cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reversible proton transfer in photoexcited xanthone

Xanthone was used to show that a quenching technique may be used to differentiate below two normally indistinguishable sets of kinetic circumstances: namely when dissociation of the conjugate acid is observable and when it is not. The aplicability of the Fo¯rster cycle to xanthone is discussed.
Closely Spaced Nodes of Ranvier in the Teleost Brain

ALTHOUGH there have been several studies of internode length of myelinated fibres in peripheral nerve1,2 and in main fibre tracts of the central nervous system3,4, there has been only one report of internode lengths within neuropil and nuclear regions of the vertebrate central nervous systems (CNS)5. Internode lengths in uninjured peripheral nerves of fishes are always greater than 200 µm (ref. 1), and studies with rabbit spinal cord suggest that 200 µm is also a minimum periodicity in main fibre tracts of the CNS4. Bodian's study5 of internode lengths in CNS included obssrvations of myelinated fibres in the preoptic area, hypothalamus, hypoglossal root and pyramidal tract of the adult opossum. Of fifty-four fibres represented in his chart 1, six had internode lengths of approximately 100 µm or less; none had internode distances of less than 50 µm. During a study of the oculomotor nucleus of the spiny boxfish Chilomycterus with the electron microscope, I have made numerous observations of fine myelinated fibres with internodes less than 20 µm long and occasionally approximately 5 µm long. Tissue was fixed by perfusion with buffered solutions of osmium tetroxide or glutaraldehyde followed by osmium tetroxide and prepared for microscopy as reported before6.
Interplay between proteases and protease inhibitors in the sea fan— Aspergillus pathosystem

Environmental conditions greatly impact the dynamics of host–pathogen relationships, affecting outbreaks and emergence of new diseases. In corals, epizootics have been a main contributor to the decline of reef ecosystems and rising sea surface temperatures associated with climate change are thought to exacerbate virulence of pathogens and/or compromise the immune responses of coral hosts. Among pathogens strategies, protease secretion is a common virulence factor that promotes colonization of the host. As such, protease inhibitors play an invaluable role to the host for protection against pathogen invasion. This study describes changes in activity of proteases secreted by the fungal pathogen, Aspergillus sydowii, and protease inhibitors of Gorgonia ventalina under ambient and elevated temperatures and health conditions (disease and healthy). G. ventalina colonies were collected from Florida Keys, Florida (24° 34.138N, 81° 22.905W) or La Parguera, Puerto Rico (17° 56.091N, 67° 02.577W) in 2007 and 2012, respectively. At elevated temperatures, protease activity was significantly higher than at ambient temperatures in A. sydowii. Temperature stress did not induce a change in protease inhibitor activity, but in healthy G. ventalina colonies, inhibitor activity against proteases was higher than in diseased individuals. Healthy colonies appear capable of resisting proteolytic activity, but diseased individuals are still likely affected by pathogen infections. These data suggest that rising sea surface temperatures due to climate change may increase levels of virulence (protease activity) of A. sydowii, while immunity (protease inhibitor) of G. ventalina may not be affected.
Analysis of the SOR iteration for the 9-point Laplacian

The SOR iteration for solving linear systems of equations depends upon an overrelaxation factor omega. A theory for determining omega was given by Young (1950) for consistently ordered matrices. Here the optimal omega is determined for the 9-point stencil for the model problem of Laplace's equation on a square. Several orderings of the equations are considered, including the natural rowwise and multicolor orderings, all of which lead to non-consistently ordered matrices, and two equivalence classes of orderings are found with different convergence behavior and optimal omega's. The results for the natural rowwise ordering are compared to those of Garabedian (1956) and it is explained why both results are, in a sense, correct, even though they differ. Also analyzed is a pseudo SOR method for the model problem and it is shown that it is not as effective as the SOR methods. Finally, the point SOR methods are compared to known results for line SOR methods for this problem.
Energy Saving in Papermaking through Filler Addition

The main purposes of filler addition in papermaking are to improve paper properties and reduce cost. The cost reduction is attributed to the low cost of the filler itself and to the energy savings that occur during the papermaking process. In this work, the effects of clay filler addition on the energy savings during the papermaking process, including water drainage, pressing, and drying, were systematically investigated. Experimental results indicated that the addition of filler could dramatically increase the drainage rate and the water removal rates during pressing and drying. With 20% filler addition, the drainage time decreased by 20% compared to the unfilled paper. At a filler content of 23%, the solids content of the handsheets after pressing increased at least 5 absolute points, and the drying rates increased by 20%. All these improvements can offer considerable benefits for paper mills, including enhanced machine speeds and large energy savings.
Trichosarcina polymorpha Gen. et Sp. Nov.

SUMMARY Trichosarcina polymorpha gen. et sp. nov. is newly described as a member of the Ulvales, Schizo-meridaceae. The life cycle includes a uniseriate, Hormidiuzn-like phase; a pluriseriate stage, and, finally, a chain of sarcinoidpackets which may dissociate. The cells are uninucleate, with a parietal cbloroplast and single pyrenoid. Quadriflagellate zoospores are produced singly by cells of the pluriseriate and sarcinoid stages. Sexual reproduction was not observed.
Dissolved manganese in the columbia river estuary: production in the water column

Abstract A chemical sensor was deployed as part of a package of instruments to develop a highly resolved picture of dissolved Mn and related parameters in the Columbia River estuary. The vertical distribution of dissolved Mn in the main channel shows a distinct middepth maximum of 10 to 15 nM. The maximum occurs at the same depth throughout the estuary, cutting across the salt wedge. The feature thus does not appear to be advected but produced by an in situ process. The Mn anomaly occurs at the same depth as the top of the estuary turbidity maximum where other investigators have found the most intense microbiological activity. These and other observations are consistent with a mechanism of organic carbon oxidation in the suboxic interiors of aggregates by microbes that use Mn oxides as electron acceptors. The process turns over 16% of all Mn coming down the river and is pervasive enough to explain its nonconservative behavior within the estuary.
Structural Studies of a Membrane-Bound Cholesterol Recognition Motif by Solid-State NMR

The recognition and binding of specific lipid species is critical for the cellular targeting, folding and activity of various membrane-associated or peripherally bound proteins. These interactions facilitate localization of the protein in question in the proper membrane in the cell. In certain cases, binding to cholesterol is thought to play a key role in the targeting of membrane-associated proteins to cholesterol-rich membranes, and to laterally-segregated cholesterol-enriched domains within the plasma membrane. Previous studies have identified a cholesterol-binding motif that may be found in numerous proteins. This relatively short cholesterol recognition/interaction amino acid consensus (CRAC) is thought to enable tight cholesterol binding, both in a protein-context and in isolation. Experimental challenges have limited the availability of structural data on the molecular or biophysical nature of this interaction. Using solid-state NMR (ssNMR), we explore the structural features of this domain as found in the cholesterol-binding protein caveolin 1. The use of ssNMR permits the study of this cholesterol-binding domain in cholesterol-rich lipid bilayers designed to emulate native caveolar membranes. Site-specific structural constraints were obtained for the bound protein fragment, revealing a transition from an extended, β-stranded conformation to an α-helical structure near the central Tyr residue characteristic of CRAC motifs – consistent with certain pre-existing models of CRAC motif structure. Furthermore, complementary static and magic-angle-spinning (MAS) NMR measurements reveal the effects on lipid dynamics and indicate immersion of the polypeptide into the membrane hydrophobic core. These structural and motional data on both partners in this polypeptide-membrane interaction provide an unprecedented site-specific perspective on a cholesterol-binding CRAC motif.
A synthetic transmembrane channel.

Abstract Based on a recently published molecular theory of ion conducting channels considering gramicidin A and related conformations, several linear polypeptides have been prepared and tested for channel formation in lipid bilayer studies. Synthetic polypeptides containing the repeating sequence (L-AlaL-AlaGly) have been found to form transmembrane channels. To our knowledge this is the first report of wholly synthetic transmembrane channels which are related only by conformational arguments to known naturally occurring polypeptides.
Observations on the organization of the visual cortex in the reeler mouse

The developmental abnormality caused by the autosomal recessive mutation reeler leads to a systematic inversion in the depth distribution of morphologically defined cell classes in the cortex and to an abnormal course taken by thalamocortical projections (Caviness, '77). The course of the geniculocortical projections was visualized in reeler through transneuronal autoradiography. After traveling under the pial surface, the fibers terminate in a slightly patchy manner at intermediate levels of the primary visual cortex. As in the normal mouse, there is a weaker projection to the lateral part of area 17 ipsilateral to the injection. The retinal ganglion cells giving rise to the ipsilateral projection in reeler were labeled with horseradish peroxidase and were found to be located at normal positions in the retina. The functional competence of the primary visual cortex in reeler was studied by recording the response properties of single cells. In most respects the reeler cortex appeared remarkably normal: the cortical topography of the visual-field representations was normal overall, all receptive field types seen in the normal mouse were present, and cells within the binocular region received normally convergent input from the two eyes. The reeler differed from normal in having a greater number of poorly responding cells and a lower fraction of cells with oriented receptive fields. The tendency for oriented cells to occur preferentially in upper cortical layers in the normal mouse was not present in reeler. These results imply that the cells in the reeler cortex are connected in a largely normal manner despite the gross malformation. Thus it appears that the specificity of intercellular connections, in reeler and in normal cortex, does not depend crucially upon the position of the cells in the cortex.
Pain reports and analgesia administration practices in a post anaesthesia care unit (PACU)

Abstract Purpose : We studied the relationship between PACU patients' pain reports and amount of opioids administered, as well as the overall effect of analgesics on patients' pain. Methods : 39 patients (22F:17M) rated pain intensity using a 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS) every five minutes for up to 90 minutes, ie 18 data collection points. Each NRS score was compared to amount of opioid given by the patient's nurse in the subsequent five minutes. Results : Average pain scores ranged from 7.2 ± 0.40 (SEM) early in PACU stay to 4.9 ± 0.61 (SEM) prior to PACU discharge. Individual patients' morphine-equivalent doses varied considerably, from 2 mg to 44 mg, with a mean total dose of 16.3 ± 2.5 mg. Correlations between pain intensity scores and amount of morphine administered were low to moderate, and significant (p Conclusion : Patients' pain decreased during PACU stays but to no lower than a moderate level. Small amounts of opioids were administered, and doses did not relate to the amount of pain patients reported. Research is needed to determine an optimal pain response/opioid dosing pattern in order to improve PACU pain management.
Cannabinoid receptor-mediated inhibition of acetylcholine release from hippocampal and cortical synaptosomes.

In previous studies cannabinoid agonists have been found to inhibit and cannabinoid antagonists to enhance electrically-evoked [3H]-acetycholine (ACh) release in hippocampal slices. The present study was undertaken to determine if similar cannabinoid effects could be observed in synaptosomes. [3H]-ACh release was evoked by two methods, both sensitive to presynaptic receptor effects. The first involved the addition of 1.3 mM calcium following perfusion with calcium-free Krebs and the second the addition of 11 mM potassium following perfusion with normal Krebs. In hippocampal synaptosomes the 1.3 mM calcium-evoked release and the high potassium-evoked [3H]-ACh release were inhibited by the cannabinoid agonist, WIN 55212-2, by 59 and 39%, respectively, and with an EC50 of approximately 1 nM. WIN 55212-2 produced a similar, although less potent, inhibition of [3H]-ACh release in cortical synaptosomes. No inhibitory effect of WIN 55212-2 on [3H]-ACh release in striatal synaptosomes was observed, supporting previous data collected in this area with brain slices. The cannabinoid antagonist, SR 141716A, produced a robust enhancement of 1.3 mM calcium-evoked [3H]-ACh release in hippocampal synaptosomes (EC50<0.3 nM) but had no effect on potassium-evoked release or on [3H]-ACh release in the cortex or striatum. In conclusion our data demonstrates the inhibitory effects of WIN 55212-2 observed on ACh release in brain slices can be observed in hippocampal and cortex synaptosomes, suggesting a direct action of these compounds on the synaptic terminals. The SR 141716A-induced enhancement of ACh release can similarly be observed in hippocampal synaptosomes and is probably due to an inverse agonist action at constitutively active receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 131, 645–650; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703599
Overcoming the apprenticeship of observation in teacher education coursework

Abstract Research on teacher education lacks a tradition of studying the content and instruction within exemplary professional courses, comparable to traditions within research on teaching. This article details how a subject-specific methods course addressed prospective teachers' apprenticeships of observation through the use of modeling and “overcorrection.” In addition, the course helped students acquire a technical language and professional knowledge concerning the teaching of English.
Ghrelin alters the stimulatory effect of cocaine on ethanol intake following mesolimbic or systemic administration.

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that ghrelinergic and dopaminergic signaling interact in the neural control of motivation and ethanol reward. To further investigate a possible interaction between these two neurochemical systems, we examined the impact of ghrelin, cocaine and combined injections of ghrelin with cocaine, on voluntary ethanol intake. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were habituated to an 8% ethanol solution until intakes stabilized. Rats were then injected with ghrelin (2.5–10 nmol IP), cocaine (0.625–10 mg/kg IP) or ghrelin paired with cocaine. We also examined the impact of direct ghrelin (30–300 pmol) injections into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) co-administered with systemic cocaine. Ethanol consumption was measured at 2 and 6 h postinjection. While ghrelin and cocaine reliably increased ethanol intake, peripheral administration of the peptide elicited a dose-dependent differential effect on cocaine-induced intake. Pretreatment with ghrelin potentiated the effect of cocaine on ethanol intake at a low dose of 2.5 nmol, whereas 10 nmol suppressed cocaine-induced ethanol intake. This same 10 nmol dose was found to induce anxiogenic behavior as measured using an elevated plus maze paradigm. Finally, when injected directly into the VTA, ghrelin (300 pmol) potentiated the effect of systemic cocaine on ethanol intake. Combined subthreshold dosing of VTA ghrelin with a subthreshold dose of cocaine also evoked reliable increases in intake compared to vehicle. Overall, our data suggest that low doses of ghrelin elicit a stimulatory effect on cocaine-induced ethanol consummatory behavior and provide further support for an interactive role of dopaminergic and ghrelinergic transmission in ethanol reward.
Problems facing the decision-maker in the risk assessment process

This paper presents an overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's risk assessment process, describes problems that the Agency faces in conducting risk assessment, in general, and identifies some specific problems that the Agency confronts when conducting risk assessments on suspected developmental toxicants. As noted by the NAS (National Research Council: "Risk Assessment in the Federal Government: Managing the Process." Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1983, pp 17-83), improving the quality and comprehensiveness of knowledge is the most effective way to improve risk assessment, but some limitations are inherent and may remain unresolvable. Therefore, inferences will always be required. The Agency's challenge is to ensure that these inferences are as soundly based as possible.
Substrate Testing on a Multi-Site/Multi-Probe ATE

This paper presents a novel method that utilizes multi-site and multi-probe capabilities of an ATE for testing of pre-assembly MCM substrates. Testing multiple SUTs (substrates under test) simultaneously can improve the efficiency of the probes in an ATE and considerably reduce the total test time. An analytical model that predicts very accurately the testing time of a SUT batch is proposed. Based on this model, the optimal multi-site testing configuration as corresponding to the batch size can be established. Simulation results for an ATE with 12 flying-probes as an example of a commercially available tester are provided; for this ATE the proposed method achieves a reduction of 54.66% in test time over a single-site method (both at complete coverage of the modeled faults).
Higher electronic states of ReF6

Abstract The ultraviolet absorption of ReF6 comprises a broad (δ− = 3760 cm−1) structureless band centered at 47 687 cm−1 and two structured systems originating at 49 322 and 56 404 cm−1. The first is interpreted as a charge transfer transition. The other two are interpreted as members of a Rydberg series converging on an ionization potential of 7.99 eV. The molecule, in the Rydberg states, is a slightly expanded octahedron
Labile Behavioral Evolution in a Genus of Agricultural Pests: the Rhopalosiphum Plant Lice (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

I reconstructed the phylogeny of the economically important aphid genus Rhopalosiphum Koch to determine relative rates of evolution of 12 life-history and host-utilization traits. These behavioral characteristics affect the pest status of the 11 plant lice comprising this genus. The most parsimonious evolutionary trees suggest that none of the derived behaviors arose only once with no further change. All 12 behaviors are evolutionarily labile. However, the phylogenies are not well supported by bootstrap resampling analysis, and, according to the winning sites test, three of the 12 behaviors might have evolved only once with no further change. All three behaviors involve activities of the aphid on its host plant, whatever plant that might be. None of these possibly conservative characters involves choice of the host plant taxa themselves. Results suggest that these aphids might expand readily upon their current pest status because the historical colonization of their hosts has been an evolutionarily labile process.
A new matrix for membrane affinity chromatography and its application to the purification of concanavalin A

Abstract Macroporous cellulose membranes with large pore sizes (1–2 μm) and high porosity (about 60%) were prepared from filter paper by chemical crosslinking. These membranes were activated by introducing epoxy groups with various spacer lengths, after which maltose was immobilized as an affinity ligand. Packed into a cartridge, the prepared membranes were used for the affinity purification of concanavalin A.
Studies on plasma membranes from liver cells. Separation and characterization of lipoprotein subunits of the isolated plasma membranes.

1. 1. High-density lipoproteins were separated from plasma membranes solubilized by brief sonication. 2. 2. The three more soluble lipoproteins have increasingly higher hydrated densities along with decreasingly lower lipid-protein ratios and flotation properties (sf) in the analytical ultracentrifuge. 3. 3. A less soluble lipoprotein, the pellicle, floats out mainly at solution density 1.17 g/ml. It appears as quasicrystalline needles which have a lamellar appearance under phase contrast microscopy. 4. 4. The greatest specific activities for the two principal membrane-localized enzymes, 5′-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5) and (Na+-K+)-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) are associated with the soluble lipoprotein which has the lowest density, e.g.d < 1.125 g/ml. Different and decreasing amounts of activity are associated with the other soluble lipoproteins as their densities increase. The pellicle, also, has significant specific activity. 5. 5. The three soluble lipoproteins are present in liver plasma membranes from normal young rats in the following proportional quantities: lipoproteins (A) with d < 1.125, 25–30%; (B) with d < 1.17, 55–60%; and (C) with d < 1.21 g/ml, 10–15%. These amounts occur with regularity and are reproducible from experiment to experiment when the rats are young. In older (at least 1 year) and somewhat heavier rats, the majority of the total lipoprotein content is shifted to lipoprotein A. 6. 6. The reproducibility of the quantities as well as the association of the activities for the two enzymes, suggest that the plasma membranes from young rat liver may be composed of units or subunits which are present in a pattern in the structural organization and that they have different biochemical properties.
Photoelectron spectroscopy with cm-1 resolution: VO+, benzyl+, toluene+

Detection of nominal `zero kinetic energy electrons' in resonant two-photon ionization with (omega) 1 fixed and (omega) 2 scanned permits photoelectron spectroscopy with 1 - 5 cm -1 resolution. We report vibrational bands from 0 - 650 cm -1 for benzyl + -h 7 , benzyl + -(alpha) d 2 , and benzyl + -d 7 . The exocyclic C-C bond of benzyl cation has substantial double bond character. Band assignments from ab initio frequencies illuminate the mechanism of vibronic coupling in the 1 2 A 2 -2 2 B 2 system of neutral benzyl. In toluene + , we observe internal rotor frequencies that fix the V 6 barrier height of the CH 3 rotation at 20 +/- 5 cm -1 , which is remarkably low. In VO yields VO + + e - , we measure state-to-state relative photoionization cross sections from the intermediate spin-rotational state N' J' to different cation spin-rotation states N + J + . Remarkably strong lines corresponding to large changes in angular momentum ((Delta) N equals -6 to +7 and (Delta) J equals -6.5 to + 6.5) are observed. Accurate values of the adiabatic ionization potentials of each molecule are reported.
Strongly coupled QCD with a Euclidean version of the SLAC derivative

Abstract A class of lattice fermions is studied at strong coupling in the euclidean formulation. We exhibit the analytical expressions for 〈 ψ ψ〉 and for the full meson propagator. Naive, Wilson, a euclidean version of SLAC and truncated SLAC fermions are analyzed in detail.
An integrated approach of rule-based and case-based reasoning for decision support

Rule-based reasoning and Case-based reasoning have both been applied to a diversified collection of problems with some success. However, each reasoning approach has its own strengths and weaknesses. For instance, case-based reasoning using past experiences as problem solving tools, is limited to solve problems which match with the old cases stored in the knowledge base of the Decision Support System, while rule-based approach, reasoning from a well constructed domain theory, have difficulty reasoning problems where no general rules or regularities can be concluded from past examples.
Architecture, performance, and scalability of a real-time global positioning system data grid

Abstract We describe the architecture of our real time SensorGrid system, which supports the real-time message routing and processing of Global Positioning System data. The current system processes 1 Hz position data from 85 stations in Southern and Central California. Our system is built on a computer network-enabled, topic-based publish/subscribe system and is extensible to other data sources. In order to determine the performance and the upper limits of scalability, we have conducted and present here a set of systematic test evaluations of our implementation. Through these tests, we are able to show that performance does not degrade over time, that the system will handle up to 1000 simultaneous data providers or data consumers with a single message broker, and that multiple message brokers can be linked to provide scalability beyond 1000 providers or consumers.
Cardiovascular excitatory effects of adenosine in the nucleus of the solitary tract

Adenosine is an inhibitory neuromodulator in several brain regions. In the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), however, adenosine exerts excitatory cardiovascular effects. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the involvement of other endogenous mechanisms that could contribute to the final hemodynamic response to adenosine in this nucleus. In normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats, intra-NTS microinjection of adenosine (2.3 nmol/60 nl) decreased blood pressure and heart rate. These effects were blocked by prior administration of the specific adenosine receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine (0.92 nmol) and by the two glutamate receptor antagonists kynurenic acid and glutamic diethylester. The specificity of the adenosine-glutamate interaction in the NTS was demonstrated with adrenergic and angiotensin receptor antagonists that did not affect the adenosine response and by experiments with glutamate receptor antagonists that did not affect nicotine actions in the NTS. Furthermore, an increase in glutamate levels was demonstrated during perfusion of adenosine through a microdialysis probe in the NTS of anesthetized rabbits. These findings indicate that adenosine increases the release of glutamate in the NTS and, thus, are at variance with the concept of a "universal" inhibitory effect of adenosine in the central nervous system.
Efficient decoding of compressed data

In this article, we discuss the problem of enhancing the speed of Huffman decoding. One viable solution to this problem is the multibit scheme which uses the concept of k-bit trees to decode up to k bits at a time. A linear-time optimal solution for the mapping of 2-bit trees into memory is presented. The optimal solution is derived by formulating the memory mapping problem as a binary string mapping problem and observing that at most four different 4-bit patterns can occur within any 2-bit Huffman tree. In addition to reducing the processing time of decoding, the optimal scheme is storage efficient, does not require changes to the encoding process, and is suitable for hardware implementations
Mevalonic acid in conjunction with help from neutrophils induces DNA synthesis and cell cycling in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Abstract Mevalonic acid (5 × 10 −4 − 10 −2 M ) stimulates DNA synthesis in human peripheral blood lymphocytes which have been isolated by gravity sedimentation of blood and freed of adherent cells by nylon column passage. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated by the Ficoll-Hypaque technique respond less well, but their response to mevalonic acid can be enhanced by the neutrophil-rich Ficoll-Hypaque-isolated “bottom” cell fraction. The kinetics of mevalonic acid-induced lymphocyte transformation are similar to those of more classical lymphocyte mitogens. When measured by DNA synthesis, mevalonic acid is 1 6 as potent a mitogen as concanavalin A. Other organic acid anions, including those which serve as precursors of cholesterol and mevalonate biosynthesis, are devoid of such effects. Mevalonate-induced lymphocyte DNA synthesis is inhibited by hydroxyurea, but is independent of the supply of exogenous cholesterol. In addition to stimulating lymphocyte DNA synthesis mevalonic acid produces a population of cells representing all phases of the cell cycle whose morphological characteristics are typical of those seen with more conventional mitogens. The DNA synthetic response of lymphocytes to mevalonic acid can be abolished by prior exposure of the lymphocytes to X-irradiation or mitomycin C, while the helper effect of granulocytes is unaffected by either treatment.
Stochastic Models for Multistage Cell Classification Systems

Probabilistic models for multistage cell classification systems are described. A simple finite Markov chain models classification events which occur as a cell passes through the system. The state space consists of various identities assigned to the cell, including true celi type and identities assigned by classifiers. Effects of throughput rate, data buffer capacity, and classifier processing rate on system performance are predicted by another model composed of a network of single server queues. Markov and queue models are interrelated in that classification events at one processor (modeled by the Markov chain) govern arrival rates of other processors. In turn, the queue model predicts the probability that a cell wili be missed due to fmite data buffer capacity. The miss event is modeled by the Markov chain as a possible classification outcome. Application of the models is illustrated for a multistage gynecologic flow prescreening system with slit-scan processing in the first stage and two dimensional image processing in the second. Results predict system sensitivity as a function of first stage false alann rate and abnormal cell occurrence rate.
PD(II) AND PT(II) COMPLEXES WITH MIXED PHOSPHORUS-OXYGEN DONOR LIGANDS

Abstract A series of new complexes have been synthesized from reactions of [M(NCCH3)4][BF4]2 (M = Pd, Pt) with the mixed donor ligand tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl) phosphine (TMPP). Reaction of [Pd(NCCH3)4][BF4]2 with two equivalents of TMPP in acetone produces the ether-phosphine complex [Pd(TMPP)2] [BF4]2, 1. In this molecule the Pd atom is situated at the center of a pseudo-octahedron, with the phosphorus atoms in a cis orientation. The complex was also characterized by infrared, electronic, and NMR spectroscopies as well as by cyclic voltammetry. Reaction of [Pd(NCCH3)4][BF4]2 with four equivalents of TMPP in acetone yields the neutral phosphino-phenoxide compound Pd(TMPP-O)2, 2, where TMPP-O is the demethylated form of TMPP. 1H and 31P{1H} NMR studies of 2 support the assignment of a solution structure that involves free rotation of the uncoordinated phenyl rings of the TMPP ligands. Reaction of [Pt(NCCH3)4][BF4]2 with two equivalents of TMPP in acetonitrile yields [PT(NCCH3)2(TMPP)2][BF4]2, 3. Structural and spectroscopic data for 3 indicate that free rotation of the arene rings in solution is restricted due to steric influences of the two CH3CN co-ligands. Reaction of PtCl2(NCCH3)2 with two equivalents of TMPP in acetone or reaction of [Pt(NCCH3)4] [BF4]2 with four equivalents of TMPP in acetone gives Pt(TMPP-O)2, 4. Reaction of PtC12(NCCH3)2 with two equivalents of TMPP in tetrahydrofuran yields the neutral compound PtCI(TMPP)(TMPP-O), 5. Although suitable single crystals were not obtained, the structure of compound 5 was deduced from infrared and NMR spectroscopies to be a square planar molecule with one neutral TMPP ligand coordinated in an η1 fashion and a demethylated TMPP group bound as an η2-P,O ligand where the phosphorus atoms are trans and the other two coordination sites are occupied by a phenoxide oxygen and a Cl atom.
Overview of some quantum effects in chemistry

This article is a brief tutorial dealing with the conceptual aspects of (i) excitation transfer in molecular assemblies, such as occurs in the early steps of photosynthesis, (ii) radiationless transitions, which are ubiquitous participants in the light induced isomerization reactions that support vision and (iii) active control of product selection in a chemical reaction. All of these processes exhibit explicit quantum effects that arise from competition between coherent and incoherent evolution of the initial state of the system expressed in the atom and/or electron dynamics. Topic (iii) is associated with how a molecular assembly can be designed to optimize the use of coherent processes to improve efficiency of conversion of the initial excitation to product under the constraint that there are fluctuations in the surrounding medium.
Income Polarization Between the Central Cities and Suburbs of U.S. Metropolises, 1950–1980

. Through an examination between 1950 and 1980 of household income in central cities and suburbs of the 37 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas of the United States. was found that considerable polarization of household income groups had occurred. By 1980 the median share of the poorest within the total households of the central cities had risen to well over double the share of the group in the total households of the suburbs. The share of the wealthiest households in the total for the suburbs rose to double that of that group's share of the total central cities households. No generalizations could be made which would explain the degree nor the rate of polarization, though a number of socioeconomic variables were tested.
P04.07. Patients’ reasons for use of traditional East Asian medicine as an alternative treatment.

Purpose In an effort to better understand why individuals use complementary and alternative medicine a single whole systems provider-based modality was selected, one with the potential for use as an alternative to allopathic care for a broad array of conditions – Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM). A survey was conducted with a sample of individuals who had used TEAM examining their motives for use and perceived outcomes in relation to allopathic medical care options.
Toward a Density-Based Representation of Reactivity: SN2 Reaction

The application of quantum mechanics to the study of chemical reactivity has traditionally proceeded with the first-principles calculations of energy-based parameters. Comparison of the energies of...
Firing Fuzzy Rules With Measure Type Inputs

Our concern here is with the issue of the determination of the satisfaction (firing level) of the antecedent condition associated with a variable in a fuzzy systems rule base where this antecedent condition is expressed in terms of a normal fuzzy set, linguistic value. We first consider the case where the input information about the variable is also expressed in terms of a normal fuzzy set. After looking at some approaches for determining this firing level we provide the requirements needed by any formulation for this operation when our input information is a fuzzy set. We next introduce the idea of a measure and show how it can be used to more generally express our knowledge about an uncertain value associated with a variable. We then generalize the requirements for any formulation that can be used to determine the satisfaction (firing level) of the antecedent fuzzy set when the input information about the variable is expressed using a measure. We further provide some examples of formulations. Since a probability distribution is a special case of a measure we are able to determine the firing level of fuzzy rules with probabilistic inputs.
Results from high-throughput DNA cloning of Arabidopsis thaliana target genes using site-specific recombination.

The Center for Eukaryotic Structural Genomics (CESG) was founded as a collaborative effort to develop technologies for the rapid and economic determination of protein three-dimensional structures. The initial focus was on the genome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Protocols for high-throughput cloning of Arabidopsisopen reading frames into Escherichia coli expression vectors are presented along with an analysis of results from ~2000 cloning experiments. Open reading frames were chosen on the likelihood that they would represent important unknown regions of protein conformation and fold space or that they would elucidate novel fold–function relationships. The chosen open reading frames were amplified from a cDNA pool created by reverse transcription of RNA isolated from an Arabidopsis callus culture. A novel GatewayTM protocol was developed to insert the amplified open reading frames into an entry vector for storage and sequence determination. Sequence verified entry clones were then used to create expression vectors again via the GatewayTM system.
Effect of Washing Soiled Eggs on Hatchability

Abstract Many hatching eggs become soiled and breeders and hatcherymen are confronted with cleaning such eggs or selling them on the market. This is the report of an effort to find a way to clean soiled hatching eggs. Jackson (1912) reported hatching results with washed and unwashed eggs which showed a difference of 12.5 per cent in favor of the unwashed eggs. Evidently he washed the eggs in water and he did not report the temperature of either the eggs or water. Funk (1940) reported that eggs he had artificially soiled when cleaned by washing with either water or a one per cent lye water solution hatched equally as well as clean, unwashed eggs. Unpublished data of this report showed the following percentage hatch of all eggs: clean eggs, 84.1; clean eggs dipped in liquid egg, 34.2; clean eggs dipped in liquid egg and after drying washed in warm water, 84.3. . . .
Ultrasound-guided instrumental removal of the retained placenta after vaginal delivery

The standard treatment for retained placenta is manual extraction, in which a hand is introduced inside the uterus to cleave a plane between the placenta and the uterine wall. For women without an epidural, the procedure is extremely uncomfortable and may require additional measures such as intravenous narcotics or regional anesthesia. Although ultrasound-guided instrumental removal of the placenta is standard practice as part of second-trimester abortion by dilation and evacuation and may be done at many institutions, especially after failed manual extraction, it has not yet been described in the literature as a technique following vaginal birth. Our experience with this technique is that it causes less discomfort to the patient than a traditional manual extraction, because the instrument entering the uterus is much narrower than a hand. With the patient in dorsal lithotomy, we locate the cervix and stabilize it either with fingers or a ring forceps on the anterior lip. We introduce Bierer ovum forceps into the uterus under direct ultrasound guidance. The Bierer forceps are preferred because of their long length, large head, and serrated teeth that allow for a firm, secure grip on the placenta. We grasp the placental tissue with the forceps and apply slow, gentle traction in short strokes, regrasping increasingly more distal areas of placenta as necessary to tease out the placenta. After 1-2 minutes, the placenta separates and can be pulled out of the uterus, usually intact. Our experience suggests that this technique is a well-tolerated option for women without an epidural who have a retained placenta. Further study is needed to quantify the amount of discomfort and anesthesia that can be avoided with this technique, as well as whether there is any change in the frequency of infectious complications or the necessity of postremoval curettage.
Effects of four treatment strategies for temporomandibular joint closed lock.

A previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) by Schiffman et al. (2007)15 compared four treatments strategies for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement without reduction with limited mouth opening (closed lock). In this parallel group RCT, 106 patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-confirmed TMJ closed lock were randomized between medical management, non-surgical rehabilitation, arthroscopic surgery, and arthroplasty. Surgical groups also received rehabilitation post-surgically. The current paper reassesses the effectiveness of these four treatment strategies using outcome measures recommended by the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (IAOMS). Clinical assessments at baseline and at follow-up (3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 60 months) included intensity and frequency of TMJ pain, mandibular range of motion, TMJ sounds, and impairment of chewing. TMJ MRIs were performed at baseline and 24 months, and TMJ tomograms at baseline, 24 and 60 months. Most IAOMS recommended outcome measures improved significantly over time (P ≤ 0.0003). There was no difference between treatment strategies relative to any treatment outcome at any follow-up (P ≥ 0.16). Patient self-assessment of treatment success correlated with their ability to eat, with pain-free opening ≥35 mm, and with reduced pain intensity. Given no difference between treatment strategies, non-surgical treatment should be employed for TMJ closed lock before considering surgery.
Stability and immunogenicity of hypoallergenic peanut protein–polyphenol complexes during in vitro pepsin digestion

Allergenic peanut proteins are relatively resistant to digestion, and if digested, metabolized peptides tend to remain large and immunoreactive, triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. In this study, the stability of hypoallergenic peanut protein–polyphenol complexes was evaluated during simulated in vitro gastric digestion. When digested with pepsin, the basic subunit of the peanut allergen Ara h 3 was more rapidly hydrolyzed in peanut protein–cranberry or green tea polyphenol complexes compared to uncomplexed peanut flour. Ara h 2 was also hydrolyzed more quickly in the peanut protein–cranberry polyphenol complex than in uncomplexed peanut flour. Peptides from peanut protein–cranberry polyphenol complexes and peanut protein–green tea polyphenol complexes were substantially less immunoreactive (based on their capacity to bind to peanut-specific IgE from patient plasma) compared to peptides from uncomplexed peanut flour. These results suggest that peanut protein–polyphenol complexes may be less immunoreactive passing through the digestive tract in vivo, contributing to their attenuated allergenicity.
Profiles in Variation: Lung Carcinogenesis

This perspective on Kadara et al. (beginning on p. 702 in this issue of the journal) examines the critical development of genomic and proteomic signatures of lung cancer risk, prognosis, and sensitivity to chemoprevention or chemotherapy. The novel work of Kadara et al. represents the first demonstration that a molecular signature developed in a premalignancy model (in this case, cultured normal human bronchial epithelial cells and increasingly transformed derivative cells) is clinically relevant to invasive lung cancer.
A proliferation gradient between proximal and msxb-expressing distal blastema directs zebrafish fin regeneration

Previous studies of zebrafish fin regeneration led to the notion that the regeneration blastema is a homogeneous population of proliferating cells. Here, we show that the blastema consists of two components with markedly distinct proliferation properties. During early blastema formation, proliferating cells are evenly distributed. At the onset of regenerative outgrowth, however, blastemal cells are partitioned into two domains. Proximal blastemal cells proliferate at a high rate, shifting from a median G2 of more than 6 hours to approximately 1 hour. By contrast, the most distal blastemal cells do not proliferate. There is a gradient of proliferation between these extremes. Using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and anti-phosphohistone H3 labeling, we find a 50-fold difference in proliferation across the gradient that extends approximately 50 μm, or ten cell diameters. We show that during early regeneration, proliferating blastemal cells express msxb, a homeodomain transcriptional repressor. While msxb is widely expressed among proliferating cells during blastema formation, its expression becomes restricted to a small number of non-proliferating, distal blastemal cells during regenerative outgrowth. Bromodeoxyuridine pulse-chase experiments show that distal and proximal blastemal cells are formed from proliferating, msxb-positive blastemal cells, not from preexisting slow-cycling cells. These data support the idea that blastema formation results from dedifferentiation of intraray mesenchymal cells. Based on these findings, we propose a new model of zebrafish fin regeneration in which the function of non-proliferating, msxb-expressing, distal blastemal cells is to specify the boundary of proliferation and provide direction for regenerative outgrowth.
Limits of 8-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging spatial resolution of the deoxygenated cerebral microvasculature.

Purpose: To quantify the minimum magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) spatial resolution of the visible deoxygenatedmicroscopic vessels of the human brain at 8 T.Materials and Methods: This study compared 8-T gradientecho (GE) images of a human cadaver brain having anin-plane resolution of 195 195 m to corresponding dig-ital photographs of 205 cryomicrotome sections of the samecadaver brain, along with summed images of 25 contiguouscryomicrotome sections. One-millimeter-thick GE imagesof a 1-cm-thick unﬁxed whole coronal brain section wereacquired using techniques similar to those commonly uti-lized for 8-T human imaging in vivo.Results: There was excellent MR visualization of the deox-ygenated microscopic vessels within the brain down to aresolution of approximately 100 m.Conclusion: By taking advantage of magnetic susceptibil-ity-based blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) con-trast, deoxygenated microscopic blood vessels smaller thanthe pixel dimensions used for imaging can be visualizedusing a whole-body 8-T MRI system.Key Words: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); high reso-lution; BOLD; brain; blood vessels; veinsJ. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:303–307.© 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Automated Polar Ice Thickness Estimation From Radar Imagery

This paper focuses on automating the task of estimating Polar ice thickness from airborne radar data acquired over Greenland and Antarctica. This process involves the identification and accurate selection of the ice sheet's surface location and interface between the ice sheet and the underlying bedrock for each measurement. Identifying the surface and bedrock locations in the radar imagery enables the computation of ice sheet thickness, which is important for the study of ice sheets, their volume, and how they may contribute to global climate change. The time-consuming manual approach requires sparse hand-selection of surface and bedrock interfaces by several human experts, and interpolating between the selections to save time. Two primary methods have been studied in this paper, namely, edge-based and active contour. Results are evaluated and presented using the metrics of time requirements and accuracy. Automated ice thickness estimation results from 2006 and 2007 Greenland field campaigns illustrate that the edge-based approach offers faster processing (seconds compared to minutes), but suffers from a lack of continuity and smoothness aspects that active contours provide. The active contour approach is more accurate when compared to ground truth selections provided by human experts, and has proven to be more robust to image artifacts. It is shown that both techniques offer advantages which could be integrated to yield a more effective system.