cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IgM antibody--I. Heterogeneity of the component chains of equine anti-lactose antibody.

Abstract The heterogeneity of the IgM response has been studied with anti-lactose antibody purified from the sera of seven horses. The IgM antibody was induced with a bacterial vaccine and the sera were obtained during a one-year period of immunization. L and H chain preparations were derived from separate bleedings of each horse and examined by analytical isoelectric focusing. All of the L chain preparations were complex and similar and, under optimum conditions, exhibited about 45 bands. Their similarity included almost identical concentration distributions over the entire pH gradient. Isoelectric bands due to J chains could also be identified at the acidic end of the gradient. The H chain preparations also showed very similar patterns which were limited to the relatively narrow pH range of 5.4–6.2. Only 10 distinct bands could be recognized. The striking similarity within the H chain populations and the L chain populations, including preparations from IgM without anti-lactose specificity, suggest that the isoelectric pattern is primarily due to the isoelectric distribution of the major subgroups of both μ and L chains. The implications of these findings for the notion that IgM is specified by structural genes acquired by inheritance is examined. It is pointed out that the system described here provides an experimental approach to this proposal.
Large versus Small Decisions: Long-Run

In this chapter we continue our exploration of decision making, but with a focus on decisions with long-run consequences. Again our concerns are with distinguishing large and small decisions and with links to the accounting library.
Color and Power Doppler Sonography in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer Comparison Between Vascular Density and Total Vascularity

Objective. Advances in color flow Doppler (CFD) and power Doppler imaging (PDI) have potential for prostate cancer diagnosis. Previous reports based on qualitative assessment suggest that hypervascularity increases likelihood of prostate cancer. Our objective was to compare 2 methods of vascularity assessment using PDI: total vascularity (TV) and vascular density (VD). The goal was to determine whether quantitative Doppler vascularity correlates with the likelihood of prostate cancer. Quantitative measurements were compared with subjective visual analysis of images. Methods. Ninety patients before biopsy had gray scale sonography, CFD, and PDI. Histologic analysis showed adenocarcinoma, prostate intraepithelial neoplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy/prostatitis, and benign findings. The CFD and PDI images were analyzed for vascularity by (1) integrating the number of blood vessels over an imaged area (TV) and (2) integrating the number of vessels over a unit area of tissue (VD). Images were also assessed visually. VD, TV, and visual assessment were compared with one another and histologic findings. Results. Mean volume was not different. In each pathologic group, vascularity extent measured by TV and VD ranged from low to high. Disease groups did not exhibit a substantial difference in vascularity by either quantitative or qualitative analyses. Regionally, central gland TV was not significantly more vascular than peripheral gland TV except in benign prostatic hypertrophy. However, peripheral gland VD was 2.5 times greater than central gland VD. Seventy-one percent of the 31 focal hypoechoic lesions were hypervascular. Only 23% were car
Predicting and analyzing cellular networks

High-throughput experimental technologies, along with computational predictions, have resulted in large-scale biological networks for numerous organisms. Global analyses of biological networks provide new opportunities for revealing protein functions and pathways, and for uncovering cellular organization principles. In my talk, I will discuss a number of approaches we have developed over the years for the complementary problems of predicting interactions and analyzing interaction networks. First, I will describe a genomic approach for uncovering high-confidence regulatory interactions, and show how it can be effectively combined with a framework for predicting regulatory interactions for proteins with known structural domains but unknown binding specificity. Next, I will describe algorithms for analyzing protein interaction networks in order to uncover protein function and functional modules, and demonstrate the importance of considering the topological structure of interaction networks in order to make high quality predictions. Finally, I will present a framework for explicitly incorporating known attributes of individual proteins into the analysis of biological networks, and utilize it to discover recurring network patterns underlying a range of biological processes.
Genetic Variation and Genetic Load Due to the Male Reproductive Component of Fitness in Drosophila

The genetic variation and genetic load due to virility, the male reproductive component of fitness, was measured in Drosophila melanogaster and D. pseudoobscura using males homozygous and heterozygous for the second chromosome of each species. Virility was determined in a female-choice, male mating competition experiment where both mating propensity and fertility were taken into account.—The mean virility of the homozygous D. melanogaster males relative to the heterozygous males was 0.50; the relative mean virility of the quasinormal homozygotes was 0.56. The mean virility of the homozygous D. pseudoobscura males relative to the heterozygous males was 0.70; the relative mean virility of the nonsterile homozygotes was 0.72, and of the quasinormal homozygotes, 0.68.—Depending on the species and chromosome sampled, fertile homozygous males had a mean virility 15 to 50% lower than the mean viability of individuals homozygous for a chromosome with quasinormal viability. The genetic load due to virility was also greater than that due to the female reproductive component. This higher level of hidden genetic variation (or genetic load) indicates that the results of Prout (1971a, b) and Bundgaard and Christiansen (1972), where the virility component of fitness dominated the dynamics of an artificial polymorphism, may be more general and that virility may dominate the dynamics of natural polymorphisms as well.
Interleukin-6 has differential influence on the ability of adjuvant formulations to potentiate antibody reponses to a Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage vaccine

The efficacy of vaccine adjuvants can be influenced by the immunological environment of the host, depending on the mechanism(s) by which they exert their immunopotentiating activities. Interleukin-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine that has a broad range of biological activities on immune and non-immune cells. We investigated the role of IL-6 on the ability of nine adjuvant formulations to induce antibody responses to the Plasmodium falciparum MSP1-19 malaria vaccine, using IL-6-/- (KO) mice. Results showed that some adjuvants, i.e. MPL-SE, CFA/IFA, ISA720/QS21/MPL, depended on IL-6 for their efficacy, while others exhibited increased potency in its absence. The efficacy of adjuvants in the IL-6 KO environment cannot be solely attributed to their ability to stimulate antigen-specific cellular responses, suggesting that other biological activities of IL-6 are also important. The results further suggest that two adjuvants utilized dissimilar pathways to potentiate the same type of immune response.
Estimating parameters of the triangular distribution using nonstandard information

The triangular distribution is commonly used in simulation projects to represent probabilistic processes in absence of detailed data. The distribution can take on a variety of shapes and requires three easy to estimate basic parameters -- minimum, maximum, and most likely. This paper considers two situations where different information is available than the three basic parameters. The paper provides means to use different information to estimate the remaining distribution parameters. The first situation commonly occurs in practice. For example, detail data may not be available, but the mean is known; thus, only two basic parameters need to be specified. The second situation occurs in research where controlled comparisons need to be made. For example, in order to understand the effect of variability on a system, means and general shape need to be held constant; thus, by fixing these two characteristics, only one of the basic parameters needs to be specified.
Computer graphics in civil engineering at RPI

Abstract The use of interactive computer graphics in civil engineering education at RPI is discussed. Emphasis is placed on how specific software packages are used in courses to increase a student's understanding of basic problem behavior and to reduce the effort required to generate meaningful problem inputs for computer solution.
A critical examination of the AICPA code of professional conduct

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is responsible for the Code of Professional Conduct that governs the actions of CPAs. In 1988, the Code was revised by the AICPA, but a number of issues still remain unresolved or confounded by the new Code. These issues are examined in light of the profession's stated commitment to the public good, a commitment that is discussed at length in the new Code.
Relative rates of nucleotide substitution in frogs.

Accurate estimation of relative mutation rates of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and single-copy nuclear DNA (scnDNA) within lineages contributes to a general understanding of molecular evolutionary processes and facilitates making demographic inferences from population genetic data. The rate of divergence at synonymous sites (Ks) may be used as a surrogate for mutation rate. Such data are available for few organisms and no amphibians. Relative to mammals and birds, amphibian mtDNA is thought to evolve slowly, and the Ks ratio of mtDNA to scnDNA would be expected to be low as well. Relative Ks was estimated from a mitochondrial gene, ND2, and a nuclear gene, c-myc, using both “approximate” and likelihood methods. Three lineages of congeneric frogs were studied and this ratio was found to be approximately 16, the highest of previously reported ratios. No evidence of a low Ks in the nuclear gene was found: c-myc codon usage was not biased, the Ks was double the intron divergence rate, and the absolute Ks was similar to estimates obtained here for other genes from other frog species. A high Ks in mitochondrial vs. nuclear genes was unexpected in light of previous reports of a slow rate of mtDNA evolution in amphibians. These results highlight the need for further investigation of the effects of life history on mutation rates.
Selective 4′-O-methylglycosylation of the pentahydroxy-flavonoid quercetin by Beauveria bassiana ATCC 7159

Biotransformation of the pentahydroxy-flavonoid natural product, quercetin, by Beauveria bassiana ATCC 7159 afforded a new derivative, quercetin-4'-O-methyl-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, in 87% isolated yield suggesting that glucosylation of the substrate occurred with high selectivity at C–7-OH out of the five hydroxyl groups. Most of the product was isolated from the mycelium and the filtrate of the culture medium did not show any catalytic activity. The mycelium is capable of performing this biotransformation when suspended in buffers of pH 2.1 and 7.2, suggesting that intracellular enzymes are involved and that they are active at a wide range of extracellular pH.
Cross ratios between Dalitz plot amplitudes in three-body D 0 decays

A recent study of ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}{K}^{+}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}_{S}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ describes a flavor-symmetric approach to calculate relative amplitudes and phases, for characteristic interferences between $D$ decays to a light pseudoscalar $P$ and a light vector $V$, on Dalitz plots for $D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}PPP$ decays. The flavor-symmetric approach used an earlier fit to $D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}PV$ decay rates and was found to agree fairly well with experiments for ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ but not as well for ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}{K}^{+}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}_{S}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. The present work extends this investigation to include ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$. We use an SU(3) flavor symmetry relationship between ratios of Cabibbo-favored (CF) $D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}PV$ amplitudes in ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ and ratios of singly-Cabibbo-suppressed (SCS) $D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}PV$ amplitudes in ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}{K}^{+}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. We observe that experimental values for Dalitz plot cross ratios obey this relationship up to discrepancies noted previously. The need for an updated Dalitz plot analysis of ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ is emphasized.
Docking of combinatorial peptide libraries into a broadly cross-reactive human IgM.

A monoclonal IgM cryoglobulin with diverse binding behavior was isolated from a patient (Mez) with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. It gave very high titers in the binding of combinatorially synthesized libraries of peptides ranging in size from two to eight residues. The crystal structure of Mez Fv revealed that the binding site was divided into two cavities of unequal volumes with dimensions and chemical properties that were compatible with the binding of peptides. Access to this unique combination of structural information and peptide binding data led us to carry out Mez-peptide docking simulations to gain insight into the Mez binding propensities. In the present article, the results for docking of five peptide libraries are combined with discussions of the methods and approximations involved in the docking process. We analyze the origins of peptide binding affinity for Mez IgM in terms of its cross-reactivity and its structural preferences. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abbreviations used: 3-D three-dimensional Ab antibody A absorbance C constant CDR complementarity-determining region CH constant domain of the heavy chain ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay Fv fragment variable H heavy HB hydrogen bond L light PDB Protein Data Bank V variable VH variable region of the heavy chain VL variable region of the light chain vdW van der Waals
The His Bundle Electrogram

The His bundle electrogram is discussed with respect to its rationale, methods for its recording and evaluation, findings with its use in the various forms of heart block and arrhythmias, its clinical value, and its limitations.
Crystal structure of botulinum neurotoxin type G light chain: serotype divergence in substrate recognition.

The seven serotypes (A–G) of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) block neurotransmitter release through their specific proteolysis of one of the three proteins of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex. BoNTs have stringent substrate specificities that are unique for metalloprotease in that they require exceptionally long substrates (1). In order to understand the molecular reasons for the unique specificities of the BoNTs, we determined the crystal structure of the catalytic light chain (LC) of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin type G (BoNT/G-LC) at 2.35 A resolution. The structure of BoNT/G-LC reveals a C-terminal β-sheet that is critical for LC oligomerization and is unlike that seen in the other LC structures. Its structural comparison with thermolysin and the available pool of LC structures reveals important serotype differences that are likely to be involved in substrate recognition of the P1’ residue. In addition, structural and sequence analysis have identified a potential exosite of BoNT/G-LC that recognizes a SNARE recognition motif of VAMP.
ON CURRENT-DENSITY ALGEBRAS, GRADIENT TERMS AND SATURATION: CONSERVED CURRENTS.

The equal time limit of commutator matrix elements of conserved currents is rigorously calculated by means of structures which follow from general principles of relativistic quantum field theory and current conservation. We prove: (a) In general derivatives of δ-functions occur (gradient terms). — (b) The proper (non-gradient) part of the equal time limit is exactly given by the divergence-free causal one particle structures constructed from those intermediate one particle states which have the same main quantum numbers (mass, total spin and total isospin) as one of the external states (saturation by two one particles states!). — (c) All the other intermediate discrete one particle states drop out completely and the continuous many particle states contribute at most to gradient terms. — (d) The gradient terms emerging from the remaining two discrete intermediate one particle states can be removed without any restrictions on the form factors. — (e) From current algebras of conserved currents in the form proposed and used in the literature one cannot deduce any predictions for form factors beyond the algebraic conditions for coupling constants which already follow from the algebra of the charges.
PTSD, comorbid depression, and the cortisol waking response in victims of intimate partner violence: preliminary evidence

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are two highly comorbid and debilitating disorders experienced by more than half of intimate partner violence victims (IPV). Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) abnormalities are common in both disorders, though the direction of abnormalities often differs. The present study examined the relationship between comorbid PTSD and MDD, and the (salivary) cortisol waking response in 104 recently abused IPV victims. Waking cortisol levels, area under the waking curve with respect to ground (AUCg), and AUC with respect to increase (AUCi) were examined to determine the relation of HPA dynamics to comorbidity for basal versus more dynamic measures. Prior to accounting for comorbidity, women with PTSD or MDD showed significantly greater AUCi than women without the respective disorder. Accounting for comorbidity, PTSD only did not differ from other groups, while MDD only and PTSD + MDD showed greater AUCi than women with neither disorder. Results were nonsignificant for waking cortisol levels or AUCg. Results suggest that MDD drives elevated waking cortisol response, but not basal cortisol activity in recently abused IPV victims. Results demonstrate the importance of examining comorbid diagnoses and HPA activity from a dynamic perspective. Therapeutic implications are discussed.
Linking Management Behavior to Ethical Philosophy

This study investigates current linkages between ethical theory and management behavior. The vignettes used in this investigation represent ethical dilemmas in the areas of coercion and control, conflict of interest, physical environment, and personal integrity. The results indicate that even with the heightened state of ethical awareness that has evolved in recent years the link between ethical philosophy and management behavior remains basically the same as it was in the mid 1980s. Specifically, practitioners still rely almost totally on the utilitarian ethical philosophy when making business decisions.
Deep‐focus sound: Citizen Kane and the radio aesthetic

(1994). Deep‐focus sound: Citizen Kane and the radio aesthetic. Quarterly Review of Film and Video: Vol. 15, No. 3, pp. 1-33.
Phosphate binders for control of phosphate retention in chronic renal failure

In patients with chronic renal insufficiency, phosphate retention is a major factor in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, and soft tissue calcification, and may contribute to progression of renal failure. Prevention of phosphate retention with dietary and pharmacological means, along with the administration of calcitriol, may prevent or reverse secondary hyperparathyroidism. With more-advanced renal failure, phosphate binders become necessary to maintain phosphate balance and to prevent hyperphosphatemia. Because of toxicity, aluminum-containing phosphate binders are no longer used. Currently, calcium-containing phosphate binders, such as calcium carbonate and calcium acetate, are the most widely prescribed. Although calcium salts eliminate the problems associated with aluminum toxicity, they often result in transient hypercalcemia, requiring discontinuation of calcitriol and the use of low-calcium dialysate. Several new non- aluminum- and non-calcium-containing phosphate binders are currently at various stages of development, and may provide an alternative to the currently used binders. It is unlikely, however, that the newer compounds will completely replace calcium salts, since mild hypercalcemia may be necessary in chronic renal failure patients to suppress parathyroid hormone production. Other areas of investigation must include the development of drugs to inhibit soft tissue and renal calcifications, and to enhance urinary phosphate excretion.
Nutrient-toxicant interactions in natural and constructed phytoplankton communities: results of experiments in semi-continuous and batch culture.

Natural communities and clonal cultures of phytoplankton derived from large lakes in Yellowstone National Park (WY, USA) were employed to explore the effects of interactions between resource availability and toxic metals (divalent Cu and Cd) on pelagic plant communities. Results of semi-continuous competition experiments demonstrated strong direct and interactive effects of resource availability and additions of toxic metals (25-150 nmol l(-1)) in both natural and laboratory constructed four-species communities. Both endpoint community composition and population dynamics of individual species elicited responses to interaction between limiting resources and toxic metals. N limited growth in low-density batch cultures was suppressed by addition of Cu and these effects were specific to both algal species and level of available nitrate. Measures of semi-continuous culture effluent pH and pCu demonstrated that high levels of productivity can allow phytoplankton to selectively alter bulk water chemistry in the presence of elevated levels of metals to counteract their toxic effects. Concentrations of both limiting nutrients and toxicants employed were within the range of field-measured levels, suggesting that these types of interactions may be commonplace in natural environments. As such, environmental assessments considering potential impacts of toxic agents should take into account the nutrient status of the aquatic environment, and the interactions among stressors as demonstrated here.
Two-needle modification of the Whitaker test.

L'auteur rapporte une modification du test de Whitaker (relation pression/perfusion) qui sert a evaluer les obstacles du haut appareil urinaire; lorsqu'il est pratique avec une seule aiguille on observe des variations parasites, genantes, surtout pour les valeurs limites. L'auteur decrit une variante pratiquee sur le patient sous anesthesie en decubitus ventral, au moyen de deux aiguilles, l'une reliee a un dispositif de perfusion, l'autre au manometre. Etude sur 22 enfants de 2 mois a 15 ans avec un seul echec lie a une extravasation de liquide
PGC-1-related Coactivator (PRC), a Sensor of Metabolic Stress, Orchestrates a Redox-sensitive Program of Inflammatory Gene Expression

PGC-1-related coactivator (PRC) is a growth-regulated transcriptional cofactor that activates many nuclear genes specifying mitochondrial respiratory function. Stable PRC silencing in U2OS cells results in a complex phenotype typical of mitochondrial dysfunction including abundant abnormal mitochondria, reduced respiratory subunit expression, diminished respiratory enzymes and ATP levels, and elevated lactate production. The PRC response to metabolic stress was investigated by subjecting cells to metabolic insults including treatment with the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), expression of a dominant negative allele of nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1), and glucose deprivation. These treatments led to constitutively elevated PRC protein levels, a departure from its normal transient expression upon the initiation of cell growth. A microarray screen identified 45 genes that require PRC for their induction by CCCP. A subset of these genes specific to inflammation and cell stress was also induced by dominant negative NRF-1 and by glucose deprivation, suggesting that diverse metabolic insults converge on the same PRC-dependent inflammatory program. The PRC-dependent inflammatory response was inhibited by N-acetylcysteine, suggesting that PRC may contribute to the inflammatory microenvironment linked to oxidant signaling. The induction of this PRC-dependent program may be an early event in adaptations linked to cancer and degenerative diseases.
Hardware prototype to emulate the dynamics of power system generators with field programmable analog arrays

This paper is an extension of the authors' previous works in the area of field programmable analog arrays (FPAA). It presents the design, construction, and testing of an FPAA-based hardware prototype to emulate the dynamic behavior of a basic power system generator. The programmable nature of the FPAA is key — significantly reducing the effort and time required to develop a working prototype and VLSI design.
Relationship between powder surface characteristics and viscoelastic properties of powder-filled semisolids

The viscoelastic properties of dispersions of powdered zinc oxide in anhydrous lanolin and colloidal sulfur in anhydrous lanolin were characterized by dynamic mechanical testing. The elastic shear modulus, G', viscous shear modulus, G", and loss tangent (damping), tan delta, were determined as a function of shear frequency, v, temperature, T, and volume fraction of powder, phi 2. A priori, it might be expected that zinc oxide and colloidal sulfur would elicit different viscoelastic properties due to their contrasting surface characteristics; zinc oxide has a hydrophilic surface and colloidal sulfur has a hydrophobic surface. Even though constitutive mathematical models, derived to predict the mechanical behavior of solid-filled polymeric materials, were not designed to account for differences in surface characteristics of the filler, the findings of these experiments show that these models are useful in explaining the differences in viscoelastic behavior of powder-filled semisolids due to surface characteristics of the filler. One model of particular value was the Kerner equation. With it, mechanisms were postulated for zinc oxide-zinc oxide interactions, sulfur-sulfur interactions, zinc oxide-anhydrous lanolin interactions, and sulfur-anhydrous lanolin interactions, within dispersions as a function of nu, T, and phi 2. In addition, damping was used to further identify the influence of temperature. Data obtained from three temperatures, where anhydrous lanolin exists in three different structural states, shows that the influence of the powder on damping is not only determined by the surface characteristics of the powder but also the structural state of anhydrous lanolin.
Characteristics of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Children with Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct

Objective/Hypothesis: To explore the characteristics of vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) in children with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) and to determine the diagnostic value of VEMP testing for this particular inner ear structural anomaly. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study in a pediatric tertiary care facility. Methods: A total of 25 pediatric cases (37 ears) of EVA were identified with complete records, including otologic evaluation, CT scan of the temporal bone, and audiologic assessment. Results of audiometry, tympanometry, and VEMP testing were analyzed. Results: Hearing loss was found in 97% (36/37) of the ears with EVA. Airbone gaps (conductive components) were found in all hearing losses with normal middle ear pressure and mobility. Abnormally low threshold VEMP responses were found in 92% (34/37) of the ears with EVA. VEMP responses were absent unilaterally in three EVA patients who had vestibular complaints. No clear correlation was found between the size of EVA and the audiologic findings. Conclusions: The presence of airbone gaps in children with EVA was found without apparent middle ear pathology. Characteristics of VEMP in EVA were lower thresholds and higher amplitudes despite of the presence of airbone gaps. The abnormally low threshold VEMP responses suggested a “third” window effect in the pathologic condition of EVA. Unilateral absence of VEMP may implicate peripheral vestibular impairment. The findings from our study are helpful in clinical evaluation of young children who usually give limited and ambiguous input regarding their hearing and vestibular problems. Laryngoscope, 2011
Kassinatuerin-1: a peptide with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity isolated from the skin of the hyperoliid frog, Kassina senegalensis.

Abstract Kassinatuerin-1 (GFMKYIGPLI 10 PHAVKAISDL 20 I.NH 2 ) was isolated in high yield (75 nmol/g) from an extract of the skin of a Hyperoliid frog, the African running frog Kassina senegalensis and its sequence was confirmed by total synthesis. The peptide inhibited growth of the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC = 4 μM), the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 8 μM), and the yeast Candida albicans (MIC = 70 μM). A structurally related peptide, kassinatuerin-2 (FIQYLAPLI 10 PHAVKAISDL 20 I.NH 2 ) was also isolated in high yield (96 nmol/g) from the extract but was devoid of antimicrobial activity against these microrganisms. Kassinatuerin-1 may be classified with other linear, cationic antimicrobial peptides that can potentially adopt an amphipathic α-helical conformation but it contains almost no amino acid sequence identity with previously characterized bioactive peptides from frog skin.
Abstract B23: Notch‐induced Hrb suppresses apoptosis in bone marrow stem cells

Notch is activated by somatic mutation in more than 50% of cases of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (T‐ALL). Exuberant notch signaling drives several oncogenic phenotypes, including enhanced proliferation, improved survival, and impaired differentiation. Inhibition of Notch is likely to yield improved treatment strategies for this disease and certain other malignancies, as well. However, because global inhibition of Notch may have intolerable toxicities, efforts are underway to identify the key downstream mediators of its neoplastic effects. We find that the clathrin‐mediated receptor uptake adapter Hrb (HIV‐rev binding protein) is a downstream target of Notch1. Hrb protein was induced to high levels by retroviral‐mediated expression of constitutively active Notch (ICN1) in bone marrow stem cells and T cell precursors in vitro. To explore a potential role for Hrb downstream of Notch, we have examined the effects of ICN1 on bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPCs) from Hrb‐deficient mice. Wild type BMPCs transduced with ICN1 grew to higher density in culture than did Hrbdeficient cells. There was no difference in distribution in cell cycle phases, and proliferative rates appeared to be the same. However, we found a significant increase in apoptosis in Hrb‐deficient BMPCs in comparison to cells from littermate control mice. This increase in apoptosis could be reversed by reexpression of Hrb in the mutant cells, thus verifying that Hrb provides an enhanced survival signal to ICN1‐expressing bone marrow cells. Potential downstream mediators of this survival signaling cascade are currently being identified. Because resistance to apoptosis is a key feature of leukemic cells, we hypothesize that the pro‐survival effect of Hrb provides a portion of the oncogenic properties of Notch. Thus, because Hrb‐knockout mice have no evident phenotype, other than male sterility, Hrb may be a useful molecular target for therapy of Notch‐dependent malignancies, such as T‐ALL. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):B23.
The dynamics of uncertainty: application to parameterization constants in climate models

Climate models, ranging from statistical-dynamical to the explicit-dynamical, contain a range of uncertainties related to the parameterization constants associated with the various forcing terms used therein. Quantifying the impacts of such uncertainties has heretofore received little attention. The impact of this aspect of the dynamics of uncertainty was revealed in a series of dynamical systems of increasing complexity. The inevitability of climate drift was discussed, with one aspect being revealed as the non-Gaussian nature of most forcing terms. For those dynamical systems which are chaotic in nature, it was shown how stochastic dynamic equations can be used to describe the uncertainty, even with uncertainty in the critical forcing terms. The possibility of climate transitions driven by stochastic forcing occurring on much faster time scales (i.e., weather disturbances) has been shown by numerous authors. The caution shown here is that even very small uncertainty in a forcing term occurring on the slow climate time scales can lead to such transitions more easily. Conversely, a deterministic parameterization on the slowly varying time scale may be just slightly incorrect in a particular model formulation and lead to the wrong climatic state. In view of such concerns, the framework for attacking the difficult nonlinear problem of uncertain parameterization constants in complex GCMs is outlined.
The Research of Livestock Carrying Capacity of Rangeland Ecosystem in HulunBuir

Due to population pressure and over-grazing, ecological degradation of the rangeland in HulunBuir becomes more and more serious in past decades. To balance pasture grazing activities and ecosystem sustainability, monitoring grass productivity of the rangelands and livestock carrying capacity are very necessary. Grassland yield is the basis of developing livestock, net primary production (NPP) is an important parameters in determining carrying capacity. Using MODIS remote sensing data, we estimated the NPP of grassland ecosystem of HulunBuir in 2006. The total NPP of grassland ecosystem in HulunBuir was 2.9×1013 gC/a in 2006, with an average of 261.01gC/m2•a. Then we based on the estimated NPP to calculate the optimal carrying capacity which was 765.41 ten thousands sheep units. The actual carrying capacity was 1838.45 ten thousands sheep units, total overloading was 1073.04 ten thousands sheep units. The serious regions of overloading were Arong Banner with 325.45 ten thousands sheep units, Zlantun City with 270.72 ten thousands sheep units, Molidawadahanr Autonomous Banner with 254.71 ten thousands sheep units. The carrying capacity of Oroqin Autonomous Banner, Genhe City and Erguna City were scarcity, there were great potential to excavate in livestock.
Immunochemical quantitation of human submandibular-sublingual lysozyme

Abstract A method for quantitating lysozyme by using carbamylated antiserum (commercially available) to human lysozyme in a electroimmunodiffusion technique has been developed. The method measures specific protein not lytic activity as the lyso-plate method does. We have applied this method to tears, parotid saliva, submandibular-sublingual saliva, nasal secretions, serum, and minor salivary gland secretions. We specifically selected submandibular-sublingual saliva for a comparison test with the lyso-plate method because of the known mucin content of the submandibular-sublingual saliva. Our findings indicate that no pretreatment is necessary for the electroimmunodiffusion technique. The lysoplate method, on the other hand, requires pretreatment with Tris-acetate pH 4.5 to dissociate the mucin-lysozyme complex and give accurate values.
Relative roles of luminance and fixation in inducing dissociated vertical divergence.

Purpose We evaluated the roles of luminance and fixation in the pathophysiology of dissociated vertical divergence (DVD). Methods Vertical eye position was measured in 6 subjects with DVD (ages 11-47 years, 5 females) and 6 controls (ages 16-40 years, 5 females) using video-oculography (VOG) under conditions of change in fixation and luminance. Results Subjects with DVD showed the following VOG responses. When fixation was precluded with a translucent filter and bright light was shone into one eye to produce a marked binocular luminance disparity, we found some subjects had a small induced vertical divergence causing the illuminated eye to be lower than the nonilluminated eye (mean -1.6° ± 1.5°, P = 0.06 compared to no vertical divergence using the signed rank test). When fixation was precluded with a translucent filter, while alternate occlusion produced a mild binocular luminance disparity, we found a smaller vertical divergence of the eyes that was not statistically significant (1.2° ± 2.1°, P = 0.3). When alternate occlusion produced reversal of monocular fixation in the dark (with essentially no change in peripheral luminance disparity), there was a significant vertical divergence movement causing the covered eye to be relatively higher than the uncovered eye (7.2° ± 3.1°, P = 0.03). The amplitude of this vertical divergence was similar to that measured under conditions of alternate occlusion in a lighted room (where there also was a significant average relative upward movement of the covered eye of 8.1° ± 2.9°, P = 0.03). Control subjects showed no vertical divergence under any testing conditions. Conclusions Dissociated vertical divergence is mediated primarily by changes in fixation and only to a minor degree by binocular luminance disparity.
Silica-Catalyzed tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide Oxidation of Dibenzothiophene and Its 4,6-Dimethyl Derivative: A Route to Low-Sulfur Petroleum Feedstocks

Silica catalyzes the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP, t-BuOOH) oxidation of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-Me2DBT) to their oxides at 50−90 °C. Sulfur concentrations in simulated hydrotreated petroleum feedstock solutions containing 374 ppm of sulfur as DBT or 4,6-Me2DBT can be reduced to 1 ppm within 40 min at 90 °C. As an inexpensive, stable, and recyclable catalyst, silica has several advantages over other catalysts for the oxidation of DBTs to their easily separated oxides as a means of achieving low sulfur levels in petroleum feedstocks.
Comparisons of body composition derived from anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance methods.

This study compared bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements with current bedside techniques for determination of body composition in 18 normal volunteers to evaluate the relative usefulness of these methods as adjuncts to assessment in surgical nutrition. Anthropometrics (weight, height, and two skinfold thicknesses) and age and sex were used to derive body density (D) or total body water (TBW) by two methods. Method 1: D was calculated from the logarithm of skinfold thickness according to Durnin and Womersley, adapted for age and sex. Method 2: TBW was calculated from height, weight, and sex according to Hume and Weyers. Resistance and reactance were measured with a four terminal impedance plethysmograph; from these data plus height, weight, and sex, lean body mass (LBM) was derived. In each instance, Siri's and Pace and Rathburn's equations were used to derive the remaining parameters of body composition: D, total body fat (TBF), TBW, and LBM. Using the paired t-test, no statistically signif...
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Two Tense Measures for Identifying 3-Year-Olds With Language Impairment

Purpose The authors of this study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the Finite Verb Morphology Composite (FVMC; Bedore & Leonard, 1998) and the Tense and Agreement Productivity Score (TAPS; Hadley & Short, 2005) in identifying 3-year-olds with language impairment (LI). Method Eighteen pairs of 3-year-olds with and without LI participated in the current study. The FVMC and the TAPS were computed from 100- and 50-utterance language samples. Results The FVMC and TAPS demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy in the 100-utterance samples than in the 50-utterance samples. For 100-utterance samples, when children's age or severity was not considered, the FVMC showed a slight advantage over the TAPS in diagnostic accuracy. However, when children's age or severity was considered, the opposite pattern was observed. Conclusion Both the FVMC and TAPS can be used to differentiate 3-year-olds with and without LI. To reliably identify 3-year-olds with LI by using tense measures, language samples with at least 100 u...
Ellipsometric study on the surface of In0.7Ga0.3AsxP1−x thin films exposed to air

Abstract The thickness and the refractive index of the surface layer that grows naturally on In 0.7 Ga 0.3 As x P 1− x ( x =0.62 and 1.0) thin films exposed to clean room air was measured. Measurements were performed by phase-modulated spectroscopic ellipsometry as a function of time in the range of 100 min–10 months and also as a function of energy. For higher accuracy the dielectric function of as-grown In 0.7 Ga 0.3 As x P 1− x thin films which was measured in-house in a nitrogen atmosphere was used in data analysis. Within the time range of the experiment the thickness of the surface layer was not saturated. It first increased logarithmically with its knee at approximately 1 week after exposure to air, and then increased linearly. The refractive index stayed similar to that of the native oxide on GaAs up to approximately 6 months and decreased thereafter. A model in which the surface layer consists of an In 0.7 Ga 0.3 As 0.62 P 0.38 oxide layer and an overlying layer of lower refractive index explains the results.
Electrocatalyst surfaces modelled by ion implantation

A critical parameter in the evaluation of the activity of different catalysts toward one reaction is the estimate of the active sites concentration at the electrode surface. A preparation scheme of models of the dimensionally stable anodes (DSA) is presented which comprises ion-implantation of Ru (Ir) into titanium followed by electrochemical oxidation of the near-surface alloys. Results pertinent to DSA like anodes include the determination of the mechanisms of the Cl2 evolution reaction and the specific catalytic activities of Ru and Ir.
Validation of Symptom-Based Diagnostic Criteria for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Critical Review

Validation of Symptom-Based Diagnostic Criteria for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Critical Review
A model for inorganic control of phosphate concentrations in river waters

Abstract Presented is a thermodynamic model based on the supposition that phosphate concentrations in major rivers are controlled through equilibration with a solid-solution of amorphous ferric phosphate in amorphous ferric hydroxide. A series of laboratory based dialysis experiments were performed involving the manipulation of ortho-phosphate, hydrogen ion, and amorphous solid Fe/P ratios in samples consisting of model solutions and river water samples. Data from three different model solution preparation and six different rivers, once equilibrated, provide a good fit to model equations, satisfy the molar Fe/P and P/H ratio requirements, and provide an independent estimate of the solubility product of colloidal ferric phosphate which equalss the mean solubility product previously reported. In addition, all dissolved ferric iron is near saturation with respect to colloidal ferric hydroxide.
METHOD FOR PRECISION CALIBRATION OF ROTARY SCALE ERRORS AND PRECISION DETERMINATION OF GEAR TOOTH INDEX ERRORS

Abstract A method using the ‘closure principle’ is developed for precision calibration of rotary scale errors of gear measurement machines and precision calibration of gear tooth index errors (accumulated tooth-spacing errors) after ‘removal’ of rotary scale errors. The method uses the standard machine procedure for measuring gear tooth index errors applied to a spur gear artifact mounted between machine centers. Therefore, the rotary scale calibrations include consistent effects arising from eccentricities of machine gear-mounting centers and scale-mounting center relative to the instantaneous axis of table rotation, wobble of the instantaneous axis of table rotation, as well as scale graduation errors, etc. Gear-artifact index errors are referenced to the axis connecting the mounting centers located on the gear. Successful implementation of the method does not require super precision of the gear artifact. A method for obtaining approximate uncertainties (standard deviations) of both scale and index error calibrations is developed that utilises the same measurement data required for the scale and index error calibrations. The developed methods are illustrated by applications to scale and index error calibrations obtained from multiple sets of measurements. Typical standard deviations achieved are under 0.05 μm (1/10th of the wavelength of light). Good consistency is achieved between predicted and measured results. The general methods developed should be useful for other types of rotary axis calibrations.
Oxidation of sulphide in kraft black liquor and green liquor by residual oxygen in flue gas during precarbonation

Kraft black liquor/green liquor was continuously recirculated in a column (diameter 100 mm, height 450 mm) packed with 16-mm polypropylene Pall rings countercurrent to a gas stream containing N2 and O2 (O2–3.7%). The concentration of sulphide in the green liquor was not affected by oxygen in the gas; the latter, however, completely oxidised the sulphide in kraft black liquor over an 8 h recirculation period.
Inappropriate Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Shocks Secondary to Sensing Lead Failure: Utility of Stored Electrograms

The Ventritex Cadence is a fourth generation implantable cardioverter defibrillator that provides for retrieval of stored electrograms related to therapy. In two patients, this feature enabled us to troubleshoot sensing lead problems, in one instance before it became clinically apparent. This may be an important consideration in selecting an appropriate device.
The Lack of Power or the Power of Lack in Leadership as a Discursively Constructed Identity

The study uses a psychoanalytic framework to explore how leadership identities are constructed. It advances the idea that leadership identities are imaginary constructions that invariable fail, reiterating a lack of being. Empirical material consisting of interviews with 15 leaders is used to explore the productive role this lack plays. The study suggests that leadership identities are always already subverted by unconscious desire and therefore less powerful than we might think with regard to imposing structures on others, but also much more powerful than we might think as liberating struggles with leaders’ imaginary selves.
Centralization and Its Discontents

(1979). Centralization and Its Discontents. The Review of Education: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 311-319.