cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Scheduling Support in Ultrix-4.2 for Multimedia Communiation

Advanced workstations are now being equipped to handle various types of multimedia applications such as audio and video. The quality of these images and sounds depends highly on the timely management of multimedia data. In order to provide such management, support for real-time process scheduling must exist. In this paper we describe the fundamental mechanisms implemented in the Ultrix4.2 kernel that provide the real-time scheduling support needed for multimedia applications. Our primary goal is to reduce and bound the overall delay in the response times to both internal as well as external events. To achieve this goal we have modified the Ultrix4.2 kernel to be preemptible at highly specific locations and have added a small subset of data structure locks to maintain data consistency. Work has also been done towards reducing and bounding the time spent resolving lock conflicts. The end result is that we have a kernel capable of the real-time processing necessary for multimedia applications. Finally, we demonstrate and validate through experimentation that the above claim is true.
Postictal psychosis: presymptomatic risk factors and the need for further investigation of genetics and pharmacotherapy

Postictal psychosis (PIP), an episode of psychosis occurring after a cluster of seizures, is common and may be associated with profound morbidity, including chronic psychosis. Symptoms are often pleomorphic, involving a range of psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations and disorders of thought. PIP is treatable and may be averted if presymptomatic risk factors are considered in susceptible patients and treatment is initiated. In this report, we present an illustrative case of PIP. The patient, Mr. R, presented to our emergency room with delusions and disordered thought process following a cluster of seizures. He recovered after admission, sedation and treatment with antipsychotic medication. A list of presymptomatic risk factors is established based on review of current literature. Identification of such risk factors may potentially help with prophylactic treatment; however, little empirical research exists in this area and treatment guidelines are thus far largely based on expert opinion. Further, while the neurobiology of schizophrenia is advancing at a rapid pace, largely due to advances in genetics, the pathophysiology of PIP remains largely unknown. Considering the progress in schizophrenia research in the context of the clinical features of PIP and existing studies, potential neurobiological mechanisms for PIP are herein proposed, and further genetic analyses, which may help identify those susceptible, are warranted. While PIP is an important problem that may present first to general hospital psychiatrists, as in the case presented, this topic is under-represented in the medical psychiatry literature. As discussed in this article, further research is needed to develop presymptomatic screens and treatment pathways to help prevent morbidity.
The Anthrax Solution: The Sverdlovsk Incident and the Resolution of a Biological Weapons Controversy

L'histoire de l'incident de Sverdlovsk est decrit en montrant son impact sur la reformulation d'une verification de la convention des armes biologiques et de la convention des armes chimiques
Mouth rinsing with branched-chain amino acids and carbohydrates on steady-state metabolism, exercise performance, and the endocrine responses to exercise

Previous research suggests that mouth rinsing carbohydrates (CHO) improves exercise performance. The mechanisms for the improvement are not yet known, but may involve maintenance of insulin concentrations during exercise or attenuation of centrally- mediated fatigue from putative, caloric-responsive receptors in the oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mouth rinsing branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) or CHO on cycle time trial performance, blood markers of central fatigue (prolactin), plasma insulin, glucose, and lactate concentrations, substrate oxidation during steady-state exercise, and the subjective exercise experience. Ten healthy, endurance-trained adult males (23.5 ± 3.8 y, 74.0 ± 9.0 kg, 180.5 ± 5.4 cm, 57.9 ± 6.9 ml/kg/min VO2 peak) volunteered for the study. Participants exercised at 65% Wattmax for 30 min then completed a time trial equivalent to 30 min cycling at 75% Wattmax. Participants rinsed the mouth with 6% glucose (CHO), 6% branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), or water (PLA) for 10 s at the start and after every 10 min during the steady-state exercise and cycle time trial. Treatment did not affect heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, affect, arousal, plasma glucose and
The Radio Emission of VV Cephei-Type Binaries

Seven binary star systems of the VV Cephei type, in which a B star is companion to a cool supergiant star, are known radio sources. These sources are caused by the free-free emission from an ionized sub-region in the supergiant’s stellar wind. Most of these radio-emitting subregions can be considered a new class of HII region because of their high densities and high temperatures.
High-speed graphene based quantum-optical interconnect design

While traditional transistor scaling in integrated circuit industry is going on one side, interconnect scaling has become the performance-limiting factor for new designs on the other side. The increasing influence of interconnect parasites on crosstalk noise and RLC delay as well as electro-migration and power dissipation concerns have stimulated the introduction of low-resistivity copper and low-permittivity (k) dielectrics to provide performance and reliability enhancement. Additionally, entirely new technology such as optical interconnect is required to address future global routing needs and sustain performance improvement.
Work life of persons with asthma, rhinitis, and COPD: a study using a national, population-based sample.

To estimate the duration of work life among persons reporting a physician's diagnosis of COPD, asthma, or rhinitis compared to those with select non-respiratory conditions or none and to delineate the factors associated with continuance of employment. Persons ages 55 to 75 reporting a physician's diagnosis of COPD, asthma, or rhinitis as well as those without any of these conditions were identified by random-digit dialing (RDD) in the continental U.S and administered a structured survey. We used Kaplan-Meier life table analysis to estimate the duration of work life among persons with and without the three conditions and Cox proportional hazard regression to examine the role of demographic and work characteristics in the proportion leaving employment in each time interval. Persons with COPD, asthma, and rhinitis were no less likely than the remainder of the population to have ever worked, but those with COPD were less likely to be working when interviewed or as of age 65, whichever came first. As of age 55, only 62 percent of persons with COPD continued to work versus 72 and 78 percent of persons with asthma and rhinitis, respectively. Persons with COPD, asthma, and rhinitis all had an elevated risk of leaving work prior to age 65 relative to those without chronic conditions, with and without adjustment for demographic and work characteristics. COPD and to a lesser extent asthma and rhinitis were associated with a substantially shortened work life, an effect not due to demographic and work characteristics.
Panelists' views of 68 NIH consensus conference.

Objectives To analyze the response patterns and trends of 68 surveys of successive NIH consensus panels' views on the NIH consensus process. Methods Each panel's responses were compared to an "average" panel's responses calculated by determining the mean response for each survey question across panels. Results The results show a stable pattern of panelists' generally positive views. However, several conferences were judged very positively and some very negatively compared to the norm. Most negatively viewed conferences occurred early in the consensus program's history. Conclusions The disparate perceptions are discussed and interpreted as reflecting favorable panels' views of recent changes in the NIH Consensus Development Program.
Vision-based clad height measurement

The laser deposition process is useful for part creation, repair, and hard facing. To maintain consistent clad height in the presence of process uncertainties measurement and control is required. This work presents a vision-based clad height measurement technique that utilizes a CCD camera and a line laser to measure the complete clad profile. Unique line detection and spur trimming algorithms are presented that extract measurement data efficiently. The effectiveness of the measurement approach is validated through examples.
“A Need to Mourn Abandonment in Advance” in Nathaniel Mackey’s From a Broken Bottle Traces of Perfume Still Emanate

����� ��� n a letter that appears in Bass Cathedral (2008), the fourth volume of Nathaniel Mackey’s ongoing series of epistolary fictions collectively titled From a Broken Bottle Traces of Perfume Still Emanate, the series’ protagonist, a jazz musician identified only by the letter N., pauses to ponder the title of “Melin,” the first song on Henry Threadgill’s album When Was That? (1982). N. asks, “What does that title mean?” and considers the possibility that it might be “a typo, a misspelling,” before musing, “Should it be ‘Melan,’ the root for ‘black’ in words like ‘melanin’ and ‘melancholy’?” (125). N. poses this question of homophony as if only in passing, but like so many of the puzzles that fill N.’s letters, the question echoes against the larger framework that N. has put in place. In this case, the association that N. makes on the level of the signifier between blackness and melancholy resonates with Mackey’s investigation of melancholy, loss, and trauma in the context of African American and wider African diasporic history throughout the series. In fact, over the course of the series to date— which, in addition to Bass Cathedral, comprises Bedouin Hornbook (1986), Djbot Baghostus’s Run (1993), and Atet A.D. (2001)—N.’s experiences of traumatic loss repeatedly point to an overarching sense of loss stemming from the legacy of the Middle Passage that echoes across generations. As the series proceeds, it becomes clear that, apropos of the critical ligature between trauma and repetition that
Biofilms, antimicrobial resistance, and airway infection.

The use of susceptibility testing to identify appropriate antimicrobial agents has long been an important element of the practice of infectious-disease medicine. In most clinical settings, the finding that a strain of bacteria is susceptible to a specific antibiotic is a reliable indicator of the effectiveness of that drug. An exception is the treatment of pulmonary infection in patients with cystic fibrosis. Once chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is established in the lungs of these patients, the bacteria are rarely, if ever, eradicated despite treatment with combinations of antimicrobial agents with demonstrated potency in vitro. Even direct administration of aerosolized antibiotics . . .
Tetrahymena pyriformis as a protective antigen against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infection: comparisons between isolates and ciliary preparations

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were immunized with cilia from three isolates of Tetrahymena pyriformis and challenged with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis using a reproducible quantitative procedure. Two different methods of deciliation were used in antigen preparation. Results indicate that T. pyriformis cilia elicit an immune response in channel catfish against I. multifiliis, and that the protective ability of the cilia varies between T. pyriformis strains.
Interactions of energetic clusters with surfaces at glancing incidence

Abstract Phenomena associated with impact of ions, atoms and clusters on surfaces at angles relative to the surface normal near 90° (glancing incidence) have received little attention relative to the massive literature on such collisions at angles up to about 60°. Trajectory calculations indicate that under certain conditions incident cluster fragments are trapped by the surface, and exhibit two-dimensional gas-like behavior, travelling parallel to the surface. This behavior has been observed previously for low energy atoms incident on the surface [J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 5 (1987) 1393]. This paper is concerned with clusters making glancing incidence collisions with the surface at energies up to 10 keV. A channeling effect, in which the energetic cluster fragments with two-dimensional gas-like behavior are steered by the surface atomic topography with momentum aligned with the close-packed substrate atomic chains is also observed. In addition, coalescence to larger clusters has been observed in these calculations for clusters of atoms with selected binding energies as they move over the crystal surface at high velocity. This work was undertaken to determine whether it would be possible to create a beam of massive particles with high energy and high velocity by coalescing beams of ions. It appears that under certain circumstances this can be done.
Increased cancericidal activity of PTT.119, a new synthetic bis-(2-chloroethyl)amino-L-phenylalanine derivative with carrier amino acids. I. In vitro cytotoxicity.

The cancericidal efficacy of a new synthetic tripeptide was demonstrated using both in vitro cultures and in vivo tumorigenic assays. The antitumor agent PTT.119 (p-F-Phe-m-bis-(2-chloroethyl) amino-Phe-Met ethoxy HCl) was highly effective against three virulent murine tumor models; the L1210 leukemia, MJY-alpha mammary tumor and B16 melanoma. Treatment of tumor cells for periods as short as 15 min to 4 h with concentrations of 1–50 μg PTT.119/ml irreversibly reduced tumor cell viability, as evidenced by vital dye exclusion and abrogation of tumor formation and prolongation of host survival. Examination of the sensitivity of mice to PTT.119 revealed that the in vitro antitumor activity of the synthetic tripeptide was exerted at concentrations easily attainable and well tolerated in vivo.
PANCREOZYMIN-''AUGMENTED" TRIOLEIN TEST: A PRELIMINARY REPORT.

Forty I131 triolein tests using both blood and fecal radioactivity assays were performed in 37 patients with various diseases associated with steatorrhea and in controls.
Factors associated with long-term depressive symptoms of sexual assault victims☆

Of 63 sexual assault victims who were a mean 7.9 years postevent, almost two thirds (60%, n = 38) demonstrated some degree of depression. Over half (56%, n = 35) the sample also reported a history of childhood sexual abuse. Three factors had a significant positive association with higher levels of depression: nondisclosure of the assault to significant others due to concerns about stigma; the presence of children living with the victim; and a civil lawsuit pending. One factor, currently being sexually active, had a significant negative association with depression. Results are discussed from the perspective of depression, a common pathway by which unresolved sexual trauma is expressed.
Biomaterials: A natural source of nanowires

Fibrous proteins from bacteria can be used to make biofilms with electrical conductivities that are comparable to those measured in conducting polymers.
Effect of genotype on cytoplasmic incompatibility between two species of Nasonia

Cytoplasmically inherited bacteria cause bidirectional incompatibility between two species of the parasitoid wasp genus Nasonia. These bacteria belong to the alpha sub-division of the Proteo-bacteria. Normally, hybrid (female) offspring are not produced in interspecific crosses. Elimination of the cytoplasmically-inherited bacteria by antibiotic treatments restores compatibility, i.e. hybrid females are produced. Bidirectional incompatibility could be caused directly, by differences between the bacteria of the two species, or indirectly, by the different interactions of the bacteria with host species genomes. To distinguish between these two possibilities, genetic crosses were set up to introduce the nuclear genome of each wasp species into the cytoplasmic (microbial) background of the other. These strains were then tested for compatibility to the infected parental species. Individuals from both reciprocal introgressions were only compatible with individuals that had the same cytoplasm, independent of nuclear background. This indicates that compatibility type is independent of the host genotype and is based on differences between cytoplasmic bacteria of the two Nasonia species. However, compatibility differences from interactions between the bacteria and the other cytoplasmically inherited elements (e.g. mitochondria) have not been ruled out.
Stereotactic radiotherapy for trigeminal schwannomas.

BACKGROUND Data on radiotherapy for trigeminal schwannomas (TSs) and comparison of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) are limited. OBJECTIVE We present a large retrospective review of our institutional experience treating TSs with SRS and FSRT. We also describe a flare phenomenon experienced by some patients. METHODS The records of 23 consecutive TSs patients treated with radiotherapy between 1996 and 2011 were reviewed. We investigated radiographic response, tumor control, and toxicity. RESULTS Ten patients underwent SRS and 13 underwent FSRT, with median clinical follow-up of 32 months (range, 3-120 months). Tumor control at 5 and 10 years was 94% overall. Symptom control at 5 years was achieved in 48% of all patients, with nonsignificant improvement in more patients in the FSRT group than those in the SRS group (56% vs 40%, P = .37). Acute toxicity was higher in the FSRT group (38.5 vs 0%, P < .01), although lesions treated with FSRT were larger (mean, 9.5 mL vs 4.8 mL, P < .01). A symptomatic flare phenomenon occurred in 2 patients (8.7% overall) during FSRT, involving transient cystic formation and dramatic size increase. One lesion regressed in size and 1 remained stable on follow-up. CONCLUSION Tumor control rates for TSs are excellent with SRS and FSRT with minimal toxicity. This represents the first documented report of a flare phenomenon after FSRT for TS treatment. Flare risk after FSRT in previously resected large lesions should be discussed with patients before treatment, and prophylactic oral steroids may be considered.
Deformation response of paired donor corneas to an air puff: intact whole globe versus mounted corneoscleral rim.

Purpose To evaluate the influence of ocular shell biomechanical characteristics on corneal deformation response to an air puff. Setting The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods Twenty-four eyes of 12 human donors were obtained in matched pairs. One eye was secured in a purpose-designed whole globe mount (whole-globe group). The cornea from the fellow eye was placed in a Barron artificial anterior chamber (artificial-chamber group). The corneas were mounted sequentially and connected to a pressure-control system. Deformation data were acquired using the Corvis ST, a dynamic Scheimpflug analyzer. Internal pressure was set to 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mm Hg; at least 4 examinations were performed at each pressure. Results Statistically significantly higher maximum deformation amplitude was observed in the whole-globe group than in the artificial-chamber group at all pressures. The mean amplitude differences were 1.006 mm ± 0.238 [SD], 0.614 ± 0.137 mm, 0.384 ± 0.099 mm, 0.229 ± 0.087 mm, and 0.133 ± 0.068 mm at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mm Hg, respectively ( P P P P P P R 2 = 0.8385). Conclusions The deformation response to an air puff was affected by the type of mount used, with a stiffer shell producing a stiffer corneal response and decreasing differences at higher internal pressures. In vivo air-puff examinations may be affected by scleral stiffness in addition to the cornea. Financial Disclosures Dr. Roberts is a consultant to Oculus Optikgerate GmbH and Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG and has received research funding from Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and travel funds from Sooft Italia. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Millisecond radiolytic modification of peptides by synchrotron X-rays identified by mass spectrometry.

Radiolysis of peptide and protein solutions with high-energy X-ray beams induces stable, covalent modifications of amino acid residues that are useful for synchrotron protein footprinting. A series of 5−14 amino acid residue peptides of varied sequences were selected to study their synchrotron radiolysis chemistry. Radiolyzed peptide products were detected within 10 ms of exposure to a white light synchrotron X-ray beam. Mass spectrometry techniques were used to characterize radiolytic modification to amino acids cysteine (Cys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp), proline (Pro), histidine (His), and leucine (Leu). A reactivity order of Cys, Met ≫ Phe, Tyr, > Trp > Pro > His, Leu was determined under aerobic reaction conditions from MS/MS analysis of the radiolyzed peptide products. Radiolysis of peptides in 18O-labeled water under aerobic conditions revealed that oxygenated radical species from air and water both contribute to the modification of amino acid side chains...
Description of tensile failure of viscoelastic materials under multiaxial loading

A description of tensile failure of polymeric materials under multiaxial loading has been formulated, based on a combination of ideas and implications derived from Smith's work on uniaxial tensile failure envelopes and the author's earlier theoretical work. Some simplification of the formal expressions was achieved by imposing restrictions that would assure that the uniaxial failure envelope is recovered under uniaxial tensile stress conditions and that the progression toward failure is monotonically increasing under monotonically increasing loads. The final result emerges as an extension of the uniaxial failure envelope applied to failure under multiaxial loads. Subsequently, the result is capable of describing rate effects to the same extent as can be described by the uniaxial failure envelope. This is an added capability over many of the existing multiaxial failure descriptions. Unfortunately, the result applied at best, only to those materials for which the uniaxial failure envelope applies; thus the generality is restricted. Some preliminary verification is presented for LX-04-1, a high-explosive material composed of 85% HMX and 15% Viton by weight, using Peterman's results from 68°F biaxial tests. Further experimental work is underway.
Respiratory effects of pregnancy and progesterone in Jersey cows

Unanesthetized Jersey cows were studied during both pregnant (5-9 months) nonlactating states, and nonpregnant lactating states; and also following treatment with progesterone (Pr). The pH, PCO2 and PO2 of aortic blood, VE and f were measured and the mixed expired gas was analyzed. The following significant changes from the nonpregnant state occurred during pregnancy: PaCO2 = -3.2 mm Hg, pHa = +0.02 unit, VT = -0.44 L, f = +7 breaths/min, and VE/VCO2 = +9.7. Concomitant with the respiratory studies, serum Pr levels were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 11 nonpregnant and 5 pregnant cows, and in 6 nonpregnant, lactating cows prior to and on days 3, 5 and 10 of treatment with Pr (500 mg, i.m., twice daily). Minute ventilation (VE, L X min-1 X kg-1, BTPS) was positively correlated (r = +0.59) and PaCO2 was negatively correlated (r = -0.64) with endogenous serum Pr levels of non-pregnant and pregnant cows. However, exogenous Pr did not significantly alter these parameters or pHa, despite mean serum levels nearly twice (23.6 +/- 10.2 ng/ml) those observed in pregnant cows (12.7 +/- 3.7 ng/ml). The increased ventilation during pregnancy in Jersey cows, shown in this study, does not appear to be related to Pr as exogenous Pr failed to induce hyperventilation. The correlation of increased ventilation with endogenous Pr levels therefore suggests that the mode of in vivo Pr release, or different compound, simultaneously released, could be the stimulus.
Progesterone Synthesis and Fine Structure of Dissociated Monkey (Macaca mulatta) Luteal Cells Maintained in Culture

The process of functional regression of the primate corpus luteum inthe menstrual cycle isnot well understood, yet it remains an important determinant in fertility management, including contra- ceptive actions. Accordingly, the feasibility of maintaining rhesus monkey luteal cells in culture for long term studieswas explored. When midluteal phase corpus luteum (CL) was dispersed with collagenase in Ham's FlO (FlO) medium, 60% of the initial 5 X iocells plated attached. Un- attached cells were removed in media changes on Day 2 and 4. Trypan blue exclusion showed that 60-80% of unattached cells were dead or dying. At 10 days of culture, the number of cells per dish in FlO was comparable to the number of cellswhen D-valine was substitutedfor L-valine (D-val-F10) and when 100 ng hCG/ml was added to FlO. The number of cellswas slightly higher when cultured in Hank's M199 (M199) medium. Progesterone (P) production in FlO medium declined markedly between Day 2 and Day 6, but remained detectableuntilDay 10. Although hCG increasedP production (P<O.01) throughout the 10 days of culture,itfailedto prevent the pattern of diminished P production. Cellscultured in FlO for 6 days before exposure to hCG increased P production (P<0.01) during the next 2 days. P production inD-val-F10 was similarto FlO medium; however, in M199 medium itwas 2-foldgreater(P<0.01). Cytologically,a largeand a smaller lutealcellpopulation was identifiedafterdissociation.The largecellshad agranular ER (AER) distributedperipherally,whereas the smaller cellshad more granularER (GER) and Golgi. Except for the culturescontaininghCG, culturedcellsappeared similar.Regardlessof composition of culture medium, 3-4% of the cellsin culturewere large.In theselargecells,the zone of periph- eralAER was absent and mitochondria became elongated with increasedage inculture.The smaller lutealcellswere the predominant type throughout the culture period.The smaller lutealcellsin culture in FlO, D-val-F10 and M199 had diminished quantitiesof GER and increasednumber of polysomes with advancing age in culture.Smaller lutealcells,maintained in the presence of hCG for 4 days of longer,had more AER, largeovoid nuclei and thread-likebranching mitochondria. We present evidence that these monkey luteal cells can be maintained for at least10 days in the condition described here.
Growth of the pharynx and its physiologic implications

The bony nasopharynx increases its capacity predominantly by means of vertical development. Analogous to the facial structures is an expression of some somatotopic features that give rise to a higher and more shallow pharyngeal dimension in the dolichocephalic growth pattern. The nasopharynx's ultimate patency, however, depends on the growth and relative size of the soft tissues that line the skeletal boundaries. A decreased patency of the oropharyngeal airway can induce some postural adaptations, which secure a constant sagittal dimension at that level. However, at a certain critical point, purely nasal respiration will be turned into an oronasal breathing pattern, which in turn will elicit more compensatory mechanisms. This muscle recruitment is a possible cause of a deviant vertical craniofacial growth pattern.
Implementation of a multi‐brand strategy in action sports

Purpose – The present study aims to explore the efforts of a core action sports company (Board Sports Company (BSC)) to employ a multi‐brand strategy and to focus on the identity and reach of the seven distinct brands operated under the parent company. The study seeks to identify benefits and limitations of the multi‐brand strategy, as seen by company employees.Design/methodology/approach – In a single‐case design study approach, a global, private action sports company, recognized as a leader in authentic action sports footwear and apparel, was selected for study. Data were collected via in‐depth interviews with key company employees and an extensive review of secondary sources.Findings – The adoption of a multi‐brand strategy with the operation of seven distinct brands has allowed BSC to expand to mainstream audiences, while strengthening its core target markets. Through aggressive consumer segmentation practices and the strategic utilization of a variety of distribution outlets, BSC remains competitive ...
Cyclin-dependent Kinase-5 Is Involved in Neuregulin-dependent Activation of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase and Akt Activity Mediating Neuronal Survival

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway plays an important role in mediating survival signals in wide variety of neurons and cells. Recent studies show that Akt also regulates metabolic pathways to regulate cell survival. In this study, we reported that cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (Cdk5) regulates Akt activity and cell survival through the neuregulin-mediated PI 3-kinase signaling pathway. We found that brain extracts of Cdk5–/–mice display a lower PI 3-kinase activity and phosphorylation of Akt compared with that in wild type mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that Cdk5 phosphorylated Ser-1176 in the neuregulin receptor ErbB2 and phosphorylated Thr-871 and Ser-1120 in the ErbB3 receptor. We identified the Ser-1120 sequence RSRSPR in ErbB3 as a novel phosphorylation consensus sequence of Cdk5. Finally, we found that Cdk5 activity is involved in neuregulin-induced Akt activity and neuregulin-mediated neuronal survival. These findings suggest that Cdk5 may exert a key role in promoting neuronal survival by regulating Akt activity through the neuregulin/PI 3-kinase signaling pathway.
Mechanism of Flame Stabilization in Turbulent, Lifted-Jet Flames

Particle image velocimetry was used to study the velocity field in the stabilization region of lifted, turbulent CH 4 -jet flames over a range of Reynolds numbers from 7000 to 19,500. Measured velocities at the flame base are considerably below the turbulent flame speeds derived from previous studies and show a dependence on the Reynolds number. The average velocity at the stabilization point is nearly a factor of five below the premixed laminar burning velocity at the lowest Reynolds number and asymptotes to a value about 20% higher as the Reynolds number is increased. Planar images of OH show that the flame zone structure near the stabilization point is also highly dependent on the Reynolds number. Comparison of the present OH images with previous CH 4 Raman imaging results shows that the flame thickness is determined by the width of the flammable region. At a low Reynolds number, the flame is stabilized near the jet exit where the flammable layer is thin, resulting in a thin flame zone. At an increased Reynolds number, the stabilization point is located farther downstream where the flammable region is wider, resulting in a correspondingly wider flame zone. It is proposed that the lower velocities observed at the flame base are related to thinning of the flame zone at low Reynolds, which results in greater curvature of the flame base. The increased flame curvature effectively defocuses the transport of heat and flame radicals to reactants upstream of the propagating flame front, resulting in reduced burning velocities. The implications of these results for mechanisms controlling turbulent flame stabilization, with an emphasis on the applicability of triple flame concepts to turbulent flows, are discussed.
A CHEMICAL STUDY ON HUMAN CEREBELLAR DEVELOPMENT. II. PHOSPHOGLYCERIDE FATTY ACIDS

A group of newborn infants born during the second half of gestation were studied for the fatty acid composition of EPG and CPG in the cerebellar tissue. The fatty acid pattern of EPG and CPG were analyzed by GLC and the results compared with those found in cerebrum and with other parameters previously studied in cerebellum /total lipid P and gangliosides/. They included the ratios n3/n6, 22:4 n6/22:5n6, 22:4n6+22:5nb/20:4n6 and 18:0/18:1n9. The overall changes were slighter than those found in the cerebral tissue but the parabolic profile of some parameters was clearer in cerebellum than in cerebrum. As the descending part of the curve was longer in cerebellar tissue than in cerebrum, the differences between cases with quite extreme gestational ages were smaller in cerebellum than in cerebrum. The selection criterion of the cases and the storage of the material were the same described in other papers.
On the Davis hyperbolic 4-manifold

Abstract We algebraically characterize the Davis hyperbolic 4-manifold as the orbit space of the unique torsion-free normal subgroup of index 14,400 of the (5,3,3,5) Coxeter simplex reflection group acting on hyperbolic 4-space. We determine the homology, injectivity radius, and the group of isometries of the Davis manifold. We show that the Davis manifold is a spin manifold.
On a reconstruction formula for spherical Radon transform: a microlocal analytic point of view

Let $$\mathcal R $$ be the restriction of the spherical Radon transform to the set of spheres centered on a hypersurface $$\mathcal S $$ . We study the construction of a function $$f$$ from $$\mathcal R (f)$$ by a closed-form formula. We approach the problem by studying an oscillatory integral, which depends on the observation surface $$\mathcal S $$ as a parameter. We then derive various microlocal analytic properties of the associated closed-form reconstruction formula.
Secondary Students' Perceptions of School Life with Regard to Alienation: The Effects of Disability, Gender and Race

Student alienation is a major cause of dropping out of school, gang activity and poor peer, school-student, and teacher-student relationships. A considerable amount of research has focused on facto...
Parallel placement of parallel processes

The problem of placing the individual processes of a logically partitioned problem on the nodes of a multiprocessor in such a manner as to minimize the communication and memory utilization costs is known as the process placement problem. This problem is, in general, NP-complete. A number of algorithms for finding approximate solutions to the process placement problem have been investigated. Some of these algorithms rely on heuristics to initially place the processes. This approach is sometimes followed by iterative refinement, where pairs of processes are swapped in a search for better approximations. For other algorithms which rely almost solely on iterative refinement, initial placement is of much less importance. Recently simulated annealing, a more sophisticated adaptive search technique, has been applied to the process placement problem. All of these process placement algorithms are sequential. (Although simulated annealing has recently been implemented in parallel on a hypercube architecture, no work has been done in applying the parallel version to the process placement problem.)The purpose of this paper is to discuss work with a parallel algorithm for approximating solutions to the process placement problem. The algorithm has been implemented on an Intel iPSC hypercube with 16 nodes. The class of problems which were investigated involve mapping logical problem graphs to physical architectural interconnection graphs (e.g., mapping a binary tree to a hypercube or mapping a hypercube to a hypercube).The algorithm (PGA) is a parallel version of genetic algorithms, an adaptive search technique based on the principles of population genetics. Unlike the previously mentioned algorithms, PGA can be implemented on the multiprocessor system to which the actual logical problem will be mapped.
Overexpression, purification and biochemical characterization of the wound-induced leucine aminopeptidase of tomato.

Wounding of tomato leaves results in the accumulation of an exoprotease called leucine aminopeptidase (LAP-A). While the expression of LapA genes are well characterized, the specificity of the LAP-A enzyme has not been studied. The LAP-A preprotein and mature polypeptide were overexpressed in Escherichia coli. PreLAP-A was not processed and was inactive accumulating in inclusion bodies. In contrast, 55-kDa mature LAP-A subunits assembled into an active, 357-kDa enzyme in E. coli. LAP-A from E. coli cultures was purified to apparent homogeneity and characterized relative to its animal (porcine LAP) and prokaryotic (E. coli PepA) homologues. Similar to the porcine and E. coli enzymes, the tomato LAP-A had high temperature and pH optima. Mn2+ was a strong activator for all three enzymes, while chelators, zinc ion, and the slow-binding aminopeptidase inhibitors (amastatin and bestatin) strongly inhibited activities of all three LAPs. The substrate specificities of porcine, E. coli and tomato LAPs were determined using amino-acid-p-nitroanilide and -β-naphthylamide substrates. The tomato LAP-A preferentially hydrolyzed substrates with N-terminal Leu, Met and Arg residues. LAP-A had substantially lower levels of activity on other chromogenic substrates. Several differences in substrate specificities for the animal, plant and prokaryotic enzymes were noted.
Existence and nonexistence of solutions of second-order nonlinear boundary value problems

Abstract We study the nonlinear boundary value problem consisting of the equation − y ″ + q ( t ) y = w ( t ) f ( y ) on [ a , b ] and a general separated homogeneous linear boundary condition. By comparing this problem with a corresponding linear Sturm–Liouville problem we obtain conditions for the existence and nonexistence of solutions of this problem. More specifically, let λ n , n = 0 , 1 , 2 , … , be the n -th eigenvalues of the corresponding linear Sturm–Liouville problem. Then under certain assumptions, the boundary value problem has a solution with exactly n zeros in ( a , b ) if λ n is in the interior of the range of f ( y ) / y , y ∈ ( 0 , ∞ ) ; and does not have any solution with exactly n zeros in ( a , b ) if λ n is outside of the range of f ( y ) / y , y ∈ ( 0 , ∞ ) . These conditions become necessary and sufficient when f ( y ) / y is monotone. The existences of multiple and even an infinite number of solutions are derived as consequences. We also discuss the changes of the number and the types of nontrivial solutions as the interval [ a , b ] shrinks, as q increases in a given direction, and as the boundary condition changes.
The Identification of Free Cysteine Residues Within Antibodies a Potential Role for Free Cysteine Residues in Covalent Aggregation Because of Agitation Stress

Human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) antibodies contain multiple disulfide bonds, which are an integral part of the structure and stability of the protein. Open disulfide bonds have been detected in a number of therapeutic and serum derived antibodies. This report details a method that fluorescently labels free cysteine residues, quantifies, and identifies the proteolytic fragments by liquid chromatography coupled to online mass spectrometry. The majority of the open disulfide bonds in recombinant and serum derived IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies were in the constant domains. This method was applied to the identification of cysteines in an IgG2 antibody that are involved in the formation of covalent intermolecular bonds because of the application of a severe agitation stress. The free cysteine in the CH 1 domain of the IgG2 decreased upon application of the stress and implicates open disulfide bonds in this domain as the likely source of free cysteines involved in the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds. The presence of comparable levels of open disulfide bonds in recombinant and endogenous antibodies suggests that open disulfide bonds are an inherent feature of antibodies and that the susceptibility of intermolecular disulfide bond formation is similar for recombinant and serum-derived IgG antibodies.
Starch and natural rubber allergen interaction in the production of latex gloves: A hand-held aerosol

Abstract Starch powders continue to be used as donning agents on natural rubber (NR) gloves. NR aeroallergens are an important aspect of human sensitivity to latex. Asthma, upper airway, and ocular symptoms are associated with these airborne proteins. These bioaerosols feature starch as the carrier. The association of NR allergen and starch is demonstrated in NR glove manufacturing, in laboratory simulation, and as occupational aeroallergens in health care environments. Four aspects of latex allergen affinity for starch powders were examined by using a competitive IgE immunoassay for NR latex. Allergen content was assessed in finished gloves before and after powder process points and related to the allergen content of the raw latex source material. In another manufacturing process, allergen uptake by two different starch powders was quantified. NR allergen affinity for the starches was also determined under laboratory conditions. Finally, NR aeroallergens carried by starch powder in production facilities were measured. This article outlines the sources, mechanisms, and conditions for NR allergens to interact with two different starches. The quantitative airborne allergen data are used to compare and contrast various occupational indices of NR allergen exposure. Powdered NR gloves continue to cause concern; however, the technology used for contemporary glove powder applications may be advanced and improved enough to consistently produce powdered gloves with a low allergen content. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;110:S15-20.)
Direct hydrogen-1, carbon-13, and nitrogen-15 NMR study of magnesium(II)-isothiocyanate complexing

A hydrogen-1, carbon-13, and nitrogen-15 NMR study of magnesium(II)-isothiocyanate complexation in aqueous mixtures has been completed. At temperatures low enough to slow proton and ligand exchange, separate1H,13C, and15N NMR signals are observed for coordinated and bulk water molecules and anions. The1H NMR spectra reveal signals for the hexahydrate and the mono-through triisothiocyanato complexes, as well as two small signals attributed to [Mg(H2O)5(OH)]1+ and [Mg(H2O)4(OH)(NCS)]. Accurate hydration numbers were obtained from signal area integrations at each NCS− concentration. In the15N NMR spectra, signals also were observed for the mono-through triisothiocyanato complexes, and a small signal believed to be due to [Mg(H2O)4(OH)(NCS)]. Coordination number contributions for NCS− were measured from these spectra and when combined with the hydration numbers they totalled essentially six at each anion concentration. Signals for [Mg(H2O)5(NCS)]1+ through [Mg(H2O)3(NCS)3]1− also were observed in the13C NMR spectra and the area evaluations were comparable to the15N NMR results. An analysis of the magnitude and sign of the coordinated NCS− chemical shifts identified the nitrogen atom as the anion binding site. All spectra indicated [Mg(H2O)5(NCS)]1+ and [Mg(H2O)4(NCS)2] were the dominat isothiocyanato complexes over the entire range of anion concentrations. The inability to detect evidence for complexes higher than the triisothiocyanato reflects the competitive binding ability of water molecules and perhaps the decreased electrostatic interaction between NCS− and negatively charged higher complexes.
Moon and Earth : compositional differences inferred from siderophiles, volatiles, and alkalis in basalts

A comparison of RNAA analyses of 18 trace elements in 25 low-Ti lunar and 10 terrestrial oceanic basalts indicated that the volatiles such as Ag, Bi, and Br are depleted in lunar basalts by nearly constant factors of 0.026 relative to terrestrial basalts. This constancy is not consistent with models that derive the moon's volatiles from partial recondensation of the earth's mantle or from partial degassing of a captured body; it is consistent with models which derive planetary volatiles from a thin veneer of C-chondrite material. Chalcogens (Se and Te) have almost constant and identical abundances in lunar and terrestrial basalts; siderophiles show abundant Ni in lunar basalts, while Ir, Re, Ge, and Au are depleted.
Progressive GAA?TTC Repeat Expansion in Human Cell Lines

Trinucleotide repeat expansion is the genetic basis for a sizeable group of inherited neurological and neuromuscular disorders. Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by GAA·TTC repeat expansion in the first intron of the FXN gene. The expanded repeat reduces FXN mRNA expression and the length of the repeat tract is proportional to disease severity. Somatic expansion of the GAA·TTC repeat sequence in disease-relevant tissues is thought to contribute to the progression of disease severity during patient aging. Previous models of GAA·TTC instability have not been able to produce substantial levels of expansion within an experimentally useful time frame, which has limited our understanding of the molecular basis for this expansion. Here, we present a novel model for studying GAA·TTC expansion in human cells. In our model system, uninterrupted GAA·TTC repeat sequences display high levels of genomic instability, with an overall tendency towards progressive expansion. Using this model, we characterize the relationship between repeat length and expansion. We identify the interval between 88 and 176 repeats as being an important length threshold where expansion rates dramatically increase. We show that expansion levels are affected by both the purity and orientation of the repeat tract within the genomic context. We further demonstrate that GAA·TTC expansion in our model is independent of cell division. Using unique reporter constructs, we identify transcription through the repeat tract as a major contributor to GAA·TTC expansion. Our findings provide novel insight into the mechanisms responsible for GAA·TTC expansion in human cells.
STIFFENED ERYTHROCYTES IN POLYCYTHEMIA OF CYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE (CCHD)

As the hct rises above 60% in CCHD, there is an increased threat of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications due to blood hyperviscosity. Hyperviscosity has been attributed to increased RBC mass. Since RBC deformability is a determinant of viscosity and flow at high hcts, we studied RBC deformability in 22 children with polycythemic CCHD and in 10 controls, using a Ciltration system. Filterability is a function of cell deformability. Washed RBC's resuspended in Ringer's lactate-albumin solution were passed through a 3u polycarbonate filter using hydrostatic pressure (at 25°C), and flow velocity was calculated (ul/sec). Controls had a mean hct of 41%± 2, mean MCV of 87f1± 2, and mean RBC flow velocity of 5.0 ul/sec±.7. Children with CCHD were divided into 2 groups: 10 patients with hcts between 50-60% (mean 53±1), and 12 patients with hcts >60% (range 63-74%, mean 67%±1). Mean flow velocity (3.4ul/sec±2) in the group with hcts >60% was significantly (p=.05) reduced as compared to controls and the <60% hct group. The latter had a mean flow velocity of 4.8ul/sec±.7, which was comparable to controls. All groups were similar in age (mean 9.5 yrs), sex ratio and MCV. We conclude that RBC's become stiffened when the hct exceeds 60% in CCHD. Stiffened RBC's may contribute to the thrombotic complications observed in these patients.
129I−129Xe dating of chondrites

Abstract The 129 I− 129 Xe formation intervals of the Bjurbole, Bruderheim, Bruderheim chondrules, Renazzo, and the dark and light regions of Pantar are calculated by comparing the amount of radiogenic 129 Xe associated with iodine in each thermal fraction. Unlike the sharp 129 I− 129 Xe isochronism reported for the high-temperature minerals, the lower-temperature minerals show progressively longer formation intervals. A plot of formation times versus extraction temperatures yields an apparent 129 I− 129 Xe cooling rate for these chondrites. Below 800°C all of the chondrites except Renazzo and Pantar Dark display 129 I− 129 Xe cooling rates of 5–9°C per million years. Pantar Dark and Renazzo appear to have cooled rapidly to 600° and 400°C, respectively. An inversion of the I−Xe correlation of chondrites is noted in the slow temperature minerals of Shallowater. This enstatite achondrite displays a maximum 129 I− 129 Xe cooling rate of 2.4°C per million years.