cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Basic Amino Acid Residues at the Carboxy-Terminal Eleven Amino Acid Region of the Phosphoprotein (P) Are Required for Transcription but Not for Replication of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Genome RNA

Abstract The phosphoprotein (P) of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) serotypes New Jersey [P(NJ)] and Indiana [P(I)] contains a highly conserved carboxy-terminal domain which is required for binding to the cognate N-RNA template as well as to form a soluble complex with the nucleocapsid protein N in vivo. We have shown that the deletion of 11 amino acids from the C-terminal end of the P(I) protein abolishes both the template binding and the complex forming activity with the N protein. Within this region, there are conserved basic amino acid residues (R260 and K262) that are potential candidates for such interactions. We have generated mutant P proteins by substitution of these basic amino acid residues with alanine and studied their role in both transcription and replication. We have found that the R260A mutant failed to bind to the N-RNA template, whereas the K262A mutant bound efficiently as the wild-type protein. The R260A mutant, as expected, was unable to support mRNA synthesis in vitro in a transcription reconstitution reaction as well as transcription in vivo of a minigenome using a reverse genetic approach. However, the K262A mutant supported low level of transcription (12%) both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that direct template binding of P protein through the C-terminal domain is necessary but not sufficient for optimal transcription. Using a two-hybrid system we have also shown that both R260A and K262A mutants interact inefficiently with the L protein, suggesting further that the two point mutants display differential phenotype with respect to binding to the template. In addition, both R260A and K262A mutants were shown to interact efficiently with the N protein in vivo, indicating that these mutants form N-P complexes which are presumably required for replication. This contention is further supported by the demonstration that these mutants support efficient replication of a DI RNA in vivo. Since the transcription defective P mutants can support efficient replication, we propose that the transcriptase and the replicase are composed of two distinct complexes containing (L-P 2-3 ) and L-(N-P), respectively.
The roles of amylose and amylopectin in the gelation and retrogradation of starch

Abstract The retrogradation of starch gels has been studied by using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and measurements of the shear modulus. Starch gels were considered as composites containing gelatinised granules embedded in an amylose matrix. The short-term development of gel structure and crystallinity in starch gels was found to be dominated by irreversible (T
Current Concepts Clinical Evaluation of Patients With Patellofemoral Disorders

Accurate clinical evaluation of patients with patellofemoral disorders is the cornerstone of effective treatment. This article defines how a careful history and physical examination can direct strategies for nonoperative and operative management. A critical analysis of traditional methods of evaluation and a streamlined rational approach to clinical evaluation is presented. Key questions and important physical findings that affect treatment decisions are emphasized.
The global dynamics of RNA stability orchestrates responses to cellular activation

Transcriptomics is used to quantify changes in accumulated levels of mRNAs following cellular activation. These changes arise from the opposing fluxes of transcription and mRNA decay, both of which affect the functional dynamics of global gene expression. A study published recently in BMC Genomics focuses on the contribution made by mRNA stability in shaping the kinetics of gene responses in mammalian cells.
'Coarse' integration/bifurcation analysis via microscopic simulators: Micro-Galerkin methods

Abstract We present a time-stepper based approach to the ‘coarse’ integration and stability/bifurcation analysis of distributed reacting system models. The methods we discuss are applicable to systems for which the traditional modeling approach through macroscopic evolution equations (usually partial differential equations, PDEs) is not possible because the PDEs are not available in closed form. If an alternative, microscopic (e.g. Monte Carlo or Lattice Boltzmann) description of the physics is available, we illustrate how this microscopic simulator can be enabled (through a computational superstructure) to perform certain integration and numerical bifurcation analysis tasks directly at the coarse, systems level. This approach, when successful, can circumvent the derivation of accurate, closed form, macroscopic PDE descriptions of the system. The direct ‘systems level’ analysis of microscopic process models, facilitated through such numerical ‘enabling technologies’, may, if practical, advance our understanding and use of nonequilibrium systems.
4621 Alterations in pancreatic ductal morphology following small diameter, long length, unflanged pancreatic duct stent placement.

Background: Temporary pancreatic duct stents are being increasingly used in a variety of conditions. However, stent-induced ductal and parenchymal injury is common, and may be irreversible. Small diameter (3-4F), long length (8-10cm), unflanged stents frequently dislodge spontaneously, potentially limiting ductal injury. This study examined the frequency of morphologic changes noted with these stents. Methods: From 9/1/97- 10/20/99, 86 pts who had undergone pancreatic stenting with a 3/4-single pigtail, 3-4F diameter, 8-10cm long stent modified with no intraductal flange (Wilson-Cook, Winston-Salem, NC) had follow-up pancreatograms available for review. Repeat exams were performed for stent removal (failure to spontaneously dislodge within 30 days) or symptomatic recurrence (long after stent migration or removal, mean 11 months, range 2-22). Stent-induced changes were graded as mild ( 50%). Results: see Table. Summary: When using 3-4F stents, stent-induced ductal changes were frequently seen at 30 days, but rarely found on long-term follow-up. 2. There was no significant difference between 3F and 4F stents. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that concern over ductal changes with use of small diameter, long length unflanged stents remains, but their use may result in a lower incidence of irreversible stent-induced changes (i.e. fibrosis). Further study is indicated to identify the ideal stent characteristics required to reduce post-ERCP pancreatitis rates yet avoid ductal and parenchymal injury.
Pain: Disease or Dis‐ease? The John Bonica Lecture: Presented at the Third World Congress of World Institute of Pain, Barcelona 2004

: Chronic pain has only recently been recognized as an important health care issue. There is no widely shared agreement as to the best ways to diagnose and treat chronic pain patients. Pain management is a chaotic component of contemporary medicine. I argue that we need to think of chronic pain as a disease in its own right and develop our specialty of pain management on the basis of evidence for treatment outcomes. The current chaotic state confuses patients, health care providers, and payers. It is possible that pain management may disappear from health care if we do not improve our understanding of chronic pain and how to best treat those who suffer.
Parallel sorting on cayley graphs

This paper presents a parallel algorithm for sorting on any graph with a Hamiltonian path and 1-factorization. For ann-cube the algorithm is equivalent to the sequential balanced sorting network of Dowd, Perl, Rudolph, and Saks. The application of this algorithm to other networks is discussed.
Sensitivity Analysis of Interfacial Tension Predictions for Hydrocarbon Fluids

Abstract The interfacial tension (IFT) of hydrocarbon fluids is commonly predicted by either the parachor method or the scaling law. The methods require equilibrium liquid and vapor phase composition and density. An equation of state would normally be required if experimental values are not available. However, the computation of density for simple hydrocarbons and reservoir fluids, despite the important advances achieved by cubic equations of state, still remains a weak link in these types of calculations. Thus, there exists a need to investigate the qualitative and quantitative effects, of such inaccuracies in the density, on IFT predictions. Moreover, the study presented in this work would be useful in reservoir engineering and enhanced oil recovery calculations. The results presented in this work indicate that the methods are highly sensitive to the inaccuracies in the density of both the liquid and the vapor phases. An error of around 10% in the liquid or the vapor density can result in an error of up...
Transferrin Receptor-dependent Iron Uptake Is Responsible for Doxorubicin-mediated Apoptosis in Endothelial Cells ROLE OF OXIDANT-INDUCED IRON SIGNALING IN APOPTOSIS

In the past, investigators have successfully used iron chelators to mitigate the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used anticancer drug that induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative damage, and apoptosis. Although intracellular iron plays a critical role in initiating DOX-induced apoptosis, the molecular mechanism(s) that link iron, ROS, and apoptosis are still unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that apoptosis results from the exposure of bovine aortic endothelial cells to DOX and that the apoptotic cell death is accompanied by a significant increase in cellular iron (55Fe) uptake and activation of iron regulatory protein-1. Furthermore, DOX-induced iron uptake was shown to be mediated by the transferrin receptor (TfR)-dependent mechanism. Treatment with the anti-TfR antibody (IgA class) dramatically inhibited DOX-induced apoptosis, iron uptake, and intracellular oxidant formation as measured by fluorescence using dichlorodihydrofluorescein. Treatment with cell-permeable iron chelators and ROS scavengers inhibited DOX-induced cellular55Fe uptake, ROS formation, and apoptosis. Based on these findings, we conclude that DOX-induced iron signaling is regulated by the cell surface TfR expression, intracellular oxidant levels, and iron regulatory proteins. The implications of TfR-dependent iron transport in oxidant-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells are discussed.
Relation of Radon to Non-active Air Contamination

Anderson, Mayneord and Turner1 have directed attention to the variation of atmospheric radon content. It may be of interest to note that similar observations were made here during the four months, November–February, 1953–54. Samples were collected daily from air drawn through four-inch filter paper TFA-41. The activity of the papers was determined by inserting them directly into an ionization chamber with a vibrating-reed type amplifier and an inked pen recorder. A second set of observations was obtained by the more laborious counting of beta-emission with a mica window counter.
Response type and sex differences in a tactile temporal order judgment task with tools

We presented participants with a temporal order judgment (TOJ) task with vibratory stimuli presented to the ends of held tools. We manipulated whether the hands and tools were uncrossed or crossed, predicting that participants would respond more accurately if the responding body part and tool tip were in the same hemispace (see Yamamoto and Kitazawa, 2001). Participants were split into two groups (24 subjects in each group). One group responded manually with the stimulated tools, the other group responded with foot pedals. Contrasting previous findings, we found no significant effect of manipulating tool position when the hands were uncrossed, regardless of response type. Effects of response type were also observed, as participants were significantly more accurate when responding with the stimulated tools compared to responding with foot pedals. Interactions were also found between response type and sex. Compared to males, females made a substantially greater number of confusion errors when responding with feet, but not when responding with tools. Additionally, compared to males, females made substantially more confusion errors with the arms crossed, reflecting previously reported results in tactile TOJ on the hands (Cadieux et al., 2010). These results suggest potential differences in spatial mapping and tactile processing in males and females.
Diabetes Induced Erectile Dysfunction and Apoptosis in Penile Crura are Recovered by Insulin Treatment in Rats

ABSTRACTPurpose: We hypothesized that apoptosis is a downstream event in erectile dysfunction, and pro-apoptotic (Bak and Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2 and Bcl-x) factors are involved in the etiology of diabetes induced erectile dysfunction. To test this hypothesis the intracavernous pressure of diabetic and insulin treated rats was measured to assess erectile function. Molecular and immunohistochemical analyses for apoptosis were then performed in rat crura to assess their role in diabetes induced erectile dysfunction and insulin treatment.Materials and Methods: A total of 70, 6-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups, including a diabetic (50) and a healthy control (20) group. The diabetic group received intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (Sigma-Aldrich Co., St. Louis, Missouri) to induce diabetes. Subcutaneous injection of insulin was administered daily to 9 diabetic rats 4 and 8 weeks after STZ injections for 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. Functional studies were pe...
Effects of environmental exposure on fiber/epoxy interfacial shear strength

A microbond technique for direct determination of fiber/resin interfacial shear strength in composites (Miller et al., 1987) has been used to investigate the influence of environmental conditions on adhesive bonding in certain systems. The small dimensions involved in the method facilitate uniform exposure and short exposure times. Significant changes in both average shear strength and in shear strength distributions are observed on exposing aramid/epoxy and glass/epoxy microbond assemblies to steam or hot water. Shear strength drops to a plateau value in both cases, the reduction being more drastic with the glass fiber. Vacuum drying restores shear strength completely in aramid/epoxy microassemblies, even when the surface of the aramid fiber has been chemically modified, but there is only partial regeneration of bond strength with the glass/epoxy system. 15 refs.
Correlation of Ice-Rafted Detritus in South Atlantic Sediments with Climate Proxies in Polar Ice over the Last Glacial Period

Previous study identified 6-7 millennial-scale episodes of South Atlantic ice-rafted sediment deposition (SA events) during the glaciation. Questions remain, however, regarding their origin, significance for sea-ice and/or Antarctic ice-sheet dynamics, and relationship to climate. Here I correlate sediment core (TTN057-21) SA events to Greenland and Antarctic ice using two independent methods, stable isotopes and geomagnetic paleointensity, placing SA events in the context of polar climate change in both hemispheres. Marine isotopic stage (MIS) 3 SA events generally coincided with Greenland interstadials and with cooling following Antarctic warm events (A1-A4). This anti-phase behavior is best illustrated when SA0 coincided with both the Antarctic Cold Reversal and Bolling-Allerod warming in Greenland. Moreover, SA events coincide with sea-level rises during the deglaciation (mwp1A) and MIS 3 (30.4, 38.3, 43.7, 51.5 ka), implying unpinning of grounded Weddell Sea region ice masses discharged debris-laden ...
Interspecies variability in propylene glycol dinitrate-induced methemoglobin formation.

Abstract Interspecies variability of propylene glycol dinitrate (PGDN)-induced methemoglobin formation was studied in vitro employing erythrocytes from four separate species. The net rate of methemoglobin formation was significantly different among species with dog > guinea pig > rat ≥ human. This order of susceptibility was maintained in stroma-free hemolysates, indicating that interspecies variability was not a reflection of differences in red cell membrane permeability or intracellular transport of PGDN. The erythrocytic enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, methemoglobin reductase, and glutathione- S -transferase, were assayed by adaptation of existing methods to a centrifugal analyzer. The above enzymes were removed from hemoglobin derived from each species and the order of susceptibility to PGDN-induced methemoglobin formation remained essentially the same with dog > guinea pig > human = rat. However, the net rate of PGDN-mediated oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin increased in purified hemoglobin preparations from each species. These results demonstrate that there is species variability in the net rate of PGDN-mediated methemoglobin formation. Total enzyme activity in erythrocytes may contribute to reduction in the net rate of methemoglobin formation. However, the primary determinant of the net rate of methemoglobin formation induced by PGDN appears to be the structure of each hemoglobin molecule.
A compilation of 800 word neighborhoods by frequency

A number of inconsistencies are evident in the literature examining word-neighborhood size and frequency effects. One reason for the inconsistency may be that there are no standardized materials and criteria used in the different studies. Each experimenter has devised his or her word neighborhoods using different criteria for neighborhood size and frequency. The purpose of the present study was to develop a standardized set of word neighborhoods. Eight hundred orthographic neighborhoods were constructed with 4- and 5-letter words. The word lists were devised relative to the key elements that have been identified in the literature: (1) target-word frequency, (2) number of words in the neighborhood, (3) number of words higher in frequency than the target word, (4) number of letter positions contributing to the neighborhood, and (5) summation of the frequency of all neighbors (providing a standard metric for high- vs. low-frequency neighborhoods).
Patterned eutectic bonding with Al/Ge thin films for MEMS

In this paper, we report our results using eutectic bonding with the aluminum/germanium alloy to create high quality bonds. The results of a series of experiments conducted to optimize eutectic alloy bonding for MEMS are described. Issues discussed include surface preparation, eutectic composition, bonding apparatus and bonding conditions (temperature and time).
Hadoop based enhanced cloud architecture for bioinformatic algorithms

Explosion of biological data due to large-scale genomic research and advances in high throughput data generation tools result in massive distributed datasets. Analysis of such large non-relational, heterogeneous, and distributed datasets is emerging challenge in data driven biomedical industries. Highly complex biological data require unconventional computational approaches and knowledge-based solutions. Distributed datasets need to be reduced to smaller datasets that can be efficiently queried. Since genomic and biological data is generated in large volume and is stored in geographically diverse locations, distributed computing on multiple clusters, our objective here is to assess the feasibility of using Cloud based platform to analyze genomic big data. In this paper we present an enhanced Hadoop architecture to reduce computation by utilizing “Common Features” before performing redundant computation. The enhanced Hadoop architecture allows the jobs to share these common features among them. The common features describe the contents of data in blocks and can be used to determine DataNodes that store the required data.
CRT colorimetry. Part II: Metrology

The colorimetric characterization of computer-controlled CRT displays require radiometric measurements with high precision and accuracy in order to achieve acceptable colorimetric accuracy in defining stimuli generated with this type of imaging modality. Precision and accuracy requirements for photometers, colorimeters, and spectroradiometers were evaluated. When models are used to relate digital counts defining a stimulus and resulting spectral radiant exitance, displays are assumed to exhibit channel and spatial independence. A variety of tests and the results of evaluating four imaging systems are described. From these analyses, measurement accuracy is mainly limited by wavelength scale in the case of spectro-radiometers and filter fit in the case of colorimeters. Measurement precision is limited by the number of significant figures for fixed-range devices and signal-to-noise limitations for low-luminance stimuli. Display accuracy is limited by a lack of channel and spatial independence. Display precision is mainly limited by the electronic design of the display and the stability and load independence of the gun amplifiers. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A note on a cognitive probability model incorporating the serial position effect.

A generalization of a cognitive probability model is proposed utilizing the serial position effect to account for decay in probability of recall. The general nature of the model permits the incorporation of almost any of the recent free-recall serial position curve results. Two examples, hypothesizing different serial position curves, are given.
Identification of double holliday junctions as intermediates in meiotic recombination

During meiosis, branched DNA molecules containing information from both parental chromosomes occur in vivo at loci where meiosis-specific double-stranded breaks occur. We demonstrate here that these joint molecules are recombination intermediates: they contain single strands that have undergone exchange of information. Moreover, these joint molecules are resolved into both parental and recombinant duplexes when treated in vitro with Holliday junction-resolving endonucleases RuvC or T4 endo VII. Taken together with previous observations, these results strongly suggest that joint molecules are double Holliday junctions.
Habitat Associations of Fish Species of Greatest Conservation Need at Multiple Spatial Scales in Wadeable Iowa Streams

Abstract Fish and habitat data were collected from 84 wadeable stream reaches in the Mississippi River drainage of Iowa to predict the occurrences of seven fish species of greatest conservation need and to identify the relative importance of habitat variables measured at small (e.g., depth, velocity, and substrate) and large (e.g., stream order, elevation, and gradient) scales in terms of their influence on species occurrences. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to predict fish species occurrences, starting with all possible combinations of variables (5 large-scale variables, 13 small-scale variables, and all 18 variables) but limiting the final models to a maximum of five variables. Akaike's information criterion was used to rank candidate models, weight model parameters, and calculate model-averaged predictions. On average, the correct classification rate (CCR = 80%) and Cohen's kappa (κ = 0.59) were greatest for multiple-scale models (i.e., those including both large-scale and small-scale v...
Multivariate selection of genetic markers in diagnostic classification

Analysis of gene expression data obtained from microarrays presents a new set of challenges to machine learning modeling. In this domain, in which the number of variables far exceeds the number of cases, identifying relevant genes or groups of genes that are good markers for a particular classification is as important as achieving good classification performance. Although several machine learning algorithms have been proposed to address the latter, identification of gene markers has not been systematically pursued. In this article, we investigate several algorithms for selecting gene markers for classification. We test these algorithms using logistic regression, as this is a simple and efficient supervised learning algorithm. We demonstrate, using 10 different data sets, that a conditionally univariate algorithm constitutes a viable choice if a researcher is interested in quickly determining a set of gene expression levels that can serve as markers for disease. We show that the classification performance of logistic regression is not very different from that of more sophisticated algorithms that have been applied in previous studies, and that the gene selection in the logistic regression algorithm is reasonable in both cases. Furthermore, the algorithm is simple, its theoretical basis is well established, and our user-friendly implementation is now freely available on the internet, serving as a benchmarking tool for the development of new algorithms.
Revisiting Caspase-11 Function in Host Defense

Proinflammatory caspases play important roles in innate immunity. Much attention has focused on caspase-1, which acts to eliminate pathogens by obliterating their replicative niches as well as alerting the host to their presence. Now, emerging data have shed light on the lesser-studied proinflammatory caspase-11 in the combat between host and pathogens. Using the new tools available, researchers are further elucidating the mechanisms by which caspase-11 contributes to host defense. Here, we review the emerging understanding of caspase-11 functions and the mechanisms of activation and discuss the implications for human disease.
Women United for the United Nations: US women advocating for collective security in the cold war

Abstract This article details the creation of Women United for the United Nations (WUUN), a coalition of US women's non-governmental organizations created in the wake of the Second World War to advocate for the United Nations and the efficacy of collective security. The article illuminates the strategies the organization used to flourish in the 1950s, an era characterized by suspicion of political activism and conformity for US women. It describes WUUN's initiatives and documents the way the organization clashed with a more radical women's peace group, WOMAN. The article places the discussion of WUUN in the context of work done by other historians on the fate of other US women's organizations in the 1950s and provides a detailed account of the measures WUUN took to navigate the complexities that confronted women activists in the Cold War.
Autoregulation of cardiac output by passive elastic characteristics of the vascular capacitance system.

After a change in cardiac output, the magnitude of potential blood volume redistribution was investigated in 10 dogs anesthetized with chloralose. All of the venous return was pumped into a reservoir, using servocontrolled pumps to maintain fixed superior and inferior vena cava pressures. The cardiac output was set at various levels by pumping from the reservoir into the right atrium. Changes in reservoir volume were assumed to reflect the changes in vascular blood volume. After measuring the control responses, cardiovascular reflexes were blocked with hexamethonium. Reducing the cardiac output, for example, from 110 to 80 ml/(min.kg) with reflexes intact, caused a 9.2-ml/kg transfer of blood from the dog to the reservoir. With reflexes blocked, the same change in cardiac output caused 6.8 ml/kg of the blood to be transferred. Under the control conditions, throughout the range of 50-140 ml/(min.kg), an increase or decrease of cardiac output of 1 ml/(min.kg) elicited a 0.304 +/- 0.086 (mean +/- SD) ml/kg change in dog blood volume; with reflexes blocked, the flow sensitivity was 0.239 +/- 0.062 ml/kg. Thus, only 21% of the total blood volume redistribution was attributable to active reflex responses. Deterioration of the preparation may have attenuated the magnitude of active reflex activity. Neither the systemic vascular compliance of 1.80 +/- 0.35 ml/mm Hg.kg nor the fraction of venous return from the superior vena cava of 26.5 +/- 4.6% was significantly changed by reflex blockade.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Legibility of Cleartype Fonts

This article introduces six new ClearType fonts (Cambria, Constantia, Corbel, Candara, Calibri, and Consolas) developed by Microsoft. Legibility of the font lowercase letters, digits, and symbols was compared to two traditional fonts, Times New Roman and Verdana. Results show that the legibility, as measured by the number of correct identifications of briefly presented characters, was highest for the new fonts Consolas and Cambria, and lowest for Candara and Corbel. Old style numerals, such as 0,1, and 2, used in Constantia, Candara, and Corbel resulted in confusion with the letters o, 1, and z. Several symbols in Times New Roman were confused with both letters and other symbols.
The adolescent resilience model as a guide to interventions.

Adolescents with cancer (AWC) are a neglected population in the area of psychosocial services, and little theoretically based research has been conducted on interventions to help them positively adjust to the cancer experience. In addition, although knowledge of how individuals positively adjust to difficult life circumstances can provide important guidance for developing effective interventions, research has underemphasized positive health and overemphasized pathology models in addressing psychosocial adjustment of AWC. Theories focusing on positive health concepts such as resilience are potentially excellent guides for developing effective psychosocial interventions, because the factors that influence positve health, such as hope, positive coping, and perceived social support, are amenable to improvement. The Adolescent Resilience Model (ARM) is one of the first theoretical models to propose a comprehensive, integrative representation of the process and outcomes of resilience and quality of life in AWC....
Antimitochondrial Autoantibodies in Pemphigus Vulgaris: A MISSING LINK IN DISEASE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY*♦

A loss of epidermal cohesion in pemphigus vulgaris (PV) results from autoantibody action on keratinocytes (KCs) activating the signaling kinases and executioner caspases that damage KCs, causing their shrinkage, detachment from neighboring cells, and rounding up (apoptolysis). In this study, we found that PV antibody binding leads to activation of epidermal growth factor receptor kinase, Src, p38 MAPK, and JNK in KCs with time pattern variations from patient to patient. Both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways were also activated. Although Fas ligand neutralizing antibody could inhibit the former pathway, the mechanism of activation of the latter remained unknown. PV antibodies increased cytochrome c release, suggesting damage to mitochondria. The immunoblotting experiments revealed penetration of PVIgG into the subcellular mitochondrial fraction. The antimitochondrial antibodies from different PV patients recognized distinct combinations of antigens with apparent molecular sizes of 25, 30, 35, 57, 60, and 100 kDa. Antimitochondrial antibodies were pathogenic because their absorption abolished the ability of PVIgG to cause keratinocyte detachment both in vitro and in vivo. The downstream signaling of antimitochondrial antibodies involved JNK and late p38 MAPK activation, whereas the signaling of anti-desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) antibody involved JNK and biphasic p38 MAPK activation. Using KCs grown from Dsg3−/− mice, we determined that Dsg3 did not serve as a surrogate antigen allowing antimitochondrial antibodies to enter KCs. The PVIgG-induced activation of epidermal growth factor receptor and Src was affected neither in Dsg3−/− KCs nor due to absorption of antimitochondrial antibodies. These results demonstrated that apoptolysis in PV is a complex process initiated by at least three classes of autoantibodies directed against desmosomal, mitochondrial, and other keratinocyte self-antigens. These autoantibodies synergize with the proapoptotic serum and tissue factors to trigger both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of cell death and break the epidermal cohesion, leading to blisters. Further elucidation of the primary signaling events downstream of PV autoantigens will be crucial for the development of a more successful therapy for PV patients.
Performance of hybrid cellular manufacturing systems: A computer simulation investigation

Abstract In this paper, the performance of hybrid cellular manufacturing (CM) systems is compared with that of functional layouts that use traditional job shop procedures as well as part family scheduling rules, under a variety of shop operating conditions. Unlike much of past research in group technology (GT), this work examines the entire shop floor, in which the CM systems comprise cells and a remainder shop organized as a functional layout. The experimental factors investigated include: the system (two functional layouts and five hybrid systems); setup factor, a surrogate for the degree of part family similarities; scheduling rule, which includes both job shop and part family-oriented rules; and lot size. The performance measures used were flow time, work-in-process inventory, machine utilization and flow ratio. Several findings emerged that form a useful addition to the literature. While part family-oriented scheduling rules significantly outperformed job shop rules, little difference was detected among the former. The results also indicated that the performance of the remainder shop deteriorated with increasing conversion, due to erosion of pooling synergy.
5‘-Sulfhydryl-Modified RNA: Initiator Synthesis, in Vitro Transcription, and Enzymatic Incorporation

The detailed syntheses of the sulfhydryl-modified guanosine monophosphates 5'-deoxy-5'-thioguanosine-5'-monophosphorothioate (GSMP), O-[omega-sulfhydryl-tetra(ethylene glycol)]-O-(5'-guanosine) monophosphate (5'-HS-PEG4-GMP), and O-[omega-sulfhydryl-di(ethylene glycol)]-O-(5'-guanosine) monophosphate (5'-HS-PEG2-GMP) are reported. Transcription reactions employing GSMP, 5'-HS-PEG4-GMP, or 5'-HS-PEG2-GMP as the initiator nucleotide for T7 RNA polymerase introduce a thiol group at the 5'-end of RNA. The efficiency of thiol incorporation at the 5'-terminus of modified RNA compounds was assayed with three different thiol-reactive biotinylated reagents followed by streptavidin gel-shift methods. The transcription efficiency with various ratios of GTP to 5'-HS-PEG2-GMP was explored by reaction with a sulfhydryl-reactive maleimide-conjugated protein. This is an efficient method to incorporate enzymatically a thiol group into the 5'-end of RNA.
Thermal and SAR characterization of multielement dual concentric conductor microwave applicators for hyperthermia, a theoretical investigation

Six aperture array dual concentric conductor (DCO) microwave hyperthermia applicators were studied using theoretical models to characterize power deposition (SAR) and steady state temperature distributions in perfused tissue. SAR patterns were calculated using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) numerical method, and were used as input to a finite difference thermal modeling program based on the Pennes Bio-Heat Equation in order to calculate corresponding temperature distributions. Numerous array configurations were investigated including the use of different size DCC apertures (2, 3, and 4 cm), different spacing between apertures (1.0-2.0 cm), and different water bolus thicknesses (5-15 mm). Thermal simulations were repeated using blood perfusion values ranging from 0.5 to 5 kg/m3 s. Results demonstrate the ability of DCC array applicators to effectively and uniformly heat tissue down to a depth of 7.5-10 mm below the skin surface for a large number of different combinations of DCC element size, spacing, and water bolus thickness. Results also reveal the close correlation between SAR patterns and corresponding temperature distributions, verifying that design studies of the applicator can be performed confidently by analysis of SAR, from which the thermal behavior can be estimated. These simulations are useful in the design optimization of large microwave DCC array applicators for superficial tissue heating and for identifying appropriate aperture spacing and bolus thickness parameters for different size DCC aperture arrays and tissue blood perfusion conditions.
Isentropic Hydrodynamics in Plane Symmetric Space-Times

Use is made of a form of the stress energy tensor of a perfect fluid, previously derived for special relativity, to show that for irrotational isentropic motions a co-moving coordinate system exists in which both sides of the Einstein gravitational field equations may be expressed in terms of the dependent variables of the self-gravitational problem for a perfect fluid. It is shown that for a space-time with plane symmetry the field equations and the assumption of isentropy imply the conservation of mass. General methods for dealing with these field equations are given for the static and spatially independent cases. Approximate solutions are obtained for other specific cases. The general exact solution is obtained for the incompressible case. Properties of the incompressible case are discussed.
Spectral Accuracy and Sulfur Counting Capabilities of the LTQ-FT-ICR and the LTQ-Orbitrap XL for Small Molecule Analysis

Color Index Disperse Yellow 42 (DY42), a high-volume disperse dye for polyester, was used to compare the capabilities of the LTQ-Orbitrap XL and the LTQ-FT-ICR with respect to mass measurement accuracy (MMA), spectral accuracy, and sulfur counting. The results of this research will be used in the construction of a dye database for forensic purposes; the additional spectral information will increase the confidence in the identification of unknown dyes found in fibers at crime scenes. Initial LTQ-Orbitrap XL data showed MMAs greater than 3 ppm and poor spectral accuracy. Modification of several Orbitrap installation parameters (e.g., deflector voltage) resulted in a significant improvement of the data. The LTQ-FT-ICR and LTQ-Orbitrap XL (after installation parameters were modified) exhibited MMA ≤ 3 ppm, good spectral accuracy (χ2 values for the isotopic distribution ≤ 2), and were correctly able to ascertain the number of sulfur atoms in the compound at all resolving powers investigated for AGC targets of 5.00 × 105 and 1.00 × 106.
On wave propagation in an elastic micropolar medium with nonlocal cohesive forces

Abstract Wave propagation in an infinite linear micropolar elastic medium is examined assuming long-range particle interactions. After a review of the general formulas, the existence of four types of plane time-harmonic waves traveling at four distinct speeds is established. Formulas for the six nonlocal micropolar moduli are derived, and their relative values briefly discussed. An illustrative example involving wave transmission across the interface of two different half-infinite media is given.
College Student Notions of Computer Science

Two surveys of college students were conducted to study the students’ perceptions and knowledge of computer science as a profession and as a career. Ignorance of the field was consistently observed in both samples. Students with an aptitude for computing tend to blame their high schools, media, and society for their lack of knowledge. These findings suggest that high school students need to be provided with a more balanced perspective on computing.
Likelihood Computations without Bartlett Identities.

Abstract : The signed square root statistic R typically has cumulants on the form cum(p)(R) = theta(2,p) + n(-p/2)Kp + O(n(-(p+2)/2)). This paper shows how to compute Kp without invoking the Bartlett identities. As an application, we show how the family of alternatives influences the coverage accuracy of R, and in particular that a bad choice of family can lead to arbitrary undercoverage for confidence intervals based on R.
Synthesis, reactions and structure of a hydroxo-bridged dinuclear Zn(II) complex: modeling the hydrolytic zinc enzymes

The dinuclear complex [Zn2L(μ-OH)] (ClO4)3 · CH3CN (L = dinucleating ligand α,α′-bis (bis(2-pyridylethyl)amino)-m-xylene) (1) has been prepared and characterized structurally by X-ray diffraction crystallography. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, space group P21/n, cell dimensions a=13.109(2), b=13.339(2), c=24.317(5) A and Z=4. The cation [Zn2L(μ-OH)]3+ contains a dinuclear zinc complex with hydroxide bridging, showing a ZnμOHZn angle of 140.2°, and Zh3Zn distances of 3.635 A. Each zinc ion is in a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment, but with slightly different bond angles and ZnOH distances. Thus the two Zn ions in the dinuclear unit are slightly different and invequivalent. In aqueous solution the pKa of the Zn-coordinated H2O (the conjugate acid form of 1) is 7.55±0.05, which is one of the lowest values reported for zinc complexes modeling the hydrolytic enzymes. The rate of hydrolysis of bis-p-nitrophenylphosphate catalyzed by complex 1 is shown to increase from pH 7 to 8 but to decline at pH 9. Complex 1 reacts reversibly in acetonitrile solution with CO2 as shown by the IR peak observed at 1613 cm−1 assigned to the coordinated bicarbonate ion.
Moral Development and Narcissism of Private and Public University Business Students.

In this study, researchers examined the assumption that senior-level undergraduate students from private colleges universities possess higher levels of moral and ethical development than students from public institutions. In addition, the researchers sought to determine (a) if there was a relationship between narcissistic personality traits and the level of moral reasoning, and (b) there was a difference in the level of narcissistic personality tendencies of business students from private vs. public institutions based on demographic and textual variables. A cluster sampling approach was used in the sample selection. The sample was limited to students majoring in general business at seven public and six private universities in North Dakota and Minnesota. A total of 269 subjects participated in the research project: 145 at private institutions and 124 at public institutions. The Defining Issues Test version 2 (DIT-2) and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) were used to collect data at seven public and six private institutions. Students from public and private universities scored similarly on the DIT-2. A significant difference between the NPI scores of the private college students and the public college students was found. No significant relationship was found between the NPI score and level of moral reasoning. Business educators should be concerned that an increase in the number of business ethics courses completed did not significantly impact students’ moral reasoning or narcissistic traits.
The Future of Infill Housing in California: Opportunities, Potential, and Feasibility

Abstract This article presents a methodology for using county tax assessor records and other geographic information system and secondary source data to develop realistic estimates of community, county, and statewide infill housing potential in California. We first identify the number, acreage, average size, and spatial distribution of vacant and potentially redevelopable parcels within three types of infill counting areas. We then develop a schema for determining appropriate infill housing densities based on transit service availability, local land use mix and character, and initial neighborhood densities. We use this schema to generate local, county, and statewide estimates of infill housing potential. These are then carefully evaluated in terms of their parcel size and financial feasibility, the likelihood that construction will displace existing low‐income renters, and the contribution to cumulative overdevelopment. We conclude with a brief discussion of state‐level policy changes that would reduce bar...
Alumni Perspectives on Career Preparation during a Postdoctoral Training Program: A Qualitative Study

Published evaluations of career preparation of alumni from long-standing postdoctoral fellowship programs in the biomedical sciences are limited and often focus on quantitative analysis of data from extant publicly available sources. Qualitative methods provide the opportunity to gather robust information about specific program elements from structured postdoctoral training programs and the influence of this training on subsequent career paths of alumni. In-depth interviews with a subset of the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP) alumni (n = 27), representing more than 25 years of the program’s history and multiple career sectors, were conducted to assess alumni reflections on the training environment and career preparation during their time in the CPFP. NVivo software was used to analyze data and identify major themes. Four main themes emerged from these interviews, including: the value of structured training curriculum, mentorship, transdisciplinary environment, and professional identity. Even when reflecting on training that occurred one to two decades earlier, alumni were able to highlight specific components of a structured postdoctoral training program as influencing their research and career trajectories. These results may have relevance for those interested in assessing how postdoctoral training can influence fellows throughout their careers and understanding salient features of structured programs.
Red, White, and Blue Letter Days: An American Calendar – By Matthew Dennis

History, professors remind their students, is alive; every generation interprets the past through its own experiences, its own age. This “historical memory” has been the subject of a number of rece...
Selecting a Research Program in Special Education Some Advice and Generalizations From Published Research

One means of selecting and judging the appropriateness of a special education research program for the “beginning” career researcher is to analyze the quality of published articles. An analysis of published literature in professional journals provides a means of comparison in terms of topic, theory, methodology, and application. This article reviews some of the findings related to published research on special education topics. Seven general guidelines related to developing special education research programs are suggested.
A convenient synthesis of macrocyclic lactams

Abstract A facile method is described for the synthesis of macrocyclic lactams using dicarboxylic acids and diamines directly in the presence of diphenylphosphoryl azide.
Intrinsic viscosity and axial extension ratio of random-coiling macromolecules in a hydrodynamic shear field

The shear dependence of the intrinsic viscosity and the conformation of high molecular weight polyisobutylene in dilute solutions of decahydronaphthalene under shear were determined simultaneously. Experimental variables investigated were the shear rate (0 to 2 × 103 sec−1), the molecular weight (1.0 × 107 to 1.7 × 107) and the polymer concentration (1.8 × 10−4 to 8.4 × 10−4 g/cc). Correlations allowing concentration and shear rate normalization for any one sample are described. Conformational extention ratios along the orientation direction of the deformed molecule to 1.42 and intrinsic viscosity ratios (sheared to zero shear) to 0.5 were observed.
Gridflow description, query, and execution at SCEC using the SDSC matrix

While conventional workflow systems have been around for many years, the deployment of analogous systems onto a grid infrastructure introduces a number of unique questions and challenges. Innovative approaches to grid workflow (gridflow) are needed to leverage the heterogeneity, autonomy, dynamic behavior, and wide-area distribution that characterize grid resources. The Matrix Project carries out research and development to deliver the language descriptions and protocols necessary to build collaborative gridflow management systems for the emerging grid infrastructures. We describe here our activities to date including development of the data grid language (DGL) and the usage of the matrix gridflow management system by the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) to manage its gridflows.