cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Free-surface flow simulations in the presence of inclined walls

Difficulties associated with free-surface finite element flow simulations are related to (a) nonlinear and advective nature of most hydrodynamic flows, (b) requirements for compatibility between velocity and pressure interpolation, (c) maintaining a valid computational mesh in the presence of moving boundaries, and (d) enforcement of the kinematic conditions at the free surface. Focusing on the last issue, we present an extension of the free-surface elevation equation to cases where the prescribed direction of the surface node motion is not uniformly vertical. The resulting hyperbolic generalized elevation equation is discretized using a Galerkin/least-squares formulation applied on the surface mesh. The elevation field so obtained is then used to impose displacement boundary conditions on the elastic mesh update scheme that governs the movement of interior mesh nodes. The proposed method is used to solve a two-dimensional problem of sloshing in a trapezoidal tank, and a three-dimensional application involving flow in a trapezoidal channel with bridge supports.
Attractor analysis of asynchronous Boolean models of signal transduction networks

Prior work on the dynamics of Boolean networks, including analysis of the state space attractors and the basin of attraction of each attractor, has mainly focused on synchronous update of the nodes' states. Although the simplicity of synchronous updating makes it very attractive, it fails to take into account the variety of time scales associated with different types of biological processes. Several different asynchronous update methods have been proposed to overcome this limitation, but there have not been any systematic comparisons of the dynamic behaviors displayed by the same system under different update methods. Here we fill this gap by combining theoretical analysis such as solution of scalar equations and Markov chain techniques, as well as numerical simulations to carry out a thorough comparative study on the dynamic behavior of a previously proposed Boolean model of a signal transduction network in plants. Prior evidence suggests that this network admits oscillations, but it is not known whether these oscillations are sustained. We perform an attractor analysis of this system using synchronous and three different asynchronous updating schemes both in the case of the unperturbed (wild-type) and perturbed (node-disrupted) systems. This analysis reveals that while the wild-type system possesses an update-independent fixed point, any oscillations eventually disappear unless strict constraints regarding the timing of certain processes and the initial state of the system are satisfied. Interestingly, in the case of disruption of a particular node all models lead to an extended attractor. Overall, our work provides a roadmap on how Boolean network modeling can be used as a predictive tool to uncover the dynamic patterns of a biological system under various internal and environmental perturbations.
Ultrastructural changes during degeneration of photoreceptors and pigment epithelium in the Ozark cave salamander

Larval Ozark cave salamanders develop a functional pigment epithelium and photoreceptors which degenerate after metamorphosis. Degeneration of the pigment epithelium involves reduction in the density of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, increase in the number of pleomorphic inclusion bodies, and loss of filopodial processes. Photoreceptor degeneration initially involves the outer segments which are shortened, disrupted, and eventually lost. In later stages of degeneration, the glycogen-filled paraboloid of the inner segment is lost, the number of mitochondria in the ellipsoid is reduced, and the synaptic terminal is retracted. Changes in the pigment epithelium precede extensive photoreceptor degeneration.
Phase Modifiers Promote Efficient Production of Hydroxymethylfurfural from Fructose

Furan derivatives obtained from renewable biomass resources have the potential to serve as substitutes for the petroleum-based building blocks that are currently used in the production of plastics and fine chemicals. We developed a process for the selective dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) that operates at high fructose concentrations (10 to 50 weight %), achieves high yields (80% HMF selectivity at 90% fructose conversion), and delivers HMF in a separation-friendly solvent. In a two-phase reactor system, fructose is dehydrated in the aqueous phase with the use of an acid catalyst (hydrochloric acid or an acidic ion-exchange resin) with dimethylsulfoxide and/or poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone) added to suppress undesired side reactions. The HMF product is continuously extracted into an organic phase (methylisobutylketone) modified with 2-butanol to enhance partitioning from the reactive aqueous solution.
A beta-lactone related to lactacystin induces neurite outgrowth in a neuroblastoma cell line and inhibits cell cycle progression in an osteosarcoma cell line.

Abstract Lactacystin, a microbial natural product, induces neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2A mouse neuroblastoma cells and inhibits progression of synchronized Neuro 2A cells and MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells beyond the G1 phase of the cell cycle. A related beta-lactone, clasto-lactacystin beta-lactone, formally the product of elimination of N-acetylcysteine from lactacystin, is also active, whereas the corresponding clastolactacystin dihydroxy acid is completely inactive. Structural analogs of lactacystin altered only in the N-acetylcysteine moiety are active, while structural or stereochemical modifications of the gamma-lactam ring or the hydroxyisobutyl group lead to partial or complete loss of activity. The inactive compounds do not antagonize the effects of lactacystin in either neurite outgrowth or cell cycle progression assays. The response to lactacystin involves induction of a predominantly bipolar morphology that is maximal 16-32 h after treatment and is distinct from the response to several other treatments that result in morphological differentiation. Neurite outgrowth in response to lactacystin appears to be dependent upon microtubule assembly, actin polymerization, and de novo protein synthesis. The observed structure-activity relationships suggest that lactacystin and its related beta-lactone may act via acylation of one or more relevant target molecule(s) in the cell.
Seedling mortality of several crops induced by root, stem or leaf exposure to salts

Seedling mortality caused by excessive salinity is common in establishing furrow-irrigated crops. This study was conducted to evaluate the processes involved and salinity levels leading to seedling mortality in guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray cv. 593), carrot (Daucus carota L. cv. Imperator-58), chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. New Mex. 6–4), and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mills cv. Rutgers). Salt accumulation patterns were also evaluated in soil columns subirrigated with waters of 0.8 and 3.9 dS m−1. Seedlings were first grown for 10 to 16 days in greenhouse pots with water of 0.8 dS m−1. Upon emergence of the first true leaf, seedling roots, leaves and stems were independently exposed to different levels of salinity (0.8 to 59 dS m−1) under two diurnal temperature regimes (22–32°C and 24–40°C). When seedling roots were exposed to the saline solutions, mortality was sub stantially greater under the high temperature, and increased greatly at salinity levels of soil solutions exceeding about 5 dS m−1 in guayule and carrot, and 15 dS m−1 in tomato and pepper. Mortality caused by leaf exposures to saline spray was greater under the low temperature with higher relative air humidities, and increased greatly when salinity levels of spray solutions exceeded ap 5, 10, 15 and 20 dS m−1 in guayule, carrot, tomato and pepper, respectively. Physical abrasion of seedling leaves prior to saline water spraying significantly increased mortality. Stem exposure to a thin layer of salted sand having the saturation extract salinity of up to 58 dS m−1 caused no significant increase in mortality. Soluble salts were accumulated mostly in a soil depth of 0 to 0.5 cm at a rate of 35 dS m−1 in 3 weeks when subirrigated with water of 3.9 dS m−1. Under furrow-irrigated conditions, seedling mortality may be induced mainly through leaf and/or root, but not stem, exposure to the salts accumulated at soil surfaces. Leaf-induced mortality can be the most significant process when wind-damaged seedlings are exposed to saline splatters during light showers common to the semi-arid region.
Augmented multisensory feedback enhances locomotor adaptation in humans with incomplete spinal cord injury.

Abstract Different forms of augmented feedback may engage different motor learning pathways, but it is unclear how these pathways interact with each other, especially in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study was to test whether augmented multisensory feedback could enhance aftereffects following short term locomotor training (i.e., adaptation) in patients with incomplete SCI. A total of 10 subjects with incomplete SCI were recruited to perform locomotor adaptation. Three types of augmented feedback were provided during the adaptation: (a) computerized visual cues showing the actual and target stride length (augmented visual feedback); (b) a swing resistance applied to the leg (augmented proprioceptive feedback); (c) a combination of the visual cues and resistance (augmented multisensory feedback). The results showed that subjects’ stride length increased in all conditions following the adaptation, but the increase was greater and retained longer in the multisensory feedback condition. The multisensory feedback provided in this study may engage both explicit and implicit learning pathways during the adaptation and in turn enhance the aftereffect. The results implied that multisensory feedback may be used as an adjunctive approach to enhance gait recovery in humans with SCI.
Phase diagram of magnetic multilayers: The role of biquadratic exchange.

We study the magnetic phase diagram of a superlattice fabricated from ferromagnetic films, with interfilm exchange coupling provided by intervening nonferromagnetic layers. We suppose the interfilm exchange coupling contains a biquadratic component, with magnitude comparable to the linear exchange, as found recently in the Fe/Cr(211) structures. Our analysis centers on these materials, where the Fe magnetizations lie in plane, which also contains a twofold anisotropy axis. Sufficiently large biquadratic exchange produces important qualitative modifications of the magnetization curves, and can introduce new magnetic phases. We illustrate with results for infinite superlattices, and for finite superlattices with either an even or odd number of ferromagnetic layers.
Ownership and operating performance of companies that go public

Abstract Going public typically leads to a separation of managerial control and stock ownership, and potentially worsens managerial incentives. We document that the median ownership stake of officers and directors declines significantly from the year before going public to ten years later. Median operating return on assets also declines from the year before the offering to the end of the first year of public trading, but performance declines no further in ten years. In general, operating performance both within one year of the offering and during the first ten years of public trading is unrelated to ownership of officers and directors.
Determination of chlorophyll porphyrin ring orientation in black lipid membranes by photovoltage spectroscopy

Abstract Photovoltage spectroscopy with polarized light has been used to investigate the structure of black lipid membranes formed from spinach chloroplast extracts. The photovoltage action spectrum of the black lipid membranes is similar to the absorption spectrum of the membrane-forming solution, with a red and principal blue peak. The magnitudes of these peaks have been found to depend on the direction of polarization of the exciting light. This is apparently a direct consequence of the dichroism of the membrane. The polarized light photovoltage data have been used to obtain information on the orientation of chlorophyll in the membrane.
Water Vapor Sorption Isotherms for Southern Pine Treated with Several Waterborne Preservatives

Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) was measured over a range of relative humidities at 22.5°C to determine whether certain wood preservatives increase the hygroscopicity of southern pine (Pinus sp.) The treatments studied were alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) at a retention of 6.6 kg⋅m−3, chromated copper arsenate (CCA) at 6.9 kg⋅m−3, and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) at 3.8 kg⋅m−3 (equivalent to 2.6 kg⋅m−3 as B2O3). All treatments examined increased the EMC at relative humidities above 60 %. Wood treated with DOT was the most hygroscopic. At high relative humidities, the ratio of the EMC of ACQ-treated wood to CCA-treated wood was 1.08. It is unlikely that the higher corrosiveness of ACQ compared with CCA is due to this slight increase in hygroscopicity.
Potent, Plasmodium-selective farnesyltransferase inhibitors that arrest the growth of malaria parasites: structure-activity relationships of ethylenediamine-analogue scaffolds and homology model validation.

New chemotherapeutics are urgently needed to combat malaria. We previously reported on a novel series of antimalarial, ethylenediamine-based inhibitors of protein farnesyltransferase (PFT). In the current study, we designed and synthesized a series of second generation inhibitors, wherein the core ethylenediamine scaffold was varied in order to examine both the homology model of Plasmodium falciparum PFT (PfPFT) and our predicted inhibitor binding mode. We identified several PfPFT inhibitors (PfPFTIs) that are selective for PfPFT versus the mammalian isoform of the enzyme (up to 136-fold selectivity), that inhibit the malarial enzyme with IC50 values down to 1 nM, and that block the growth of P. falciparum in infected whole cells (erythrocytes) with ED50 values down to 55 nM. The structure−activity data for these second generation, ethylenediamine-inspired PFT inhibitors were rationalized by consideration of the X-ray crystal structure of mammalian PFT and the homology model of the malarial enzyme.
The Apocalypse of John and the Liturgy of the Ancient Church

Interpretations of the last book of the New Testament usually dwell upon its visions of things to come. Except for its prayers and hymns, however, little attention has been paid to its liturgical character. This fact is the more surprising since it is just in that respect that the Apocalypse of John differs mostly strikingly from other Jewish and Christian apocalyptic writings. Its visions are presented within a framework of liturgical activities, and toward the end of the book it is hardly possible to dissociate the acts of worship from the visions of the future. This close relationship shows that its liturgical portions are not a purely literary device. Rather in the Seer's mind they form part of the revelatory process itself representing the reaction of initiated creatures to the gradual disclosure of the saving purpose of God and its execution. From the historical viewpoint, this liturgical framework of the Apocalypse of John is interesting, because it contains a number of features which, in a similar manner, occur also in the liturgies of the Ancient Church. Thus it is from the liturgical character of the Apocalypse that the historical development of the Christian liturgy becomes intelligible. Out of the perplexing diversity of its types, the formative principle of its early stages emerges, and a number of motives become visible, some of which have determined its history to the present day. Others, which have no longer a vital role assigned to them, were, nevertheless, preserved on account of the significance originally attached to them. Among these features I mention the ideas of the Eucharistic Parousia, the Church's participation in the angelic worship, the emphasis placed upon the worthiness of the interpreter of Scripture, the connection between the Confession of Sins and the Eucharist, the separation of the believers and unbelievers prior to the heavenly meal, the celebration of the Eucharist as an act of the Church in its cosmic totality, the association of the Eucharist with the Judgment of the World, and the interpretation of the liturgy as a spiritual battle. It will suffice to single out two of these features, which for their lack of centrality in the liturgies are particularly apt to illustrate our point, viz. the participation of the Church in the angelic worship, and the worthiness of the interpreter of Scripture.
High-resolution soft x-ray excitation spectra of 3d-metal phthalocyanines

Abstract Sharp core-level excitons (1s → π * ) are observed below the carbon 1s (289.5 eV) and nitrogen 1s (403.6 eV) threshold and broader features (1s → σ * ) above threshold for metal-free and 3d-metal phthalocyanines (PCs). The fine structure of prominent sharp lines (white lines) originating from metal 2p → 3d, 4s transitions was resolved for MnPC at 640 cV to CuPC at 933 eV. The results demonstrate the excellent possibilities of high-resolution soft X-ray spectroscopy as a site-specific local probe of empty electronic states in complex organic compounds.
Biological screening of monoclonal antibodies

A method was developed to screen hybridomas secreting immunoglobulin to cell surface receptors by observing the ability of antibodies to inhibit cell attachment and survival. The model used to develop the screening procedure involved mouse hybridomas secreting monoclonal IgG to human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors. Conditioned medium from these hybridomas inhibited the attachment and subsequent growth of human foreskin fibroblasts unless excess EGF was added to the cultures. This procedure allows for the selection of hybridomas producing increased levels of immunoglobulin.
Trans -dominant inhibition of RNA viral replication can slow growth of drug-resistant viruses

The high error rates of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases create heterogeneous viral populations whose disparate RNA genomes affect each other's survival. We systematically screened the poliovirus genome and identified four sets of dominant mutations. Mutated alleles in capsid- and polymerase-coding regions resulted in dominant negative phenotypes, probably due to the proteins' oligomeric properties. We also identified dominant mutations in an RNA element required for priming RNA synthesis (CRE) and in the protein primer (VPg), suggesting that nonproductive priming intermediates are inhibitory. Mutations that inhibit the activity of viral proteinase 2A were dominant, arguing that inhibition of its known intramolecular activity creates a toxic product. Viral products that, when defective, dominantly interfere with growth of nondefective viruses will probably be excellent drug targets because drug-sensitive viruses should be dominant over drug-resistant variants. Accordingly, a virus sensitive to anticapsid compound WIN51711 dominantly inhibited the intracellular growth of a drug-resistant virus. Therefore, dominant inhibitor screening should validate or predict targets for antiviral therapy with reduced risk for drug resistance.
Exciton states in rare-gas crystals∗†

Abstract A formulation of F renkel 's theory of excitons is given in which a general method of constructing orthonormal one-electron trial exciton functions from atomic functions is outlined, and excitation energies, band structure, effective masses, and integrated absorption cross-sections are computed in an approximation which includes atomic spin-orbit interaction and overlapping of atomic wave functions through terms of the order S2. A treatment of singlet and triplet states built from the atomic p5s configuration in a cubic lattice is given as an example which is intended to apply to the lowest excited states of the rare gases themselves or to corresponding states of halide lattices on a simple excitation model. With the omission of momentum-dependent terms, the formalism is applicable to computations of first-order excitation energies in systems involving substitutional impurities.
Electrolyte and acid-base parameters of rat cerebrospinal fluid.

Values for various electrolytes and acid-base parameters of rat CSF were determined in adult animals anesthetized with pentobarbital or ether. In addition, the distribution of 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione (DMO) between CSF and arterial and venous blood was measured in the same animals. It was found a) that CSF electrolyte and acid-base parameters are the same in ether-and pentobarbital-treated animals; b) that DMO distributions between CSF and blood are not determined solely by pH gradients; and c) that in rat CSF electrolyte concentrations (mEq/l) —Na=148.4; K=3.16, Cl=117.9 —and acid-base values —pH=7.38, H2CO3=1.30 mM/l; HCO3=24.5 mM/l —are very similar to those measured in other species.
TLR4 and TNF-α polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk for severe sepsis following burn injury

Context: Sepsis, organ failure, and shock remain common among patients with moderate to severe burn injuries. The inability of clinical factors to identify at-risk patients suggests that genetic variation may influence the risk for serious infection and the outcome from severe injury. Objective: Resolution of genetic variants associated with severe sepsis following burn injury. Patients: A total of 159 patients with burns ⩾20% of their total body surface area or any smoke inhalation injury without significant non-burn related trauma (injury severity score (ISS)⩾16), traumatic or anoxic brain injury, or spinal cord injury and who survived more than 48 h post-admission. Methods: Candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within bacterial recognition (TLR4 +896, CD14 −159) and inflammatory response (TNF-α −308, IL-1β −31, IL-6 −174) loci were evaluated for association with increased risk for severe sepsis (sepsis plus organ dysfunction or septic shock) and mortality. Results: After adjustment for age, full-thickness burn size, ethnicity, and gender, carriage of the TLR4 +896 G-allele imparted at least a 1.8-fold increased risk of developing severe sepsis following a burn injury, relative to AA homozygotes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8 to 23.2). Carriage of the TNF-α −308 A-allele imparted a similarly increased risk, relative to GG homozygotes (aOR = 4.5; 95% CI 1.7 to 12.0). None of the SNPs examined were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusions: The TLR4 +896 and TNF-α −308 polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk for severe sepsis following burn trauma.
Postulated Role of Inter-domain Interaction within the Ryanodine Receptor in Ca2+ Channel Regulation

Abstract Key steps of excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling are (1) binding of the activator portion of the dihydropyridine (DHP) receptor (in skeletal muscle) or binding of the Ca 2+ entered through the DHP receptor (in cardiac muscle) to the ryanodine receptor (RyR), (2) a global protein conformational change of the RyR, and (3) opening of the RyR Ca 2+ channel, leading to muscle contraction. The conformational change (step 2) plays a major role in the Ca 2+ channel regulation, and a number of "regulatory domains" must be involved in this process. We postulate that the interaction among these regulatory domains is the central mechanism for the conformation-mediated control of the Ca 2+ channel. In this review, we summarize the recent data supporting this concept.
The output of the hippocampus is inhibited during social behavior in the male rat

During sexual behavior in the male rat, peptidergic cells in the medial amygdaloid nucleus become active and release a vasopressin-like peptide. The present experiments were designed to examine hippocampal changes as a result of this peptide's action during sexual behaviors. Chronic field-potential recordings from the hippocampus of male rats were acquired in a wide variety of social and nonsocial circumstances. Hippocampal responses that resemble the known action of the vasopressin-like peptide were seen only with social stimuli such as sexual stimuli and stimuli that led to aggressive behavior between males. The results show that the occasions of peptide action in the hippocampus correlate with the occasions of peptide release as determined by recording from the peptidergic cell bodies. The results are interpreted to indicate that the amygdala projection to the hippocampus has a special role to play in social behavior.
Gender and endangered languages: Intersections

While studies of the interplay of language use and gendered identity have pointed to the complex interactions between the two, and while researchers have similarly considered the ways in which endangered languages of heritage serve as resources in the construction of identity in communities focused on language revitalization, the intersection of these two fields of study has only rarely been examined. As awareness of the endangered status of many of the world’s languages has grown, the processes by which languages become restricted within their communities of use, and the roles that community members can and do play in reversing that restriction, have been studied and theorized by scholars within the fields of linguistics and anthropology. This collection of papers builds upon and expands the scope of such research by looking at the role that gender plays in both language maintenance and language revitalization processes within communities whose languages are endangered. These papers also explore the impact that language endangerment and revitalization have on the construction of gender, and, indeed, upon the gendered identities available to community members. Through the exploration of processes particular to individual communities, these papers offer a more general understanding of the complex interplay of gendered identity, language use, ideology, and community, thus expanding our understanding of the ways in which gender and language interact, not only in endangered language communities, but more broadly. Gender and Language G&L (PRINT) ISSN 1747–6321 G&L (ONLINE) ISSN 1747–633X
Differential interference contrast polarization anisotropy for tracking rotational dynamics of gold nanorods

We describe differential interference contrast (DIC) polarization anisotropy for tracking rotational dynamics of gold nanorod (AuNR) probes. DIC polarization anisotropy enabled us to reveal the unidirectional clockwise circular translocation of an AuNR attached to a kinesin-driven microtubule and to precisely determine the real-time orientation of the AuNR during the dynamic process.
Harmonic generation at an unbonded interface—I. Planar interface between semi-infinite elastic media

Abstract An analysis is made of the nonlinear dynamics of a system composed of an unbonded planar interface separating two semi-infinite linear elastic media. The unbonded interface, by definition, cannot support tension and hence opens up in the tension phase of a propagating disturbance, if it is not already open. The opening and closing of the interface is the origin of the nonlinearity. This is perhaps the simplest nonlinear problem involving continuous media, since the problem reduces to the consideration of a pair of independent first order ordinary differential equations involving the center of gravity and width of the gap. In the case of an incident sinusoidal wave the second harmonic generation efficiency is determined as a function of the ratio of the ambient hydrostatic pressure to the stress amplitude of the incident wave.
Can niche-construction theory live in harmony with human equipotentiality?

Consistent with the “niche construction” hypothesis, human beings tailor their behavior to local circumstances in ways beneficial to their inclusive fitness. However, the fact that any human being seems equally capable of adopting any of these context-dependent fitness-enhancing behaviors makes niche construction theory implausible in practice. The human capacity for exhibiting context-specific behavior remains in need of an explanation.
Adenosine A1 antagonism increases specific synaptic forms of glutamate release during anoxia, revealing a unique source of excitation.

The role of the adenosine A1 receptor in the modulation of anoxia-induced synaptic glutamate release was examined in CA1 pyramidal neurons by whole-cell voltage-clamp recording in the rat hippocampal slice preparation. Anoxia leads to an increased action potential-independent synaptic glutamate release in the form of a higher frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). This increase is not significantly affected when slices are preincubated in the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). A second population of spontaneous inward currents, however, occurs in DPCPX-treated slices during a well-defined period following the onset of anoxia. Their suppression by glutamate antagonists, tetrodotoxin, or by the cutting of the Schaffer collateral pathway indicates that they represent action potential-dependent, glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (ap-EPSCs) originating from CA3 pyramidal neurons. CA3 neurons were examined in current-clamp whole-cell patch mode to determine the origin of this increased orthodromic excitation. After the onset of anoxia, CA3 cells initially exhibit a small depolarization or hyperpolarization associated with a decrease in input resistance. This is followed by transient depolarization (the depolarizing “nub”), which is associated with an increase in input resistance. The nub evoked single as well as bursts of action potentials in CA3 neurons. The occurrence of these CA3 nub-elicited action potentials coincides with that of ap-EPSCs recorded in the CA1 cells. Recording with cesium- rather than standard potassium-containing electrodes results in the suppression of the nub and its associated increase in input resistance. In conclusion we have shown that adenosine tone plays an important role in suppressing anoxia-induced spontaneous ap-EPSCs but not action potential-independent mEPSCs in CA1 neurons. These EPSCs originate from a depolarization in CA3 pyramidal neurons, which is associated with an increase in resistance. This previously undescribed phenomenon likely results from a decrease in the conductance of an unidentified potassium channel. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
ECC performance of interleaved RS codes with burst errors

In this paper, we describe a computationally efficient way of calculating the probability of decoding error when a Reed Solomon code is utilized to record data over a channel that produces correlated symbol errors. We assume that the channel errors can be described by a Markovian model with a small number of states. A simple modification of the transition probability matrix for this Markov model allows one to compute (using a desk top computer with readily available software) the performance of these codes with and without interleaving. Examples are given illustrating the efficacy of this technique.
Simple and rapid assessment of lipoprotein susceptibility to oxidation in the macromolecule fraction of plasma.

Abstract Background : Susceptibility of lipoprotein to oxidation is usually studied using purified lipoproteins. However, for large clinical studies or routine clinical assessment, a rapid, less time-consuming method that minimizes hydroperoxide accumulation in lipoprotein during preparation is desirable. Methods using whole plasma are complicated by the presence of an anticoagulant that may affect oxidation and the presence of antioxidants in the plasma aqueous phase. Lipoproteins in serum are relatively unprotected from initiation of oxidation. Methods : We studied copper-mediated oxidation of a macromolecule fraction of plasma prepared by simple molecular sieve chromatography. Results : LDL was more susceptible to oxidation than plasma macromolecules. The lag times approached zero as the copper concentration increased. The propagation rate was linear for PM vs. the copper concentration while LDL became saturated at 10–20 μmol/l. The interassay CVs for the lag phase rate, lag time, PR and maximal Δ A max were 23%, 7.7%, 4.9%, and 3.3%, respectively. Conclusions : This procedure should be applicable to large numbers of individuals in investigations regarding the effects of drugs and diets on lipid composition and oxidative susceptibility.
Stability and quality of municipal solid waste compost from a landfill aerobic bioreduction process

Solid waste compost product from an aerobic bioreduction process at a full-scale landfill was characterized. The landfill was sampled after 5 months of aerobic bioreduction for spatial variations in biological stability. The product after 14 months of bioreduction was excavated and screened in three different ways to improve product quality. After 5 months of bioreduction, the stability index (SI) of solid waste in the landfill ranged from low activity (0.15–0.67 mg g−1 h−1) in the 6.1–7.6-m depth layer to high activity (1.42–2.14 mg g−1 h−1) at the 4.6–6.1-m depth layer. After 14 months of bioreduction, the 9.5-mm trommel screen provided a superior product among those tested and resulted in total inert content of 3.5% compared to 9.0% (dry basis) when using a 19.1-mm screen. Product SI ranged from 0.39 to 0.55 mg g−1 h−1, indicating stability. Regulated heavy metals were below EPA exceptional quality compost levels. Lead, nickel, chromium and zinc were at relatively higher levels than other metals.
Molten-Salt-Cooled Advanced High-Temperature Reactor for Production of Hydrogen and Electricity

The molten-salt-cooled Advanced High-Temperature Reactor (AHTR) is a new reactor concept designed to provide very high-temperature (750 to 1000°C) heat to enable efficient low-cost thermochemical p...
Improved variational calculations of nucleon matter

Variational calculations of nucleon matter, either symmetric nuclear or pure neutron matter, use Fermi hypernetted chain and single-operator chain summation methods to sum approximately the contributions of clusters of $g~3$ nucleons to the energy expectation value. The cluster contributions summed by these methods are discussed in detail, and it is shown that for realistic interactions the 3-body cluster contribution is larger than the sum of $g~4$-body contributions. We present a new method, based on representing cluster wave functions by multidimensional vectors in spin-isospin space, as is common in quantum Monte Carlo calculations of light nuclei, to calculate exactly the 3-body cluster contribution including 3-body forces and all but spin-orbit correlations. The variational energies obtained with the Argonne $v18$ 2- and Urbana IX 3-nucleon interactions, using the exact 2- and 3-body cluster contributions and the approximate $g~4$-body contributions summed with chain summation techniques are lower, closer to the empirical values for symmetric nuclear matter than in previous calculations using the operator chain summation approximation for the large 3-body cluster. In pure neutron matter the operator chain summation approximation is found to be fairly accurate for the 3-body cluster; the present results are only slightly higher than the previous ones. We also report on the results for the Argonne $v14$ 2-nucleon interaction without any 3-body interaction. This case has been studied with Brueckner's method including 2, 3, and parts of 4-hole line terms by Day and Wiringa [Phys. Rev. C 32, 1057 (1985)]. Our results are significantly lower than theirs.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Coupled Experiment/Finite Element Simulation on High Rate Mechanical Response of Porcine Brain

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), due to recursive concussions, is prevalent in professional sports. Martland was first to report neuropathological conditions related to recursive TBI in professional boxing; while Omalu et al. were the first to report similar neuropathogical conditions, in NFL professionals [1, 2]. Both Martland and Omalu et al. reported long-term neurodegeneration leading to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease [1, 2]. Professional athletes with recursive TBI were observed to have developed speech difficulties, memory lapses, Parkinsons’s-like syndrome with drooling, tremors, and emotional volatility. Although clinical and experimental studies have been carried out to advance the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms following TBI, limited progress has been made in understanding the effect of stress waves on the neuropathology of TBI using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Protocol development for combination therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs

To date, it has been exceptionally difficult to prove that any combination of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs is more effective than its components used one at a time. However, only a few of many possible combinations have been evaluated in clinical trials. Careful attention to the details of patient selection, study design and duration, and choice of primary outcome measures is essential. A logical strategy for protocol development emphasizes the use of multiple small pilot studies to screen series of combinations and doses to identify a few that appear to show clinical benefit. The most promising combinations can then be evaluated in large, double-blind, randomized, pivotal studies with a higher probability of success.
Functional representation for the isometries of de sitter space

Abstract We examine the Schrodinger picture for a spinless field theory in two-dimensional de Sitter space and construct an ultraviolet finite functional representation for the de Sitter Lie algebra. The one-parameter family of de Sitter vacua is found to be only phase-invariant, except for one value of the parameter where the state is truly invariant.
Identification of palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 in human thp1 monocytes and macrophages and characterization of unique biochemical activities for this enzyme

The profiles of serine hydrolases in human and mouse macrophages are similar yet different. For instance, human macrophages express high levels of carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), whereas mouse macrophages have minimal amounts of the orthologous murine CES1. On the other hand, macrophages from both species exhibit limited expression of the canonical 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) hydrolytic enzyme, MAGL. Our previous study showed CES1 was partly responsible for the hydrolysis of 2-AG (50%) and prostaglandin glyceryl esters (PG-Gs) (80-95%) in human THP1 monocytes and macrophages. However, MAGL and other endocannabinoid hydrolases, FAAH, ABHD6, and ABHD12, did not have a role because of limited expression or no expression. Thus, another enzyme was hypothesized to be responsible for the remaining 2-AG hydrolysis activity following chemical inhibition and immunodepletion of CES1 (previous study) or CES1 gene knockdown (this study). Here we identified two candidate serine hydrolases in THP1 cell lysates by activity-based protein profiling (ABPP)-MUDPIT and Western blotting: cathepsin G and palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1). Both proteins exhibited electrophoretic properties similar to those of a serine hydrolase in THP1 cells detected by gel-based ABPP at 31-32 kDa; however, only PPT1 exhibited lipolytic activity and hydrolyzed 2-AG in vitro. Interestingly, PPT1 was strongly expressed in THP1 cells but was significantly less reactive than cathepsin G toward the activity-based probe, fluorophosphonate-biotin. KIAA1363, another serine hydrolase, was also identified in THP1 cells but did not have significant lipolytic activity. On the basis of chemoproteomic profiling, immunodepletion studies, and chemical inhibitor profiles, we estimated that PPT1 contributed 32-40% of 2-AG hydrolysis activity in the THP1 cell line. In addition, pure recombinant PPT1 catalyzed the hydrolysis of 2-AG, PGE2-G, and PGF2α-G, although the catalytic efficiency of hydrolysis of 2-AG by PPT1 was ~10-fold lower than that of CES1. PPT1 was also insensitive to several chemical inhibitors that potently inhibit CES1, such as organophosphate poisons and JZL184. This is the first report to document the expression of PPT1 in a human monocyte and macrophage cell line and to show PPT1 can hydrolyze the natural substrates 2-AG and PG-Gs. These findings suggest that PPT1 may participate in endocannabinoid metabolism within specific cellular contexts and highlights the functional redundancy often exhibited by enzymes involved in lipid metabolism.
Specific DNA binding of GAL4, a positive regulatory protein of yeast

We show by the following series of experiments that the yeast positive regulatory protein GAL4 binds to four sites in the upstream activating sequence UASG to activate transcription of the adjacent GAL1 and GAL10 genes. GAL4 protein expressed in E. coli protected guanine residues in UASG from methylation by dimethyl sulfate. The same set of protections was seen in vivo in yeast and depended on the GAL4+ allele. This protection pattern is consistent with the idea that GAL4 protein binds to four related 17 bp sequences, each of which displays approximate 2-fold rotational symmetry. A single near-consensus synthetic 17 bp oligonucleotide, installed in front of the yeast GAL1 or CYC1 transcription units, conferred a high level of galactose inducibility upon these genes. Further experiments suggest that one mechanism of glucose repression is inhibition of the binding of GAL4 protein to DNA.
Actors and scripts: object-oriented simulation of enterprise systems

Simulation is one of the most frequently used techniques for modeling manufacturing and other systems found in modern enterprises. Most simulation models are built with either a traditional programming language such as FORTRAN or a simulation software package written in a traditional programming language. These tools have their limitations. Object-oriented technology has seen increasing application in many fields and promises a more flexible and efficient approach to simulating business systems. However, many professionals engaged in modeling systems in enterprises are not yet familiar with the technology. This article provides a succinct introduction to object-oriented concepts and presents an intuitive methodology for building object-oriented simulation models. The methodology, which is based on the ideas of actors and scripts, is illustrated with queuing models. The advantages and limitations of the methodology are discussed.
Multilocus sequence typing of Mycoplasma bovis reveals host-specific genotypes in cattle versus bison

Mycoplasma bovis is a primary agent of mastitis, pneumonia and arthritis in cattle and the bacterium most frequently isolated from the polymicrobial syndrome known as bovine respiratory disease complex. Recently, M. bovis has emerged as a significant health problem in bison, causing necrotic pharyngitis, pneumonia, dystocia and abortion. Whether isolates from cattle and bison comprise genetically distinct populations is unknown. This study describes the development of a highly discriminatory multilocus sequencing typing (MLST) method for M. bovis and its use to investigate the population structure of the bacterium. Genome sequences from six M. bovis isolates were used for selection of gene targets. Seven of 44 housekeeping genes initially evaluated were selected as targets on the basis of sequence variability and distribution within the genome. For each gene target sequence, four to seven alleles could be distinguished that collectively define 32 sequence types (STs) from a collection of 94 cattle isolates and 42 bison isolates. A phylogeny based on concatenated target gene sequences of each isolate revealed that bison isolates are genetically distinct from strains that infect cattle, suggesting recent disease outbreaks in bison may be due to the emergence of unique genetic variants. No correlation was found between ST and disease presentation or geographic origin. MLST data reported here were used to populate a newly created and publicly available, curated database to which researchers can contribute. The MLST scheme and database provide novel tools for exploring the population structure of M. bovis and tracking the evolution and spread of strains.
High risk sexual behaviours among heroin sniffers who have no history of injection drug use: Implications for HIV risk reduction

The purpose of this paper is to assess sexual behaviours which place heroin sniffers (HSs) at high risk for HIV infection. A stratified network-based sample was used to recruit HSs who had no history of injection drug use was recruited from the streets of South Florida, USA. HSs displayed a high HIV seroprevalence rate of 12.1%; women (18.1%) were more likely than men (8.7%) to test positive for HIV. Both men and women HSs engaged in considerable high risk sex behaviour, including high risk sex-exchange behaviour. The use of crack cocaine was associated with increased sex exchange behaviour among women. The need for intervention programs targeted toward HSs is discussed.
"There's nothing like church food": Food and the U.S. afro-christian tradition: Re-membering community and feeding the embodied s/spirit(s)

Les AA. analysent la relation entre alimentation et spiritualite parce que ces deux elements sont tres lies dans les societes africaines, notamment dans les communautes afro-americaines. Il est possible que la tradition americaine de l'Eglise-aliment soit une remise en acte ou une redirection des fetes de la tradition religieuse africaine. Les membres de l'Eglise afro-americaine alimentent leurs corps comme ils alimentent leurs esprits. Dans ce processus, une ethique de l'amour et de l'hospitalite emerge notamment dans le partage de la nourriture. Au moment des repas, la communaute est ainsi rappelee jusque dans ses origines africaines
A Heterogeneous Multiscale Model for Interfacial Thermal Transport

While nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are capable of producing accurate results for mesoscale models, the simulations for a few million molecules can take considerable duration even when run on multiple processors. However, the alternative continuum simulations, while faster, cannot account for any temperature discontinuities at interfaces, and as such, can be rather inaccurate. We present a solution to this by incorporating both models into a multiscale computational scheme, where MD simulations are run over regions where temperature discontinuities are expected, while SSPH simulations are carried out over the remainder of the domain. In order to validate our model, we investigate thermal transport across a Si-Ge nanoscale interface that is embedded within a mesoscale system using both the novel multiscale model and pure MD simulations. The results indicate that the output from the coupled MD-SSPH model is in good agreement with those of the pure MD simulation when the boundary temperatures are specified. However, as SSPH does not account for phonon scattering at nonperiodic reflective boundaries, the local temperatures obtained from the multiscale model tend to be higher than those for the pure MD simulation when boundary flux is specified.© 2010 ASME
Network Robustness and Fragility: Percolation on Random Graphs

Recent work on the Internet, social networks, and the power grid has addressed the resilience of these networks to either random or targeted deletion of network nodes or links. Such deletions include, for example, the failure of Internet routers or power transmission lines. Percolation models on random graphs provide a simple representation of this process but have typically been limited to graphs with Poisson degree distribution at their vertices. Such graphs are quite unlike real-world networks, which often possess power-law or other highly skewed degree distributions. In this paper we study percolation on graphs with completely general degree distribution, giving exact solutions for a variety of cases, including site percolation, bond percolation, and models in which occupation probabilities depend on vertex degree. We discuss the application of our theory to the understanding of network resilience.