cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Natrium- und Volumenbilanz bei Hypertonikern unter Clonidin

Die Beziehung zwischen der Aktivitat des sympathischen Nervensystems und der Natrium-valolumenbilanz bei Hypertonie ist kompliziert und moglicherweise vom Grad der Nierenfunktion abhangig. Immer mehr Beweise sprechen fur die Auffassung, das eine verstarkte Aktivitat des sympathischen Nervensystems bei der Entstehung der essentiellen Hypertonie eine Rolle spielen konnte (1–3). Fest steht ebenfalls, das ein anhaltender Blutdruckanstieg eine Einschrankung des Natriumausscheidungsvermogens der Nieren voraussetzt, was sich in einer verschiebung der Druck-Natriurese-Kurve nach rechts manifestiert (4). Da eine verstarkte renale sympathische Aktivitat die renale Natriumausscheidung hemmen kann (5–8), sollte man meinen, das eine verstarkte Aktivitat des sympathischen Nervensystems die Hypertonie moglicherweise dadurch erhalt, das die Fahigkeit der Niere, die Natriurese bei Blutdruckanstieg zu steigern, verandert wird. Wenn das der Fall ware, sollte die verabfolgung von Medikamenten, welche die Aktivitat des sympathischen Nervensystems hemmen, bei Patienten mit essentieller Hypertonie zu einer vermehrten Urin-Natriumausscheidung fuhren. Die Rolle des sympathischen Nervensystems und Scine Beziehung zur Natrium-valolumenbilanz bei der Genese und Persistenz der Hypertonie bei Patienten mit Niereninsuffizienz sind sogar noch weniger klar.
Chapter 4 Complete Primary Structure of Human Histocompatibility Antigen Hla-B7: Evolutionary and Functional Implications

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the complete primary structure of human histocompatibility antigen— HLA-B7. The histocompatibility antigens and immunoglobulins are both probably the descendants of some common ancestral gene, which may have originally coded for a cell-bound defense molecule. The development of animals with circulatory systems and duplication of that gene resulted later in an evolution in the secretion of the product of some of these genes into the circulation—i.e., the immunoglobulins. The product of the other genes remained membrane bound and probably went on to evolve to become the histocompatibility antigens. The histocompatibility antigens also serve a defense function for the organism. In this case, the cell-bound defense mechanism may serve to protect the organism from invasion by closely related cells, perhaps serving in primitive organisms to maintain colonial identity on the sea floor. At a different level, the organization of information within a genome can be approached via the cloning of major histocompatibility complex genes by recombinant DNA techniques.
Neural network based off-line handwritten text recognition system

This dissertation introduces a new system for handwritten text recognition based on an improved neural network design. Most of the existing neural networks treat mean square error function as the standard error function. The system as proposed in this dissertation utilizes the mean quartic error function, where the third and fourth derivatives are non-zero. Consequently, many improvements on the training methods were achieved. The training results are carefully assessed before and after the update. To evaluate the performance of a training system, there are three essential factors to be considered, and they are from high to low importance priority: (1) error rate on testing set, (2) processing time needed to recognize a segmented character and (3) the total training time and subsequently the total testing time. It is observed that bounded training methods accelerate the training process, while semi-third order training methods, next-minimal training methods, and preprocessing operations reduce the error rate on the testing set. Empirical observations suggest that two combinations of training methods are needed for different case character recognition. Since character segmentation is required for word and sentence recognition, this dissertation provides also an effective rule-based segmentation method, which is different from the conventional adaptive segmentation methods. Dictionary-based correction is utilized to correct mistakes resulting from the recognition and segmentation phases. The integration of the segmentation methods with the handwritten character recognition algorithm yielded an accuracy of 92% for lower case characters and 97% for upper case characters. In the testing phase, the database consists of 20,000 handwritten characters, with 10,000 for each case. The testing phase on the recognition 10,000 handwritten characters required 8.5 seconds in processing time.
Justice for the Forgotten: Saving the Women of Darfur

Since 2003, Darfur has lost nearly half of its six million inhabitants. As many as 500,000 people have been slaughtered, 2.2 million have been displaced, and an untold number have been savagely raped—all victims of a brutal five-year genocide orchestrated by the Sudanese government. The women of Darfur have borne the brunt of the violence: constantly targeted for rape, left physically and emotionally broken. The use of rape as a weapon of war should have shocked the conscience of the world, but we have failed to act, and instead have allowed the women of Darfur to be victimized repeatedly. This note argues that the international community must take two steps to save the women of Darfur: (1) continue criminal prosecutions of those responsible for the genocide in the International Criminal Court and (2) immediately undertake humanitarian solutions in Darfur, including aid disbursement, reparations, military intervention, and political pressure. It is only by combining legal and restorative solutions that the forgotten women of Darfur will truly receive justice.
Individual differences in negative affect and weekly variability in binge eating frequency

Objective To examine the relationship of neuroticism and negative affect (NA) lability with weekly binge eating fluctuations between binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Method Individuals with BED (n = 30) and BN (n = 54) from the community completed self-report measures at baseline and prospectively for 12 consecutive weeks. Weekly data were analyzed by using (mean) squared successive deviation to account for fluctuations in NA and binge eating from week to week. Results Generalized estimating equations revealed the presence of a two-way interaction between neuroticism and NA lability predicting binge eating fluctuations (Wald χ2 = 8.25; df = 1; p = .004), indicating that higher NA lability was only related to larger fluctuations in the frequency of binge eating episodes when present in individuals who were also high on neuroticism. An interaction was also detected between eating disorder diagnosis and NA lability, but this was accounted for by differences in average NA between the diagnoses. Discussion This study highlights the relevance of two traits and their interaction in understanding individual differences in binge eating fluctuations. Additionally, findings indicate that diagnostic differences in average NA may impact binge eating fluctuations and NA lability. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:296–301)
iMARS (iMaging Analysis Research Software)

Abstract Image processing has become a mainstream capability with commercial software that allow the general public to perfom, for example, photograph enhancement such as noise reduction or deblurring. Scientific imaging data sets often require quantitative image analysis that can only be performed with careful algorithm development. Recently, a number of software packages have been developed with different image processing capabilities. Most of them require some level of algorithm development to be able to perform data analysis. In 2011, the CG-1D neutron imaging beamlinejoined the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Neutron Sciences general user program and efforts focused on data processing and analysis software development. The iMage Analysis Research Software (iMARS) was developed to respond to the CG-1D user demand and provide semi-automated data normalization, processing and analysis tools in the MATLAB® framework. New algorithms are often implemented to the iMARS framework per user request.A brief description of the neutron imaging beamlinescientific community will be presented and will be followed by a detailed overview of the iMARS software.
In vivo regulation of lipolysis in humans

Fatty acids are important oxidative fuel for liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, and myocardium. There has been much interest in the role of fatty acids in the pathogenesis of non-insulin-dependent diabetes because they compete with glucose for oxygen and inhibit whole body glucose disposal via the 'Randle cycle,' Control of lipolysis in adipose tissue determines systemic fatty acid supply. A wide range of hormones and other substances have been recognized as regulators of lipolysis, but insulin and catecholamines appear to be the most important. The regulation of lipolysis, in most circumstances, provides a supply of lipid fuel exceeding the rate of lipid oxidation, requiring reesterification to triglyceride of surplus circulating free fatty acids. Thus, free fatty acid supply is usually not matched to the demand for lipid oxidation, and there is no known mechanism for accurately sensing such demand. This lax regulation may be disadvantageous in conditions such as aging, stress, obesity, and diabetes, where the antilipolytic effect of insulin is impaired and lipolysis is therefore increased. In these conditions, the surfeit of fatty acid may impair glucoregulation. In addition, the excess lipolysis may induce hypertriglyceridemia (via increased very low density lipoprotein production) and thus contribute to atherogenesis. Considerable additional research is needed in order to fully understand both normal lipolytic regulation and the abnormalities of lipolysis which accompany pathological conditions.
Runaway social games, genetic cycles driven by alternative male and female strategies, and the origin of morphs

Analysis of evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS) and decade-long field studies indicate that two color morphs of female side-blotched lizards exhibit density- and frequency-dependent strategies. Orange females are r-strategists: they lay large clutches of small progeny that are favored at low density. Conversely, yellow females are K-strategists: they lay small clutches of large progeny that are favored when carrying capacity is exceeded and the population crashes to low density. Interactions among three male morphs resembles a rock-paper-scissors (RPS) game. Fertilization success of males depends on frequency of neighboring morphs. Orange males usurp territory from blue neighbors and thereby mate with many females. However, orange males are vulnerable to cuckoldry by sneaky yellow males that mimic females. The yellow strategy is thwarted in turn by the mate-guarding strategy of blue. Sinervo and Lively (1996) developed a simple asexual model of the RPS game. Here, we model the dynamics of male and female morphs with one- and two-locus genetic models. Male and female games were considered in isolation and modeled as games that were genetically coupled by the same locus. Parameters for payoff matrices, which describe the force of frequency-dependent selection in ESS games, were estimated from free-ranging animals. Period of cycles in nature was 5 years for males and 2 years for females. Only the one locus model with three alleles (o, b, y) was capable of driving rapid cycles in male and female games. Furthermore, the o allele must be dominant to the y allele in females. Finally, the amplitude of male cycles was only reproduced in genetic models which allowed for irreversible plasticity of by genotypes, which is consistent with hormonally-induced changes that transform some males with yellow to dark blue. We also critique experimental designs that are necessary to detect density- and frequency-dependent selection in nature. Finally, runaway ESS games are discussed in the context of self-reinforcing genetic correlations that build and promote the formation of morphotypic variation.
Concise Review: Leukemia Stem Cells in Personalized Medicine

Despite increased comprehension of AML pathogenesis, current treatment strategies have done little to improve upon standard induction chemotherapy to induce long-term remissions. Since the identification of the leukemic stem cell, efforts have been placed on identifying therapeutically actionable pathways that distinguish this increasingly important cellular compartment. With the advent of increased genome sequencing efforts and phenotypic characterization, opportunities for personalized treatment strategies are rapidly emerging. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the understanding of leukemic stem cell biology and their potential for translation into clinically relevant therapeutics. NF-kappa B activation, Bcl-2 expression, oxidative and metabolic state, and epigenetic modifications all bear their own clinical implications. With advancements in genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic profiling, personalized strategies may be feasible in the near future to improve outcomes for AML patients.
Developing Data Literacy Programs: Working with Faculty, Graduate Students and Undergraduates

EDITOR'S SUMMARY Building data information literacy among faculty, graduate students and undergrads was the focus of a 2015 RDAP Summit panel, with panelists describing programs at different institutions geared to each of these target groups. The Data Information Literacy project identified 12 key competencies for graduate students and how librarians could help build those skills. The Data Management Strategies Self-Assessment encourages junior faculty members to objectively consider their research data management practices and to prioritize issues and tasks. Identifying and addressing the data information literacy competencies of undergraduate students is challenging, with their widely diverse backgrounds and needs. Varied creative approaches, such as embedding lessons within a class, presenting workshops and developing partnerships and research mentorships, have been successful. Data Information Literacy project teams have developed educational programs, compared and integrated their experiences and offer guidelines, available online, for developing digital literacy programs at other institutions.
Outcomes of sentinel lymph node dissection alone vs. axillary lymph node dissection in early stage invasive lobular carcinoma: a retrospective study of the surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) database

Background The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z0011 trial demonstrated no difference in local-regional recurrence (LRR), disease-specific survival (DSS) or overall survival (OS) for sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) and completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) among patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy for clinical T1–T2, N0 breast cancer with 1 or 2 positive SLNs. However, Only 7% of study participants had invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Because ILC has a different pattern of metastases, frequently presenting as small foci requiring immunohistochemistry for detection, the applicability of ACOSOG Z0011 trial data to ILC patients is unclear.
The Estimation of the Parameters of a Linear Regression System Obeying Two Separate Regimes

Abstract In attempting to estimate the parameters of a linear regression system obeying two separate regimes, it is necessary first to estimate the position of the point in time at which the switch from one regime to the other occurred. The suggested maximum likelihood estimating procedure is based upon a direct examination of the likelihood function. An asymptotic and a small-sample test are suggested for testing the hypothesis that no switch occurred against the single alternative that one switch took place. The procedure is illustrated with a sampling experiment in which the true switching point is correctly estimated. * I am indebted to Professors F. Anscombe, R. Dorfman and F. Stephan and the referees of this paper for criticism and helpful suggestions. I am also indebted to Professor John S. Chipman for originally suggesting the problem. The responsibility for errors is, of course, mine.
PapR peptide maturation: role of the NprB protease in Bacillus cereus 569 PlcR/PapR global gene regulation

The global transcriptional regulator PlcR controls gene expression in Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis. Activity of PlcR is regulated by PapR, the product of an ORF located immediately downstream of plcR. To be active in B. cereus, PapR must be secreted and then processed to the mature peptide by an unknown protease. This peptide is transported by an oligopeptide permease into the cell, where it activates PlcR. In this study, we show that the neutral protease B (NprB) secreted by B. cereus 569 is required for extracellular PapR maturation. Purified recombinant NprB processed the synthetic PapR propeptide to produce a set of peptides derived from the C-terminal domain of PapR. Supplementation of growth media with synthetic PapR-derived C-terminal 5-, 7-, 8- and 27-amino acid (aa) peptides caused activation of intracellular PlcR in a PapR-deficient strain of B. cereus 569 while only the 5- and 7-aa peptides activated PlcR in a nprB mutant. The maximum activity was found for the 7-mer peptide. However, even the 7-mer peptide could not activate PlcR with a C-terminal truncation of as few as 6 aa. This indicates that interactions of the C-terminal regions of both PlcR and PapR are important in transcriptional activation of the B. cereus 569 PlcR regulon.
Receptor mediated binding of two glycosylation forms of N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase

Abstract The lysosomal storage disorders are a group of inherited metabolic diseases each characterised by a relative or absolute deficiency of one or more of the lysosomal proteins involved in the hydrolysis of glycoconjugates or in the transport of the resulting product. Enzyme replacement therapies are under consideration for a number of these disorders and are based on the in vitro observation that cells from affected patients can be corrected by addition of exogenous enzyme. In this study, two glycosylation variants of the lysosomal enzyme N -acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase (4S) (the deficiency of which causes Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type VI, (Maroteaux–Lamy syndrome) were made by expression of 4S cDNA in both wild type chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1), and Lec1 ( N -acetylglucosaminyltransferase I deficient CHO-K1) cells. Differences in the glycosylation pattern of the two enzyme forms were demonstrated with endoglycosidase H and N -glycosidase F digestions. The receptor mediated binding of these two forms of 4S to two cell types, human skin fibroblasts and rat alveolar macrophages, was then analysed. We have shown that both enzyme forms bind to the mannose-6-phosphate receptor on human skin fibroblasts with equal affinity demonstrating that the degree of phosphorylation of mannose residues in the two forms is similar. However, using rat alveolar macrophages, we found that the binding/uptake of the two enzymes differs considerably. These results show that differences in glycosylation of lysosomal enzymes can be an important factor in altering enzyme uptake by different cell types. Thus, producing carbohydrate modification variants in this way may be useful for altering the distribution of exogenous enzyme in vivo.
New strategies in acute myeloid leukemia: Redefining prognostic markers to guide therapy

While the standard therapy of AML has been relatively constant over the past two decades, this may be changing with enhanced technologies allowing for the classification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) into molecularly distinct subsets. Some specific subsets of AML have an excellent prognosis in response to standard therapy while the poor prognosis of AML associated with specific sets of mutations or chromosomal anomalies require the development of new therapies. Elucidation of the molecular pathogenesis of AML has led to the development and of therapies that affect signaling, apoptosis, protein and intermediate metabolism, the surface of the leukemia cell, leukemia cell/stromal interaction and epigenetic regulation of gene expression.
Response of hepatic metallothionein to iron administration : Lack of correlation with serum corticosterone.

Female broiler chicks receiving an ip injection of Fe (10 mg/kg bw) were found to have a greatly increased level of hepatic metallothionein. The increase in metallothionein was not correlated with changes in serum corticosterone. Attempts to vary serum corticosterone levels by feeding metyrapone, an 11-β steroid hydroxylase inhibitor, were unsuccessful.
The mode of cisplatin-induced cell death in CYP2E1-overexpressing HepG2 cells: modulation by ERK, ROS, glutathione, and thioredoxin

In a previous study, E47 HepG2 cells that overexpress human CYP2E1 were shown to be more sensitive to cisplatin than C34 cells that do not express CYP2E1. In this study, we found that this sensitivity was due to an earlier activation of ERK in the E47 cells compared to the C34 cells. Glutathione depletion by L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) enhanced cisplatin cytotoxicity via increasing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of ERK. In contrast, elevation of glutathione by glutathione ethyl ester (GSHE) decreased cisplatin/BSO cytotoxicity by decreasing ROS production and ERK activation. Inhibition of ERK activation by U0126 protected against cisplatin/BSO cytotoxicity via inhibiting ROS production but not restoring intracellular glutathione content. Examination of the mode of cell death showed that U0126 inhibited cisplatin-induced necrosis but not apoptosis. Cisplatin-induced apoptosis was caspases-dependent; BSO switched cisplatin-induced apoptosis to necrosis via decreasing activity of caspases, and GSHE switched cisplatin/BSO-induced necrosis back to apoptosis through maintaining activity of caspases. Similar to GSHE, U0126 partially switched cisplatin/BSO induced necrosis to apoptosis via restoring activity of caspases. Cisplatin lowered levels of thioredoxin, especially in the presence of BSO. Although U0126 failed in restoring intracellular glutathione levels, it restored thioredoxin levels, which maintain the activity of the caspases. These results suggest that thioredoxin can replace glutathione to promote the active thiol redox state necessary for caspase activity, and thus glutathione and thioredoxin regulate the mode of cisplatin toxicity in E47 cells via redox regulation of caspase activity.
An Analysis of African-American First-Year College Student Attitudes and Attrition Rates.

Viewing persistence in college as a function of the harmony between the student and the institutional environmen4 this study was designed to assess the attitudes and perceptions of incoming African-American first-year students enrolled at a predominantly White urban college during the fall of 1989. A second major component of this study was the comparison of the attrition rates of these 1989 African-American students with their 1984 counterparts. The findings show that despite the initial favorable perceptions and attitudes held about their campus, many of these students did not experience a positive first year. Comparisons of the attrition rates of the 1984 and 1989 African-American first-year classes indicate that the attrition rates have only marginally declined. Success within supportive programs varied according to gender and age.
Cardiac power output predicts mortality across a broad spectrum of patients with acute cardiac disease

Background Cardiac power output (CPO) is a novel hemodynamic measurement that represents cardiac pumping ability. The prognostic value of CPO in a broad spectrum of patients with acute cardiac disease undergoing pulmonary artery catheterization (PAC) has not been examined. Methods Consecutive patients with a primary cardiac diagnosis who were undergoing PAC in a single coronary care unit were included. The relationship between initial CPO [(mean arterial pressure × cardiac output [CO])/451] and inhospital mortality was evaluated. CPO was analyzed both as a dichotomous variable (using a cutoff value previously established among patients with cardiogenic shock) and as a continuous variable. Results Data were available for 349 patients. The mean CPO was 0.88 ± 0.37 W. The inhospital mortality rate was significantly higher among patients with a CPO ≤0.53 W (n = 53) compared with those with a CPO >0.53 W (n = 296) (49% vs 20%, P P = .01), whereas CO did not (odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.75-1.48, P = .78). Conclusions Cardiac power output is a strong, independent predictor of inhospital mortality in a broad spectrum of patients with primary cardiac disease undergoing PAC.
Bender's generalizedq-binomial Vandermonde convolution

A simple arithmetical proof and a generalization of Bender's generalizedq-binomial Vandermonde convolution are given.
Characterization of PEG–iron oxide hydrogel nanocomposites for dual hyperthermia and paclitaxel delivery

Hyperthermia, the heating of tissue from 41 to 45 °C, has been shown to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy when used in conjunction with irradiation and/or chemotherapy. In this work, hydrogel nanocomposites have been developed that can control the delivery of both heat and a chemotherapeutic agent (e.g. paclitaxel). The nanocomposites studied involve a stealth, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based system comprised of PEG (n = 1000) methyl ether methacrylate and PEG (n = 400) dimethacrylate with iron oxide nanoparticles physically entrapped within the hydrogel matrices. The capability of the hydrogel nanocomposites to be heated in an alternating magnetic field was demonstrated. The heating of the hydrogel systems was dependent on the crosslinking of the hydrogel network where hydrogels with lower swelling ratios were found to heat to a greater extent than those with higher ratios. In addition, paclitaxel was shown to exhibit non-Fickian release from the hydrogel systems, with the amount of drug released ...
Breakdown of hydrodynamics in the radial breathing mode of a strongly interacting Fermi gas

We measure the magnetic-field dependence of the frequency and damping time for the radial breathing mode of an optically trapped Fermi gas of $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ atoms near a Feshbach resonance. The measurements address the apparent discrepancy between the results of Kinast et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 150402 (2004)] and those of Bartenstein et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 203201 (2004)]. Over the range of magnetic field from $770\phantom{\rule{0.5em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.5em}{0ex}}910\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{G}$, the measurements confirm the results of Kinast et al. Close to resonance, the measured frequencies are in excellent agreement with predictions for a unitary hydrodynamic gas. At a field of $925\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{G}$, the measured frequency begins to decrease below predictions. For fields near $1080\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{G}$, we observe a breakdown of hydrodynamic behavior, which is manifested by a sharp increase in frequency and damping rate. The observed breakdown is in qualitative agreement with the sharp transition observed by Bartenstein et al. at $910\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{G}$.
Effect of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons on Shell Gland Carbonic Anhydrase and Egg Shell Thickness in Japanese Quail

Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were fed different levels of pesticide in their diets for 15 weeks. The levels of pesticide used were 25, 50, 100, 200 p.p.m. DDE 25, 50, 100, 200 p.p.m. DDT and 50 p.p.m. PCB. Carbonic anhydrase activities were analyzed in the shell glands and blood; pesticide concentration in the eggs of the first experiment was measured; egg weight, shell weight and shell thickness were also measured. No depression in growth was observed at any levels of pesticides used. Quail fed 200 p.p.m. DDE showed a high mortality rate after 10--12 weeks on the diet, while other levels produced no increase in death rate. Lower levels of DDT and DDE (25 and 50 p.p.m.) had no significant effect on egg shell weight or thickness. Higher levels (100 and 200 p.p.m) of DDT and DDE produced a small increase in shell weight and a 5 per cent decrease in shell thickness and were associated with increased shell breakage. At levels of 25 p.p.m. and 50 p.p.m. DDE, the activity of carbonic anhydrase in the shell gland was significantly increased. At levels of 200 p.p.m. DDE and 100 p.p.m. DDT in the diet, the activity of carbonic anhydrase was decreased by 12--15 per cent. A 50 per cent reduction in carbonic anhydrase activity in the shell gland seemed to be necessary for an increased production of soft shelled eggs when it was induces by sulfanilamide. Pesticide residues in the eggs of Japanes quail up to about 300 p.p.m. DDE and 150 p.p.m. DDT were not associated with any change in egg shell thickness. At about 600 p.p.m. DDE and 500 p.p.m. DDT in the eggs, corresponding to 100 and 200 p.p.m. in the diet, the egg shell thickness was reduced by 5 per cent. PCB at 50 p.p.m. produced a small decrease (4.5 per cent) in shell thickness and an increase in the percentage of cracked eggs.
Aligning sequences by minimum description length

This paper presents a new information theoretic framework for aligning sequences in bioinformatics. A transmitter compresses a set of sequences by constructing a regular expression that describes the regions of similarity in the sequences. To retrieve the original set of sequences, a receiver generates all strings that match the expression. An alignment algorithm uses minimum description length to encode and explore alternative expressions; the expression with the shortest encoding provides the best overall alignment. When two substrings contain letters that are similar according to a substitution matrix, a code length function based on conditional probabilities defined by the matrix will encode the substrings with fewer bits. In one experiment, alignments produced with this new method were found to be comparable to alignments from CLUSTALW. A second experiment measured the accuracy of the new method on pairwise alignments of sequences from the BAliBASE alignment benchmark.
Behavioral investigation of the coexistence of substance P, corticotropin releasing factor, and acetylcholinesterase in lateral dorsal tegmental neurons projecting to the medial frontal cortex of the rat.

Abstract Colocalization of substance P (SP), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was detected by retrograde tracing and immunocytochemical staining in the nucleus tegmentalis dorsalis lateralis (ntdl) projecting to the medial frontal cortex (MFC), septum, and thalamus of the rat. The histochemical results suggest that SP and CRF coexist within a subpopulation of ntdl cholinergic neurons that project to a number of forebrain regions including the MFC. Behavioral studies of the effects of SP, CRF, and the cholinergic agonist, carbachol, employed microinjections into the MFC of rats. SP and CRF did not elicit any behavioral effects when administered alone. Carbachol (1–5 μg/side) produced a stereotyped motor behavior, consisting of rapid forepaw treading while in an upright posture, resembling “boxing.” SP (1 μg/side) increased carbachol-induced “boxing.” CRF (1–10 ng/side) decreased carbachol-induced “boxing.” One possible functional significance of the coexistence of SP, CRF, and acetylcholinesterase, in neurons projecting to the medial frontal cortex in rats, appears to be a modulatory potentiation of cholinergic response by SP, and a modulatory inhibition of the cholinergic response by CRF.
X-ray diffraction and computer simulation studies of the structure of [001] twist boundaries in Au-Ag alloys

Abstract A combined X-ray diffraction and Monte Carlo simulation study of the structure of Σ 13 [001] twist boundaries in gold-silver alloys, as a function of silver concentration is presented. Five alloy concentrations corresponding to 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 at.% silver are studied. For the 50% alloy, a large number of absolute grain boundary structure factors are measured, both in the plane of the grain boundary and normal to it. At the other compositions fewer structure factors are measured. However, their magnitudes are found to be useful in setting limits on the extent of interfacial segregation. Generally good agreement is found between all measurements and calculations. For the 50% alloy it is concluded that the alloying with silver produces only very slight boundary segregation and changes in the positions of the substitutional sites in the boundaries (relative to that in pure gold) and that the gold and silver atoms are distributed on these sites almost randomly. Detailed information on atomic vibrations and individual site occupation probabilities is presented.
Consumers’ Perception of Corporate Social Responsibility in the United States and China: A Study of Female Cosmetics Consumers

Using survey data from the U.S. and China, this cross-national study examines consumers' corporate social responsibility (CSR) perception from a cultural perspective. The results suggest that CSR is important in China, with Chinese consumers having revealed a higher level of perceived importance of CSR and expectations about CSR than respondents in the United States. The findings also show significant differences between the two countries with respect to purchase intentions. These results are discussed in terms of the role of cultural values in perceptions and behavior towards CSR. Theoretical and practical implications for global CSR strategies in communication are discussed.
Kinetic analysis of volatile formation in milk subjected to pressure-assisted thermal treatments

Volatile formation in milk subjected to pressure-assisted thermal processing (PATP) was investigated from a reaction kinetic analysis point of view to illustrate the advantages of this technology. The concentration of 27 volatiles of different chemical class in milk subjected to pressure, temperature, and time treatments was fitted to zero-, 1st-, and 2nd-order chemical reaction models. Temperature and pressure effects on rate constants were analyzed to obtain activation energy (Ea) and activation volume (� V *) values. Hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, and decanal followed 1st-order kinetics with rate constants characterized by Ea values decreasing with pressure reflecting negativeV * values. Formation of 2-methylpropanal, 2,3-butanedione, and hydrogen sulfide followed zero-order kinetics with rate constants increasing with temperature but with unclear pressure effects. Ea values for 2-methylpropanal and 2,3-butanedione increased with pressure, that is, � V * > 0, whereas values for hydrogen sul- fide remained constant, that is, � V * = 0. The concentration of all other volatiles, including methanethiol, remained unchanged in pressure-treated samples, suggesting large negativeV * values. The concentration of methyl ketones, including 2-pentanone, 2-hexanone, 2-heptanone, 2-octanone, 2-nonanone, 2-decanone, and 2-undecanone, was independent of pressure and pressure-holding time. PATP promoted the formation of few compounds, had no effect on some, and inhibited the formation of volatiles reported to be factors of the consumer rejection of "cooked" milk flavor. The kinetic behavior observed suggested that new reaction formation mechanisms were not likely involved in volatile formation in PATP milk. The application of the Le Chatelier principle frequently used to explain the high quality of pressure-treated foods, often with no supporting experimental evidence, was not necessary.
Lake Kivu: structure, chemistry and biology of an East African rift lake

Geophysical, geochemical and biological data are integrated to unravel the origin and evolution of an unusual rift lake. The northern basin of Lake Kivu contains about 0.5 km of sediments which overlie a basement believed to be crystalline rocks of Precambrian age. Volcanic rocks at the northern end of the lake have created large magnetic anomalies of up to 300γ. Heat flow varies from 0.4 to 4 hfu. The extreme variability may be due in part to sedimentation or recent changes in the temperature of the bottom water. Sharp boundaries in the vertical temperature and salinity structure of the water across the lake can best be explained as separate convecting layers. Such convecting cells are the result of the increase in both temperature and salinity with depth. Concentrations of the major dissolved gases in the deep water, CO2 and CH4, approach saturation but do not exceed it at any depth. The salts are supplied mainly by hydrothermal discharges at the bottom of the lake which we calculate to have a salinity of 4‰ which is about 60% higher than the salinity of the bottom water. The annual discharge at the present time is about 0.5 km3. Zinc anomalies in the water are explained by the accumulation of sphalerite-containing globules at certain depths. Stratigraphic correlation of sediments is possible across the entire lake, based on physical, geochemical and paleontological criteria. Sedimentation rates are of the order of 30 cm/1000 years implying a Pliocene age for the deepest part of the lake. Periods of hydrothermal activities and heightened volcanism, as recorded in the sediments, appear to have coincided with pluvial times. Enrichment of the surface waters of Lake Kivu by nutrients has led to explosive speciation in the diatom genusNitzschia. Several new types of methane oxidizing and-producing bacteria were isolated. Bacterial degradation of recent plankton appears insufficient to explain the amount of methane in the lake, and some of it is derived diagenetically.
Cognitive Slowing in Closed-Head Injury

Abstract Mean response times (RTs) from a sample of 13 simple- and choice-reaction time studies (which included 353 Closed-Head Injury (CHI) subjects at various stages of injury and 329 Control, non-CHI, subjects; mean age of both groups, approximately 28 years) were analyzed using Brinley Plot/multiple regression analysis techniques to provide support for the observation that CHI results in a slowing of basic cognitive information processing. Across 101 experimental conditions, the best-fit equation that resulted from regressing the CHI data onto the Control data for matched conditions was Y (CHI) = 1.54 X (Control) − 59, and this specific regression equation accounted for approximately 89% of the variance (based on R 2 ). These results suggest that the basic cognition processes involved in simple- and choice-reaction time performance were approximately 1.54 times slower in CHI individuals in this sample as compared to non-CHI individuals. This pattern of performance substantiates the observation the CHI results in a slowing of even very basic cognition information processes.
Equilibrium binding studies of zinc-glycine complexes to ion-exchange resins and clays☆

Abstract Uptake studies of trace amounts of zinc on ion-exchange resins and clays were performed at 15°C, pH 8·0, in the presence of 0·7 ionic strength mixed electrolytes and varying concentrations of glycine. The addition of glycine reduced the uptake of zinc on anion exchange resins in a manner predicted by the use of the stability constants of the zinc glycine system, indicating no uptake of the zinc-glycine complexes by these resins. The cationic exchange resin Dowex 50 and a series of clays had higher uptakes of zinc in the presence of glycine than the stability constants predicted. These results were partially explained by the assumption that the complex, zinc-glycine 1 + , is also taken up. Binding parameters for this complex and the clays were calculated. These parameters indicate that, for some clays, the binding of the monovalent zinc glycinate is almost as strong as that of the divalent zinc ion. This is in contrast to the binding of inorganic ions, where divalent ions bind far stronger than do monovalent ones and demonstrates the marked effect of the organic component on the binding of the complex. The stability constants of the zinc-glycine system, determined by a titration method, were log k 1 equals 4·98 and log k s equals 8·98(15°C, 0·7 M NaCl). The pKa of glycine under these conditions was found to be 9·86.
Treating Socially Phobic Youth with CBT: Differential Outcomes and Treatment Considerations

Social phobia (SP) is characterized by a fear of one or more social or performance situations.StudiesofcomorbidityinSPyouthfindanxietyandaffectivedisordersco-occurring. The present study examined children with primary SP and compared them to children with primary Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) prior to treatment and in response to treatment. The groups differed significantly on self- , parent- and teacher-rated pretreatment measures. Additionally, the two groups showed differential treatment outcomes. When the SP youth with comorbid Affective Disorder were excluded in treatment outcome analyses, there were non significant differences, indicating that comorbid affective disorders likely contributed to differential treatment outcome. Results are discussed in terms of treatment recommendations for socially phobic youth.
Proton Radiation as Boost Therapy for Localized Prostatic Carcinoma

A 160-MeV proton beam has been modified to irradiate patients with localized tumors by using conventional treatment schedules. This proton beam has the physical advantage over megavoltage x-rays of reducing the radiation dose to normal tissues adjacent to the tumor volume. A perineal proton technique used as boost therapy (2,000 to 2,500 rads) was evaluated in the definitive irradiation of 17 patients with localized prostatic carcinoma. This technique allows repeated daily treatment of the carefully defined target volume with a precision of ±2 mm. Total dose to the prostatic tumor, but not to the posterior rectum, has been increased by 500 to 700 rads. After 12 to 27 months of observation, no noteworthy rectal reaction has developed in a patient, easily managed urethral strictures have developed in two patients, and all but one are locally controlled. (JAMA241:1912-1915, 1979)
Comparisons of liver chromatin proteins and template activities in parental and heterotic rats during postweaned development.

Electrophoretic profiles of acid-extractable proteins from Holtzman rat liver chromatin display four minor and five major histone bands through certain stages of postweaned development but are qualitatively different from the chromatin protein profiles previously reported during postweaned development for the Fisher 344 rat strain and the F344 × Holtzman heterotic progeny [Tallman, G., et al. (1979). Biochem. Genet. 17:185]. The protein profiles from the heterotic progeny do not reflect and are not combinations of the profiles from the parental strains. Levels of in vitro transcription with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase of total chromatin and of acid-extracted chromatin from Holtzman rat liver tissue fluctuate in an age-specific manner during postweaned development and are higher than previously published levels determined for the Fisher and F344 × H strains during the same developmental period [Tallman, G., et al. (1978). J. Hered.69:282]. The degrees of stimulation in the transcription assays resulting from the acid treatment vary with the age of the animal but are similar for the maternal Holtzman and hybrid strains. These studies suggest that regulation of heterotic growth may involve dominant, or maternal genetic influences.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for convergence of temporally irregular evolutions

On considere une suite d'equations d'evolution u' n (t)=A n (t,u n (t)) et on montre que u n →u ∞ si et seulement si ∫A u (s,.)ds→∫A ∞ (s,.)ds dans un sens faible approprie
Social Network Profiles of Children in Early Elementary School Classrooms

This study characterized the social network roles and peer relationship features of early elementary school-age children from kindergarten to 2nd grade. Children were asked to identify who they liked and did not like to play with and peer groups who played together from their classroom. Consistent with the literature, we found similar patterns for outward friendship nominations and friendship reciprocity by group centrality status. However, the authors found more complex associations between children's gender, grade level, and centrality status on the number of received nominations, rejections, and total number of connections. These results shed light on the multifaceted nature of children's peer relationships at school.
The electrochemical study of the formation and decomposition of 2-halo-2-nitropropane anion radicals

Summary The initial reduction of 2-bromo- and 2-chloro-2-nitropropane in acetonitrile is a one-electron process which yields the corresponding anion radical. The anion radical is short-lived, however, and decomposes rapidly with loss of halide ion to form the 2-nitropropyl radical. In the presence of a hydrogen-atom donor, such as thiophenol, the 2-nitropropyl radical abstracts a hydrogen atom to form 2-nitro-propane in nearly quantitative yield. In the absence of either a hydrogen-atom or proton donor the 2-nitropropyl radical is reduced, either electrochemically or chemically, to 2-nitropropyl anion. The 2-nitropropyl anion then couples with 2-nitropropyl radical to give 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane anion radical, which immediately undergoes electron transfer with the 2-halo-2-nitropropane to form the stable product, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane, and the unstable 2-halo-2-nitro-propane anion radical. In the presence of proton donors, such as acetic acid and hydroquinone, protonation of the intermediate 2-nitropropyl anion precludes coupling of 2-nitropropyl anion and 2-nitropropyl radical. Thus, reduction of 2-halo-2-nitropropane in the presence of a proton donor is a two-electron process which produces 2-nitropropane as the product.
Detection of fundamental principles and a level of order for large-scale gene clustering on the Escherichia coli chromosome

The Escherichia coli K-12 genetic map was divided into intervals of equal length to count the number of genes per interval. Plots of genes per interval at four sets of interval lengths revealed large-scale clustering of genes with the major clusters occurring at regularly spaced distances apart. Major gene cluster properties were analyzed at a scale of 100 intervals wherein each interval corresponded to a genetic map unit length of 1 min. In any major gene cluster, the highest gene concentration was observed at or near the midpoint interval, and the number of genes per interval was found to decline exponentially as a function of the linear distance from the midpoint or interval of peak gene concentration of that cluster. An autocorrelation analysis of gene content in first-neighbor intervals throughout the chromosome revealed an ordered first-neighbor relationship in comparison to 2,000 randomized interval versions of the chromosome. Attempts to simulate gene placement by a Gaussian model did not produce large-scale gene clustering in any way comparable to that observed on the chromosome. We propose that major gene clusters formed from smaller gene clusters, and the contemporary chromosome formed from fusion of homologous or heterologous major gene clusters.