significant deficiencies until 14 days postinjury. Those animals in the intermediate and heavy groups showed initial and continuing neurological effects in all behavioral measures. It is therefore probable that acute mechanical descriptors and hypocalcia transients are predictive of the ongoing and subsequent pathology of spinal cord injury.
Nerve growth factor in skeletal tissues of the embryonic chick.

This study demonstrates, via immunohistochemistry and bioassay, the presence of NGF in embryonic bone and cartilage of the chick. Embryos were killed on days 6–9 of incubation at 12 h intervals, and on days 10–18 at 24 h intervals. Paraffin-embedded sections of hind limbs or buds were immunostained with a polyclonal antibody against NGF and the biotin-avidin-horseradish peroxidase technique. Immunostaining was positive in both bone and cartilage, with cartilage staining more intensely. For bioassay, bones from the hind limbs of 9- and 12-day embryos were fast-frozen, lyophilized, and homogenized with Medium 199 (M199). Dorsal root ganglia from 8-day embryos were cultured for 24–36 h with rooster plasma, M199, and varying concentrations of bone homogenate. Significant neurite outgrowth was seen, with the greatest response elicited by 12-day bone homogenate. Addition of anti-NGF to the cultures abolished neurite outgrowth. The results indicate that NGF is present in cartilage and bone of the chick embryo; it may determine the density of sympathetic innervation to the developing skeletal tissues.
The attachment of kinetochores to the pro-metaphase spindle in PtK1 cells. Recovery from low temperature treatment.

When late prophase PtK1 cells are chilled to 6 ° C the nuclear envelope (NE) breaks down as in normal cells but the spindle is inhibited from forming. When these cells are subsequently warmed to 18 ° C the spindle slowly forms and pro-metaphase congression ensues. Using this approach we have been able to experimentally eliminate the influence of asynchronous NE breakdown on the formation and development of the spindle, and also to slow down (and thus increase the temporal separation of) the subsequent events which occur during the initial stages of spindle formation. Correlative light and high voltage electron microscopic studies on these cells, fixed after various times of recovery, reveal the following results: 1) the centrosomes generate microtubules (MTs) well before MTs are seen to be associated with the kinetochores; 2) as in untreated PtK1 cells (Roos, 1973a, 1976) the order in which chromosomes attach to the forming spindle is influenced by their proximity to a centrosome-kinetochores closest to a centrosome appear stretched towards the centrosome at a time during recovery when other kinetochores, more distal to the centrosome appear unstretched and unoriented; 3) as in untreated cells (Heneen, 1970; Roos, 1976) the predominant behavior during recovery is for a chromosome to initially mono-orient and associate with the near centrosome and only later to develop a bipolar association; and 4) MTs associated with early pro-metaphase kinetochores are almost always oriented towards a centrosome. — From our results we conclude that the proximity effect and the tendency of pro-metaphase chromosomes in PtK1 to initially mono-orient and associate with the near centrosome cannot be ascribed, as suggested by Roos (1976), to influences arising during the asynchronous breakdown of the NE. Rather, our data clearly demonstrate that a kinetochore-centrosome interaction occurs during spindle formation which cannot be attributed to transient influences. The proximity effect and the predominant tendency of PtK1 pro-metaphase chromosomes to mono-orient to the near pole are taken to signify the existance of a centrosomal influence on the attachment and orientation of chromosomes. Two possible mechanisms for this influence, both involving a structural interaction between the centrosome and the kinetochore, are outlined.
Square-wave voltammetry assays for glycoproteins on nanoporous gold.

Abstract Electrochemical enzyme-linked lectinsorbent assays (ELLA) were developed using nanoporous gold (NPG) as a solid support for protein immobilization and as an electrode for the electrochemical determination of the product of the reaction between alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and p-aminophenyl phosphate (p-APP), which is p-aminophenol (p-AP). Glycoproteins or concanavalin A (Con A) and ALP conjugates were covalently immobilized onto lipoic acid self-assembled monolayers on NPG. The binding of Con A–ALP (or soybean agglutinin–ALP) conjugate to glycoproteins covalently immobilized on NPG and subsequent incubation with p-APP substrate was found to result in square-wave voltammograms whose peak difference current varied with the identity of the glycoprotein. NPG presenting covalently bound glycoproteins was used as the basis for a competitive electrochemical assay for glycoproteins in solution (transferrin and IgG). A kinetic ELLA based on steric hindrance of the enzyme-substrate reaction and hence reduced enzymatic reaction rate after glycoprotein binding is demonstrated using immobilized Con A–ALP conjugates. Using the immobilized Con A–ALP conjugate, the binding affinity of immunoglobulin G (IgG) was found to be 105 nM, and that for transferrin was found to be 650 nM. Minimal interference was observed in the presence of 5 mg mL −1 BSA as a model serum protein in both the kinetic and competitive ELLA. Inhibition studies were performed with methyl α- d -mannopyranoside for the binding of TSF and IgG to Con A–ALP; IC 50 values were found to be 90 μM and 286 μM, respectively. Surface coverages of proteins were estimated using solution depletion and the BCA protein concentration assay.
A Positive Role for the PP2A Catalytic Subunit in Wnt Signal Transduction

Protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) is a multisubunit serine/threonine phosphatase involved in intracellular signaling, gene regulation, and cell cycle progression. Different subunits of PP2A bind to Axin and Adenomatous Polyposis Coli, components of the Wnt signal transduction pathway. Using early Xenopusembryos, we studied how PP2A functions in Wnt signal transduction. The catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2A-C) potentiated secondary axis induction and Siamois reporter gene activation by Dishevelled, a component of the Wnt pathway, indicating a positive regulatory role of this enzyme in Wnt signaling. In contrast, small t antigen, an antagonist of PP2A-C, inhibited Dishevelled-mediated signal transduction, as did the regulatory PP2A-B′e subunit, consistent with the requirement of PP2A function in this pathway. Although Wnt signaling is thought to occur via regulation of β−catenin degradation, PP2A-C did not significantly affect β−catenin stability. Moreover, the pathway activated by a stabilized form of β−catenin was sensitive to PP2A-C and its inhibitors, suggesting that PP2A-C acts downstream of β-catenin. Because previous work has suggested that PP2A can act upstream of β-catenin, we propose that PP2A regulates the Wnt pathway at multiple levels.
Embracing the New Technology and Keeping Harmony: In Search of a New Balance

We are now in the age where technological advancements in the area of information transfer and delivery are occurring at an unprecedented rate. We are witnessing the fastest growth and development ever experienced in the history of our civilization in telecommunications technology. The emerging technology is making the academic library environment change faster and become more complex, more competitive, and more global than ever before. There is no doubt that technological advancements have enabled academic libraries to provide better services for their users. Technology has become a driving force in reshaping our institutions of higher education. Abundant literature covers these changes. Moreover, these changes present new challenges of maintaining a harmonious, humanistic working environment.
Polyethylene single crystals: Melting and morphology

Determination of important thermodynamic and physical properties of polymers has often been frustrated by the tendency of these materials to reorganize when heated. A novel technique has been developed which permits a more careful examination of the relationships existing between melting and morphology of single crystals. This has lead to the observation that high molecular weight polymers possess much narrower melting ranges than had been previously reported. By using this technique it has been possible to identify distinct transition temperatures for {100} and {110} fold sectors. DTA and DSC data have been previously reported for dried down single crystals. The applicability of this data to single crystals as they exist in suspension is questioned.