cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemoenzymatic Bio-orthogonal Chemistry for Site-Specific Double Modification of Recombinant Thrombomodulin

Best of both worlds: A one-pot strategy for site-specific PEGylation through strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) and fluorescent labeling through sortase A-mediated ligation (SML) of recombinant thrombomodulin without prior chemical modification and without diminishing the protein activity has been developed.
Implementing the Key Components of Specialized Drug Treatment Courts: Practice and Policy Considerations

The perceived need for specialized drug courts emerged from the most recent “war on drugs.” Courts were no longer able to handle such cases effectively because of an overwhelming volume of drug arrests and prosecutions. The increased emphasis on drug enforcement also revealed that many of the most serious criminally involved drug-using offenders were undeterred by threats of incarceration, but were amenable to substance abuse treatment. Drug court professionals have identified several “key components” that must be in place for these courts to achieve their goals of reducing drug use and crime. Through the lens of these key drug court components, we examine the development and initiation of specialized drug treatment courts in Cook County (Chicago), Illinois. By exploring and documenting Cook County’s experiences, we elucidate several of the basic policy and organizational issues surrounding the implementation and operations of specialized drug treatment courts in the United States.
I&C Integrated Test Phase of the Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant, Units 3 and 4

This paper briefly introduces the safety instrumentation and control (I&C) system (Teleperm® XS) designed for the nuclear power plant in Mochovce units 3 and 4 (Slovak Republic). The overall I&C architecture of the concerned nuclear power plant is shortly introduced as well. An overview is given on the different test phases for the hardware and software I&C modules. The integrated I&C test concept and its implementation is presented as well as the description of the integrated test phase in the test bay in Erlangen (Germany). After a successful completion of the integrated test phase for unit 3, the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and the erection phase have been started for the concerned I&C safety systems (e.g., the Reactor Protection System and the Reactor Power Limitation System). This paper will also present the significant advantages and specifics of performing the concerned I&C tests in the aforementioned test bay.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Fourier emission infrared microspectrophotometer for surface analysis. I - Application to lubrication problems

A far-infrared interferometer was converted into an emission microspectrophotometer for surface analysis. To cover the mid-infrared as well as the far-infrared the Mylar beamsplitter was made replaceable by a germanium-coated salt plate, and the Moire fringe counting system used to locate the moveable Michelson mirror was improved to read 0.5 micron of mirror displacement. Digital electronics and a dedicated minicomputer were installed for data collection and processing. The most critical element for the recording of weak emission spectra from small areas was, however, a reflecting microscope objective and phase-locked signal detection with simultaneous referencing to a blackbody source. An application of the technique to lubrication problems is shown.
Screening a library of household substances for inhibitors of phosphatases: An introduction to high-throughput screening.

Library screening methods are commonly used in industry and research. This article describes an experiment that screens a library of household substances for properties that would make a good “drug,” including enzyme inhibition, neutral pH, and nondenaturing to proteins, using wheat germ acid phosphatase as the target protein. An adaptation of the experiment appropriate for lower level biochemistry or outreach is also described. This work was supported by Wabash College through the Haines Fund for the Study of Biochemistry and the National Science Foundation through Grant DUE 0126242.
Gene selection stability's dependence on dataset difficulty

Identifying important biomarkers to improve disease diagnosis and treatment is a significant topic of research in bioinformatics. However, bioinformatics datasets frequently have a large number of features per sample or instance. This problem, known as “high dimensionality,” can be alleviated through the use of dimension reducing techniques such as feature (gene) selection which remove unnecessary features. There are many versions of feature selection, with varying biases and predictive abilities. However, predictive power is but one factor to consider when choosing a feature selection technique: one must also consider the technique's stability, that is, its ability to create feature subsets which remain valid in the face of changes to the data. While there has been work in determining the relative stability of different feature selection techniques, this does not always help determine whether a chosen feature selection technique will give stable feature subsets for a specific dataset. Factors such as difficulty of learning (e.g., dataset difficulty) may also influence feature selection stability, making generally-true facts about different techniques not applicable to a given dataset. In this work, we study how dataset difficulty can affect the stability of feature selection techniques, leading to good performance from bad techniques and vice versa. We use a set of twenty-six DNA microarray datasets with varying levels of difficulty of learning, along with four levels of dataset perturbation, six feature selection techniques with various levels of stability, and twelve feature subset sizes. The results show that as the dataset difficulty increases, the stability decreases. However, the relative stability between the techniques remains the same. Additionally, the more difficult the dataset, the more the stability is affected by changes to the data. We also found that unstable rankers are more affected by the transition between Easy and Moderate datasets, whereas the stable techniques are more affected by the change between Moderate and Hard datasets. Lastly, as the feature subset size increases, the stability increases and the difference between the levels of dataset difficulty decreases. Overall, we conclude that difficulty of learning must be taken into account before interpreting stability results.
FC‐36 The use of immunostimulatory bacterial DNA sequences in allergen‐specific immunotherapy of canine atopic dermatitis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a combination of immunostimulatory bacterial DNA sequences and allergen-specific immunotherapy for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Seven dogs with nonseasonal atopic dermatitis diagnosed by history, clinical signs and exclusion of differential diagnoses were included. All dogs had been on allergen-specific immunotherapy for at least 12 months with incomplete responses, were on additional antipruritic therapy and showed residual pruritus. Pruritus was marked by the owner on a visual analogue scale, lesions were determined by a clinician using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI), and concurrent medications were recorded before entering the study and after 14 weeks of treatment. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured; canine cytokine message for IFNγ, IL-4, TNF and IL-10 was quantitated using RT-PCR. A mixture of allergen extract and liposome-DNA complexes was injected intradermally at the beginning of the study and after 2, 4, 6, 10 and 14 weeks. CADESI, pruritus and medication scores, and cytokine messages at the beginning and end of the study were compared with a paired t-test. There were significant improvements in pruritus scores (P = 0.0277). Reductions in medication scores and CADESI were not statistically significant. IL-4 production decreased significantly (P = 0.0428); decreases in other cytokines were not significant. Although the number of dogs in this pilot study was small, the results warrant further investigation of a combination of immunostimulatory bacterial DNA sequences and allergen-specific immunotherapy for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Funding: Self-funded.
Effect of focusing and caustics on exit phenomena in systems lacking detailed balance.

We study the trajectories followed by a particle weakly perturbed by noise, when escaping from the domain of attraction of a stable fixed point. If the particle's stationary distribution lacks detailed balance, a focus may occur along the most probable exit path, leading to a breakdown of symmetry (if present). The exit trajectory bifurcates, and the exit location distribution may become ``skewed'' (non-Gaussian). The weak-noise asymptotics of the mean escape time are also affected. Our methods extend to the study of skewed exit location distributions in stochastic models without symmetry.
The disutility of the hard-easy effect in choice confidence

A common finding in confidence research is the hard-easy effect, in which judges exhibit greater overconfidence for more difficult sets of questions. Many explanations have been advanced for the hard-easy effect, including systematic cognitive mechanisms, experimenter bias, random error, and statistical artifact. In this article, I mathematically derive necessary and sufficient conditions for observing a hard-easy effect, and I relate these conditions to previous explanations for the effect. I conclude that all types of judges exhibit the hard-easy effect in almost all realistic situations. Thus, the effect’s presence cannot be used to distinguish between judges or to draw support for specific models of confidence elicitation.
Diversity, Multiethnicity, and Latino Social Networks

Given the steady increase of ethnic diversity in the US, greater numbers of people develop the ability to negotiate ethnic boundaries and form multiple ethnic identifications. This paper explores the relationship between intra-ethnic and cross-ethnic relationships—defined in terms of social networks—and patterns of ethnic self-identification among New York City (NYC) Latinos. Drawing on theory and methods from the field of social network analysis, one hypothesis is that people with ethnically heterogeneous networks are more likely to have multiple ethnic identifications than people with ethnically homogeneous networks. The paper further explores the relationship between network ethnic diversity and the demographic and network characteristics of Latinos from four different Latino subgroups: Colombian, Dominican, Mexican, and Puerto Rican. A total of 97 NYC Latinos were administered ethnic self-identification and factorial surveys, and a social network questionnaire. Blau’s diversity index was used to compute the level of ethnic diversity present in participants’ networks. Results provided modest support for the hypothesis that multiple ethnic identifications would be associated with network ethnic diversity. There were important differences between the four groups in terms of network diversity, network ethnic composition, and ethnic self-identification. Results provide some support for the notion that weak ties introduce diversity to social networks.
Relationship between depression and body dissatisfaction in women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa

Objective Body dissatisfaction and depression have consistently demonstrated a positive association in women. This study sought to determine the independence of this association from bulimic symptomatology among women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Method Participants were 101 women who completed a controlled treatment study of bulimia nervosa and participated in follow-up assessments 10 years later. Results Findings indicated that baseline levels of depression were independent of and superior to bulimic symptoms in prospectively predicting body dissatisfaction at follow-up assessment. Discussion Findings suggest that depression may be a better prognostic indicator of body dissatisfaction than bulimic symptoms in women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. A model in which depression represents a contributing factor for the maintenance of body dissatisfaction is discussed. © 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 30: 48–56, 2001.
Wage discrimination by race and gender in the public and private sectors

Abstract Previous research suggests that the federal government may act as a model employer by discriminating less on the basis of race and gender. The evidence supporting this suggestion is based primarily on data from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Data from the 1980s demonstrate that if any level of government acts as a model employer it is local government and that the federal government appears to discriminate at least as much as the private sector.
Effect of Al2O3 nanolubricant on R134a pool boiling heat transfer

This paper quantifies the influence of CuO nanoparticles on the boiling performance of R134a/polyolester mixtures on a roughened, horizontal, flat surface. A lubricant based nanofluid (nanolubricant) was made with a synthetic ester and CuO particles. For the 0.5% nanolubricant mass fraction, the nanoparticles caused a heat transfer enhancement relative to the heat transfer of pure R134a/polyolester (99.5/0.5) of between 50% and 275%. A smaller enhancement was observed for the R134a/nanolubricant (99/1) mixture, which had a heat flux that was on average 19% larger than that of the R134a/polyolester (99/1) mixture. Further increase in the nanolubricant mass fraction to 2% resulted in a still smaller boiling heat transfer improvement of approximately 12% on average. Thermal conductivity measurements and a refrigerant/lubricant mixture pool-boiling model were used to suggest that increased thermal conductivity is responsible for only a small portion of the heat transfer enhancement due to nanoparticles.
Complete absence of the posterior arch of C1: Case report

Posterior atlas arch anomalies are relatively common, but have a variety of presentations ranging from partial clefts to complete agenesis of the posterior arch. Partial clefts are prevalent in 4% of patients and are generally asymptomatic. However, complete agenesis of the posterior arch is extremely rare. We report the case of a 46-year-old man who presented with upper cervical spine and occipital pain as well as left sided headaches. Imaging revealed congenital complete absence of the posterior arch of C1 (Type E) without any radiographic evidence of instability. We discuss our case in light of other reported cases and detail its management.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Nicotinate-Metabolizing Soil Bacterium Bacillus niacini DSM 2923

Bacillus niacini is a member of a small yet diverse group of bacteria able to catabolize nicotinic acid. We report here the availability of a draft genome for B. niacini, which we will use to understand the evolution of its namesake phenotype, which appears to be unique among the species in its phylogenetic neighborhood.
Monolithic integration of singlemode AlGaAs optical waveguides at 830 nm with GaAs E/D-MESFETs using planar multifunctional epistructure (PME) approach

Singlemode AlGaAs optical waveguides at 830 nm have been monolithically fabricated together with ion-implanted E-and D-mode GaAs MESFETs. The waveguide TE and TM propagation losses are as low as l.5 dB/cm with < −25 dB depolarisation. E-and D-mode FETs have VT = 0.26 and −0.20 V, and gm = 160 and 230 mS/mm, respectively.
Phylogenetic Relationship of the Complete Rauscher Murine Leukemia Virus Genome with Other Murine Leukemia Virus Genomes

Abstract We report the complete nucleotide sequence of the genome of Rauscher murine leukemia virus (R-MuLV), the replication-competent helper virus present in the Rauscher virus complex, and its phylogenetic relationship with other murine leukemia virus genomes. An overall sequence identity of 97.6% was found between R-MuLV and the Friend helper virus (F-MuLV), and the two viruses were closely related on the phylogenetic trees constructed from either gag, pol, or env sequences. Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV) was the next closest relative to R-MuLV and F-MuLV on all trees, followed by Akv and radiation leukemia virus (RadLV). The most distantly related helper virus was Hortulanus murine leukemia virus (Ho-MuLV). Interestingly, Cas-Br-E branched with Mo-MuLV on the gag and pol trees, whereas on the env tree, it revealed the highest degree of relatedness to Ho-MuLV, possibly due to an ancient recombination with an Ho-MuLV ancestor. In summary, a phylogenetic analysis involving various MuLVs has been performed, in which the postulated close relationship between R-MuLV and F-MuLV has been confirmed, consistent with the pathobiology of the two viruses.
Grain boundary precipitates with five-fold diffraction symmetry in an AlLiCu alloy

Abstract In the AlLiCuZr system grain boundary precipitates similar to those reported by Ball and Lloyd with five-fold symmetry diffraction patterns have been identified. It is not clear to us that this is due to microtwinning and further tests are required. However, it is clearly evident from Fig. 4 that the precipitate can lead to reduced fracture properties due to the formation of a δ ′ PFZ.
Nosology and diagnosis of Rett Syndrome

Abstract Rett Syndrome is one of the least commonly occurring autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but certainly one of the most devastating. A genetic profile has been identified, but checklists still have an important role for prescreening, especially before expensive genetic testing, and to provide precise strengths and weaknesses with respect to the core features of the disorder. Furthermore, research is now demonstrating subprofiles of genetic mutation which may be linked to profiles of behavioral responding and general symptom profiles. We review the literature on the nosology and assessment of Rett Syndrome in light of these developments. Specific symptoms and assessment techniques are discussed and potential future research avenues are reviewed with an eye to strengths and weaknesses of the current knowledge base.
Secondary circulation associated with a shelfbreak front

Evidence for secondary circulation associated with a shelfbreak front is obtained from a high-resolution, cross-shelf section of hydrographic, optical and velocity fields. Convergence in the bottom boundary layer on the inshore side of the front and subsequent upwelling into the interior is evident by a mid-water region of suspended bottom material emanating from the foot of the front and extending to within 35 m of the surface, 80 m above bottom. Downwelling on the offshore side of the front in the upper water column is inferred from a 20-m downward bend of the subsurface phytoplankton layer. These observations are in agreement with recent model predictions for secondary circulation near an idealized shelfbreak front. Convergence in measured cross-shelf velocity at the foot of the front is consistent with upwelling of bottom material detected there. An estimate of 9±2 m day−1 of upwelling on the inshore side of the shelfbreak front is obtained, implying a transit time from the bottom to the surface of 10–16 days.
Selective cytotoxicity towards cytomegalovirus-infected cells by immunotoxins consisting of gelonin linked to anti-cytomegalovirus antibody

An immunotoxin specific for cells infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was constructed by attaching the ribosome-inactivating enzyme, gelonin, through a disulfide linkage to polyclonal human immunoglobulin (IgG). In uninfected cells, there was no difference between [35S]methionine incorporation in untreated cultures and those treated with immunotoxin at 100 micrograms/ml. In HCMV-infected cells, there was a significant decrease in [35S]methionine incorporation in the immunotoxin-treated cultures, suggesting a selective cytotoxic effect on the virus-infected cells. An immunotoxin specific for murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) was prepared by linking gelonin to polyclonal anti-MCMV IgG. Using this same parameter for assay of cytotoxicity, the anti-MCMV immunotoxin had a 50% cytotoxic concentration of 35 micrograms/ml in MCMV-infected cells and greater than 200 micrograms/ml in uninfected cells. MCMV yields measured at 7 days postinoculation were reduced by 2 log10 in cultures treated with immunotoxin at 20 micrograms/ml at 1 day postinoculation. These data suggest immunotoxins may have potential for eliminating CMV-infected cells from the host.
How Real People Ought to Live: The Cashinahua of Eastern Peru

How Real People Ought to Live: The Cashinahua of Eastern Peru. Kenneth M. Kensinger. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press, Inc., 1995. vi. 305 pp., figures, photographs, notes, bibliography, index.
Gas-phase reactions of charged phenyl radicals with neutral biomolecules evaporated by laser-induced acoustic desorption

A generally applicable method for the study of phenyl radicals’ reactions with neutral biomolecules in the gas phase is demonstrated. Neutral biomolecules were evaporated into a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR) by means of laser-induced acoustic desorption (LIAD) and subsequently reacted with trapped charged phenyl radicals. The structural integrity of the evaporated alanylalanine molecules was verified by reaction with dichlorophosphenium ions. Examination of the reactions of charged phenyl radicals with alanylalanine and thymidine evaporated via LIAD revealed hydrogen atom abstraction for both alanylalanine and thymidine as well as an addition/elimination product for the reaction with thymidine. These reactions are consistent with the results obtained by others in solution. Further, a previously unstudied reaction of the nucleotide of thymine (T1) with charged phenyl radical was found to yield analogous products as the reaction with thymidine.
Geographic distribution and genotypic composition of invasive hybrid watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum × M. sibiricum) populations in North America

The recent recognition of invasive hybrid watermilfoil (Myriophyllumspicatum × M. sibiricum) in North America has necessitated a more thorough evaluation of its overall distribution and occurrence in natural populations. A comprehensive survey of watermilfoil populations was conducted in five Minnesota lakes, three of which were suspected a priori to contain hybrid watermilfoil. DNA sequence data verified that hybrid plants between the nonindigenous M. spicatum L. and indigenous M. sibiricum Kom. occurred in three of the five lakes sampled. Myriophyllum spicatum was not detected in lakes where hybrids were prevalent. Further sampling of lakes in Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Washington identified 30 additional hybrid watermilfoil populations. In only three of these populations the hybrid watermilfoil was found to co-occur with M. spicatum. To facilitate the field identification of the two parental species and their hybrid, morphological data from watermilfoil specimens collected across the United States were evaluated. We determined that leaf segment/leaf length measurements can effectively distinguish M. spicatum and M. sibiricum; however, hybrids are intermediate for these characters and such measurements frequently overlap with respect to their parental taxa. By incorporating a combined molecular and morphological approach to identifying watermilfoils, the hybrids can be identified readily and their distributions elucidated both within and between lakes. Because hybrids may respond differently to local ecological conditions than their parents, information on their presence and distribution should be of particular importance to management and conservation programs.
Maturation of spatial navigation strategies: Convergent findings from computerized spatial environments and self-report

Using 2 computerized spatial navigation tasks, we examined the development of cue and place learning in children ages 3 to 10 years, comparing their data to adults. We also examined relations between place learning in computerized and real space. Results showed children use the 2-dimensional space as if it were real space. Results also demonstrated that children ages 3 to 10 years cue learn (locating a visible target) but do not show evidence of mature place learning (locating an invisible target) until around age 10 years. Self-report data indicated an age-related increase in use of relations among distal cues during place learning. Children ages 3 to 4 years did not report using distal cues; most 9- to 10-year-old children reported using multiple distal cues to guide their search during place learning. Results suggest that, as maturation proceeds, children make increasing use of relations among multiple distal cues to guide a search for places in space.
Pelleted Sources of Nutrition and the Effect of Stocking Size‐graded Juveniles in Low‐input Farming of the Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Earthen Ponds

Nutrient sources in pelleted form and the effect of stocking size-graded juvenile freshwater prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii for the low-input farming of the freshwater prawn in experimental earthen ponds (0.05–0.06 ha) have been studied. For each of 4 yr, experiments were sequentially conducted, having growout durations ranging from 111 to 135 d. Generally, graded juvenile prawns (0.26–0.29 g) were stocked into earthen ponds containing artificial substrate at a density that ranged from 21,690 to 34,580/ha. For all experiments, feeding rates ranged from 10.1 to 60.8 kg/ha/d during the growout season. Survival, mean weight, and total production were compared among the treatments. There were no significant differences in survival, mean harvest weight, or total production when corn gluten pellets fed exclusively were compared to corn gluten pellets in combination (1:1) with less expensive nutrient sources, wheat midds, and range cubes. Substitution of corn gluten pellets with a commercial prawn feed fed for the last 28 d of growout had no significant effect. A total level of feeding corn gluten pellets : range cubes (1:1) at 2802 kg/ha for the growout period was as effective as 3923 and 5044 kg/ha at a stocking density of 28,405/ha. The use of trout feed in combination with the feeding of the 1:1 corn gluten pellets to range cubes for 49 d prior to harvest was effective in maintaining mean harvest weight and production at a higher stocking density (34,580/ha vs. 28,405/ha). Poultry litter pellets were ineffective substitutes for the corn gluten pellet : ranges cubes (1:1) combination. The exclusive feeding of alfalfa pellets and soy hull pellets resulted in mean harvest weights and total production that were significantly less than what was achieved with the feeding of range cubes. Engineered enterprise budgets demonstrated positive economic benefits of the low-input strategy using pellet nutrient sources that contain no less than 20% crude protein (dry weight). Highest returns were realized with the upper grade of juveniles resulting from a 60/40 split (by number), even when lower grade animals were discarded. At stocking densities of approximately 22,000–28,000/ha, nutritional requirements of the prawns appear to be satisfied by the consumption of the fed nutrient sources combined with live, natural resident pond prey organisms enhanced by organic input resulting from the breakdown of the pellets. Production levels of 900–1000 kg/ha can be consistently achieved.
Testicular lymphomas: A clinicopathologic study of 35 cases

Thirty-five patients with malignant lymphoma of the testis were reviewed. The lymphomas were classified by the Rappaport criteria and the recently introduced Working Formulation of non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas. The great majority of cases were diffuse histiocytic lymphoma (Rappaport), and these could be further subclassified by the Working Formulation. Significant differences in survival were observed between histologic subgroups of the Working Formulation and this effect was independent of stage, which also had a significant effect on survival. Of 23 clinically evaluable patients who presented with testicular lymphoma, eight of 17 patients with intermediate-grade lymphomas are alive and well, in contrast to none of six patients with high-grade lesions. The recognition of histologic subtype as a prognostic factor independent of clinical stage is important for postorchiectomy management of these patients.
Wall-function boundary conditions in the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for complex compressible flows

To make computer codes for two-dimensional compressible flows more robust and economical, wall functions for these flows, under adiabatic conditions, have been developed and tested. These wall functions have been applied to three two-equation models of turbulence. The tests consist of comparisons of calculated and experimental results for transonic and supersonic flow over a flat plate and for two-dimensional and axisymmetrical transonic shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction flows with and without separation. The calculations are performed with an implicit algorithm that solves the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. It is shown that results obtained agree very well with the data for the complex compressible flows tested, provided criteria for use of the wall functions are followed. The expected savings in cost of the computations and improved robustness of the code were achieved.
Elementary particles of conventional field theory as regge poles - II

The usual field theory of spin 0 "nucleons" coupled to vector mesons (or heavy photons) is studied in order to find out whether the nucleon lies on a Regge trajectory. Photon-nucleon scattering is examined, to each order in the coupling constant, with the highest power of ln cosθ retained. It is found that a suitable Regge trajectory is generated, but that the nucleon does not lie on it. The nucleon pole term in the scattering amplitude corresponds to a fixed singularity in angular momentum. The spin 0 "nucleon" thus behaves differently from a particle of spin ½.
Destruction terms in non-Markovian collisional redistribution.

A method is given to evaluate directly the ``destruction'' terms which occur in the non-Markovian theory of collisional redistribution when two photon events occur within a single collision. It shows that these terms, which are important for large detunings, may be expressed as separate stationary-phase (quasistatic) principal-value (antistatic) components. In contrast to previous work, the method easily extends to take into account atomic-state degeneracy.
Mohs micrographic surgery referral patterns: the University of Missouri experience.

Background.Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) provides a higher cure rate for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) than other forms of therapy. The American Academy of Dermatology has published recommended guidelines for MMS referral. However, factors other than the location, size, and type of NMSC may often
Review of the genus Gastrocentrum Gorham 1876 (Coleoptera Cleridae Tillinae), with biological notes on species from Sri Lanka

The described species of the genus Gastrocentrum Gorham 1876 (Coleoptera Cleridae Tillinae) are reviewed. Four species are recognized: G. dux (Westwood 1852), G. nitidum Schenkling 1917, G. unicolor (White 1849), and G. brevicolle (Pic 1940). The first notes are provided on the biology of species of this genus; adults of all three species recorded from Sri Lanka were collected under loose bark of Terminalia arjuna (Roxburgh 1832) (Combretaceae). A redescription of the genus Gastrocentrum, a discussion of its relationships to other genera of Tillinae, a key to the four described species of this genus, and brief diagnoses of each of these four species are presented.
Digital Characterization Of Clinical Mammographic Microcalcifications: Applications In Computer-Aided Detection

As part of our ongoing effort to develop an automated computer scheme for the detection and analysis of microcalcifications in digital mammograms, we have analyzed the physical characteristics of microcalcifications from a data base of 39 clinical mammograms in patients undergoing breast biopsy. A signal-extraction method was developed for determination of the size, contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of each microcalcification from unprocessed mammograms. The average power spectrum of the microcalcifications thus extracted was compared to that of the mammographic background. Based on an analysis of these characteristics, we designed a new type of spatial filter, obtained as the difference between a matched filter and a box-rim filter, that can selectively preserve the frequency content of microcalcifications while suppressing the low-frequency background and high-frequency noise. The SNR of the microcalcifications is thereby enhanced. Signal-extraction tests that make use of the size, contrast, local frequency content, and clustering properties of microcalcifications were employed for further discrimination between true signals and normal mammographic structures or artifacts. In order to evaluate the potential clinical utility of our approach, we applied the program to 20 clinical mammograms that contained subtle clustered microcalcifications. These mammograms were not included in the data base mentioned above. The automated computer detection scheme provided a true-positive cluster detection rate of 90% at a false-positive detection rate of one-half cluster per image. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using computer methods to aid radiologists in screening of mammograms for subtle microcalcifications.
Regulation of pluripotency and self- renewal of ESCs through epigenetic-threshold modulation and mRNA pruning.

Embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency requires bivalent epigenetic modifications of key developmental genes regulated by various transcription factors and chromatin-modifying enzymes. How these factors coordinate with one another to maintain the bivalent chromatin state so that ESCs can undergo rapid self-renewal while retaining pluripotency is poorly understood. We report that Utf1, a target of Oct4 and Sox2, is a bivalent chromatin component that buffers poised states of bivalent genes. By limiting PRC2 loading and histone 3 lysine-27 trimethylation, Utf1 sets proper activation thresholds for bivalent genes. It also promotes nuclear tagging of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) transcribed from insufficiently silenced bivalent genes for cytoplasmic degradation through mRNA decapping. These opposing functions of Utf1 promote coordinated differentiation. The mRNA degradation function also ensures rapid cell proliferation by blocking the Myc-Arf feedback control. Thus, Utf1 couples the core pluripotency factors with Myc and PRC2 networks to promote the pluripotency and proliferation of ESCs.
Comparison of linear and non-linear overstory-understory models for ponderosa pine: A conceptual framework

Abstract A conceptual rationale is presented for selecting the appropriate model between overstory cover of ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Dougl.) and understory production. Factors that lend a competitive advantage to ponderosa pine (e.g. livestock grazing, fire exclusion) contribute to a non-linear relationship between pine and grass production. Compensatory production of other understory plants contributes to a linear relationship between pine and total understory production. Since most semiarid forests and woodlands in the US are exposed to factors which favor trees at the expense of grasses, a non-linear model is appropriate for describing the relationship between these lifeforms.
Synthetic-aperture imaging laser radar: laboratory demonstration and signal processing

The spatial resolution of a conventional imaging laser radar system is constrained by the diffraction limit of the telescope’s aperture. We investigate a technique known as synthetic-aperture imaging laser radar (SAIL), which employs aperture synthesis with coherent laser radar to overcome the diffraction limit and achieve fine-resolution, long-range, two-dimensional imaging with modest aperture diameters. We detail our laboratory-scale SAIL testbed, digital signal-processing techniques, and image results. In particular, we report what we believe to be the first optical synthetic-aperture image of a fixed, diffusely scattering target with a moving aperture. A number of fine-resolution, well-focused SAIL images are shown, including both retroreflecting and diffuse scattering targets, with a comparison of resolution between real-aperture imaging and synthetic-aperture imaging. A general digital signal-processing solution to the laser waveform instability problem is described and demonstrated, involving both new algorithms and hardware elements. These algorithms are primarily data driven, without a priori knowledge of waveform and sensor position, representing a crucial step in developing a robust imaging system.
N-pi Decays of Baryons in a Relativized Model

We calculate the [ital N][pi] decay amplitudes of baryon resonances in a semirelativistic version of the [sup 3][ital P][sub 0] model of hadron decays. We use relativized wave functions for the baryons and mesons, and include an intuitive modification of the usual [sup 3][ital P][sub 0] model. Our results are in reasonable agreement with the reported amplitudes for [ital all] known nonstrange resonances, and confirm a proposed solution to the mystery of the missing'' states.
C/EBP homologous protein is necessary for normal osteoblastic function.

C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) suppresses adipogenesis and accelerates osteoblastogenesis in vitro. However, the effects of CHOP in the skeleton in vivo are not known. To investigate the actions of CHOP on bone remodeling, we examined the skeletal phenotype of chop null mice from 1 to 12 months of age. Chop null mice appeared normal and their growth and serum insulin like growth factor (IGF) I and osteocalcin levels were normal. X-ray analysis of the skeleton revealed no abnormalities and bone mineral density was normal. Static and dynamic histomorphometry revealed that chop null mice had decreased bone formation rates, without changes in osteoblast cell number, indicating an osteoblastic functional defect. The number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts and eroded surface were normal. Northern blot analysis revealed decreased type I collagen and osteocalcin mRNA levels in calvariae of chop null mice. In conclusion, chop null mice exhibit decreased bone formation and impaired osteoblastic function, indicating that CHOP is necessary for the normal expression of the osteoblastic phenotype. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Glyphosate effects on diseases of plants

Glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, is the most extensively used herbicide in the history of agricul- ture. Weed management programs in glyphosate resistant (GR) field crops have provided highly effective weed control, simplified management decisions, and given cleaner harvested products. However, this relatively simple, broad-spectrum, systemic herbicide can have extensive unintended effects on nutrient efficiency and disease severity, thereby threatening its agricultural sustainability. A significant increase in disease severity associated with the wide spread application of the glyphosate herbicide can be the result of direct glyphosate-induced weakening of plant defenses and increased pathogen population and virulence. Indirect effects of glyphosate on disease predisposition result from immobilization of specific micronutrients involved in disease resistance, reduced growth and vigor of the plant from accumulation of glyphosate in meristematic root, shoot, and reproductive tissues, altered physiological efficiency, or modification of the soil microflora affecting the availability of nutrients involved in physiological disease resistance. Strategies to ameliorate the predisposing effects of glyphosate on disease include judicious selection of herbicide application rates, micronutrient amendment, glyphosate detoxification in meris- tematic tissues and soil, changes in cultural practices to enhance micronutrient availability for plant uptake, and biological amendment with glyphosate-resistant microbes for nitrogen fixation and nutrient availability. Given that recommended doses of glyphosate are often many times higher than needed to control weeds, we believe the most prudent method to reduce the detrimental effects of glyphosate on GR crops will be to use this herbicide in as small a dose as practically needed. Such a frugal approach will not only curtail disease predisposition of GR crops, but will also benefit the grower and the environment.
Concise Review: Human Dermis as an Autologous Source of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Author(s): Vapniarsky, Natalia; Arzi, Boaz; Hu, Jerry C; Nolta, Jan A; Athanasiou, Kyriacos A | Abstract: UnlabelledThe exciting potential for regenerating organs from autologous stem cells is on the near horizon, and adult dermis stem cells (DSCs) are particularly appealing because of the ease and relative minimal invasiveness of skin collection. A substantial number of reports have described DSCs and their potential for regenerating tissues from mesenchymal, ectodermal, and endodermal lineages; however, the exact niches of these stem cells in various skin types and their antigenic surface makeup are not yet clearly defined. The multilineage potential of DSCs appears to be similar, despite great variability in isolation and in vitro propagation methods. Despite this great potential, only limited amounts of tissues and clinical applications for organ regeneration have been developed from DSCs. This review summarizes the literature on DSCs regarding their niches and the specific markers they express. The concept of the niches and the differentiation capacity of cells residing in them along particular lineages is discussed. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of widely used methods to demonstrate lineage differentiation are considered. In addition, safety considerations and the most recent advancements in the field of tissue engineering and regeneration using DSCs are discussed. This review concludes with thoughts on how to prospectively approach engineering of tissues and organ regeneration using DSCs. Our expectation is that implementation of the major points highlighted in this review will lead to major advancements in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.SignificanceAutologous dermis-derived stem cells are generating great excitement and efforts in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The substantial impact of this review lies in its critical coverage of the available literature and in providing insight regarding niches, characteristics, and isolation methods of stem cells derived from the human dermis. Furthermore, it provides analysis of the current state-of-the-art regenerative approaches using human-derived dermal stem cells, with consideration of current guidelines, to assist translation toward therapeutic use.
Short-term morbidity from ct-planned transperineal I-125 prostate implants

Abstract Purpose: To summarize short-term morbidity and tumor response following transperineal transperineal CT-guided I-125 prostate implantation. Methods and Materials: Twenty-one patients were treated with CT-based transperineal 1–125 prostate implantation between June, 1988 and May, 1990. An average of 75 I-125 seeds were placed, with an average activity of .62 mCi/seed. Symptoms were quantified after interviewing each patient in detail. Results: Nearly all patients developed substantial dysuria, nocturia and frequency from 2–24 weeks following implantation. Urinary symptoms usually resolved within 4–6 months of implantation. The one year actuarial potency rate among 18 patients who were potent prior to implantation was 94%. By 6 months after implantation, 1417 patients (82%) with Stage B tumors had complete regression of palpable disease. Of 17 patients with Stage A or B tumors who presented with an elevated PSA, 76% returned to the normal range within 6 months of implantation. Conclusion: CT-guided transperineal prostate implants entail moderate, temporary urinary and rectral morbidity. Short-term tumor responses are encouraging.
A new solution technique for discrete queueing analysis of ATM system

The authors present a general solution technique for the discrete-time queuing analysis of ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) systems. The traffic is characterized as an r-dependent Markov modulated phase-type process, and the queue is assumed to have finite capacity and multiple servers with fixed service time. The queue is functionally modeled as a nonlinear feedback loop and a procedure is developed to construct, efficiently and systematically, the stationary equations to determine the joint phase-occupancy distribution, from which the exact queuing delay and the cell loss performance can be determined. It is suggested that the proposed technique will facilitate ATM system design and performance analysis, ATM switch design, buffer dimensioning, and developing congestion control strategies. >
Specific empirical free energy function for automated docking of carbohydrates to proteins

We present an automated docking protocol specifically optimized to predict the structure and affinity of a protein-carbohydrate complex. A scoring function was developed based on a training set of 30 protein-carbohydrate complexes of known structure and affinity. Combinations of several models for hydrogen bonding, torsional entropy loss, and solvation were tested for their ability to fit the training set data, and the best model was used with AutoDock. The electrostatic empirical coefficient is larger than in a previously obtained model using a training set comprised of various types of protein-ligand complexes, indicating that electrostatic interactions play a more important role in determining the affinity between a carbohydrate and a protein. The differences in the relative weighting of the empirical coefficients in the model yields predicted free energies for the training set with a standard error of 1.403 kcal/mol. The new scoring function was tested on 17 Aspergillus niger glucoamylase inhibitors for which binding energies had been determined experimentally. Free energies of complex formation were predicted with a residual standard error of 1.101 kcal/mol. The new scoring function therefore provides a robust method for predicting free energies of formation and optimal conformations of carbohydrate-protein complexes.
Measurements of condensation nuclei in the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition: Observations of particle production in the polar vortex

The ER-2 Condensation Nucleus Counter (ER-2 CNC) was operated in the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition (AASE) in January and February 1989. The ER-2 CNC measures the mixing ratio of particles, CN, with diameters from approximately 0.02 to approximately 1 micron. The spatial distribution of CN in the Arctic polar vortex was found to resemble that measured in the Antarctic in the Spring of 1987. The vertical profile of CN in the vortex was lowered by subsidence. At altitudes above the minimum in the CN mixing ratio profile, CN mixing ratios correlated negatively with that of N2O, demonstrating new particle production. CN serve as nuclei in the formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) and the concentration of CN can affect PSC properties.
Producer Marketing of Cartoned Eggs as Compared with Sale of Wholesale Packs

Abstract INTRODUCTION EGG producers generally have a number of alternative methods of marketing their product. They usually have available alternative methods of performing a given marketing service and alternative uses for their resources, principally labor. Being interested in maximizing returns to labor and other resources, producers not only desire to perform a given marketing service at least cost, but also wish to use the marketing method that will enable them to reach their goal of greatest returns to owned resources. In order to make an intelligent choice of alternative marketing methods, producers need information regarding costs and returns of various methods of marketing eggs. Arsdall and Cleaver (1957) studied times required for cleaning, candling, and packing eggs by hand or by use of a mechanical grader and estimated the flock size necessary to justify mechanical equipment but they made no attempt to compare returns of the two methods. Clayton and Cray (1956)…