cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of the Transport of Ion‐Exchanging Solutes Using Laboratory‐Determined Chemical Parameter Values

The practical application of simulation models of the movement of chemically reacting contaminants requires the evaluation of several chemical parameters in addition to those basic hydrogeologic and hydrodynamic parameters required to model conservative constituents. This paper deals with the use of laboratory-determined chemical parameter values in the simulation of the transport of ion-exchanging solutes governed by local chemical equilibrium. The transport model has been applied to a field operation involving the injection of advanced-treated municipal waste water into an alluvial aquifer in the Palo Alto (California) Baylands region. Basic hydrogeologic parameters, such as porosity, bulk density, and aquifer thickness, were determined by analysis of observation well logs and core samples. Data on the breakthrough of a conservative tracer at various observation wells were utilized to determine an approximate velocity field and the dispersivity values. The chemical parameters (selectivity coefficients and cation-exchange capacity) were determined using standard batch experiments conducted in the laboratory using aquifer core material. With these parameter values, the model was run to predict the breakthrough of major cations at the observation wells. The predicted results agree very closely with the actual field data. This agreement suggests that laboratory-determined chemical parameters can be successfully used in field-scale transport simulations.
Open-State Occupancy Prevents Gating Charge Relaxation of N-type (CaV2.2) Calcium Channels

N-type and L-type channels have significant gating differences, and we wondered whether some of these differences are linked to the relationship between charge movement and channel opening. The time constants for N-channel closing (τDeact) and Off-gating charge movement (τQOff) were compared over a range of voltages. τQOff was significantly larger than τDeact at voltages < −10 mV, and the voltage dependence of the τQOff was less steep than that for τDeact, which suggests that gating charge relaxation does not limit channel closing. Roscovitine, a drug that slows N-channel closing by holding the channel in a high open-probability state, was found to slow both τQOff and τDeact, and thus the time courses of channel closing and gating charge relaxation were similar. Our gating current results were reproduced with the addition of a voltage-independent, closed-closed transition to our previously published two-open-state N-channel model. This work suggests that, like L-type channels, there is a voltage-independent transition along the N-channel activation/deactivation pathway, but this transition occurs between closed states instead of the closed-open states of the L-channel. Also unlike L-type channels, the gating charge appears to be locked into the activated position by the N-channel open state.
Implicit mediators in paired-associate learning

Summary On the first trial of paired-associate learning, when the stimulus trigram appeared and before the response word was shown, an attempt was made to alter S's associative response to the stimulus trigrams by presenting a word which was (a) an associate of the trigram according to free-association norms, and (b) judged by E to be either relevant or irrelevant to the response which S was to learn. If a relevant association was primed in this way, S learned faster than if an irrelevant association was primed. An unprimed Control group did not differ from the Relevant group: together with other evidence, this was taken to mean that the relevant mediating associations were readily available without priming. Priming with the response word itself led to performance equivalent to that of the Controls. Another group of S s gave an associate of their own on the first trial, and were retarded in subsequent learning relative to the Control group. Within this Association group, however, items which elicited relevant associations were easier to learn than items which happened to elicit irrelevant association. The results support the associative probability hypothesis of Underwood and Schulz.
Using appropriate experimental designs for intended hypotheses in song playbacks, with examples for testing effects of song repertoire sizes

Abstract In playback experiments, a mismatch between the experimental design and the intended hypothesis often prevents the intended hypothesis from actually being tested. A review of the literature reveals, for example, that, despite numerous studies, available data do not provide a strong test of the hypothesis that larger song repertoires are especially stimulating to songbird listeners. Single exemplars are often used to represent all possible repertoires of a given size, i.e. the treatment is unreplicated. Repeated response measures to one repertoire are often then used in statistical tests as if those measures were the mean responses to different repertoires of a given size. Because studies usually do not control for variation present in successive renditions of a single song type, they test for the overall effects of ‘song variation’, not specifically for the effects of song type repertoires. Additional concerns include controls for observer-expectancy bias and re-use of either individuals or stimuli to generate inflated sample sizes. Several improved experimental designs are proposed and an increased awareness of these critical issues in experimental research in all subfields of animal behaviour is encouraged.
Diffusive aspects of global demons

Abstract The non-Hamiltonian nature of global demon dynamics for simulating ensemble averages is explored, demonstrating no need for any symplectic structure, and reducing by one half the number of equations of motion. Trajectory diffusion is not strongly hindered by the coordinate reduction, as indicated by several tests of ergodicity.
The cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene of Tetrahymena: a 57 amino acid NH2-terminal extension and a 108 amino acid insert.

The gene sequence for cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) in the ciliate Tetrahymena mitochondrial DNA has been determined and shown to be coded by the same strand as codes the genes (in order) for 14S rRNA, tRNAtrp tRNAglu 21S rRNA, tRNAleu and tRNAmet. The predicted protein has 698 amino acids, including an NH2-terminal 57 amino acid extension and a 108 amino acid insert originally found in Paramecium COI. These extension and insert segments are not highly hydrophobic but are relatively rich in lysine, arginine and serine. In analogy with the presequence of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins, they might function as a transmembrane signal. The remaining poly-peptide segments show a hydrophobicity characteristic of membrane spanning proteins. TCOI shows a 64% amino acid identity with Paramecium COI but less than a 38% amino acid conservation with human COI. The Tetrahymena mitochondrial code is analogous with the mammalian mitochondrial code; but differs from the Tetrahymena nuclear genetic code; TGA is exclusively translated as tryptophan; ATA is used as an initiation codon probably for methionine, and TAA as a stop codon; the arginine codons (CGN) are not used. The use of the leucine codon TTA in TCOI is contradictory to the codon recognition pattern previously obtained from the isolated tRNAleu isoacceptors recognizing only the CUN codons, but consistent with the tRNAleu (anticodon UAA) gene encoded in the genome. The reason for this inconsistency has not been resolved.
Papain effects on rat hippocampal neurons in the slice preparation.

Abstract Intracellular recordings were made from the CA1 stratum pyramidale region of rat hippocampal slices. Papain was applied to the cells via bath perfusion, and its effects on membrane properties, synaptic potentials and responses to pressure application of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were assessed. Papain did not markedly affect neuronal input resistance, resting potential or action potentials with treatment times lasting over one hour. Synaptic potentials were initially enhanced and then gradually abolished, with the fast inhibitory postsynaptic potential being the most sensitive and the late, potassium-dependent hyperpolarization being the most resistant to enzyme. Responses to GABA were enhanced by papain, the GABA-activated conductance increased, and a slow depolarizing wave appeared which resembled the effect caused by pentobarbital on these neurons. This study indicates that the use of papain in the acutely dissociated neuron preparation is not responsible for the dramatic increase in resting input resistance seen in these neurons. The GABA-activated conductance may be affected by the enzyme.
Empiric antimicrobial therapy of febrile neutropenic patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and toxicity of intravenous (i.v.) ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin in neutropenic febrile patients undergoing high dose myeloablative therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). All patients undergoing HSCT for leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and solid tumours received open-label ceftazidime 2 g i.v. every 8 h and ciprofloxacin 400 mg i.v. every 12 h if they developed fever while they were neutropenic. Success with or without modification of this regimen was defined as survival through the neutropenic period; failure was defined as death secondary to infection. Of 106 patients treated with this regimen, the success rate was 99%. Sixty-one of the patients (57.5%) defervesced within 48–72 h and remained afebrile without regimen modification. In 41.5% of the cases (44/106), the regimen was modified because of persistent fever. One patient died secondary to sepsis. The combination of ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin as initial empiric antibacterial therapy in febrile neutropenic patients undergoing myeloablative therapy and HSCT is highly effective and is associated with minimal toxicity.
Controlling high-dimensional unstable steady states using delay, duration and feedback

Abstract We present a control method for stabilizing steady states using only discrete pulses of an available system parameter. In addition to the feedback amplitude of the pulse, we employ the pulse width and delay as additional parameters. This allows us to stabilize steady states with more than one unstable direction and prevent unwanted transients in the high-dimensional stable subspace. We have applied our method to a model of a multimode laser whose steady state becomes unstable due to a Hopf bifurcation and may exhibit periodic oscillations and chaos. We also show the importance of considering the delay between the system measurement and application of control that will be present in any real experiment.
The “foot-in-the-door” phenomenon: Mediating effects of size of first request and sex of requester

The effects of prior exposure to an initial request of small or moderate magnitude on later willingness to comply with a much larger request were examined. It was predicted that Ss exposed to a moderate initial request would be more likely to comply with the later, large, request than those exposed to only a small initial request, and that individuals in both of these groups would show a higher rate of compliance than those in a control condition who were contacted only once and immediately asked the large request. Contrary to these predictions, however, results indicated that only exposure to the small initial request was successful in increasing later compliance.
The ultrasonic evaluation of skin thickness in scleredema

The skin thickness in a group of patients with scleredema was measured using ultrasonic techniques and then compared with a group of normal individuals. The mean dermal thickness in scleredema was 7.7 mm, compared to 3.3 mm in the normal control group. Ultrasonic evaluation of skin thickness may be of value in following the natural history or response to therapy of certain diseases that affect dermal thickness.
Minitrack system design criteria

The operating principles of the radio phase-comparison angle-tracking system known as Minitrack are examined. Design criteria for the system are discussed with reference to the severe weight and size limitations and altitude limits of the Vanguard satellite.
Genetic Conservation in Feral Populations of Livestock

: Feral livestock may be sources of genetic variation with potential commercial, scientific historical, or aesthetic value. Important variants may include primitive traits absent in modern breeds and novel or rare adaptations; the presence of these variants may be suggested directly by morphological markers, quantitative traits, fitness characters, or rare or unique alleles, and indirectly by the extent and duration of isolation, founder number, ancestry, or environmental conditions. Both direct and indirect evidence indicated potentially valuable traits in a population of feral sheep on Santa Cruz Island California and recently 18 lambs were captured to found a mainland population. We discuss several genetic goals important in maintaining a feral population, but caution that such goals must not conflict with the preservation of natural diversity threatened by feral livestock. El ganado asilvestrado puede ser fuente de variacion genetica con un potencial valor comercial, cientifico, historico o estetico. Variaciones importantes pueden incluir caracteristicas primitivas ausentes en razas modemus y en adaptaciones nuevas o raras. La presencia de de estas variaciones puede ser senalada directamente por marcadores morfologicos, rasgos cuantitativos, caracteristicas adaptativas, o por alelos raros o unicos e, indirectamente por la amplitud y duracion de aislamiento, tamano de la poblacion ancestral, linaje o condiciones ambientales Evidencias directas e indirectas indican caracteristicas potencialmente valiosas en una poblacion de ovejas asilvestradas en la Isla de Santa Cruz, California Recientemente, 18 ovejas fueron capturadas para iniciar una poblacion en el continente. Discutimos varios objetivos geneticos que son importantes, para mantener unu poblacion asilvestrada, pero advertimos que tales objetivos no deben ser conflictivos con la preservacion de la diversidad natural amenazada por ganado asilvestrado.
Computational biology: A recipe for ligand-binding proteins.

Cellular cross-talk, enzymatic catalysis and regulation of gene expression all depend on molecular recognition. A method that allows the design of proteins with desired recognition sites could thus be revolutionary. See Letter p.212 Current approaches to the design of ligand-binding proteins for medical or biotechnological applications involve raising antibodies against a target antigen in immunized animals and/or performing directed evolution experiments on proteins with pre-existing, low affinity for the desired ligand. This paper describes a general method for the computational design of small molecule binding proteins that the authors use to design high-affinity and highly selective binding sites for the steroid digoxigenin, a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart disease. Using this method it should be possible to rapidly create small molecule receptors for synthetic biology applications, therapeutic scavengers for toxic compounds in vivo and robust ligand-binding domains for diagnostic devices.
Experimental Investigation of Automatic Signature Verification

This paper describes an approach to the problem of signature verificzation that treats the signature as a two-dimensional image and uses the Hadamard transform of that image as a means of data reduction and feature selection. This approach does not depend on the language or alphabet used and is general enough to have applications in such areas as cloud pattern surveys, aerial reconnaisance, and human-face recognition.
An operational multiscale system for hazards prediction, mapping, and response

By definition, a crisis is a situation that requires assistance to be managed. Hence, response to a crisis involves the merging of local and non-local emergency response personnel. In this situation, it is critical that each participant: (1) know the roles and responsibilities of each of the other participants; (2) know the capabilities of each of the participants; and (3) have a common basis for action. For many types of natural disasters, this entails having a common operational picture of the unfolding events, including detailed information on the weather, both current and forecasted, that may impact on either the emergency itself or on response activities. The Consequences Assessment Tool Set (CATS) is a comprehensive package of hazard prediction models and casualty and damage assessment tools that provides a linkage between a modeled or observed effect and the attendant consequences for populations, infrastructure, and resources, and, hence, provides the common operational picture for emergency response. The Operational Multiscale Environment model with Grid Adaptivity (OMEGA) is an atmospheric simulation system that links the latest methods in computational fluid dynamics and high-resolution gridding technologies with numerical weather prediction to provide specific weather analysis and forecast capability that can be merged into the geographic information system framework of CATS. This paper documents the problem of emergency response as an end-to-end system and presents the integrated CATS-OMEGA system as a prototype of such a system that has been used successfully in a number of different situations.
Inhibition of wheat germ RNA polymerase II by 2, 6-dibromobenzoquinone and related compounds from Aplysina fistularis.

Abstract Among the antifungal compounds from Aplysina fistularis, 2,6-dibromobenzoquinone (DBQ) was the most potent inhibitor of wheat germ RNA polymerase II (Ribonucleosidetriphosphate: RNA nucleotidyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.6). DBQ appeared to inhibit the enzyme activity by binding to the enzyme but not to the DNA template. DNA offered slight protection to the enzyme against the inhibitor. Chain initiation was more sensitive to the inhibitor than chain elongation. No enzymatic activity was detected in fractions from a Sephadex G-25 column that contained polymerase which had been preincubated with DBQ, and if the DBQ was labeled with C14, the radioactivity co-chromatographed with the polymerase.
Statistical properties of Pollack’s PEST procedure

The bias and variability of threshold estimates produced by Pollack's PEST procedure were studied by means of repeated computer simulations of PEST runs. The influence of the size of the exit criterion, the bumping-into-zero rule, and three methods for obtaining the estimate from the data are discussed. Pollack's PEST procedure is found to result in a highly variable number of trials per run, and to be approximately as good as a simpler staircase procedure in terms of the bias and variability of the estimates obtained. In a sizable proportion of psychophysical experiments, an attempt is made to determine the level of an independent variable that leads to a particular response probability. For example, an E may wish to determine the stimulus intensity necessary for a S to say "Yes, I detect the stimulus" on 50% of the trials, or the intensity necessary for him to respond correctly with some specified probability between 50% and 100% in a two-alternative forced-ehoice experiment. The intensity level found in such an experiment is often called the threshold. The methods psychophysicists use to determine thresholds can be divided into constant-stimulus or fixed psychophysical meth ods, and adaptive or titration methods. In the classical fixed methods, trials are run at each of several fixed stimulus-intensity levels, and a response probability is estimated for each. The threshold is then obtained by interpolation along a psychometric function fit to the response-probability estimates. Adaptive methods do not require equal numbers of trials at all stimulus levels; rather, the current intensity level is determined by the sequential history of the experimental run. There is a variety of adaptive methods-e.g., the block up-and-down method (Stuckey, Hutton, & Campbell, 1966), the staircase or up-and-down method (Dixon & Mood, 1948; Cornsweet, 1962), and the various procedures known as PEST (parametric Estimation by Sequential Testing; Taylor & Creelman, 1967; Pollack, 1968). These methods all follow the same basic pattern. The E begins by running a block of trials at some initial stimulus level, and after a certain number
Abstract relational categories, graded persistence, and prefrontal cortical representation

Human behavior is characterized by creativity, flexibility, and adaptability. Psychologists have argued that this is a result of analogical reasoning processes. Neuroimaging studies point to PFC as a critical component of a larger network; however, it remains unclear how the brain accomplishes analogical reasoning. This paper presents a theory of prefrontal cortical function that attempts to explain the neural mechanisms of analogical processing in the context of the broader theoretical and empirical work on PFC. Specifically, the current paper proposes that neurons in PFC are particularly sensitive to relationship information, and that they develop response preferences for relationship information that increases in abstractness and complexity along the posterior-anterior axis. Further, this theory posits that representation formation in PFC is driven by fronto-striatal circuits and that the persistence of these representations is determined by environmental consequences such that the longer the representation predicts reward or punishment, the longer the representation lasts. Finally, it is suggested that because analogy has been proposed as a core cognitive process, underlying many other interesting cognitive phenomena such as learning, creativity, and decision-making, it could serve as a useful tool for studying PFC function in general.
Periodic mass shedding of a retracting solid film step

Abstract A semi-infinite, uniform film on a substrate tends to contract from the edge to reduce the surface energy of the system. This work studies the two-dimensional retraction of such a film step, assuming that the film evolves by capillarity-driven surface diffusion. It is found that the retracting film edge forms a thickened ridge followed by a valley. The valley sinks with time and eventually touches the substrate. The ridge then detaches from the film. The new film edge retracts to form another ridge accompanied again by a valley, and the mass shedding cycle is repeated. This periodic mass shedding is simulated numerically for contact angle α between 30 and 180°. For smaller α, a small-slope late-time solution is found that agrees with the numerical solution for α=30°. Thus, the complete range of α is covered. The long-time retraction speed and the distance traveled per cycle agree quantitatively with experiments.
Kabbalistic Physiology: Isaac the Blind, Nahmanides, and Moses de Leon on Menstruation

Science and faith were inextricably intertwined in the Latin Middle Ages. Clerics would attend to both spiritual and physical needs because the need to care for the body coincided with the need to care for the soul. Until the rise of universities in the twelfth century, monasteries were the centers of scientific knowledge. And, even after the professionalization of medicine in the thirteenth century, Christian physicians continued to look to the Bible, in addition to their license, as the source of their authority. Indeed, many Christian physicians who received medical degrees went on to pursue higher degrees in theology. It is therefore not surprising that several Christian theologians used medical theories in the service of theology.
A Calcineurin-NFATc3-Dependent Pathway Regulates Skeletal Muscle Differentiation and Slow Myosin Heavy-Chain Expression

The differentiation and maturation of skeletal muscle cells into functional fibers is coordinated largely by inductive signals which act through discrete intracellular signal transduction pathways. Recently, the calcium-activated phosphatase calcineurin (PP2B) and the family of transcription factors known as NFAT have been implicated in the regulation of myocyte hypertrophy and fiber type specificity. Here we present an analysis of the intracellular mechanisms which underlie myocyte differentiation and fiber type specificity due to an insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-calcineurin-NFAT signal transduction pathway. We demonstrate that calcineurin enzymatic activity is transiently increased during the initiation of myogenic differentiation in cultured C2C12 cells and that this increase is associated with NFATc3 nuclear translocation. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of an activated calcineurin protein (AdCnA) potentiates C2C12 and Sol8 myocyte differentiation, while adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of noncompetitive calcineurin-inhibitory peptides (cain or DeltaAKAP79) attenuates differentiation. AdCnA infection was also sufficient to rescue myocyte differentiation in an IGF-depleted myoblast cell line. Using 10T1/2 cells, we demonstrate that MyoD-directed myogenesis is dramatically enhanced by either calcineurin or NFATc3 cotransfection, while a calcineurin inhibitory peptide (cain) blocks differentiation. Enhanced myogenic differentiation directed by calcineurin, but not NFATc3, preferentially specifies slow myosin heavy-chain expression, while enhanced differentiation through mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6 (MKK6) promotes fast myosin heavy-chain expression. These data indicate that a signaling pathway involving IGF-calcineurin-NFATc3 enhances myogenic differentiation whereas calcineurin acts through other factors to promote the slow fiber type program.
Sequencing of type I IGF receptor (IGF1R) inhibition affects chemotherapy response in vitro and in vivo.

CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2008 Abstracts Abstract #3122 Purpose: To determine the optimal sequence of combining anti-IGF1R antibodies with chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Experimental design: MCF-7 and LCC6 cells were treated with sub-cytotoxic concentrations of doxorubicin (DOX) with or without anti-IGF1R antibodies (scFv-Fc or EM164 and its humanized version AVE1642). Treatments were given simultaneously, DOX followed by anti-IGF1R antibody, or anti-IGF1R antibody followed by DOX, with measurement of in vitro proliferation, apoptosis, and anchorage-independent growth. Effects of sequencing on LCC6 xenograft growth and metastasis were studied. Results: DOX followed by anti-IGF1R antibody (scFv-Fc or EM164) was the most effective combination strategy to inhibit cell monolayer growth and anchorage-independent growth. This sequential combination triggered increased Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage compared to other treatment sequences. The reverse sequence, antibody followed by DOX treatment, protected cells from chemotherapy by decreasing apoptosis, arresting cells in S phase, and inhibiting the level and activity of topoisomerase IIα . Finally, our in vivo data show that recovery of IGF1R prior to DOX therapy resulted in the best therapeutic responses. Low doses of AVE1642 that allowed IGF1R expression to recover at one week were more effective in combination with DOX than higher antibody doses. Conclusion: The timing of IGF1R inhibition affects responses to chemotherapy. The optimal sequence was DOX followed by anti-IGF1R antibody, while the opposite sequence inhibited DOX effects. Thus, short course suppression in combination with DOX might be the optimal combination and provides a rationale for the design of future clinical trials. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3122.
G protein-coupled inward rectifier modulated by dopamine agonists in cultured substantia nigra neurons

Abstract Dopamine release from dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra plays an important role in regulating their activity. In the present experiments the whole-cell clamp technique was used to elucidate the modulatory role of dopamine on K + conductance in substantia nigra neurons in culture. In pars compacta neurons held near the resting potential, dopamine and quinpirole (a D 2 receptor agonist) increased membrane conductance. This response was blocked by S (−)-sulpiride, a D 2 receptor antagonist. The current-voltage relation of the quinpirole-induced current showed an inward rectification with a reversal potential that approximately equaled the K + equilibrium potential. Intracellular application of a non-hydrolysable GTP analogue, guanosine 5′- O -(3-thiotriphosphate; 0.1-0.5 mM) into pars compacta neurons produced an initial spontaneous increase in an inwardly rectifying K + conductance. Quinpirole markedly accelerated this conductance increase. In cells loaded with a poorly metabolized GDP analogue, gyanosine 5′- O -(2-thiodiphosphate), the quinpirole response was diminished. Treatment of pars compacta neurons with pertussis toxin abolished the D 2 response. Intracellular application of cyclic AMP (1 mM neither mimicked nor occluded the D 2 response. These results indicate that D 2 receptor agonists produce neuronal inhibition by activating an inwardly rectifying K + current, that this D 2 agonist effect is mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein, and that cyclic AMP does not mediate the D 2 response. Unexpectedly, in cells loaded with guanosine 5′- O -(3-thiotriphosphate) after the inwardly rectifying K+ conductance spontaneously reached a maximum, it started to decline slowly. In cells loaded with guanosine 5′- O -(2-thiodiphosphate), the quinpirole response became diminished at first, but then the membrane conductance slowly increased, together with an increase in the quinpirole response. These results were explained by an interplay of two G proteins, one producing an increase and the other producing a decrease in the K + conductance. In some pars reticulata neurons, R (+)-SKF-38393 (a D 1 receptor agonist) reduced an inwardly rectifying K + conductance; this would excite the neuron under current clamp conditions. The present study shows that cultured substantia nigra neurons produce functional responses to dopamine agonists. Using these neurons, the ionic mechanisms and signal transduction mechanisms of the responses were elucidated in a more critical manner than in previous studies.
A Framework for Unambiguous and Extensible Specification of DSMLs for Cyber-Physical Systems

Increased emphasis on developing model-based design methods for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) brings new challenges to the specification of domain specific modeling languages (DSML) and the integration of heterogeneous CPS components.Since CPS are composed of tightly integrated physical and computational components, the modeled domains include both physical and computational systems.Formal specification of physical and computational languages as well as their integration remains an interesting challenge.In this paper we introduce a formal logic based framework for formal specification and simulation, that is supported by the fixed-point logic language FORMULA.As a representative case study, we define both the structural and behavioral semantics for a bond graph language, and demonstrate the reusability and extensibility provided by the approach by extending the language to support hybrid dynamics.
Modeling familial British and Danish dementia

Familial British dementia (FBD) and familial Danish dementia (FDD) are two autosomal dominant neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in the BRI2 gene. FBD and FDD are characterized by widespread cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), parenchymal amyloid deposition, and neurofibrillary tangles. Transgenic mice expressing wild-type and mutant forms of the BRI2 protein, Bri2 knock-in mutant mice, and Bri2 gene knock-out mice have been developed. Transgenic mice expressing a human FDD-mutated form of the BRI2 gene have partially reproduced the neuropathological lesions observed in FDD. These mice develop extensive CAA, parenchymal amyloid deposition, and neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. These animal models allow the study of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the neuronal dysfunction in these diseases and allow the development of potential therapeutic approaches for these and related neurodegenerative conditions. In this review, a comprehensive account of the advances in the development of animal models for FBD and FDD and of their relevance to the study of Alzheimer disease is presented.
Elementary Students’ Roles and Epistemic Stances During Document-Based History Lessons

AbstractThis article reports on a study that repositioned elementary students in new roles as active, critical participants in historical inquiry—roles that required a more mature epistemic stance. It reports 5th-grade students’ responses to instructional methods intended to help them understand the nature of historical knowledge, appreciate the work of historians, read and reason with greater historical sophistication, and view themselves in more historian-like roles within a school setting. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted at the start and end of the school year to investigate the impact of weekly document-based lessons embedded within a relatively traditional elementary social studies curriculum. Students showed some modest yet significant differences from the start to the end of the school year in the way they viewed texts and themselves in the process of learning history.
Inclusion body myositis, muscle blood vessel and cardiac amyloidosis, and transthyretin Val122Ile allele

Typical of sporadic inclusion body myositis muscle biopsies are vacuolated muscle fibers containing intracellular amyloid deposits and accumulations of "Alzheimer-characteristic" proteins. There is no muscle blood vessel or cardiac amyloidosis. We report on a 70-year-old African-American man homozygous for the transthyretin Val122Ile allele who has both sporadic inclusion body myositis and cardiac amyloidosis. His unique pathological features included transthyretin immunoreactivity in prominent muscle blood vessel amyloid and congophilic amyloid deposits within vacuolated muscle fibers.
Localization of the disulfide bridges of human histocompatibility antigens

Abstract Both papain-solubilized and detergent-solubilized human histocompatibility antigens have been treated with NTCB (2-nitro-5-thiocyanatobenzoic acid) which cleaves these molecules at cysteine residues. A study of the fragment produced has made it possible to deduce the size and location of the two disulfide loops in these molecules. The sizes of the two loops in HLA-B7 and in the mixture HLA-B7 + 12 are about 5100 and 6600 daltons, a size similar to that of the disulfide loops found in immunoglobulins. The disulfide loops in HLA-A2 may be smaller in size. The two loops are located in middle regions of these molecules; neither the N-terminal nor the C-terminal regions contain disulfide loops.
Activation and deactivation characteristics of sulfonated carbon catalysts

Abstract Recently, there have been reports in the literature on sulfonated carbon catalysts prepared from sugars exhibiting interesting acid catalytic properties. However, to date, little has been reported about their activation/deactivation characteristics. For this paper, the activation/deactivation behaviors of such sulfonated carbon catalysts were investigated through the esterification of free fatty acids (acetic acid and caprylic acid) and transesterification of triglycerides (triacetin, tricaprylin and soybean oil) with methanol. The catalytic properties of the sulfonated catalysts were compared with those of Nafion ® SAC-13 and sulfuric acid, other similar Bronsted acid catalysts. For the liquid-phase esterification of acetic acid and transesterification of triacetin with methanol, the sulfonated carbon catalysts exhibited catalytic site activities comparable to those for sulfuric acid, along with higher (by weight) specific catalytic activities but lower initial TOFs compared with Nafion ® SAC-13. Catalyst swelling was critical for catalytic activity of the sulfonated carbon catalysts. Poor swelling in the gas phase of the catalysts led to the appearance of an induction period and inferior catalytic performance in the gas-phase esterification of acetic acid. In the liquid-phase esterification of acetic acid, catalytic activity decreased during the initial reaction batch cycles but reached a plateau after several catalytic cycles at 60 °C. Elemental analysis, 1 H NMR results of the liquid reaction mixtures after reaction, and the decreased activity of the catalysts after extensive solvent washing suggest that the initial catalyst deactivation was caused by the leaching of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons containing SO 3 H groups. Cycling experiments involving large triglycerides actually showed a cumulative effect of slower catalyst swelling in the less-polar reaction mixtures moderated by deactivation of the catalyst due to leaching, resulting in increased activity in the early cycles followed by a loss of activity in later cycles.
Chapter 3: A Practical Theology for Aging

SUMMARY After a brief look at contemporary liberal and evangelical approaches to the formation of theology, this paper suggests implications for constructing a practical theology of aging utilizing a praxis approach. Issues such as the life course, mental health, physical health, and spiritual formation are highlighted along with implications for the field of gerontology.
Diabetic foot infections: stepwise medical and surgical management

Foot complications are common among diabetic patients; foot ulcers are among the more serious consequences. These ulcers frequently become infected, with potentially disastrous progression to deeper spaces and tissues. If not treated promptly and appropriately, diabetic foot infections can become incurable or even lead to septic gangrene, which may require foot amputation. Diagnosing infection in a diabetic foot ulcer is based on clinical signs and symptoms of inflammation. Properly culturing an infected lesion can disclose the pathogens and provide their antibiotic susceptibilities. Specimens for culture should be obtained after wound debridement to avoid contamination and optimise identification of pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common isolate in these infections; the increasing incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus over the past two decades has further complicated antibiotic treatment. While chronic infections are often polymicrobial, many acute infections in patients not previously treated with antibiotics are caused by a single pathogen, usually a gram-positive coccus. We offer a stepwise approach to treating diabetic foot infections. Most patients must first be medically stabilised and any metabolic aberrations should be addressed. Antibiotic therapy is not required for uninfected wounds but should be carefully selected for all infected lesions. Initial therapy is usually empirical but may be modified according to the culture and sensitivity results and the patient's clinical response. Surgical intervention is usually required in cases of retained purulence or advancing infection despite optimal medical therapy. Possible additional indications for surgical procedures include incision and drainage of an abscess, debridement of necrotic material, removal of any foreign bodies, arterial revascularisation and, when needed, amputation. Most foot ulcers occur on the plantar surface of the foot, thus requiring a plantar incision for any drainage procedure.
Use of a Visual Graphic Language System to Support Communication for Persons on the Autism Spectrum

This paper addresses use of visual graphic language to promote learning and communication for individuals on the autism spectrum via a comprehensive framework. Specifically, visuals are used expres...
Vortex formation in the wake of an oscillating cylinder

When a body oscillates laterally (cross-flow) in a free stream, it can synchronize the vortex formation frequency with the body motion frequency. This fundamental “lock-in” regions is but one in a whole series of synchronization regions, which have been found in the present paper, in an amplitude-wavelength plane (defining the body trajectory) up to amplitudes of five diameters. In the fundamental region, it is shown that the acceleration of the cylinder each half cycle induces the roll-up of the two shear layers close to the body, and thereby the formation of four regions of vorticity each cycle. Below a critical wavelength, each half cycle sees the coalescence of a pair of like-sign vortices and the development of a Karman-type wake. However, beyond this wavelength the like-sign vortices convect away from each other, and each of them pairs with an opposite-sign vortex. The resulting wake comprises a system of vortex pairs which can convect away from the wake centerline. The process of pairing causes the transition between these modes to be sudden, and this explains the sharp change in the character of the cylinder forces observed by Bishop and Hassan, and also the jump in the phase of the lift force relative to body displacement. At precisely the critical wavelength, only two regions of vorticity are formed, and the resulting shed vorticity is more concentrated than at other wavelengths. We interpret this particular case as a condition of “resonant synchronization”, and it corresponds with the peak in the body forces observed in Bishop and Hassan's work.
‘Control’ in Pauline Language and Culture: A Study of Rom 6

Certainly since the groundbreaking work of Ferdinand de Saus-sure, the social character of language has been axiomatic for most linguists. Saussure writes: ‘The structure of a language is a social product of our language faculty. At the same time, it is also a body of necessary conventions adopted by society to enable members of society to use their language faculty.’ Eugene Nida and Johannes Louw, writing in the supplement to their New Testament lexicon, acknowledge the connection between their treatment of semantics and sociology, but they refrain from specifying what they think the relationship between language and society to be. Nida is somewhat more forthcoming in his study of componential analysis when he writes:There are analogies between the structure of a culture and the semantic structure of a corresponding language, but there is no set of one-to-one correspondences. A language must be free to describe a variety of possibilities, including those which have not as yet entered the culture. Nevertheless, the language does reflect in certain aspects of its semantic structure those aspects of the culture which for one reason or another have become salient in the lexical contrasts.
Fabrication and Testing of Single Photon Avalanche Detectors in the TSMC 0.18μm CMOS Technology

We report on the fabrication and preliminary testing of a single photon avalanche detectors (SPAD) fabricated in the TSMC 0.18μm standard CMOS technology (CM018). The detectors exhibit low dark count rate and robust geiger-mode operation at room temperature.
Calculated gamma ray response characteristics of semiconductor detectors

Abstract A Monte Carlo computer program has been used to calculate characteristics of the response of fully depleted silicon and germanium radiation detectors to monoenergetic gamma rays. Data for total absorption probability, intrinsic efficiency, escape peak efficiency and pulse height spectra are presented as functions of detector thickness and photon energy. Other parameters of interest in analysing detector response are also given. The results of a second Monte Carlo calculation of electron migration in silicon and germanium are employed to account for the leakage of secondary electrons from the detector volume. Bremsstrahlung energy loss by electrons is also simulated. The calculations are expected to be applicable in those cases in which secondary electron energies do not exceed 2 MeV. Comparison with experiment shows good agreement within this limitation.
Social Justice Implications of the Organism Metaphor

The denigration of marginalized groups is frequently supported through the widespread employment of metaphors that present a pejorative image of the group in question. The organism metaphor, wherein the target group is portrayed as a threat to the integrity of the social body, is a particularly important metaphoric theme in the advancement of social injustice. Drawing largely from primary source documents, this paper provides an overview of the organism metaphor as it has been employed historically to denigrate various social subgroups. Implications for the social work profession are discussed.
Carotid plaque morphology and risk for stroke.

The importance of carotid artery atherosclerosis in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia and infarction has been recognized for many years. As early as 1856, Savory pointed out this relationship, and in 1904 Chiari suggested the possibility of cerebral emboli originating from the cervical portion of the carotid artery. The concept was further popularized by Fisher's clinicopathologic reports of symptomatic carotid artery disease,and in 1954 the first paper describing a feasible technique for the surgical reconstruction of the carotid artery appeared in the literature. The pathogenic role of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in the development of stroke is thought to reflect their emboligenic properties, hemodynamic significance, or, more realistically, a combination of both. Considered in this context, the problem of assessing the effectiveness of various modes of therapy in patients with carotid artery disease has been in part the assumption that all individuals with a "carotid plaque" have an equivalent risk of suffering a stroke. It is now believed that this population is more heterogeneous than originally thought, and attention has shifted to the study of the various types of carotid artery lesions encountered in clinical practice. The focus of this shift has been the search for subgroups of patients who share certain specific types of carotid plaques and the investigation of the association between plaque morphology and the risk of ipsilateral brain infarction. The morphologic variables that have been considered may be grouped into several categories: 1) size of the plaque (and degree of stenosis caused), 2) plaque surface configuration (smooth, rough, or ulcerated), and 3) plaque histologic composition (fat, fibrous tissue, calcium, intramural hemorrhage).
Nutritional counseling improves quality of life and nutrient intake in hospitalized undernourished patients.

Objective: Up to 60% of hospitalized patients are undernourished. We studied the impact of nutritional therapy on quality of life and food intake. Methods: Undernourished patients were randomized into two groups. The nutritional therapy group (NT group) received individual nutritional counseling and interventions, including oral nutritional supplements if appropriate, by a dietitian. The oral nutritional supplement group (ONS group) received oral nutritional supplements in addition to hospital meals without further instruction or counseling. Study duration was 10 to 15 d. At baseline and before discharge (time point 1) we measured energy and protein intakes and quality of life. Quality of life was measured again 2 mo after discharge (time point 2). Results: Energy and protein intakes increased between baseline and time point 1 in both groups (P ¼ 0.001). The NT group (n ¼ 18) met the energy requirements at time point 1 by 107% and of protein by 94%, the ONS group (n ¼ 18) by 90% and 88%, respectively. Hospital meals alone did not cover the requirements. From baseline to time point 1, quality of life increased in both groups. Quality of life increased further in the NT group from time point 1 to time point 2 (P ¼ 0.016), but not in the ONS group. Conclusion: Both interventions caused a significant increase in energy and protein intakes and quality of life. In the NT group every patient received an efficacious individualized intervention. In contrast, the 7 of 18 patients in the ONS group who did not consume ONS had no intervention at all. Therefore, undernourished patients should be counseled individually by a dietitian. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.