cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitation of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in human plasma by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has long had a place in the treatment of many malignancies. 5-FU plasma concentrations have been correlated with toxicity and efficacy, and therapeutic drug monitoring has been reported to result in an improved response/toxicity balance. We report validation, according to FDA guidelines, of a hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) assay for the sensitive, accurate and precise quantitation of 5-FU in human plasma. The assay employed an isotopically labeled 5-FU internal standard and ethyl acetate extraction. Separation was achieved with an amino column and an isocratic mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile/water (97:3, v/v), followed by a wash. Detection consisted of electrospray, negative-mode ionization tandem mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The accuracy was 96.0-102.2%, and precision was 2.1-7.5% in the concentration range of 10-10 000 ng/mL. Recovery from plasma was 46.0-72.6%, and ion suppression was 9.8-25.7%. Plasma freeze/thaw stability was 87.5-104.3%, and stability for 4 h at room temperature was 98.7-100.0%. This assay is currently being used to quantitate 5-FU in human plasma samples.
Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes

Abstract Purpose Chronic kidney disease has been linked to high mortality rates in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction but has not been well described for patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. We examined the treatment and outcomes of patients with both non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes and moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. Subjects and Methods We evaluated 45343 patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes enrolled in the CRUSADE Quality Improvement Initiative and compared treatments and outcomes in patients with and without moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. Results Patients presenting with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (n = 6560) were older, more often diabetic, and more likely to present with signs of congestive heart failure. Adherence to Class IA/IB guidelines recommendations was lower in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease, who were significantly less likely to be treated with medications, undergo invasive cardiac procedures, and be given discharge counseling. Moderate to severe chronic kidney disease was associated with a 50% increased risk of mortality and a 70% increased likelihood of transfusion. Despite having a higher risk of adverse outcomes, patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease were treated less aggressively than patients with normal renal function. Conclusions These findings suggest that, in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease, safety concerns about adverse outcomes and the absence of trial data for this population may limit the use of guidelines-recommended therapies and interventions for non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. The decreased use of discharge counseling in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease and non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes may represent therapeutic nihilism.
A simple least squares method for estimating a change in mean

A simple least squares method for estimating a change in mean of a sequence of independent random variables is studied. The method first tests for a change in mean based on the regression principle of constrained and unconstrained sums of squares. Conditionally on a decision by this test that a change has occurred, least squares estimates are used to estimate the change point, the initial mean level (prior to the change point) and the change itself. The estimates of the initial level and change are functions of the change point estimate. All estimates are shown to be consistent, and those for the initial level and change are shown to be asymptotically jointly normal. The method performs well for moderately large shifts (one standard deviation or more), but the estimates of the initial level and change are biased in a predictable way for small shifts. The large sample theory is helpful in understanding this problem. The asymptotic distribution of the change point estimator is obtained for local shifts in m...
Inaccuracies in Determination of Acidity of Raw Rubber by Water Extraction

Abstract From the results obtained it is concluded that the boiling water hydrolyzes some of the esters in the acetone extract. In the case of direct extraction of the rubber with water, hydrolysis of esters must take place in the rubber, forming water-soluble acids; or else, although the esters are practically insoluble in the water, it extracts a little ester each time the extraction thimble empties (Bailey-Walker apparatus), carrying the ester down to be hydrolyzed in the boiling water below. Temperature and time of heating play a prominent part. The temperature must be close to the boiling point and the acidity increases progressively with time of heating. The fact that temperature is so important in producing this effect accounts for the erratic values obtained by direct water extraction. On the electric hot plates used water did not always boil steadily, and that contained in the thimble might vary considerably in temperature, much of the time not being hot enough to hydrolyze or extract any ester. ...
Adrenergic Stimulation Regulates Na+/Ca2+Exchanger Expression in Rat Cardiac Myocytes

K. L. Golden, Q. I. Fan, B. Chen, J. Ren, J. O»Connor and J. D. Marsh. Adrenergic Stimulation Regulates Na+/Ca2+Exchanger Expression in Rat Cardiac Myocytes. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2000) 32, 611–620. The Na/Ca exchanger protein encoded by the NCX1 gene provides the predominant mechanism for calcium efflux during cardiac relaxation. Because β -adrenergic stimulation increases expression of Ca2+channels (Ca2+influx) in cardiac myocytes, we tested the hypothesis that isoproterenol would concomitantly augment expression of NCX1. Four hour treatment of neonatal myocytes with isoproterenol significantly increased NCX1 gene and protein expression, and increased the rate of transcript initiation. Alpha-adrenergic stimulation significantly decreases NCX1 mRNA levels. Calcium transient measurements revealed that for cells that had been pretreated with isoproterenol there was a faster relaxation rate of the Ca2+transient in the presence of thapsigargin, indicating an enhanced rate of intracellular Ca2+removal. We conclude that effectors that increase calcium channel expression in neonatal myocytes also augments NCX1 gene and protein expression over a similar time course, and that this is due to enhanced NCX1 transcription. The regulation of expression of NCX1 by adrenergic pathways may play an important role in regulation of excitation–contraction coupling in cardiac myocytes.
Microheterogeneity of the mammalian high-mobility group proteins 14 and 17 investigated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Microheterogeneity within the high mobility group (HMG)-1 and HMG-2 groups of nonhistone chromatin proteins has been investigated using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) under conditions (acetonitrile elution with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as the counter ion) which separate proteins primarily on the basis of differences in their overall hydrophobicity. RP-HPLC proved to be a fast and efficient means for separating multiple subspecies of both the HMG-1 and HMG-2 proteins from both crude nuclear extracts and from ion-exchange column "purified" protein samples obtained from different types of mammalian cell nuclei. In crude nuclear extracts at least eight different HMG-2 protein species (two major and six minor), but only one major HMG-1 species, could be resolved by RP-HPLC. Three of the minor HMG-2 protein species could be isolated in "pure" form from crude extracts in one RP-HPLC step whereas under the same conditions the two major HMG-2 peaks (as well as the other minor species) were contaminated with either HMG-1 or HMG-3 (a degradation product of HMG-1). In crude extracts the major HMG-1 fraction always seems to be contaminated with one of the HMG-2 subfractions. RP-HPLC analysis of apparently "pure" protein preparations isolated by ion-exchange chromatography techniques revealed that "pure" HMG-1 can be resolved into at least three different protein species and "pure" HMG-2 into at least four different species. Amino acid analyses of different resolvable forms of the HMG proteins were not inconsistent with the suggestion that at least some of these may be primary sequence variants of the individual proteins, but other possibilities also exist.
Enzyme-Friendly, Mass Spectrometry-Compatible Surfactant for In-Solution Enzymatic Digestion of Proteins

Improved in-solution tryptic digestion of proteins in terms of speed and peptide coverage was achieved with the aid of a novel acid-labile anionic surfactant (ALS). Unlike SDS, ALS solubilizes proteins without inhibiting trypsin or other common endopeptidases activity. Trypsin activity was evaluated in the presence of various denaturants; little or no decrease in proteolytic activity was observed in 0.1-1% ALS solutions (w/v). Sample preparation prior to mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography analysis consists of sample acidification. ALS degrades rapidly at low-pH conditions, which eliminates surfactant-caused interference with analysis. Described methodology combines the advantages of protein solubilization, rapid digestion, high peptide coverages, and easy sample preparation for mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography analyses.
Construction and function of chimeric β subunits containing regions from the β subunits of the F1F0 ATPases of Escherichia coli and Bacillus megaterium

The highly conserved beta subunit of the Escherichia coli F1F0 ATPase was divided into three sections, each of which was exchanged with the homologous section of the beta subunit of the obligate aerobe Bacillus megaterium. Plasmids coding for the resultant six chimeric beta subunits varied in their abilities to complement two E. coli beta mutants as measured by testing transformed cells for aerobic growth on a nonfermentable carbon source or anaerobic growth on rich medium containing glucose. Two chimeras were able to restore both growth on succinate and anaerobic growth on rich medium. The genetic results corresponded to increased levels of membrane-bound ATPase and ATP synthase activities. These chimeric subunits were therefore capable of being assembled into functional E. coli ATPase complexes. The results indicate that chimeric beta subunits can be used to analyze assembly of the beta subunit and that the final 181 amino acids of the beta subunit might contain a region involved in functional energy coupling.
A 4mm spectroscopic dual-beam receiver for the Robert C. Byrd green bank radio telescope

With a 100-meter aperture, and recent improvements to its surface accuracy and servo system upgrades, the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope is the most sensitive telescope operating at 90 GHz. A dual-feed heterodyne receiver is developed for observations at the lower frequency end of the 3-4mm atmospheric window (67 to 93 GHz). The science goals are primarily molecular spectroscopic studies of star formation and astrochemistry both internal and external to the Milky Way galaxy. Studies of the structural and physical properties of star-forming, cold-cloud cores will be revolutionized with molecular spectroscopy of the deuterium and other important species within the band. Essential for spectroscopy is the ability to remove slow gain and atmospheric variations. An optical table external to the cooled components rotates into the path of either beam an ambient temperature load, an offset mirror for viewing an internal cold load, or a quarter-wave plate that produces circular polarization for VLBI observations. A composite waveguide window comprised of HDPE, Zitex, and z-cut quartz provides a high-strength, low-loss medium for transmission of the signal to the cooled corrugated feed horn. An orthomode transducer separates the polarization components which are amplified by low noise HEMT amplifiers. Warm W-band MMIC amplifiers are required to compensate a negative gain slope and to reduce noise contributions from the down conversion to the GBT IF frequencies. Initial science results and receiver performance during commissioning observations will be presented along with details of the component design.
Specifications for computer-aided conceptual building design

Abstract The relative absence of computer support in conceptual building design deprives designers of advanced capabilities for the manipulation, organization and representation of design data. Such capabilities would be highly beneficial to the design process, particularly when designers from different specialties must work together to provide the best possible design solution. We look into how designers work during conceptual design with particular attention on how information is manipulated and organized. We then draw specifications for the creation of a computer tool to support such an early design stage.
Joint Extraction of Entities and Relations for Opinion Recognition

We present an approach for the joint extraction of entities and relations in the context of opinion recognition and analysis. We identify two types of opinion-related entities --- expressions of opinions and sources of opinions --- along with the linking relation that exists between them. Inspired by Roth and Yih (2004), we employ an integer linear programming approach to solve the joint opinion recognition task, and show that global, constraint-based inference can significantly boost the performance of both relation extraction and the extraction of opinion-related entities. Performance further improves when a semantic role labeling system is incorporated. The resulting system achieves F-measures of 79 and 69 for entity and relation extraction, respectively, improving substantially over prior results in the area.
Mice left out in the cold: commentary on the phenotype of TRPM8-nulls.

Detection of innocuous temperatures allows an organism to select an appropriate environmental climate, while the ability to recognize noxious temperature extremes warns of impending tissue damage. For temperatures considered cold, the menthol receptor TRPM8 is activated when temperatures drop below ~26°C, thus making it an intriguing candidate as the molecular mediator of cold perception. However, confirmation of this hypothesis in vivo has eluded researchers until recently. Three independent research groups have reported that mice lacking this single gene are severely impaired in their ability to detect cold temperatures. Remarkably, these animals are deficient in many diverse aspects of cold signaling, including cool and noxious cold perception, injury-evoked sensitization to cold, and cooling-induced analgesia. These animals provide a great deal of insight into the molecular signaling pathways that participate in the detection of cold and painful stimuli.
Neurophysiologic testing in chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a pilot study.

Abstract Objectives. Studies of male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) have generally centered on the pathologic features of the prostate rather than on the neurology of pain. Electrodiagnostic studies examine the integrity of somatosensory nerve pathways consisting of large, group A fibers. Heat sensation and visceral (autonomic) pain is mediated through small, unmyelinated C fibers, which can be tested cutaneously by thermal sensory analysis. We hypothesized that CPPS pain is mediated by these small C fibers. Methods. All subjects and controls had no history of neurologic disease and had normal neurologic examinations. Phase I: 14 patients with CPPS underwent electrodiagnostic testing using pudendal somatosensory evoked potentials and bulbocavernosus reflex latency measurements. Phase II: 31 patients with CPPS and 14 controls underwent thermal sensory analysis testing on the perineum and anterior thigh using noxious heat stimuli. Subjects used a computer-generated visual analog scale to dynamically report their discomfort. The peak and slope of the computer-generated visual analog scale were analyzed. Results. Phase I: two patients had delayed latency of the somatosensory evoked potentials, but additional evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging revealed no definable lesion. Phase II: with thermal sensory analysis, men with CPPS reported higher intensity pain at lower temperatures (P = 0.03). Men with CPPS also had higher peak computer-generated visual analog scale scores on perineal testing. No difference in thermal testing on the anterior thigh was found between the two groups. Conclusions. Large, myelinated somatic fibers do not play a significant role in the pathophysiology of CPPS. Patients with CPPS have an altered sensation of perineal pain elicited by heat, which may represent a C-fiber-mediated effect.
Graphics processing unit accelerated non-uniform fast Fourier transform for ultrahigh-speed, real-time Fourier-domain OCT

We implemented fast Gaussian gridding (FGG)-based non-uniform fast Fourier transform (NUFFT) on the graphics processing unit (GPU) architecture for ultrahigh-speed, real-time Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT). The Vandermonde matrix-based non-uniform discrete Fourier transform (NUDFT) as well as the linear/cubic interpolation with fast Fourier transform (InFFT) methods are also implemented on GPU to compare their performance in terms of image quality and processing speed. The GPU accelerated InFFT/NUDFT/NUFFT methods are applied to process both the standard half-range FD-OCT and complex full-range FD-OCT (C-FD-OCT). GPU-NUFFT provides an accurate approximation to GPU-NUDFT in terms of image quality, but offers >10 times higher processing speed. Compared with the GPU-InFFT methods, GPU-NUFFT has improved sensitivity roll-off, higher local signal-to-noise ratio and immunity to side-lobe artifacts caused by the interpolation error. Using a high speed CMOS line-scan camera, we demonstrated the real-time processing and display of GPU-NUFFT-based C-FD-OCT at a camera-limited rate of 122 k line/s (1024 pixel/A-scan).
Type I IFN Induces Binding of STAT1 to Bcl6: Divergent Roles of STAT Family Transcription Factors in the T Follicular Helper Cell Genetic Program

CD4(+) T follicular helper cells (TFH) are critical for the formation and function of B cell responses to infection or immunization, but also play an important role in autoimmunity. The factors that contribute to the differentiation of this helper cell subset are incompletely understood, although several cytokines including IL-6, IL-21, and IL-12 can promote TFH cell formation. Yet, none of these factors, nor their downstream cognate STATs, have emerged as nonredundant, essential drivers of TFH cells. This suggests a model in which multiple factors can contribute to the phenotypic characteristics of TFH cells. Because type I IFNs are often generated in immune responses, we set out to investigate whether these factors are relevant to TFH cell differentiation. Type I IFNs promote Th1 responses, thus one possibility was these factors antagonized TFH-expressed genes. However, we show that type I IFNs (IFN-α/β) induced B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6) expression, the master regulator transcription factor for TFH cells, and CXCR5 and programmed cell death-1 (encoded by Pdcd1), key surface molecules expressed by TFH cells. In contrast, type I IFNs failed to induce IL-21, the signature cytokine for TFH cells. The induction of Bcl6 was regulated directly by STAT1, which bound to the Bcl6, Cxcr5, and Pdcd1 loci. These data suggest that type I IFNs (IFN-α/β) and STAT1 can contribute to some features of TFH cells but are inadequate in inducing complete programming of this subset.
Ion-induced damage and annealing of silicon. Molecular dynamics simulations*

A study of the interactions of energetic argon ions with silicon surfaces using molecular dynamics simulations is reported. A dynamic balance between ion-induced dam- age and recrystallization of the surface is detected. By manipulating ion energy, argon ions are able to both create disordered regions near the surface, and recrystallize these disordered regions.
Effects of First-Year Engineering Design Course Models on Student Design Process Knowledge

Hands-on first-year design courses are used at a growing number of universities as the initial opportunity for students to learn about engineering design. The effects of different hands-on approaches on the development of design process knowledge in students, however, are unclear. In this study, we investigate the effects of three hands-on course models - analysis-driven textbook design projects, dissection projects, and service learning projects with actual clients. The design process knowledge of students in eleven sections of a first-year engineering course was evaluated before and after the course and course evaluations were collected at the end of the course. Results indicate that there are no significant differences in impact on design process knowledge between the three course models. From the course evaluations, the course models show modest effects on student perceptions of their creative, critical thinking, and teamwork skills and their feel for current developments in engineering.
Paraneoplastic motor neuron disease with type 1 Purkinje cell antibodies

Autoimmune serological testing is a useful aid for identifying a paraneoplastic basis for sporadic motor neuron disease. A 67-year-old woman with ovarian carcinoma presented with progressive weakness. Neurological examination was suggestive of motor neuron disease with signs of upper motor neuron disorder. Electromyography revealed severe motor neuronopathy of the upper extremities. Characteristic type 1 Purkinje cell antibodies (anti-Yo antibody) was detected in the serum diluted at 1:61,400.
Mitigation of coupling in RF Tomography with applications to belowground sensing

In imaging applications based on RF Tomography, coupling between transmitters and receivers is a principal technical challenge to be overcome. To mitigate the coupling, we propose to activate different transmitters simultaneously, and determine their respective current source distribution in order to create electric field nulls at desired points (e.g., the receivers). The current design problem must take into consideration physical and system constraints of the radiators. As such, the current design must be formulated as a nonlinear programming problem. These constraints are discussed in details, and our method is validated using FDTD simulations.
Perturbation theory for eigenvalues and resonances of Schrödinger hamiltonians

Suppose that e2ϵ|x|V ∈ ReLP(R3) for some p > 2 and for g ∈ R, H(g) = − Δ + g V, H(g) = −Δ + gV. The main result, Theorem 3, uses Puiseaux expansions of the eigenvalues and resonances of H(g) to study the behavior of eigenvalues λ(g) as they are absorbed by the continuous spectrum, that is λ(g) ↗6 0 as g ↘5 g0 > 0. We find a series expansion in powers of (g − g0)12, λ(g) = ∑n = 2∞ an(g − g0)n2 whose values for g < g0 correspond to resonances near the origin. These resonances can be viewed as the traces left by the just absorbed eigenvalues.
The Effect of 2, 4, 5-T Brush Spray on Turkeys

ABSTRACT REVIEW OF LITERATURE THE chlorinated phenoxyacetic acids, 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and 2,4,5-T (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid), are commonly used as sprays for the control of undesirable weeds and brush. Several studies of the effects of these chemicals on small animals, livestock, and chickens have been reviewed by Rowe and Hymas (1954). Bjorn and Northen (1948) administered the alkanolamine salt of 2,4-D orally, by pipette, to chicks weighing about 50 grams at the start. One part of the alkanolamine salt was diluted with 19 parts of water and dosages in terms of the acid equivalent of 0.28, 2.80, 28.00, and 280.00 mg. per kg. of body weight were given three times a week on alternate days for a period of four weeks, a total of 12 doses. Dosages up to 28 mg./kg. had no effect but the 280 mg./kg. dose caused some depression of growth. When the alkanolamine salt of 2,4-D, diluted 1:9 . . .
AlleleSeq: analysis of allele-specific expression and binding in a network framework

To study allele-specific expression (ASE) and binding (ASB), that is, differences between the maternally and paternally derived alleles, we have developed a computational pipeline (AlleleSeq). Our pipeline initially constructs a diploid personal genome sequence (and corresponding personalized gene annotation) using genomic sequence variants (SNPs, indels, and structural variants), and then identifies allele-specific events with significant differences in the number of mapped reads between maternal and paternal alleles. There are many technical challenges in the construction and alignment of reads to a personal diploid genome sequence that we address, for example, bias of reads mapping to the reference allele. We have applied AlleleSeq to variation data for NA12878 from the 1000 Genomes Project as well as matched, deeply sequenced RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq data sets generated for this purpose. In addition to observing fairly widespread allele-specific behavior within individual functional genomic data sets (including results consistent with X-chromosome inactivation), we can study the interaction between ASE and ASB. Furthermore, we investigate the coordination between ASE and ASB from multiple transcription factors events using a regulatory network framework. Correlation analyses and network motifs show mostly coordinated ASB and ASE.
Storm water management for society and nature via service learning, ecological engineering and ecohydrology

A framework for urban storm‐water management that moves beyond flood control to improve societal and ecological services will maximize the functions and benefits of water resources management. Theoretical constructs for such work originate from the integration of ecological engineering, ecohydrology and service learning paradigms. Implementation consists of simulating, monitoring and reporting how storm‐water design decisions to infiltrate or directly discharge runoff result in a complex set of linked adjustments to the dynamics of the water table, soil chemistry concentrations, plant stress/viability, terrestrial habitat, river loads/flows, and aquatic habitat patterns. Coordination of a socio‐ecological‐based urban storm‐water management programme is discussed using a case study in the Onondaga Creek watershed that drains through the City of Syracuse, NY, USA. In Onondaga Creek, service learning‐directed research gathered findings on the geomorphological characterization of a healthy stream, flood impac...
Multiple-bias modelling for analysis of observational data

Summary. Conventional analytic results do not reflect any source of uncertainty other than random error, and as a result readers must rely on informal judgments regarding the effect of possible biases. When standard errors are small these judgments often fail to capture sources of uncertainty and their interactions adequately. Multiple-bias models provide alternatives that allow one systematically to integrate major sources of uncertainty, and thus to provide better input to research planning and policy analysis. Typically, the bias parameters in the model are not identified by the analysis data and so the results depend completely on priors for those parameters. A Bayesian analysis is then natural, but several alternatives based on sensitivity analysis have appeared in the risk assessment and epidemiologic literature. Under some circumstances these methods approximate a Bayesian analysis and can be modified to do so even better. These points are illustrated with a pooled analysis of case–control studies of residential magnetic field exposure and childhood leukaemia, which highlights the diminishing value of conventional studies conducted after the early 1990s. It is argued that multiple-bias modelling should become part of the core training of anyone who will be entrusted with the analysis of observational data, and should become standard procedure when random error is not the only important source of uncertainty (as in meta-analysis and pooled analysis).
HADACIDIN POTENTIATION OF LETHAL ACTION OF IONIZING IRRADIATION. II. EFFECT ON PROLIFERATING GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA.

SummaryIt may be concluded from this work that hadacidin is a potent potentiator of the lethal effects of ionizing irradiation on proliferating cells of a number of Gram-negative organisms. It appears from preliminary studies that for hadacidin potentiation of ionizing irradiation to be demonstrated, a damaging dose of irradiation must be used and that the compound must be present either prior to or during irradiation. Our data also suggest that hadacidin potentiates irradiation damage regardless of the physiological age of the cells at the time of addition of hadacidin or the amount of time the cells are exposed to it during growth.
Competition alters life history and increases the relative fecundity of crop-wild radish hybrids (Raphanus spp.).

Summary • The evolutionary impact of crop-to-wild gene flow depends on the fitness of hybrids under natural, competitive conditions. Here, we measured the performance of third-generation (F3) radish hybrids (Raphanus raphanistrum × Raphanus sativus) and weedy R. raphanistrum to understand how competitive interactions affect life history and relative fecundity. • Three wild and three F1 crop-wild hybrid radish populations were established in semi-natural, agricultural conditions in Michigan, USA. The effects of competition on life-history traits and fecundity of F3 progeny were measured 2 yr later in a common garden experiment. • Third-generation hybrid plants generally produced fewer seeds per fruit and set fewer fruits per flower than wild plants, resulting in lower lifetime fecundity. With increasing competition, age at reproduction was delayed, the relative number of seeds per fruit was reduced in wild plants and differences between hybrid and wild fecundity diminished. • Competition may enhance the fecundity of advanced-generation hybrids relative to wild plants by reducing differences in life history, potentially promoting the introgression of crop alleles into weed populations.
Foreign body reaction mimicking submucosal tumor of the colon.

2 47-year-old woman with a history of ulcerative colitis maintained on 2400 mg of mesalamine daily presented for an elective outpatient olonoscopy for dysplasia screening. She was mildly symptomatic with iarrhea from her disease at the time of her colonoscopy. On colonoscopy, he sigmoid colon and rectum showed mucosal erythema and granularity, onsistent with ulcerative colitis. However, in the cecum across from the leocecal valve, a 1.5-cm polypoid lesion was identified (Figure A). The esion was sessile and was covered with normal mucosa except for an lcerated center. This raised the possibility of a submucosal lesion. A snare as passed over the lesion and was able to lift the polyp away from the urrounding mucosa, showing a base with a diameter of less than 1 cm Figure B). Electrocautery was applied through the snare, and polypectomy as performed successfully without incident. The specimen was sent for istology. Consensus diagnosis was reached after peer-review from 4 separate athologists. The polyp was composed of nonviable, exogenous dietary one that had become embedded in the colonic mucosa and was accomanied by an attendant inflammatory response. The bone fragment (Figure , top white arrow) was coated in extensive neutrophilic inflammation and acterial colonies, with Splendore–Hoeppli phenomenon (Figure C, bottom lack arrow) and ingrowth of reactive fibroblasts. We describe a case of exogenous, dietary bone accompanied by pseuopolyp formation. Ingested foreign bodies can elicit inflammatory reponses, leading to abscess formation, perforation, fistula formation, or dhesion formation and bowel obstruction.1,2 The lesion in this patient imicked a sessile, ulcerated polyp or an ulcerated submucosal lesion. The iagnosis was impossible on clinical grounds because of a lack of history of oreign body ingestion. Resection of the lesion allowed a definitive diagosis.
Differential effects of pH on temperature sensitivity of organic carbon and nitrogen decay

Soil microorganisms release extracellular enzymes into the soil matrix to access carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) from soil organic matter (SOM). Temperature and pH are major factors governing the rates at which these enzymes decay SOM, hence influencing the availability of C and N for microbial assimilation. As temperature increases, the rate of decomposition is also expected to increase. Recent advances provide estimates of intrinsic temperature sensitivities of key decay reactions at one, circum-neutral pH, but how temperature sensitivity of enzymatic SOM degradation is influenced by pH remains unclear. Here we expand on recent work by determining specific activities of C-acquiring (β-glucosidase; BGase) and C- and N-acquiring (N-Acetyl-Glucosaminidase; NAGase) enzymes with purified, fluorescently labeled organic substrate at temperatures from 5 to 25 °C (5 °C steps) and at pH values from 3.5 to 8.5 (1 pH unit steps). Using specific activity data, we quantified temperature sensitivities of the reactions with estimates of activation energy (Ea) at each pH value. We then used Ea estimates to compute temperature-induced changes in the C:N flow ratio, which is defined as the ratio of enzymatic liberation rates of C to N from the substrates. Across all temperatures, BGase activity was generally high in the pH range of 5.5–8.5, while NAGase exhibited a relatively narrow optimum between pH 5.5–6.5. Temperature sensitivity of BGase differed significantly among pH values; the strongest temperature responses were observed at pH 4.5. NAGase, in contrast, did not exhibit any significant pH-dependent changes in temperature sensitivity. The temperature increase from 5 to 25 °C induced changes in the C:N flow ratio, with direction and magnitude strongly dependent on the pH. We observed a large, temperature-induced increase in C:N flow ratio at pH 4.5 and decreases in C:N flow ratio at pH > 5.5 that were most pronounced at pH 7.5. Our data show that pH can induce differential effects on reaction rates and temperature sensitivity of organic C and N liberation, with consequences for changes in the relative availabilities of C and N for microbial assimilation.
Lower extremity muscle quality and gait variability in older adults

Background: it is not clear if gait variability is linked to muscle strength or muscle quality (MQ). This study examined the relation between leg strength and lower extremity MQ and gait variability in healthy ambulatory older adults. Methods: seventy-two older adults (43 females and 29 males; age: 69.5 ± 6.1 years) underwent assessments of gait, leg strength and body composition. Leg strength was assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer and body composition by dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). MQ was calculated from the information muscle strength and body composition. Gait was assessed by having the subjects walk down a pressure sensitive walkway at self-selected normal speed. Variability of spatial and temporal parameters of gait was calculated. Results: there were minimal correlations between muscle strength and spatial parameters. However, both lower leg and upper leg MQ were negatively associated with spatial (r’s=−0.24 to −0.49, P< 0.05) and temporal gait variability (r’s= −0.27 to −0.35, P< 0.05). Also, lower leg MQ was found to be a better predictor of gait variability than upper leg MQ. Conclusions: the results highlight that MQ may be an important determinant of gait function, even in healthy older adults.
Development of Vision and the Pre-Visual System

Two topics are covered, both of which are relevant to all vertebrates, but all the results here were obtained in the zebrafish embryo and larva. The development of a system of tracts in the forebrain, the “pre-visual system,” is described. It includes the tract of the postoptic commissure, the dorsoventral diencephalic tract, and the tract of the posterior commissure, and homologs have been found in the embryos of several classes of vertebrates. All three tracts are intimately associated with the retinal axons that appear later. The onset of vision was studied behaviorally (examining the startle and the optokinetic responses) and related to the anatomical development of the eye and extraocular muscles.
Eric Voegelin's Framework for Political Evaluation in His Recently Published Work*

Eric Voegelin's evaluation of politics is grounded in the symbols and experiences which illumine man's participation in the process of reality. The trail of symbols and equivalent experiences whic constitute history provides the fundamental criteria by which the language of politics is to be evaluated. The central philosophical symbol is the Between (metaxy), coined by Plato. It indicates that human existence is a tension between the poles of the divine height and the cosmic depth. Politics and its language must acknowledge the limitations of this tension: that the human perspective is always from within reality. Existentially, man is a participant, not an observer looking at non-metric reality from the “outside.” The existential balance of the open psyche is the product of a perpetual struggle against the tendency to distortions. Such distortions can arise when one or other aspect of reality is allowed to absorb the whole, and individual thinkers attempt to abolish the tension by replacing it with a system which provides the “solution” to the mystery of reality.
Legal Positivism and Legal Normativity: Gardner's Law as a Leap of Faith

Gardner's collection collects his central essays in analytic jurisprudence, or ‘law in general' (v) that he has written over the past 15 years. Most have appeared before, some widely cited (see esp...
Effect of Divorce on a Client's Estate Plan

Approximately one-half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. Accordingly, divorce is one of the realities of a client’s life that you must keep in mind during all stages of estate planning. Whenever a married client seeks estate planning advice, you should inquire as to the condition of the marriage. If divorce is looming on the horizon, you must take action to protect as much of the client’s property as is legally possible from attacks by the soon-to-be ex-spouse. For example, beneficiary designations in wills, trusts, insurance policies, retirement plans, bank accounts, and like arrangements need to be changed immediately. Likewise, the client must revise fiduciary designations in wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, and guardian self-declarations. Even if divorce does not appear imminent, you need to keep a watchful eye on the marriage just in case circumstances change. Unfortunately, from the perspective of an estate planner, a person with marital problems is typically more concerned with child custody and the property settlement than with the disposition of property upon death and the naming of fiduciaries. Even after divorce, many people do not seek prompt assistance to revise their estate plans to reflect the tremendous change in circumstances. Thus, you will be frequently faced with administering the estate of a divorced person that was prepared while that person was married and which was based on the assumption that the marriage would still be intact. This article discusses the impact of divorce on an existing estate plan under Texas law.
Inhaler device selection: special considerations in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Purpose Special considerations in the selection of medication inhaler devices for elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the ambulatory care setting are reviewed. Summary Substantial deficiencies in inhaler device technique and medication adherence are evident in patients with COPD, leading to suboptimal health outcomes. As the prevalence of COPD rises with age, elderly patients pose special challenges with regard to inhaler device selection. In elderly patients with sufficient cognitive function, manual dexterity, and hand strength, the most influential factors in inhaler selection are cost reimbursement, device availability, device convenience, and patient preference. Cost reimbursement may be a deciding factor in device selection, as nearly all elderly patients are Medicare beneficiaries. Nebulizers provide a cost-effective alternative to pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) and dry powder inhaler (DPI) devices. DPI device availability is limited to “controller” medications, while pMDI devices and nebulizers provide complete symptomatic coverage. Multiple-dose DPIs offer the convenience of rapid medication administration, ease of handling, and integral dose counters. Given the availability and expenses of medication devices, ambulatory patients may prefer combining the convenience of a hand-held inhaler (i.e., pMDI) as a rescue medication during the active hours of midday with the cost savings of a nebulized controller medication in the morning and at night. Conclusion In elderly patients with sufficient cognitive function, manual dexterity, and hand strength, the most important factors in inhaler device selection are cost reimbursement issues, device availability, device convenience, and patient preference. Pharmacist knowledge of appropriate inhaler technique, competent patient education and demonstration, and follow-up assessment are instrumental in optimizing device competency and medication adherence.
Many Challenges to Classifying Microbial Species: Classifying microorganisms remains a central challenge even as we understand their genetics more thoroughly

A good microbial ecologist, like my graduate mentor Richard Castenholz, can take you on a walk with a field microscope through Yellowstone National Park or a swamp and point out recognizable populations of microorganisms. Some of these organisms are beautiful, and despite their exotic names—Sulfurihydrogenibium, Chloroflexus, Oscillatoria and Chromatium—they fit into the ecology of the landscape in important ways that we know and understand.
Mechanisms of Permethrin Tolerance in the Common Green Lacewing (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

An investigation was performed to determine the possible role of metabolism in tolerance of permethrin by larvae of the common green lacewing, Chrysopa carnea Stephens. Following topical application, C. carnea metabolized 80% of cis -permethrin and 71% of trans -permethrin within 2 h; about 95% of both cis and trans isomers were metabolized by 50 h. The higher toxicity of trans is ascribed to its higher stability against degradation in C. carnea . Rapid degradation by C. carnea apparently accounts for tolerance to permethrin in this species. Detoxication of permethrin was compared between C. carnea and the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.). C. carnea degraded cis 1.7 times faster than trans , while H. virescens metabolized trans at a slightly higher rate than cis . In the presence of esterases, permethrin was metabolized faster by C. carnea than H. virescens .
Capacitive Drop Sensor

The capacitive drop sensor is a special capacitive sensor,which is made up of drop head and loop electrode,the variety of drop volume is inverted to the capacitive value,then test the drop volume indirectly.Introduced the theory of capactive drop sensor,got the variety of drop volume relative to the dripping process of the liquid drop and use the image processing to compute the drop volume,then get the drop volume curve based on frequency.
Progress and prospects for small-molecule probes of bacterial imaging

Fluorescence microscopy is an essential tool for the exploration of cell growth, division, transcription and translation in eukaryotes and prokaryotes alike. Despite the rapid development of techniques to study bacteria, the size of these organisms (1-10 μm) and their robust and largely impenetrable cell envelope present major challenges in imaging experiments. Fusion-based strategies, such as attachment of the protein of interest to a fluorescent protein or epitope tag, are by far the most common means for examining protein localization and expression in prokaryotes. While valuable, the use of genetically encoded tags can result in mislocalization or altered activity of the desired protein, does not provide a readout of the catalytic state of enzymes and cannot enable visualization of many other important cellular components, such as peptidoglycan, lipids, nucleic acids or glycans. Here, we highlight the use of biomolecule-specific small-molecule probes for imaging in bacteria.
Le Service d’Investigation Epidémique aux Etats-Unis

Le Service d’investigations epidemiques (Epidemic Intelligence Service, EIS) correspond au programme americain de formation a l’epidemiologie appliquee. D’une duree de deux ans, il est organise par les Centres de Controle et de Prevention des Maladies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC). L’EIS celebrera son 50eme anniversaire en 2001. Ce programme a ete mis en place pendant la guerre de Coree, cinq ans seulement apres la creation du CDC pour combler l’insuffisance d’epidemiologistes de terrain confirmes, si des armes biologiques venaient a etre utilisees contre la population americaine. Il etait clair pour Alexander Langmuir, directeur de la section epidemiologie au CDC et fondateur de l’EIS, que ses stagiaires seraient egalement impliques dans de nombreuses activites et qu’ils contribueraient a combler le manque d’epidemiologistes qualifies, ayant une experience pratique de terrain pour l’investigation et le controle d’epidemies de survenue naturelle aux Etats-Unis.
Cultivating a Global Collaborative Classroom Experience: An International Exploration of Homelessness

The main collaborative student project compares and contrasts different aspects of homelessness both in Fairfax and in New Delhi, using Photovoice as the research methodology.AÂ Forty-four Mason students enrolled in SOCW 472 RS, Integrative Methods in Social Action and Social Change, and forty Jamia students enrolled in MSW-SII-09 Social Work Research, collaborate together in a primarily asynchronous environment with the opportunity of participating in three synchronous sessions.AÂ The Mason/Jamia team created small online groups of two Mason students and two Jamia students in order to facilitate these personal interactions and provided the PB Works and Blackboard platforms as communication tools. As part of the process, students were able to incorporate their favorite communication technologies including Facebook and WhatsApp. In addition to reaching the student outcomes and course objectives, the course design of this GCC involved intensive work and partnership between the Office of Global Strategy, IT Learning Support Services, Instructional Assessment and the classroom faculty. Lessons learned and best practices will be presented.