cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlates of movement initiation and velocity in Parkinson's disease: A longitudinal PET study.

Abstract Limited data exist concerning the mechanisms that underlie the different motor features of Parkinson's disease (PD) and their course over time. Our aims were (1) to identify longitudinal changes in PD patients and (2) to determine the neural correlates of the changes in movement initiation and velocity that occur in the course the disease. Thirteen early stage PD patients were scanned twice off antiparkinsonian medication with H 2 15 O PET. Imaging was performed at baseline and again after 2 years while the subjects performed a motor task that was kinematically controlled across time. Paced reaching movements were made towards targets that were presented in a predictable order. Measures of movement onset time (OT) and mean velocity (MV) were recorded during PET. OT and MV decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up. With advancing disease, increasing subcortical activation was detected in the pallidum bilaterally and in the left putamen. In the cortex, motor-related activation increased in the right pre-SMA, anterior cingulate cortex and the left postcentral gyrus. Progressive delays in movement initiation (OT) correlated with increases in the right dorsal premotor cortex (dPMC). Slowing of movement (MV) was associated with declining activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dPMC. Our data suggest that with advancing PD, motor performance is associated with the recruitment of brain regions normally involved in the execution of more complex tasks.
Electronic structure and surface oxidation of the haucke compounds CaNi5, YNi5, LaNi5 and ThNi5

Abstract Photoelectron spectroscopy studies of the isomorphic Haucke compounds CaNi5, YNi5, LaNi5 and ThNi5 show that the valence bands are nearly identical and are dominated by nickel-derived 3d bands. Surface oxidation studies of the compounds were also made, showing that exposure of the surface to oxygen results in oxidized states of both the nickel and the non-nickel species. Thus the widely differing hydrogenation characteristics of these compounds cannot simply be explained by either major differences in their electronic structures or a gettering effect of the non-nickel species that keeps the nickel metallic.
The nuclear pore complex protein Elys is required for genome stability in mouse intestinal epithelial progenitor cells.

Background & Aims Elys is a conserved protein that directs nuclear pore complex (NPC) assembly in mammalian cell lines and developing worms and zebrafish. Related studies in these systems indicate a role for Elys in DNA replication and repair. Intestinal epithelial progenitors of zebrafish elys mutants undergo apoptosis early in development. However, it is not known whether loss of Elys has a similar effect in the mammalian intestine or whether the NPC and DNA repair defects each contribute to the overall phenotype. Methods We developed mice in which a conditional Elys allele was inactivated in the developing intestinal epithelium and during preimplantation development. Phenotypes of conditional mutant mice were determined using immunohistochemical analysis for nuclear pore proteins, electron microscopy, and immunoblot analysis of DNA replication and repair proteins. Results Conditional inactivation of the Elys locus in the developing mouse intestinal epithelium led to a reversible delay in growth in juvenile mice that was associated with epithelial architecture distortion and crypt cell apoptosis. The phenotype was reduced in adult mutant mice, which were otherwise indistinguishable from wild-type mice. All mice had activated DNA damage responses but no evidence of NPC assembly defects. Conclusions In mice, Elys maintains genome stability in intestinal epithelial progenitor cells, independent of its role in NPC assembly in zebrafish.
Ultra-bright Backward Wave Biphoton Source

We calculate the propoerties of a novel biphoton source based on resonant backward wave spontaneous parametric down-conversion. We show that the biphotons are generated in a single longitudinal mode having a subnatural linewidth and a correlation time exceeding 65 ns.
Renal Artery Stenosis: Prevalence of, Risk Factors for, and Management of In-Stent Stenosis

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is common and is associated with hypertension and chronic kidney disease. More frequent use of percutaneous renal artery stent placement for the treatment of renal artery stenosis during the past 2 decades has increased the number of patients with implanted stents. In-stent stenosis is a serious problem, occurring more frequently than earlier reports suggest and potentially resulting in late complications. Currently, there are no guidelines covering the approach to restenosis after renal artery stent placement. This article reviews data on the prevalence of and risk factors for the development of in-stent stenosis and the clinical manifestations, evaluation, and treatment of in-stent stenosis and suggests a strategy for the management of patients after percutaneous renal artery stent placement.
Chemical modifications in femtosecond ultraviolet (248 nm) excimer laser radiation-processed polyimide

Abstract Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we have investigated the surface of polyimide (kapton), which was subjected to processing by femtosecond UV radiation from an excimer laser (KrF: λ=248 nm , tp∼380 fs) in air. Significant variations were observed in the C 1s and O 1s spectra of the processed surface of kapton, indicating chemical modifications due to loss of volatile groups such as CO and CN. Incorporation of oxygen via bonding as COC of the aromatic rings was observed during processing. Bulk characterization of the processed kapton by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) allowed a study of laser-induced modifications in the material at energy densities below the ablation threshold. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies of the surface morphology of the processed zone of kapton indicates mechanically clean and damage-free processing with good edge quality.
Test-Based Interval Estimation Under the Accelerated Failure Time Model

The accelerated failure time (AFT) model is an important regression tool to study the association between survival time and covariates. Semiparametric inference procedures have been proposed extensively in the literature. Recently, Zhou (2005a) proposed to use a model-based empirical likelihood approach to interval estimation for the AFT model. However, comparison was not made with more standard approaches based on score test and Wald-type test. In this article, we conduct extensive simulation studies to evaluate their relative performance in small samples. In addition to these methods, we also devise and consider model-free empirical likelihood approach for the comparisons. Our simulation results suggest that these empirical likelihood-based methods are not better than the standard approach based on the score test.
Mass Customization: Metrics and Modularity

Mass customization as a competitive strategy is getting progressively increasing attention in business and academic arenas due to its high potential to provide sustained strategic advantage in a unique fashion. It is well documented that a manufacturing company competes with others in its industry on five dimensions: Price, quality, flexibility, delivery, and service. According to the existing literature, mass customization provides significant strategic advantage in two of these dimensions—price and customization. We, however, argue that when properly implemented, the cellular manufacturing structure associated with the appropriate implementation of mass customization strategy, provides additional competitive value in quality and delivery. Furthermore by virtue of the customer co-design as an integral aspect of mass customization, customer satisfaction also improves under this strategy. Mass customization strategy, therefore, provides competitive advantage in all five competitive dimensions simultaneously—a truly unique strategic accomplishment. We also propose, in this paper, new metrics for mass customization strategy that measure the “mass” as well as the “customization” aspects of this strategy. Finally, we describe in the clearest terms the modus operandi of modularity in product design and the role it plays in bringing about high levels of customization on one hand and economies of scale at component level, on the other. We conclude with remarks that underscore the need for conducting research in the areas at the interface of mass customization and supply chain management.
Infectious components of granulosis virus of the codling moth, Carpocapsa pomonella.

Abstract Infectious elements of a granulosis virus of the codling moth, Carpocapsa pomonella , were investigated using centrifugation techniques. An infectious form, smaller than the rod-shaped virus particle, was found. This component caused typical granulosis disease when fed to first-instar, host larvae. Thus, it contained all the genetic information necessary to cause the development of rod-shaped virus particles and mature granules.
Review On Applications Of Neural Network To Computer Vision

Neural network models have many potential applications to computer vision due to their parallel structures, learnability, implicit representation of domain knowledge, fault tolerance, and ability of handling statistical data. This paper demonstrates the basic principles, typical models and their applications in this field. Variety of neural models, such as associative memory, multilayer back-propagation perceptron, self-stabilized adaptive resonance network, hierarchical structured neocognitron, high order correlator, network with gating control and other models, can be applied to visual signal recognition, reinforcement, recall, stereo vision, motion, object tracking and other vision processes. Most of the algorithms have been simulated on com-puters. Some have been implemented with special hardware. Some systems use features, such as edges and profiles, of images as the data form for input. Other systems use raw data as input signals to the networks. We will present some novel ideas contained in these approaches and provide a comparison of these methods. Some unsolved problems are mentioned, such as extracting the intrinsic properties of the input information, integrating those low level functions to a high-level cognitive system, achieving invariances and other problems. Perspectives of applications of some human vision models and neural network models are analyzed.© (1989) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Selective melamine detection in multiple sample matrices with a portable Raman instrument using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy-active gold nanoparticles.

Abstract Melamine adulteration of food and pharmaceutical products is a major concern and there is a growing need to protect the public from exposure to contaminated or adulterated products. One approach to reduce this threat is to develop a portable method for on-site rapid testing. We describe a universal and selective method for the detection of melamine in a variety of solid matrices at the 100–200 μg L−1 level by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with gold nanoparticles. With minimal sample preparation and the use of a portable Raman spectrometer, this work will lead to field-based screening for melamine adulteration. Citrate coated gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were investigated for both colorimetric and Raman-based responses. Several non-hazardous solvents were evaluated in order to develop a melamine extraction procedure safe for field applications. Au NP agglomerates formed by the addition of isopropanol (IPA) prior to sample introduction enhanced the Raman signal for melamine and eliminated matrix interference for substrate formation. The melamine Raman signal resulted in a 105 enhancement through the use of Au NP agglomerates. To our knowledge, we have developed the first portable SERS method using Au NPs to selectively screen for the presence of melamine adulteration in a variety of food and pharmaceutical matrices, including milk powder, infant formula, lactose, povidone, whey protein, wheat bran and wheat gluten.
Mutation of Nonessential Cysteines Shows That the NF-κB Essential Modulator Forms a Constitutive Noncovalent Dimer That Binds IκB Kinase-β with High Affinity

NEMO (NF-κB essential modulator) associates with catalytic subunits IKKα and IKKβ to form the IκB kinase (IKK) complex and is a key regulator of NF-κB pathway signaling. Biochemical and structural characterization of NEMO has been challenging, however, leading to conflicting data about basic biochemical properties such as the oligomeric state of active NEMO and its binding affinity for IKKβ. We show that up to seven of NEMO's 11 cysteine residues can be mutated to generate recombinant full-length NEMO that is highly soluble and active. Using a fluorescence anisotropy binding assay, we show that full-length NEMO binds a 44-mer peptide encompassing residues 701-745 of IKKβ with a K(D) of 2.2 ± 0.8 nM. The IKKβ binding affinities of mutants with five and seven Cys-to-Ala substitutions are indistinguishable from that of wild-type NEMO. Moreover, when expressed in NEMO -/- fibroblasts, the five-Ala and seven-Ala NEMO mutants can interact with cellular IKKβ and restore NF-κB signaling to provide protection against tumor necrosis factor α-induced cell death. Treatment of the NEMO-reconstituted cells with H₂O₂ led to the formation of covalent dimers for wild-type NEMO and the five-Ala mutant, but not for the seven-Ala mutant, confirming that Cys54 and/or Cys347 can mediate interchain disulfide bonding. However, the IKKβ binding affinity of NEMO is unaffected by the presence or absence of interchain disulfide bonding at Cys54, which lies within the IKKβ binding domain of NEMO, or at Cys347, indicating that NEMO exists as a noncovalent dimer independent of the redox state of its cysteines. This conclusion was corroborated by the observation that the secondary structure content of NEMO and its thermal stability were independent of the presence or absence of interchain disulfide bonds.
Pressure dependence of the low temperature magnetic susceptibility of TmAl3

Abstract The hydrostatic pressure dependence of the magnetic susceptibility, ξm, at 4.2 K is reported for the single ground state system, TmAl3. The results, ( 1 ξ m )( d ξ m dP ) ≈ −6 × 10 −3 (kbar) −1 , are discussed in terms of the crystal field parameters derived from independent neutron studies.
The total synthesis of (S)-2,4-dihydroxy-1-butyl (4-hydroxyl) benzoate

This study is the first synthesis of (S)-2,4-dihydroxy-1-butyl (4-hydroxy) benzoate, a newly discovered natural product with anti-tumor properties from the fungus, Penicillium auratiogriseum. The key steps are a 1,3 diol protection followed by the coupling of p-anisic acid to the protected alcohol and subsequent de-protection steps.
Breeding for Efficiency of Egg Production

(1972). Breeding for Efficiency of Egg Production. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 175-188.
Superradiant amplification in an optically dense gas

Abstract We solve numerically the coupled integro-differential Maxwell-Bloch equations describing the amplification of a pulse in an inverted pressure broadened resonant medium, without assuming the Slowly Varying Envelope Approximation in space. Our algorithm incorporates the effects of the backward wave and that of the Local Field Corrections. We show that the superradiant regime sets on for much smaller values of αL than that predicted by the Forward Wave Approximation, and that it is possible to convert most of the energy stored in the atomic system into transmitted and reflected bursts whose duration are substantially shorter than either the dephasing or relaxation times of the atomic system, for sample lengths that are only few wavelengths long. Furthermore, we show that in the superradiant regime, except for sample lengths that are in the neighborhood of an integer multiple of the half-wavelength, the atomic polarizability possesses definite spatial symmetry with respect to the midpoint of the sample, resulting there in equal energy release for the transmitted and reflected signals. The transition domain between two consecutive opposite spatial symmetry sectors is manifested through unequal intensity for the transmitted and reflected bursts and in different frequency shifts in the spectral distributions of the two output signals.
Observations of ß-SiC formation on reconstructed Si surfaces

Minute amounts of carbon present on Si surfaces during the UHV anneal necessary to produce the characteristic Si{111}-77 and Si{001}-22 ec superlattices, lead to the formation of β-SiC crystallites on these superlattice surfaces. The presence of these crystals cannot be observed by low energy diffraction (LEED). However, reflection high energy diffraction (RHEED) and Auger spectroscopy are both sensitive enough to detect the corresponding Laue patterns and C-spectra respectively. Energy loss transitions characteristic of the chemical state of Si in β-SiC are observable with high-resolution Auger spectroscopy. Das Vorhandensein von C-Verunreinigungen auf Si-Oberflachen wahrend der zur Herstellung der charakteristischen Si{111}-77- und Si{001}-22-ec-Superstrukturen notwendigen UHV-Temperung fuhrt zur Bildung von β-SiC-Kristallen auf diesen Oberflachen. Die Existenz dieser Kristalle kann mit langsamer Elektronenbeugung (LEED) nicht beobachtet werden. Reflexionsbeugung mit schnellen Elektronen (RHEED) und Auger-Spektroskopie sind empfindlich genug, die zugehorigen Laue-Beugungsbilder oder C-Spektren nachzuweisen. Charakteristische Elektronenenergieverlustlinien wurden beobachtet, die typisch fur den chemischen Energiezustand von Si in der Verbindung β-SiC sind.
Evaluation of optimum and above-optimum phosphorus supplies for corn by analysis of plant parts

The concentration of nutrients in the ear leaves of corn (Zea mays L.) often is used to evaluate the nutrient status of this crop. A recent report showed, however, that the P concentration of ear leaves does not evaluate excess P supplies appropriately. This study evaluated the capacity of tests based on the P concentrations of four plant parts to evaluate the P status of corn in soils testing in the optimum to above-optimum availability range. The plant parts tested were young plants (at V5 to V6 growth stages), ear-leaf blades at silking, lower stalk sections after physiological maturity, and harvested grain. Grain yields and tissue samples were collected from plots of 25 field trials in Iowa. Treatments were 0, 25, 50, and 75 kg P ha -1 . There was a significant yield response to P at 6 sites. The P treatments increased the P concentrations of young plants at 5 sites, of leaves at 13 sites, of stalks at 3 sites, and of grain at 11 sites. Differences in tissue P concentrations among sites often were greater than differences among treatments. Relationships between grain yield response and P concentrations of the tissues showed that P deficiency usually was correctly identified by tests of young plants and leaves. Determined critical concentrations were 3.4 g P kg -1 for plants and 2.4 g P kg -1 for leaves. The P concentrations of plants and leaves increased with soil-test P until a plateau was reached, which suggests that these tissues have upper limits for luxury accumulation of P. The limits for young plants and for leaves occurred at soil-test P values only slightly higher than values needed to obtain maximum economic yields of corn. The P concentrations of stalks were not related to yield responses or soil-test P. Luxury accumulation of P in grain had no clear upper limit but P concentrations were very poorly related with yield responses or soil-test P. The results showed that tests based on the P concentrations of young plants and ear leaves have similar capacities for identifying severe P deficiencies. None of the four tests evaluated would be a reliable diagnostic tool to evaluate P supplies for corn in the optimum to above-optimum availability range.
Improvements in the power of empirical stochastic dominance comparisons through kernel density estimation: a monte carlo study

Difficulties inherent in estimation techniques frequently subvert the theoretical potential of stochastic dominance. Monte Carlo experiments repeatedly demonstrate that sampling errors cause the failure of stochastic dominance in empirical applications which utilize the empirical distribution function as an estimator of the cumulative distribution function. Similar experiments also reveal that nonparametric kernel estimators can significantly improve the success rate. The choice of the degree of smoothing applied by the kernel estimation procedure yields a familiar trade-off similar to statistical Type I and Type II errors in hypothesis testing. In hypothesis testing, a small afavors the null hypothesis at the risk of failing to reject when an alternative is true. Similarly, little or no smoothing encourages acceptance of the null hypothesis of a no dominance conclusion even when the alternative of a dominant relationship between distributions exists in the population. This paper establishes the potential...
A Sketch-Based Interface for the Design and Analysis of Simple Vibratory Mechanical Systems

We describe a sketch-based interface designed to provide engineers with a computer environment similar to pen and paper. With our interface, users can construct functional engineering models simply by drawing sketches on a computer screen. Unlike paper sketches, however, our interface allows users to interact with their sketches in real time to modify existing objects and add new ones. To demonstrate the utility of our system, we have developed a sketch-based interface for designing and analyzing simple vibratory mechanical systems. The technical contributions of our work include: (1) a sketch parsing method for automatically locating the distinct graphical symbols in a sketch, (2) a general-purpose, trainable symbol recognizer, and (3) special purpose prerecognizers that consider shape information and make use of drawing conventions.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Tomato spotted wilt virus benefits a non-vector arthropod, Tetranychus urticae, by modulating different plant responses in tomato.

The interaction between plant viruses and non-vector arthropod herbivores is poorly understood. However, there is accumulating evidence that plant viruses can impact fitness of non-vector herbivores. In this study, we used oligonucleotide microarrays, phytohormone, and total free amino acid analyses to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and a non-vector arthropod, twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), on tomato plants, Solanum lycopersicum. Twospotted spider mites showed increased preference for and fecundity on TSWV-infected plants compared to mock-inoculated plants. Transcriptome profiles of TSWV-infected plants indicated significant up-regulation of salicylic acid (SA)-related genes, but no apparent down-regulation of jasmonic acid (JA)-related genes which could potentially confer induced resistance against TSM. This suggests that there was no antagonistic crosstalk between the signaling pathways to influence the interaction between TSWV and spider mites. In fact, SA- and JA-related genes were up-regulated when plants were challenged with both TSWV and the herbivore. TSWV infection resulted in down-regulation of cell wallrelated genes and photosynthesis-associated genes, which may contribute to host plant susceptibility. There was a three-fold increase in total free amino acid content in virus-infected plants compared to mock-inoculated plants. Total free amino acid content is critical for arthropod nutrition and may, in part, explain the apparent positive indirect effect of TSWV on spider mites. Taken together, these data suggest that the mechanism(s) of increased host suitability of TSWV-infected plants to non-vector herbivores is complex and likely involves several plant biochemical processes.
Evaluation of high-resolution and mobile display systems for digital radiology in dark and bright environments using human and computational observers

— As digital display systems replace film traditionally used for reading radiographic images, resource-intensive acceptance testing must be performed to ensure that quality meets and maintains desired specifications. If machine observers can replace human readers, whose performances are highly variable, the results will be more consistent and less costly. To be effective, however, the automated observers must track human performance. An approach for a model observer, validated with human readers, for the evaluation of the visibility of low-contrast small targets in high-resolution and mobile displays under different ambient illumination, will be described. The displays were tested using CDMAM-like digital phantoms containing disks of varying diameters and contrasts on a flat background. For this task, we find the best indicator of display performance to be the display's ability to represent small luminance contrast, not resolution or pixel size. The results confirm that high-resolution systems perform better under low illumination while illuminance has a minor impact on the mobile-display performance. Finally, the results show that the machine observer tracks the performance of human readers. Machine observers with proper validation can replace humans in the acceptance testing procedures, saving the testers both time and money.
Spray washing, absorbent cornstarch powder, and drying time to reduce bacterial numbers on soiled transport cage flooring

SUMMARY Broiler transport cages are often used repeatedly without washing, and fecal matter deposited on the floor surface can transfer Campylobacter from one flock to another. Allowing feces to dry is an effective but slow and logistically impractical means to kill Campylobacter in soiled transport cages. The objective of this study was to test the addition of an absorbent powder to boost the efficiency of cage drying as a sanitation procedure. Squares (5 × 5 cm) of fiberglass transport cage flooring were covered with broiler ceca and colon contents for 60 min, spray washed, and then covered with a known quantity of cornstarch or left untreated as controls. All squares were left to dry for 0.25, 2, 4, or 24 h before sampling for Campylobacter counts, reported as log colony-forming units per floor square. At 0.25 h of drying time, cornstarch alone did not significantly reduce the number of Campylobacter or Escherichia coli compared with the unwashed controls; spray washing decreased numbers by more than 90%, and a combination of washing followed by cornstarch decreased numbers by about 3 log (99.9%). By 2 h of drying time, no Campylobacter was detected on spray-washed flooring with or without cornstarch, compared with 5.60 log cfu on control unwashed flooring and 4.46 log cfu on cornstarch-treated unwashed flooring. At 24 h of drying time, no Campylobacter was detected on any flooring and no E. coli was detected on spray-washed flooring. We conclude that an absorbent powder may aid in the desiccation-caused death of bacteria on soiled transport cage flooring in a short turnaround time scenario.
It's easy to produce chartjunk using Microsoft ® Excel 2007 but hard to make good graphs

The purpose of default settings in a graphic tool is to make it easy to produce good graphics that accord with the principles of statistical graphics, e.g., [Tufte, E.R., 1990. Envisioning Information. Graphics Press, Cheshire, Conn, Tufte, E.R., 1997. Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative, 2nd Edition. Graphics Press, Cheshire, Conn, Cleveland, W.S., 1993. Visualizing Data. Hobart Press, N.J Cleveland, W.S., 1994. The Elements of Graphing Data, rev. edition. AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, N.J, Wainer, H., 1997. Visual revelations: Graphical tales of fate and deception from Napoleon to Ross Perot. Copernicus, New York, Spence, R., 2001. Information Visualization. ACM Press & AddisonWesley, New York, and Few, S., 2004. Show Me the Numbers. Analytic Press, Hillsdale, NJ]. If the defaults do not embody these principles, then the only way to produce good graphics is to be sufficiently familiar with the principles of statistical graphics. This paper shows that Excel graphics defaults do not embody the appropriate principles. Users who want to use Excel are advised to know the principles of good graphics well enough so that they can choose the appropriate options to override the defaults. Microsoft^(R) should overhaul the Excel graphics engine so that its defaults embody the principles of statistical graphics and make it easy for non-experts to produce good graphs.
Homeobox B3 Promotes Capillary Morphogenesis and Angiogenesis

Endothelial cells (EC) express several members of the Homeobox (Hox) gene family, suggesting a role for these morphoregulatory mediators during angiogenesis. We have previously established that Hox D3 is required for expression of integrin αvβ3 and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), which contribute to EC adhesion, invasion, and migration during angiogenesis. We now report that the paralogous gene, Hox B3, influences angiogenic behavior in a manner that is distinct from Hox D3. Antisense against Hox B3 impaired capillary morphogenesis of dermal microvascular EC cultured on basement membrane extracellular matrices. Although levels of Hox D3-dependent genes were maintained in these cells, levels of the ephrin A1 ligand were markedly attenuated. Capillary morphogenesis could be restored, however, by addition of recombinant ephrin A1/Fc fusion proteins. To test the impact of Hox B3 on angiogenesis in vivo, we constitutively expressed Hox B3 in the chick chorioallantoic membrane using avian retroviruses that resulted in an increase in vascular density and angiogenesis. Thus, while Hox D3 promotes the invasive or migratory behavior of EC, Hox B3 is required for the subsequent capillary morphogenesis of these new vascular sprouts and, together, these results support the hypothesis that paralogous Hox genes perform complementary functions within a particular tissue type.
Understanding Early Elementary Children's Conceptual Knowledge of Plant Structure and Function through Drawings

This study examined children's drawings to explain children's conceptual understanding of plant structure and function. The study explored whether the children's drawings accurately reflect their conceptual understanding about plants in a manner that can be interpreted by others. Drawing, survey, interview, and observational data were collected from 182 students in grades K and 1 in rural southeastern United States. Results demonstrated the children held a wide range of conceptions concerning plant structure and function. These young children held very simple ideas about plants with respect to both their structure and function. Consistent with the drawings, the interviews presented similar findings.
Pharmacogenomic test that predicts response to inhaled corticosteroids in adults with asthma likely to be cost-saving

Aim: To identify the clinical and economic circumstances under which a pharmacogenomic test that predicts response to inhaled corticosteroids might be a cost-effective option for individuals with asthma. Materials & methods: We synthesized published data on clinical and economic outcomes to project 10-year costs, quality-adjusted life-years and cost–effectiveness of pharmacogenomic testing for inhaled corticosteroid response. We assumed the pharmacogenomic test cost was $500 with a sensitivity and specificity of 84 and 98%, respectively. These were varied in sensitivity analyses. Results: Both strategies, pharmacogenomic testing for inhaled corticosteroid response and no testing conferred 7.1 quality-adjusted life-years. Compared with no testing, pharmacogenomic testing costs less. Conclusion: Pharmacogenomic testing for asthma is cost-saving and noninferior in improving health. Original submitted 19 November 2014; Revision submitted 23 February 2015
Behavior of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in tomato and processed tomato products

Abstract The survival of E. coli O157:H7 in acid foods for weeks and its prolonged survival in refrigerated acid foods are well documented. This prompted the study to evaluate survival of E. coli O157:H7 in tomato and processed tomato products. The pH of the various products ranged from 4.2 to 4.8 and some products contained preservatives such as vinegar. Samples were separately inoculated with a mixture of four E. coli O157:H7 strains previously isolated from hamburger meat at lower and higher initial inoculum levels, incubated at 4 and 25 °C and assayed for survival at regular intervals. In fresh whole tomato, growth was detected until day 4 and complete elimination was observed at day 7 at room temperature incubation. At refrigeration temperature, counts decreased slightly but survival was noted until day 10. In processed whole tomato, similar patterns were seen at room temperature incubation, but elimination was not observed until day 16. At refrigeration temperatures counts at day 16 were higher than the initial inoculum level. In processed tomato juice, the test strains kept on growing for over 20 days at room temperature storage, whereas at refrigeration temperature, the initial number was more or less maintained until day 23. In processed tomato sauce, incubated at room temperature, a sharp decline in number until day 6 was followed by a sharp increase in number until day 16. At refrigeration temperature, the test strain survived until day 16 with slight decrease in number. The test strains were eliminated in ketchup within 2 days at room temperature, whereas elimination was not achieved until day 8 at refrigeration temperature. In pasta sauce and snack sauce, although elimination was observed at days 11 and 7, respectively, at room temperature incubation, the test strains survived for about 22 days at refrigeration temperature without much decrease in count. Patterns were similar at higher levels of initial inoculation, but it took longer to achieve elimination of the test strains. This study demonstrated that E. coli O157:H7 can survive markedly in various tomato products, and the survival is notably prolonged at refrigeration temperatures.
Role of Predators in Regulation of Endemic Populations of Matsucoccus matsumurae (Homoptera: Margarodidae) in Japan

Life table data for Matsucoccus matsumurae (Kuwana) were gathered from April through September 1984 from 30 ornamental and forest stands of two native hosts, Pinus densiflora Sieb. & Zucc. and P. thunbergiana Franco, and an exotic host, P. massoniana Lamb., located in central and southern Japan. The scale inhabited nearly every stand of the two Japanese pines, but its densities were always low and trees suffered no apparent injury. Trees were damaged, however, in forest stands of P. massoniana where densities were many times greater than on adjacent Japanese pines. Differences in scale abundance among host species and between forest and ornamental settings reflected differences in survivorship of first instars and fecundity of adult females. Population trend values calculated from life table data revealed that predators have an important role in the regulation of endemic populations of M. matsumurae. Harmonia axyridis Pallas, which comprised 84% of the total number of predators captured ( n = 3,071), killed 97% of the scales in one heavily infested forest stand of P. massoniana in Kamigamo, Honshu in <4 weeks. When realistic densities of beetles were caged on infested pines, 81% of the small, inconspicuous stages of the scale and 98% of the larger, more conspicuous stages were consumed, which resulted in a 67-fold decrease in scale population growth compared with control cages containing no beetles. Despite prevalence of cannibalism among beetles both in cages and in the natural population, H. axyridis was clearly an effective regulatory agent for endemic populations of M. matsumurae and should be a prime candidate for biological control of exotic populations of this scale.
Monolithic LED-based OEICs and the OPTOCHIP research foundry

Recently, LED based epitaxy-on-electronics (EoE) OEICs have been made available to the user community through the OPTOCHIP research foundry. In the EoE technology, optoelectronic device heterostructures are grown, using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).
Rosetta in CASP4: Progress in ab initio protein structure prediction

Rosetta ab initio protein structure predictions in CASP4 were considerably more consistent and more accurate than previous ab initio structure predictions. Large segments were correctly predicted (>50 residues superimposed within an RMSD of 6.5 A) for 16 of the 21 domains under 300 residues for which models were submitted. Models with the global fold largely correct were produced for several targets with new folds, and for several difficult fold recognition targets, the Rosetta models were more accurate than those produced with traditional fold recognition models. These promising results suggest that Rosetta may soon be able to contribute to the interpretation of genome sequence information.
Thermally stimulated depolarization currents in poly (ethyleneterephthalate‐ran‐p‐hydroxybenzoates)

Thermally stimulated polarization (TSPC) and depolarization currents (TSDC) are measured on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) copolymerized with p-hydroxy benzoic acid (PHB). These systems are important since they comprise components of many commercial polymer liquid crystals (PLCs). There has been some speculation about the origins of the multiple transition peaks in TSDC of PLCs and secondary peaks have frequently been designated as resulting from Maxwell-Wagner interphase polarization. The applicability of this designation for main chain PLCs has been investigated. TSDC as a function of field strength and window polarization has been conducted and the transitions have been identified as glass transition peaks as opposed to space charge relaxations. A comparison of the TSDC current versus the polarization current (TSPC) reveals that TSPC is not generated for transitions associated with the PHB component.
Mary Wollstonecraft. Edited by Jane Moore. (Farnham, England: Ashgate, 2012. Pp. xiii, 586. $325.00.)

This new edited volume on the life and works of Mary Wollstonecraft [1759–1797] is a welcome addition to Ashgate's International Library of Essays in the History of Social and Political Thought. Th...
Animal models of focal dystonia

Animal models indicate that the abnormal movements of focal dystonia result from disordered sensorimotor integration. Sensorimotor integration involves a comparison of sensory information resulting from a movement with the sensory information expected from the movement. Unanticipated sensory signals identified by sensorimotor processing serve as signals to modify the ongoing movement or the planning for subsequent movements. Normally, this process is an effective mechanism to modify neural commands for ongoing movement or for movement planning. Animal models of the focal dystonias spasmodic torticollis, writer's cramp, and benign essential blepharospasm reveal different dysfunctions of sensorimotor integration through which dystonia can arise. Animal models of spasmodic torticollis demonstrate that modifications in a variety of regions are capable of creating abnormal head postures. These data indicate that disruption of neural signals in one structure may mutate the activity pattern of other elements of the neural circuits for movement. The animal model of writer's cramp demonstrates the importance of abnormal sensory processing in generating dystonic movements. Animal models of blepharospasm illustrate how disrupting motor adaptation can produce dystonia. Together, these models show mechanisms by which disruptions in sensorimotor integration can create dystonic movements.
Interest Group Politics From a Comparative Perspective

Two models of interest group behavior are outlined and discussed. The cooptation model finds organized interest groups establishing informal contacts with city officials and achieving political favors through these informal channels. The petition model finds interest groups confronting public officials in the public arena securing favors from city government by threatening to use their resources to build oppositional coalitions. Our goal was to see if structural conditions in a community make one or the other strategy more successful. Our findings suggest that cooptation is more common in cities with less complex economic and social structures, but petition is more common in cities with more complex structures. Furthermore, in cities with weaker city governments cooptation is more common, while petition is more common with strong city governments. Finally, we found an interaction effect that cooptation occurs in complex systems but only if city government is weak.
Intra-articular Thio-tepa Compared with Depo-medrol and Procaine in the Treatment of Arthritis

A double-blind comparison of intra-articular Thio-tepa, Depo-medrol, and procaine was performed in thirty-nine patients with inflammatory arthritis. Thio-tepa demonstrated a slight superiority, but the potential adverse systemic effects of the drug may not warrant its use. However, no such effects were noted in this study despite a dose of sixty milligrams. Medical synovectomy was not a demonstrable result of this treatment.
c-Fos generation in the dorsal vagal complex after systemic endotoxin is not dependent on the vagus nerve

The present study used activation of the c-Fos oncogene protein within neurons in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) as a marker of neuronal excitation in response to systemic endotoxin challenge [i.e....
Reference Citations in iJACC: Litera Scripta Manet

A dynamic balance between the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA is critical for maintaining proper neuronal activity in the brain. This balance is partly achieved via presynaptic interactions between glutamatergic and GABAAergic synapses converging into the same targets. Here, we show that in hypothalamic magnocellular neurosecretory neurons (MNCs), a direct crosstalk between postsynaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and GABAA receptors (GABAARs) contributes to the excitatory/inhibitory balance in this system. We found that activation of NMDARs by endogenous glutamate levels controlled by astrocyte glutamate transporters, evokes a transient and reversible potentiation of postsynaptic GABAARs. This inter-receptor crosstalk is calcium-dependent and involves a kinase-dependent phosphorylation mechanism, but does not require nitric oxide as an intermediary signal. Finally, we found the NMDAR–GABAAR crosstalk to be blunted in rats with heart failure, a pathological condition in which the hypothalamic glutamate–GABA balance is tipped toward an excitatory predominance. Together, our findings support a novel form of glutamate–GABA interactions in MNCs, which involves crosstalk between NMDA and GABAA postsynaptic receptors, whose strength is controlled by the activity of local astrocytes. We propose this inter-receptor crosstalk to act as a compensatory, counterbalancing mechanism to dampen glutamate-mediated overexcitation. Finally, we propose that an uncoupling between NMDARs and GABAARs may contribute to exacerbated neuronal activity and, consequently, sympathohumoral activation in such disease conditions as heart failure.
Conditioning Reservoir Models to Well Test Information

Pressure transient well test information has largely been ignored in stochastic reservoir modeling. Well testing informs the effective absolute permeability of some region around the well. This information does not resolve local details of the spatial distribution of permeability; however, it does constrain the average permeability. This paper presents an approach, based on simulated annealing, that will condition stochastic reservoir models to such well test-derived effective properties.
Conceptual Models of How Advertising Works to Persuade Individuals

This note provides a brief overview of some important perspectives on how advertising messages "work" to persuade consumers. The note reviews the traditional hierachy of effects, cognitive dissonance, lower involvement, and elaboration by aspects models of consumer behavior.
Systematic Paired Comparisons in Preference Analysis

Product tests can yield meaningful information about consumer preferences only when carefully planned and analyzed. This article presents an approach to preference analysis which seeks to reduce so...
BASELINE, EXHAUST-FIRED, AND COMBINED OPERATION OF DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFICATION UNIT

The performance of a commercially available direct-fired desiccant dehumidification unit (DFDD) has been studied as part of a microturbine generator (MTG)-based Integrated Energy System (IES) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The IES includes a second-generation air-to-water heat recovery unit (HRU) for the MTG. The focus of these tests was to study the performance of a DFDD in baseline (direct-fired with its natural gas burner) mode and to compare it with a DFDD performance in the exhaust-fired and combined modes as part of the ORNL IES, when waste heat received from the MTG was used for desiccant regeneration. The baseline tests were performed with regeneration air heated by a natural gas burner (direct-fired). The testing of the waste-heat, or exhaust-fired DFDD as part of IES involved using the exhaust gas from the HRU for regeneration air in the DFDD after hot water production in the HRU. Hot water from the HRU was used to produce chilled water in an indirect-fired (water fired) absorption chiller. The combined DFDD was the combination of natural gas burner and exhaust-fired testing. The study investigated the impact of varying the process and regeneration conditions on the latent capacity (LC) and latent coefficient of performance (LCOP) of the DFDD, as well as overall IES efficiency. The performance tests show that LC increases with increasing dew point (humidity ratio) of the process air or the increased amount of waste heat associated with increased MTG power output. In addition, baseline LC was found to be three times higher than the LC in the exhaust-fired mode of operation. LCOP in baseline operation is also almost three times higher than that obtained in the exhaust-fired mode (55.4% compared to 19%). But, at the same time, addition of the DFDD to the IES with the MTG at maximum power output increases the overall IES efficiency by 4–5%. Results of the combined tests performed at a reduced MTG power output of 15 kW (51,182 Btu/h) and their comparison with the baseline and exhaust-fired tests show that activation of the DFDD gas burner during exhaust-fired tests increases the LC over the baseline value from 91,514.9 Btu/h (25.8 kW) to 101,835.8 Btu/h (29.8 kW). The LCOP during the combined mode is less than the “baseline” LCOP, because in addition to gas input, the low-grade MTG/HRU exhaust heat input to the DFDD are also being considered. The overall IES efficiency during the combined mode is approximately 8% higher than without the DFDD integrated into the IES.© 2004 ASME
Abstract 2567: Cabazitaxel chemotherapy targets mitotic kinesins resulting in multi-nucleation of prostate cancer cells: A novel mechanism of cross-resistance with antiandrogens in advanced CRPC

Progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is characterized by increased androgen receptor (AR) and activated AR signaling despite castrate levels of androgens. The FDA-approved next generation microtubule stabilizing taxane, Cabazitaxel (CBZ) and novel anti-androgen Enzalutamide (MDV) have demonstrated additional survival benefits for patients with advanced CRPC. The present study pursued the mechanism of therapeutic resistance to CBZ and antiandrogen treatment in models of CRPC. The effect CBZ and/or MDV was examined in human prostate cancer cells: androgen independent (DU145 and PC3), androgen responsive (LNCaP and VCaP) and CRPC (22Rv1 and PC3-ARv567, harboring AR variants). Cell viability assessment revealed that CRPC PC3-ARv567es and the androgen-sensitive VCaP cells exhibited resistance to CBZ; however the 22Rv1 cells responded to CBZ and MDV combination with a significant increase in growth (P