cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Negative feedback loop formed by Lunatic fringe and Hes7 controls their oscillatory expression during somitogenesis

Recent studies show that the cyclic expression of Lfng in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM) is controlled at the transcription level by Notch signal through the CBF1 binding site for activation and periodic repression on the Lfng promoter. Here we provide genetic evidence that the oscillatory expression is controlled by a negative feedback mechanism. We also show that Hes7, another cyclically expressed protein, can bind to the N-boxes on both Lfng and its own promoters and repress their activity. In addition, we demonstrate that the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) is important for rapid degradation of Lfng mRNA. genesis 43:196–204, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Low-Z impurities of carbon foils

Abstract The level of purity of a target foil is very important in low cross section nuclear reaction experiments. Carbon foils prepared by two different techniques were analyzed for their content of light impurities such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sodium. These data indicate that the technique used to manufacture a foil is the largest source of contamination. Foils prepared by vacuum evaporation showed sizable levels of light impurities, whereas foils prepared by chemical vapor deposition were substantially purer.
Application of Target Partial Least Squares for Analysis of Fourier Transform Infrared–Attenuated Total Reflection Hyperspectral Images for Characterization of the Distribution of Crop Protection Products on the Leaf Surface

Target partial least squares (PLS) is applied to Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflection (FT-IR-ATR) hyperspectral images of plant leaf surface treated with crop protection products. Detection of active ingredient is demonstrated at application rates of 50 g active ingredient per hectare. This sensitivity could not be achieved without the application of multivariate analysis. Quantitative information appears to be easily recovered through analysis of combined images with known and unknown amounts of active ingredient.
Fractures in Brief: Olecranon Fractures

Olecranon fractures are relatively common injuries, accounting for approximately 10% of upper extremity fractures in adults [26]. These fractures may result from a direct blow to the proximal ulna, or indirectly, via the forceful contraction of the triceps against resistance (typically, during a fall onto an outstretched hand). Less commonly, the olecranon may fracture when the elbow is hyperextended, as the bone is impacted against the olecranon fossa of the distal humerus. For unstable injuries, operative fixation typically is required. Even after recovery, loss of ROM is not uncommon. This article provides an overview of olecranon fractures in adults; therefore, discussion of olecranon fractures in skeletally immature patients is beyond the scope of this article.
Identification of patients with irreversible asthma

Abstract Rationale To define and report a series of 13 patients with the syndrome of irreversible asthma, their clinical characteristics, specific radiological findings, pulmonary function tests, response to appropriate therapy and long term outcomes. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients with severe asthma in a university-based Allergy/Immunology service with a large population of corticosteroid-dependent patients with asthma. Results The age of patients ranged from 43 to 85 years, with a mean duration of asthma of 45.9 years (SD=13.2 years) and 11 of the 13 patients (84.6%) had been hospitalized at least once in their life for asthma. No patient had evidence of any other pulmonary disease processes. Eleven of thirteen patients (84.6%) had positive skin tests to at least one aeroallergen and 6/11 patients (54.5%) had a history of receiving at least 3 years of immunotherapy. The mean duration of daily or alternate-day oral corticosteroid treatment was 17.8 years (SD=9.4 years). All patients had an average FEV1% of 51.6% (SD=12.8) at presentation. Despite intensive pharmacotherapy with continuous systemic corticosteroids and inhaled corticosteroids, 4 of the 13 patients (30.8%) demonstrated an accelerated decline in FEV1 (>50 mL/yr). Conclusions We have described a series of 13 patients with long standing asthma who demonstrate irreversible airway obstruction despite long-term systemic and inhaled corticosteroids. Irreversible asthma might be applied to these patients in whom fixed obstruction has occurred in the absence of other pulmonary diseases and despite intensive treatment.
ESD sources pinpointed by numerical analysis of radio wave emissions

Abstract ESD (electrostatic discharge) events are a source of radio waves. Time delay information from a system of antennas detecting those radio waves can be used, much like a GPS (global positioning satellite) system, to pinpoint the location of the discharge. In this system, numerical analysis is used to successively approximate the location in space at which an emitted electromagnetic signal would match the set of arrival time delays as measured at each antenna. Sensitivity to 100 V discharges and good correlation to known discharge locations has been achieved. Such a system is described and experimental results are presented in this paper. Limitations due to measurement errors and blocked antennas are also presented.
Ultra-shallow P+/N junctions formed by recoil implantation

The concept of recoil implantation is proposed to facilitate fabrication of ultrashallow p+/n junctions. In this method, a thin boron film is first deposited onto the Si wafer surface. Then the boron atoms are knocked into the Si substrate by Ge implantation or Ar plasma source ion implantation. Dopant activation and damage removal are achieved via rapid thermal annealing. Preliminary results show the realization of sub-100 nm deep p+/n junctions with this technique. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to predict the recoiled boron profiles, and agree well with the experimental results.
Finiteness and the type I superstring

Abstract The one-loop divergences in scattering amplitudes involving an arbitrary number of external gravitons, dilatons and gauge bosons are exhibited and shown to cancel in the the type I superstring with gauge group O(32). The analysis is performed in the Polyakov path integral approach in which the divergences can be clearly identified.
In vitro study of a novel oxysterol for osteogenic differentiation on rabbit bone marrow stromal cells.

BACKGROUND Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are powerful osteoinductive growth factors but are associated with exorbitant costs and undesirable side effects. Oxysterols are biocompatible cholesterol oxidation products with osteoinductive properties that may represent an alternative to BMP. In this study, the authors examine the osteogenic potential and mechanisms of actions of oxysterol 49, a novel oxysterol analogue, in primary rabbit bone marrow stromal cells. METHODS Bone marrow stromal cells were isolated from the iliac crests of New Zealand White rabbits and then treated with various concentrations of oxysterol 49 or BMP-2, either alone or in combination. Alkaline phosphatase activity and expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin were evaluated. The effect of treatment of cells with cyclopamine, a known hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor, was also assessed. RESULTS Alkaline phosphatase activity was increased in cells treated with 1 µM oxysterol 49 relative to cells treated with BMP-2. Expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin in cells treated with oxysterol 49 and BMP-2 was equivalent. Alkaline phosphatase activity was decreased with the addition of cyclopamine. Combined treatment with oxysterol 49 and BMP-2 resulted in additive increases in alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin and osteopontin expression. CONCLUSIONS Oxysterol 49 has osteoinductive properties that are similar to those of BMP-2 in rabbit bone marrow stromal cells. The mechanism of this activity is at least in part related to the hedgehog signaling pathway. The two growth factors demonstrate additive effects when used in combination. Further study is required to examine the potential role of oxysterol 49 as a complement or alternative to BMP-2 in bone tissue engineering.
Central and Hemicentral Retinal Vein Occlusion: Role of Anti–Platelet Aggregation Agents and Anticoagulants

Objective To investigate systematically the role of anti–platelet-aggregating drugs or anticoagulants in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and hemi-CRVO. Design Cohort study. Participants Six hundred eighty-six consecutive patients with CRVO (567 patients, 585 eyes) and nonischemic hemi-CRVO (119 patients, 122 eyes). Methods At first visit, all patients had a detailed ophthalmic and medical history (including the use of anti–platelet aggregating drugs or anticoagulants), and comprehensive ophthalmic and retinal evaluation. Visual evaluation was carried out by recording visual acuity, using the Snellen visual acuity chart, and visual fields with a Goldmann perimeter. The same ophthalmic evaluation was performed at each follow-up visit. At the initial visit, CRVO and hemi-CRVO were classified as nonischemic and ischemic. Main Outcome Measures Visual acuity, visual fields, and severity of retinal hemorrhages. Results All 3 types of CRVO, showed a significantly greater severity of retinal hemorrhages among aspirin users than nonusers ( P P = 0.020). Of those whose macular edema resolved, overall cumulative visual acuity outcome also suggested a higher percentage with deterioration among aspirin users, odds ratio for deterioration of 3.62 (95% CI, 0.97–13.54; P = 0.05) for aspirin users relative to nonusers. For the nonischemic CRVO patients with 20/70 or worse visual acuity at the initial visit, after resolution of macular edema, improvement in visual acuity was less likely in the aspirin users than in nonusers (odds ratio, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04–0.72; P = 0.016). Conclusions Findings of this study indicate that, for patients with CRVO and hemi-CRVO, the use of aspirin, other anti–platelet aggregating agents, or anticoagulants was associated with a worse visual outcome and no apparent benefit. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
SeaWinds scatterometer on QuikSCAT mission and the emerging land and ocean applications

Spaceborne scatterometers are active microwave radar instruments designed to acquire near-simultaneous, spatially collocated measurements of the normalized radar backscattering cross section (sigma0) of the global surface from several azimuth and/or incidence angles. The primary objective of the scatterometer mission is to measure the near-surface wind speed and direction over the global ocean using sigma0 measurements together with a wind geophysical model function. However, since sigma0 measurements are collected globally all the time, sigma0 data can also be used for global land and ice applications. In this paper, we will first present the objectives of the QSCAT mission, the instrument design, and the unique features of the Ku-band scatterometer currently in operation, called SeaWinds on QuikSCAT (QSCAT). We will then present some emerging land and ocean applications of the QSCAT data, which include (1) global snow detection and monitoring, (2) melt region mapping on the Greenland ice sheet, (3) Monsoon flood detection and monitoring, (4) soil wetness application at large scale, and (5) hurricane monitoring and tracking.
Pain and depression in the nursing home : corroborating results

The relationship between depressed affect and pain was examined in secondary analysis of data on 408 nursing home residents. Also assessed were cognitive impairment, activities of daily living impairment, quality of social networks, and number of medical diagnoses. Analysis revealed that depressed residents were more likely to have pain, regardless of the presence of cognitive impairment. Multiple regression revealed that depressed affect was predicted by more pain, a greater number of medical diagnoses, and poor quality of the social network. These findings corroborate and extend those from a recent study of nursing home and congregate apartment residents (Parmelee et al., 1991). This corroboration and extension of findings occurred despite differences between the two studies with regard to characteristics of participants (this research included residents with all levels of cognitive impairment, and research by Parmelee et al. excluded those who were too disoriented to respond to questions), type of data collection employed (this research used ratings by professional caregivers whereas research by Parmelee et al. used self-report), and assessment instruments used to tap constructs.
Deficits in Positive Reinforcement Learning and Uncertainty-Driven Exploration are Associated with Distinct Aspects of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia

Background Negative symptoms are core features of schizophrenia (SZ); however, the cognitive and neural basis for individual negative symptom domains remains unclear. Converging evidence suggests a role for striatal and prefrontal dopamine in reward learning and the exploration of actions that might produce outcomes that are better than the status quo. The current study examines whether deficits in reinforcement learning and uncertainty-driven exploration predict specific negative symptom domains. Methods We administered a temporal decision-making task, which required trial-by-trial adjustment of reaction time to maximize reward receipt, to 51 patients with SZ and 39 age-matched healthy control subjects. Task conditions were designed such that expected value (probability × magnitude) increased, decreased, or remained constant with increasing response times. Computational analyses were applied to estimate the degree to which trial-by-trial responses are influenced by reinforcement history. Results Individuals with SZ showed impaired Go learning but intact NoGo learning relative to control subjects. These effects were most pronounced in patients with higher levels of negative symptoms. Uncertainty-based exploration was substantially reduced in individuals with SZ and selectively correlated with clinical ratings of anhedonia. Conclusions Schizophrenia patients, particularly those with high negative symptoms, failed to speed reaction times to increase positive outcomes and showed reduced tendency to explore when alternative actions could lead to better outcomes than the status quo. Results are interpreted in the context of current computational, genetic, and pharmacological data supporting the roles of striatal and prefrontal dopamine in these processes.
Use of Flight Simulation in Early Design: Formulation and Application of the Virtual Testing and Evaluation Methodology

Presented at the 5th World Aviation Congress and Exposition, San Diego, CA, October 10-12, 2000.
Issue Salience, Perceived Efficacy and Perceived Risk: A Study of the Origins of Anti-Nuclear War Activity

One hundred eleven college students participated in this two-session experiment designed to explore the origins of anti-nuclear war activism. In Session 1 participants completed questionnaires assessing a number of background characteristics and attitudes, the most important of which for this study's purpose was a measure of perceived political efficacy in the nuclear realm. One week later both the salience of the nuclear weapons issue and participants' sense of personalized risk were experimentally manipulated in a 2 × 2 × 2 (salience × risk × measured efficacy) design. Dependent measures were a behavioral intentions questionnaire and an actual opportunity to sign a petition which participants did not recognize as part of the experiment. High salience significantly increased both anti-nuclear war behavioral intentions and actual behavior as predicted. Individuals who felt highly efficacious were also significantly more likely to take action than others as predicted. A similar relation between efficacy and behavioral intentions was not found, although a salience by efficacy interaction was. Personalized risk influenced only behavioral intentions. Finally, the relative impact of these three variables and of other background and attitudinal variables measured in the first session was explored using regression techniques.
Justifying a Presumption of Restraint in Animal Biotechnology Research

Articulating the public's widespread unease about animal biotechnology has not been easy, and the first attempts have not been able to provide an effective tool for navigating the moral permissibility of this research. Because these moral intuitions have been difficult to cash out, they have been belittled as representing nothing more than fear or confusion. But there are sound philosophical reasons supporting the public's opposition to animal biotechnology and these arguments justify a default position of resistance I call the Presumption of Restraint. The Presumption of Restraint constitutes a justificatory process that sets out the criteria for permitting or rejecting individual biotechnology projects. This Presumption of Restraint can be overridden by compelling arguments that speak to a project's moral and scientific merit. This strategy creates a middle-of-the-road stance that can embrace particular projects, while rejecting others. The Presumption of Restraint can also serve as a model for assessin...
Reciprocity behavior of photoresists in excimer laser lithography

The effect of high excimer-laser peak powers on the lithographic exposure process is quantitatively examined to investigate the reciprocity behavior of several photoresists. Using the bleaching of an absorption peak as the measure of resist response, it is found that there is no dependence of the resist sensitivity on the peak power of the radiation. Thus the higher UV intensity of excimer lasers can be fully exploited in faster exposures of the resists.
Pursuit of N -representability for the contracted Schrödinger equation through density-matrix reconstruction

The solution of N-representability for the two-particle reduced density matrix (2-RDM) is intimately connected through the contracted Schr\"odinger equation with the problem of reconstructing the 3- and 4-RDM's from the 2-RDM [D. A. Mazziotti, Phys. Rev. A 57, 4219 (1998)]. We derive an explicit formula for building the 3-RDM from the 2-RDM which significantly improves the accuracy of the 3-RDM cumulant expansion. Calculations indicate that the improvement is better than that achieved by the correction of Nakatsuji and Yasuda (NY) [Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 1039 (1996); Phys. Rev. A 56, 2648 (1997)]. We also present a more efficient formulation of the NY correction. Both the present and NY reconstructions are shown to satisfy the particle-hole duality. Comparison of the reconstruction methods is made through several molecules LiH, ${\mathrm{BeH}}_{2},$ ${\mathrm{BH}}_{3},$ ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O},$ and ${\mathrm{CH}}_{4},$ as well as systems with more general pairwise correlation.
Comparison of Octa- and Heptapeptide Antagonists of Angiotensin II as Inhibitors of Angiotensin II-Induced Steroidogenesis in the Rat Adrenal Glomerulosa*

With a view to determine whether octapeptide or heptapeptide antagonists of angiotensin II (Ang II) preferentially inhibit steroidogenesis induced by Ang II, we have compared five heptapeptide antagonists with the corresponding octapeptide antagonists. Each octapeptide antagonist had sarcosine in the 1-position and various substituents in the 8-position [e.g. He, Ala, Thr, Thr(Me), or Ser], and there was a corresponding heptapeptide antagonist with the same substituent in the 7-position. These studies used rat adrenal glomerulosa cells prepared with the aid of collagenase and mechanical dispersion. Only a few of the five pairs of antagonists exhibited significant agonist activity. These were Ile8 and Ala8 pairs of antagonists. The octapeptides proved to be better antagonists in inhibiting Ang II-induced aldosterone production than any of the corresponding heptapeptide antagonists. This was consistent with the previous observation that the octapeptide antagonists were more potent inhibitors of Ang II recep...
High-dimensional pharmacogenetic prediction of a continuous trait using machine learning techniques with application to warfarin dose prediction in African Americans

Motivation: With complex traits and diseases having potential genetic contributions of thousands of genetic factors, and with current genotyping arrays consisting of millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), powerful high-dimensional statistical techniques are needed to comprehensively model the genetic variance. Machine learning techniques have many advantages including lack of parametric assumptions, and high power and flexibility. Results: We have applied three machine learning approaches: Random Forest Regression (RFR), Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) to the prediction of warfarin maintenance dose in a cohort of African Americans. We have developed a multi-step approach that selects SNPs, builds prediction models with different subsets of selected SNPs along with known associated genetic and environmental variables and tests the discovered models in a cross-validation framework. Preliminary results indicate that our modeling approach gives much higher accuracy than previous models for warfarin dose prediction. A model size of 200 SNPs (in addition to the known genetic and environmental variables) gives the best accuracy. The R2 between the predicted and actual square root of warfarin dose in this model was on average 66.4% for RFR, 57.8% for SVR and 56.9% for BRT. Thus RFR had the best accuracy, but all three techniques achieved better performance than the current published R2 of 43% in a sample of mixed ethnicity, and 27% in an African American sample. In summary, machine learning approaches for high-dimensional pharmacogenetic prediction, and for prediction of clinical continuous traits of interest, hold great promise and warrant further research. Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Fast multiplication without carry-propagate addition

Conventional schemes for fast multiplication accumulate the partial products in redundant form (carry-save or signed-digit) and convert the result to conventional representation in the last step. This step requires a carry-propagate adder which is comparatively slow and occupies a significant area of the chip in a VLSI implementation. A report is presented on a multiplication scheme (left-to-right, carry-free, LRCF) that does not require this carry-propagate step. The LRCF scheme performs the multiplication most-significant bit first and produces a conventional sign-and-magnitude product (most significant n bits) by means of an on-the-fly conversion. The resulting implementation is fast and regular and is very well suited for VLSI. The LRCF scheme for general radix r and a radix-4 signed-digit implementation are presented. >
Naphthalene Adsorption and Desorption from Aqueous C60 Fullerene

The main purpose of this study was to characterize the adsorption and desorption interactions of naphthalene, a model environmental organic pollutant, with C60 fullerene. C60 fullerene was used as a model adsorbent for carbonaceous nanoparticles. Typical batch reactors were used to perform adsorption and desorption experiments. Adsorption and desorption of naphthalene to and from C60 fullerene solids in different aggregation forms was studied, where C60 was used as purchased, deposited as a thin film, or dispersed in water by magnetic mixing. Adsorption and desorption of naphthalene to activated carbon, a common sorbent, was also studied and compared with that of C60. It was found in this study that the enhanced dispersal of C60 could affect the adsorption of naphthalene by several orders of magnitude. A solid-water distribution coefficient of 102.4 mL·g-1 was obtained for adsorption of naphthalene to poorly dispersed C60, whereas (104.2 to 104.3) ml·g-1 coefficients were obtained for well-dispersed C60 s...
Object recognition by a massively parallel 2-D neural architecture

The use of a massively parallel neural array for multiple 2-D object recognition is explored. The array architecture has a parallel modular form with each module being trained over a specific object class. One test bed is developed using alphabetic characters which have been subjected to a scale factor and rotational operations. This test bed provides a simultaneous measure of geometric invariance and of character recognition. The performance of the modular design is benchmarked against a backprop-trained multilayer perceptron network of equivalent generality. A second test of the modular array is conducted using TV and FLIR images. This second evaluation assesses the ability to extract obejct signatures from a clutter background.
Asymptotic behavior of periodic Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with delays

Without assuming the positivity of the amplification functions, we prove some M-matrix criteria for the R+n -global asymptotic stability of periodic Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with delays. By an extension of the Lyapunov method, we are able to include neural systems with multiple nonnegative periodic solutions and nonexponential convergence rate in our model and also include the Lotka-Volterra system, an important prototype of competitive neural networks, as a special case. The stability criteria for autonomous systems then follow as a corollary. Two numerical examples are provided to show that the limiting equilibrium or periodic solution need not be positive.
Peptide and protein analysis by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry.

The extension of mass spectrometry to high molecular weight biopolymers based upon electrospray ionization and the on-line combination with capillary electrophoresis is described. Electrospray ionization produces gas-phase intact multiply charged molecular ions of biomolecules from highly charged liquid droplets by a high electric field. For high molecular weight substances electrospray ionization results in a characteristic bell-shaped distribution of multiply charged ions, with each adjacent major peak in the spectrum differing by one charge. Multiply charged molecular ions of proteins with molecular weights greater than 130,000 have been observed with a quadrupole mass spectrometer of limited mass-to-charge range (mz 1700). Molecular weights can be readily determined for large proteins with accuracies in the range of ±0.01 to 0.05%; at least an order of magnitude further improvement appears feasible with improved techniques and instrumentation. The electrospray ionization method is sensitive, presently requiring samples in the 100 fmol to 10 pmol range for proteins. Initial results combining rapid separations by capillary zone electrophoresis with online mass spectrometric detection via the electrospray ionization source are demonstrated for myoglobin and other proteins and polypeptides. The potential for extension of these methods to molecular weights on the order of 106 is discussed.
Dynamics of Two- and Four-Boson Interactions in Dressed Vacuum States

We analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of virtual particles in the vacuum states of the one-dimensional ϕ 2- and ϕ 4-model systems. The properties of the vacuum state for the ϕ 2-system can be found analytically, which allows us to compute all spatial and temporal correlations exactly. For large spatial and temporal separations, the correlation functions approach a non-vanishing finite constant associated with the occurrence of multiple vacuum bubbles, in contradiction to lowest-order perturbation theory. Long-range inter-bubble correlations suggest that virtual particles can actually enhance the occurrence of another bubble due to stimulated emission. We argue that many of the vacuum’s properties can be explained in the usual particles terms.
On the correlation between like ion pairs in water

The consequences of the subtle balance of intermolecular forces for like charge interionic correlations in solution are considered. The potential of mean force (PMF) for Cl−–Cl− and Na+–Na+ ion pairs using simple point charge (SPC and SPC/E) water models are examined in detail, and it is demonstrated that the results depend qualitatively on the details of the model. Features in the ion–ion cavity potential are shown to be responsible for much of the observed sensitivity with respect to parameters.
Two new species and two new combinations in Mesoamerican Ericaceae

Satyria ventricosa andVaccinium monteverdense from Panama and Costa Rica, respectively, are described and illustrated.Gonocalyx megabracteolatus andVaccinium talamancense are new combinations. Relationships of the new species are discussed. Keys are provided for the entire genusGonocalyx, and forSatyria in Mesoamerica.
Reconstruction from a flexible number of projections in cone-beam computed tomography via active shape models

With a steady increase of CT interventions, population dose is increasing. Thus, new approaches must be developed to reduce the dose. In this paper, we present a means for rapid identification and reconstruction of objects of interest in reconstructed data. Active shape models are first trained on sets of data obtained from similar subjects. A reconstruction is performed using a limited number of views. As each view is added, the reconstruction is evaluated using the active shape models. Once the object of interest is identified, the volume of interest alone is reconstructed, saving reconstruction time. Note that the data outside of the objects of interest can be reconstructed using fewer views or lower resolution providing the context of the region of interest data. An additional feature of our algorithm is that a reliable segmentation of objects of interest is achieved from a limited set of projections. Evaluations were performed using simulations with Shepp-Logan phantoms and animal studies. In our evaluations, regions of interest are identified using about 33 projections on average. The overlap of the identified regions with the true regions of interest is approximately 91%. The identification of the region of interest requires about 1/5 of the time required for full reconstruction, the time for reconstruction of the region of interest is currently determined by the fraction of voxels in the region of interest (i.e, voxels in region of interest/voxels in full volume). The algorithm has several important clinical applications, e.g., rotational angiography, digital tomosynthesis mammography, and limited view computed tomography.
Structural analysis of a maize gene coding for glutathione-S-transferase involved in herbicide detoxification.

We have used the cDNA clone encoding maize glutathione-S-transferase (GST I) to isolate a genomic DNA clone containing the complete GST I gene. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cDNA and genomic clones has yielded a complete amino acid sequence for maize GST I and provided the exon-intron map of its gene. The mRNA homologous sequences in the maize GST I gene consist of a 107 bp 5′ untranslated region, a 642 bp coding region and ≈340 bp of the 3′ untranslated region. They are divided into three exons by two introns which interrupt the coding region. The 5′ untranslated spacer contains an unusual sequence of pentamer AGAGG repeated seven times. The inbred maize line (Missouri 17) contains a single gene for GST I, whereas the hybrid line (3780A) contains two genes. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the primer extended cDNA products reveals that the 5′ untranslated regions of the two genes in the hybrid 3780A are identical except for a 6 bp internal deletion (or insertion). The amino acid sequence of maize GST I shares no apparent sequence homology with the published sequences of animal GST's and represents the first published sequence of a plant GST. re]19850813 ac]19851126
Spectrophotometric study of the relationship between body porcelain color and applied metallic oxide pigments.

I t is unlikely that anyone is able to measure objectively a porcelain restoration by a number that represents how lifelike it appears. The restorative dentist must assess the elements that cause the subjective impression of “naturalness” in a tooth to fabricate a restoration that will produce the natural effect. The dentist relies on external and internal tinting techniques to modify the color of existing porcelain restorations. The color of natural teeth in vitro has been measured objectively in several studies, some using a spectrophotometer.le3 The colors of both available dental porcelains and shade guides have similarly been measured.’ In the final analysis, however, the dentist’s subjective judgment determines the color of a restoration. To discuss color from an objective point of view, a
Impaired infarct healing in atherosclerotic mice with Ly-6C(hi) monocytosis.

Objectives The aim of this study was to test whether blood monocytosis in mice with atherosclerosis affects infarct healing. Background Monocytes are cellular protagonists of tissue repair, and their specific subtypes regulate the healing program after myocardial infarction (MI). Inflammatory Ly-6C hi monocytes dominate on Day 1 to Day 4 and digest damaged tissue; reparative Ly-6C lo monocytes dominate on Day 5 to Day 10 and promote angiogenesis and scar formation. However, the monocyte repertoire is disturbed in atherosclerotic mice: Ly-6C hi monocytes expand selectively, which might disrupt the resolution of inflammation. Methods Ex vivo analysis of infarcts included flow cytometric monocyte enumeration, immunoactive staining, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To relate inflammatory activity to left ventricular remodeling, we used a combination of noninvasive fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT-CT) and physiologic imaging (magnetic resonance imaging). Results Five-day-old infarcts showed >10× more Ly-6C hi monocytes in atherosclerotic (apoE −/− ) mice compared with wild-type mice. The injured tissue in apoE −/− mice also showed a more pronounced inflammatory gene expression profile (e.g., increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha and myeloperoxidase and decreased transforming growth factor-beta) and a higher abundance of proteases, which are associated with the activity of Ly-6C hi monocytes. The FMT-CT on Day 5 after MI showed higher proteolysis and phagocytosis in infarcts of atherosclerotic mice. Serial magnetic resonance imaging showed accelerated deterioration of ejection fraction between Day 1 and Day 21 after MI in apoE −/− . Finally, we could recapitulate these features in wild-type mice with artificially induced Ly-6C hi monocytosis. Conclusions Ly-6C hi monocytosis disturbs resolution of inflammation in murine infarcts and consequently enhances left ventricular remodeling. These findings position monocyte subsets as potential therapeutic targets to augment tissue repair after infarction and to prevent post-MI heart failure.
The influence of ENSO on air‐sea interaction in the Atlantic

] Observations and model experiments are used toinvestigate the influence of El Nin˜o/the SouthernOscillation (ENSO) on air-sea interaction in the northAtlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. In oneexperiment, observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) inthe tropical Pacific are specified as boundary conditions inan atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM), whileSSTs over the remainder of the global oceans are simulatedby a mixed layer model. The observed warming in thetropical North Atlantic and cooling in the Gulf of Mexicoin the winter/spring after ENSO peaks is well simulated bythe model. Prior to the basin wide warming, latent heatfluxes generate negative SST anomalies in the Caribbeanduring August–October. Ocean-atmosphere couplingoutside of the tropical Pacific significantly enhances thewarm season atmospheric response to ENSO in theCaribbean region.
Differential Response of the Human Cyclin B1 Promoter to Inhibitors of the Cell Cycle in NIH3T3 Cells

Abstract In this study, NIH3T3 cells stably transfected with a cyclin B1-luciferase reporter vector were utilized to investigate if cyclin B1 promoter activity is linked to either DNA replication or the activities of various cyclin-cyclin dependent kinases (cdks). Synchronized cells treated at the time of serum re-stimulation with 2 μg/ml of the DNA synthesis inhibitor, aphidicolin, did not display an increase in luciferase activity in comparison to control cells. When treated with aphidicolin during S phase, luciferase activity decreased. In contrast, luciferase activity increased in cells treated at the time of serum re-stimulation with 200 μM olomoucine, a cyclin-cdk inhibitor. These results indicate that (1) cyclin B1 promoter activity in NIH3T3 cells is linked to a DNA replication checkpoint control mechanism; (2) the cyclin B1 gene can be activated in the absence of functional cyclin E-cdk2, cyclin A-cdk2, or cyclin B-cdk2; and (3) cyclin B1 gene activation can occur in G1 arrested cells under conditions in which the arrest is not directly linked to inhibition of DNA synthesis.
Water Diversions and Interbasin Transfers

Abstract Interbasin water diversion generates some of the largest controversies and deepest conflicts in water resources development. These transfers have become multi-disciplinary problems. The more water purposes served in a interbasin water transfer, the more complex the resolutions of problems are. Geomorphological, geological, and hydrological properties of diversion region are crucial factors in transfers. Interbasin transfers make the region an important planning unit. Controversies in transfers result from losses and damages in the basin of origin. Many large projects for water transfers around the world still await decisions on construction. Diversion projects now require long periods to study and large planning and design investments, with detailed studies of all transfer aspects, including environmental impacts. The compensation for losses in the basin of origin is important, though often it takes into account only the water uses but not others (recreation, instream water values, ecology, etc.)...
Midwives, Islamic Morality and Village Biopower in Post-Suharto Indonesia:

The article begins by examining the integration of the dukun bayi (traditional midwives) into biomedical health services a process that reveals the adaptiveness and also the limits of biopower in the realm of Javanese birthing. Considering the recent wave of Islamic growth I discuss how the popularity of the jilbab reflects changing ideas about gender and sexuality in the post-Suharto period and creates new possibilities for bidan identity. Finally I look at the moral piety of jilbab-wearing bidan as part of a transition toward a form of Islam that opposes the West but embraces modern power in its particularly Indonesian form. Even though biopower in Indonesia may derive from European colonial strategies of rule it is now bound to the local nodes of authority knowledge and morality that made its exercise possible. (excerpt)
The metabolism of abate in mosquito larvae and houseflies

Abstract Abate ( O,O,O′,O′ -tetramethyl O,O′ -thiodi- p -phenylene phosphorothioate), a selective mosquito larvicide, and a series of its oxidation products were examined for toxicity to mosquito larvae ( Aedes aegypti ) and adult houseflies ( Musca domestica ). These compounds showed variable toxicity to mosquito larvae but were generally nontoxic to houseflies. Studies on the behavior of Abate in mosquito larvae and houseflies indicate that the rate of absorption of this material into mosquito larvae from a water medium is extremely rapid compared to the rate of penetration into the housefly after topical application. Further, mosquito larvae were able to convert substantially more of the applied Abate to PO esters than houseflies. The selective action of Abate to mosquito larvae may be attributed to penetration and metabolism rates.
Higher Education and Civic Engagement: The Example of DukeEngage.

The civic mission of American colleges and universities has received renewed attention over the last decade. From the “engaged campus” designation now offered by the Carnegie Endowment for the Adva...
C-C chemokine receptor 2 and C-C chemokine receptor 5 genotypes in patients treated for chronic hepatitis C virus infection

We explored the influence of the major CCR5 promoter or coding region variants as haplotypes and genotypes in a cohort of 250 chronically infected HCV patients receiving combined interferon/ribavirin therapy. No haplotype, including the D32-bearing haplotype (G*2) reportedly associated in homozygotes with high HCV viral load (VL), showed a similar effect. Patients with genotype C/G*2 showed slightly lower median VL (p=0.05). Neither the G*2 haplotype nor the C/G*2 genotype influenced viral dynamics during the initial 12 wk of treatment (p=0.53). The genotype E/E was more frequent among sustained responders (15.5%) than non-responders (7.8%), and VL declined further among E/E homozygotes during the initial 12 wk of treatment, particularly those with HCV genotype 1 (p=0.016). Differential receptor expression due to E/E homozygosity in HCV infection remains to be confirmed.
Pathologic Response Rates of Gemcitabine/Cisplatin versus Methotrexate/Vinblastine/Adriamycin/Cisplatin Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle Invasive Urothelial Bladder Cancer

Objectives. To compare pathologic outcomes after treatment with gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) versus methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin, and cisplatin (MVAC) in the neoadjuvant setting. Methods. Data was retrospectively collected on 178 patients with T2-T4 bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy between 2003 and 2011. Outcomes of interest included those with complete response (pT0) and any response (≤pT1). Odds ratios were calculated using multivariate logistic regression. Results. Compared to those who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy, there were more patients with complete response (28% versus 9%, OR 3.11 (95% CI: 1.45-6.64), P = 0.03) and any response (52% versus 25%, OR 3.23 (95% CI: 1.21-8.64), P = 0.01). Seventy-two patients received GC (n = 41) or MVAC (n = 31). CR was achieved in 29% and 22% of GC and MVAC patients, respectively (multivariate OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.10-1.58). Any response (≤pT1) was achieved in 56% of GC and 45% of MVAC patients (multivariate OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.12-1.71). Conclusions. We observed similar pathologic response rates for GC and MVAC neoadjuvant chemotherapy in this cohort of patients with muscle invasive urothelial cancer (MIBC). Our findings support the use of GC as an alternative regimen in the neoadjuvant setting.
The Role of Organizational Leaders in Sexual Orientation Equality at Organizational and Federal Levels

This article expands the discourse of the impact of the passage of the Civil Rights Act (CRA) of 1964 to sexual orientation minorities (SOM). We first discuss the challenges faced by SOM in the workplace. We then present a model adapted from Edelman’s “Handbook of employment discrimination research (pp. 337–352). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer (2005)” theory of endogeneity of law to discuss the impact that such leaders and their supportive organizational SOM policies can have on the passage of nationwide SOM legislation. Finally, we discuss how organizational leaders’ beliefs and actions can play a major role in affecting organizational SOM policies. We argue that the presence of organizational protective policies can facilitate the passage of federal SOM legislation by establishing and legitimizing social norms. We also highlight how beliefs about religion, morality, controllability, and occupational stereotypes contribute to prejudice and lack of support for SOM-protective organizational policies. We discuss the importance that organizational SOM policies have on larger societal legislative issues, and outline how specific individual-level beliefs can impact organizational-level support for SOM. We take a novel approach by focusing on what organizational leaders can do to enact SOM policies that may further influence protective laws. We also draw upon neo-institutional theory to show specifically how organizations can affect legislation; a topic often ignored in organizational psychology.
A rigorous partial justification of Greene's criterion

We prove several theorems that lend support to Greene's criterion for the existence or not of invariant circles in twist maps. In particular, we show that some of the implications of the criterion are correct when the Aubry-Mather sets are smooth invariant circles or uniformly hyperbolic. We also suggest a simple modification that can work in the case that the Aubry-Mather sets have nonzero Lyapunov exponents. The latter is based on a closing lemma for sets with nonzero Lyapunov exponents, which may have several other applications.
Ketone electrophores and an olefin-release group electrophore-labeled DNA oligomer Detection via electron capture

Abstract Sixteen ketone electrophores were synthesized (4′-pentafluorobenzyloxyacetophenone, 1, and fifteen analogs thereof). As intended, each gave a high response by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) as well as GC with detection by electron capture mass spectrometry (GC-EC-MS). Each spectrum by the latter technique consisted of a single major ion. As a representative compound, 1 was converted to a corresponding olefin, N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, which, in turn, was attached covalently to a DNA oligomer. Detection of the latter species spotted onto a nylon membrane was achieved by the sequence permanganate oxidation (which reformed and thereby released 1), hexane extraction, silica solid phase extraction and GC-EC-MS (giving a peak for 1). These results demonstrate potential for olefin-release group electrophores to function as multiplicity labels in assays involving DNA probes.
The role for TolA in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli pathogenesis and virulence gene transcription

Loss of the periplasm spanning protein TolA in Escherichia coli leads to activation of the Rcs phosphorelay, and is required for full virulence in Gram-negative pathogens such as Salmonella enterica and Dickeya dadantii. This study explores the role for TolA in the pathogenesis of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) and the effect of its mutation on the transcription of key EHEC virulence genes controlled by Rcs phosphorelay, including the type III secretion system (T3SS) (espA and tir), the E. coli common pilus (ecpA), and motility (fliC). Promoter activity for T3SS regulator ler was substantially higher following inactivation of tolA, and corresponded with a similar elevation in espA and tir transcription. Likewise, ecpA transcription was increased in EHECΔtolA. Conversely, and in-line with previous studies, inactivation of tolA resulted in complete loss of motility and decreased fliC transcription. For all genes examined, altered transcription observed for EHECΔtolA was dependent on the outer-membrane lipoprotein RcsF. Despite elevated virulence gene transcription, in tolA deleted strains virulence of EHEC in the Galleria mellonella wax worm model was substantially attenuated in a manner at least partly dependent on RcsF, and adherence to cultured HT-29 colonic epithelial cells was markedly reduced. The results of this study broaden the role for TolA in EHEC pathogenesis, and suggest that significant outer-membrane perturbations are able to promote transcription of important EHEC adherence factors.
The ‘Shp'ing news: SH2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatases in cell signaling

Src homology-2 (SH2) domain-containing phosphatases (Shps) are a small, highly conserved subfamily of protein-tyrosine phosphatases, members of which are present in both vertebrates and invertebrates. The mechanism of regulation of Shps by ligand binding is now well understood. Much is also known about the normal signaling pathways regulated by each Shp and the consequences of Shp deficiency. Recent studies have identified mutations in human Shp2 as the cause of the inherited disorder Noonan syndrome. Shp2 mutations might also contribute to the pathogenesis of some leukemias. In addition, Shp2 might be a key virulence determinant for the important human pathogen Helicobacter pylori. Despite these efforts, however, the key targets of each Shp have remained elusive. Identifying these substrates remains a major challenge for future research.