cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anomalous 1f2 low frequency noise in high temperature superconductors

Abstract A theoretical analysis for the anomalous low frequency noise enhancement with frequency dependence 1 f 2 which was recently measured in micropatterned YBaCuO thin films was carried out. A generalization of the random fluctuation model we developed earlier led to plausible activation energies and accounted simultaneously for the frequency, temperature, and magnetic field dependence of the noise spectral power. In this approach the defect density functional D(n) where n is the density of defects in a single plane was derived. In the flux flow regime, D(n) has the single form D (n) = ( δ ξ ) ( 1 n 1 2 ξ ) δ-1 , where ξ is the superconducting coherence length in the Cu-O planes, and δ= U 0 kT represents the pinning energy of a flux line normalized to its thermal energy. These results are clear indications that the enhancement of noise with 1 f 2 frequency dependence is strongly related to the dynamics of motion of free vortices and the number fluctuation of bound vortices.
Model selection and parameter evaluation by nonlinear regression, with an application to α-chymotrypsin rate data

Abstract Nonlinear regression analysis based upon the Marquardt algorithm was used to evaluate the suitability of a general enzymic rate equation. The method was illustrated by application to a variety of substrate-modifier mixtures acted upon by α-chymotrypsin. A broad range of kinetic models was readily tested by convenient manipulation of the computer program. The method provides a rapid, quantitative basis for model rejection, thereby permitting efficient coupling of model hypothesis, data collection and evaluation of fit. The methods presented are applicable to any problem in which the experimenter is seeking the best functional relationship between a response and its independent variables.
beta-estradiol attenuates the anti-HIV-1 efficacy of Stavudine (D4T) in primary PBL

Female hormones are known to play an important role in predisposition for many infectious diseases. Recent work suggests there are gender effects in HIV/AIDS progression. Here we ask whether the sex steroid hormone β-estradiol affects the replication of HIV-1 or the efficacy of a common anti-retroviral drug, Stavudine (D4T). Human PBL were infected with HIV-1 in the presence or absence of combinations of sex steroid hormones and the anti-retroviral drug, D4T. After seven days in culture, viral supernatants were assayed for HIV-1 p24 protein. β-estradiol resulted in a modest inhibition of HIV-1 replication of ~26%. However, 2 nM β-estradiol increased the amount of HIV-1 replication in the presence of 50 nM D4T from a baseline of 33% (+/- SE = 5.4) to 74% (+/- SE = 5.4) of control virus levels in the absence of drug. Both results were statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). β-estradiol did not increase the replication of a D4T-resistant strain of HIV in the presence of D4T. The effects were unlikely to be due to general cell inhibition or toxicity because these concentrations of drug and hormone cause no cytotoxicity in PBL as measured by trypan blue exclusion. β-estradiol inhibited both HIV-1 replication in primary human PBL and the antiretroviral efficacy of D4T in PBL cultures. To optimize antiretroviral drug therapy, it may be necessary to monitor patient hormonal status.
Quantitative evaluation of noise reduction algorithms for very low dose renal CT perfusion imaging

In this paper, we demonstrate a methodology for quantitative evaluation of noise reduction algorithms for very low-dose (1/10th typical dose) renal CT perfusion imaging. Three types of noise reduction algorithms are evaluated, including the commonly used low pass filtering, edge-preserving algorithms, and spatial-temporal filtering algorithms, such as recently introduced local highly constrained back projection (HYPR-LR) technique and multi-band filtering (MBF). The performance of these noise reduction methods was evaluated in terms of background signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), spatial resolution, fidelity of the time-attenuation curves of renal cortex, and computational speed. The spatial resolution was quantified by an on-scene modulation transfer function (MTF) measurement method. The fidelity of time-attenuation curves was quantified by statistical analysis using a Chi-square test. The results indicate that algorithms employing spatial-temporal correlations of images, such as HYPR and MBF, can achieve spatial resolution similar to the images acquired using routine dose levels. Edge-preserving algorithms, such as anisotropic diffusion and bilateral filtering, also show good performance in terms of background SNR and spatial resolution, but they are rather slow compared to HYPR and MBF. However, edge-preserving algorithms can be applied in the situations where images do not have strong spatial-temporal correlation. Finally, all the noise reduction algorithms show a high fidelity of the time-attenuation curves, which can be explained by a strong iodine attenuation signal in the highly perfused kidney.
Crestal Bone Changes Around Implants With Reduced Abutment Diameter Placed Non-Submerged and at Subcrestal Positions: A 1-Year Radiographic Evaluation

Background: There is limited information about two-part implants placed in subcrestal positions. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the 1-year outcome of implants placed non-submerged and in a subcrestal position.Methods: Records of 50 consecutive partially edentulous patients restored with dental implants were reviewed. For each implant, radiographs from the surgical appointment were compared to those from the 1-year follow-up visit and evaluated regarding: 1) the degree of subcrestal positioning of the implant, 2) changes of marginal hard tissue height over time, and 3) if the marginal hard tissue could be detected on the implant platform at the follow-up visit.Results: The overall survival rate from baseline to the last recorded follow-up visit was 100%. At the surgery, the implants were placed, on average, 1.37 mm (mesial) and 1.28 mm (distal) subcrestally. The mean marginal loss of hard tissues was 0.11 ± 0.30 mm. There were no statistical significant differences regarding the loss ...
Histopathological effects of intracerebral injections of human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the rat.

Human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-α (rTNF-α) was administered to normal Fischer 344 rats by stereotaxic intracerebral (IC) injection. Animals received a single injection of either 6×104 UrTNF-α or excipient in their right parietal lobe. Others received three consecutive daily injections of either 6×104 U rTNF-α or excipient to examine effects of higher accumulative doses. Histological examination of the brain revealed that both single and multiple IC injections of rTNF-α triggered an immigration of circulating leukocytes into the site of TNF-α injection. After one injection, this cell population was composed mainly of macrophages and neutrophils. Maximal leukocytic influx occurred by 48 h and was composed mostly of neutrophils which were limited to the injection site and perivascular space. Quantitation of the inflammatory reaction by measurement of tissue myeloperoxidase levels supported these histological observations. One day after multiple rTNF-α injections, leukocytic adhesion to endothelium, vascular cuffing and leukocytic infiltration into the neuropil was observed at levels comparable to those seen 3 days following a single rTNF-α injection. We conclude that while one or more IC injection(s) of 6×104 U rTNF-α was well tolerated in normal rats, at this dose the cytokine triggers a pronounced leukocytic infiltration at the site of injection. These results support a role for TNF-α as a mediator in inflammatory responses within the central nervous system.
Lobe area in adiabatic Hamiltonian systems

We establish an analytically computable formula based on the adiabatic Melnikov function for lobe area in one-degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian systems depending on a parameter which varies slowly in time. We illustrate this lobe area result on a slowly, parametrically forced pendulum, a paradigm problem for adiabatic chaos. Our analysis unites the theory of action from classical mechanics with the theory of the adiabatic Melnikov function from the field of global bifurcation theory.
Effect of selected pests and multiple pest complexes on alfalfa productivity and stand persistence.

The effects of Egyptian alfalfa weevil, Hypera brunneipennis (Boheman); the aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) and A. kondoi Shinji; and larval Lepidoptera, alfalfa caterpillar, Colias eurytheme Boisduval , beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) , and western yellowstriped armyworm S. praefica (Grote), individually and in combination, on alfalfa .(Medicago sativa L. cv. Moapa 69) yield and stand persistence were evaluated in a field study from 1980 to 1983. H. brunneipennis had the greatest effect on yield with the major reduction occurring in the first cutting. Injury caused by H. brunneipennis feeding before the first harvest also affected yields for an additional 2-3 cuttings. Yield loss caused by aphids was generally confined to the specific harvest in which aphid density reached damaging levels and did not carry over into succeeding cuttings. Repeated subeconomic aphid populations over several cuttings, however, resulted in reduced yields late in the season. Lepidoptera populations encountered in this study were relatively low and produced effects that resulted in yield increases. Significant aphid and weevil interactions were obtained in 1981 and 1982 and occurred in harvests made 30-60 d after peak insect populations, indicating a significant lag between actual damage and yield loss. None of the pests or pest complexes had a long-term effect on stand density. Whereas some plant death can possibly be attributed to insect herbivores during the seedling year, the pests encountered in this study had an insignificant role in overall plant mortality.
Hydroxypyridinone functionalized self-assembled monolayers on nanoporous silica for sequestering lanthanide cations.

1,2-Hydroxypyridinone (1,2-HOPO) ligands were installed as self-assembled monolayers on nanoporous silica (MCM-41) to create a superior class of sorbent materials for lanthanide cations. Lanthanides were used as a model system for the radioactive, expensive and highly hazardous actinides in the preliminary screening studies. The ligand properties of the 1,2-HOPO ligand field and the extremely large surface area of the MCM-41, coupled with the dense monolayer coating contribute to extremely high lanthanide binding capacity of the 1,2-HOPO nanoporous sorbent. At pH 4-5.9, the mass-weighted partition coefficients (Kd) for La, Nd, Eu, Lu were 354,000, 344,000, 210,800, 419,800, respectively. The rigid, open pore structure of the silica also allows for very rapid sorption. Being silica-based, the sorbent is compatible with vitrification processing into a final glasseous waste form, for subsequent disposition in a deep geological repository.
Quasi-likelihood estimation for GLM with random scales

Abstract This paper uses random scales similar to random effects used in the generalized linear mixed models to describe “inter-location” population variation in variance components for modeling complicated data obtained from applications such as antenna manufacturing. Our distribution studies lead to a complicated integrated extended quasi-likelihood (IEQL) for parameter estimations and large sample inference derivations. Laplace's expansion and several approximation methods are employed to simplify the IEQL estimation procedures. Asymptotic properties of the approximate IEQL estimates are derived for general structures of the covariance matrix of random scales. Focusing on a few special covariance structures in simpler forms, the authors further simplify IEQL estimates such that typically used software tools such as weighted regression can compute the estimates easily. Moreover, these special cases allow us to derive interesting asymptotic results in much more compact expressions. Finally, numerical simulation results show that IEQL estimates perform very well in several special cases studied.
Progress‐Report on compilation of oceanographic results, Carnegie Cruise, 1928–1929

Rapid progress since the reports (Pub. Nation. Res. Council, Trans. Amer. Geophys. Union, 10th and 11th Annual Meetings, 137–140, 200–206, 251–274, 299–300, June 1930) made at the eleventh annual meeting of the Union has been made by the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington in the reductions and compilations of the oceanographic data obtained on the Carnegie. There has also been prepared by J. H. Paul, surgeon and observer on the Carnegie, a narrative account entitled “The last cruise of the Carnegie,” which it is expected may soon be published and which, besides giving a narrative of the cruise, tells in somewhat popular style of the purposes of the oceanographic work and of the instruments necessary for that work. It was possible for the Department to prepare on behalf of the Institution reports and communications dealing with the oceanographic work done on the Carnegie for presentation at the Stockholm Assembly before the Section of Oceanography of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics in August 1930. References to these communications and to other papers published which bear on the oceanographic work done are listed at the end of this report.
Granulocytic Stem Cell (CFUc) Proliferation in Experimental Group B Streptococcal Sepsis

Adult rats infected with group B streptococci (GBS) develop neutrophilia and display a marked increase in granulocytic stem cells (CFUc). In contrast, infected neonatal rats develop a profound neutropenia and their CFUc do not increase. In order to better understand this phenomenon, we assessed the CFUc proliferative rate in control and infected adult and neonatal rats using the technique of [3H]-thymidine suicide. Beginning only 3 h after GBS inoculation, adult rats increased CFUc proliferative activity, as illustrated by an increase in thymidine suicide, from 38 +/- 2% cell kill in control animals to 70 +/- 2% when infected (mean + S.E., P less than 0.001). In contrast, the CFUc thymidine suicide rate did not increase in infected neonates. It was noted, however, that the baseline CFUc thymidine suicide rate in uninfected neonatal rats exceeded the rate in uninfected adult rats by 2-3-fold. The CFUc thymidine suicide rate was therefore determined in uninfected premature (74 +/- 1%), newborn (70 +/- 2%), 1-wk-old (70 +/- 1%), 6-wk-old (32 +/- 1%) and 6-month-old (37 +/- 3%) rats. These findings suggest that the proliferative rate of granulocytic stem cells is already maximal or near maximal in noninfected neonatal animals. In contrast to adults, the neonates' granulocyte production from stem cells can not significantly increase, even if bacterial infection is present.
The effect of heat stress on thyroid hormone response and meat quality in turkeys of two genetic lines

Abstract The current study evaluated the effect of heat stress on thyroid hormone ( T 3 and T 4 ) response and meat quality traits in two turkey lines: a growth-selected commercial line and a genetically unimproved control line. Birds were subjected to heat stress for different durations before harvest. Commercial line had higher pH 15 min , and lightness values, but lower cook loss and marinade uptake than control line during the heat stress. There was no difference in drip loss between the two lines. The T 3 concentration was positively correlated with cook loss and was negatively correlated with marinade uptake. The thyroid hormone response during heat stress was less stable in the commercial line than in the control line and the unstable thyroid hormone response in commercial turkeys caused by heat exposure might influence the consistency of meat quality. Results of this study may provide an application in selecting turkeys which yield consistent meat quality.
On flows of viscoelastic liquids in long channels and dies

Abstract General non-existence of steady rectilinear viscoelastic flows in long tubes results in occurring secondary flows. The early analytical and experimental studies of dilute polymer solutions as well as recent experiments and direct numerical simulations of polymer melts found the secondary flows to be very weak. It suggests that for many applications to polymer processing the secondary flows can either be neglected or when necessary, treated as small disturbances relative to rectilinear flow component. The paper develops and justifies an approach based on partitioning flow in the main, quasi-rectilinear part and small disturbances. The formulated quasi-rectilinear flow problem is described by a second order non-linear elliptic PDE that is close to simple shearing. The calculations of main axial velocity profiles employing this approach are successfully compared with recent experimental data. Using a perturbance procedure a forth order linear PDE for secondary flows is then derived. In contrast to the quasi-rectilinear flows whose description needs only knowledge of three shear viscometric functions, computations of secondary flows depend on features of viscoelastic constitutive equations. Scaling evaluations and calculations of two secondary flow problems for simple geometry confirm that these flows are very weak.
The partial compositional characteristics of apple juice from 175 apple varieties

The partial compositional characteristics were determined for apple juice from 175 non-commercial varieties of apples developed from scion wood collected from approximately 12 countries and several USA geographical areas. Juices from many of the varieties were high in malic acid and potassium. Mean values for many of the attributes did not match existing compositional database value means. However, some of the overall minimum and maximum values for the various attributes (i.e., Brix°, pH, ash, TA, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, malic, citric, fumaric, sodium, and calcium) in this study compared reasonably well with existing compositional database values. Distribution of phenolics between the various varieties was highly variable with some juices containing little if any phenolic compounds. Chlorogenic acid and phloridzin were detected in all varietal samples while arbutin and HMF were not measurable. The data developed should be useful with other databases in describing authentic apple juice and in the development of future apple commercial varieties to target specific consumer requirements.
Rotating sector study of the gas phase photolysis of the carbon tetrachloride–cyclohexane system†

The rate constant for the combination of trichloromethyl radicals in the gas phase has been measured by applying the rotating sector technique to the gas phase carbon tetrachloride–cyclohexane photochemical system. A temperature-independent rate constant, k5, of 3.9 ± 1.0 × 1012 cc mole−1 sec−1 was found. Arrhenius parameters for the reaction were found to be given by the expression log k4 = 11.79 – (10,700/2.3 RT).
Feminine Capital: The Forms of Capital in the Female Labor Market in Japan

There are many studies of the effect of human capital on individual labor market out-comes and on the contribution of educational institutions to an individual's human, social, and cultural capital. Logistic regression analyses, using data on women's job placement in Japan, showed that a feminine characteristics and support from school were important for being hired by large companies for clerical jobs. This paper argues that there are forms of capital that are specific to women's employment outcome in the Japanese labor market. This lays the basis for gender discrimination and a “glass ceiling” on women's advancement in corporate Japan.
317: A single-institution study evaluating the utility of surveillance bronchoscopy following lung transplantation

the identical T cell profile was maintained over time from a few months up to two years between sequential biopsy samples. The Fox P3 immunohistochemistry stain demonstrated staining of 10 to 15% of the infiltrate. Conclusions: A restricted T cell repertoire that is maintained over time is observed in the setting of lung transplantation. The molecular profile mirrors the restricted clonal T cell infiltrates seen in autoimmune disease. Regulatory T cells may play some role in reducing the extent of the emerging clonal T cell infiltrates; he main implicated cell in biopsies of cellular rejection are not of the regulatory T cell subset. The nature of the T cell epitope specifically in regards to self-antigen versus alloantigen remains to be determined.
Protective Effect of Angiotensin II-Induced Increase in Nitric Oxide in the Renal Medullary Circulation

This study examined the effect of intravenous infusion of subpressor doses of angiotensin (Ang II) on renal medullary blood flow (MBF), medullary partial oxygen pressure (Po2), and nitric oxide (NO) concentration under normal conditions and during reduction of the medullary nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in anesthetized rats. With laser Doppler flowmetry and polarographic measurement of Po2 with microelectrodes, Ang II (5 ng/kg per minute) did not alter renal cortical and medullary blood flows or medullary Po2. Nο-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was infused into the renal medullary interstitial space at a dose of 1.4 μg/kg per minute, a dose that did not significantly alter basal levels of MBF or Po2. Intravenous infusion of Ang II at the same dose in the presence of L-NAME decreased MBF by 23% and medullary Po2 by 28%, but it had no effect on cortical blood flow or arterial blood pressure. An in vivo microdialysis-oxyhemoglobin NO trapping technique was used in other rats to determine tissue NO concentrations using the same protocol. Ang II infusion increased tissue NO concentrations by 85% in the renal cortex and 150% in the renal medulla. Renal medullary interstitial infusion of L-NAME (1.4 μg/kg per minute) reduced medullary NO concentrations and substantially blocked Ang II-induced increases in NO concentrations in the renal medulla, but not in the renal cortex. Tissue slices of the renal cortex and medulla were studied to determine the effects of Ang II and L-NAME on the nitrite/nitrate production. Ang II stimulated the nitrite/nitrate production predominately in the renal medulla, which was significantly attenuated by L-NAME. We conclude that small elevations of circulating Ang II levels increase medullary NO production and concentrations, which plays an important role in buffering the vasoconstrictor effects of this peptide and in maintaining a constancy of MBF.
Serotonin3 receptor agonists attenuate glutamate-induced firing in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells.

Abstract The techniques of extracellular single cell recording and microiontophoresis were used to study the effect of 5-HT3 receptor agonists on glutamate-activated firing of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells. Iontophoretic application of 5-HT3 receptor agonists 2-methyl-5-HT and SR 57227A produced a current (dose)-dependent suppression of the firing of CA1 pyramidal cells; SR 57227A was more effective than 2-methyl-5-HT. The suppressant action of 2-methyl-5-HT and SR 57227A had a slow onset and showed little or no desensitization. This effect was markedly attenuated or completely blocked by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist BRL 46470A but not by the nonspecific 5-HT1, and 5-HT2 receptor antagonist metergoline or by the 5-HT1A3 antagonist WAY 100478. Intravenous administration of SR 57227A was effective in reducing the firing rate of CA1 pyramidal cells and this effect was prevented by BRL 46470A administered either i.v. or iontophoretically. Iontophoresis of 2-methyl-5-HT also diminished CA1 postsynaptic field potentials evoked by electrical stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals. Again, BRL 46470A but not metergoline prevented the suppressant action of 2-methyl-5-HT. Taken together, our results indicate that activation of 5-HT3-like receptors in the hippocampal CA1 region effectively reduces the efficacy of glutamatergic neurotransmission.
Non-magnetic materials with negative refractive index

We develop a new approach to materials with negative refraction index which can be implemented for optical and infrared frequencies. In contrast to conventional designs which require simultaneously negative dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability, our system is intrinsically non-magnetic and makes use of an anisotropic dielectric constant to provide negative refractive index in waveguide geometry. The proposed approach is not limited to the proximity of a resonance and thus allows for low loss, critical for super-lensing applications.
Dimensionality and construct validity of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity.

Abstract Woodbury ML, Velozo CA, Richards LG, Duncan PW, Studenski S, Lai S-M. Dimensionality and construct validity of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity. Objective To investigate the dimensionality and construct validity of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity by using Rasch analysis. Design Secondary analysis of pooled data from 2 existing datasets: a randomized therapeutic exercise clinical trial and a cohort longitudinal study of stroke recovery. Setting University research center. Participants A total of 512 subjects, ages 69.8±11.1 years, who were 0 to 145 days poststroke. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Dimensionality was examined with principal components analysis and Rasch item-fit statistics. The Rasch-derived item hierarchy was examined for consistency with the expected course of poststroke upper-extremity recovery suggested by the reflex-hierarchical conceptual model underlying the assessment. Results Factor loadings and item infit statistics suggested that the 3 reflex items were empirically disconnected from other assessment items. The reflex items were removed. The modified 30-item assessment showed a unidimensional structure. The Rasch-item-difficulty order was not consistent with the expected item order. Conclusions The items testing resting-state reflexes may threaten the assessment's dimensionality. With reflex items removed, the assessment is a unidimensional measure of volitional movement. The Rasch-generated item-difficulty order challenges the hierarchical structure implied by the instrument's underlying conceptual framework.
Tube shunt complications and their prevention.

Purpose of review Glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) have been generally accepted as a treatment of refractory glaucoma. GDDs have their own unique set of complications that are important to evaluate to prevent them. Recent findings Tube shunts are typically used in eyes with refractory glaucoma. There is increased interest in studying the efficacy of GDDs. Most of the attention has been focused on comparing trabeculectomy with the Baerveldt implant (Advanced Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Anna, California, USA). The other leading implant is the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve. There are several retrospective studies comparing these two devices and a prospective study is ongoing. There is great interest in the complication rate of tube shunts and these have been published both retrospectively and prospectively. Complications such as hypotony, diplopia, strabismus, proptosis, tube erosion, failure, corneal decompensation, endophthalmitis, and visual loss are all important and some have recently been reviewed in the literature. Moreover, the use of glaucoma drainage implants in the pediatric population has been evaluated. Summary Glaucoma drainage implants have been a powerful tool in our surgical fight to prevent blindness; however, they are not without complications or controversy.
A Method for Increasing the Resolution of Discrete Optical Sensors

The problem of increasing the resolution of discrete optical sensors in information systems is considered. The proposed method uses an overlapping scan and multilevel quantization. The samples thus obtained are processed by a minimum mean square estimator utilizing the pseudoinverse of the transformation matrix. The method is illustrated by a 4/1 enhancement of an 8 × 8 resolution grid. Experimental results are presented.
Signal delay in Turner's beam-indexing kinescope

Signals propagating on the interdigitated electrodes of Turner's beam-indexing kinescope encounter delays of 50 to 100 ns across the full width of typical screen sizes. Reflections from one end of the structure permit the phase of the fundamental component of the indexing signal to be independent of the beam position if the delay is not too large. It appears unlikely that a wide-band indexing signal, free both from chrominance contamination and from position-dependent delays, can be extracted at the indexing electrode terminals.
Quantitative immunocytochemistry using an image analyzer. II. Concentration standards for transmitter immunocytochemistry.

Abstract Image analyzers can measure both the optical density and geometry of immunocytochemically labeled cells and fibers, as reviewed in a companion paper (Mize et al., 1988). In this paper, we report a procedure which allows us to estimate the concentration of a neurotransmitter based upon the optical density of antibody labeling produced by immunocytochemistry. To accomplish this, we developed a standard which binds conjugated neurotransmitters. Several artificial media for the standard were compared, including agar, gelatin, and agar-gelatin. A 3% agar matrix was found to be most suitable because it cut well and was nearly transparent. The agar sections were activated with cyanogen bromide/acetonitrile to promote coupling to the antigen. To test the standard, we used γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the antigen. The antibody was directed against this conjugate. Activated agar sections were incubated in serial dilutions of the tritium-labeled GABA/BSA conjugate. The radioactivity of some of these sections was measured to estimate the amount of coupled antigen. The remaining sections were incubated in the GABA antibody and processed for immunocytochemistry. The optical density of these sections was measured with an image analyzer. A linear relationship was found between GABA concentration and optical density over a range of at least 0.01 to 1 nmol/mg of agar. These results show that the concentration of bound GABA can be estimated from the optical density of sections labeled by antibody immunocytochemistry. The applicability of this technique to fixed brain tissue is discussed.
How human resource practices can help plateaued managers succeed

As organizations downsize to increase their competitiveness, flatter hierarchies result in fewer promotional opportunities and more plateaued employees. The definition of career success needs to move away from “up is good,” yet plateauing is still shameful for many employees due to traditional assumptions about the causes and effects of plateauing. A study of 373 middle managers suggests how “successful plateauing” (effective job performance, satisfaction with the job and life in general) can be fostered. The article provides specific examples of how best practices and new approaches in several human resource areas can help plateaued employees succeed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Launching Successful E-Markets: A Broker-Level Order-Routing Analysis of Two Options Exchanges

New e-markets try in a number of ways to attract a critical mass of participation and usage. Two innovative, all-electronic options exchanges, the International Securities Exchange (ISE) and the Boston Options Exchange (BOX), opened for trading in 2000 and 2004. In contrast to rival floor markets, they offer immediate order execution, direct user access, and reduced costs. As a result, ISE and BOX grew trading volumes and won market share from four incumbent exchanges in the United States. We observe significant differences between broker order-routing practices across ISE and BOX, leading to the markets' different growth patterns. We develop and test hypotheses about new market growth using a panel of six years of quarterly disclosures from 24 major brokerage firms. We find that membership affiliations are the dominant force in predicting brokers' order-routing patterns. In contrast to prior research, network externalities, as measured by an exchange's previous quarter market share, are not significant p...
Immunohistochemical localization of αvβ3 integrin receptor during experimental tooth movement

During orthodontic treatment, multinucleated clast cells carry out the resorption of mineralized tissues. Adhesion of clast cells to the mineralized tissues is mediated by transmembrane cell-surface glycoproteins called integrins, specifically by the alphavbeta3 integrin, which plays an important role in the process of bone resorption. The role of the alphavbeta3 integrin in bone resorption leading to osteoporosis has been demonstrated, but its role in alveolar bone and root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement is unknown. This study examined the expression of the alphavbeta3 integrin during experimental tooth movement. Tooth movement was achieved in 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats (each weighing 120-200 g) with elastic bands between their maxillary first and second molars. The molar-bearing segments were dissected and processed for histologic and immunohistochemical examination. The expression of alphavbeta3 integrin was examined with 2 primary antibodies: a polyclonal anti-alphav integrin subunit antibody and a polyclonal anti-beta3 integrin subunit antibody. Negative controls were similarly processed but without incubation with primary antibodies. The alphavbeta3 integrin was expressed both by osteoclasts associated with alveolar bone resorption and by odontoclasts associated with root resorption during experimental tooth movement. Furthermore, the beta3 integrin subunit was expressed by the epithelial rests of Malassez in the periodontal ligament. Negative controls did not show immunolabeling. The alphavbeta3 integrin adhesion receptor is expressed during experimental tooth movement and might be involved in the process of mineralized tissue resorption and the functions of the epithelial rests of Malassez.
Polymer degradation. i - column elution fractionation and thermal degradation of polyoxypropylene glycol-toluene diisocyanate /ppg-tdi/ polymers.

Column elution fractionation and thermal degradation of polyoxypropylene glycol-toluene diisocyanate /PPG-TDI/ polymers of molecular weight of about 100,000
Low Overhead Partial Enhanced Scan Technique for Compact and High Fault Coverage Transition Delay Test Patterns

This paper presents a scan-based DFT technique that uses limited number of enhanced scan cells to reduce volume of delay test patterns and improve delay fault coverage. The proposed method controls a small number of enhanced scan cells by the skewed-load approach and the rest of scan cells by the broadside approach. Inserting enhanced scan cells reduces test data volume and ATPG run time and improves delay fault coverage. Hardware overhead for the proposed method is very low. The scan inputs where enhanced scan cells are inserted are selected by gain functions, which consist of controllability costs and usefulness measures. A regular ATPG can be used to generate transition delay test patterns for the proposed method. Experimental results show that test data volume is reduced by up to 65% and fault coverage is improved by up to about 6%.
Regulation of Drosophila yolk protein genes by an ovary-specific GATA factor

The divergently transcribed yolk protein genes (Yp1 and Yp2) of Drosophila melanogaster are expressed only in adult females, in fat body tissue and in ovarian follicle cells. Using an in vitro transcription assay, we have identified a single 12-bp DNA element that activates transcription from the promoters of both Yp genes. In vivo, this regulatory element is tissue specific: it activates transcription of Yp1 and Yp2 reporter genes in follicle cells but has no detectable effect in fat body or other tissues. The sequence of the element consists of two recognition sites for the GATA family of transcription factors. We show that among the Drosophila genes known to encode GATA factors, only dGATAb is expressed in ovaries. The single transcript that we detect in ovaries is alternatively spliced or initiated to produce an ovary-specific isoform of the protein. Bacterially expressed dGATAb binds to the 12-bp element; a similar binding activity is also present in the Kc0 nuclear extracts used for in vitro transcription assays. These in vitro and in vivo results lead us to propose that dGATAb makes several developmentally regulated products, one of which is a follicle cell-specific protein activating transcription of Yp1 and Yp2 from a known regulatory element.
A novel intrinsic unscented Kalman filter for tractography from HARDI

The unscented Kalman filter (UKF) was recently introduced in literature for simultaneous multi-tensor estimation and tractography. This UKF however was not intrinsic to the space of diffusion tensors. Lack of this key property leads to inaccuracies in the multi-tensor estimation as well as in tractography. In this paper, we propose an novel intrinsic unscented Kalman filter (IUKF) in the space of symmetric positive definite matrices, which can be used for simultaneous recursive estimation of multi-tensors and tractography from diffusion weighted MR data. In addition to being more accurate, IUKF retains all the advantages of UKF for instance, multi-tensor estimation is only performed in the places where it is needed for tractography, which would be much more efficient than the two stage process involved in methods that do tracking post diffusion tensor estimation. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated via real data experiments.
Grade-dependent Proteomics Characterization of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is frequently metastatic on presentation at which point the disease is associated with a 95% mortality. Assessment of tumor grade on pathological examination is the most powerful means for prognostication as well as for stratification of patients into those who might respond to conventional or targeted therapy. Although there exist several grading systems in common use, all suffer from significant disparity among observers. In an attempt to objectify this process as well as to acquire grade-specific mechanistic information, we performed LC-MS/MS-based proteomics analysis on 50 clear cell kidney cancers equally distributed among normal tissues and Fuhrman grades 1-4. Initial experiments confirmed the utility of using archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples for LC-MS/MS-based proteomics analysis, and the LC-MS/MS findings were validated by extensive immunoblotting. We now show that changes among many biochemical processes and pathways are strongly grade-dependent with the glycolytic and amino acid synthetic pathways highly represented. In addition, proteins relating to acute phase and xenobiotic metabolism signaling are highly represented. Self-organized mapping of proteins with similar patterns of expression led to the creation of a heat map that will be useful in grade characterization as well as in future research relating to oncogenic mechanisms and targeted therapies for kidney cancer.
First-order corrections to the homogenised eigenvalues of a periodic composite medium. A convergence proof

Let λe be a Dirichlet eigenvalue of the ‘periodically, rapidly oscillating’ elliptic operator –∇·(a(x/e)∇) and let ∇ be a corresponding (simple) eigenvalue of the homogenised operator –∇·(A∇). We characterise the possible limit points of the ratio (λe–λ)/e as e→0. Our characterisation is quite explicit when the underlying domain is a (planar) convex, classical polygon with sides of rational or infinite slopes. In particular, in this case it implies that there is often a continuum of such limit points.
A Drosophila receptor tyrosine phosphatase expressed in the embryonic CNS and larval optic lobes is a member of the set of proteins bearing the "HRP" carbohydrate epitope

Recent studies have defined several cell surface glycoproteins expressed in the developing nervous system of insect embryos that may be involved in axon outgrowth and guidance processes. These glycoproteins include the fasciclins and a group of receptor-linked protein tyrosine phosphatases (R-PTPs). In embryos, the fasciclins are localized to axonal subsets, while the R-PTPs appear to be expressed on most or all CNS axons. To identify other neuronal cell surface glycoproteins in the Drosophila embryo, we have taken a biochemical approach. This is based on the observation that antisera against horseradish peroxidase (HRP) recognize a carbohydrate epitope that is selectively expressed in the insect nervous system. A large number of neuronal glycoproteins (denoted “HRP proteins”) apparently bear the HRP carbohydrate epitope. We have used polyclonal anti-HRP antibodies to purify these proteins from Drosophila embryos, and have obtained protein sequences from seven HRP protein bands. These data define three major HRP proteins as neurotactin, fasciclin I, and an R-PTP, DPTP69D. Western blotting data suggest that fasciclin II, neuroglian, DPTP10D, and DPTP99A are also HRP proteins. We show that DPTP69D, like the previously characterized R-PTPs, is localized to CNS axons in the embryo. In third instar larvae, DPTP69D expression is restricted to subsets of neuronal processes in the brain, ventral nerve cord, and eye disk. In the optic lobes, DPTP69D is localized to the neuropils of the lamina and medulla, and to an array of parallel thick bundles that may be the transmedullary fibers of the developing lobula complex.
Minor phytotoxins from the blackleg fungus Phoma lingam

Abstract The isolation, structure determination and phytotoxicity of metabolises produced by a virulent isolate of the blackleg fungus Phoma lingam are reported. The metabolite profiles of several fungal isolates are compared and the biogenetic significance of those metabolites containing an epipolythiodioxopiperazine group is discussed.
Extracting patterns from location history

In this paper, we describe how a user's location history (recorded by tracking the user's mobile device location with his permission) is used to extract the user's location patterns. We describe how we compute the user's commonly visited places (including home and work), and commute patterns. The analysis is displayed on the Google Latitude history dashboard [7] which is only accessible to the user.
Antioxidant systems in insects

Insects possess a suite of antioxidant enzymes and small molecular weight antioxidants that may form a concatenated response to an onslaught of dietary and endogenously produced oxidants. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione transferase, and glutathione reductase have been characterized in insects. Water-soluble and lipid-soluble antioxidants such as ascorbate, glutathione, tocopherols, and carotenoids have not been well studied in insects but may play very important antioxidant roles. Additionally, the peritrophic matrix and trehalose may possess important antioxidant functions in insects. The enzymatic recycling of ascorbate, first noted in green plants, may also exist in insects. A greater understanding of these antioxidant systems may provide greater understanding about the ecological relationships of insects with their hosts.
Speculative pipelining for compute cloud programming

MapReduce job execution typically occurs in sequential phases of parallel steps. These phases can experience unpredictable delays when available computing and network capacities fluctuate or when there are large disparities in inter-node communication delays, as can occur on shared compute clouds. We propose a pipeline-based scheduling strategy, called speculative pipelining, which uses speculative prefetching and computing to minimize execution delays in subsequent stages due to varying resource availability. Our proposed method can mask the time required to perform speculative operations by overlapping with other ongoing operations. We introduce the notion of “open-option” prefetching, which, via coding techniques, allows speculative prefetching to begin even before knowing exactly which input will be needed. On a compute cloud testbed, we apply speculative pipelining to the Hadoop sorting benchmark and show that sorting time is shortened significantly.
Direct Observation of H2O2 during Alcohol Oxidation by O2 in Supercritical Water

This paper presents the direct quantitative measurement of the presence of hydrogen peroxide as an intermediate produced during the oxidation of methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol by oxygen in supercritical water. The concentration of H2O2 is measured as a function of reaction time in an optically accessible, high-pressure flow reactor by monitoring the intensity of a strong resonance in the Raman spectrum at 874 cm-1 that is characteristic of the O−O vibrational stretch. Transient concentrations of H2O2 as high as 0.0065 mol/L (0.1% mole fraction) are measured during the oxidation of ethanol at feed mole fractions of 0.4% at 430 °C and 24.5 MPa. Significantly lower transient concentrations of H2O2 are observed during methanol oxidation. The experimentally observed transient H2O2 concentration during methanol oxidation is compared to that predicted by two similar elementary reaction mechanisms and found to be distinctly lower than the models predict.
Proceedings of the meeting “Update in Breast Imaging”, 22-23.11.2013, Ostend, Belgium

The American College of Radiology (ACR) BI-RADS Breast Imaging Reporting Lexicon for mam mography is in its fifth edition. Since the first mammography lexicon publication, there had been the addition of both the first editions of the Ultrasound and MRI Lexicons. The updated ACR BI-RADS Breast Imaging Reporting Lexicon for Mammography and Ultrasound has an expected publication date of winter, 2013. Evidence-based information on both mammography and ultrasound (US) descriptors and incorporation of new technology since the last BIRADS Lexicon publications have been incorporated into the new Lexicons with hyperlinks to the mammography and ultrasound literature. The terms for both mammography and US have been adapted to allow harmonization of terms between the Lexicons, including harmonization with the breast MRI Lexicon. The Chairs of the ACR BIRADS Lexicons are Dr. Edward A. Sickles for Mammography and Dr. Ellen B. Mendleson for Ultrasound.
Synthesis of Methylerythritol Phosphate Analogues and Their Evaluation as Alternate Substrates for IspDF and IspE from Agrobacterium tumefaciens

The methylerythritol phosphate biosynthetic pathway, found in most Bacteria, some parasitic protists, and plant chloroplasts, converts D-glyceraldehyde phosphate and pyruvate to isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), where it intersects with the mevalonate pathway found in some Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, including the cytosol of plants. D-3-Methylerythritol-4-phosphate (MEP), the first pathway-specific intermediate in the pathway, is converted to IPP and DMAPP by the consecutive action of the IspD-H proteins. We synthesized five D-MEP analogues-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (EP), D-3-methylthrietol-4-phosphate (MTP), D-3-ethylerythritol-4-phosphate (EEP), D-1-amino-3-methylerythritol-4-phosphate (NMEP), and D-3-methylerythritol-4-thiolophosphate (MESP)-and studied their ability to function as alternative substrates for the reactions catalyzed by the IspDF fusion and IspE proteins from Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which covert MEP to the corresponding eight-membered cyclic diphosphate. All of the analogues, except MTP, and their products were substrates for the three consecutive enzymes.
Life Stress, Locus of Control, and State and Trait Anxiety:

In a study of the relationships between measures of life stress, locus of control and anxiety, 129 undergraduates were administered Jacobs' Life Change Inventory (Category A), Rotter's Locus of Control questionnaire and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Highly stressed Ss reported greater state and trait anxiety than Ss of low stress. Highly stressed internals did not differ from highly stressed externals on either anxiety measure, while externals of low stress reported significantly more state anxiety than internals of low stress.