cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consensus of stochastic maps

In this paper, we consider the agreement problem of estimating the locations of landmarks observed by multiple agents in the absence of a global frame of reference. Maximum likelihood estimators are derived from scenarios of independent and mutual landmark estimation. A triangle-based hypothesis test is proposed for the detection of common landmarks across the coordinate systems of the agents and is followed by a formulation of triangle matching as a linear assignment problem. A landmark agreement model is also proposed with consideration that the agents may observe both common and uncommon landmarks. Simulation examples are provided illustrating the proposed landmark estimation and triangle matching approaches.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Thermal Expansions and Chemical Modifications of Cordierite

The small differences in thermal expansion behavior between stoichiometric cordierites fabricated by different methods were measured using an XRD film method which records the complete diffraction patterns, at two temperatures, on one film. Examples of the extensive chemical family that can be obtained with this structure type are given and their widely varying expansions and distribution of diffracted intensities are demonstrated.
Equilibrium studies of the binding of unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters to palladium(II)

Cationic palladium(II)−olefin complexes [CpPd(PR3)(olefin)]BF4 (PR3 = PPh3, PMePh2, PEt3, PMe3; olefin = methyl oleate (18:1), methyl linoleate (18:2), methyl linolenate (18:3), cis-3-hexene, 1,4-pentadiene) have been synthesized and characterized. (For 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3, the first number represents the chain length while the second indicates the number of double bonds). The diene (1,4-pentadiene and 18:2) and triene (18:3) ligands also form binuclear complexes {[CpPd(PR3)]2(olefin)}2+ containing two coordinated [CpPd(PR3)]+ units. The crystal structure of {[CpPd(PMe3)]2(1,4-pentadiene)}(BF4)2 (5b) was determined by X-ray crystallography. In all of the complexes, 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectra establish the presence of the η2-coordinated fatty acid methyl ester and alkene ligands. Equilibrium constants for the formation of the [CpPd(PR3)(olefin)]+ complexes with 18:1, 18:2, 18:3, and cis-3-hexene show that the binding abilities of the large unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters to [CpPd(PR3)]+ are similar t...
FUNCTIONAL DOMAINS OF THE 70-KILODALTON SUBUNIT OF HUMAN REPLICATION PROTEIN A

Human replication protein A (RPA) is a single-stranded DNA-binding protein that is composed of subunits of 70, 32, and 14 kDa. This heterotrimeric complex is required for multiple processes in DNA metabolism including DNA replication, DNA repair, and recombination. Previous studies have suggested that the 616 amino acid, 70-kDa subunit of RPA (RPA70) is composed of multiple structural/functional domains. We used a series of N-terminal deletions of RPA70 to define the boundaries of these domains and elucidate their functions. Mutant RPA complexes missing residues 1−168 of RPA70 bound ssDNA with high affinity and supported SV40 replication in vitro. In contrast, deletions extending beyond residue 168 showed a decreased affinity for ssDNA and were inactive in SV40 DNA replication. When residues 1−381 were deleted, the resulting truncated RPA70 was unable to bind ssDNA but still formed a stable complex with the 32- and 14-kDa subunits of RPA. Thus, the C-terminal domain of RPA70 is both necessary and sufficie...
Painting and Drawing in Personality Assessment

(1950). Painting and Drawing in Personality Assessment. Journal of Projective Techniques: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 262-286.
Optimizing conventional therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.

Recently, conventional therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have not received the same amount of attention as biologic therapies, yet they remain the backbone of therapy for IBD because of their efficacy, safety, and relatively low cost. Advances in efficacy and safety continue because of modifications in drug dosing and monitoring. Higher doses of mesalamine per pill, together with once-daily dosing, may help to optimize drug delivery and patient compliance. Budesonide, an effective agent for both induction and short-term remission maintenance in Crohn’s disease, is devoid of many of the toxicities common to corticosteroids. Assessments of thiopurine methyltransferase and metabolite levels are helping to fine-tune dose optimization for the thiopurines azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine. The oral calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus and cyclosporine have been shown to have expanded roles in IBD, and methotrexate may be useful in some patients with refractory ulcerative colitis. Probiotics are showing promise for maintenance of remission in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and pouchitis.
Notch mRNA expression in Drosophila embryos is negatively regulated at the level of mRNA 3' processing.

Notch receptor regulates differentiation of almost all tissues and organs during animal development. Many mechanisms function at the protein level to finely regulate Notch activity. Here we provide evidence for Notch regulation at an earlier step - mRNA 3′ processing. Processing at the Notch consensus polyadenylation site appears by default to be suppressed in Drosophila embryos. Interference with this suppression, by a mutation, results in increased levels of polyadenylated Notch mRNA, excess Notch signaling, and severe developmental defects. We propose that Notch mRNA 3′ processing is negatively regulated to limit the production of Notch protein and render it a controlling factor in the generation of Notch signaling.
Lysolecithin as regulator of de novo lecithin synthesis in rat liver microsomes.

Abstract 1-Acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (lysolecithin) was found to affect 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol:CDPcholine cholinephosphotransferase (CPT; EC 2.7.8.2) activity of rat liver microsomes in a concentration dependent, characteristic manner. Cholinephosphate transfer was activated at lysolecithin concentrations below 0.5 mM with a maximum stimulation occurring at 75–100 μM lysolecithin levels. At concentrations above 0.5 mM, CPT activity was inhibited by lysolecithin. It was shown that CPT inhibition by lysolecithin is competitive (Ki ≈ 0.6 mM) with respect to CDPcholine. The possible role of lysolecithin as regulator of de novo lecithin synthesis in vivo is outlined.
CHEMICALLY INDUCED MIGRATION OF PARTICLES ACROSS FLUID STREAMLINES

The velocity of a colloidal particle that moves because of a gradient of concentration of a molecular solute depends on the concentration field at the surface of the particle. Effects of macroscopic convection of the suspending fluid on two such transport phenomena, capillary-driven movement of fluid particles and diffusiophoresis of rigid particles, are considered here. In the case of fluid particles our results also apply to motion caused by a temperature gradient. If the particles are in a laminar flow with the solute gradient directed perpendicular to the direction of flow, as might arise in the boundary layer near a surface to which the particles are being deposited, the local solute concentration field around each particle is disturbed from that of pure diffusion of the solute. Using published results for these concentration disturbances in a simple-shear flow, we determine the effect of the imposed velocity gradient on the speed of the particles in the direction of the solute gradient. For both flu...
Probing the gravitational wave signature from cosmic phase transitions at different scales

We present a new signature by which one could potentially discriminate between a spectrum of gravitational radiation generated by a self-ordering scalar field vs that of inflation, specifically a comparison of the magnitude of a flat spectrum at frequencies probed by future direct detection experiments to the magnitude of a possible polarization signal in the cosmic microwave background radiation. In the process we clarify several issues related to the proper calculation of such modes, focusing on the effect of post-horizon-crossing evolution.
New method of Bravais lattice determination

Abstract A new method of Bravais lattice determination from a single convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) pattern is proposed. The method is based on the principle that a primitive reciprocal lattice cell can be measured accurately from the deficiency line of medium or high order reflections or high order Laue zone (HOLZ) line positions within the central disk of a single CBED pattern taken near an arbitrary zone axis. This primitive cell can be reduced to the unique Niggli cell and thus the Bravais cell by Krivy and Gruber reduction procedures. This method could be very useful in identifying phase of mixed phase materials or as the first step toward determination of a new structure or as an automated procedure of indexing diffraction patterns of known structure.
Application of the flame photometric sulfur detector to the gas-chromatographic analysis of trimethylsilylated methylthiohydantoins of amino acids

Abstract Application of the flame photometric detector was made to the gasliquid chromatographic analysis of trimethylsilylated methylthiohydantoins. Principal advantage of the detector proved to be its specificity. The detector was sensitive to the trimethylsilyl derivatives of each of nineteen methylthiohydantoins studied, and extraneous peaks which were occasionally observed with the flame ionization detector were completely absent. Linear calibration curves (log peak area vs log amount chromatographed) were obtained for twelve of the methylthiohydantoins studied, and a rough quantitative estimate of the amount present could be made for the remaining seven.
Effects of ethyl alcohol on forced consumption of an acclimated saline solution

Forced consumption of a 1.7% sodium chloride solution was determined in 3 groups of male hooded rats, 4 in each group, over a period of 115 days. A control group received 1.7% NaCl for the duration of the experiment. An ethyl alcohol experimental group received gradually increasing concentrations of ethyl alcohol, 0.5 to 6.0%, in the 1.7% NaCl drinking fluid for 30 days. For the next 25 days 6% ethanol was mixed with the 1.7% sodium chloride solution. A second experimental group was treated similarly except that varying concentrations of citric acid were added to the saline drinking fluid in place of the ethyl alcohol. At the end of the 55 day period, the ethyl alcohol and citric acid were removed from the drinking fluid of both groups. Dramatic and copious amounts of drinking occurred only in the group which had previously drunk the ethyl alcohol. Since excessive drinking of the 1.7% sodium chloride solution did not occur in the other experimental group when the citric acid was removed, the copious drinking can be attributed specifically to the prolonged ingestion and withdrawal of the ethyl alcohol. Possible significance to an animal model for alcoholism is discussed.
Localized Unilateral Pulmonary Edema: An Unusual Presentation of Left Heart Failure

A patient with mitral insufficiency caused by infarction of the anterior papillary muscle, presenting with localized unilateral pulmonary edema, is reported. On the basis of previous reports it appears that unilateral presentation of acute pulmonary edema, although unusual, is not so rare as is generally believed. The exact underlying mechanism is not clear but various hypotheses put forward to explain the unilateral distribution include the effect of gravity and posture, variations in the pulmonary venous pressure and some disturbance of the neurogenic control of capillary size and permeability. We believe that a wider recognition of the unilateral presentation of acute pulmonary edema is important to avoid unnecessary delay in diagnosis and proper management.
Construction of Geometric Analogy Problems by Young Children in a Computer-Based Test

The two purposes of this study were a) to explore how young children structure and solve geometric analogy problems in a computer-based test, and b) to compare this performance to the same item stems in a paper-and-pencil form. Twenty-four kindergarten and twenty-four second-grade children were required to construct solutions to analogy problems that were presented on a microcomputer. Half of the sample was academically gifted. These kindergartners were also tested with a paper-and-pencil version of the test to examine for possible differences between the two testing methods. Second graders were only tested with the computer version. Statistical analysis for the computer-based test focused on how these young children constructed responses to geometric analogy problems, and the error patterns committed by each age group. Analyses showed a strong linear decrease in performance as the item information load increased, but this effect was more pronounced for the kindergartners than for the second graders. Anal...
Lactobacillus casei metabolic potential to utilize citrate as an energy source in ripening cheese: a bioinformatics approach

Aims: To identify potential pathways for citrate catabolism by Lactobacillus casei under conditions similar to ripening cheese. Methods and Results: A putative citric acid cycle (PCAC) for Lact. casei was generated utilizing the genome sequence, and metabolic flux analyses. Although it was possible to construct a unique PCAC for Lact. casei, its full functionality was unknown. Therefore, the Lact. casei PCAC was evaluated utilizing end-product analyses of citric acid catabolism during growth in modified chemically defined media (mCDM), and Cheddar cheese extract (CCE). Results suggest that under energy source excess and limitation in mCDM this micro-organism produces mainly l-lactic acid and acetic acid, respectively. Both organic acids were produced in CCE. Additional end products include d-lactic acid, acetoin, formic acid, ethanol, and diacetyl. Production of succinic acid, malic acid, and butanendiol was not observed. Conclusions: Under conditions similar to those present in ripening cheese, citric acid is converted to acetic acid, l/d-lactic acid, acetoin, diacetyl, ethanol, and formic acid. The PCAC suggests that conversion of the citric acid-derived pyruvic acid into acetic acid, instead of lactic acid, may yield two ATPs per molecule of citric acid. Functionality of the PCAC reductive route was not observed. Significance and Impact of the Study: This research describes a unique PCAC for Lact. casei. Additionally, it describes the citric acid catabolism end product by this nonstarter lactic acid bacteria during growth, and under conditions similar to those present in ripening cheese. It provides insights on pathways preferably utilized to derive energy in the presence of limiting carbohydrates by this micro-organism.
Crowd computation: organizing information during mass disruption events

This research examines large-scale human interaction occurring through social media during times of mass disruption, seeking to understand how the connected crowd acts to organize a flood of data moving through those platforms into useful information resources. The work combines empirical analysis of social media communication, interviews, and participant observation to explore how people work to organize information and how they use social media platforms to organize themselves to do this work. Synthesizing findings from four distinct, yet interrelated studies, this research progresses towards a new conceptualization of the distributed, connected work of organizing information during mass disruption events.
Narrow band filter photometry of Comet Kohoutek

Narrowband photoelectric measurements of CN (3870), CO(+) (4250), C2 (4700), and C2 (5120) were made on twelve nights in December and January of Comet Kohoutek. CN and C2 appear to be stronger after perihelion, and CO(+) showed a strong post perihelion increase coincident with the first appearance of a strong gas tail and then decreased to a fairly constant level.
Towards a Truly Pragmatic Philosophy of Social Science

The dominant schools in the philosophy of social science, as they are presented in a variety of articles, textbooks, and monographs, are often broken down analytically along three lines. These schools are given different names but are roughly grouped under naturalist, interpretive, and critical headings. However, there are also a growing number of attempts to go beyond these established categories and offer something novel in the philosophy of social science and Patrick Baert's Philosophy of the Social Sciences: Towards Pragmatism can be seen as such an attempt (Baert 2005). His call for a pragmatist philosophy of social science is in part a reading of a variety of main conceptual positions in the philosophy of social science and a recommendation given the problems and shortcomings of each of the programs he discusses. In these remarks
DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPOSITE BENDABLE-WING MICRO AIR VEHICLE

This paper describes the development of a bendable-wing Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) which is capable of being packed in a minimal volume. The wing is rigid under normal flight loads but compliant when the force is reversed, allowing it to be bent into a small diameter. The bendable-wing technology was developed to accommodate packing requirements on several larger vehicles, but was explored further in the creation of an endurance aircraft for use in the 2006 International Micro Air Vehicle Competition. The design procedure entailed airframe and wing design, component selection and placement, and composite stress analysis on the bendable wing. Stress analysis led to the choice of ±45° fiber orientation on the bendable-wing. Manufacturing was aided by custom CAD software and automated machining. Wind tunnel testing and flow visualization were used to show that flow separation is significant at low angles of attack of the thin under-cambered MAV wing. Visual Image Correlation indicated that a maximum permanent deformation of less than 0.5 mm was present after the wing was removed from the storage container. Qualitative flight testing confirmed that the observed residual wing deformation did not hinder flight and verified that the aircraft could consistently complete the objectives of the endurance mission.
The cellular immune defect in chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.

Abstract Cutaneous hypersensitivity of the delayed type can be divided into three sequential phases or steps: (1) antigen recognition and/or processing; (2) production of chemotactic factors or mediators which attract unsensitised cells (monocytes) to the site of the reaction, and (3) changes in the vascular endothelium and "activation" of the monocytes resulting in perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration at the site of antigen injection, interpreted clinically as erythema and induration. Three patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis had generalised cutaneous anergy. Paradoxically, their lymphocytes respond in vitro to phytohaemagglutinin, Candida antigen, and allogeneic cells, indicating an intact antigen recognition and processing phase. Two of the three patients were given lymphocytes from healthy donors, and this resulted in temporary reversal of the generalised cutaneous anergy. Since in such passive-transfer experiments only a small percentage of donor cells are found in the resultant delayed hypersensitivity reaction, the restoration of reactivity implies an adequate population of host cells capable of expressing the inflammatory and clinical events of the cutaneous reaction. The cutaneous anergy in these three patients then seems to result from a deficiency of mediator production, probably migration inhibitory factor, or the presence of an inhibitor to this factor or to other mediators.
Development of food sufficiency questions for the third national health and nutrition examination survey

Abstract For the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), questionnaires were adapted and tested to assess food sufficiency at the household and individual levels. Questionnaires were evaluated in the National Laboratory for Collaborative Research in Cognition and Survey Measurement at the National Center for Health Statistics and pilot tested in four locations in the United States. At the household level, questions are asked about perceived food sufficiency, the number of days per month on which there is no food or money to buy food, and reasons for such a lack of food. At the individual level, seven specific questions about the frequency of and reasons for going without food are asked, in conjunction with a detailed 24-hour dietary recall. The NHANES III questions provide a unique opportunity in a national survey to relate food sufficiency to measurements of nutritional and health status. The questions can also be used by state and local surveys to compare their populations with national data.
Family of Escherichia coli Dr Adhesins: Decay-Accelerating Factor Receptor Recognition and Invasiveness

In 1984, Viiisinen-Rhen [1] and Labigne-Roussel et al. [2] described a novel Escherichia coli adhesin of unknown receptor specificity. Due to its association with uropathogenic strains of serotype 075 and because of the unknown receptor, the adhesin was named 075X [1]. Between 1984 and 1989, 3 groups independently cloned novel adhesins that were later found to have very similar genetic organization: The clones were Dr (cloned by Nowicki et al. [3]), afimbrial adhesins (Afa)-I and Afa-III (cloned by Labigne-Roussel and colleagues [2, 4]), and F1845 (cloned by Bilge et al. [5]). In 1990, Nowicki et al. [6] provided evidence that the novel adhesins, including 075X, recognize a common receptor, Dr (a') blood group antigen. Dr (a+) blood antigen was later localized to the key complement regulatory molecule, decay-accelerating factor ([DAF]; CD55), which protects tissues from damage by autologous complement attack. Most uropathogenic adhesins traditionally were named after the receptor they recognized; hence, we proposed to rename 075X the "Dr adhesin," with the remaining adhesins to be included in the Dr family of E. coli adhesins. In the 1990s, various investigators described several adhesins that were cloned from E. coli of human and animal origin and that display similar genetic organization and/or DAF receptor recognition. Of interest, most of the tested adhesins appeared to have invasive capacity, with probably at least two genes contributing to the internalization process [7, 8]. We therefore propose that the prototypes and the new related adhesins constitute members of the Dr family of adhesins (table 1).
A boundary value technique for the solution of some diffusion equations with concentration-dependent diffusion coefficients

Abstract A boundary value method is applied to the problem of diffusion equations with concentration-dependent diffusion coefficients. The resulting non-linear system of difference equations is solved with exceptional speed by using a form of the Gauss elimination method. This method of solving problems with a semi-infinite domain was found to be more accurate and up to ten times faster than initial value techniques.
Effects of chronic exercise on the kidneys at different ages

Abstract In order to determine the effects of chronic exercise on the kidneys at different ages, young, adult, and old rats swam 1 hour either daily or twice a week for 10 weeks and then were killed along with unexercised controls. The kidneys were removed and sections were prepared for histometric analysis including planimetric measurements on camera lucida drawings of renal components and line sampling. With both degrees of exercise young rats showed lower kidney weight, fewer glomeruli and less medullary tissue than unexercised controls. In the adult group no significant differences were noted between exercised and unexercised rats. In old rats both degrees of exercise resulted in a loss of kidney weight and medullary and cortical mass, and a decrease in size of glomeruli while total number of glomeruli remained unchanged. Thus the effects of chronic exercise on the kidneys varied with age. Retarded kidney development occurred in young animals; a loss of renal tissue in old animals; and no change in adult animals.
Changes in Instructors' Assessment Thinking Related to Experimentation with New Strategies.

Formative assessment has been recognised as a critical element in teaching for conceptual development. A case study research design was employed to: (1) characterise the assessment thinking of three science instructors at a research‐based university; and (2) examine the complex relationship between instructor thinking and practice by encouraging experimentation with alternative assessment strategies. Interviews, reflective journals, field notes and course documents were the data sources used to create a single case study that documented the development of these university instructors’ assessment thinking during their experimentation with formative assessment strategies. Throughout two semesters of experimentation, the instructors’ assessment thinking became more sophisticated; they grew to view the purpose of assessment less as a summative activity used for the assignment of marks and more as a tool for diagnosing student learning. However, more sophisticated thinking was not associated with revisions in ...
Raman-tweezers sensing: fast detection and discrimination of bacterial spores and vegetative cells

Raman-tweezers spectroscopy has been used for the rapid detection of dipicolinic acid (DPA) of single bacterial spores and reagentless discrimination of different species of bacterial cells with principal component analysis and cluster analysis.
Shot Noise in Tunnel Diode Amplifiers

The contributions of Johnson noise and shot noise to the noise in a tunnel diode are analyzed according to a simple theoretical model. The current stream flowing across the junction in one direction is assumed to be uncorrelated with that flowing across the junction in the opposite direction, and both current streams are assumed to produce full shot noise. A simple parabolic band structure is also assumed. There is qualitative, but not quantitative, agreement between the predictions of this model and the experiment. On the basis of some simplifying assumptions (which are consistent with the experiment), the noise figure of a tunnel diode amplifier is calculated. A simple graphical method of determining the approximate noise figure of a diode from its current voltage characteristic is presented It is found that the noise figure has a broad minimum centered about a point slightly higher in bias than the bias value for maximum negative conductance.
Behavior of Turbulence Statistics in the Convective Boundary Layer

Abstract Velocity variances in the convective boundary layer are examined using data derived in PBL experiments over land (Minnesota) and ocean (the Coral Sea) supported by data from the Kansas study of the surface boundary layer. In the freely convective limit, the data clearly support scaling of σw by the convective Velocity w* instead of u*, as is common in modern treatments. The freely convective limit appears to be 0.59 for both σw/w* and σv/w*. The available data are compatible with relationships based on additive contributions to total variance by mechanical and buoyant forces. The resulting relations areThese relations collapse back to the neutral values derived from the Kansas experiment. Similar analyses for temperature variance are somewhat less revealing; however, the available data indicate that scaling by convective properties alone is quite adequate. Hence,where θ* = H/ρcpw*. These relations appear to apply over the bulk of the convective PBL, from z/zi ≈ 0.1 to at least z/zi = 0.6, but ext...
Lipid Metabolism in Liver of Chicks: Response to Feeding

Abstract Fatty-acid synthase is an enzyme complex responsible for the synthesis of the carbon chain of fatty acids. The hepatic activity of this enzyme increases rapidly during a refeeding period following a fast. The activity of fatty-acid synthase in liver of newly hatched chicks rises in parallel with the activities of other lipogenic enzymes at the initiation of feeding. Cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, prevents the feeding-associated rise of other lipogenic enzymes, but not of fatty-acid synthase. Evidence is reviewed that supports the hypothesis that in fasted chicks as well as in unfed, newly hatched chicks, fatty-acid synthase exists in a catalytically less-active form, one that is activated in response to feeding.
Powdery Mildew Resistance in Winter Wheat: II. Identity of Resistance Genes

Gene number and mode of inheritance of powdery mildew resistance in 10 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines was determined in a previous report. However, the allelic relationships of these genes to each other and to known genes was not determined. Eight of the 10 powdery mildew resistant wheat lines were crossed with each other and to each of 13 host differential lines that have known genes for resistance to powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis (DC.) E. O. Speer f. sp. tritici Em. Marchal. In each cross, 300 to 800 F 2 seedlings were evaluated for their reaction to isolate 127 of B. graminis f. sp. tritici in the greenhouse to determine the relationship and putative identity of resistance genes in the eight lines. One common gene, Pm4b, was identified in the wheat lines C39, A55-2, R107, «Armada», and SI5. The three genes in C39 and SI5 were identified as Pm2, Pm4b, and Pm6 based on lack of susceptible progeny from corsses of these lines with the corresponding host differentials. The resistance genes in OK75R3645 and GO4779 differ from each other and from those identified in the other resistant lines. The resistance gene in OK75R3645 most likely is an allele or closely linked to the Pm3 locus. It is probable that the resistance gene in GO4779 is Pm1, as no segregation for susceptible progeny was observed in the cross of GO4779 with the differential line Axminster/8 * CC(Pm1). A single recessive gene, pm8, was postulated for ST1-25, whose disease reaction was intermediate to isolate 127. Six different genes governing resistance to powdery mildew were identified among the eight wheat lines, and Pm4b was the most common gene
Computing performance as a function of the speed, quantity, and cost of the processors

Everyone wants more computing power for their applications, and the industry has responded in two ways: first by increasing the speed of single CPU's, and second by deploying multiple processors in parallel. Much controversy exists over how best to balance processor speed against the number of processors employed. Is it better to have a single, very fast and very expensive CPU, thousands of very slow but very cheap CPU's, or is there some optimal mix in between? The value of single processors, measured in floating-point performance per dollar, is relatively easy to assess, but the corresponding value of parallel systems is obscured by the fact that applications are not generally perfectly parallel, with some loss in efficiency occurring due to sequential bottlenecks and communication overhead. Parallel speedup, the ratio of execution time on a single processor to that on p processors, is often used to capture the effect and measure the efficiency of parallel utilization. We argue that this measure of efficiency is not a good measure of parallel performance because it rewards slow processors. Instead we evaluate delivered floating-point performance as a function of the number of processors for either constant aggregate performance of the processors, or constant total cost. From these measures we offer two conclusions: 1) For a given aggregate floating-point performance, actual delivered performance never increases with the number of processors. and 2) For a given cost, delivered performance is maximized by selecting the fastest processor available at a given technology level, and employing as many as the budget allows. These results, which are generally known to parallel researchers, are often overlooked in the marketing announcements promoting “massively parallel” systems. We motivate this discussion by giving measured performance results from an actual application, and then show the theoretical basis.
Extracellular but not cytosolic superoxide dismutase protects against oxidant-mediated endothelial dysfunction

Superoxide (O2•−) contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. Generation of O2•− occurs in both the intracellular and extracellular compartments. We hypothesized that the gene transfer of cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) or extracellular SOD (SOD3) to blood vessels would differentially protect against O2•−-mediated endothelial-dependent dysfunction. Aortic ring segments from New Zealand rabbits were incubated with adenovirus (Ad) containing the gene for Escherichia coli β-galactosidase, SOD1, or SOD3. Activity assays confirmed functional overexpression of both SOD3 and SOD1 isoforms in aorta 24 h following gene transfer. Histochemical staining for β-galactosidase showed gene transfer occurred in the endothelium and adventitia. Next, vessels were prepared for measurement of isometric tension in Kreb's buffer containing xanthine. After precontraction with phenylephrine, xanthine oxidase impaired relaxation to the endothelium-dependent dilator acetylcholine (ACh, max relaxation 33±4% with XO vs. 64±3% without XO, p<0.05), whereas relaxation to the endothelium-independent dilator sodium nitroprusside was unaffected. In the presence of XO, maximal relaxation to ACh was improved in vessels incubated with AdSOD3 (55±2%, p<0.05 vs. control) but not AdSOD1 (34±4%). We conclude that adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of SOD3, but not SOD1, protects the aorta from xanthine/XO-mediated endothelial dysfunction. These data provide important insight into the location and enzymatic source of O2•− production in vascular disease.
Applications of gas chromatography to the study of terpenoid metabolism

Abstract Studies on the enzymology and mechanism of biosynthesis of the essential oil terpenes are often hampered by the need to resolve and detect trace levels of these metabolites, an analytical requirement for which gas chromatography is ideally suited. Essential principles in the application of gas chromatography to terpenoid metabolism are described, with particular emphasis on experimental strategies employing flame ionization, mass spectrometric and thermal conductivity—radiochemical detection methods. The general approaches described can be readily adapted to studies on the origin of other volatile natural products.
A method for the rapid determination of protein turnover

Abstract In order to shorten the time necessary to measure rates of protein synthesi and catabolism, we primed the urea pool with [ 15 N 2 ] urea prior to a primed constant infusion of L[α- 15 N]lysine. After determining the correct [ 15 N 2 ] urea prime in dogs, we duplicated this method in humans. Our data indicate an isotopic equilibrium in nitrogen derived from urinary urea can be achieved within 2 hr. Our technique therefore enables the measurement of acute changes in rates of whole body protein synthesis and catabolism.
Assessment of queen mating frequency by workers in social hymenoptera

Worker Hymenoptera may increase their inclusive fitness by adopting facultative reproductive strategies that depend on assessment of queen mating frequency. An analysis of how workers might assess mating frequency, based on the diversity of colonymate sisters' odor phenotypes, is presented for a single-locus multi-allele odor generating system in a situation where queens mate with either one or two males. Errors in mating frequency assessment are shown to be frequent, except when many allelically diverse loci are used, and the assessment rule that minimizes errors is shown to depend on allelic diversity. Errors will still occur even if workers base their assessment on interactions with many sisters, because the information provided by encounters with different sisters is not independent, and because odor diversity of sisters is affected by chance as well as by queen mating frequency.
Impact of rituximab on relapse rate and disability in neuromyelitis optica

Background: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe demyelinating disease often leading to serious disability. Accumulating evidence now implicates humoral mechanisms in its pathogenesis. In the absence of an approved therapy, anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressant drugs have been used empirically for more than three decades. Recent evidence for a role of antibody to aquaporin-4 in the pathogenesis of NMO has led to the use of rituximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 epitope on the entire B cell lineage.Objectives: To evaluate the impact of rituximab on the relapse rate and disability in NMO.Methods: This is an IRB approved retrospective longitudinal study of NMO patients treated with rituximab.Results: We identified 53 patients with NMO, 23 of whom had been treated with rituximab. These patients (2 males, 21 females) had a mean age of 37.1 ± 14.6 years at the time of diagnosis. Eight of the 23 treated with rituximab were treatment naive. All 23 were scheduled to receive infusions every six or 12 m...
Purification and properties of a nucleolar endoribonuclease from Novikoff hepatoma.

Abstract An endoribonuclease which may be involved in the processing of 45-S ribosomal precursor RNA has been extracted from isolated Novikoff hepatoma nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particles. This enzyme was purified 200-fold by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and CM-cellulose columns. The enzyme optimum is at neutral pH and 60 °C; it is essentially inactive at 0 °C and is inactive and denatured at 100 °C. Of the synthetic polyribonucleotides, poly(C) was digested most rapidly and poly(U) more slowly and to a lesser extent; poly(A), poly(G) and poly(I) were not digested by this enzyme. After prolonged digestion of 32 P-labeled 5-S RNA with this nucleolar enzyme, 80–90 % of the radioactivity was trichloroacetic acid-soluble. Two-dimensional mapping showed that the trinucleotides (ACC) and (GCC) and the tetranucleotide (GCCC) were present. The enzyme was inactivated by 0.1 % sodium dodecyl sulfate and migrated on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as a diffuse band with an approximate mol. wt of 7000.
The human papillomavirus 16 E6 protein can either protect or further sensitize cells to TNF: effect of dose.

High-risk strains of human papillomavirus, including HPV 16, cause human cervical carcinomas, due in part to the activity of their E6 oncogene. E6 interacts with a number of cellular proteins involved in host-initiated apoptotic responses. Paradoxically, literature reports show that E6 can both protect cells from and sensitize cells to tumor necrosis factor (TNF). To examine this apparent contradiction, E6 was transfected into U2OS cells and stable clones were treated with TNF. Intriguingly, clones with a high level of E6 expression displayed an increased sensitivity to TNF by undergoing apoptosis, while those with low expression were resistant. Furthermore, TNF treatment of cells in which the expression of E6 was regulated by the addition of doxycycline demonstrated clearly that while low levels of E6 protect cells from TNF, high levels sensitize cells. Together, these results demonstrate that virus–host interactions can be complex and that both quantitative and qualitative aspects are important in determining outcome.
IS SELECTIVELY HARVESTED FOREST AN ECOLOGICAL TRAP FOR OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS?

Abstract ABSTRACT Disturbance-dependent species are assumed to benefit from forestry practices that mimic the appearance of postdisturbance landscapes. However, human activities that closely mimic the appearance but not the fundamental quality of natural habitats could attract animals to settle whether or not these habitats are suitable for their survival or reproduction. We examined habitat selection behavior and nest success of Olive-sided Flycatchers (Contopus cooperi) in a naturally occurring burned forest and an anthropogenically created habitat type—selectively harvested forest. Olive-sided Flycatcher density and nestling provisioning rates were greater in the selectively harvested landscape, whereas estimated nest success in selectively harvested forest was roughly half that found in naturally burned forest. Reduced nest success was probably a result of the relatively high abundance of nest predators found in the artificially disturbed forest. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that s...
Abridgment of high-speed recorder

This paper describes a new electrical instrument for automatically recording variations of electrical functions at high speed. The rate of chart motion is lower than that of the oscillograph so that the envelope of an a-c. wave is produced. This recorder has been successfully applied in the analysis of breakdowns on transmission lines, giving data used as the basis of securing improved selective relay protection and for other problems involving automatic high-speed recording.
Human apoC-IV: isolation, characterization, and immunochemical quantification in plasma and plasma lipoproteins.

Apolipoprotein C-IV (apoC-IV), the newest member of the low-molecular-weight apoC group, has been characterized in blood plasma of rabbits, in which it is a major proline-rich apoC component (Zhang, L-H., L. Kotite, and R. J. Havel. 1996. Identification, characterization, cloning, and expression of apoC-IV, a novel sialoglycoprotein of rabbit plasma lipoproteins. J. Biol. Chem. 271: 1776–1783). Although the decoded sequence of mouse and human apoC-IV is known, apoC-IV has not been identified in blood plasma from these or other species. Rabbit apoC-IV exists in several sialoforms, and the asialoform has an acidic isoelectric point. We show that apoC-IV is a basic protein in human, monkey, and mouse plasma, present as a minor apoC component of VLDL. Human apoC-IV, isolated from apo VLDL by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and two-dimensional electrophoresis, was identified by microsequencing four tryptic peptides. The protein exhibits two major isoforms; one is N-glycosylated, and both are variably sialylated. In normolipidemic plasma, greater than 80% of the protein is in VLDL (0.7% of total apo VLDL), with most of the remainder in HDL. The concentration of apoC-IV in the plasma and lipoproteins of ρ This sequence, functioning as a GAGA box that has been implicated in the transcription of a number of genes, may explain the higher level of expression of apoC-IV in rabbits.
Use of Lanthanum Bromide Detectors to Augment Site Surveys for Depleted Uranium

A variety of systems have now been described for use in surveying sites for anthropogenic radiological contamination. Virtually all of these include use of sodium iodide detectors and register detection data with global positioning satellite data. This paper demonstrates how lanthanum bromide detectors can be used to augment existing field surveys in a manner to reduce uncertainty in areas of low count rates and to discriminate between depleted uranium and naturally occurring uranium. The survey system described is equipped with large (20 × 20 × 100 cm) sodium iodide (Alpha Spectra) and 7.5 × 7.5 cm lanthanum bromide (Saint Gobain) detectors. Additional radiological detection equipment (DigiBase) was obtained from ORTEC with survey data collected in the List Mode. Data collected in surveys were then used to generate digital maps using GeoSoft’s Oasis Montaj. Software has been developed to automatically identify areas of increased count rates using user-defined thresholds. This software can collect the count data for the masked area and generate a composite spectrum that can be compared to a reference spectrum believed to represent an uncontaminated area. Ratios of counts attributed to protactinium-234m (Pa-234m) are compared to counts attributed to Bismuth-214 (Bi-214) for both the composite filed survey spectrum and the reference spectrum. Soil samples have been collected from selected sites over a range of soil and geology types for the purpose of collecting data comparing high purity germanium (HPGe) detector and lanthanum bromide (LaBr) detector spectra. These samples have come from areas believed to be devoid of depleted uranium contamination and from areas expected to have higher concentrations of naturally occurring uranium. A library of HPGe and LaBr spectra have been collected comparing: (1) background soil samples with, (2) spectra from the same samples that have been doped with half the remediation threshold activity of depleted uranium, and (3) the remediation threshold activity of depleted uranium. Ratios of the Pa-234m:Bi-214 for both HPGe and LaBr detectors are provided in this paper. This process can be repeated for any site of interest. Background soil samples can be obtained prior to surveying and an equivalent library of spectral ratios generated. Field data from three different sites will be used to show how LaBr detectors can be effectively used as an infield HPGe surrogate for rapid discrimination between DU contamination and areas of high naturally occurring uranium. Areas of maps of questionable contamination are selected and composite LaBr spectra are generated along with Pa-234m:Bi-214 ratio. This is compared to library data to determine the approximate activity of DU present. All areas suspected of DU contamination can also be selected and excluded from the remainder of map data. A composite spectrum from the areas believed to be uncontaminated can be generated and spectral ratios compared library data for clearance purposes.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Effective molarity redux: Proximity as a guiding force in chemistry and biology.

The cell interior is a complex and demanding environment. An incredible variety of molecules jockey to identify the correct position–the specific interactions that promote biology that are hidden among countless unproductive options. Ensuring that the business of the cell is successful requires sophisticated mechanisms to impose temporal and spatial specificity–both on transient interactions and their eventual outcomes. Two strategies employed to regulate macromolecular interactions in a cellular context are co-localization and compartmentalization. Macromolecular interactions can be promoted and specified by localizing the partners within the same subcellular compartment, or by holding them in proximity through covalent or non-covalent interactions with proteins, lipids, or DNA– themes that are familiar to any biologist. The net result of these strategies is an increase in effective molarity: the local concentration of a reactive molecule near its reaction partners. We will focus on this general mechanism, employed by Nature and adapted in the lab, which allows delicate control in complex environments: the power of proximity to accelerate, guide, or otherwise influence the reactivity of signaling proteins and the information that they encode.