cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Message and non-message sequences adjacent to poly(A) in steady state heterogeneous nuclear RNA of HeLa cells

Abstract Highly purified steady state heterogeneous nuclear RNA from HeLa cells has been prepared by a new procedure. Detergent-washed nuclei are disrupted in 0.4 M ammonium sulfate, which also dissociates contaminating polysomes. The hnRNA remains bound to chromatin, which can be pelleted by gentle centrifugation. Ribonuclease inhibitors permit the preparation of very high molecular weight nuclear RNA. The hnRNA was cleaved with alkali. The poly(A)-containing fragments were separated from those containing oligo(A), and a cDNA copy was prepared. Hybridization of this nuclear cDNA to cytoplasmic mRNA showed that the scarce (complex) message sequences make up a larger proportion of nuclear RNA than of cytoplasmic RNA. In addition, at least 30% of the poly(A)-adjacent sequences in nuclear RNA have no apparent counterparts in the cytoplasm. cDNA prepared from hnRNA sedimenting faster than 45S under denaturing conditions gives similar results, showing the presence of both message and non-message sequences in very large transcripts. cDNA complementary to mRNA was separated into the abundant and scarce sequences, and hybridized separately to the poly(A)-adjacent sequences in nuclear RNA. The hybridization of the abundant sequence cDNA was used to set an upper limit on possible cytoplasmic contamination. Hybridization of the scarce sequence cDNA shows that nearly all the scarce cytoplasmic sequences are represented in nuclear RNA approximately once per cell.
A graph based routing algorithm for multi-hop cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio networks that allow dynamic spectrum access are considered spectrally more efficient than networks using fixed spectral allocation. These networks are characterized by dynamically changing channel sets at each node. The graph theoretic approach used in traditional multi-hop networks fails to efficiently model multi-hop cognitive radio networks and capture the required information for optimal routing. Hence, conventional graph-based routing protocols such as DSR or AODV cannot be used directly, for route discovery in such networks. In this paper, a unique multi-edge planar graph model for routing in such type of networks is proposed, which is quite simple and could be used in conjunction with any conventional graph-based routing protocol. The model is validated through simulations and the complexity of the model is shown to be lesser than an earlier layered graph model.
The Synchronization of Business Cycles Across The European Community

The recent adoption of the Delors Report brings into question the extent of the EC integration and the costs to individual countries of continued integration. In this paper we address this question by comparing EC countries to non-EC countries, specifically comparing the extent to which domestic policies are coordinated. We find a strong coordination between EC countries as compared to non-EC countries. However, Italy shows up as a persistent outlier in the EC, requiring a reformulation of domestic policy goals if continued integration is desired.
Chemiluminescence studies of boron atom reactions with O2 and N2O

Abstract The reactions of boron with O 2 and N 2 O have been studied in a beam-gas experiment. Chemiluminescence is detected only from the B + O 2 reaction for which the total chemiluminescent cross section is estimated to be 0.05 A 2 . Relative populations of vibrational levels and cross sections for their formation have also been obtained.
Pseudotetrahedral O3/2VO Centers Immobilized on the Walls of a Mesoporous, Cubic MCM-48 Support: Preparation, Characterization, and Reactivity toward Water As Investigated by 51V NMR and UV−Vis Spectroscopies

The high hydroxyl content of mesoporous silicates makes it possible to use them as anchors for the attachment of transition-metal species. In the present study, three different samples corresponding to atomic V/Si ratio of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.10 have been prepared by reacting a silica-based mesoporous matrix of the cubic MCM-48 structure, with dry hexane solutions of OV(OiPr)3. Bulk structural characterization (X-ray diffraction and BET) shows that the cubic structure is maintained during the impregnation process. In the presence of V centers, a noticeable decrease of the main-pore diameter and of the a unit-cell parameter is observed. Thus, a strong interaction between the mesoporous walls and the V centers is suggested. The microstructural configuration of V centers has been investigated further by 51V NMR and UV−vis spectroscopies. Both techniques reveal that, in the absence of water, pseudotetrahedral O3/2VO centers, probably coordinated by three (Si−O−V) bridges, are grafted to the mesoporous walls. Th...
Experimental evaluation of shockless supercritical airfoils in cascade

Surface Mach number distributions, total pressure loss coefficients, and schlieren images of the flow are presented over a range of inlet Mach numbers and air angles. Several different trailing edge geometries were tested. At design conditions a leading edge separation bubble was observed resulting in higher losses than anticipated. The minimum losses were obtained at a negative incidence condition in which the flow was accelerating over most of the supercritical region. Relatively minor differences in losses were measured with the different trailing edge geometries studied.
Alaria arisaemoides , n.sp, a Trematode from Vulpes fulva

Alaria arisaemoides, n.sp., is described from the red fox, Vulpes fulva. The attachment of this parasite to its host and the host reaction are discussed in detail.
The importance of stress percolation patterns in rocks and other polycrystalline materials

A new framework for thinking about the deformation behavior of rocks and other heterogeneous polycrystalline materials is proposed, based on understanding the patterns of stress transmission through these materials. Here, using finite element models, I show that stress percolates through polycrystalline materials that have heterogeneous elastic and plastic properties of the same order as those found in rocks. The pattern of stress percolation is related to the degree of heterogeneity in and statistical distribution of the elastic and plastic properties of the constituent grains in the aggregate. The development of these stress patterns leads directly to shear localization, and their existence provides insight into the formation of rhythmic features such as compositional banding and foliation in rocks that are reacting or dissolving while being deformed. In addition, this framework provides a foundation for understanding and predicting the macroscopic rheology of polycrystalline materials based on single-crystal elastic and plastic mechanical properties.
In vitro protective and enhancing effects of interferons from several species on human lymphotoxin-induced target cell killing.

Abstract In a previous study it was reported that human α-interferons (IFN) caused a significant enhancement of human lymphotoxin (LT)-induced in vitro killing of human target cells. This synergistic effect was dose dependent and was demonstrable on normal and tumor cell targets. The effects of IFNs from human and several animal species on human LT-induced cell killing of human, mouse, and rabbit target cells are examined. In addition to enhancement of IFN, a new finding was made showing protective effects of IFN on human LT activity. IFN-induced enhancement or protection depended on the particular IFN:target cell combination, with the highest degree of enhancement being observed in the homologous human combination. In this latter case, IFN-induced enhancement was blocked by antiserum to IFN. While a role for other soluble factors cannot be ruled out, the results suggest that, in the homologous human system, enhancement of LT activity was mediated by IFN. These results are discussed in relationship to previously observed enhancing and protective effects of IFN in natural killer cell systems.
Escaping real (non-benign) competency traps: linking the dynamics of organizational structure to the dynamics of search:

Focusing on the effect that organizational structure exerts on organizational search, we show under which conditions a change in structure increases performance even in stable environments. We model five different organizational structures (centralized, decentralized, ambidextrous, hybrid and team-based) and study with the help of an agent-based simulation whether transitions among these structures are beneficial. We find that sequences of structures can achieve higher performance than fixed structures. Alternative structures differ in their competency traps or sets of sticking points, that is the sets of points at which a search process in a given structure will terminate. As a result, a shift in structure may dislodge an organization from its current configuration of choices and provoke further search. Changes in organizational structure effectively differentiate between settings in which remaining at a competency trap is in fact a trap and settings in which remaining at a competency trap indicates comp...
DC therapy? Let the natural killer answer

Comment on Fauriat et al, page [2186][1] Natural killer cells from the majority of AML patients show defective killing of immature dendritic cells due to low expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp30. Defective killing of immature DCs leads to the emergence of tolerogenic T cells and
Map wars: The role of maps in the Nova Scotia/Acadia boundary disputes of 1750

Abstract The Treaty of Aix‐La‐Chapelle which ended the War of Austrian Succession in 1748 returned the European claims in North America to the status quo ante bellum established by the Treaty of Utrecht of 1713. This caused particular problems for the French and the English, both claimants to the area known as Acadia, or Nova Scotia. A boundary commission was established to study the claims and establish a boundary. The memorials of their negotiations reveal their attitude towards maps as evidence or proof of sovereignty.
A facile preparation of differentiated 1,2-divinylcycloalkanols

Abstract A method is described which permits one-step conversion of 2-chlorocycloalkanones to differentiated 1,2-divinylcycloalkanols, 2-vinylcycloalkanones, or 2-vinylcycloalkanols.
Use of ADINA for design optimization of nonlinear structures

Abstract This paper describes procedures for design sensitivity analysis and optimization of nonlinear structural systems with the computer program ADINA. Formulation of the structural optimization problem, design sensitivity analysis with nonlinear response using incremental finite element procedures, and two strategies to use ADINA for design optimization are described. A database and a modem database management system are used to couple ADINA with design sensitivity analysis and optimization modules. Comparison of optimum designs with linear and nonlinear structural responses for trusses with material and geometric nonlincarities are given. More complex structures can be optimized with the developed procedures to fully exploit the capabilities of ADINA.
Fracture behaviour of a single-fibre graphite/epoxy model composite containing a broken fibre or cracked matrix

A micromechanical analysis of crack initiation and propagation from a broken fibre end, or in the region of a matrix crack, in a graphite/epoxy composite model is considered. The model consists of a single fibre embedded in an annular sheath of matrix material subjected to axial tension. An elastoplastic, axisymmetric finite element analysis has been used. Curing residual stresses, and hygrothermal effects induced due to changes in service temperature and humidity, are included. The influence of the interface between the fibre and matrix material on the behaviour of propagating cracks is also studied. The concept of crack-growth resistance curves (K R -curves) has been used to determine the point of crack instability. Results demonstrate the usefulness of the analytical model in understanding the role of the matrix material in the failure process of composites.
Effects of Workers’ Social Learning: Focusing on Absence Behavior

AbstractWorkers’ consistent attendance is an indispensable condition for successful construction projects, but many construction projects still suffer from the productivity loss originating from workers’ absenteeism. To deal with this problem, construction managers have mainly used formal controls (e.g., penalties) targeting those individuals who present excessive absenteeism. However, recent research papers on absenteeism have testified to the paramount role of social factors, such as social norm, on workers’ absence behavior. Despite the increasing attention being paid to the social factors of workers’ absence behavior, discussion on how a social norm in favor of worker attendance control can be developed is sparse. If how such social norms emerge and how they play a role in controlling workers’ behavior are clear, construction managers can invest time in promoting favorable absence norms rather than focusing on regulations targeting individuals. Therefore, this paper studies the system-level effect of ...
OPTIMIZING ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS IN ASSIGNING FACULTY TEACHING SCHEDULES

The administration of higher education, as with other administrative environments, has become increasingly complex. This paper presents a mathematical model which addresses one of the administrative tasks concerning administrators in all institutions, the establishment of faculty teaching schedules. The assignment technique utilized by the model is linear programming with two special characteristics: goal programming and mixed-integer programming. The goal programming characteristic refers to the provision of explicit stack variables to take on values representing deviations from assignment criteria that may result in resolving conflicts which arise from interactive administrative priorities. The mixed-integer programming characteristic refers to a requirement of the model that certain variables take on only integer values if they appear in the final solution. The model is demonstrated using two different sets of preference orderings for goal achievement.
Quintessence and the Rest of the World: Suppressing Long-Range Interactions

A nearly massless, slowly rolling scalar field $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ may provide most of the energy density of the current Universe. One potential difficulty with this idea is that couplings to ordinary matter should lead to observable long-range forces and time dependence of the constants of nature. I explore the possibility that an approximate global symmetry serves to suppress such couplings even further. Such a symmetry would allow a coupling of $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ to the pseudoscalar ${F}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{F}}^{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$ of electromagnetism, which would rotate the polarization state of radiation from distant sources. This effect is fairly well constrained, but it is conceivable that future improvements could lead to a detection of a cosmological scalar field.
Microcavity confinement based on an anomalous zero group-velocity waveguide mode

We propose and demonstrate a mechanism for small-modal-volume high-Q cavities based on an anomalous uniform waveguide mode that has zero group velocity at a nonzero wave vector. In a short piece of a uniform waveguide with a specially designed cross section, light is confined longitudinally by small group-velocity propagation and transversely by a reflective cladding. The quality factor Q is greatly enhanced by the small group velocity for a set of cavity lengths that are separated by approximately pi/k0, where k0 is the longitudinal wave vector for which the group velocity is zero.
Continuous Flow Filtration—Leukopheresis

A practical method for continuous granulopheresis of normal individuals, based on selective filtration–adsorption of the granulocytes, was developed. Large numbers of granulocytes (up to 0.6 × 1011) can thus be separated and collected under sterile conditions from one donor on a single donation. The cells are viable by in vitro criteria including eosin exclusion and phagocytic ability. The procedure is tolerated well by the donors. The granulocytes separated by filtration–leukopheresis are suitable for clinical studies.
Early Paleozoic Orogeny in Ghana: Foreland Stratigraphy and Structure

The sandstones of the Kwahu Plateau of Ghana in the southeast part of the Voltaian basin are laterally equivalent to adjacent sandstones in the Akwapim-Togo Range. The shales of the Afram River valley overlie the sandstones of the Kwahu Plateau. A normal fault separates this sandstone sequence from the Afram Shales. The rocks of the Akwapim-Togo Range are iolded and thrust toward the foreland —the Kwahu Plateau and the Afram valley in the southeastern part of the basin.
A tailored approach to antireflux surgery.

Tailored surgical antireflux procedures were done in 104 patients during a 7-year period. Presenting symptoms included heartburn in 95 patients (91%), regurgitation in 83 patients (80%), and dysphagia in 61 patients (60%). Evaluation before operation included video barium esophagography, endoscopy, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, and esophageal motility studies. On the basis of anatomic and functional findings, the following procedures were performed: 15 laparoscopic and 49 open transabdominal Nissen fundoplications, 23 transthoracic Nissen fundoplications, seven Belsey partial fundoplications, and 10 Collis gastroplasty and Belsey partial fundoplications. The severity of symptoms was assessed before and after operation according to a previously published grading score. Eightyfive of the 104 patients (82%) were able to be contacted for a follow-up evaluation by means of a standardized questionnaire. Median length of follow-up was 4 years, with 40 patients having follow-up beyond 5 years. The tailored operation cured the symptoms of heartburn in 97%, regurgitation in 91%, and dysphagia in 92%. Ninety-eight percent of the patients reported that operation had cured their preoperative symptoms and 93% were satisfied with the outcome of the operation. To obtain optimal results, surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease should be tailored to the patient's anatomic and functional assessments. For early, uncomplicated disease a transabdominal Nissen fundoplication is done, laparoscopically when expertise exists. Patients with complicated disease should undergo an open antireflux procedure tailored to specific anatomic or functional abnormalities.
Paleomagnetism of Late Archean metavolcanics and metasediments, Abitibi orogen, Canada: tholeiites of the Kinojevis Group

Iron-rich and magnesium-rich basaltic tholeiites of the latest Archean Kinojevis Group, central Abitibi Belt, northeastern Ontario, contain a natural remanent magnetization that is generally multiv...
Use of the Performance Diagnostic Checklist to Select an Intervention Designed to Increase the Offering of Promotional Stamps at Two Sites of a Restaurant Franchise

Abstract The performance diagnostic checklist (PDC) was administered to examine the variables influencing the offering of promotional stamps by employees at two sites of a restaurant franchise. PDC results suggested that a lack of appropriate antecedents, equipment and processes, and consequences were responsible for the deficits. Based on these results, an intervention consisting of task clarification, self-monitoring, equipment modification, goal setting, and graphic feedback was implemented and evaluated with a multiple baseline design across settings. The results for restaurant 1 yielded baseline and intervention means of 25% and 72%, respectively. The results for restaurant 2 yielded baseline and intervention means of 11% and 80%, respectively. Overall, these results suggest that the PDC is a useful tool for guiding intervention selection for performance deficits which occur across more than one site.
Determination of diffusivities in catalyst particles

This paper describes a method for the determination of the diffusivities of molecules within heterogeneous catalyst particles under the conditions (temperature, pressure, etc.) that prevail during catalysis. The authors have formalized this method by numerical computer solutions so that experimental observations of comparative catalytic rates on catalysts of different Thiele modulus, i.e., of different particle size, or of different reactivity, can be readily translated into quantitative information on diffusivities. 11 references.
Effects of breathing a normoxic helium mixture on exercise tolerance of patients with cystic fibrosis.

Breathing helium-oxygen (HeO2,) mixtures of 20.9% O2/79.1% He has been shown to increase exercise ventilation and peak oxygen uptake in healthy subjects. The improved exercise performance is thought to be due to the reduced density of HeO2 compared to air and the resulting increases in ventilation. Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) frequently have abnormal pulmonary function test results, low exercise ventilations and diminished exercise tolerance. This led to the hypothesis that in CF the exercise tolerance of patients might improve when breathing HeO2. To test this hypothesis, 11 patients with CF or mild to severe airway obstruction performed spirometry and progressive maximal exercise tests while breathing air or HeO22. The HeO2 mixture significantly increased (P <0.05) forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) by 8.2%, peak expired flow by 39%, and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) by 17.9% compared to air, while forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25–75%,) were unchanged by breathing HeO2. Ventilation and oxygen uptake at matched submaximal power outputs were not increased while breathing HeO2. nor were peak exercise ventilation (VEpeak) or peak exercise oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Estimated hemoglobin saturation and total exercise time were also unchanged during HeO2, breathing. However, there was a trend for the subjects with the better FEV1, to increase VO2peak. Increases in VO2peak when breathing HeO2, and air were correlated (r = 0.67, P<0.05) with the percent of predicted FEV, values. Still, in the 11 patients as a group, breathing HeO2, did not significantly improve VO2peak VEpeak or exercise tolerance. Therefore HeO2, is unlikely to have additional benefits to patients with CF who use an exercise program to help optimize their health status.Pediatr Pulmonol. 1994;18:206–210. ©1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Predicted optical performance of the GM/CA@APS micro-focus beamline

GM/CA at the APS has developed microcrystallography capabilities for structural biology applications. The robust, quad, mini-beam collimators, which enable users to rapidly select between a 5, 10 or 20 micron diameter beam or a scatter guard for the full focused beam, are coupled with several powerful automated software tools that are built into the beamline control system JBluIce-EPICS. Recent successes at beamlines around the world in solving structures from microcrystals (2 – 10 microns) have led to increased demand for high-intensity micro-focus beams. We have designed a new micro-focus endstation to increase the intensity in mini- and micro-beams at GM/CA by one to two orders of magnitude to meet this growing demand. The new optical design is based on the well-established approach of using two-stage demagnification. The existing bimorph mirrors, arranged in a Kirkpatrick-Baez geometry, focus the beam onto slits located upstream of the sample whereby the slit aperture defines a secondary source, that is reimaged with a second pair of mirrors. This design incorporates two focal modes: a mini-beam mode where the beam is focused to 20-micron diameter and a micro-beam mode where it is focused to 5-microns. The size of the secondary source aperture can be varied rapidly (seconds) to adjust the beam size at the sample position in two ranges 20 – 3 micron and 5 – 1 micron. The second set of mirrors will each have two super polished ellipses allowing quick (minutes) interchange between modes.
Seeing the World Through Ramist Eyes: The Richardsonian Ramism of Thomas Hooker and Samuel Stone

Using as examples the writings of Thomas Hooker and Samuel Stone, founding ministers of the First Church of Hartford, Connecticut, this article shows how influential thinkers in early seventeenth-century England and New England saw the world around them through the filters of the Ramist philosophy of Alexander Richardson. It argues that Richardsonian Ramism produced theology and preaching that was less “biblical” and more “Calvinist” than has been conventionally thought.
Statistical inference based on the length-biased data for the modified power series distributions

In this paper, some properties of the arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means of the length-biased distribution, as presented by Sen (1987), are utilized for the Modified Power Series Distributions (MPSD). These result in interesting applications of the inverse moments and give useful modified asymptotic tests for certain parameters of the original MPSD based on the sample taken from the corresponding length-biased MPSD. In particular, asymptotic tests and confidence intervals are presented for the mean and the coefficient of variation of the MPSD. These tests are developed for some particular members of this family of distributions. An example is provided to illustrate the procedure. Simulation studies are carried out to examine the size and power of these tests.
Macrophage CD40 signaling: A pivotal regulator of disease protection and pathogenesis

Macrophages reside in all tissues as resident populations and as immigrants recruited in response to tissue injury, inflammation or pathogen invasion. Under normal conditions, macrophages contribute to tissue homeostasis and provide innate immune surveillance. Both macrophages and their progenitors, bone marrow-derived monocytes, constitutively express the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member, CD40, and are capable of a robust response to CD40 ligation resulting in the induction or enhancement of expression of genes with a predominantly pro-inflammatory function. CD40 signaling in macrophages in the context of host responses to pathogens plays a crucial role in host defense. However, macrophage responses to CD40 ligation in the context of autoimmune and cardiovascular disease contribute to disease pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the role of CD40 in both protective and destructive processes, including the signaling pathways engaged and the factors capable of modulating CD40 signal transduction.
Touschek effect calculation and its application to a transport line

The Touschek effect is a major concern for lepton storage rings of low emittance (i.e., high bunch density) and low or moderate beam energy, such as third-generation synchrotron light sources. Piwinski's formula, which includes beam shape variation along the beamline and which is suitable for any beam energy, has been incorporated into a program that interoperates with elegant for use in lifetime calculations. The difference between using Piwinski's method and other simplified methods for the APS is shown in this paper. Furthermore, because of the generality of this formula, we also applied it to transport lines to predict beam loss rates and beam loss locations for the first time. An example related to a possible energy recovery linac upgrade of the APS (APS-ERL) is also given in this paper.
Women's education and the timing of marriage and childbearing in the next generation: evidence from rural Bangladesh.

In traditional settings where early marriage and early childbearing persist, decisions about age at marriage are often made by parents, and mothers-in-law tend to have considerable influence in hastening the initiation of childbearing. This study analyzes data from a 2002 survey in six villages in rural Bangladesh to test the hypothesis that daughters of women with more education marry later and that daughters-in-law of more educated women initiate childbearing at a slower rate. Using Cox proportional hazard models, we find significant associations between the educational level of mothers and the age at marriage of their daughters and between the educational level of mothers-in-law and the timing of first birth among their daughters-in-law, although the association between the former attenuates when controlling for other variables. We also find that these associations do not appear to be mediated by the senior women's level of empowerment. We conclude that in rural Bangladesh there is a significant relationship between female education in one generation and the timing of marriage and childbearing in the next.
Can Manipulations of Cognitive Load Be Used to Test Evolutionary Hypotheses

D. DeSteno, M. Y. Bartlett, J. Braverman, and P. Salovey (2002) proposed that if sex-differentiated responses to infidelity are evolved, then they should be automatic, and therefore cognitive load should not attenuate them. DeSteno et al. found smaller sex differences in response to sexual versus emotional infidelity among participants under cognitive load, an effect interpreted as evidence against the evolutionary hypothesis. This logic is faulty. Cognitive load probably affects mechanisms involved in simulating infidelity experiences, thus seriously challenging the usefulness of cognitive load manipulations in testing hypotheses involving simulation. The method also entails the assumption that evolved jealousy mechanisms are necessarily automatic, an assumption not supported by theory or evidence. Regardless of how the jealousy debate is eventually settled, cognitive load manipulations cannot rule out the operation of evolved mechanisms.
Delivering Images for Mars Rover Science Planning

Mars rover images provide essential context for planning science activities. This work describes a method for delivering Mars rover images to operations planners that is highly efficient and scalable. Experimental results of various image compression strategies applied to rover images are given. Next, an adaptive level-of-detail tile-based delivery methodology for images is presented. With a tile-aware image browsing application, images of virtually limitless size may be distributed to participating scientists with great efficiency and thus provide a common collaborative context. This work also describes advances in mosaicking rover images in support of operations planning.
Acute and chronic psychostimulant treatment modulates the diurnal rhythm activity pattern of WKY female adolescent rats

The psychostimulants considered the gold standard in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, one of the most common childhood disorders, are also finding their way into the hands of healthy young adults as brain augmentation to improve cognitive performance. The possible long-term effects of psychostimulant exposure in adolescence are considered controversial, and thus, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the chronic exposure to the psychostimulant amphetamine affects the behavioral diurnal rhythm activity patterns of female adolescent Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat. The hypothesis of this study is that change in diurnal rhythm activity pattern is an indicator for the long-term effect of the treatment. Twenty-four rats were divided into two groups, control (N = 12) and experimental (N = 12), and kept in a 12:12-h light/dark cycle in an open-field cage. After 5–7 days of acclimation, 11 days of consecutive non-stop behavioral recordings began. On experimental day 1 (ED1), all groups were given an injection of saline. On ED2 to ED7, the experimental group was injected with 0.6 mg/kg amphetamine followed by 3 days of washout from ED8 to ED10, and amphetamine re-challenge on ED11 similar to ED2. The locomotor movements were counted by the computerized animal activity monitoring system, and the cosinor statistical test analysis was used to fit a 24-h curve of the control recording to the activity pattern after treatment. The horizontal activity, total distance, number of stereotypy, vertical activity, and stereotypical movements were analyzed to find out whether the diurnal rhythm activity patterns were altered. Data obtained using these locomotor indices of diurnal rhythm activity pattern suggest that amphetamine treatment significantly modulates the locomotor diurnal rhythm activity pattern of female WKY adolescent rats.
A Simulacrum Account of Dispositional Properties

This essay presents a model-theoretic account of dispositional properties, according to which dispositions are not ordinary properties of real entities; dispositions capture the behavior of abstract, idealized models. This account has several payoffs. First, it saves the simple conditional analysis of dispositions. Second, it preserves the general connection between dispositions and regularities, despite the fact that some dispositions are not grounded in actual regularities. Finally, it brings together the analysis and the explanation of dispositions under a unified framework.
Formulations and benefits of the law of demeter

Our initial ideas on preventive maintenance of object-oriented systems were presented in [LHR88] which describes a set of guidelines called the "Law of Demeter". As a result of this publication we have received much feedback, as well as a detailed critique from [Sak89]. In this paper we expand on the initial ideas and present a new perspective with which to view the Law. This perspective is based on client/supplier relationships between methods and classes and allows a cleaner description of the benefits of the Law. This paper is also a reply to [Sak89] which was pointing out that the formulation of the Law for C++ needs additional work.At first sight, the idea of any rules or principles being superimposed on the creative mind seems more likely to hinder than to help, but this is really quite untrue in practice. Disciplined thinking focusses inspiration rather than blinkers it.
Identifying Accent in German: A Comparison of Native and Non‐Native Listeners

This exploratory study compared how (1) 62 raters with no experience or instruction in German (non-learners); (2) 318 first-, second-, and third-year college learners of German; and (3) 61 native speakers of German rated accent as spoken by native and non-native speakers of German and found that (a) experience with the language being rated, here, German, led to improved performance in the ability to differentiate between native and non-native speech and that (b) non-native listeners (non-learners and learners) differed from native listeners in their perception of strength-of-accent for correctly identified non-native speakers. Findings provide teachers with a much more realistic idea of the learning potential of their students and outline new ways for teachers to raise awareness in the classroom. Directions for future research are also considered.
The Human Brain Project : neuroinformatics tools for integrating, searching and modeling multidisciplinary neuroscience data

What is neuroinformatics? What is the Human Brain Project? Why should you care? Supported by a consortium of US funding agencies, the Human Brain Project aims to bring to the analysis of brain function the same advantages of Internet-accessible databases and database tools that have been crucial to the development of molecular biology and the Human Genome Project. The much greater complexity of neural data, however, makes this a far more challenging task. As a pilot project in this new initiative, we review some of the progress that has been made and indicate some of the problems, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Time delay considerations in high-frequency phase-locked loops

The time-delayed phase-locked loop (PLL), model predicts drastically different behavior not accounted for in a conventional PLL model. Three results in particular are identified. A critical gain exists for which the equilibrium point becomes a limit cycle. An optimal gain exists that minimizes the acquisition time of the PLL to an external signal. Finally, changes in stability occur first at zero frequency detuning for a given gain and time delay. Verification of this behavior in a 1.5 GHz PLL with reasonable circuit parameter values is demonstrated.
Transurethral Sphincterotomy Provides Significant Relief in Autonomic Dysreflexia in Spinal Cord Injured Male Patients: Long-Term Followup Results

Purpose: An evaluation of the results of transurethral sphincterotomy in spinal cord injured patients for the relief of autonomic dysreflexia is presented.Materials and Methods: The study describes experience with the treatment of 46 consecutive spinal cord injured males presenting with frequent symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia and inadequate voiding. The selection criteria include patients injured above the thoracic 6 level with subjective symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia who did not want to be catheterized or were unable to perform intermittent catheterization. Patients were studied with complex urodynamics before and at least 3 months after undergoing transurethral sphincterotomy. During cystometrogram the maximum increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was recorded. After transurethral sphincterotomy patients were followed for a mean of 5.4 ± 3.1 years (range 1 to 12).Results: There was subjective relief in autonomic dysreflexia following transurethral sphincterotomy in all patients, which...
Regulation of the Candida albicans Cell Wall Damage Response by Transcription Factor Sko1 and PAS Kinase Psk1

The environmental niche of each fungus places distinct functional demands on the cell wall. Hence cell wall regulatory pathways may be highly divergent. We have pursued this hypothesis through anal...
Quality assurance in LOINC using Description Logic.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether errors can be found in LOINC by changing its representation to OWL DL and comparing its classification to that of SNOMED CT. METHODS: We created Description Logic definitions for LOINC concepts in OWL and merged the ontology with SNOMED CT to enrich the relatively flat hierarchy of LOINC parts. LOINC - SNOMED CT mappings were acquired through UMLS. The resulting ontology was classified with the ConDOR reasoner. RESULTS: Transformation into DL helped to identify 427 sets of logically equivalent LOINC codes, 676 sets of logically equivalent LOINC parts, and 239 inconsistencies in LOINC multiaxial hierarchy. Automatic classification of LOINC and SNOMED CT combined increased the connectivity within LOINC hierarchy and increased its coverage by an additional 9,006 LOINC codes. CONCLUSIONS: LOINC is a well-maintained terminology. While only a relatively small number of logical inconsistencies were found, we identified a number of areas where LOINC could benefit from the application of Description Logic.
Model development for lattice properties of gallium arsenide using parallel genetic algorithm

In the last few years, evolutionary computing (EC) approaches have been successfully used for many real world optimization applications in scientific and engineering areas. One of these areas is computational nanoscience. Semi-empirical models with physics-based symmetries and properties can be developed by using EC to reproduce theoretically the experimental data. One of these semi-empirical models is the Valence Force Field (VFF) method for lattice properties. An accurate understanding of lattice properties provides a stepping stone for the investigation of thermal phenomena and has large impact in thermoelectricity and nano-scale electronic device design. The VFF method allows for the calculation of static properties like the elastic constants as well as dynamic properties like the sound velocity and the phonon dispersion. In this paper a parallel genetic algorithm (PGA) is employed to develop the optimal VFF model parameters for gallium arsenide (GaAs). This methodology can also be used for other semiconductors. The achieved results agree qualitatively and quantitatively with the experimental data.
Conformations of cyclobutane

Abstract The literature concerning the structures of compounds containing saturated, 4-carbon rings is reviewed critically, and the variety of conformations (dihedral angles of 0° to 30° ± 6°) of the cyclobutane ring are tabulated and discussed.
Expression of multiple myeloma associated markers in bone marrow spicules using a novel immunohistochemical technique

AbstractImmunohistochemistry (IHC) is an important tool used for diagnosis and prognosis of several hematological malignancies, and it frequently is used for quantitative and qualitative analysis of expression of different protein biomarkers in tissue sections. To understand the histopathological alterations in multiple myeloma (MM), IHC analysis of bone marrow (BM) biopsy is commonly used. Owing to the harsh decalcification process generally used for processing of bone marrow biopsies, however, protein epitopes occasionally are rendered unsuitable for IHC detection. We have developed a novel technique for processing BM spicule samples into a fibrin clot matrix that allows IHC detection of MM protein markers. This method does not require decalcification and results in a consistent, reliable assay. Using paired BM spicule-clot and BM core biopsies from patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, we studied six MM related antibodies including kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chains, CD56, CD138, CYR61 an...
Current issues for DNA microarrays: platform comparison, double linear amplification, and universal RNA reference

DNA microarray technology has been widely used to simultaneously determine the expression levels of thousands of genes. A variety of approaches have been used, both in the implementation of this technology and in the analysis of the large amount of expression data. However, several practical issues still have not been resolved in a satisfactory manner, and among the most critical is the lack of agreement in the results obtained in different array platforms. In this study, we present a comparison of several microarray platforms [Affymetrix oligonucleotide arrays, custom complementary DNA (cDNA) arrays, and custom oligo arrays printed with oligonucleotides from three different sources] as well as analysis of various methods used for microarray target preparation and the reference design. The results indicate that the pairwise correlations of expression levels between platforms are relative low overall but that the log ratios of the highly expressed genes are strongly correlated, especially between Affymetrix and cDNA arrays. The microarray measurements were compared with quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) results for 23 genes, and the varying degrees of agreement for each platform were characterized. We have also developed and tested a double amplification method which allows the use of smaller amounts of starting material. The added round of amplification produced reproducible results as compared to the arrays hybridized with single round amplified targets. Finally, the reliability of using a universal RNA reference for two-channel microarrays was tested and the results suggest that comparisons of multiple experimental conditions using the same control can be accurate.
Eccentric training for prevention of hamstring injuries may depend on intervention compliance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Hamstring injury is a prevalent muscle injury in sports. Inconclusive evidence exists for eccentric hamstring strengthening to prevent hamstring injuries. One reason for this discrepancy may be the influence intervention non-compliance has on individual study estimates, and therefore pooled estimates. Objective This systematic review aims to determine the effect of eccentric hamstring strengthening on the risk of hamstring injury and quantitatively explores the impact of intervention non-compliance on the precision, heterogeneity and strength of pooled estimates. Methods A computer-assisted literature search of Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, AMED, SportDiscus and PEDro databases was conducted with
Axonal regeneration into Schwann cell‐seeded guidance channels grafted into transected adult rat spinal cord

Schwann cells (SC) have been shown to promote regeneration in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. In this study we tested the ability of SC to enhance axonal regeneration in adult rat spinal cord by grafting SC-seeded guidance channels into transected cords. SC were purified in culture from adult inbred rat sciatic nerves, suspended in Matrigel, and seeded into semipermeable PAN/PVC channels (2.6 mm I.D. x 10 mm long) at a final density of 120 x 10(6) cells/ml. Channels filled with Matrigel alone served as controls. Adult isologous rat spinal cords were transected at the T8 level, and segments T9-T11 were removed. The rostral stump was inserted 1 mm into channels with capped distal ends. One month after grafting, a vascularized tissue cable was present within the channel in all animals. In SC-seeded channels (n = 14), a mean of 501 myelinated axons was found in the cable, and many axons extended 9-10 mm. Electron microscopy revealed typical SC ensheathment and myelination of axons with four times more unmyelinated than myelinated axons. Control channels (n = 8) contained fewer myelinated axons (mean = 71). When SC were prelabeled in culture with a nuclear dye, labeled nuclei were observed at 30 days, confirming SC survival. Astrocytes identified by glial fibrillary acidic protein staining did not migrate far into the cable, and prelabeled SC did not enter the cord. Lack of immunostaining for serotonin and dopamine beta-hydroxylase indicated that supraspinal axons did not regenerate into the cable. Fast Blue injections into the middle of the cable (n = 3) marked spinal cord interneurons (mean = 306) as far as nine segments rostral (25 mm, C7) extending axons into the graft; fewer dorsal root ganglion neurons were retrogradely labeled. In conclusion, purified populations of SC transplanted within channels promote both propriospinal and sensory axonal regeneration in the adult rat thoracic spinal cord.
Embryo quality and pregnancy rates in patients attempting pregnancy through in vitro fertilization

Patients at low risk for producing abnormal gametes produce a wide range of embryo qualities that correlate well with PRs. These data may be useful in counseling patients and in reviewing treatment and laboratory protocols.
Large-scale optimal control of interconnected natural gas and electrical transmission systems

Abstract We present a detailed optimal control model that captures spatiotemporal interactions between gas and electric transmission networks. We use the model to study flexibility and economic opportunities provided by coordination. A large-scale case study in the Illinois system reveals that coordination can enable the delivery of significantly larger amounts of natural gas to the power grid. In particular, under a coordinated setting, gas-fired generators act as distributed demand response resources that can be controlled by the gas pipeline operator. This enables more efficient control of pressures and flows in space and time and overcomes delivery bottlenecks. We demonstrate that the additional flexibility not only can benefit the gas operator but can also lead to more efficient power grid operations and results in increased revenue for gas-fired power plants. We also use the optimal control model to analyze computational issues arising in these complex models. We demonstrate that the interconnected Illinois system with full physical resolution gives rise to a highly nonlinear optimal control problem with 4400 differential and algebraic equations and 1040 controls that can be solved with a state-of-the-art sparse optimization solver.