cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trilostane Therapy for Treatment of Spontaneous Hyperadrenocorticism in Cats: 15 Cases (2004–2012)

Background Medical treatment with trilostane improves clinical signs, causes unclear insulin requirement changes, and variable survival times in cats. Objectives/Hypothesis To characterize the long-term efficacy of trilostane in treating cats with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). Animals Fifteen client-owned cats with spontaneous HAC. Methods Multicenter descriptive retrospective study with a search performed on all medical records for cats diagnosed with spontaneous HAC. Results Clinical signs (13 of 15 cats) and ACTH stimulation testing results (13 of 15) improved with trilostane therapy. Diabetes mellitus was reported in 9/15 cases. Insulin requirements decreased by 36% within 2 months in 6/9 diabetic cats. Median survival time was 617 days for all cats (range 80–1,278 days). Complications included weight loss, urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, seizures, and recurrent pancreatitis. Hypocortisolemia was documented in 1 case. Cause of death occurred as a result of nonadrenal or nondiabetic illnesses (renal failure, seizures [caused by hypoglycemia or unknown]), or lymphoma. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Trilostane ameliorates clinical signs of HAC in cats, is tolerated well in the long term, and can lead to improved regulation of diabetes.
Narrow‐band blue‐light treatment of seasonal affective disorder in adults and the influence of additional nonseasonal symptoms

Background: Bright visible-spectrum light therapy has proven effective in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and recent basic research suggests that blue wavelengths ∼470 nm account for that effectiveness. To more stringently test the importance of these wavelengths, bright red-light was used for the placebo (control) condition. Methods: Thirty subjects meeting DSM-IV criteria for SAD were randomized to narrow-band light-emitting diode panels emitting blue- or red-light in this 3-week, parallel, double-blind trial. Twenty-five subjects participated in an open-label blue-light follow-up. Subjects were divided in a blinded, post hoc manner into two groups: SAD only and those experiencing depression with seasonal intensification. The outcome was assessed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale–17 item version (HAMD-17) and the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale—SAD version. Responders were defined by Clinical Global Impression—Improvement scale. Results: HAMD-17 scores improved more under the blue-light condition (51%) than under the red-light condition (32%) (P=.05). Further, in the blue arm 60% of subjects responded compared with 13% in the red arm (P=.01). During the open-label phase, subjects from both double-blind arms improved over baseline. SAD alone patients responded numerically better to treatment than those experiencing depression with seasonal intensification during both treatment periods. Conclusions: Narrow bandwidth blue-light therapy proved superior to red-light therapy. Blue-light therapy produced results similar to both previous 10,000 lux visible-spectrum light studies and many medication studies. The use of bright red panels supported claims that wavelengths of ∼470 nm account for the documented effectiveness of light therapy. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Multidimensional Continued Fraction and Some of Its Statistical Properties

The problem of simultaneously approximating a vector of irrational numbers with rationals is analyzed in a geometrical setting using notions of dynamical systems theory. We discuss here a (vectorial) multidimensional continued-fraction algorithm (MCFA) of additive type, the generalized mediant algorithm (GMA), and give a geometrical interpretation to it. We calculate the invariant measure of the GMA shift as well as its Kolmogorov-Sinai (KS) entropy for arbitrary number of irrationals. The KS entropy is related to the growth rate of denominators of the Euclidean algorithm. This is the first analytical calculation of the growth rate of denominators for any MCFA.
Hyperfiltration studies XVIII. The optimization of two-stage plants for desalination of brackish waters

Abstract A computer program was developed for parametric analysis of hyperfiltration with one- and two-stage plants where each stage could be divided into sections Provisions are made in the code to permit repressurization between sections through booster pumps and to allow for recirculation of solution within each section with a separate pump. With the code optimum costs can be obtained (optimum pressures and cross-flow velocities) at fixed water recoveries. The code was applied to cost analyses of hyperfiltration of salt solutions with 1,000 to 5,000 ppm of salt and with membranes of assumed permeabilities of 0.3 to 15 gal/day·ft 2 ·atm.Most calculations were for an ion exchange membrane for which rejection decreases with salt concentration from 92% for 1,000 ppm solution to 81% for 5,000 ppm solution. Some calculations were also carried out for a membrane with characteristics representative of cellulose acetate (rejection 95% and permeability 0.5 gal/day·ft 2 ·atm). As conditions were changed which caused a transition between one- and two-stage plants, costs changed smoothly. Conditions were found where two-stage plants produced cheaper water than one-stage plants. Two-stage plants can use more highly permeable membranes than one-stage plants. For feed concentrations up to 4,000 ppm, lower costs were obtained with the moderately rejecting high flux membranes than with the cellulose acetate type, if plant costs per unit membrane area are equal. Under some conditions, plants combining the two membrane types may be more economical than plants using either type exclusively.
An algebraic targeting approach to resource conservation via material recycle/reuse

In this paper, an algebraic approach to the targeting of material recycle/reuse is developed. A cascade analysis is developed to maximise the recycle of process streams. Feasibility constraints and optimality conditions are derived based on insights from the graphical representation of material recycle pinch diagrams. The devised method is non-iterative, systematic and leads to the identification of rigorous targets for minimum usage of fresh resources, maximum recycle of process resources, and minimum discharge of waste. All these targets are determined ahead of detailed design of the recycle/reuse network. Two case studies are solved to illustrate the ease, rigour, and applicability of the developed targeting technique.
Ageing of Clones of Mammalian Cells

The chief purpose of this article is to review some recent work on the ageing of mammalian cells and to comment on the theoretical interpretation of the experimental findings. No claim will be made that cellular ageing is a primary cause of the ageing changes observed in whole animals; the evidence supporting such a causal connexion is inconclusive.
Divergent Roles of c-Src in Controlling Platelet-derived Growth Factor-dependent Signaling in Fibroblasts

The vast complexity of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced downstream signaling pathways is well known, but the precise roles of critical players still elude us due to our lack of specifi...
High resolution of mouse chromosomes: banding conservation between man and mouse

A detailed schematic representation of high-resolution G-banding patterns was prepared from elongated and finely banded mitotic chromosomes of the mouse. Such chromosomes can be obtained from both animal tissue and cell lines by a simple protocol, facilitating precise demarcation of breakpoints in chromosome rearrangements and aiding in the sublocalization of genes. Regions of subbanding homology were observed between human and mouse chromosomal segments known to have conserved gene assignments, an indication that, at the cytogenetic level, extensive regions of the mammalian genome may remain intact after 60 million years of species divergence.
Prototype secondary mirror assembly design for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility

The authors describe the design of a liquid helium temperature prototype secondary mirror assembly (PSMA) under development for the NASA Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) program. The SIRTF secondary mirror assembly must operate below 4 K and provide highly precise two-axis dynamic tilting (chopping) in addition to the conventional functions needed by the SIRTF observatory. The PSMA design uses a fused quartz mirror kinematically attached at its center to an aluminum cruciform. The mirror/cruciform assembly is driven in tilt about its combined center of mass using a unique flexure pivot and a four-actuator control system with feedback provided by pairs of differential position sensors. The voice coil actuators are mounted on a second flexure-pivoted mass, enhancing servo system stability and isolating the telescope from vibration-induced disturbances. The mirror/cruciform and the reaction mass are attached to opposite sides of an aluminum mounting plate whose dimensional characteristics are nominally identical to those of the aluminum flexure pivot material. The mounting plate is connected to the outer housing by a six-degree-of-freedom focus and centering mechanism using pivoted actuation levers driven by lead screw/harmonic drive/stepper motor assemblies. >
Notes on the no loops conjecture

We use algebraic K-theory to resolve the ‘no loops conjecture’ for finite dimensional algebras of finite global dimension over an algebraically closed field. We also prove two special cases of a new conjecture concerning automorphisms of such algebras.
Absolute comparison of simulated and experimental protein-folding dynamics

Protein folding is difficult to simulate with classical molecular dynamics. Secondary structure motifs such as α-helices and β-hairpins can form in 0.1–10 µs (ref. 1), whereas small proteins have been shown to fold completely in tens of microseconds2. The longest folding simulation to date is a single 1-µs simulation of the villin headpiece3; however, such single runs may miss many features of the folding process as it is a heterogeneous reaction involving an ensemble of transition states4,5. Here, we have used a distributed computing implementation to produce tens of thousands of 5–20-ns trajectories (700 µs) to simulate mutants of the designed mini-protein BBA5. The fast relaxation dynamics these predict were compared with the results of laser temperature-jump experiments. Our computational predictions are in excellent agreement with the experimentally determined mean folding times and equilibrium constants. The rapid folding of BBA5 is due to the swift formation of secondary structure. The convergence of experimentally and computationally accessible timescales will allow the comparison of absolute quantities characterizing in vitro and in silico (computed) protein folding6.
Measurement Of Low Angle Scatter

Abstract. A low angle scatter instrument (LASI) has been designed and built at Montana State University under contract to the Los Alamos National Labora-tory. The instrument is capable of measuring scatter at 0.1 ° from the specular beam on most samples and at 0.01 on high scatter samples. Samples may be either reflective or transmissive components. LASI consists of a small aperture detector (100 Am nominal) that is scanned through a focused beam under computer control. The system measures light intensity over approximately nine orders of magnitude. Because the instrument produces some scatter, scans are made with and without the sample present. Following a normalization process, the two data sets are compared to determine the scatter due to the sample alone. Extensive software is used to control the data-taking process, analyze the data, and present the results in graphical form. In this paper a review of the instrument is presented, rather than an extensive survey of scattering data. The basic design problems involved in making these types of instruments are discussed, and procedures for taking measurements are given. We conclude that the major constraint on this type of measurement is scatter from the instrument itself. The difficulties involved in obtaining optics with small amounts of low angle scatter emphasize the need for this type of instrumentation.
Collaboration: Couples Working Together To Manage Chronic Illness

Management of chronic illness by couples, within the context of their lives, has the potential to become problematic, especially if the illness is severe. Working together collaboratively appears to be one way that some couples are able to prevent, resolve, or circumvent problems and go on to do the illness and biographic work that is necessary to manage both the illness and their lives. This paper explores what collaboration is, how it works, and what happens when it breaks down. It also offers a three-step program for nursing intervention in cases where collaboration has either broken down or never existed.
Reflective make‐and‐take: a talent quest reflective practice teacher model

This article explores the efficacy of reflective practice within the context of teacher professional development. A reflective practice model and its training process are described as tools for facilitating teachers' efforts to understand and implement effective and manageable classroom instruction to effect change in classroom performance. Qualitative data were collected from elementary school teachers to gain insight into the relationship between reflective training, instructional practice, and student classroom behavior. Specific focus was on training whereby teachers were guided through a reflective make‐and‐take development of curriculum and instruction materials to use in classroom settings. Teachers engaged in critical dialogue in use of these materials. Data support four positive outcomes of the reflective model for teachers: enjoyment of collaborative engagement and reflective critical dialogue; development of curriculum materials aligned with teachers' collective classroom complexities and commo...
Elite and marginalised actors in toxic treadmills: challenging the power of the state, military, and economy

The theoretical frameworks of the treadmill of production and the treadmill of destruction are used to explore how the expansionary dynamics of capitalism and militarism, along with a complicit state apparatus, harm the environment and human health. The treadmill analysis is extended beyond a structural explanation of the occurrence of environmental inequality by showing how elite shareholders interact with marginalised stakeholders. A historical-comparative study of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation's lands and the toxic contamination of the North Carolina military base, Camp Lejeune, is carried out to explore claims-making strategies, to understand how each claimant negotiates their position, and to unearth power differences among multiple interests. Secondary data analysis is conducted on government documents, journalists’ accounts, public health records, and scholarly research to elucidate resistance to these treadmills, and bridge the role that the economy, the state, and the military play in degra...
Ethanol and Lipids

The interaction of ethanol with lipid metabolism is complex. When ethanol is present, it becomes a preferred fuel for the liver and displaces fat as a source of energy. This favors fat accumulation. In addition, the altered redox state secondary to the oxidation of ethanol promotes lipogenesis, for instance, through enhanced formation of acylglycerols. The depressed oxidative capacity of the mitochondria injured by chronic alcohol feeding also contributes to the development of the fatty liver. Accumulation of fat acts as a stimulus for the secretion of lipoproteins and the development of hyperlipemia. Hyperlipemia may also be facilitated by the proliferation of the endoplasmic reticulum after chronic ethanol consumption and the associated increase of enzymes involved in the production of triglycerides and lipoproteins. The propensity to enhance lipoprotein secretion is offset, at least in part, by a decrease in microtubules and an impairment of the secretory capacity of the liver. The level of blood lipids depends on the balance between these two opposite changes: At the early stage of alcohol abuse, when liver damage is still small, hyperlipemia will prevail, whereas the opposite occurs with severe liver injury. When hyperlipemia occurs, it involves all lipoprotein classes, including high density lipoprotein (HDL). The latter have been suggested to be responsible for the lower incidence of coronary complications of moderate drinkers compared to teetotalers, but in fact, the subtype of HDL involved (HDL3) differs from the HDL2 subtype associated with protection.
Psoriasis: Hyperproliferative/inflammatory skin disorder

The skin lesions in psoriasis are characterized by epidermal thickening (acanthosis), by a sustained inflammatory reaction that is evident in the dermis and epidermis, by altered epidermal differentiation (histologically characterized by para- and hyperkeratosis), and by the absence of granular layer. The development of future pharmacological agents for psoriasis, therefore, must recognize these various aspects of the disease activities. Chemical agents that are targeted toward only one aspect of the disease are unlikely to be totally beneficial. Although in its infancy, the possibility of therapeutic management via dietary manipulation by varying ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from vegetable and marine oils is promising. Furthermore, the possible beneficial effect of the dihydroxy metabolite of vitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3), a naturally occurring substance, in the management of psoriasis is exciting and deserves to be fully explored. It is likely that this naturally occurring vitamin D3 metabolite may function to modulate keratinocyte differentiation.
Phosphorylation at sites near rhodopsin'scarboxyl-terminus regulates light initiated CGMP hydrolysis

We find prompt, high stoichiometry phosphorylation of rhodopsin in response to low fractional rhodopsin bleaching in bovine rod outer segments (ROS). For example, 4 +/- 1 phosphates are incorporated per bleached rhodopsin (Rho*) in 30 sec and 6 +/- 2 phosphates are incorporated in 75 sec in response to bleaching 1% of the rhodopsin in the presence of 1 mM [gamma-32P]ATP and 0.1 mM nonradioactive GTP. Omission of GTP leads to ca 70% inhibition of rhodopsin phosphorylation, presumably due to the GTP-binding protein blocking access of rhodopsin kinase to rhodopsin. Light induced phosphodiesterase (PDE) activation is rapidly quenched in the presence of ATP as first reported by by Liebman and Pugh [Nature 287, 734-736 (1980)]. The kinetics of rhodopsin phosphorylation vary with conditions and from preparation to preparation, however, they are always at least as fast as the ATP dependent quenching of PDE activation. The maximum extent of rhodopsin phosphorylation was limited by specific proteolytic trimming of the carboxyl-terminal phosphorylation sites in washed ROS membranes "stripped" of extrinsic proteins. Membrane preparations with 6,4,2, or 1 phosphate(s) incorporated/Rho* (after a 75 sec post bleach incubation) were produced by treatment with: no protease, carboxypeptidase Y (C), trypsin (T), or both T and C (TC), respectively, followed by reassociation with extrinsic membrane proteins and phosphorylation. Low fractional bleaching was required for maximum phosphorylation/Rho* in membranes which were stripped and reassociated with extrinsic proteins and in isolated ROS. Removal of C-terminal rhodopsin phosphorylation sites has little or no effect on light activation of PDE in the absence of ATP. However, in the presence of ATP the extent of the removal of C-terminal rhodopsin residues has large effects on the light activation and the shut-off of PDE. The single phosphate/Rho* that was added to TC digested membranes reduced the lifetime of Rho* but apparently was not incorporated rapidly enough under our conditions to inhibit the Vmax of PDE. The two phosphates/Rho* which were incorporated after T digestion cause a large decrease in the lifetime of Rho* as well as a decrease in the Vmax of PDE (at low bleaching levels). The four phosphates/Rho* that were added after C digestion further reduce the lifetime of Rho* and the Vmax of PDE. The 6 phosphates/Rho* which were incorporated into the unproteolyzed membranes have little additional effect on Rho* lifetime compared to 4 phosphates/Rho*. However, increasing the phosphorylation observed from 4 to 6 phosphates greatly inhibits the Vmax of PDE at intermediate bleaching levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
High-level Expression of Maize γ-zein Protein in Transgenic Soybean (Glycine max)

The γ-zein gene from maize was introduced into soybean (cultivar ‘Jack’) using the particle inflow gun and three independent, fertile transgenic lines ‘ZA’ ‘ZC’ and ‘BY’ were recovered. Molecular and genetic analyses indicated that the transgenic line ‘ZA’ contains a single copy of γ-zein gene, whereas both transgenic lines ‘ZC’ and ‘BY’ contain multiple copies of the γ-zein gene. Northern and western blot analyses suggested that transgenic seeds from the T1 and T2 progeny of ‘ZA’ and ‘ZC’ expressed γ-zein mRNA and γ-zein protein successfully. However, neither γ-zein mRNA transcripts nor γ-zein protein could be detected from transgenic seeds of ‘BY’ progeny. Transgenic seeds from the T1 and T2 progenies of ‘ZA’ and ‘ZC’ strongly expressed the γ-zein protein (from 597 to 819 ng/mg of dry seed flour), as determined by quantitative ELISA analysis. The percentage of alcohol extractable proteins in total seed proteins ranged between 2.54 and 6.49% in seeds from the transgenic lines expressing γ-zein, whereas the corresponding value in seeds from a non-transformed control line was only 0.35%. Amino acid analysis of T1 and T2 transgenic ‘ZA’ and ‘ZC’ seeds expressing γ-zein protein showed the percentage content of cysteine and methionine increased significantly (from 26.97 to 29.33% and from 15.49 to 18.57%, respectively) compared to non-transformed control seeds of the same line.
The effect of focused instruction on orthopaedic surgery residents' ability to objectively measure intracompartmental pressures in a compartment syndrome model.

Acute compartment syndrome is a condition characterized by an increase in intracompartmental pressure within a closed fascial space, leading to muscle ischemia and tissue death if treatment is delayed1-5. The medicolegal and economic impacts of compartment syndrome have been documented6,7. Diagnosis of compartment syndrome can be difficult in children and in obtunded or unreliable patients8,9. Use of an intracompartmental pressure measuring device, such as the Stryker Intra-Compartmental Pressure Monitor System (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Michigan), provides valuable information in such cases10-12. This system has been shown to be highly accurate in the laboratory setting10,13, but, from personal clinical experience, we hypothesized that the results might be inconsistent if residents used improper techniques. Often, resident physicians are the first clinical staff to evaluate cases of suspected compartment syndrome. Prior to this study, residents at our institution used the Stryker device to document compartment pressures, but no formal assessment of their proficiency with the device existed. Thus, we set out to determine our residents’ ability to use the device correctly (by measuring the number of technical errors they committed with the device’s use) and to document whether technical errors contributed to pressure measurement errors. Furthermore, we wanted to know whether a formal didactic presentation on the device’s proper use would decrease technical errors and would improve accuracy of pressure measurements. Our hypothesis was that, prior to formal training, residents would demonstrate more technical errors using the device at baseline than after teaching and that the number of technical errors would correlate with pressure measurement errors. As the device requires rather simple technical skills, we hypothesized that improvements would be maintained at a later, nine-month, follow-up. ### Study Design There was a sample of convenience in the group …
Writing for Equity Inside and Out: Emerging Scholars of Color Doing Ethnography with a Marginalized Population

Graduate students and research scholars are required to demonstrate active scholarly engagement in conversations relevant to their fields. Publishing is the primary barometer of success at research-intensive universities; however, not all publications are counted equal. The gate-keeping functions of a discipline’s top tier journals naturalize rational, jargon-laden, and definitive ideas of what scholarship should be. Living theory and praxis compel an academic scholar to reach into the community. How may emerging scholars make a difference in an underserved community through research? How does one maintain an active, community-engaged qualitative research trajectory and publish, publish, publish? Universities relegate service as the least important criterion for advancement despite the importance of furthering social justice projects, which benefit institutions of higher learning and local communities. Graduate students and scholars of color, however, are questioning the institutional practices and views ...
Optimization of 360° projection fluorescence molecular tomography

Abstract Fluorescence tomography of tissues has been generally limited to systems that require fixed geometries or measurements employing fibers. Certain technological advances however, have more recently allowed the development of complete-projection 360° tomographic approaches using non-contact detection and illumination. Employing multiple illumination projections and CCD cameras as detection devices vastly increases the information content acquired, posing non-trivial computational and experimental requirements. In this paper, we use singular-value analysis to optimize experimental parameters relevant to the design and operation of emerging 360° fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) methods and systems for small animal imaging. We present the theoretical and experimental methodology, optimization results and their experimental validation. We further discuss how these results can be employed to improve the performance of existing FMT systems and guide the design of new systems.
Adult-onset recalcitrant eczema: A marker of noncutaneous lymphoma or leukemia

Abstract Background: Generalized eczema or erythroderma may be the presenting sign of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Additionally, intractable pruritus has been associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, reports of adult-onset eczematous dermatitis has rarely been linked to noncutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders. Observations: We observed one patient in 1993 who had the onset of intractable dermatitis characterized by prurigo nodularis–like lesions and widespread erythematous plaques. After 18 months of cutaneous symptoms he experienced dyspnea. At this time Hodgkin's disease was diagnosed. This observation prompted us to evaluate subsequent patients with adult-onset eczema who were poorly responsive to therapy and in whom an obvious cause could not be determined. Over the next 24 months we identified an additional 2 patients with lymphoma who met this criteria. Conclusion: Unexplained eczema of adult onset may be associated with an underlying lymphoproliferative malignancy. When a readily identifiable cause (eg, contactants, drugs, or atopy) is not found, a systematic evaluation should be pursued. Patients should be evaluated with a careful physical examination, complete blood cell counts, peripheral blood smears, chest roentgenography, computed tomography of the chest and abdomen, and serum protein electrophoresis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:207-10.)
Effects of higher-order anisotropic elasticity using textured polycrystals in three-dimensional wave propagation problems

Increasingly, more precise analysis of components in complicated systems is required to better understand material behavior under high strain-rate deformation. Applications such as warhead/target interactions and crash-worthiness testing are typical examples. Historically, in order to keep these analyses tractable, only a minimal description of the material behavior was included by simplifying the material characterization down to just a few parameters. Recent works have focused on including a greater degree of information regarding the micro- and meso-structure of polycrystals in the modeling of material behavior under a variety of loading conditions. One of the first steps in this effort is the inclusion of a material's crystallographic texture into the estimation of elastic properties. An additional step is the extension of the constitutive modeling to include anisotropic non-linear elastic behavior. Both of these steps are undertaken here in terms of third-order elastic stiffness tensors, as determined for various single crystal and polycrystal test materials of interest, and applied in three-dimensional (3-D) FEM simulation of the collapse of hemispherical shells.
Why was M. S. Tswett’s chromatographic adsorption analysis rejected?

Abstract The present paper claims that M. S. Tswett’s chromatographic adsorption analysis, which today is a ubiquitous and instrumentally sophisticated chemical technique, was either ignored or outright rejected by chemists and botanists in the first three decades of the twentieth century because it did not make sense in terms of accepted chemical theory or practice. Evidence for this claim is culled from consideration of the botanical and chemical context of Tswett’s technique as well as an analysis of the protracted debate over Tswett’s chromatographic analysis of chlorophyll between him and Leon Marchlewski, a noted chlorophyll chemist of the period. In this way, the paper expands and amends what it calls the ‘textbook story’ of the early history of chromatography, examples of which may be found in historical notes in many textbooks of chemical instrumental analysis and numerous short articles in chemistry journals. The paper also provides an accessible introduction to the early history of chromatography for historians of science likely to know little or nothing about it.
High Sequence Coverage of Proteins Isolated from Liquid Separations of Breast Cancer Cells Using Capillary Electrophoresis-Time-of-Flight MS and MALDI-TOF MS Mapping

A method has been developed for high sequence coverage analysis of proteins isolated from breast cancer cell lines. Intact proteins are isolated using multidimensional liquid-phase separations that permit the collection of individual protein fractions. Protein digests are then analyzed by both matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) peptide mass fingerprinting and by capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization (CE-ESI)-TOF MS peptide mapping. These methods can be readily interfaced to the relatively clean proteins resulting from liquid-phase fractionation of cell lysates with little sample preparation. Using combined sequence information provided by both mapping methods, 100% sequence coverage is often obtained for smaller proteins, while for larger proteins up to 75 kDa, over 90% coverage can be obtained. Furthermore, an accurate intact protein MW value (within 150 ppm) can be obtained from ESI-TOF MS. The intact MW together with high coverage sequence information provides accurate identification. More notably the high sequence coverage of CE-ESI-TOF MS together with the MS/MS information provided by the ion trap/reTOF MS elucidates posttranslational modifications, sequence changes, truncations, and isoforms that may otherwise go undetected when standard MALDI-MS peptide fingerprinting is used. This capability is critical in the analysis of human cancer cells where large numbers of expressed proteins are modified, and these modifications may play an important role in the cancer process.
Disconjugacy for a third order linear difference equation

Abstract We are concerned with the third order linear difference equation Δ 3 y ( t −1)+ p ( t ) Δy ( t ) + q ( t ) y ( t ) = 0. First we prove some important identities for solutions of this equation. We then use these identities to prove three results. The first result gives criteria for which this third order difference equation is (1, 2)-disconjugate. The second result gives sufficient conditions for the existence of a positive solution of this difference equation. Finally, we give criteria ensuring the disconjugacy of this third order difference equation.
A Sequential Nonparametric Pattern Classification Algorithm Based on the Wald SPRT

A sequential nonparametric pattern classification procedure is presented. The method presented is an estimated version of the Wald sequential probability ratio test (SPRT). This method utilizes density function estimates, and the density estimate used is discussed, including a proof of convergence in probability of the estimate to the true density function. The classification procedure proposed makes use of the theory of order statistics, and estimates of the probabilities of misclassification are given. The procedure was tested on discriminating between two classes of Gaussian samples and on discriminating between two kinds of electroencephalogram (EEG) responses.
Insect management in windbreaks

Abstract Insect pests of windbreaks and agricultural crops, their natural enemies and other beneficial insects use windbreaks for food, protection, pupation sites and overwintering sites. Management of these insects in a windbreak should start before planting and end only when the windbreak is removed. Insect-management plans must integrate techniques developed for detecting, assessing, predicting and controlling an insect population with information on the insect's biology and impact and with agriculture and forestry practices that promote optimum plant growth and yield. This chapter describes the types and importance of insect damage to plants and describes possible methods for detecting, evaluating and reducing damage to plants in windbreaks. Recent research on the impact of windbreaks on distribution and abundance of insects associated with agricultural plants is discussed.
Lightning Protection of 22-Kv Substations

This paper outlines laboratory and field tests with a surge generator and cathode-ray oscillograph which led to the co-ordination of insulation and lightning-arrester performance in substations on the 22-kv subtransmission system of the Duquesne Light Company. A basic level of 150 kv for station insulation was selected in 1932, and methods of obtaining this level are presented together with the operating record for five years. The index representing the station equipment faults in per cent of total system faults during thunderstorms has decreased 86 per cent following system-wide improvement programs modernizing insulation and arresters.
Steatorrhea and azotorrhea and their relation to growth and nutrition in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis

Fecal fat and nitrogen excretion were determined in 20 patients, 12 to 17 years of age, with cystic fibrosis (CF); all had pancreatic deficiency. Current clinical and nutritional status and growth achievement in relation to fecal nutrient loss, age at diagnosis, and adequacy of treatment were evaluated. Steatorrhea and azotorrhea were present to a variable extent (at times massive) in all patients studied, but bore little relation to existing intestinal symptoms, state of nutrition, growth achieved, or age at diagnosis. Many of the patients with better growth, nutrition, and prognostic scores had been diagnosed relatively late in life and presumably had not received adequate or optimal treatment. Addition of pancreatic supplements resulted in significant, but not dramatic decreases in fecal losses of fat and nitrogen. It was concluded that despite pancreatic deficiency most older patients with CF need little dietary restriction, although treatment should be individualized. Growth failure and state of nutrition seem to be correlated more closely with the pulmonary state than with pancreatic deficiency. For ultimate prognosis, natural variation in the severity of lung involvement is at least as important as early diagnosis and adequate or optimal treatment.
Discrete-Event Simulation: A First Course

Lawrence M. Leemis and Stephen K. Park, Pearson Prentice-Hall; 2006 Hardback £46.99; ISBN 0-13-1429175Simulation is a popular and valued analytical technique. Quite often, surveys of simulation pra...
A visual execution model for Ada tasking

A visual execution model for Ada tasking can help programmers attain a deeper understanding of the tasking semantics. It can illustrate subtleties in semantic definitions that are not apparent in natural language design. We describe a contour model of Ada tasking that depicts asynchronous tasks (threads of control), relationships between the environments in which tasks execute, and the manner in which tasks interact. The use of this high-level execution model makes it possible to see what happens during execution of a program. The paper provides an introduction to the contour model of Ada tasking and demonstrates its use.
Efficient optical modelling of VCSELs using a vector mode-matching method

Recent vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) include complex features, such as oxide apertures or intracavity index-guides, which complicate the electromagnetic modelling problem. Determining the optical characteristics of the cavity is essential to correctly interpret the physical behaviour of these devices. The authors have developed an efficient vector optical solver combining a mode-matching method and Krylov subspace techniques For a general VCSEL structure with cylindrical geometry. The solver generates accurate results for the cavity-mode profiles, resonant wavelengths, losses and threshold gain coefficients. Comparison with experimental data is shown. Scalar and vector modelling results are directly compared for the first time and the limits of the scalar approximation are investigated. It is found that the scalar approximation leads to large errors for small, strongly index-guiding apertures. The model is applied to both oxide-apertured and implant-apertured index-guided VCSEL structures.
Insulin and Glucose Responses to Metformin Correlate With Ovarian in Clomiphene-Resistant Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

uated by non paired t-test. Results: Mean (6SE) serum concentration of leptin in azoospermic men was 7.6 6 0.8 mg/L, which was significantly higher (p 5 0.008) compared to the level of leptin in fertile men (5.0 6 0.5 mg/L). Serum leptin concentration in the oligozoospermic patients was 7.1 6 1.6 mg/L. Serum concentrations of LH and FSH were not correlated with leptin levels in the three groups. No significant differences were observed in testosterone and prolactin concentrations between the groups. Conclusions: Serum leptin concentration is significantly elevated in azoospermic men compared to normal-fertile men. Whether this new phenomenon is evidence of a direct effect of leptin on the testis or a result of the hypergonadotropic profile is yet to be determined.
The Influence of Pasteurization and Diet of the Cow on the Anti-Scorbutic Potency of the Milk

The vitamin content of milk apparently is influenced by two factors: viz., the diet of the cow, and the method or methods of preparing the milk for consumption. Kennedy and Dutcher (1) .have reported that the presence of vitamins A and B in milk is entirely dependent upon the occurrence of these vitamins in the ration. This fact was substantiated by Osborne and Mendel (2) who observed no difference in the vitamin B content of milk produced on winter feed. Likewise Hughes, Fitch and Cave (3) fed cows a diet low in vitamins and observed that the A and B vitamin content of the milk to be very much decreased. The vitamin C content of milk appears to be more variable. Its presence in cows' milk is dependent upon the occurrence of the vitamin in the feed as well as the condition of the feed, and the manner in which it is cured. Hart, et al. (4), of Wisconsin found that milk from cows which had been maintained on dried roughages and grains was lower in the anti-scorbutic vitamin than milk from cows on pasture. The following conclusions were deduced from this work: Fifteen cubic centimeters dry feed-milk protected about six weeks. Thirty cubic centimeters dry feed-milk protected about seven to eight weeks. Fifty cubic centimeters dry feed-milk protected about twelve to fourteen weeks. Seventy-five cubic centimeters of dry feed-milk gave complete protection over a period of eighteen weeks. These data seemed to indicate that milk from dry-fed cows is deficient in vitamin C, but not wholly devoid of it. Hart
The impact of negative attitudes toward computers on employees' satisfaction and commitment within a small company

Abstract In order to examine the impact of negative attitudes toward computer usage, a survey was administered that measured attitudes toward computers, the level of job satisfaction in the work environment, and general attitudes toward the organization. Twenty-nine employees at a real estate office completed a 24-item survey during a regularly scheduled employee meeting. Attitudes toward computers were generally positive; however, about one third of the sample felt incompetent in their ability to use computers, and 21% said that they avoid using computers altogether. Results also indicated that feelings of frustration and confusion about the use of computers were associated with lower job satisfaction. While negative attitudes towards computers were related to one 's attitudes toward the job, these attitudes were unrelated to one's feeling toward the company. Thus, computerphobia may have a strong link to individual job satisfaction, with any consequence for overall attitudes toward the company operating through prolonged dissatisfaction with one's job.
Binding and internalization of anti-sarcoma IgG and IgM antibodies

Abstract A variety of monoclonal antibodies directed against tumor cell surface antigens have been employed for tumor detection and delivery of toxins and radioisotopes to tumorsin situ.The sequence of events following antibody binding to tumor cells may be critical to the success or failure of tumor imaging or therapy. Using indirect immunofluorescence, we have examined the binding and internalization of two different monoclonal antibodies (19-24 and MFH 4.10) by HT-1080, a cultured human sarcoma cell line. MAb 19-24 (IgG1) and MAb MFH 4.10 (IgM) are directed against surface antigens on cells from human malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). For both of these antibodies, the initial binding on the surface of HT-1080 cells at 4°C was uniform. After binding secondary fluorescent antibody, monoclonal antibodies underwent rapid internalization at 37°C. Surface-bound antigen–antibody complexes were completely cleared from the cell surface in 30–60 min. In the absence of secondary fluorescent antibody, MAb 19-24 remained bound to the cell surface at 37°C for up to 20 hr without being released or internalized. However, under these same conditions MAb MFH 4.10 was internalized completely within 30 min by HT-1080 cells and did not subsequently return to the cell surface. Such differences in the mechanisms of binding and uptake for these two antibodies may have significant implications for their future clinical or therapeutic uses.
Cyclones, tides, and the origin of a cross-equatorial dust storm on Mars

We investigate the triggering mechanism of a cross-equatorial dust storm observed by Mars Global Surveyor in 1999. This storm, which had a significant impact on global mean temperatures, was seen in visible and infrared data to commence with the transport of linear dust fronts from the northern high latitudes into the southern tropics. However, other similar transport events observed in northern fall and winter did not lead to large dust storms. Based on off-line Lagrangian particle transport analysis using a high resolution Mars general circulation model, we propose a simple explanation for the diurnal, seasonal and interannual variability of this type of frontal activity, and of the resulting dust storms, that highlights the cooperative interaction between northern hemisphere fronts associated with low pressure cyclones and tidally-modified return branch of the Hadley circulation.
Electron transfer in environmental systems: a frontier for theoretical chemistry

The advances in understanding the kinetic behavior of certain environmental electron transfer (ET) systems are presented. Emphasis is placed on the homogeneous ET chemistry of transition metals, particularly the FeII/III system, in various relevant forms. In the context of modern ET theory, we examine the utility of computational chemistry methods for the calculation of ET quantities such as the reorganization energy and electronic coupling matrix element. We discuss successful application of the methods to topics of homogeneous oxidation of dissolved metal ions by molecular oxygen in aqueous solution, as well as the prediction of electron mobility in solid phase iron oxide crystals. The examples illustrate the significant potential for many more advances in understanding environmental ET systems through the combination of ET theory and computational chemistry.
Ultrafast Infrared Studies of Ligand Rearrangement at Coordinatively Unsaturated Transition Metal Centers

Femtosecond infrared spectroscopy has been applied to the study of ligand rearrangement dynamics of coordinatively unsaturated transition metal complexes. A new site-diffusion model based on the Langevin equation is proposed to describe the observed rearrangement dynamics.
Combined Orthodontic‐Periodontal Treatment of an Infrabony Defect: A Case Report

A case presentation involving the combined orthodontic-periodontic treatment of a distally inclined mandibular left central incisor with a mesial infrabony defect is reported. Treatment was performed in three phases: (a) the tooth was moved upright (b) periodontal surgery with osseous grafting of the infrabony defect was then performed; and (c) the operative site was reentered 5 months later. The patient was followed and soft and hard tissue changes were documented for 12 months from time of initiation of treatment.
Pattern Recognition in Remote Sensing of the Earth's Resources

This paper reviews some recent topics in pattern recognition applied to remote sensing problems. In decision-theoretic pattern recognition, four topics are presented: per-field classifications, cluster analysis and sequential partitioning procedure, feature selection, and estimation of misclassification. The syntactic approach to pattern recognition is then introduced and its application to remote sensing problems illustrated. Problems for further research are discussed.
Kinematic and Geometric Models of Gear Drives

A methodology is proposed for the modification of gear tooth surfaces that reduces the impact of gear drive misalignment, the shift of the bearing contact (accompanied in some cases with edge contact), and the occurrence of discontinuous functions of transmission errors. The proposed approach is tested by computerized simulation of meshing and contact for unloaded and loaded gear drives. Applications of geometry modifications to the design of spur and helical involute gears, double-circular helical gears, face-gear drives, face-milled spiral bevel gears with constant tooth height and worm-gear drives are represented.
Isolated tissue models and proarrhythmia

Awareness of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes resulting from non-cardiac drug administration has stressed the need for screening procedures to limit development of drugs whose repolarization profile denotes excess risk. This paper focuses on isolated tissue screens, although the linkages of these with molecular/biophysical and intact animal screens is discussed as well. It is suggested that the use of single models, while promoting definitive conclusions, may increase the incidence of incorrect decisions (due to narrowness of focus). Rather, the use of several models/screens is suggested to be most likely to facilitate accurate decision-making.