cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping quantitative trait loci affecting variation in Drosophila triacylglycerol storage

Objective: Recent genetic studies indicate that Drosophila melanogaster could be a powerful model to identify genes involved in mammalian adipocyte differentiation and fat storage. The objective of our study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that contribute to variation in triacylglycerol (TAG) storage in two D. melanogaster laboratory strains. Research Methods and Procedures: We used two genetic mapping procedures to identify loci with main and epistatic effects on TAG storage. First, using 68 recombinant inbred lines derived from the unrelated Oregon R and Russian 2b strains, we mapped the location of QTLs affecting TAG storage using both composite interval mapping and Bayesian epistatic methods. Second, we used the quantitative deficiency mapping procedure to identify candidate genes affecting this trait within one of the QTLs identified on the second chromosome. For both mapping experiments, flies were cultured in standard conditions. TAG content of 4- to 5-day-old flies, adjusted for live body mass and total proteins, was used as the phenotypic measure. Results: Multiple QTLs associated with variation in TAG storage were identified by the genome-wide recombination mapping method, and some of them were sex-specific. The QTLs had main effects, but a male-specific epistatic interaction between two QTLs was also found. Finally, two closely linked QTLs were detected by deficiency mapping at 57E1-57E3 and 57E4-57F1 on chromosome 2, the first of which causes female-specific variation in TAG between the Oregon R and 2b strains. Discussion: Our results suggest that variation in TAG storage in D. melanogaster is controlled by different genetic mechanisms and different sets of QTLs in male and female flies.
Protein structure modeling in the proteomics era

Structural proteomics aims to understand the structural basis of protein interactions and functions. A prerequisite for this is the availability of 3D protein structures that mediate the biochemical interactions. The explosion in the number of available gene sequences set the stage for the next step in genome-scale projects -- to obtain 3D structures for each protein. To achieve this ambitious goal, the slow and costly structure determination experiments are supplemented with theoretical approaches. The current state and recent advances in structure modeling approaches are reviewed here, with special emphasis on comparative protein structure modeling techniques.
A non‐lethal method for estimation of gonad and pyloric caecum indices in sea stars

. Gonad and pyloric caecum indices are widely used indicators of reproductive effort and nutritional condition in asteroids. Current methods of quantification generally require sacrificing multiple animals and the resulting reduction in local sea star density could have an unintended impact on benthic communities. Using the intertidal sea star Pisaster ochraceus, we developed and tested a method for estimating organ indices through the non-lethal sampling of single arms. Indices estimated via dissections of single arms accurately predicted the values obtained by sacrificing whole animals. In laboratory and field trials, we compared two methods of sampling single arms: (1) arm removal, and (2) organ extraction through an incision (without arm removal). Two years after these treatments, organs had regenerated in the affected arms of most sea stars, but were small relative to those in unmanipulated arms. The extent of organ recovery did not differ between the two treatments, but sea stars in the arm removal group were relocated in the field more frequently than those in the arm incision group. Our results suggest that sampling via the removal of single arms can be an effective, non-lethal method for estimating gonad and pyloric caecum indices in asteroids.
Relationship Between Parenting Stress and Concerns Identified by Developmental Screening and Their Effects on Parental Medical Care—Seeking Behavior

This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between parenting stress and concerns identified by developmental screening and their effects on parents' decisions to seek medical care for their children. A total of 182 parents completed both the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) when their children were admitted to a sick child care program that provides parents the option of requesting medical evaluations for their children with mild acute illnesses. Although 31.6% of parents (N = 62) requested medical evaluations, neither PSI nor PEDS scores were associated with these requests. However, PEDS scores indicating significant parental concerns about their child's development or behavior predicted clinically significant levels of parenting stress on the PSI (odds ratio 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-15.9; P = .007). Primary pediatric health care providers who routinely perform developmental screening need to consider this relationship when interpreting developmental screening results and offer supportive and referral services to families as needed.
Uncertainty quantification of reaction mechanisms accounting for correlations introduced by rate rules and fitted Arrhenius parameters

Abstract We study correlations among uncertain Arrhenius rate parameters in a chemical model for hydrocarbon fuel–air combustion. We consider correlations induced by the use of rate rules for modeling reaction rate constants, as well as those resulting from fitting rate expressions to empirical measurements arriving at a joint probability density for all Arrhenius parameters. We focus on homogeneous ignition in a fuel–air mixture at constant-pressure. We outline a general methodology for this analysis using polynomial chaos and Bayesian inference methods. We examine the uncertainties in both the Arrhenius parameters and in predicted ignition time, outlining the role of correlations, and considering both accuracy and computational efficiency.
Use of the pH-sensitive dye BCECF to study pH regulation in cultured human kidney proximal tubule cells

This protocol describes the use of the pH-sensitive, intracellularly trapped dye 2′,7′-bis (2-carboxyethyl), 5 (and -6) carboxyfluorescein (BCECF), to characterize the pH regulating mechanisms in cultured human kidney proximal tubule cells. This is a reliable method for intracellular pH measurements and is applicable to single cells, cell suspensions, and confluent cultures.
Detecting biomarkers in exoplanetary atmospheres with a Terrestrial Planet Finder

There are good reasons for extending the spectral range of observation to shorter wavelengths than currently envisaged for terrestrial planet-finding missions utilizing a 4-m, diffraction-limited, optical telescope. The angular resolution at shorter wavelengths is higher, so that the image of an exoplanet is better separated from that of the much brighter star. Due to the higher resolution, the exozodiacal background per resolution element is smaller, so exposure times are reduced for the same incident flux. Most importantly, the sensitivity to the presence of life on habitable exoplanets is increased over a hundred-fold by access to the ozone biomarker in the mid-ultraviolet. These benefits must be weighed against challenges arising from the faintness of exoplanets in the mid-UV. Here, we describe the benefits, technical challenges and some proposed solutions for detecting ozone in the atmospheres of Earth-like exoplanets.
The new LLNL AMS sample changer

The Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry at LLNL has installed a new 64 position AMS sample changer on our spectrometer. This new sample changer has the capability of being controlled manually by an operator or automatically by the AMS data acquisition computer. Automatic control of the sample changer by the data acquisition system is a necessary step towards unattended AMS operation in our laboratory. The sample changer uses a fiber optic shaft encoder for rough rotational indexing of the sample wheel and a series of sequenced pneumatic cylinders for final mechanical indexing of the wheel and insertion and retraction of samples. Transit time from sample to sample varies from 4 to 19 s, depending on distance moved. Final sample location can be set to within 50 microns on the x and y axis and within 100 microns in the z axis. Changing sample wheels on the new sample changer is also easier and faster than was possible on our previous sample changer and does not require the use of any tools.
Evaluation of recombinant adeno-associated virus as a gene transfer vector for the retina

PURPOSE. To evaluate recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) as an in vivo gene transfer vector for the retina. METHODS. A recombinant AAV, vCMVp- lac Z, in which the bacterial s-galactosidase reporter gene (lac Z) was placed under the control of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) early promoter, was injected into the vitreous body or the subretinal space of mouse eyes. The reporter gene expression was followed by histochemical analyses from 10 to 100 days post-injection. The effect of several variables on the extent of AAV-mediated gene transfer was examined, including routes of delivery, presence of an underlying mutation that caused retinal degeneration, and prior treatment with hydroxyurea. RESULTS. As measured by reporter gene expression, the AAV vector mediated gene transfer to three major cell types in the retina: the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), ganglion cells and photoreceptor cells. Following a single injection, more than half of the total retinal areas were typically positive for gene transfer. Repo...
The Protooncogene c-Myc Is an Essential Regulator of Neural Crest Formation in Xenopus

Abstract The neural crest, a population of multipotent progenitor cells, is a defining feature of vertebrate embryos. Neural crest precursor cells arise at the neural plate border in response to inductive signals, but much remains to be learned about the molecular mechanisms underlying their induction. Here we show that the protooncogene c-Myc is an essential early regulator of neural crest cell formation in Xenopus . c-myc is localized at the neural plate border prior to the expression of early neural crest markers, such as slug . A morpholino-mediated "knockdown" of c-Myc protein results in the absence of neural crest precursor cells and a resultant loss of neural crest derivatives. These effects are not dependent upon changes in cell proliferation or cell death. Instead, our findings reveal an important and unexpected role for c-Myc in the specification of cell fates in the early ectoderm.
Behavioral Considerations Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury.

Children who sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI) can experience significant cognitive deficits. These deficits may significantly impair their functioning in the classroom, resulting in the need for academic and behavioral modifications. Behavior and social problems can be the direct or indirect result of brain injury. Difficulties in paying attention, staying on task, and predicting the consequences of actions may be associated with behavior problems (M. Ylvisaker, T. Feeney, & F. Szekeres, 1998). A neuropsychological evaluation provides information to parents and teachers about the extent of the child's cognitive deficits and explains cognitive strengths and weaknesses. When teachers are provided with this information, they are able to develop appropriate strategies to optimize the child's ability to learn and function in the classroom.
Electrodynamic coupling effects in the thermosphere/ionosphere system

Abstract Thermospheric winds have a strong influence on the dynamics and electrodynamics of the ionosphere, and in return, ionospheric electrodynamic processes feed back onto the dynamics of the thermosphere. Observations of geomagnetic variations and ionospheric electric fields can provide valuable information about the distribution and variability of upper atmospheric winds systems, including atmospheric tides and planetary waves that propagate into the ionosphere from the middle atmosphere. The observations can lead to inferences about the generation and propagation conditions of those global waves in the lower and middle atmosphere, and hence provide information concerning changes in the state of the global atmosphere. Realistic simulation modeling of ionospheric electrodynamic effects must take into account the interactions between neutral and plasma dynamics, as is done in the NCAR Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model. At low latitudes, the mutual coupling among neutral dynamics, ionospheric plasma dynamics, electrical conductivities, electric fields, and currents strongly affects the behavior of the thermosphere and ionosphere. At high latitudes, thermospheric and ionospheric phenomena are also strongly coupled to magnetospheric electrodynamics.
Orientation Specific Positioning of Organophosphorus Hydrolase on Solid Interfaces for Biosensor Applications

Protein immobilization on solid interfaces is a crucial aspect of their successful application in technologies such as biosensing, purification, separation, decontamination, etc. Although immobilization can improve the long-term and operational stability of proteins, this is often at the cost of significant losses in the catalytic activity of the tethered enzyme. Covalent attachment methods take advantage of reactive groups on the amino acid side chains. The distribution of the solvent exposed side chains on an enzyme's molecular surface often results in an ensemble of orientations when the protein is immobilized on a surface or in a matrix through these side chain linkages. Depending on the attachment mechanism and resulting orientation, access to and from the active site could be restricted. This study describes a methodology for the design and implementation of an orientation specific attachment of an enzyme to a surface plasmon resonance sensor surface. The enzyme, organophosphorus hydrolase, was structurally analyzed to identify surface resides as candidates for modification to optimize active site accessibility and, thus, sensitivity of detection. A single surface lysine on the active site face of the enzyme dimer was selected for elimination, thus allowing for the immobilization of the catalyst in the preferred orientation. Kinetic evaluation of the enzymes determined that the surface lysine-to-alanine variant retained 80% of the wild-type activity with the neurotoxin substrates, paraoxon and demeton-S. After immobilization, surfaces bearing the variant were determined to be more active even though the enzyme coverage on the sensor surface was reduced by 17%.
Partial purification and characterization of prostaglandin A isomerase from rabbit serum.

Abstract Prostaglandin A isomerase has been purified 120-fold from rabbit serum by the use of ammonium sulfate fractionation, isoelectric focusing, and Sephadex G-200 chromatography. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 110,000 from the elution volume on Sephadex G-200. Prostaglandin A isomerase is a heterogeneous protein with respect to charge. This has been concluded from the spread of enzymatic activity over 1 pH unit after isoelectric focusing. The enzymatic activity is inhibited by N -ethylmaleimide but not by other sulfhydryl blocking agents. The K m was determined to be 5 × 10 −5 m .
Comparing alternative approaches for networking of named objects in the future Internet

This paper describes and compares alternative architectures for achieving the functional goals of name oriented networking. The CCN (content-centric network) scheme proposed by Van Jacobson is contrasted with hybrid name and address based routing proposed in conjunction with the MobilityFirst (MF) future Internet architecture. In a CCN network, routers forward data directly on content names (such as URNs), achieving elegant and efficient retrieval of content files; the framework can also be extended to other communications services such as VoIP. The MF scheme supports name-based communication services by introducing the concept of a flat ‘globally unique identifier (GUID)’, which is used as the authoritative header for routing. Further, the GUID is dynamically mapped to one or more topological network addresses using a global name resolution service (GNRS). This leads to a hybrid GUID and network address based routing (HGN) scheme in which routers operate with both flat names (GUIDs) and network addresses, reducing routing table size and overhead at the cost of a fast distributed service for dynamic mapping of names to addresses. Protocol operations for both CCN and HGN are outlined in context of specific services including content retrieval, unicast and mobility. Preliminary evaluations of scalability and performance for both schemes are given using simple analytical models and selected results from Internet-scale simulations for GNRS and BGP.
Payments Netting in International Cash Management

Global production rationalization typically leads to a heavy volume of intercompany fund flows. By transferring only a netted amount of these payments, significant savings can be realized in the form of reduced foreign exchange spreads, float, and other transaction costs. However, if this netting is done by paper and pencil, opportunities to reduce transfer costs may be missed, especially where there is a complex pattern of cross-border transactions. The purpose of this paper is to show how mathematical programming can be used to design a netting system capable of minimizing the total costs involved in settling interaffiliate accounts.
The news paradigm and the ideology of objectivity: A socialist at the wall street journal

This study examines the news paradigm as an occupational ideology whose major feature is the principle of objectivity, and the larger hegemonic function of that paradigm. An anomalous case is analyzed to illustrate paradigmatic repair: A. Kent MacDougall caused a controversy in the journalistic community and threatened the paradigmatic norm of objectivity when he revealed that he had been a radical socialist during his ten years as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal. Three types of repair are examined: (a) disengaging and distancing the threatening values from the reporter's work, (b) reasserting the ability of journalistic routines to prevent threatening values from “distorting” the news, and (c) marginalizing the man and his message, making both appear ineffective.
AKP Reform Fatigue in Turkey: What’s happened to the EU process?

Whereas the AKP government campaigned in favour of Turkish membership in the European Union and upon taking office passed an impressive battery of EU-demanded democratic reform measures, after the government was formally given a date to open accession talks it evidenced a surprising retreat from this political agenda. This article examines three key factors that account for the flagging fervour of the AKP government: modalities of EU behaviour toward Turkey, election politics, and Kemalist institutional resistance to AKP reform efforts. Notwithstanding these checks, the AKP is unlikely to deviate far from its commitment to an EU pro-reform agenda, although it will continue to face critical transformational challenges.
Use of disparate sensors for the detection of chemical and biological events

Currently, the detection of Chemical and Biological agents on the battlefiedl is limited to the response from point and standoff C/B agent detectors. Speculation has been raised, however, that non-C/B sensors could assist in the detection process. Data from unattended ground sensors, infrared imagers, and radar may provide useful information to support a deteciton and may actually provide some warning capability. Ideally, these devices would provide this informiaotn while providign the core Force Protection functions assigned to them. Over the last years, the Soldier and Biological Chemical Command has conducted ouitdoor testing to collect seismic, acoustic, infrared, and radar signatures from conventional and non-conventional events to determine if tehse events can be separated. Preliminary results using several high resolution-laboratory grade seismic, acoustic and IR sensors would indicate that these sensors provide useful discrimination information.
Slip Transfer Across Interphase Boundaries in Directionally Solidified β+(γ+γ') Ni-Fe-Al Alloys

The low ductility and toughness of β-NiAl alloys near room temperature pose major problems in their potential application as structural materials. The inability of the material to generate and move a sufficient density of dislocations at applied stresses below the fracture stress is the major cause for this inherent brittleness. A directionally solidified β+(γ+γ') composite of nominal composition Ni 50 Fe 30 Al 20 (at.%) has been used to investigate the effect of interphase boundaries on the mechanical behavior of β phase. The composite exhibits 10% tensile elongation to fracture at room temperature. Observation of slip traces and dislocation substructures shows that the normally brittle β phase undergoes extensive plastic deformation afforded by slip transfer from the plastically soft (γ+γ') phase mixture across the semi-coherent β/(γ+γ') interface. The effect of the orientation relationship between the two phases and the interface strength on the transfer of slip across the interphase boundary is discussed.
Mode Content Determination of Terahertz Corrugated Waveguides Using Experimentally Measured Radiated Field Patterns

This work focuses on the accuracy of the mode content measurements in an overmoded corrugated waveguide using measured radiated field patterns. Experimental results were obtained at 250 GHz using a vector network analyzer with over 70 dB of dynamic range. The intensity and phase profiles of the fields radiated from the end of the 19 mm diameter helically tapped brass waveguide were measured on planes at 7, 10, and 13 cm from the waveguide end. The measured fields were back propagated to the waveguide aperture to provide three independent estimates of the field at the waveguide exit aperture. Projecting that field onto the modes of the guide determined the waveguide mode content. The three independent mode content estimates were found to agree with one another to an accuracy of better than 0.3%. These direct determinations of the mode content were compared with indirect measurements using the experimentally measured amplitude in three planes, with the phase determined by a phase retrieval algorithm. The phase retrieval technique using the planes at 7, 10, and 13 cm yielded a mode content estimate in excellent agreement, within 0.3%, of the direct measurements. Phase retrieval results using planes at 10, 20, and 30 cm were less accurate due to truncation of the measurement in the transverse plane. The reported measurements benefited greatly from a precise mechanical alignment of the scanner with respect to the waveguide axis. These results will help to understand the accuracy of mode content measurements made directly in cold test and indirectly in hot test using the phase retrieval technique.
Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, X‐linked A half century follow‐up

The existence of an X-linked sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy has been debated. We reevaluated the original family, and present data on 13 affected males and 25 obligate or probable heterozygous females, documenting the devastating nature of the disease in the men and the extremely variable degree of clinical involvement in the carriers. Use of DNA probes indicates that the gene lies in the DXYS1-p58-1 region of the X-chromosome.
The Ambivalent State: Economic Development Policy in the U.S. Federal System under the Reagan Administration

The Reagan administration reduced federal spending on urban and regional development just when the American economy experienced massive restructuring. Federal withdrawals, however, rather than simply reducing governmental intervention in markets, produced a shift of action to the state and municipal level. The impact of restructuring caused state and local governments, often under pressure from business, to create a de facto national economic development policy. Governments fiercely competed with one another in a system of subnational mercantilism, the net effect of which probably was to reduce taxation on business. Whether the U.S. economy was strengthened as a whole remains unclear.
‘The Bombay Debt’: Letter Writing, Domestic Economies and Family Conflict in Colonial India

Between 1856 and 1861 Minnie Blane and her husband, Captain Archibald Wood, wrote dozens of letters from India to the Minnie's mother in England. These letters and those associated with a military investigation into the couple's relationship in the 1860s detail the connections between the breakdown of the East India Company's rule in India and Minnie Blane's marriage. In particular, this correspondence shows some of the ways in which bourgeois identities were constructed in relationship to money and objects, place and race. It also exposes the fissures between family members, allowing us to see the gender, generational and cultural conflicts within such imperial families. The article raises concerns about the ways in which personal letters have been used as documents in the study of European women's imperial history.
The mixed lineage leukemia fusion partner AF9 binds specific isoforms of the BCL-6 corepressor

The mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene at chromosome band 11q23 is commonly involved in reciprocal translocations that are detected in acute leukemias. Evidence suggests that the resulting MLL fusion genes contribute to leukemogenesis. AF9 is a common MLL fusion partner in acute myeloid leukemia. The AF9 protein functions as a transcriptional activator in artificial reporter gene assays and a structurally related protein in yeast, ANC1/TFG3, is a component of the SWI/SNF complex. Apart from these observations, little is known about the biologic function of AF9 in mammals. We have found that a recently described transcriptional repressor, BCL-6 corepressor (BCoR), interacts with the carboxy-terminus of AF9. The interaction of AF9 with BCoR has been confirmed by independent in vitro and in vivo protein-binding studies. The BCoR gene is expressed as several alternatively spliced transcripts. AF9 only binds BCoR isoforms that contain a unique 34 aa sequence located in the mid-portion of the protein. In artificial reporter gene assays, a BCoR isoform that binds AF9 efficiently suppresses AF9 transcriptional activity, while a nonbinding isoform does not. These results indicate that different isoforms of BCoR have unique biologic properties and that cell function may be partly determined by the different isoforms that are present within the cell.
Improved utilization of embedding distortion in scalar quantization based data hiding techniques

In this paper, we analyze the performance of scalar quantization based data hiding techniques with decreasing cover-signal sizes under mean squared error distortion measure. We introduce a new scheme, called multiple codebook data hiding, that enables conventional embedding/detection techniques to utilize the permitted embedding distortion more efficiently. The proposed method treats the embedding distortion introduced to a cover-signal as a random variable, and utilizes the fact that decreasing cover-signal size increases the deviation of the embedding distortion from its expected value. This is exploited by embedding the watermark into a variant of the cover-signal that yields a lower embedding distortion. In the proposed method, variants of the cover-signal are obtained by deploying a set of real unitary transformations known to both embedder and detector. For the given cover-signal, the embedder chooses a transformation basis and embeds the message in the transformed cover-signal, whereas the detector has to search all transformations of the received signal for the embedded message. We evaluate the performance improvement due to multiple codebook data hiding and compare it with the conventional (single codebook) approaches, under additive white Gaussian noise attacks, in terms of the bound on the probability of detection error. Performance results obtained from simulation and by applying the technique to image watermarking problem under JPEG compression attack are also presented.
CMB power spectrum at l = 30 – 200 from QMASK

We measure the cosmic microwave background power spectrum on angular scales $l\ensuremath{\sim}30\char21{}200$ $(1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\char21{}6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})$ from the QMASK map, which combines the data from the QMAP and Saskatoon experiments. Since the accuracy of recent measurements leftward of the first acoustic peak is limited by sample variance, the large area of the QMASK map (648 square degrees) allows us to place among the sharpest constraints to date in this range, in good agreement with BOOMERanG and (on the largest scales) COBE-DMR. By band-pass filtering the QMAP and Saskatoon maps, we are able to spatially compare them scale by scale to check for beam- and pointing-related systematic errors.
An ab initio study of electrophilic aromatic substitution

Proton affinities are calculated at all reactive positions for the normal benzenoid hydrocarbons, benzene, naphthalene, phenanthrene and anthracene, a strained benzenoid hydrocarbon, biphenylene, and a nonalternant hydrocarbon, fluoranthene, and the results are compared to experimental protodetritiation rates. Methods used include PM3 and Hartree-Fock calculations at the STO-3G, 3-21G*, 6-31G* and MP2//6-31G* levels. Generally good agreement is found between theory and experiment with 6-31G* giving the best correlations.
Studies on the metabolic determinants of D-galactose-induced neurotoxicity in the chick.

The contents of galactose, galactitol, galactose 1-phosphate, UDP-galactose and UDP-glucose in the brains of chicks fed a diet containing 40 % (w/w) D-galactose were determined at regular intervals during a 48 h period which terminated in convulsive activity and death of the animals. Although levels of galactose and galactitol were markedly elevated, UDP-galactose and UDP-glucose levels were not significantly increased. The level of galactose 1-phosphate rose to 1-3 μg/g of fresh tissue by 14 h but gradually diminished until, at 48 h, the content was 0-25 μg/g. The metabolic turnover of these compounds, as shown by labelling experiments with inorganic [32P]phosphate and [U-14C]galactose, indicated that galactose 1-phosphate and UDP-galactose were rapidly metabolized, yet relatively little galactose was utilized by the brain as a source of energy. These observations have prompted us to propose a mechanism for the turnover of galactose 1-phosphate that involves cyclical phosphorylation and dephosphorylation reactions in the brains of galactose-fed chicks. In support of this hypothesis, we have identified phosphatase activity which has a relatively low Km value for galactose 1-phosphate (0-06-0-07 mM) in virtually all subcellular fractions of homogenates of chick brain. Maximum activity of the phosphatase is several-fold greater than that recorded for galactokinase (EC 2.7.1.6) and galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase (EC 2.7.710) from chicken brain.
Progressive evolution of fractal random arrays by generator mitosis

In an effort to design robust low side-lobe antenna arrays, a new class of arrays, called the fractal random array, has been proposed that includes both fractal and random features (Kim, Y. and Jaggard, D.L., 1996; Werner. D.H. and Mittra, R., 2000). A deterministic fractal array can be created through the repeated application and scaling of a simple motif known as the generator pattern. A fractal random array is created similarly; however, multiple generator patterns are used and chosen randomly. The fractal aspects of the array provide radiation characteristics similar to periodic arrays, and the random aspects provide characteristics similar to random arrays. Thus, fractal random arrays are able to bridge the gap between completely deterministic (i.e., periodic) and completely random arrays by combining the good qualities of both. The paper describes a genetic algorithm approach used to evolve an optimized linear fractal random array with 848 elements and a side-lobe level of approximately -20 dB. The fitness function for the genetic algorithm is the sum of the maximum side-lobe level and a window function. Three separate mitosis processes are used to double the number of generators in each array, one initial mitosis process and two additional mitosis processes when the genetic algorithm seems to reach an evolutionary minimum. These mitosis processes result in a staircase pattern in the evolutionary diagram.
Seismographic tilt-measurements at Buffalo

With instrumental arrangement as previously described at the Pittsburgh and Ottawa meetings, together with additional data from thermograph, barograph, and spirit-level, three distinct types of ground-tilting have been found. Tilting in one direction only has been studied, along a northeast-southwest line, because this is the only direction of noticed tilt on the Wiechert pendulum.
Inhibition of lyso-PAF: acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase by salicylates and other compounds.

Abstract Diflunisal and benoxaprofen (20–100 μM) produced dose-dependent inhibitions of lyso-platelet activating factor: acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase in a lysate of rat pleural neutrophils. Salicylate and aspirin were inhibitory at concentrations of 1 mM and above. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid was a relatively potent inhibitor (I 50 = 6 μ M). Other compounds, including anti-inflammatory steroids, cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, appeared ineffective at relevant concentrations. Inhibitions by diflunisal and salicylate occurred at concentrations similar to expected plasma levels in humans at therapeutic doses. An inhibitions of platelet-activating factor synthesis may contribute to the antiinflammatory, analgesic, or antipyretic actions of these compounds.
Multi-Atlas Multi-Shape Segmentation of Fetal Brain MRI for Volumetric and Morphometric Analysis of Ventriculomegaly

Abstract The recent development of motion robust super-resolution fetal brain MRI holds out the potential for dramatic new advances in volumetric and morphometric analysis. Volumetric analysis based on volumetric and morphometric biomarkers of the developing fetal brain must include segmentation. Automatic segmentation of fetal brain MRI is challenging, however, due to the highly variable size and shape of the developing brain; possible structural abnormalities; and the relatively poor resolution of fetal MRI scans. To overcome these limitations, we present a novel, constrained, multi-atlas, multi-shape automatic segmentation method that specifically addresses the challenge of segmenting multiple structures with similar intensity values in subjects with strong anatomic variability. Accordingly, we have applied this method to shape segmentation of normal, dilated, or fused lateral ventricles for quantitative analysis of ventriculomegaly (VM), which is a pivotal finding in the earliest stages of fetal brain development, and warrants further investigation. Utilizing these innovative techniques, we introduce novel volumetric and morphometric biomarkers of VM comparing these values to those that are generated by standard methods of VM analysis, i.e., by measuring the ventricular atrial diameter (AD) on manually selected sections of 2D ultrasound or 2D MRI. To this end, we studied 25 normal and abnormal fetuses in the gestation age (GA) range of 19 to 39 weeks (mean = 28.26, stdev = 6.56). This heterogenous dataset was essentially used to 1) validate our segmentation method for normal and abnormal ventricles; and 2) show that the proposed biomarkers may provide improved detection of VM as compared to the AD measurement.
Computer mediated teamwork and the efficiency framework: Exploring the influence of synchrony and cues on media satisfaction and outcome success

There are many valid ways to evaluate collaborative systems. The efficiency framework argues that while user satisfaction and preference for systems are important, neither directly predict outcome success or the ability of a system to facilitate collaboration. Further, it points to the importance of distinguishing between user satisfaction and outcome success when evaluating collaborative systems. Despite users' reported preferences for media requiring less effort and time, the efficiency framework predicts that the expenditure of effort better predicts outcome success than do user preferences. This study tests these predictions and extends the model by comparing synchronous and asynchronous media with varying levels of communicative cues. One hundred and forty-two participants in groups of 3 or 4 engaged in collaboration over a 5week period. Groups were assigned to either interact face-to-face, or to one of four media conditions. There were no effects on actual group success that favored full-cue, synchronous communication. There was greater perceived group effectiveness for synchronous text and face-to-face interactions. Exploratory structural equation analysis showed that media characteristics predict copresence, which increases perceptions of group effectiveness, which in turn predict success. The results support the main assertion of the efficiency framework and explain some contradictions in prior research. Results are discussed with respect to their pertinence for theoretical and measurement issues in human computer interaction research.
Death resulting from motor vehicle immersions: The nature of the injuries, personal and environmental contributing factors, and potential interventions

We present an epidemiologic characterization of deaths from motor vehicle immersions, based on 77 deaths in 63 motor vehicle immersions in Sacramento County, CA, during 1974-85. All persons were autopsied; all but one of the deaths were due to drowning. Average annual mortality rates per million person years were 12 for males, four for females, 30 for Hispanics, six for White non-Hispanics, Blacks and Asians. Seventy-one percent of drivers and 60 percent of passengers had a blood alcohol concentration greater than or equal to 22 mmol/L. Most cases (57 percent) had an Injury Severity Score of 1 (minor injury) or 0 (no injury). Alcohol use was associated with higher Injury Severity Scores. Road curvature of 20 degrees or greater was far more common at crash sites than at matched control sites one mile away (OR = 6.57, 95% CI = 2.93, 14.71). Guard rail placement along highly curved sections of roadway may be an effective preventive measure.
ISOTOPIC RECONSTRUCTION OF PAST CONTINENTAL ENVIRONMENTS

▪ Abstract Vertebrate fossils and continental sediments provide a rich record of variations in the isotopic composition of surface environments. To interpret these records, a greater understanding of isotopic sources, as well as fractionations associated with animal physiology, soil geochemistry, and diagenesis, has been essential. Tooth enamel and fish otoliths yield subannual records of surface environments, whereas soil minerals may integrate signals over many thousands of years. Carbon isotope variations in fossil vertebrates and soils record changes in the structure of vegetation and the isotope composition and concentration of atmospheric CO2. Oxygen isotope variations may be indirectly related to climate, through reconstruction of the oxygen isotope composition of meteoric water, or directly related to temperature, through application of oxygen isotope paleothermometry to soil minerals or otoliths. In Africa, nitrogen isotope variations show promise as a proxy for rainfall abundance, though the gen...
Effect of starvation on pituitary and plasma growth hormone in rats.

SummaryGrowth hormone was measured by radioimmunoassay in anterior pituitaries and plasma obtained from adult male and female rats that had been fed or starved for 48, 114, and 163 hr. Starvation for 163 hr resulted in lower levels of growth hormone in plasma and pituitary of both sexes. Pituitary content and concentration of growth hormone were both increased with 48 and 114 hr of starvation and then were decreased at 163 hr in comparison with the animals fed ad libitum. The males consistently had smaller anterior pituitaries, higher concentrations of growth hormone in the piutitary, and lower levels of the hormone in plasma in comparison with females.
Toward an interactional approach to sustainable community development

Abstract During the 1980s, the concept of sustainable development emerged as a popular solution to the problem of meeting the material needs of a rapidly growing population while minimizing environmental damage. Rather than pitting economic growth against environmental protection, proponents of sustainability focus on development which meets the needs of both present and future generations. This new legitimacy has prompted scholars to broaden the range of issues to which sustainability can be applied. A potentially important development along these lines has been the growing body of literature surrounding the concept of sustainable community development. In this paper, we delineate the central features of the sustainable community, assess obstacles to achieving sustainable communities, and present a conceptual framework for sustainable community development based on an interactional approach to community.
Regulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related peptide receptor messenger ribonucleic acid by glucocorticoids and PTH in ROS 17/2.8 and OK cells

To study mechanisms controlling the expression of PTH/PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptors in ROS 17/2.8 and OK cells, we investigated the regulation of PTH/PTHrP receptor availability and receptor mRNA levels by glucocorticoids and PTH. Treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with dexamethasone (1 microM) for 2, 4, and 6 days increased specific binding of PTH to 148 +/- 12%, 203 +/- 10%, and 344 +/- 9% (mean +/- SD), respectively, compared to that in untreated control cells. PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation also increased with dexamethasone treatment (1 microM) from 230 +/- 15%, 382 +/- 9%, and 820 +/- 9% after 2, 4 and 6 days, respectively, compared to that in untreated cells. Treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with [Nle8,Nle18,Tyr34]bovine PTH-(1-34) amide (NlePTH; 100 nM) alone or together with dexamethasone (1 microM), however, markedly decreased PTH binding and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Northern blot analysis showed that dexamethasone dramatically increased steady state levels of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA i...
Group size and aggression: ‘recruitment incentives’ in a cooperatively breeding primate

Abstract In many cooperatively breeding birds and mammals, group size is positively correlated with reproductive success. In marmoset and tamarin monkeys, species that display cooperative breeding, the presence of helpers appears to be critical for offspring survival, and breeders might be expected to display social strategies that would regulate group size. This study investigated the association between group size and aggression towards strangers in Wied's black tufted-ear marmosets, Callithrix kuhli from small groups (with no helpers present) and large groups (with helpers present). Residents were exposed to multiple presentations of male and female strangers. Breeding females from large groups spent more time in close proximity to strangers, showed higher levels of agonistic displays and engaged in higher levels of aggressive behaviour towards intruders than did breeding females from small groups. Breeding male behaviour did not dramatically differ as a function of group size. After the removal of the intruder, female breeders from large groups showed higher levels of scent-marking relative to baseline observations, and time spent in close proximity to the partner increased after exposure to female intruders in large, but not small, groups. The results reveal that breeders from small groups are tolerant of strangers, which may facilitate the recruitment of additional group members, whereas breeders from large groups, particularly females, are intolerant of strangers, which may inhibit immigration. These findings have implications for understanding mechanisms that regulate immigration in cooperatively breeding animals, and suggest of how breeders from small groups might reconcile the serious limitation of having few or no helpers.
The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time

The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time, by Jeffrey D. Sachs. New York: Penguin Books, 2005/6. 416 pp. ISBN-13: 978-0-14-303658-6, ISBN-10: 0-14303-658-0 (pbk.). US$16.00. I must co...
Thermal depth profiling of vascular lesions: automated regularization of reconstruction algorithms

Pulsed photo-thermal radiometry (PPTR) is a non-invasive, non-contact diagnostic technique used to locate cutaneous chromophores such as melanin (epidermis) and hemoglobin (vascular structures). Clinical utility of PPTR is limited because it typically requires trained user intervention to regularize the inversion solution. Herein, the feasibility of automated regularization was studied. A second objective of this study was to depart from modeling port wine stain PWS, a vascular skin lesion frequently studied with PPTR, as strictly layered structures since this may influence conclusions regarding PPTR reconstruction quality. Average blood vessel depths, diameters and densities derived from histology of 30 PWS patients were used to generate 15 randomized lesion geometries for which we simulated PPTR signals. Reconstruction accuracy for subjective regularization was compared with that for automated regularization methods. The objective regularization approach performed better. However, the average difference was much smaller than the variation between the 15 simulated profiles. Reconstruction quality depended more on the actual profile to be reconstructed than on the reconstruction algorithm or regularization method. Similar, or better, accuracy reconstructions can be achieved with an automated regularization procedure which enhances prospects for user friendly implementation of PPTR to optimize laser therapy on an individual patient basis.
Molecular epidemiological and virological study of dengue virus infections in Guangzhou, China, during 2001–2010

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral infection in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Guangzhou has the ideal environment for DENV transmission and DENV epidemics have been reported in this region for more than 30 years. Information for DENV infection cases in Guangzhou from 2001 to 2010 were collected and analyzed. The DENV strains were cultured and isolated from patients’ sera. Viral RNA was extracted from cell culture supernatants. cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription PCR. Phylogenetic trees of four DENV serotypes were constructed respectively. In total, 2478 DENV infection cases were reported; 2143 of these (86.43%) occurred during 3 months of the year: August, September and October. Of these, 2398 were local cases (96.77%) and 80 were imported cases (3.23%). Among the imported cases, 69 (86.25%) were from Southeast Asian countries. From the 90 isolated strains, 66.67%, 3.33%, 14.44%, and 15.56% belonged to DENV serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. DENV-1 was predominant in most of the years, including during 2 outbreaks in 2002 and 2006; however, none of the strains or genotypes identified in this study were found to be predominant. Interestingly, DENV strains from different years had different origins. Moreover, the strains from each year belonged to different serotypes and/or genotypes. Southeast Asia countries were found to be the possible source of DENV in Guangzhou. These findings suggest that there is increasing diversity in DENV strains in Guangzhou, which could increase the risk of DENV outbreaks in the near future.