cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some computational challenges of developing efficient parallel algorithms for data-dependent computations in thermal-hydraulics supercomputer applications

Abstract The Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC), which features a two-fluid treatment of thermal-hydraulics, is designed to model transients in water reactors and related facilities. One of the major computational costs associated with TRAC and similar codes is calculating constitutive coefficients. Although the formulations for these coefficients are local, the costs are flow-regime- or data-dependent; i.e., the computations needed for a given spatial node often vary widely as a function of time. Consequently, a fixed, uniform assignment of nodes to parallel processors will result in degraded computational efficiency due to the poor load balancing. A standard method for treating data-dependent models on vector architectures has been to use gather operations (or indirect addressing) to sort the nodes into subsets that (temporarily) share a common computational model. However, this method is not effective on distributed memory data parallel architectures, where indirect addressing involves expensive communication overhead. Another serious problem with this method involves software engineering challenges in the areas of maintainability and extensibility. For example, an implementation that was hand-tuned to achieve good computational efficiency would have to be rewritten whenever the decision tree governing the sorting was modified. Using an example based on the calculation of the wall-to-liquid and wall-to-vapor heat-transfer coefficients for three nonboiling flow regimes, we describe how the use of the Fortran 90 WHERE construct and automatic inlining of functions can be used to ameliorate this problem while improving both efficiency and software engineering. Unfortunately, a general automatic solution to the load-balancing problem associated with data-dependent computations is not yet available for massively parallel architectures. We discuss why developers should either wait for such solutions or consider alternative numerical algorithms, such as a neural network representation, that do not exhibit load-balancing problems.
MMPI-2 items which correctly identified women with histories of childhood sexual abuse

This study examined whether MMPI-2 items could be used to discriminate between 58 women who experienced childhood sexual abuse and 57 women who did not. A set of 48 items were identified which correctly classified 95% of the subjects.
Variation Among United States Hospitals in Inpatient Mortality for Cirrhosis

Background & Aims Little is known about geographic variations in health care for patients with cirrhosis. We studied geographic and hospital-level variations in care of patients with cirrhosis in the United States by using inpatient mortality as an outcome for comparing hospitals. We also aimed to identify features of patients and hospitals associated with lower mortality. Methods We used the 2009 U.S. Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify patients with cirrhosis, which were based on the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision-Clinical Modification diagnosis codes for cirrhosis or 1 of its complications (ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, portal hypertension, or hepatic encephalopathy). Multilevel modeling was performed to measure variance among hospitals. Results There were 102,155 admissions for cirrhosis in 2009, compared with 74,417 in 2003. Overall inpatient mortality was 6.6%. On multivariable-adjusted logistic regression, patients hospitalized in the Midwest had the lowest odds ratio (OR) of inpatient mortality (OR, 0.54; P P P P P = .03) had higher odds of inpatient mortality than patients without these features. Those who received liver transplants had substantially lower odds of inpatient mortality (OR, 0.21; P P Conclusions Inpatient cirrhosis mortality varies considerably among U.S. hospitals. Further research is needed to identify hospital-level and provider-level practices that could be modified to improve outcomes.
Anterior subcapsular cataracts as a possible adverse ocular reaction to isotretinoin

Inquiries to David C. Herman, M.D., Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. S.W., Rochester, MN 55905. A 45-year-old woman who was not taking any medications and had no known allergies was prescribed isotretinoin (40 mg twice daily) on Dec. 12, 1985, for chronic cystic acne. Dur­ ing the ensuing 14 weeks, the patient noted dryness of her eyes and skin but no visual disturbances. Chemistry and hematology pro­ files checked before and during the treatment with isotretinoin were normal. The isotretinoin was discontinued after 14 weeks because the
A target within the target: probing cruzain's P1' site to define structural determinants for the Chagas' disease protease.

Abstract Background: Cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily are present in nearly all groups of eukaryotes and play vital roles in a wide range of biological processes and diseases, including antigen and hormone processing, bacterial infection, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and cancer-cell invasion. Because they are critical to the life-cycle progression of many pathogenic protozoa, they represent potential targets for selective inhibitors. Chagas' disease, the leading cause of death due to heart disease in Latin American countries, is transmitted by Trypanosoma cruzi . Cruzain is the major cysteine protease of T. cruzi and has been the target of extensive structure-based drug design. Results: High-resolution crystal structures of cruzain bound to a series of potent phenyl-containing vinyl-sulfone, sulfonate and sulfonamide inhibitors have been determined. The structures show a consistent mode of interaction for this family of inhibitors based on a covalent Michael addition formed at the enzyme's active-site cysteine, hydrophobic interactions in the S2 substrate-binding pocket and a strong constellation of hydrogen bonding in the S1′ region. Conclusions: The series of vinyl-sulfone-based inhibitors examined in complex with cruzain was designed to probe recognition and binding potential of an aromatic-rich region of the enzyme. Analysis of the interactions formed shows that aromatic interactions play a less significant role, whereas the strength and importance of hydrogen bonding in the conformation adopted by the inhibitor upon binding to the enzyme was highlighted. A derivative of one inhibitor examined is currently under development as a therapeutic agent against Chagas' disease.
Native Spanish language acquisition: the effect of age, schooling and context on responses to ‘dile’ and ‘pregúntale’

The ability to distinguish ask and tell in Spanish was studied with five groups of native Spanish speakers: adults, 7- and 10-year-olds in a full-bilingual-programme school (BISO), and 7- and 10-year-olds in a non-total BISO school. The interviews included context-present and context-absent items. Differences in these subjects' responses and those elicited by Chomsky (1969) among children acquiring English are explored. Increased age, bilingual schooling, and presence of contextual clues enhanced performance. Relative difficulty of dile and preguntale , stages in distinguishing these in three types of constructions, and comparisons of first and second language performance are discussed.
Conserved Microsynteny of NPR1 with Genes Encoding a Signal Calmodulin-Binding Protein and a CK1-Class Protein Kinase in Beta vulgaris and Two Other Eudicots

NPR1 is a gene of central importance in enabling plants to resist microbial attack. Therefore, knowledge of nearby genes is important for genome analysis and possibly for improving disease resistance. In this study, systematic DNA sequence analysis, gene annotation, and protein BLASTs were performed to determine genes near the NPR1 gene in Beta vulgaris L., Medicago truncatula Gaertn, and Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray, and to access predicted function. Microsynteny was discovered for NPR1 with genes CaMP, encoding a chloroplast-targeted signal calmodulin-binding protein, and CK1PK, a CK1-class protein kinase. Conserved microsynteny of NPR1, CaMP, and CK1PK in three diverse species of eudicots suggests maintenance during evolution by positive selection for close proximity. Perhaps close physical linkage contributes to coordinated expression of these particular genes that may control critically important processes including nuclear events and signal transduction.
The effect of diet on the composition of chromatin from young and old rats.

Abstract The effect of diet on the RNA and protein content of chromatin from various tissues of young and old rats was investigated. It was found fasting 24–29 month-old rats for 48 hr caused a marked increase in the RNA content of chromatin in liver and kidney, while no such increase was observed in brain chromatin from rats of the same age or in any of the same three tissues from 3 to 5 month-old rats. When old rats which had been fasted for 48 hr were refed ad libitum for 6 hr, the chromatin RNA content dropped sharply, in every tissue. In young rats this drop was less prominent or nonexistent. Only slight changes in proteins were observed when rats from both age-groups were starved and refed. If, in the final step of the chromatin preparation, the salt concentration in the extraction solution or the extent of shearing during the extraction were varied, most of the protein was extracted together with DNA. In contrast, most of the RNA was extracted separately. More than one half of the RNA seems to be of small molecular weight as suggested by centrifugation in a sucrose gradient and dialysis.
Computer graphics display of 3‐D analysis data

The development of a computer program to display results of 3-D analysis is described and discussed. The program can data in the desired format, display a representation of a 3-D grid in the recent version limited to 10 × 10 × 10 divisions, and fill the grid with colors and shades representing different chemical elements and their concentration. To allow a detailed inspection of the analyzed volume from different viewing angles, the whole 3-D scene can be rotated to any desired position. To allow inspection of the interior of the analyzed volume, the display can be cross-sectioned or scanned through in various directions. Capabilities and limitations of the program as well as unresolved problems and suggestions for its future development are presented. The program is tested using a model data file representing a simplified 3-D microelectronic circuit and a complex shape inclusion in the matrix material.
Observation of coherent multiple scattering of surface plasmon polaritons on Ag and Au surfaces

Abstract We report the observation of coherent multiple scattering of surface plasmon polaritons in Ag and Au films through attenuated total reflectance in the Kretschman geometry. The pump-probe measurements reveal exponential tails in the amplitude of the reflected light that extend well beyond the pulse correlation time. The exponential tails reflect the temporal decay of surface plasmon polaritons (SPP). This observation and interpretation of SPP decay through scattering from surface roughness suggest the possibility of SPP localization on metal surfaces. An alternative interpretation of the signals, pulse reshaping due to the constant angle SPP modes, is ruled out.
Re-analysis procedure based on the mixed formulation

An analysis procedure is presented for large-scale structural systems, with large numbers of degrees of freedom and design variables. The procedure uses a mixed formulation with the fundamental unknowns consisting of both stress and displacement parameters. Other elements of the procedure include: (1) lumping the design variables into a single tracing parameter; (2) operator splitting or additive decomposition of different arrays in the finite element equations into the corresponding arrays of the original structure plus correction terms; and (3) application of a reduction method through the use of the finite element method and the classical Bubnov-Galerkin technique. The re-analysis procedure is applied to the linear static and free vibration problems of plate and shell structures.
Nanoscopic study of second-harmonic generation in organic crystals with collection-mode near-field scanning optical microscopy.

Collection-mode near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) is used to map nanoscopic second-harmonic generation (SHG) in N-(4-nitrophenyl)-L-prolinol crystals. A spatial resolution of 98 nm is achieved. Near-field polarization-dependent SHG measurement is performed, and a local effective SHG susceptibility of 224±18 pm/V is obtained.
Management of complicated airway foreign body aspiration using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

Abstract Objectives Successful removal of an airway foreign body can be very challenging. We present three patients with airway foreign body aspiration successfully treated using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Their clinical presentation and findings will be reviewed to determine when ECMO should be considered for treatment. Study design Retrospective multi-institutional review of a case series of patients with airway foreign body who underwent successful treatment using ECMO. Method After institutional review board approval, the use of ECMO during airway foreign body procedures in children was reviewed from the pediatric research in otolaryngology (PRO) network. This network comprises of over 20 Children's hospitals to improve the health of and healthcare delivery to children and their families with otolaryngology conditions. Specific parameters were recorded for each patient. Results Three children presented with airway foreign body and required ECMO for successful removal. Mean age was 18 months. Presenting symptoms included severe and worsening respiratory distress. Indications for ECMO included an inability to perform rigid bronchoscopy due to the child's unstable respiratory status and an airway foreign body lodged in the trachea that could not be removed without potential loss of airway support. All three children underwent successful removal of their airway foreign bodies. There were no complications from ECMO or bronchoscopy. Conclusion ECMO may be a useful adjunct in cases of life threatening airway foreign body aspiration.
Evaluation of corrosion protection by polymer coatings using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and noise analysis

The degradation of different polymer coating systems on steel exposed to natural (NS) and artificial (AS) seawater has been monitored using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemical noise analysis (ENA). The aim of this project is to determine the impact of microorganisms on the degradation of the protective properties of polymer coatings on steel during exposure to NS. The marine test sites were Port Hueneme, California and Key West, Florida. A new approach has been developed to obtain electrochemical impedance spectra and noise data via modem from the laboratory using equipment placed at the remote test sites. Potential and current noise data were determined simultaneously. The experimental approach is described and representative data from exposure to NS and AS are presented for coating systems with different combinations of primers and topcoats. Electrochemical noise data have been analyzed in the time and frequency domains. Noise data presented as spectral noise plots have been compared to impedance spectra in Bode plots. The noise resistance Rn was found to be independent of frequency and equal to the polarization resistance Rp only for frequency-independent spectral noise plots. The limitations of ENA resulting from the limited available bandwidth compared to EIS have been discussed.
Parasitics extraction with multipole refinement

Modern chip design pushes the performance of a given technology to its limits, therefore, it is necessary to find increasingly more accurate models for interconnect parasitics. The growing complexity of today's integrated systems, however, makes fast analysis crucial as well. We present a novel hierarchical potential evaluation technique which is able to represent detailed near-field and global far-field couplings with equal accuracy and efficiency by combining the best features of known hierarchical approaches in this field.
The role of Web 2.0 technologies in self‐regulated learning

This chapter describes how Web 2.0 technologies, especially social software, can be used to support student self-regulated learning in higher education contexts. Selected examples that demonstrate how instructors can integrate social software into course design to facilitate student self-regulation are provided.
The Multifaceted Impact of Peer Relations on Aggressive-Disruptive Behavior in Early Elementary School

Following a large, diverse sample of 4,096 children in 27 schools, this study evaluated the impact of 3 aspects of peer relations, measured concurrently, on subsequent child aggressive-disruptive behavior during early elementary school: peer dislike, reciprocated friends' aggressiveness, and classroom levels of aggressive-disruptive behavior. Teachers rated child aggressive-disruptive behavior in 1st and 3rd grades, and peer relations were assessed during 2nd grade. Results indicated that heightened classroom aggressive-disruptive behavior levels were related to proximal peer relations, including an increased likelihood of having aggressive friends and lower levels of peer dislike of aggressive-disruptive children. Controlling for 1st grade aggressive-disruptive behavior, the three 2nd grade peer experiences each made unique contributions to 3rd grade child aggressive-disruptive behavior. These findings replicate and extend a growing body of research documenting the multifaceted nature of peer influence on aggressive-disruptive behavior in early elementary school. They highlight the importance of the classroom ecology and proximal peer relations in the socialization of aggressive-disruptive behavior.
Hypochlorous Acid Reacts with the N-Terminal Methionines of Proteins To Give Dehydromethionine, a Potential Biomarker for Neutrophil-Induced Oxidative Stress

Electrophilic halogenating agents, including hypohalous acids and haloamines, oxidize free methionine and the N-terminal methionines of peptides and proteins (e.g., Met-1 of anti-inflammatory peptide 1 and ubiquitin) to produce dehydromethionine (a five-membered isothiazolidinium heterocycle). Amide derivatives of methionine are oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxide derivatives under the same reaction conditions (e.g., Met-3 of anti-inflammatory peptide 1). Other biological oxidants, including hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite, also produce only the corresponding sulfoxides. Hypothiocyanite does not react with methionine residues. We suggest that dehydromethionine may be a useful biomarker for the myeloperoxidase-induced oxidative stress associated with many inflammatory diseases.
Bacterial Gene Inserted in an Engineered RNA Virus: Efficient Expression in Monocotyledonous Plant Cells

Brome mosaic virus (BMV) is a plant virus whose genome consists of three RNA components. A previously described viral complementary DNA expression system has been used to express both wild-type and altered genomic RNA's in barley protoplasts. Variants of BMV RNA3 were constructed in which the coat gene had been removed or replaced with sequences encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). CAT sequences were also inserted near the 5' end of the intact coat gene. When inoculated on protoplasts together with transcripts of BMV RNA's 1 and 2, all of these RNA3 derivatives were replicated and produced subgenomic RNA's analogous to the normal subgenomic coat protein messenger RNA. RNA3 derivatives in which the CAT coding sequences were oriented with the same polarity as viral genes produced significant CAT activity in protoplasts. CAT expression was improved by inserting the CAT gene in frame with the upstream coat protein initiation codon, and exceeded expression in plant cells transformed with Ti plasmid-based vectors.
Exact scattering for axial incidence on concave soft and hard paraboloids

A scalar plane wave propagates along the axis of a concave paraboloid of revolution. The space inside the paraboloid is filled with a linear, homogeneous and isotropic medium, and the analysis is conducted in the phasor domain with a time-dependence factor exp (+jωt) and a propagation constant k. The surface of the paraboloid is either soft (Dirichlet boundary condition) or hard (Neumann boundary condition).
A new look at the accelerating universe.

We show that the cosmological model having zero cosmological constant, but containing the vacuum energy of a simple quantized free scalar field of low mass (VCDM model), agrees with the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) and supernova (SNe-Ia) data at least as well as the classical cosmological model with a small nonzero cosmological constant. We also show that in the VCDM model the ratio of vacuum pressure to vacuum energy density is less than $\ensuremath{-}1$. We display the VCDM results for a set of parameters that give a very good fit to the CMBR power spectrum, and show that the same parameters also give a good fit to the SNe-Ia data.
Clash of the Titans: Comparing Productivity Via Radiation Use Efficiency for Two Grass Giants of the Biofuel Field

The comparative productivity of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) is of critical importance to the biofuel industry. The radiation use efficiency (RUE), when derived in an environment with non-limiting soil water and soil nutrients, provides one metric of relative productivity. The objective of this study was to compare giant Miscanthus to available switchgrass cultivars, using established methods to calculate RUE of the two species at two disparate sites. Measurements of fraction intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and dry matter were taken on plots at Elsberry, MO (Miscanthus and the switchgrass cultivars Alamo, Kanlow, and Cave-in-Rock) and at Gustine, TX (Miscanthus and Alamo switchgrass, irrigated with dairy wastewater and a non-irrigated control). In MO, Miscanthus mean RUE (3.71) was less than Alamo switchgrass mean RUE (4.30). In TX under irrigation, Miscanthus mean RUE was 2.24 and Alamo switchgrass mean RUE was 3.20. In MO, the more northern lowland switchgrass cultivar, Kanlow, showed similar mean RUE (3.70) as Miscanthus. In MO, the northern upland cultivar Cave-in-Rock had a mean RUE (3.17) that was only 85% of that for Miscanthus at MO. Stress (water and nutrients) had a greater effect on Miscanthus RUE than on switchgrass RUE in TX. These results provide realistic RUE values for simulating these important biofuel grasses in diverse environmental conditions.
Bovine chromogranin A sequence and distribution of its messenger RNA in endocrine tissues

Chromogranin A is contained in storage vesicles of chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and released with catecholamines when the splanchnic nerve is stimulated1,2. Chromogranin A is similar to secretory protein I (SP-I), a major secreted protein of the parathyroid3. Chromogranin A/SP-I immunoreactivity is abundant in endocrine cells that secrete peptide hormones from storage vesicles4–7. Chromogranins may act in neuroendocrine secretion by binding intravesicular calcium8,9. Serum levels of chromogranin are raised in hypertension10 and endocrine neoplasia8,10,11. We report here the isolation and sequencing of a cDNA encoding bovine chromogranin A, providing the first complete primary structure of a chromogranin protein. Chromogranin A is a highly acidic protein with an apparent relative molecular mass (Mr) of 75,000 on SDS-PAGE, but an actual Mr of 48,000. Adrenal medulla, brain, pituitary and parathyroid are all sites of synthesis of chromogranin A. The primary structure of chromogranin A, and the presence of chromogranin mRNA in the parathyroid, indicate that chromogranin A and SP-I are identical.
An optimal control problem with control component failure

In this paper the concept of recoverability is developed and a criterion for recoverability is presented in the case of constant linear systems. A second-order process with control component failure is studied and control strategies for the choice of various performance indices are determined. The time-optimality of the resulting trajectories for certain values of the time of component failure is demonstrated.
Auditory issues in handheld land mine detectors

Most handled landmine detection systems use tones or other simple acoustic signals to provide detector information to the operator. Such signals are not necessarily the best carriers of information about the characteristics of hidden objects. To be effective, the auditory signals must present the information in a manner that the operator can comfortably and efficiently, the auditory signals must present the information in a manner that the operator can comfortably and efficiently interpret under stress and high mental load. The signals must also preserve their audibility and specific properties in various adverse acoustic environments. This paper will present several issues on optimizing the audio display interface between the operator and machine.
The continuing need for vacuum electronic devices to support electronic warfare

Summary form only given. This paper presents a simple analysis that examines a notional anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) threat and the requirements to defeat such a missile. It uses a comparative methodology to arrive at "baseline" effective radiated power requirements. These requirements are then expressed as relative improvements required for maintaining a jamming capability against future as well as current threats. It includes the implications of varying output powers of amplifiers on array element requirements. It addresses the requirements for operation in the I and J bands as well those needed to defeat threats in the 35 and 94 GHz portions of the spectrum. A relative cost analysis comparing solid state technology and vacuum technology is presented. The analysis shows the need to use vacuum technology in future MMW phase array jammers. Without the availability of high power vacuum amplifiers the system complexity and cost would be prohibitive.
c-Jun N-terminal Kinase-1 From Hematopoietic Cells Mediates Progression From Hepatic Steatosis to Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis in Mice

Background & Aims c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) plays a pivotal role in the development of the metabolic syndrome including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the mechanism underlying the contribution of JNK to the progression from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis is unresolved. Methods Hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were examined in wild-type, jnk1 −/− , or jnk2 −/− mice fed a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet for 20 weeks. The functional contribution of JNK isoforms in Kupffer cells was assessed in vitro and in vivo using chimeric mice in which the hematopoietic compartment including Kupffer cells was replaced by wild-type, jnk1 −/− , or jnk2 −/− cells. Results CDAA diet induced significantly less hepatic inflammation and less liver fibrosis despite a similar level of hepatic steatosis in jnk1 −/− mice as compared with wild-type or jnk2 −/− mice. CDAA diet–induced hepatic inflammation was chronic and mediated by Kupffer cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of JNK or gene deletion of jnk1 but not jnk2 repressed the expression of inflammatory and fibrogenic mediators in primary Kupffer cells. In vivo, CDAA diet induced less hepatic inflammation and liver fibrosis despite an equivalent level of hepatic steatosis in chimeric mice with jnk1 −/− hematopoietic cells as compared with chimeric mice with wild-type or jnk2 −/− hematopoietic cells. Conclusions jnk1 −/− mice are resistant to diet-induced steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. JNK1 in hematopoietic cells, especially in Kupffer cells, contributes to the development of liver fibrosis by inducing chronic inflammation.
Reducing data movement costs using energy efficient, active computation on SSD

Modern scientific discovery often involves running complex application simulations on supercomputers, followed by a sequence of data analysis tasks on smaller clusters. This offline approach suffers from significant data movement costs such as redundant I/O, storage bandwidth bottleneck, and wasted CPU cycles, all of which contribute to increased energy consumption and delayed end-to-end performance. Technology projections for an exascale machine indicate that energy-efficiency will become the primary design metric. It is estimated that the energy cost of data movement will soon rival the cost of computation. Consequently, we can no longer ignore the data movement costs in data analysis. To address these challenges, we advocate executing data analysis tasks on emerging storage devices, such as SSDs. Typically, in extreme-scale systems, SSDs serve only as a temporary storage system for the simulation output data. In our approach, Active Flash, we propose to conduct in-situ data analysis on the SSD controller without degrading the performance of the simulation job. By migrating analysis tasks closer to where the data resides, it helps reduce the data movement cost. We present detailed energy and performance models for both active flash and offline strategies, and study them using extreme-scale application simulations, commonly used data analytics kernels, and supercomputer system configurations. Our evaluation suggests that active flash is a promising approach to alleviate the storage bandwidth bottleneck, reduce the data movement cost, and improve the overall energy efficiency.
Treatment of collagen induced arthritis by proteolytic enzymes: immunomodulatory and disease modifying effects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of a novel therapy (proteases) in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis, and to investigate the mechanisms of arthritogenesis. METHODS: We induced progressive arthritis in male DBA/1 mice by immunization and boosting with Type II collagen; groups of mice were treated orally twice daily with either ibuprofen or proteases, or were left untreated. After 2 weeks, joints were scored for clinical, radiographic, and histologic changes. In addition, we measured serum levels of IgG anti-collagen II, the glycosylation of circulating total and anti-collagen II IgG, and cytokine production by lymphocytes isolated from lymph nodes. RESULTS: Amelioration of joint inflammation, and accentuation of a prototypical Th2 cytokine (interleukin 5) were similar in the ibuprofen and protease treatment groups. However, protease treatment protects and preserves articular cartilage, normalizes the sialylation of IgG and anti-collagen antibody, and fully restores Th1 (interferon-gamma) synthesis, distinct from ibuprofen. CONCLUSION: Protease therapy has antiinflammatory efficacy in the early (inflammatory) phase of collagen induced arthritis, similar to ibuprofen. The immunomodulatory effects of proteases, not seen with ibuprofen, may underlie a correction of aberrant IgG glycosylation and/or contribute to the increased capacity of protease to delay or forestall erosive and destructive arthritis or ankylosis. Similar effects may apply to spontaneous RA in humans.
Influence of suckling on tubulin-dependent GTPase activity in the anterior pituitary lobe of the lactating rat.

A GTPase assay was employed to determine the relative proportions of the enzymatic activity in soluble and polymerized tubulin pools in the anterior pituitary lobe of the lactating rat. The GTPase activity in the tubulin fractions was estimated in 25-50 micrograms protein using [gamma-32P]GTP. The liberation of inorganic phosphate (Pi) was proportional to the protein concentration with either of the tubulin fractions. The enzymatic activity appeared to reach equilibrium by 1 min. Antitubulin antibodies inhibited the enzymatic activity in a concentration-dependent manner in both the tubulin fractions; at a final dilution of 1:2000 the antibody maximally inhibited the enzyme activity in both the tubulin fractions by 39-44%. After establishing the optimal conditions for the GTPase assay, the effect of suckling on pituitary GTPase activity was studied. Soluble and polymerized tubulin fractions were prepared from anterior pituitaries obtained from lactating rats killed after suckling for 30, 60, and 90 min; GT...
What is a multicomponent signal

Multicomponent signals, which produce delineated concentrations in the time-frequency plane, are common in nature, human speech being a prime example. An explanation of what types of signals are multicomponent is presented. The idea is generalized to time-scale. The recognition of multicomponent signals is considered. >
Local as view information integration in the Semantic Model approach

The problem of large-scale, decentralized data sharing, which is relevant for a wide range of applications, is still a source of major theoretical and practical challenges in spite of many years of sustained research. The Semantic-Model approach to information integration was introduced recently. In this approach, the mediator schema is a simple ontological view of the sources' data, consisting of a collection of binary relations. This paper extends query processing and optimization in the Semantic Model approach with local-as-view (LAV) mappings. It has been argued that local-as-view is the approach of choice for information integration applications, providing significant flexibility and better query optimization opportunities. We will concentrate on XML information sources, provide relational-to-XML mappings to describe source contents in terms of the mediator schema, and present query processing and optimization algorithms for this framework.
The effects of aging on hypoglossal motoneurons in rats.

Aging can result in a loss of neuronal cell bodies and a decrease in neuronal size in some regions of the brain and spinal cord. Motoneuron loss in the spinal cord is thought to contribute to the progressive decline in muscle mass and strength that occurs with age (sarcopenia). Swallowing disorders represent a large clinical problem in elderly persons; however, age-related alterations in cranial motoneurons that innervate muscles involved in swallowing have been understudied. We aimed to determine if age-related alterations occurred in the hypoglossal nucleus in the brainstem. If present, these changes might help explain alterations at the neuromuscular junction and changes in the contractile properties of tongue muscle that have been reported in older rats. We hypothesized that with increasing age, there would be a loss of motoneurons and a reduction in neuronal size and the number of primary dendrites associated with each hypoglossal motoneuron. Neurons in the hypoglossal nucleus were visualized with the neuronal marker NeuN in young (9–10 months), middle-aged (24–25 months), and old (32–33 months) male F344/BN rats. Hypoglossal motoneurons were retrograde labeled with injections of Cholera Toxin β into the genioglossus muscle of the tongue and visualized using immunocytochemistry. Results indicated that the number of primary dendrites of hypoglossal motoneurons decreased significantly with age, while no age-associated changes were found in the number or size of hypoglossal motoneurons. Loss of primary dendrites could reduce the number of synaptic inputs and thereby impair function.
Dissociations in Performance on Novel Versus Irregular Items: Single-Route Demonstrations With Input Gain in Localist and Distributed Models

Four pairs of connectionist simulations are presented in which quasi-regular mappings are computed using localist and distributed representations. In each simulation, a control parameter termed input gain was modulated over the only level of representation that mapped inputs to outputs. Input gain caused both localist and distributed models to shift between regularity-based and item-based modes of processing. Performance on irregular items was selectively impaired in the regularity-based modes, whereas performance on novel items was selectively impaired in the item-based modes. Thus, the models exhibited double dissociations without separable processing components. These results are discussed in the context of analogous dissociations found in language domains such as word reading and inflectional morphology.
Management of hand-foot syndrome in patients treated with capecitabine (Xeloda®)

Summary Comparative trials of capecitabine (Xeloda ® ) versus 5-FU/LV in metastatic colorectal cancer have shown that hand-foot syndrome (HFS) was the only clinical adverse event occurring more frequently with capecitabine. Most patients with HFS present with dysesthesia, usually with a tingling sensation in the palms and soles of the hands and feet. This can progress in 3–4 days to burning pain plus well-defined symmetric swelling and erythema. The hands tend to be more commonly affected than the feet, and might even be the only area affected in some patients. HFS can interfere with the general activities of daily living, especially when blistering, moist desquamation, severe pain or ulceration occurs. While HFS is manageable, if ignored it can progress rapidly. However, dose interruption and reduction of capecitabine usually leads to a rapid reversal of signs and symptoms without long-term consequences. Nurses play a key role in educating patients how to recognise HFS, when to interrupt treatment and how to adjust the dose to maintain effective therapy with capecitabine over the long term. It is particularly important that patients and nurses are aware that dose interruption/reduction does not affect the overall antitumour efficacy of capecitabine.
Agency Law, Fiduciary Duties, and Hotel Management Contracts

A series of recent court cases have given hotel owners the power (although not necessarily the right) to terminate hotel management contracts, with or without cause. The courts have also affirmed t...
A new neural network for articulatory speech recognition and its application to vowel identification

Abstract A system for automatic speech recognition (ASR) based on a new neural network design and a theory of articulatory phonology is presented. This system operates in two stages. In the first, speech acoustics are mapped by a neural network onto the movements of the tongue and lips that produced those acoustics (the neural networks are trained on X-ray microbeam recordings of actual articulatory movements); in the second stage, gestures are recovered from those movements. The neural network is built around a new objective function, Correlational + Scaling Error (COSE). When compared to a traditional neural network system, the COSE system trains faster, produces output which better represents the shape of the articulatory movements, and yields higher recognition rates for vowel gestures. After training on two speakers, recognition rates up to 96% for tokens from the training set and 87% for tokens spoken by a novel speaker were achieved.
CMC in language teacher education: learning with and through instructional conversations

Abstract As the popularity of computer mediated communication (CMC) in language teaching continues to grow, questions regarding best practices arise. Whereas a number of recent studies have examined the online discourse of language learners, few have explored the potential of online instructional conversations for language teacher education. This paper discusses CMC as a venue where language teachers in development can explore instructional conversations while they are actively guided via models, practice, and analysis to understand and make good use of the affordances of CMC (Meskill and Anthony 2007a,b). Samples from online professional development for language educators illustrate the potential of CMC in serving teacher learning. The power and diversity of CMC to support development of language educators is presented via uses in (1) modeling online instructional conversations; (2) analyzing online instructional conversations; (3) experimenting with instructional conversations in blended environments; (...
Analysis of a discrete-time G/sup (X)//D/1-S queueing system with applications in packet-switching systems

The authors present and solve a discrete-time G/sup (X)//D/1-S queuing system with a finite queue size and batch arrivals with a general batch size distribution. The motivation for this model arises from performance modeling of a statistical multiplexer with synchronous transmission of fixed-size data units in synchronous time slots. The arrival process to the multiplexer, for example, may originate from a number of independent sources with packets of variable lengths. Hence, a packet arrival corresponds to an arrival of a batch of data units. Different performance measures such as percentage of packet loss and data-unit loss are considered under two different admission policies of packets into the queue. >
C. elegans G Protein Regulator RGS-3 Controls Sensitivity to Sensory Stimuli

SUMMARY Signal transduction through heterotrimeric G proteins is critical for sensory response across species. Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are negative regulators of signal transduction.HereinwedescribearoleforC.elegans RGS-3 in the regulation of sensory behaviors. rgs-3 mutant animals fail to respond to intense sensory stimuli but respond normally to low concentrations of specific odorants. We find that loss of RGS-3 leads to aberrantly increased G protein-coupled calcium signaling but decreased synaptic output, ultimately leading to behavioral defects. Thus, rgs-3 responses are restored by decreasing G protein-coupled signal transduction, either genetically or by exogenous dopamine, by expressing a calcium-binding protein to buffer calcium levels in sensory neurons or by enhancing glutamatergic synaptic transmission from sensory neurons. Therefore, while RGS proteins generally act to downregulatesignaling,lossofaspecificRGSprotein in sensory neurons can lead to defective responses to external stimuli.
Synthesis and characterization of functionalized polymer latex particles through a designed semicontinuous emulsion polymerization process

Monodispersed noncarboxylated and car- boxylated poly(n-butyl methacrylate-co-n-butyl acrylate) la- tices were synthesized with a well-defined semicontinuous emulsion polymerization process. A modified theory to cor- relate the polymerization rate to the instantaneous conver- sion of the monomer or comonomer mixture was developed. The resulting equation was used to determine the maximum polymerization rate only below or equal to which the poly- merization could be operated in the highly monomer- starved regime, which corresponded to an instantaneous conversion of 90% or greater. Experimental data from reac- tion calorimetry supported that the polymerization was un- der highly monomer-starved conditions when the model latices were synthesized with the modified model. The esti- mation of the average number of free radicals per latex particle(n ) during the feeding stage revealed that n was as high as 1.4 in the actual polymerization, which showed that the original selection of 0.5 as the n value was not accurate in the developed model. From the conductimetric titration experiments, we found that most of the carboxyl groups from the methacrylic acid (MAA) were buried inside the latex particles, and the surface carboxyl group coverage increased as the MAA concentration in the comonomer feed increased. The glass-transition temperatures of the synthe- sized polymers were close to the designed value from the Pochan equation, and only one glass transition was ob- served in the polymer samples in the differential scanning calorimetry measurements, indicating a homogeneous co- polymer composition in the functionalized shell. Particle size characterization and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the uniformity in the latex particle size. © 2005
Paths, Events and Strategic Choices: The Evolution of American State Legislatures

American state legislatures have evolved dramatically throughout their history (Squire and Hamm 2005). In particular, the structures, rules and procedures governing the operations legislatures have changed significantly over the course of the 20th and 21st Centuries (Hamm, Hedlund and Martorano 2001, 2006; Martorano 2006). The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework for studying the development and evolution of American state legislatures.
Further Developments of Sinai’s Ideas: The Boltzmann–Sinai Hypothesis

In this chapter we present a brief survey of the rich and manifold developments of Sinai’s ideas, dating back to 1963, concerning his exact mathematical formulation of Boltzmann’s original ergodic hypothesis. These developments eventually lead to the 2013 proof of the so called “Boltzmann-Sinai Ergodic Hypothesis”.
Son Sann, Six Decades of Leadership for Cambodia

Son Sann was a political leader that shaped the history of Cambodia from 1935 to 1995. He assumed unique leadership positions, including as Prime Minister and leader of the non-communist resistance against the murderous Khmer Rouge and Vietnam’s occupation. He saw at very early stage the threat of Communism and tried to navigate the country out of decades of cold war, building national coalitions to balance geopolitical interests of dominant foreign powers. A patriot at heart, he set forth a democratic base for the country, while demonstrating moral authority and humility as a public servant in his fight against corruption.
Electrical Characterization of Silicon With Buried Defects

Depth-dependent electrical characterization of epitaxial silicon extrinsically gettered with intentionally introduced misfit dislocations is described. To study the effect of buried defects on minority carrier lifetime, a modified Zerbst analysis of the MOS capacitance vs. time response was used to determine generation lifetime as a function of space charge region width. In addition, SEMEBIC imaging at different electron beam energies and EBIC imaging of cross-sections were used to investigate the depth-dependent electrical behavior of these materials.
EFFECTS OF ACENAPHTHENE ON NUCLEAR DIVISION OF BASIDIOBOLUS RANARUM

The effects of acenaphthene on nuclear division of Basidiobolus ranarum are described and illustrated. The time required for metaphase and anaphase was significantly longer and the protoplast under...
The Universality of American Management Philosophy

Focuses on the applicability of the business management philosophy of the United States (U.S.) in South America. Background on the U.S. philosophy of management; Description of the manager's decisi...