cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The work group manager's role in developing computing infrastructure

Much of the literature about the management of computing has focused on the role of computing professionals and upper level managers. We are interested in the managers of groups which use computing to support their work, for whom computer use and computing management are only adjuncts to other duties. Even when managers do not personally have high levels of computing skills or even interest in computing, they must manage the use of computing in their workplaces and provide informal continuing support for employees' use of computers. In this paper, we describe two work groups in which different management styles have shaped the integration of new computing systems. We find that the way in which these managers approach computing problems is substantially similar to their approach to non-computing aspects of the workplace. We also find the effects of the manager's approach to be more subtle and complex than “user involvement” studies have indicated. We found that managers of more dynamic computerization projects involve their subordinates in the design of work, not just the design of systems. And they help build the infrastructure of their work groups, as well as an infrastructure for computing.
The use of synthetic genes for the expression of ciliate proteins in heterologous systems

Abstract The common fish parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, expresses abundant glycosylated phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane proteins known as immobilization antigens, or i-antigens. These proteins are targets of the host immune response, and have been identified as potential candidates for recombinant subunit vaccine development. Nevertheless, because Ichthyophthirius utilizes a non-standard genetic code, expression of the corresponding gene products, either as subunit antigens in conventional protein expression systems, or as vector-encoded antigens in the case of DNA vaccines, is far from straightforward. To overcome this problem, we utilized ‘assembly polymerase chain reaction’ to manufacture synthetic versions of two genes (designated IAG52A[G5/CC] and IAG52B[G5/CC]) encoding ∼52/55 kDa i-antigens from parasite strain G5. This approach made it possible to eliminate unwanted stop codons and substitute the preferred codon usage of channel catfish for the native sequences of the genes. To determine whether the synthetic alleles could be expressed in cells that use the standard genetic code, we introduced IAG52A[G5/CC] into a variety of heterologous cell types and tested for expression either by immunofluorescence light microscopy or Western blotting. When cloned downstream of appropriate promoters, IAG52A[G5/CC] was expressed in Escherichia coli, mammalian COS-7 cells, and channel catfish where it elicited antigen-specific immune responses. Interestingly, the localization pattern of the corresponding gene product in COS-7 cells indicated that while the protein was correctly folded, it was not present on the cell membrane, suggesting that the signal peptides required for GPI-anchor addition differ in ciliate and mammalian systems. Construction of synthetic alleles should have practical utility in the development of vaccines against Ichthyophthirius, and at the same time, provide a general method for the expression of ciliate genes in heterologous systems.
Abnormalities of basophil “releasability” in atopic and asthmatic individuals

47. Pandey JP, Ambroscht F, Fudenberg HH, Staniki G, Wiedermann G. Immunoglobulin allotypes and immune response to meningococcal polysaccharides A and C. J Immunogenet 1982;9:25-9. 48. Salier JP, Goust JM, Pandey JP, Fudenberg HH. Preferential synthesis of the Glm(l) allotype of IgGl in the central nervous system of multiple sclerosis patients. Science 1981;213: 1400. 49. Wilcox H, Marsh D. Genetic regulation of antibody heterogeneity. Immunogenetics 1978;6:209. 50. Blumenthal MN, Yunis E, Gleich G, et al. Lack of association of the immune response to ragweed antigen E, Ra3 and Ra5 with the HLA system. J Immunogenet 1981;8:379-86. 51. Marsh D, Hsu SH, Roebber M, et al. HLA-Dw2-A genetic marker for human immune response to short ragweed allergen RAS: I. Response resulting primarily from natural antigenic exposure. J Exp Med 1982;155:1439-51. 52. Coulter KM, Dorval G, Yang WH, Drouin MA, Del Carpio J, Goodfriend L. Presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Chicago, February 1985. 53. Marsh D, Meyers D, Freidhoff L, et al. HLA-Dw2-A genetic marker for human immune response to short ragweed allergen RAS. II. Response after ragweed immunotherapy. J Exp Med 1982;155:1452-63. 54. Levine B, Stember R, Fotino M. Ragweed hay fever: genetic control and linkagae to HL-A haplotypes. Science 1972; 178:1201. 55. Blumenthal M, Amos D, Noreen H, Mendell N, Yunis E. Genetic mapping of Ir locus in man: linkage to second locus of HL-A. Science 1974;184:1301. 56. Mendell NR, Blumenthal MN, Amos DB, Yunis EJ, Elston RC. Ragweed sensitivity: segregation analysis and linkage to HLA-B. Cytogenetics 1978;22:330-4. 57. Blumenthal MN, Yunis EJ, Mendell NR, Amos B. HLA and ragweed allergy. Monogr Allergy 1977; 11:83-8. 58. Awdeh ZL, Raum D, Yunis EJ, Alper CA. Extended HLA/complement allele haplotypes: evidence for T/t-like complex in man. Proc Nat1 Acad Sci USA 1983;80:259-63. 59. Alper CA, Awdeh ZL, Raum DD, Yunis EJ. Extended major histocompatibility complex haplotypes in man: role of alleles analogous to murine t mutants. Clin Immunol Immunopathol 1982;24:276-85.
Differential effects of focused and unfocused written correction on the accurate use of grammatical forms by adult ESL learners

Abstract Building on Sheen’s (2007) study of the effects of written corrective feedback (CF) on the acquisition of English articles, this article investigated whether direct focused CF, direct unfocused CF and writing practice alone produced differential effects on the accurate use of grammatical forms by adult ESL learners. Using six intact adult ESL intermediate classes totaling 80 students, four groups were formed: Focused Written CF group (FG, n = 22), Unfocused Written CF group (UG, n = 23), Writing Practice Group (WPG, n = 16) and Control Group (CG, n = 19). A series of ANOVAs with post-hoc comparisons indicated that all three experimental groups (FG, UG and WPG) gained in grammatical accuracy over time in all the posttests. This suggested that doing writing tasks is of value by itself. The FG achieved the highest accuracy gain scores for both articles and the other four grammatical structures (i.e., copular ‘be’, regular past tense, irregular past tense and preposition), followed by, in order, the WPG, UG and CG. Overall, these results suggested that unfocused CF is of limited pedagogical value whereas focused CF can contribute to grammatical accuracy in L2 writing.
Protein-protein interactions in the assembly of Shigella flexneri invasion plasmid antigens IpaB and IpaC into protein complexes

Abstract Shigella flexneri is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen that invades human colonic epithelial cells by a process called pathogen-induced phagocytosis. Pathogen entry requires three virulence plasmid-encoded proteins called invasion plasmid antigens (Ipa) B, C and D which are secreted upon bacterial contact with a host cell. Following their secretion, IpaB and IpaC are found within a complex of proteins that may also contain IpaA and IpaD. Previous work has shown that exogenously added recombinant IpaC is sufficient for promoting the uptake of S. flexneri in gentamicin-protection assays. It is shown here that purified recombinant Ipa proteins can also be used to investigate the formation of Ipa protein complexes in vitro. The protein-protein contacts involved in the formation of Ipa complexes appear to include previously undescribed IpaC-IpaC interactions in addition to a strong association between IpaB and IpaC. IpaD does not appear to interact with either IpaB or IpaC in vitro although it is possible that recombinant IpaD forms homodimers that are stabilized by disulfide bridges involving this protein’s single cysteine residue. This investigation represents the first characterization of the biochemistry of Ipa complex assembly.
A Built-in Self-test and Diagnosis Strategy for Chemically Assembled Electronic Nanotechnology

Chemically assembled electronic nanotechnology (CAEN) is under intense investigation as a possible alternative or complement to CMOS-based computing. CAEN is a form of molecular electronics that uses directed self-assembly and self-alignment to construct electronic circuits from nanometer-scale devices that exploit quantum-mechanical effects. Although expected to have densities greater than 108 gate-equivalents/cm2, CAEN-based systems may possibly exhibit defect densities of up to 10%. The highly defective CAEN circuits will therefore require a completely new approach to manufacturing computational devices. In order to achieve any level of significant yield, it will no longer be possible to discard a device once a defect is found. Instead, a method of using defective chips must be devised. A testing strategy is developed for chemically assembled electronic nanotechnology (CAEN) that takes advantage of reconfigurability to achieve 100% fault coverage and nearly 100% diagnostic accuracy. This strategy is particularly suited for regular architectures with high defect densities.
On finding switching times in time optimal control systems

A system of non-linear algebraic equations is found which yields the switching times for the time optimal bang-bang control to the linear system [xdot] = Ax + bu. These equations can also yield switching curves in some instances.
Persistent chemoneuropathy in patients receiving the plant alkaloids paclitaxel and vincristine.

Purpose Chemoneuropathy remains a painful, burdensome complication of cancer treatment for patients receiving a range of chemotherapeutics, yet the cause and persistence of this condition are not fully documented. This study was designed to quantify the longevity of and contributions to neuropathy following treatment with the plant alkaloids paclitaxel and vincristine.
The macrophytic community of an acidic lake in adirondack (New York, U.S.A.): A new depth record for aquatic angiosperms

Abstract The submerged vegetation of Silver Lake (Herkimer County, NY, U.S.A.) was extensively surveyed to help to determine the effects of low pH on aquatic biota. This extra-ordinarily clear lake (Secchi disk > 18 m, the maximum depth of the lake), was low in conductivity (27 μS cm−1), pH (4.8) chlorophyllα (0.11 μg l[−1), and total phosphorus ( The vegetation was dominated, in terms of percentage of the total plant community, by Utricularia spp. (47%), Sphagnum spp. (23%), and Eriocaulon septangulare With. (17%). Distinct depth zonation was evident, with U. geminiscapa Benj. extending to the deepest part of the lake (18 m). This represents a new maximum depth penetration for aquatic angiosperms. The mechanisms by which angiosperms are limited in depth-distribution are discussed. It is concluded that single factor theories, those which ascribe the maximum depth of penetration to a single variable (e.g., light, temperature, hydrostatic pressure), are all deficient, and that the actual limitation is brought about by a combination of factors.
Heat shock protein inhibitors increase the efficacy of measles virotherapy

Oncolytic measles virus strains have activity against multiple tumor types and are currently in phase I clinical testing. Induction of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) constitutes one of the earliest changes in cellular gene expression following infection with RNA viruses including measles virus, and HSP70 upregulation induced by heat shock has been shown to result in increased measles virus cytotoxicity. HSP90 inhibitors such as geldanamycin (GA) or 17-allylaminogeldanamycin result in pharmacologic upregulation of HSP70 and they are currently in clinical testing as cancer therapeutics. We therefore investigated the hypothesis that heat shock protein inhibitors could augment the measles virus-induced cytopathic effect. We tested the combination of a measles virus derivative expressing soluble human carcinoembryonic antigen (MV-CEA) and GA in MDA-MB-231 (breast), SKOV3.IP (ovarian) and TE671 (rhabdomyosarcoma) cancer cell lines. Optimal synergy was accomplished when GA treatment was initiated 6-24 h following MV infection. Western immunoblotting confirmed HSP70 upregulation in combination-treated cells. Combination treatment resulted in statistically significant increase in syncytia formation as compared to MV-CEA infection alone. Clonogenic assays demonstrated significant decrease in tumor colony formation in MV-CEA/GA combination-treated cells. In addition there was increase in apoptosis by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. Western immunoblotting for caspase-9, caspase-8, caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) demonstrated increase in cleaved caspase-8 and PARP. The pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK and caspase-8 inhibitor Z-IETD-FMK, but not the caspase-9 inhibitor Z-IEHD-FMK, protected tumor cells from MV-CEA/GA-induced PARP activation, indicating that apoptosis in combination-treated cells occurs mainly via the extrinsic caspase pathway. Treatment of normal cells, such as normal human fibroblasts, however, with the MV-CEA/GA combination, did not result in cytopathic effect, indicating that GA did not alter the MV-CEA specificity for tumor cells. One-step viral growth curves, western immunoblotting for MV-N protein expression, QRT-PCR quantitation of MV-genome copy number and CEA levels showed comparable proliferation of MV-CEA in GA-treated vs -untreated tumor cells. Rho activation assays and western blot for total RhoA, a GTPase associated with the actin cytoskeleton, demonstrated decrease in RhoA activation in combination-treated cells, a change previously shown to be associated with increase in paramyxovirus-induced cell-cell fusion. The enhanced cytopathic effect resulting from measles virus/GA combination supports the translational potential of this approach in the treatment of cancer.
N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) Precursors Leach from Nanofiltration Membranes

Membrane filtration processes have been widely used as effective means of providing safe and reliable water for both potable and nonpotable purposes. In our laboratory, we have observed that N-nitr...
A backwards error analysis approach for simulation and control of nonsmooth mechanical systems

This paper presents an original structured integration scheme for Lagrangian systems undergoing elastic impacts due to unilateral constraints. In deriving the method, a backwards error analysis approach establishes a discrete time conservation law for impacts using the notion of a modified system Hamiltonian. Shortcomings of existing simulation methods that do not use this conservation law are demonstrated both analytically and in simulation. Relative to these methods, our scheme provides advantages in terms of discrete time energy behavior, accuracy of trajectories, and consistent order of accuracy of the method.
Pedagogy for Global Perspectives in Education: Studies of Teachers' Thinking and Practice

Abstract As Americans come to understand the effects of globalization, there is increasing concern that schools today are not adequately preparing students for our interdependent world. Although much has been written about the need to infuse global perspectives in education so that students will understand and benefit from the increasing interconnectedness of the world's cultures, economies, and political relationships, few scholars have studied the actual practice of social studies teachers as they teach global perspectives or tried to understand the contexts of their instructional decisions. In this article multiple perspectives on current classroom practice in global education are examined, including those of master teachers considered the best global educators in their school districts, practicing teachers who have recently completed their first formal instruction in global education, and preservice teachers who are beginning to teach globally-oriented social studies as part of their certification pro...
Expression and stabilization of bacterial luciferase in mammalian cells

Current mammalian bioreporters using either firefly luciferase (luc) or GFP constructs require lysis and/or exogenous excitation to evoke a measurable response. Consequently, these cells cannot serve as continuous, on-line monitoring devices for in vivo imaging. Bacterial luciferase, lux, produces a photonic reaction that is cyclic, resulting in autonomous signal generation without the requirement for exogenous substrates or external activation. Therefore, lux-based bioluminescent bioreporters are the only truly autonomous light-generating sensors in existence. Unfortunately, the bacterial lux system has not yet been efficiently expressed in mammalian cells. In this research, three approaches for optimal expression of the a and b subunits of the bacterial luciferase protein were compared and reporter signal stability was evaluated from stably transfected human embryonic kidney cells. Maximum light levels were obtained from cells expressing the luciferase subunits linked with an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). Cells harboring this construct produced bioluminescence equaling 2.6 X 106 photons/sec compared to 7.2 X 104 photons/sec obtained from cells expressing the luciferase from a dual promoter vector and 3.5 X 104 photons/sec from a Lux fusion protein. Furthermore, the bioluminescence levels remained stable for more than forty cell passages (5 months) in the absence of antibiotic selection. After this time, bioluminescence signals dropped at a rate of approximately 5% per cell passage. These data indicate that mammalian cell lines can be engineered to efficiently express the bacterial lux system, thus lending themselves to possible long-term continuous monitoring or imaging applications in vivo.
Chronic liver disease in children on long‐term parenteral nutrition

Use of long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is often presumed to be associated with serious hepatic dysfunction. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the complete charts of patients who had received TPN for more than 2.5 years, starting in infancy or childhood, for evidence of liver dysfunction. There were 16 male and 10 female patients with a total of 254.5 patient years on TPN. Seventeen patients have been on TPN since birth or early infancy. Thirteen of 26 patients derive ≥90% of their calorie intake from TPN. Six patients had hepatomegaly ; two of them also had splenomegaly. Twenty-one patients had normal transaminases, nine have had past episodes of raised enzymes ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 times normal. Seventeen patients always had normal bilirubin levels, five had past episodes of hyperbilirubinaemia, while four patients had persistently raised bilirubin levels (range 1.5-20.7 g/dL). Alkaline phosphatase was normal for age in all patients except two. Hepatic synthetic function, as measured by albumin, pre-albumin levels and prothrombin time, was within the normal range in all patients except one. Liver biopsies were performed in eight patients. Two biopsies showed cirrhosis, one showed chronic active hepatitis (CAH) with cholestasis, two patients had fibrosis, one showed cholestasis and two biopsies were normal. One patient with cirrhosis and one with CAH were positive for hepatitis C antibody. Another asymptomatic patient was positive for hepatitis B. Only the patient with CAH had hepatic decompensation. We conclude that clinical hepatic failure is uncommon in our group of patients on long-term TPN for 2.5 years or more. Cirrhosis and fibrosis, when found, could not be solely attributed to TPN.
The reported crater-producing meteoritic fall of 1947 February 12 in Eastern Siberia

In recent issues of these Contributions, certain Russian news releases concerning the fall of crater-producing meteorites in the Ussuri Taiga in eastern Siberia, on 1947 February 12, are quoted or abstracted. It is the purpose of this paper to record other Russian news items concerning this fall, and to point out the existence of internal inconsistencies in all such news reports; also surprising discrepancies, on the one hand, between them and the information on the Ussuri fall published by Russian meteoriticists, and, on the other hand, between them and the numerous concordant reports relating to the great Podkamennaya Tunguska, Siberia (± 1019,609), fall of 1908 June 30. A summary of the information on the Ussuri fall given in recent important papers by E. L. Krinov is presented, and attention is called to a program for the translation of Russian papers, such as Krinov's, on meteoritics, initiated in 1934–35 at the Ohio State University, by Dr. A. G. Wiens and the writer, and now resumed at the Institute of Meteoritics of the University of New Mexico by the writer, in cooperation with Dr. Alexander W. Boldyreff.
Effects of dietary components on gi absorption of acetaminophen tablets in man

Various high carbohydrate, high protein, and high lipid test meals were administered concurrently with acetaminophen tablets to human subjects to study the effects of foods on GI absorption of this drug. Balanced test meals and a fasting condition were also employed. An indication of the rate and extent of drug absorption was obtained by measuring urinary excretion at 1.5-hr. intervals over a 9-hr. period. The initial rate of excretion of acetaminophen and its metabolites was significantly reduced with a majority of the carbohydrate test meals. High protein, high lipid, or balanced meals appeared to have no statistically significant effect, while the fasting condition showed only a trend toward initially higher excretion values. The cumulative amounts of total acetaminophen and metabolites excreted in the urine at the end of 9 hr. showed little difference among test meals. The apparent inhibition of acetaminophen absorption by carbohydrate test meals could be partially attributed to an interaction with pectin in some cases.
The era of the device in ischemic stroke.

Certain devices have already received HDEs for stroke prevention, whereas others are in safety and efficacy trials for stroke prevention, acute treatment, and rehabilitation of ischemic stroke. Their uniquely targeted treatment approach brings stroke therapy into a new era.
Parallel Machine Selection and Job Scheduling to Minimize Sum of Machine Holding Cost, Total Machine Time Costs, and Total Tardiness Costs

This paper is concerned with scheduling of a set of single-operation tasks on a set of parallel machines where subcontracting is allowed. The objective is to choose a subset of machines/subcontractors from a set of available machines/subcontractors to perform all jobs to minimize sum of several costs. Processing time of jobs is assumed to be equal. Lower and upper bound for number of jobs assigned to a machine/subcontractor is considered. We first present a comprehensive survey of applications and models. We show special case of the problem when lower bound for number of jobs assigned to each machine/subcontractor is equal to zero is equivalent to single-sink fixed-charge transportation problem (SSFCT). This proves NP-hardness of the problem. Efficient dynamic programming algorithm for this special case is presented. Complicating issues regarding the general case with nonzero lower bounds for number of jobs assigned to machines/subcontractors is discussed. We transfer the general problem to multiple choice knapsack problem (MCKP) that can be solved efficiently using available algorithms. Several new problems are introduced. Complexity of each problem is resolved. Transformation to MCKP is provided that allows available algorithms to solve the problems. The main contribution of this paper is to establish theoretical results regarding the solution of these difficult problems.
Ignition of non-premixed C3–C12 n-alkane flames

Abstract Ignition temperatures of non-premixed C 3 and C 5 –C 12 n -alkane flames were determined in the counterflow configuration at atmospheric pressure, a free-stream fuel/N 2 mixture temperature of 448 K, a local strain rate of 140 s −1 , and fuel mole fractions ranging from 1% to 12% in the fuel stream. The strain rate was measured on the fuel side using Laser Doppler Velocimetry. Simulations of the experiments were performed using the recently developed JetSurF 1.0 reaction model consisting of 194 species and 1459 reactions. In both experiments and simulations, the ignition temperatures of all n -alkane flames were found to decrease with increasing fuel concentration. The computed ignition temperatures are in close agreement with the experimental data for all C 5 –C 12 n -alkanes, while for propane flames the data are slightly over-predicted. Detailed sensitivity analyses on both reaction rates and binary diffusion coefficients were performed, and the ignition temperature was determined to be sensitive both to fuel diffusion and the H 2 /CO and small hydrocarbon kinetics. The dependence of the ignition temperature on the fuel molecular weight was determined to differ at low and high fuel mole fractions, due to the competition between the fuel reactivity and diffusive transport.
Model for Bending Actuators That Use Electrostrictive Graft Elastomers

Recently, it was reported that an electrostrictive graft elastomer exhibits large electric field-induced strain (4 percent). Combined with its high mechanical modulus, the elastomer can offer very promising electromechanical properties, in terms of output mechanical energy density, for an electroactive polymeric material. Therefore, it has been considered as one of the candidates that can be used in high performance, low mass actuation devices in many aerospace applications. Various bi-layer- based bending actuators have been designed and fabricated. An analytic model based on beam theory in the strength of materials has been derived for the transverse deflection, or curvature, and the longitudinal strain of the bi-layer beam. The curvature and strain are functions of the applied voltage and the thickness, width, and Young s modulus of the active and passive layers. The model can be used to optimize the performance of electrostrictive graft elastomer-based actuators to meet the requirements of various applications. In this presentation, optimization and sensitivity studies are applied to the bending performance of such actuators.
Mechanisms of Excimer Laser induced Positive Ion Emission From Ionic Crystals

The penetration of energetic pulsed ablation plumes through ambient gases is experimentally characterized to investigate a general phenomenon believed to be important to film growth by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Under typical PLD conditions involving background gases, the ion flux in the ablation plume is observed to split into distinct fast and slow components over a limited range of distances1,2 the fast component is transmitted with near-initial velocities and high kinetic energies, potentially damaging to growing films at these distances. Formation of the second, significantly-slowed component correlates with the bright contact front3 formation observed1,4 in fast ICCD imaging studies. This general effect is explored in detail for the case of yttrium ablation into argon, a single-element target into an inert gas.5 Time-resolved optical absorption spectroscopy and optical emission spectroscopy are employed to simultaneously view the populations of both excited and ground states of Y and Y+ for comparison with quantitative intensified-CCD photography of the visible plume luminescence and ion flux measurements made with fast ion probes during this phenomenon. these measurements confirm that, in addition to the bright significantly-slowed front which has been described by shock or drag propagation models1, a fast-component of target material is transmitted to extended distances for some ambient pressures with near-initial velocities.
A Numerical Study of the Hydrodynamics of Reversing Flows Around a Cylinder

A numerical study of the nonlinear and random behavior of flow-induced forces on offshore structures and experimental verification of the results are presented. The numerical study is based on a finite-element method for the unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in two dimensions. The momentum equations combined with a pressure correction equation are solved employing fourth-order artificial dissipation with a nonstaggered grid, instead of the more commonly used staggered meshes. The solution is advanced in time with a combined explicit and implicit marching scheme. Emphasis is placed on study of reversing flows around a cylinder. Comparisons with experimental data evaluate accuracy and robustness of the method.
The relative effectiveness of four strategies for teaching mathematical concepts

It is conceivable that the relative efficacy of various strategies depends on such factors as the nature of the concept to be taught, the nature of the students to whom the concept is to be taught, the depth of understanding desired, and the time available, among other factors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relative efficacy of four such strategies for promoting three levels of understanding of mathematical concepts.
A system for multiple unit recording during avoidance behavior of the rabbit.

Abstract This paper describes a system for recording multiple-unit activity during avoidance conditioning of the rabbit. Three major advantages of the system are emphasized. The first is rapid and reliable single-session acquisition of the avoidance response (wheel rotation). A second advantage is the freedom from movement-related artifact provided by combining the recording and behavioral methods. Finally, the techniques of implantation of electrodes maximized the number of large-amplitude unit recordings that were obtained.
Automated mesh decomposition and concurrent finite element analysis for hypercube multiprocessor computers

Abstract This paper discusses a concurrent finite element formulation for linear and nonlinear transient analysis using an explicit time integration scheme. The formulation has been developed for execution on hypercube multiprocessor computers. The formulation includes a new decomposition algorithm which automatically divides an arbitrary finite element mesh into regions and assigns each region to a processor on the hypercube. The algorithm selects the assignment of regions so as to minimize interprocessor communication and to balance the computational load across the processors. The decomposition algorithm is detetministic in nature and relies on a scheme which reduces the bandwidth of the matrix representation of the connectivities in the mesh. The algorithms have been implemented on a 32-processor Intel hypercube (the iPSC/d5 machine): speedup factors of greater than 31 have been obtained. Performance limitations of the hypercube architecture for finite element analysis are discussed.
HIV-1 gp120 Stimulates proinflammatory cytokine-mediated pain facilitation via activation of nitric oxide synthase-I (nNOS)

It has become clear that spinal cord glia (microglia and astrocytes) importantly contribute to the creation of exaggerated pain responses. One model used to study this is peri-spinal (intrathecal, i.t.) administration of gp120, an envelope protein of HIV-1 known to activate glia. Previous studies demonstrated that i.t. gp120 produces pain facilitation via the release of glial proinflammatory cytokines. The present series of studies tested whether spinal nitric oxide (NO) contributes to i.t. gp120-induced mechanical allodynia and, if so, what effect NO has on spinal proinflammatory cytokines. gp120 stimulation of acutely isolated lumbar dorsal spinal cords released NO as well as proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta (IL1), interleukin-6 (IL6)), thus identifying NO as a candidate mediator of gp120-induced behavioral effects. Behaviorally, identical effects were observed when gp120-induced mechanical allodynia was challenged by i.t. pre-treatment with either a broad-spectrum nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (L-NAME) or 7-NINA, a selective inhibitor of NOS type-I (nNOS). Both abolished gp120-induced mechanical allodynia. While the literature pre-dominantly documents that proinflammatory cytokines stimulate the production of NO rather than the reverse, here we show that gp120-induced NO increases proinflammatory cytokine mRNA levels (RT-PCR) and both protein expression and protein release (serial ELISA). Furthermore, gp120 increases mRNA for IL1 converting enzyme and matrix metalloproteinase-9, enzymes responsible for activation and release of proinflammatory cytokines.
In vitro and in vivo regulation of follicular formation and activation in cattle.

The establishment of a stockpile of non-growing, primordial follicles and its gradual depletion through activation of primordial follicles are essential processes for female fertility. However, the mechanisms that regulate follicle formation, the activation of primordial follicles to begin growth and the primary-to-secondary follicle transition are poorly understood, especially in domestic animals and primates. The authors' laboratory is engaged in studying early stages of follicular development in cattle and this review summarises the progress to date. Bovine follicles begin to form in fetal ovaries around the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy (about Day 90), but the first activated, primary follicles do not appear until after Day 140. Bovine fetal ovaries produce steroids and production is highest during the first trimester. In vitro, oestradiol and progesterone inhibit follicle formation and acquisition by newly formed follicles of the capacity to activate. Meiotic arrest of the oocyte in the diplotene stage of first prophase does not occur until after follicle formation and is correlated with acquisition of the capacity to activate. This may explain the gap between follicle formation and appearance of the first activated follicles. Once capacity to activate has been acquired, it seems likely that activation in vivo is controlled by the balance between stimulators and inhibitors of activation. Insulin and kit ligand stimulate and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) inhibits activation in vitro. Few bovine follicles transition from the primary to the secondary stage in vitro, but this transition is increased by medium supplements, testosterone and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
The new world makeover: AFTERWORD

These were instructions for people who wanted to appear on Extreme Makeover, a programme that ran on the US network ABC from 2002 to 2007. The application performed dual tasks. At one level, it was...
Acidic dissolution of plagioclase: in-situ observations by hydrothermal atomic force microscopy

Hydrothermal atomic force microscopy (HAFM) provides in situ access to the surfaces of dissolving crystals at temperatures above the ambient boiling point of water. Here, we applied HAFM to the (001) surfaces of labradorite and anorthite at temperatures up to 125°C. In HCl solutions (pH 2) we observed the formation of a rough and soft surface layer on both minerals. By applying high loading forces to the scanning tip, the soft layer can be removed and the underlying interface (between the fresh solid and the altered layer) can be observed. In this way, in situ information about the thickness of the altered layer on plagioclase and the morphology of the underlying interface can be obtained. On labradorite, the thickness of this layer does not exceed about 30 nm within the first 5 hr of exposure to acidic solution at 125°C, but on anorthite thicknesses of up to about 300 nm were observed. The uncovered interface on anorthite shows a nonuniform morphology and either appears rough in AFM images or shows a step-like pattern. On anorthite, etch pits spread underneath the altered layer. This suggests that material must be released and transported through the layer without obvious changes in morphology of the layer’s surface. Based on the rate of spreading of etch pits, the dissolution rate was calculated to be about 2 × 10−6 mol m−2 s−1 at 125°C. This value agrees reasonably well with literature data and supports the suggestion that dissolution mainly takes place underneath the altered layer and not on its surface.
Expression of c-fos antisense RNA inhibits the differentiation of F9 cells to parietal endoderm.

Abstract To test the putative role of c-fos in F9 differentiation, we have attempted to inhibit c-fos expression in these cells using an SV40-based expression vector (pSVneo-sof) that programs expression of c-fos antisense (sof) sequences as a 3′ extension of a neo mRNA transcript. Of six G418-resistant clones isolated in transfection experiments, five expressed neo-sof transcripts. Two clones synthesized polyadenylated mRNA of the expected size (3.8 kb), two were smaller than expected, and one was larger. Two clones that expressed reduced levels of c-fos protein were inhibited in the induction of laminin, type IV collagen, and proteoglycan-19 RNA transcripts measured after 4 days of differentiation induction with RA and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Also inhibited was the induction of the differentiation markers, TROMA-1 and TROMA-3. Antisense-expressing cells were not inhibited in the differentiation pathway to visceral endoderm since the α-fetoprotein gene was activated normally. We conclude that c-fos antisense expression inhibits some aspects of differentiation in F9 cells.
Internet-based cognitive rehabilitation in individuals with acquired brain injury: A pilot feasibility study

Primary objective: The goal of the current study was to assess the feasibility of an Internet-based cognitive rehabilitation program for individuals with acquired brain injuries and memory impairment.Methods: Participants were 10 individuals with a history of an acquired brain injury and documented memory impairment. All participants received training in how to use a secure IM system. They were then scheduled to log into the system weekly to participate in online cognitive rehabilitation therapy sessions over the Internet. Treatment focused on training to use a calendar system aimed at improving accuracy and efficiency in home and work tasks. Participants underwent assessment of cognitive function, psychological status, level of functioning and use of compensation techniques both pre- and post-treatment.Results: All participants were able to learn to use the IM system. Only two of the 10 participants missed any planned sessions, despite severe memory impairments.Conclusions: Individuals with a history of ...
Renormalization of the Mobius Volume

We argue that the volumes of certain non-compact groups arising from the Polyakov path integral should be renormalized, yielding finite values. This revolves a minor paradox. We also find a value for the dilaton tadpole which disagrees with that found previously.
High enhancement SERS substrates created using DEP-DLA & annealing Au-W

Techniques of preparing reliable surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates with high enhancement factors (EF) in the range of ×106−109 using dielectrophoresis (DEP) of Au nanoparticles is presented. Diffusion limited aggregation (DLA) of Au NPs, here, gives rise to multi-branched fractal geometry that also incorporates the analyte and results in a large density of hot spots. The second substrate was prepared by annealing a thin film of Au on W to form nanometric structures with Au separated from W by a thin (∼40nm) tungsten oxide layer. The benefit of using DEP-DLA is that it enables controlled assembly of NPs in real time. SERS of thymine and intensive surface studies using AFM and SEM were carried out.
Reduction of spiral ganglion neurons in the aging canine with hearing loss.

Summary The middle and inner ears of 16 dogs, from 1.5 to 17 years of age, with differing degrees of suspected hearing loss were examined. Auditory function was assessed subjectively, and electrophysiologically by recording brainstem auditory-evoked responses (BAER) to click stimuli. Ossicular chains and stapediovestibular articulations were evaluated macroscopically and by light microscopy for evidence of bony ankylosis; no abnormalities were found. A determination of spiral ganglion packing density revealed a loss of spiral ganglion cells in all areas of the cochlea in dogs of the deaf group and in the upper and lower basal region of dogs from the hearing impaired group. The largest losses of spiral ganglion cells in the deaf group were located in the upper and lower basal region. The deaf group's density was reduced to 44 % (upper basal) and 15 % (lower basal) of the normal hearing group. The largest spiral ganglion cell loss for dogs in the hearing impaired group occurred in the lower basal region where the density was reduced to 40 % of the normal hearing group. These morphological findings in the aging canine are consistent with a peripheral nerve hearing loss. Zusammenfassung Verminderung der Neuronen des Ganglion spirale bei alternden Hunden mit Horschaden Bei 16 Hunden im Alter von 1,5 bis 17 Jahren mit offenbar unterschiedlich ausgepragten Horschaden wurde das Mittel- und Innenohr untersucht. Die Horfunktion wurde subjektiv sowie elektrophysiologisch mittels Registrierung der Reaktion des Hirnstamms auf kurze Schallreize beurteilt. Die Anordnung der Gehorknochelchen sowie der Kontakt des Steigbugels mit dem ovalen Fenster wurden makroskopisch untersucht. Fur den Nachweis knocherner Ankylosen wurden lichtmikroskopische Untersuchungen durchgefuhrt. In beiden Fallen ergaben sich keine Veranderungen. Die Bestimmung der Populationsdichte von Nervenzellen im Ganglion spirale ergab bei den tauben Hunden in allen Abschnitten der Cochlea einen Verlust an Ganglienzellen, wahrend dies bei Hunden mit verringertem Horvermogen im Bereich der oberen und unteren Basalregion der Fall war. Die grosten Verluste an Ganglienzellen waren bei den tauben Hunden in der oberen und unteren Basalregion zu verzeichnen. Die Zelldichte war bei der Gruppe der tauben Hunde auf 44 % (obere Basalregion) bzw. 15 % (untere Basalregion) der Gruppe der normal horenden Hunde reduziert. Der groste Verlust an Ganglienzellen war bei den Hunden mit beeintrachtigtem Horvermogen im Bereich der unteren Basalregion festzustellen, wo die Zelldichte auf 40% der normal horenden Hunde vermindert war. Diese morphologischen Befunde beim alternden Hund sprechen fur einen peripheren nervalen Horschaden.
Reproductive Capacity of Dairy Bulls. XI. Puberal Characteristics and Postpuberal Changes in Production of Semen and Sexual Activity of Holstein Bulls Ejaculated Frequently

Abstract Twenty Holstein bulls attained puberty (50×10 6 sperm/ejaculate; 10% motile sperm) at 39±1 wk of age and 295±4kg body weight. Starting at puberty, 10 bulls were ejaculated biweekly to 1 yr and then weekly (1×) to 2 yr of age, and 10 bulls were ejaculated three times weekly (3×) to 1 yr and then six times weekly (6×) to 2 yr of age. All characteristics of semen increased through 77 to 88 wk of age. Between 77 to 88 wk and 89 to 104 wk of age, only volume of ejaculate and total sperm per week increased. Motility of sperm increased only during the first 12 wk after puberty. All seminal traits except motility of sperm differed between l× and 6× bulls. Frequency of ejaculation did not affect the percentage of ejaculates acceptable for freezing or body growth rate. Between 1 and 2 yr of age, 6× bulls yielded 3.3 times more sperm per week and 3.5 times more motile sperm per week than l× bulls. Within frequency of ejaculation, time of reaction to ejaculation did not change between 1 and 2 yr of age, but an average of 40% more time was needed to obtain an ejaculation on 6× than l× (9.4 versus 6.7min). By 13 to 24 wk after puberty, 83% of ejaculates were acceptable for freezing. Thus, Holstein bulls could be sampled in a progeny testing program by 15 mo of age.
Surrogate-Based Optimization of Expensive Flowsheet Modeling for Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Simulation-based optimization is a research area that is currently attracting a lot of attention in many industrial applications, where expensive simulators are used to approximate, design, and optimize real systems. Pharmaceuticals are typical examples of high-cost products which involve expensive processes and raw materials while at the same time must satisfy strict quality regulatory specifications, leading to the formulation of challenging and expensive optimization problems. The main purpose of this work was to develop an efficient strategy for simulation-based design and optimization using surrogates for a pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing process. The proposed approach features surrogate-based optimization using kriging response surface modeling combined with black-box feasibility analysis in order to solve constrained and noisy optimization problems in less computational time. The proposed methodology is used to optimize a direct compaction tablet manufacturing process, where the objective is the minimization of the variability of the final product properties while the constraints ensure that process operation and product quality are within the predefined ranges set by the Food and Drug Administration.
Knowledge Isn’t Closed on Saturday: A Study in Ordinary Language

Recent theories of epistemic contextualism have challenged traditional invariantist positions in epistemology by claiming that the truth conditions of knowledge attributions fluctuate between conversational contexts. Contextualists often garner support for this view by appealing to folk intuitions regarding ordinary knowledge practices. Proposed is an experiment designed to test the descriptive conditions upon which these types of contextualist defenses rely. In the cases tested, the folk pattern of knowledge attribution runs contrary to what contextualism predicts. While preliminary, these data inspire prima facie skepticism for the contextualist hypothesis regarding folk knowledge claims, as well as challenge certain predictions made by recent theories of subject-sensitive invariantism. It is further argued that such results raise methodological questions concerning the practice of relying on an assumption of intuitions, with respect to ordinary language practices, as evidence for philosophical conclusions regarding knowledge.
Distinct Pharmacological Effects of Inhibitors of Signal Peptide Peptidase and γ-Secretase

Signal peptide peptidase (SPP) and γ-secretase are intramembrane aspartyl proteases that bear similar active site motifs but with opposite membrane topologies. Both proteases are inhibited by the same aspartyl protease transition-state analogue inhibitors, further evidence that these two enzymes have the same basic cleavage mechanism. Here we report that helical peptide inhibitors designed to mimic SPP substrates and interact with the SPP initial substrate-binding site (the “docking site”) inhibit both SPP and γ-secretase, but with submicromolar potency for SPP. SPP was labeled by helical peptide and transition-state analogue affinity probes but at distinct sites. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which shift the site of proteolysis by SPP and γ-secretase, did not affect the labeling of SPP or γ-secretase by the helical peptide or transition-state analogue probes. On the other hand, another class of previously reported γ-secretase modulators, naphthyl ketones, inhibited SPP activity as well as selective proteolysis by γ-secretase. These naphthyl ketones significantly disrupted labeling of SPP by the helical peptide probe but did not block labeling of SPP by the transition-state analogue probe. With respect to γ-secretase, the naphthyl ketone modulators allowed labeling by the transition-state analogue probe but not the helical peptide probe. Thus, the naphthyl ketones appear to alter the docking sites of both SPP and γ-secretase. These results indicate that pharmacological effects of the four different classes of inhibitors (transition-state analogues, helical peptides, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and naphthyl ketones) are distinct from each other, and they reveal similarities and differences with how they affect SPP and γ-secretase.