cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formulating a fluorogenic assay to evaluate S-adenosyl-L-methionine analogues as protein methyltransferase cofactors.

Protein methyltransferases (PMTs) catalyze arginine and lysine methylation of diverse histone and nonhistone targets. These posttranslational modifications play essential roles in regulating multiple cellular events in an epigenetic manner. In the recent process of defining PMT targets, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) analogues have emerged as powerful small molecule probes to label and profile PMT targets. To examine efficiently the reactivity of PMTs and their variants on SAM analogues, we transformed a fluorogenic PMT assay into a ready high throughput screening (HTS) format. The reformulated fluorogenic assay is featured by its uncoupled but more robust character with the first step of accumulation of the commonly-shared reaction byproduct S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH), followed by SAH-hydrolase-mediated fluorogenic quantification. The HTS readiness and robustness of the assay were demonstrated by its excellent Z′ values of 0.83–0.95 for the so-far-examined 8 human PMTs with SAM as a cofactor (PRMT1, PRMT3, CARM1, SUV39H2, SET7/9, SET8, G9a and GLP1). The fluorogenic assay was further implemented to screen the PMTs against five SAM analogues (allyl-SAM, propargyl-SAM, (E)-pent-2-en-4-ynyl-SAM (EnYn-SAM), (E)-hex-2-en-5-ynyl-SAM (Hey-SAM) and 4-propargyloxy-but-2-enyl-SAM (Pob-SAM)). Among the examined 8 × 5 pairs of PMTs and SAM analogues, native SUV39H2, G9a and GLP1 showed promiscuous activity on allyl-SAM. In contrast, the bulky SAM analogues, such as EnYn-SAM, Hey-SAM and Pob-SAM, are inert toward the panel of human PMTs. These findings therefore provide the useful structure–activity guidance to further evolve PMTs and SAM analogues for substrate labeling. The current assay format is ready to screen methyltransferase variants on structurally-diverse SAM analogues.
Fermenting change ‐ Capitalizing on the inherent change found in dynamic non‐linear (or complex) systems

While there is no set definition of what constitutes “complexity,” some general classes of definitions have emerged across the writings of several fields of science. The basis for the classifications and a general definition used in this issue are presented. The papers of this issue are classified into the general categories and introduced to the reader.
Predicting Sugarcane Response to Nitrogen Using a Canopy Reflectance‐Based Response Index Value

In Louisiana, sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) N rate recommendations are established based on N response trials and further refined for specific crop age and soil type. Without accounting for current growing conditions and soil N levels, these recommendations can potentially lead to under- or over-application of N fertilizers. The objective of this study was to determine if N response index at harvest (RIHₐᵣᵥₑₛₜ) can be predicted using normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) response index value (RINDVI). Sensor and yield data were collected from different N field trials from 2008 to 2010 in St. Gabriel and Jeanerette, LA. Nitrogen fertilization treatments ranged between 0 to 201 kg N ha⁻¹. A GreenSeeker Hand Held Optical Active Sensor (Trimble Navigation, Ltd., Sunnyvale, CA) was used to obtain NDVI readings for each of three consecutive weeks beginning 3 wk after fertilization. There was a strong relationship between RINDVI and RIHₐᵣᵥₑₛₜ using the traditional method of determining RI, comparing plots that received high N rates to check plots, with coefficient of determination (r²) values of 0.92 for cane tonnage and 0.81 for sugar yield (P < 0.05). When using a modified RI value, which compared all N rates to the check plot, relationships between RINDVI and RIHₐᵣᵥₑₛₜ were comparable, with r² values of 0.85 and 0.81 for cane tonnage and sugar yields, respectively (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that NDVI collected 4 wk after N fertilization can be used to predict sugarcane yield response to fertilizer N using the relationships established by either the traditional or modified RI methods.
Filling and voiding symptoms in the American Urological Association Symptom Index : The value of their distinction in a veterans affairs randomized trial of medical therapy in men with a clinical diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Purpose: We used data from a large Veterans Affairs trial of medical therapy for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia to evaluate the value of calculating separate filling and voiding subscores of the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom index.Materials and Methods: We performed factor analysis to assess the psychometric validity of separating the 7 items of the AUA symptom index into filling and voiding subsets. To assess the clinical usefulness of calculating these subscores we correlated them against baseline measurements of symptom interference as well as urodynamic and anatomical measures of disease severity, and used them for predicting the response to medical therapy.Results: Factor analysis confirmed the psychometric validity of separating the AUA symptom index into a 3-item filling and a 4-item voiding subscale. However, calculating filling and voiding subscores did not result in differential correlations with measures of disease interference or severity. It also did not enable us to pr...
Properties of orthogonal Stewart platform

When using a Gough-Stewart Platform (GSP) for a vibration isolation or precision motion task, the geometry of that GSP is often chosen on an ad hoc basis. This can result in a number of problems: singularities or poor conditioning; inability to produce desired motions or forces; high dynamic coupling between axes; poor fault tolerance. This paper will show that the class of orthogonal GSPs has a number of useful properties. Denoting the mapping from Cartesian payload velocities to strut velocities as a 6x6 matrix M, orthogonal GSPs are those where either the rows or columns of M are orthogonal. In other words, either MM T or M T M are diagonal matrices. This paper will derive the properties of orthogonal GSPs wherein MM T is diagonal. In particular, it will first discuss the possible geometries that yield orthogonal GSPs. This will make it clear when these geometries are appropriate for a desired application. By re-arranging the rows and columns of M, a block diagonal form is found. Based on this block diagonal form, methods of designing Stewart platforms meeting desired position and force specifications are derived.
Structure-function modeling of the interactions of N-alkyl-N-hydroxyanilines with rat hepatic aryl sulfotransferase IV.

Although previous investigations have clearly shown that N-hydroxy arylamines and N-hydroxy heterocyclic amines are substrates for sulfotransferases, relatively little is known about which structural features of the N-hydroxy arylamines are important for sulfation to occur. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the extent to which secondary N-alkyl-N-hydroxy arylamines interact with aryl sulfotransferase (AST) IV (also known as tyrosine-ester sulfotransferase or ST1A1) and to evaluate these interactions using molecular modeling techniques. AST IV is a major cytosolic sulfotransferase in the rat, and it catalyzes the sulfation of various phenols, benzylic alcohols, arylhydroxamic acids, oximes, and primary N-hydroxy arylamines. In this study, three secondary N-hydroxy arylamines, N-hydroxy-N-methylaniline, N-ethyl-N-hydroxyaniline, and N-hydroxy-N-n-propylaniline, were found to be substrates for the purified rat hepatic AST IV. However, when the N-alkyl substituent was an n-butyl group (i.e., N-n-butyl-N-hydroxyaniline), the interaction with the enzyme changed from that of a substrate to competitive inhibition. This change in specificity was further explored through the construction and use of a model for AST IV based on mouse estrogen sulfotransferase, an enzyme whose crystal structure has been previously determined to high resolution. Molecular modeling techniques were used to dock each of the above N-hydroxy arylamines into the active site of the homology model of AST IV and determine optimum ligand geometries. The results of these experiments indicated that steric constraints on the orientation of binding of secondary N-alkyl-N-hydroxy arylamines at the active site of AST IV play a significant role in determining the nature of the interaction of the enzyme with these compounds.
Transmission properties and effective electromagnetic parameters of double negative metamaterials

We analyze the transmission properties of double negative metamaterials (DNM). Numerical simulations, based on the transfer matrix algorithm, show that some portion of the electromagnetic wave changes its polarization inside the DNM structure. As the transmission properties depend strongly on the polarization, this complicates the interpretation of experimental and numerical data, both inside and outside of the pass band. From the transmission data, the effective permittivity, permeability and refractive index are calculated. In the pass band, we found that the real part of permeability and both the real and the imaginary part of the permittivity are negative. Transmission data for some new structures are also shown. Of particular interest is the structure with cut wires, which possesses two double negative pass bands.
How Wenzel and Cassie were wrong

We argue using experimental data that contact lines and not contact areas are important in determining wettability. Three types of two-component surfaces were prepared that contain "spots" in a surrounding field: a hydrophilic spot in a hydrophobic field, a rough spot in a smooth field, and a smooth spot in a rough field. Water contact angles were measured within the spots and with the spot confined to within the contact line of the sessile drop. Spot diameter and contact line diameter were varied. All of the data indicate that contact angle behavior (advancing, receding, and hysteresis) is determined by interactions of the liquid and the solid at the three-phase contact line alone and that the interfacial area within the contact perimeter is irrelevant. The point is made that Wenzel's and Cassie's equations are valid only to the extent that the structure of the contact area reflects the ground state energies of contact lines and the transition states between them.
Multiscale Analysis and Control of Networks with Fractal Traffic

Abstract A recently introduced multiscale framework is used to develop efficient analysis and design techniques for networks with self-similar traffic. These allow the interarrival density function for fractal point processes under Bernoulli random erasure to be determined, as well as the counting process distribution for superposition of these processes. The results suggest that fractal characteristics are preserved under traffic branching and merging, which may, in turn, provide insight into the prevalence of self-similarity in aggregate traffic broadly observed on real networks. Multiscale techniques are also developed for analyzing fractal queueing scenarios. The persistent memory inherent in the underlying point processes leads to substantially different behavior than is observed in traditional queueing scenarios, and important implications on resource consumption and quality of service are discussed. Finally, we show how multiscale methods can be used with dynamic programming techniques to develop efficient and practical control policies for these fractal queues. In particular, optimal server control is developed for a memoryless queueing system with self-similar traffic input, and optimal flow control is formulated for self-similar service of memoryless traffic. Exploiting recent history, these controllers are shown to achieve substantially better performance—both in terms of quality of service and resource utilization—than queueing control strategies traditionally used.
Digital broadband linearization of optical links.

We present a digital postprocessing linearization technique to efficiently suppress dynamic distortions added to a wideband signal in an analog optical link. Our technique achieves up to 35 dB suppression of intermodulation distortions over multiple octaves of signal bandwidth. In contrast to conventional linearization methods, it does not require excessive analog bandwidth for performing digital correction. This is made possible by regenerating undesired distortions from the captured output, and subtracting it from the distorted digitized signal. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrate a record spurious-free dynamic range of 120 dB·Hz2/3 over a 6 GHz electrical signal bandwidth. While our digital broadband linearization technique advances state-of-the-art optical links, it can also be applied to other nonlinear dynamic systems.
Redistributive Policy: Capacity and Outcomes over the Business Cycle

Abstract This paper tests predictions of redistributive policy theory. Lowi claims that redistributive policy is not influenced by economic conditions. Limited empirical evidence exists to confirm this prediction, and what little evidence exists is indefinite. Policy theory also suggests that such a policy need not produce actual outcomes, but rather, only possess the capacity to produce outcomes. Do policy outcomes or the capacity to redistribute vary over the business cycle? I posit that neither capacity nor redistribution is affected by economic condition. This paper tests this hypothesis using results from the General Social Survey and data from the Current Population Survey. Revisiting one redistributive program during a period of economic downturn—a US Department of Labor initiative that was found to have produced measurable redistribution during the economic growth of the 1990s—this study examines both capacity and reallocation, and partially confirms that redistributive policies are impervious to ...
Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in the embryonic heart is mediated through distinct pertussis toxin-sensitive and TGFβ signal transduction mechanisms

During early development, progenitors of the heart valves and septa are formed by epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of endothelial cells in the atrioventricular (AV) canal. Previously, we showed that pertussis toxin, a specific inhibitor of a subset of G proteins, inhibited EMT in chick AV canal cultures. This study examines in detail the effects of pertussis toxin on the process of EMT. One of the major mediators of EMT is Transforming Growth Factor beta 3 (TGFbeta3) which acts through the TGFbeta Type II receptor. To determine whether pertussis toxin affects EMT via the TGFbeta Type II receptor pathway, we compared AV cultures treated with pertussis toxin and TGFbeta Type II receptor blocking antibody. Pertussis toxin inhibited several elements of EMT. At all stages tested, pertussis toxin blocked endothelial cell-cell separation, cell hypertrophy, and the cellular polarization associated with endothelial activation. These activities were unaffected by TGFbeta Type II receptor antibodies. Pertussis toxin also reduced transformed mesenchymal cell migration by 61%. The expression patterns of several proteins (as markers of EMT) were analyzed in untreated, pertussis toxin-treated, and TGFbeta Type II receptor blocking antibody-treated cultures. These markers were alpha-smooth muscle actin, Mox-1, fibrillin 2, tenascin, cell surface beta 1,4 galactosyltransferase (GalTase), and integrin alpha6. Clear differences in marker expression were found between the two inhibitors. For example, in all cells, pertussis toxin inhibited expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and GalTase while TGFbeta Type II receptor antibody treatment increased expression of these two proteins. These data suggest that G protein-mediated signaling is required for several elements of EMT. Furthermore, distinct G protein and TGFbeta signal transduction pathways mediate discrete components of EMT.
Isotope Fractionation of Methyl Esters by Gas–Liquid Chromatography

THE radiohomogeneity of tritium- and carbon-14-labelled methyl linoleate in vivo and the stability of the labelled methyl esters during gas–liquid chromatography has recently been investigated1. It was shown that the tritium : carbon-14 ratio of the entire peak was unchanged by gas–liquid chromatography. However, when portions of the effluent peak were collected the tritium : carbon-14 ratio varied. In view of the separation potentialities of gas chromatography, it seemed worthwhile to investigate whether or not any difference in the mobilities of the two isotopic molecules during chromatography caused these variations. Accordingly, several columns containing commonly used polar and non-polar phases were used and a number of methyl esters labelled with both tritium and carbon-14 were chromatographed. The tritium : carbon-14 ratios obtained for successive fractions were examined for evidence of any difference in the mobilities of the two compounds.
Projection-Recognition-Projection Method for Automatic Object Recognition and Registration for Dynamic Heavy Equipment Operations

AbstractIt is challenging to recognize dynamic three-dimensional (3D) objects in a scattered construction work environment because it is difficult to process large amounts of incomplete and complex site data from optical sensors in real time or near-real time. This paper proposes a model-based automatic dynamic object recognition and registration method, projection-recognition-projection (PRP), to help heavy equipment operators rapidly perceive the 3D working environment at construction sites. In this study, machine vision and laser scanning technologies were used to rapidly recognize and register dynamic target objects in 3D space. The proposed PRP method extracts a target object’s point cloud data from the background scene to significantly reduce scan data size and modeling time. The target objects’ point clouds are then processed to rapidly recognize and register 3D target models from a model database to the corresponding point clouds. Several field tests at construction equipment operation sites show ...
Considering the Patient’s Perspective in the Injury Severity Score

Background The injury severity score (ISS) assesses anatomical threat to life, but does not correlate with severity perceived by the patient. The purpose of this study was to assess how and why patients assign perceived injury severity. Methods One hundred twenty consecutive patients were asked “Would you say your injury is mild, moderate, severe or very severe?” and “Why do you rate your injury that way?” Explanations were categorized and compared by age, perceived injury severity, and injury mechanism. Categories were pain, injury assessment, injury description, and others. The age groups used were Results The ISS was not significantly correlated with perceived injury severity scores (r2 = 0.177, P = 0.0535, Spearman's correlation), and most patients reported a higher injury severity. Patients with penetrating injuries significantly overestimated their injury severity (P = 0.014, Wilcoxon rank sum). Patients with mild and moderate injuries gave more assessment explanations, whereas patients with severe or very severe injuries gave more description explanations (P = 0.0220, Mantel-Haenszel). Conclusions Patients based perceived severity on their injuries, but it did not correlate with ISS, likely because ISS considers injuries graded events, while the patient considers them all or none events. Assessment responses suggested relief, whereas description responses indicated more distress. It is important to ask patients about their injury severity to help them better cope with their experience, which will likely improve quality of life outcomes.
Using the Long Term Pavement Performance Database in Pavement Design Courses

The Strategic Highway Research Program Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database provides considerable information about a large number of pavement test sections. The information may be easily accessed using DataPave 2.0 software, available free from the Federal Highway Administration. This software provides information on approximately 3,000 sections, with several modules for data analysis and extraction. This paper describes the integration of LTPP DataPave 2.0 software into a pavement design course. The database was used at several points throughout the course, including lessons on traffic characterization, materials, reliability, performance, and design. Twelve Texas pavement case studies were used. Each student was required to complete an individual project requiring the use of the database. Student projects and student evaluations of the use of the DataPave 2.0 software in this course are also discussed. This paper provides sufficient information for interested faculty to implement the use of D...
Fibroblast cells from term human decidua closely resemble endometrial stromal cells: induction of prolactin and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 expression

Term decidual tissue consists of terminally differentiated decidual cells, bone marrow-derived cells, and fibroblast cells. Since undifferentiated decidual cells are fibroblast-like cells of the endometrial stroma, the possibility exists that the fibroblast cells in term decidua are undifferentiated decidual cells. To test this hypothesis, a purified population of fibroblast cells was isolated from term decidua and treated under conditions that are known to induce differentiation of endometrial stromal cells. By flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, the fibroblast cells from term decidua were shown to be free of cells expressing bone marrow-derived cell-surface antigens and the epithelial cell marker cytokeratin. In addition, they tested positive for the cytoskeletal protein vimentin, thus establishing that they were mesenchymal cells. As with endometrial stromal cells, continuous treatment of the decidual fibroblast cells with the progesterone analog medroxyprogesterone acetate and estradiol in combination with either dibutyryl-cAMP or prostaglandin E2 induced cell aggregation and the expression of prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1). When cells were plated at an initial cell density of 0.25 x 10(6) cells/well in a 24-well culture dish with medium changes every three days, PRL was first detected on Days 4-6, and the peak of averaged 24 h-PRL release (30 ng/well) occurred on Days 26-28. The mRNA for decidual fibroblast PRL followed a temporal pattern corresponding to that of the released hormone. The size of the PRL mRNA was 1.15 kb, corresponding to the alternately spliced PRL mRNA reported for decidualized endometrial stromal cells and other extrapituitary sources of PRL.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Analog signal processing: a replacement for the sophomore-level circuit analysis course

A new undergraduate curriculum in electrical engineering has been adopted by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois. Major changes have been incorporated, including a redistribution of the circuits and signal processing topics within the curriculum. After giving an overview of the new curriculum, this paper focuses on a new, required sophomore-level course on analog signal processing. This course combines material from the traditional course on circuit analysis with material on continuous-time signals and systems. Students completing this course can study digital signal processing as first-semester juniors, which leaves ample time for more advanced signal and image processing courses in future semesters.
Simple bounds on serial signature analysis aliasing for random testing

It is shown that the aliasing probability is bounded above by (1+ epsilon )/L approximately=1/L ( epsilon small for large L) for test lengths L less than the period, L/sub c/, of the signature polynomial; for test lengths L that are multiples of L/sub c/, the aliasing probability is bounded above by 1; for test lengths L greater than L/sub c/ and not a multiple of L/sub c/, the aliasing probability is bounded above by 2/(L/sub c/+1). These simple bounds avoid any exponential complexity associated with the exact computation of the aliasing probability. Simple bounds also apply to signature analysis based on any linear finite state machine (including linear cellular automaton). From these simple bounds it follows that the aliasing probability in a signature analysis design using beta intermediate signatures is bounded by ((1+ epsilon )/sup beta / beta /sup beta /)/L/sup beta /, for beta >
Interval Average Sampling

The problem of obtaining samples of the derivative of a function from the samples of the original function through purely digital operations is considered. The results are used to generate schemes for recovering a function when the set of samples consists of values of the function averaged over the sampling interval.
A kinetic study of the copolymerization of maleic anhydride with ethyl vinyl ether using the rotating‐sector technique

The results of polymerization and initiation experiments at 25°C show that the alternating copolymerization of maleic anhydride (monomer 1) and ethyl vinyl ether (monomer 2) is consistent with a theoretical mechanism defined by the usual rate constants (in L/mol s): Propagation: (kp)11 = 0.00; (kp)12 = 1.66 × 105, (kp)22 = 2.0 × 103; and (kp)21 = 2.04 × 105. Termination (kt)11 = 7.40 × 1010; (kt)12 = 52.8 × 1010; (kt)22 = 1.33 × 1010. The relative magnitudes of the two cross-propagation constants and the three termination constants are consistent with accepted theory with regard to polarity, resonance, and steric factors. The steady-state and rotating-sector experiments were carried out in a dilatometer using azobisdiisobutyronitrile as the initiator, acetone as the solvent, and UV light of 365 nm wave length.
Gender-specific differences in the QT interval and the effect of autonomic tone and menstrual cycle in healthy adults

Gender differences in the corrected QT interval have been noted since Bazett's initial description during the 1920s. The mechanism of this gender difference is unknown, and this study was undertaken to evaluate potential autonomic and menstrual cycle effects on the QT interval. The study population consisted of a healthy volunteer sample of 23 women and 20 men. Twelve-lead electrocardiographic determinations were made at rest and following double autonomic blockade (with atropine and propranolol) during the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Men were studied during 3 separate visits as controls. The corrected QT interval at baseline tended to be longer in women than men (421 +/- 16 ms vs 414 +/- 15 ms: p <0.07). Following double autonomic blockade, the corrected QT interval increased to 439 +/- 11 ms: p <0.001). However, the gender difference in corrected QT interval was unchanged (443 +/- 15 ms vs 437 +/- 12 ms). At baseline, there was no significant difference in the corrected QT interval among the 3 phases of the menstrual cycle (421 +/- 10, 423 +/- 18, and 420 +/- 18 in the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases, respectively) and the corrected QT interval was longer in women than men at each visit. Following double autonomic blockade, the corrected QT interval in women was shorter in the luteal phase (438 +/- 16 ms) versus the menstrual (446 +/- 15 ms) or the follicular phase (444 +/- 13 ms; p <0.05). However, this difference, which was not present at baseline, does not appear to be responsible for the gender difference in the QT interval at rest. In conclusion, our results confirm that the corrected QT interval tends to be longer in women than men. Differences in autonomic tone and menstrual cycle variability in the corrected QT in women at rest do not appear to be responsible for the gender differences in the QT interval. The mechanism responsible for the longer QT interval in women remains to be defined.
A broader look at thrombotic microangiopathy and ADAMTS13

The recent characterization of a von Wille-brand factor cleaving protease, now called ADAMTS13, was a major breakthrough in understanding the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Congenital deficiency of ADAMTS13 causes chronic relapsing TTP, and acquired antibodies that
Regional blood flow and vascular resistance in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

Blood flow through the superior mesenteric and iliac arteries and the ascending aorta was determined electromagnetically in spontaneously hypertensive rats and in two strains of Wistar normotensive rats (Wistar Kyoto and Wistar Carworth). Regional vascular resistance of the mesenteric and hindlimb circulations and total peripheral resistance were calculated from measurements of blood flow and arterial pressure in pentobarbital anaesthetized male rats 5 to 8 months of age. There was no significant difference between the spontaneously hypertensive rats and either normotensive strain in blood flow index (ml./min/kg) of the superior mesenteric and iliac arteries, or of the ascending aorta. Moreover, the hindlimb/mesenteric resistance ratio was unaltered in the spontaneously hypertensive rats relative to the normotensive controls. These data suggest that a proportionate increase in vascular resistance occurs in the hindlimb and mesenteric circulations of the spontaneously hypertensive rats.
An algorithm to recover generalized cylinders from a single intensity view

A general method is presented for recovering straight homogeneous generalized cylinders from monocular intensity images. In this method, it is assumed that the generalized cylinder being recovered has purely diffuse reflectance and that the diffuse reflectance coefficient is constant. It is demonstrated that contour information alone is insufficient to recover a straight homogeneous generalized cylinder uniquely. It is shown that the sign and magnitude of the Gaussian curvature at a point vary among members of a contour-equivalent class. The contour image fails to constrain two parameters of the underlying generalized cylinder, the 3D axis tilt and translation. A method for ruling straight homogeneous generalized cylinder images is described. Once the rulings of the image have been recovered, all parameters derivable from contour alone can be recovered, all parameters derivable from contour alone can be recovered. To recover the two remaining parameters (modulo scale) not constrained by image contour, additional information must be incorporated into the recovery process, e.g. intensity information. A method for recovering the tilt of the object using the ruled contour image and intensity values along extremal cross-section curves is derived, along with a method for recovering the location of the object's 3D axis from intensity values along meridians of the surface. The methods outlined constitute an algorithm for recovering all the shape parameters (modulo scale). >
Cloning and characterization of voltage-gated calcium channel alpha1 subunits in Xenopus laevis during development.

Voltage-gated calcium channels play a critical role in regulating the Ca2+ activity that mediates many aspects of neural development, including neural induction, neurotransmitter phenotype specification, and neurite outgrowth. Using Xenopus laevis embryos, we describe the spatial and temporal expression patterns during development of the 10 pore-forming alpha1 subunits that define the channels' kinetic properties. In situ hybridization indicates that CaV1.2, CaV2.1, CaV2.2, and CaV3.2 are expressed during neurula stages throughout the neural tube. These, along with CaV1.3 and CaV2.3, beginning at early tail bud stages, and CaV3.1 at late tail bud stages, are detected in complex patterns within the brain and spinal cord through swimming tadpole stages. Additional expression of various alpha1 subunits was observed in the cranial ganglia, retina, olfactory epithelium, pineal gland, and heart. The unique expression patterns for the different alpha1 subunits suggests they are under precise spatial and temporal regulation and are serving specific functions during embryonic development. Developmental Dynamics 238:2891–2902, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A load balancing mechanism with verification

In this paper we investigate the problem of designing load balancing mechanisms with verification for heterogeneous distributed systems. We derive a compensation and bonus type mechanism that solves the load balancing problem in distributed systems in which computers are characterized by linear latency functions. We prove that our mechanism is truthful andsatisfies the voluntary participation condition. We present a simulation study to show the performance of our mechanism.
Religion and well-being: The moderating role of culture and the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene

Research suggests that religiosity, or the importance of religion in one’s life, may be related to well-being, but little is known about how culture and genes may play a role in this relationship. Given that religion in a North American cultural context tends to emphasize social affiliation less than in an East Asian cultural context and that some people may be genetically predisposed to be more socially sensitive than others, the way religion is linked to well-being may depend on the interplay between cultural context and genetic make-up. The current study examined how culture (i.e., European Americans vs. Koreans) and a specific gene polymorphism (i.e., oxytocin receptor polymorphism rs53576) may interact to impact the association between religiosity and psychological well-being. Results showed that among people who were more genetically predisposed toward social sensitivity (i.e., G/G genotype), Koreans had greater psychological well-being if they were more religious; however, European Americans with t...
Nitrogen metabolism in the terrestrial isopod, Oniscus asellus.

The total diffusible content of ammonia in Oniscus asellus was measured as 1.20 mg % body fluid. Daily excretions of ammonia exceeded the total diffusible content in measurements on specimens taken directly from nature. The content of uric acid in a group of 35 specimens was 11.3 mg % body weight and 93% of this material was in the body wall. Urea was not measurable under conditions that would have allowed detection of at least 0.26 mg % body fluid. Only arginase of the enzymes in the ornithine-urea cycle was measurable. Labeled urea was not detectable in aqueous extracts under conditions where approximately 50,300 CPM of labeled carbon was incorporated into metabolites. Labeled arginine was not detectable under conditions where 9,100 CPM of KHC14O3 were incorporated into the soluble protein fraction and more than 3,340,000 CPM were incorporated into particulate protein and non-protein fractions of the organism. All of the enzymes of uricolysis to ammonia were present, uricase and urease being rate-limiting. Uricase was measurable as myeloperoxidase. Although high rates of glutamate-oxalacetate aminotransferase and glutamate-pyruvate aminotransferase were readily measured, glutamic dehydrogenase activity proceeded slowly, suggesting synthesis of needed amino acids as the key function of the transaminase activities. Amino acid oxidase activities, glutaminase, and asparaginase activities were low, too, whereas peroxidatic deaminase activities proceeded at rates sufficiently fast to account for the levels of volatile ammonia emitted in vivo . Although molting may serve for excretion of end-products of purine catabolism, no central organ homologous to kidney or liver appears to be present with respect to detoxication or excretion of ammonia. Inasmuch as O. asellus is not exposed to osmotic stresses, does not ordinarily face problems of dehydration, and tolerates levels of ammonia generally ascribed as toxic to other organisms, it is proposed that retention of ammonotelism probably offers thermodynamic advantages to the organism. The evolution of a system wherein ammonia is excreted as a gas may have provided the organism with an adaptive mechanism for colonizing land.
DGKE disruption ditches complement and drives p38 signaling.

In this issue of Blood , Bruneau et al[1][1] provide evidence that disruption of diacylglycerol kinase e isoform (DGKe) does not upregulate complement activation, but rather induces endothelial damage via the activation of p38 mitogen–activated protein kinase (MAPK). These in vitro findings may
Development of a Rapidly Deepening Extratropical Cyclone over Land. Part II: Thermodynamic Aspects and the Role of Frontogenesis

Abstract The unusual case of a rapidly developing land cyclone that occurred on 15–17 November 1989 over the United States and Canada is investigated to determine the physical mechanisms responsible for its development. Hourly surface and 12-h upper-air data are analyzed for this storm for the 36-h period beginning on 0000 UTC 15 November. Findings reveal that surface-based frontogenetic forcing and the diabatic effects of latent heating were primarily responsible for the initial development of the system. Proper positioning of the surface low with respect to a 500-mb short-wave trough and 250-mb jet streak yields the greatest deepening of 13 mb in 12 h at a later time. It is suggested that frontogenetic mechanisms contribute to development of this system prior to any favorable organization of the large-scale upper-tropospheric dynamic forcing.
1-Hub, 2-hub or fully connected network? A theoretical analysis of the optimality of airline network structure

Multi-hub network structures are an increasingly important phenomenon in today’s airline networks. With current theoretical arguments for the single-hub solution leaving little room for the kind of multi-hub networks that exist nowadays, this paper sets up a formal model to explore the optimality of multi-hub networks, with or without competition. It is shown that a single-hub or a fully connected network may not be the optimal network configuration, while a 2-hub configuration may be favored under certain circumstances. In addition, the paper shows that competition can also affect an airline’s optimal choice of network: a 2-hub network can be preferable if a competitor enters the market.
Untying the elderly. 1989 to 1993 update.

Research and public policy pertaining to the use of physical restraints has advanced since Evans’ and Strumpfs’ 1989 review. Research better delineates the harms caused by restraints, although not finding benefits. Federal law sharply restricts the use of restraints. Legal liability weighs against the use of restraints in most instances. Nursing homes have published substantial experience with programs to reduce and eliminate the use of physical restraints.
Terahertz radiation induced by femtosecond optical excitation of semiconductors

Recently, we have demonstrated that terahertz radiation can be induced from semiconductor surfaces by femtosecond optical excitation.1 Since this radiation carries information about the photocarriers and the built- in field, by studying it we can learn about the properties of the interface and carrier dynamics in semiconductors.Recently, we have demonstrated that terahertz radiation can be induced from semiconductor surfaces by femtosecond optical excitation.1 Since this radiation carries information about the photocarriers and the built- in field, by studying it we can learn about the properties of the interface and carrier dynamics in semiconductors. We have used this technique to study a Schottky structure. We illuminated the structure with a laser pulse to induce THz radiation. But monitoring the amplitude of the radiated waveform while varying the bias voltage across the structure, we can determine the value of the Schottky barrier.
A Feedback Control Approach to Organic Drug Infusions Using Electrochemical Measurement

Goal: Target-controlled infusion of anesthesia is a closed-loop automated drug delivery method with a computer-aided control. Our goal is to design and test an automated drug infusion platform for propofol delivery in total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) administration. Methods: In the proposed method, a dilution chamber with first-order exponential decay characteristics was used to model the pharmacodynamics decay of a drug. The dilution chamber was connected to a flow system through an electrochemical cell containing an organic film-coated glassy carbon electrode as working electrode. To set up the feedback-controlled delivery platform and optimize its parameters, ferrocene methanol was used as a proxy of the propofol. The output signal of the sensor was connected to a PI controller, which prompted a syringe pump for feedback-controlled drug infusion. Results: The result is a bench-top drug infusion platform to automate the delivery of a propofol based on the measurement of concentration with an organic film-coated voltammetric sensor. Conclusion: To evaluate the performance characteristics of the infusion platform, the propofol concentration in the dilution chamber was monitored with the organic film-coated glassy carbon electrode and the difference between the set and measured concentrations was assessed. The feasibility of measurement-based feedback-controlled propofol delivery is demonstrated and confirmed. Significance: This platform will contribute to high-performance TIVA application of intravenous propofol anesthesia.
Donor substrate promiscuity of bacterial β1-3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases and acceptor substrate flexibility of β1-4-galactosyltransferases

β1-3-N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases (β3GlcNAcTs) and β1-4-galactosyltransferases (β4GalTs) have been broadly used in enzymatic synthesis of N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc)-containing oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates including poly-LacNAc, and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) found in the milk of human and other mammals. In order to explore oligosaccharides and derivatives that can be synthesized by the combination of β3GlcNAcTs and β4GalTs, donor substrate specificity studies of two bacterial β3GlcNAcTs from Helicobacter pylori (Hpβ3GlcNAcT) and Neisseria meningitidis (NmLgtA), respectively, using a library of 39 sugar nucleotides were carried out. The two β3GlcNAcTs have complementary donor substrate promiscuity and 13 different trisaccharides were produced. They were used to investigate the acceptor substrate specificities of three β4GalTs from Neisseria meningitidis (NmLgtB), Helicobacter pylori (Hpβ4GalT), and bovine (Bβ4GalT), respectively. Ten of the 13 trisaccharides were shown to be tolerable acceptors for at least one of these β4GalTs. The application of NmLgtA in one-pot multienzyme (OPME) synthesis of two trisaccharides including GalNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4GlcβProN3 and Galβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc was demonstrated. The study provides important information for using these glycosyltransferases as powerful catalysts in enzymatic and chemoenzymatic syntheses of oligosaccharides and derivatives which can be useful probes and reagents.
Horizontes, solsticios y penumbras. Los cincuenta años de una promoción herediana.

El autor formula una serie de reflexiones en torno a la trayectoria de la tercera promocion egresada de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia y que celebra este ano sus Bodas de Oro. Examina horizontes inspirados por maestros ilustres y principios irrevocables; solsticios que a la manera de acmes y nadires iluminaron rutas de exitos y satisfacciones o las ensombrecieron con dudas o dificultades; y penumbras o retraimientos de soledad e impotencia frente a lo inevitable. En su actual encrucijada existencial, la Promocion Alberto Hurtado de 1965 reafirma convicciones de inmenso valor etico, de servicio autentico, de ciencia profunda y de vocacion duradera.
Technical and Economic Objectives for the Development of Advanced Combined Cycles for Use With Coal-Derived Fuels

The High Temperature Technology (HTTT) Program of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) is attempting to develop the “technology readiness” necessary for utility implementation of advanced combined-cycle power systems operating on coal-derived fuels. To be successful, this HTTT Program should lead to a utility power system which is economic, efficient, environmentally acceptable, and timely in its commercial availability. This paper examines these issues, and attempts to define technical and economic objectives for development of an advanced combined cycle.Copyright © 1978 by ASME
Changes in an Insecticide-Resistant Field Population of German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) After Exposure to an Insecticide Mixture

Combinations of sticky trap monitoring, toxicity tests, and biochemical assays were conducted to study the effects of an insecticide mixture on an insecticide-resistant field population of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). Monthly treatments (6 total; months 1-6) were made, the 1st treatment consisted of a formulated pyrethroid insecticide (lambdacyhalothrin) + synergist (piperonyl butoxide) + juvenile hormone analog (pyriproxyfen), and the following 5 consisted of lambdacyhalothrin + pyriproxyfen alone. This study was monitored for 12 no. We found reductions in sticky trap catches (from 27.9 to 2.6 cockroaches trapped per apartment at the beginning and end of the study, respectively); increases in the percentage of trapped adults having twisted wings (an indicator of juvenile hormone analoginduced sterility); and reduced ratios of nymphs:adults and gravid:nongravid females. For F 1 offspring of cockroaches live-trapped before insecticide treatments, topical toxicity tests revealed the following: resistance to the active ingredient used on the population for 8 previous years (cypermethrin ; LD 50 resistance ratio [RR] = 82.2), a reduction in cypermethrin resistance following pretreatment with piperonyl butoxide (90.2% at LD 50 ), and cross-resistance to chlorpyrifos (LD 50 RR = 5.22). In surface-contact (jar) tests, significant tolerance was also found to cypermethrin (LT 50 RR = 7.3), chlorpyrifos (LT 50 RR = 1.2), and lambdacyhalothrin (LT 50 RR = 1.5). In F 1 offspring of cockroaches collected from the field after an 80.0% reduction in trap catch, jar tests with lambdacyhalothrin indicated increased tolerance over the original population (25.0% at LT 50 . Similarly, biochemical assays of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes indicated increases in 1-naphthyl acetate and 2-naphthyl acetate hydrolysis, and in total cytochrome P450 content, but no change in p-nitrophenyl acetate hydrolysis. We discuss results in terms of the effects of this strategy on resistance levels, suspected resistance mechanisms, and the further development of resistance management strategies.
The effect of murine pneumonitis and lipid pneumonia upon the metabolism of mouse lung.

As described in the preceding paper (Moulder and Weiss, 1951) the rates of oxygen consumption and anaerobic glycolysis of the extra-embryonic membranes of chick embryos infected with the agent of feline pneumonitis are the same as in uninfected controls. In contrast, infection of mice with murine pneumonitis virus produces a sharp reduction in the oxygen uptake and a smaller but definite rise in anaerobic glycolysis of the infected lungs. However, for reasons to be described herein, it is probable that these metabolic changes are due, not to the reproduction of the virus, but instead, to the inflammatory response of the infected tissue.
Urinary Sulfate Ion as a Naturally Occurring Inhibitor of DNase II Activity

Summary1. Urinary dialysates were found to retain inhibitory activity toward DNase II after ashing. 2. Chemical analysis of the charcoal-treated dialysate before and after ashing indicated presence of detectable quantities of sulfate ions but not of Mg++ and Cu++. 3. Various divalent ions, in contrast to monovalent ions, had a marked inhibitory effect on DNase II. 4. The data suggest that a major portion of urinary inhibitory activity with respect to DNas e is due to presence of sulfate ions in the concentrated urinary dial vsate.
REACTIVATION OF PAPAIN-TREATED ENDOTOXIN.

SummaryThe pyrogenicity of endotoxin which had been diminished by incubation with papain was restored by treatment of the inactive complex with pronase and ethanol, indicating that a hydrolytic cleavage of the endotoxin molecule had not occurred. In addition, it was shown that the reduction of the second fever peak in papain-inactivated endotoxin could be explained on the basis of a normal dose-response phenomenon. These findings suggest that there is no disagreement between the inactivation of a purified endotoxin by papain and the observed correlation of the biological activity of endotoxin with the polysaccharide portion of the molecule.