cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stretching Bayesian Learning in the Relevance Feedback of Image Retrieval

This paper is about the work on user relevance feedback in image retrieval. We take this problem as a standard two-class pattern classification problem aiming at refining the retrieval precision by learning through the user relevance feedback data. However, we have investigated the problem by noting two important unique characteristics of the problem: small sample collection and asymmetric sample distributions between positive and negative samples. We have developed a novel approach to stretching Bayesian learning to solve for this problem by explicitly exploiting the two unique characteristics, which is the methodology of BAyesian Learning in Asymmetric and Small sample collections, thus called BALAS. Different learning strategies are used for positive and negative sample collections in BALAS, respectively, based on the two unique characteristics. By defining the relevancy confidence as the relevant posterior probability, we have developed an integrated ranking scheme in BALAS which complementarily combines the subjective relevancy confidence and the objective feature-based distance measure to capture the overall retrieval semantics. The experimental evaluations have confirmed the rationale of the proposed ranking scheme, and have also demonstrated that BALAS is superior to an existing relevance feedback method in the current literature in capturing the overall retrieval semantics.
The trend of cloud computing – from industry's perspective

Over the past decade, the world we live in has been transformed by the Web It connects us to nearly everything we dobe it economic or social It holds the potential to make the real world smaller, more relevant, more digestible and more personal At the same time, the PC, mobile phones and smart devices have grown geometrically in power with rich applications unimaginable just a few years ago Microsoft envisions a world where Software-plus-Services is the next logical step in the evolution of computing It represents an industry shift toward a design approach that is neither exclusively software-centric nor browser-centric By deeply and genuinely combining the best aspects of software with the best aspects of cloud-based services, we can deliver more compelling solutions for consumers, developers and businesses This presentation aims to address Microsoft vision of Three Screens and a Cloud and the R&D investments and transformation in response to the industry trend of cloud computing.
Internet in Medicine: An Ontology

The internet is a medium for transporting large volumes of a variety of information effectively and efficiently. Medicine, at its core, is information exchange intensive. For example, the physician-patient encounter, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), modern genetic research, and the administration of health care benefits require rich and voluminous information exchange. Not surprisingly, the internet has the power to transform medicine - it is already doing so opportunistically.The vast and rapidly growing research and practice literature on internet in medicine makes it difficult to systematically synthesize, interpret, and apply it to the design and development of internet-based systems for transforming medicine. The following ontology is a step to capture internet in medicine's complexity and potential with natural language descriptions using a structured terminology. The ontology has been derived by parsing the role of internet in medicine as 'transporting information to transform health care.'
Sexual hormones in Achyla. V. Properties of hormone A of Achyla bisexualis

1. The hormonal coordinating mechanism of the sexual process in Achlya is briefly reviewed. 2. A technique is described for culturing the female plant of Achlya bisexualis in sufficient quantity to furnish material for the chemical study of hormone A. 3. A modification of the biological assay for hormone A is described. 4. Many of the properties of hormone A have been determined: (a) solubilities in common organic solvents, (b) adsorption, (c) stability, (d) inactivation, and (e) reactions with certain reagents. 5. A procedure is described whereby enormous enrichment of the active principle has been achieved.
Minimum interference channel assignment for multicast in multi-channel multi-radio wireless mesh networks

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) have emerged as a key technology for nextgeneration wireless networking. In a WMN, wireless routers provide multi-hop wireless connectivity between hosts in the network and also allow hosts to access the Internet via the gateway nodes. Wireless routers are typically equipped with multiple radios operating on different channels to increase network throughput. Multicast is a form of communication that delivers data from a source to a set of destinations simultaneously. It is used in a number of applications such as distributed games, distance education, and video conferencing. In this work, we address the channel assignment problem for multicast in multi-radio multi-channel WMNs. In a multi-radio multi-channel WMN, when two nearby nodes transmit on the same channel, they will interfere with each other and cause throughput decrease. Thus, an important goal for multicast channel assignment is to reduce the interference among the tree nodes. We have developed a Minimum Interference Channel Assignment (MICA) algorithm for multicast that accurately models the interference relationship between pairs of multicast tree nodes using the concept of interference factor and assigns channels to tree nodes to minimize interference within the multicast tree. Simulation results show that MICA achieves higher throughout and lower end-to-end packet delay compared with an existing channel assignment algorithm named MCM. In addition, MICA achieves much lower throughput variation among the destination nodes than MCM.
The bcl-2 oncogene in Hodgkin's disease arising in the setting of follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Expression of the bcl-2 proto-oncogene on chromosome 18 is deregulated by the 14; 18 chromosomal translocation, an abnormality that is consistently associated with follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). Because bcl-2 is believed to function by prolonging cell survival rather than by increasing proliferation, the presence of t(14; 18) in Hodgkin's disease (HD) would have profound implications for the pathogenesis of this neoplasm. We evaluated 32 cases of HD for t(14; 18) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These results were correlated with expression of bcl-2 oncogenic protein by Hodgkin cells and with the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), as determined by immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization. PCR provided evidence of t(14; 18) in only 2 HD cases (6%), both of which were associated with a prior history of follicular lymphoma, and both of which were among the 7 cases (22%) with strong bcl-2 expression in Hodgkin cells. In at least 1 of the cases, the translocation involved identical chromosomal breakpoints in both types of lymphoma. Furthermore, 7 additional cases of combined follicular NHL and HD showed strong bcl-2 staining in Hodgkin cells. Although EBV was detected in 6 of 30 cases, it was not associated with t(14; 18) and usually not with strong bcl-2 expression. These results suggest that a small proportion of HD cases might evolve from follicular NHL, possibly through molecular events superimposed on the t(14; 18). High-level bcl-2 expression in Hodgkin cells is a potentially useful but not definitive marker for these cases.
Medication taking behaviors among breast cancer patients on adjuvant endocrine therapy

Purpose To explore how symptoms and psychosocial factors are related to intentional and unintentional non-adherent medication taking behaviors.
A multicenter study of plasma use in the United States.

Background Detailed information regarding plasma use in the United States is needed to identify opportunities for practice improvement and design of clinical trials of plasma therapy.
The Sexual Safety of Adolescents

In this article, the authors review issues that affect the sexual safety of adolescents. First and foremost, these issues include risks for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Clinicians also need to understand other critical issues that affect sexual safety. These include adolescent dating patterns, decision making, communication and negotiation skills, social and environmental influences, and risks related to violence. Suggestions for clinical interventions to promote sexual safety are discussed.
Cooperative Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access in 5G Systems

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has received considerable recent attention as a promising candidate for 5G systems. A key feature of NOMA is that users with better channel conditions have prior information about the messages of other users. This prior knowledge is fully exploited in this letter, where a cooperative NOMA scheme is proposed. The outage probability and diversity order achieved by this cooperative NOMA scheme are analyzed, and an approach based on user pairing is also proposed to reduce system complexity.
Photoacoustic-fluorescence in vitro flow cytometry for quantification of absorption, scattering and fluorescence properties of the cells

Fluorescence flow cytometry is a well-established analytical tool that provides quantification of multiple biological parameters of cells at molecular levels, including their functional states, morphology, composition, proliferation, and protein expression. However, only the fluorescence and scattering parameters of the cells or labels are available for detection. Cell pigmentation, presence of non-fluorescent dyes or nanoparticles cannot be reliably quantified. Herewith, we present a novel photoacoustic (PA) flow cytometry design for simple integration of absorbance measurements into schematics of conventional in vitro flow cytometers. The integrated system allow simultaneous measurements of light absorbance, scattering and of multicolor fluorescence from single cells in the flow at rates up to 2 m/s. We compared various combinations of excitation laser sources for multicolor detection, including simultaneous excitation of PA and fluorescence using a single 500 kHz pulsed nanosecond laser. Multichannel detection scheme allows simultaneous detection of up to 8 labels, including 4 fluorescent tags and 4 PA colors. In vitro PA-fluorescence flow cytometer was used for studies of nanoparticles uptake and for the analysis of cell line pigmentation, including genetically encoded melanin expression in breast cancer cell line. We demonstrate that this system can be used for direct nanotoxicity studies with simultaneous quantification of nanoparticles content and assessment of cell viability using a conventional fluorescent apoptosis assays.
Effects of kappa opioid receptor agonists on attention as assessed by a 5-choice serial reaction time task in rats.

Abstract In humans, kappa opioid receptor agonists produce, among other effects, sedation and difficulty concentrating, suggesting that they may disrupt attention. The purpose of the present studies was therefore to evaluate the effects of kappa opioid receptor agonists on attention as assessed by a 5-choice serial reaction time task in rats. The kappa opioid receptor agonists (+)-U69,593 (0.1–0.56 mg/kg), (±)-U50,488 (1.0–5.6 mg/kg) and racemic GR89,696 (0.0003–0.01 mg/kg) all produced dose-related decreases in the percentage of trials terminated by a correct or incorrect response and increases in the percentage of omissions. In contrast, the peripherally restricted opioid agonist ICI-204,448 was ineffective (1.0–10 mg/kg). Moreover, the effects of GR89,696 were stereoselective in that (R)-GR89,696 was approximately equipotent to racemic GR89,696 and approximately 100-fold more potent than (S)-GR89,696. The opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone (0.3–3 mg/kg) administered alone had no effects on performance. However, naltrexone, over the dose-range of 0.03–1.0 mg/kg, produced a dose-related antagonism of the disruption produced by U69,593 (0.56 mg/kg). In contrast, naltrexone, over the dose-range of 0.01–0.3 mg/kg produced a dose-related antagonism of morphine (5.6 mg/kg). Recent evidence has suggested that kappa opioid receptor agonists decrease dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission in prefrontal cortex and locus coeruleus. Together with previous findings, the present data indicate that kappa opioid receptor agonists disrupt performance of this attention task by decreasing the probability of responding by specific actions at central kappa opioid receptors, perhaps by decreasing dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission.
The Use of Pre-Cracked Charpy Specimens to Determine Dynamic Fracture Toughness.

Abstract : The use of an instrumented impact hammer on pre-cracked Charpy V specimens has led to an inexpensive method for determining the dynamic fracture toughness, K sub Id. Measurements were made on A-533 steel over a range of temperature (-125 to + 75F) at a loading rate K clot approximately equal to 1,000,000 ksi (in. to the 1/2 power)/sec. The data were found to be in excellent agreement with those obtained by other workers on much larger specimens. Analysis of the data leads to a new method for estimating the NDT temperature, which may be of practical value in nuclear reactor surveillance programs. (Author)
Abstract 3304: Hyaluronan mediates interactions between CD44+ MSCs and CD34+ fibrocytes in Desmoid Tumors.

We reported that 16/16 sporadic and familial desmoid tumors (DTs) contained CD44 + CD73 + CD90 + Bmi1 + mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and CD34 + CD105 + ALK1 + monocyte-derived fibrocytes. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and MSCs reside in the same bone marrow niche, and MSCs regulate HSC progenitor release into the circulation. Numerous signaling pathways maintain chemotactic and physical crosstalk between these types of stem cells (c-Kit/SCF, CXCR4/SDF-1, Notch/Jagged1, etc). HSC and MSC progenitors are both recruited to sites of tissue injury to aid in wound healing. We were interested to learn what crosstalk engages these multipotent cells in DTs. Hyaluronan (HA) is a long charged chain of repeating glucuronate and N-acteylglucosamine disaccharides that is synthesized by HA synthases (HAS 1, 2, 3) and degraded by hyaluronidases (HYAL1, 2). HA binds to receptors CD44, TLR2/4 and Hyaluronan binding protein (HABP). Immunofluorescent histochemistry was performed on our tumor collection to determine the expression of both metabolic and catabolic HA enzymes. All of our DTs contained cells expressing HA, HYAL2, HAS2, and HABP2. HABP2 attenuates hyaluronan-receptor interactions. Double staining showed that all MSCs expressed HA and HAS2, confirming the functional significance of the CD44 + receptor in these cells. The majority of MSCs co-expressed HABP2. CD34 + fibrocytes but not CD44 + MSCs co-expressed HYAL2. CD44 expression by MSCs is stimulated by PDGF-BB, and in DTs, CD44 + MSCs co-expressed PDGFRα. These results suggest that paracrine regulation of HA signaling in these tumors may be another way in which MSCs and fibrocytes crosstalk. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3304. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3304
The value of buyer's ignorance in monopoly

Abstract A non-linear pricing monopolist always prefers to sell to buyers with no private information about their tastes for the product if the marginal production cost is smaller than the marginal utility of consumption for all buyers.
Organic synthesis via polymer-supported transition metal catalysts☆

Abstract A variety of polymer-supported transition metal catalysts that effect unique transformations of various organic substrates has been developed. Platinum asymmetric hydroformylation catalysts supported on polystyrene containing an incorporated asymmetric chelating phosphine ligand yield branched aldehydes from olefins in 98% enantiomeric excess. Ruthenium catalysts supported on a polyquinoline designed to chelate ruthenium can be utilized catalytically for the selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes, and the reaction can be driven electrochemically by coating the polymer containing the catalyst on an anode. Silica polymers, some of which can be prepared by sol-gel processes and containing a chelating phosphine, have been utilized in a number of catalytic reactions. Because silica is a thermally and chemically stable support, it is especially useful for catalytic reactions that must be carried out under severe reaction conditions. Carbon monoxide reduction/homologation and olefin hydroformylation reactions have been carried out utilizing ruthenium, rhodium and cobalt catalysts on these silica supports.
A New Mineralized Layer in the Hinge of the Oyster

A discrete, calcareous layer that binds the foliated calcite of the oyster's shell to the organic ligament in the hinge is reported, apparently for the first time. This layer is ultrastructurally, and generally mineralogically, different from the underlying foliated calcite, and is named the ligostracum.
Open quiz solution: Case report 776

CMF is a rare neoplasm of bone, comprising less than 1% of primary bone tumors. The neoplasm was first described in 1948 by Jaffe and Lichtenstein as a separate entity from chondrosarcomas, having slightly different plain film characteristics and a benign clinical course. As of 1985, Kreicbergs, Lonnquist, and Willems estimated that approximately 400 cases have been published. Recently, we encountered a CMF with an unusual clinical presentation. The efficacy of MRI studies is shown.
Life Course Patterns of National Associations

This article draws on the preceding seven histories of national associations to examine commonalities and differences among them. The histories portray different strategies of organizing associations and adapting themselves to state control, societal conditions and members' interests. A disciplinary model was the most prevalent organizing strategy, but its viability ebbed and flowed with political oppression, the state of sociology as a discipline and internal associational conditions such as disciplinary composition and dissension. Two of the seven associations have survived continuously since being founded, while the other five have perished and been reborn from one to five times. Political oppression and internal associational dissension are what are mainly responsible for these associational deaths; for the state of sociology and its place in the academy for rebirths; and for the organizational cooptation of member interests for associational survival and growth.
Identification of 12-lipoxygenase interaction with cellular proteins by yeast two-hybrid screening.

The platelet isoform of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) is expressed in a variety of human tumors. 12-LOX metabolizes arachidonic acid to 12(S)-hydroxyeicosateraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE), which induces a number of cellular responses associated with tumor progression and metastasis. Little is known about 12-LOX regulation and no direct regulators of 12-LOX activity have been identified. To identify potential regulators of 12-LOX, we isolated cDNAs encoding 12-LOX interacting proteins using the yeast two-hybrid system. We screened a yeast two-hybrid interaction library from human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells and identified four cellular proteins that interact specifically with 12-LOX. We identified type II keratin 5, lamin A, the cytoplasmic domain of integrin β4 subunit and a phosphoprotein C8FW as 12-LOX interacting proteins. Here, we demonstrated that keratin 5, a 58 kD protein required for formation of 8 nm intermediate filaments, binds to 12-LOX in human tumor cells and may contribute to the regulated traffi...
The Effect of Long-Term Marsh Management on Land-Loss Rates in Coastal Louisiana

ha) studied previously were obtained, expanded, and tested statistically to provide empirically valid conclusions over a longer management period than previously available (1–32 years compared to 6–37 years). There was no statistically significant difference between managed and nearby reference sites. The effects of changes in the regional environment appear to have had much greater influence on the land-loss rates than did management at individual sites.
Spouses' use of pressure and persuasion to promote osteoarthritis patients' medical adherence after orthopedic surgery.

Objective The authors investigated health-related effects of social control (influence) that spouses exert in relation to osteoarthritis patients' medical adherence after total knee replacement surgery. Patients' behavioral and emotional responses to control were examined as mediators of associations between spouses' use of two control strategies (pressure, persuasion) and patients' physical and psychological recovery. Design The authors used a three-wave panel design with assessments at one month before surgery, 1 month and 3 months after surgery. Data were collected during in-person interviews with 70 married, older adult patients. Main outcome measures Recovery outcomes were assessed as improvement in knee limitations and depressive symptoms at the 3 month follow-up. Results Spousal pressure and persuasion at one month postsurgery were indirectly associated with patients' recovery outcomes through patients' positive emotional responses to control. Conclusion Although there are often immediate behavioral benefits in response to partners' use of both pressure and persuasion, the long-term health effects of these strategies seem to be accounted for by their opposing links to positive emotions. Findings further refine theory on health-related social control in marriage.
Potassium functionally replaces the second lysine of the KMSKS signature sequence in human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase.

Unlike their bacterial homologues, a number of eukaryotic tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases require potassium to catalyze the aminoacylation reaction. In addition, the second lysine in the class I-specific KMSKS signature motif is absent from all known eukaryotic tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase sequences, except those of higher plants. This lysine, which is the most highly conserved residue in the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family, has been shown to interact with the pyrophosphate moiety of the ATP substrate in the Bacillus stearothermophilus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. Equilibrium dialysis and pre-steady-state kinetic analyses were used to determine the role that potassium plays in the tyrosine activation reaction in the human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and whether it can be replaced by any of the other alkali metals. Kinetic analyses indicate that potassium interacts with the pyrophosphate moiety of ATP, stabilizing the E.Tyr.ATP and E.[Tyr-ATP] complexes by 2.3 and 4.3 kcal/mol, respectively. Potassium also appears to stabilize the asymmetric conformation of the human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase dimer by 0.7 kcal/mol. Rubidium is the only other alkali metal that can replace potassium in catalyzing tyrosine activation, although the forward rate constant is half of that observed when potassium is present. The above results are consistent with the hypothesis that potassium functionally replaces the second lysine in the KMSKS signature sequence. Possible implications of these results with respect to the design of antibiotics that target bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are discussed.
Robust content-based image indexing using contextual clues and automatic pseudofeedback

In this paper we present a robust information integration approach to identifying images of persons in large collections such as the Web. The underlying system relies on combining content analysis, which involves face detection and recognition, with context analysis, which involves extraction of text or HTML features. Two aspects are explored to test the robustness of this approach: sensitivity of the retrieval performance to the context analysis parameters and automatic construction of a facial image database via automatic pseudofeedback. For the sensitivity testing, we reevaluate system performance while varying context analysis parameters. This is compared with a learning approach where association rules among textual feature values and image relevance are learned via the CN2 algorithm. A face database is constructed by clustering after an initial retrieval relying on face detection and context analysis alone. Experimental results indicate that the approach is robust for identifying and indexing person images.
Brachytherapy dosimetry parameters calculated for a new 103Pd source.

A new brachytherapy source having 103 Pd adsorbed onto silver beads has been designed. The dose distributions of this source have been characterized using version 5 of the MCNP Monte Carlo radiation transport code available from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. These results are presented in terms of the updated AAPM Task Group No. 43 (TG-43U1) formalism, dosimetry parameters, and recommended calculation methodology.
Application of GAMESS/NEO to quantum calculations of muonic molecules

The General Atomic and Molecular Electronic Structure System (GAMESS) has been modified to perform studies involving negative muons. This system, coupled with the Nuclear-Electronic Orbital (NEO) method enables the ab-initio study of muonic atoms where both the negative muon and the positive nuclei are modeled as quantum particles. This is of particular usefulness in the study light nuclei, muonic atoms, such as is encountered in muon-catalyzed fusion. NEO was also modified to allow the inclusion of positive exotic-particles to be studied using open and closed shell Hartree-Fock and Configuration Interaction. Capitalizing on these modified methods, the muon density and vibrational dynamics of some light muonic molecules have been analyzed.
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. LII. Chromosome findings in treated patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract The chromosomes of stimulated lymphocytes in 40 treated cases of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) were examined. The polyclonal B-cell activators (PBA) used were: pokeweed mitogen (PWM), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and lipopolysaccharide W from Escherichia coli 055:B5 (LPS). Thirty-three (83%) of the 40 cases contained an adequate number of metaphases that were suitable for banding. Of 15 cases with abnormal clones, 7 cases had trisomy #12. Occasionally, trisomy #1, 6q−, i(7q), 14q+, trisomy #16, and trisomy #18 were seen. In 5 cases, marker chromosomes of unknown origin existed. The findings indicate that trisomy #12 may be a unique and nonrandom karyotypic change in B-CLL.
A Miniature Electrical Furnace as an Excitation Source for Low-Temperature, Gas-Phase, Infrared Emission Spectroscopy

The analytical utility of low-temperature, gas-phase infrared emission spectroscopy is studied with the use of a specially designed miniature electrical furnace. This furnace, designed to minimize blackbody radiation from the source itself, was capable of operating between 100 and 1000°C and producing infrared emission from parent analyte molecules, as opposed to their terminal combustion products, such as CO2 and H2O. The low-temperature, infrared emission spectra of nitrous oxide (225°C) and methyl benzoate (250 and 700°C) are reported, and the feasibility of determining ethanol in gasohol is evaluated with the use of the alcohol C-O stretching vibration (observed at 1070 cm−1 in emission). The detection limit for ethanol in gasohol at 202°C was found to be 0.124% v/v, and the relative standard deviation of eight single-scan determinations of ethanol in a 10% v/v gasohol blend was found to/be 4.01%. Some of the advantages and limitations associated with analytical, low-temperature, gas-phase, infrared emission spectroscopy are discussed and compared with results obtained with a hydrogen/air flame as the excitation source.
Characterization of the Adenosine Triphosphatase Activity of the Periplasmic Histidine Permease, a Traffic ATPase (ABC Transporter)

The superfamily of traffic ATPases (ABC transporters) includes bacterial periplasmic transport systems (permeases) and eukaryotic transporters. The histidine permease of Salmonella typhimurium is composed of a membrane-bound complex (HisQMP2) containing four subunits, and of a soluble receptor, the histidine-binding protein (HisJ). Transport is energized by ATP. In this article the ATPase activity of HisQMP2 has been characterized, using a novel assay that is independent of transport. The assay uses Mg2+ ions to permeabilize membrane vesicles or proteoliposomes, thus allowing access of ATP to both sides of the bilayer. HisQMP2 displays a low level of intrinsic ATPase activity in the absence of HisJ; unliganded HisJ stimulates the activity and liganded HisJ stimulates to an even higher level. All three levels of activity display positive cooperativity for ATP with a Hill coefficient of 2 and a K0. 5 value of 0.6 mM. The activity has been characterized with respect to pH, salt, phospholipids, substrate, and inhibitor specificity. Free histidine has no effect. The activity is inhibited by orthovanadate, but not by N-ethylmaleimide, bafilomycin A1, or ouabain. Several nucleotide analogs, ADP, 5'-adenylyl-beta, gamma-imidodiphosphate, adenosine 5'-(beta,gammaimino)triphosphate, and adenosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate, inhibit the activity. Unliganded HisJ does not compete with liganded HisJ for the stimulation of the ATPase activity of HisQMP2.
Effect of indomethacin on the blood pressure and plasma catecholamine responses to acute endotoxaemia.

Injection of E. coli endotoxin (7 mg kg-1 i.v.) to pentobarbitone anaesthetized cats resulted in prolonged decrease of systemic blood pressure and increases in plasma concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline and 6-ketoprostaglandin (PG) F 1 alpha. Indomethacin pretreatment (10 mg kg-1 i.v.) attenuated the decrease in blood pressure following endotoxin injection. Plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline and 6-keto-PG F1 alpha were significantly lower in the indomethacin-treated cats. These data indicate that the superior haemodynamic status of the indomethacin pretreated animals exposed to endotoxic shock is not the result of potentiation of the peripheral sympathetic response.
The developmental genetics of pigment mutants in the Mexican axolotl

The Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) provides a well-defined set of color genes which are useful for various types of analyses. These include the a (albino), m (melanoid), ax (axanthic), and d (white) genes. In addition, various combinations of these genes and a number of as yet undescribed mutants also exist. Three of these mutants (a, ax, and m) have defects associated with specific neural-crest-derived pigment cell types. The fourth mutant (d) appears to provide an unsuitable environment for the migration and maintenance of pigment cells. In one case (m), detailed information concerning the specific nature of the genetic defect is available. The goal of this article is to demonstrate ways in which the existing information on the axolotl color genes can best be utilized in terms of understanding not only the mutant phenotypes, but basic concepts in the cell and developmental biology of pigmentation as well. Thus, an attempt has been made to sort through the genetic and biochemical data relevant to these mutants in order to stimulate renewed interest in a more detailed pursuit of such studies.
Practical applications of homomorphic encryption

With the rush of advances in solutions for homomorphic encryption, the promise and hype grows. Homomorphic encryption offers the promise of allowing the user to upload encrypted data to the cloud, which the cloud can then operate on without having the secret key. The cloud can return encrypted outputs of computations to the user without ever decrypting the data, thus providing hosting of data and services without compromising privacy. The catch is the degradation of performance and issues of scalability and flexibility. This talk will survey the current state of the art and the trade-offs when using homomorphic encryption, and highlight scenarios and functionality where homomorphic encryption seems to be the most appropriate solution. In particular, homomorphic encryption can be used to enable private versions of some basic machine learning algorithms. This talk will cover several pieces of joint work with Michael Naehrig, Vinod Vaikuntanathan, and Thore Graepel.
High-resolution second-sound velocity measurements near the lambda point of helium.

We report measurements of the second-sound velocity in superfluid helium in the region very close to the \ensuremath{\lambda} point. The sound was detected using a powdered-paramagnetic-salt thermometer with a superconducting readout system. Large gravitational and power effects were observed near the transition. The corrected data yield the value 0.6740\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0005 for the exponent characterizing the divergence of the superfluid density at the transition.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY IN PERSISTENT BULBILS OF AGAVE VILMORINIANA (AGAVACEAE)

Plants of Agave vilmoriniana are unique members of a reproductively diverse genus since they produce prolific numbers of both bulbils and viable seeds. Bulbils were observed to remain attached to the flowering stalk into a second summer, instead of abscising in the year they developed. Hence, a number of hypotheses were tested to establish the physiological basis for their longevity and evaluate their influence upon the plant's reproductive biology. Bulbils produced following anthesis were abundant (>2000 bulbils), large (0.44 g dry mass per individual), and their combined leaf surface area (one side) could exceed 3 M2. Thus, the current-year inflorescence may act as a photosynthate source. Second-year, attached bulbils are healthy-looking, even after leaves of the parent plant have senesced, since maternal roots continue to absorb rain water. Rehydrated 2nd-yr bulbils resume Crassulacean acid metabolism, sometimes demonstrating net daytime tissue acidification. Water conservation by bulbils is very efficient, exhibiting very low cuticular conductances (0.016-0.0035 mm/s). Bulbils detach over all climatic seasons after having formed >3 and >18 root primordia in their 1st and 2nd year, respectively. About one-third of bulbils are capable of forming roots after a 1-yr storage at 35?C, when their water contents averaged 37%. Irrigated bulbils produce water-absorbing roots within 2 d, with de novo chlorophyll synthesis and nocturnal acidification commencing within 4 d. Two bulbils were observed to root and become established in shaded microhabitats during this 2-yr study of 29 plants.
Effect of anisotonic media on cell volume and electrolyte fluxes in slices of the dogfish (Squalus acanthias) rectal gland

Osmotic responses of slices of dogfish rectal gland to hypotonic (urea-free) and hypertonic media were studied. Transfer of tissue from isotonic (890 mosM) to hypotonic (550 mosM) saline produced an osmotic swelling associated with a slow net uptake of cell K+ (and Cl−) and a slow, two-component efflux of urea. Media made hypertonic (1180 mosM) by addition of urea or mannitol produced osmotic shrinkage with a net loss of KCl. The cell osmotic responses in hypotonic media were lower than predicted for an ideal osmometer. No volume regulatory responses were seen subsequent to the initial osmotic effects. The cation influx in hypotonic media lacked specificity: in the presence of 0.5 mM ouabain or in K+-free media a net influx of Na+ was found. At steady state, the cell membrane potential evaluated from the Nernst potentials of K+ and triphenylmethyl phosphonium+, was independent of medium tonicity, suggesting the membrane potential as a determinant in the cellular osmotic response. Zero-time86Rb+ fluxes were measured:86Rb+ influx was not affected by hypotonicity, implying an unchanged operation of the Na+−K+-ATPase. On the other hand,86Rb+ efflux was significantly reduced at hypotonicity; this effect was transient, the efflux returning to the control value once the new steady state of cell volume had been reached. A controlled efflux system is therefore involved in the cell osmotic response. The absence of the volume regulatory phenomenon suggests that the cells are not equipped with a volume-sensing mechanism.
Aliphatic β-nitro alcohols for non-enzymatic collagen cross-linking of scleral tissue

The success of riboflavin photochemical cross-linking of the cornea in treating keratoconus and post-surgical keratectasia has prompted interest in cross-linking scleral tissue with a potential application to stabilize myopic progression. Applying an UVA light source to the sclera is difficult, particularly in the posterior region. An alternate pharmacologic approach to scleral cross-linking may be possible. The present study was undertaken in order to identify nitrite related compounds capable of inducing scleral tissue cross-linking and to gain information regarding the possible chemical mechanisms involved. 8x4 mm strips of porcine and human sclera were incubated in various concentrations of nitrite related agents (1-100mM) at 37 degrees C. pH 7.4 was used for all experiments except those involving NaNO(2). Following a 24-96 h incubation period, the samples were tested for cross-linking effects using thermal shrinkage temperature (T(s)) analysis. Several compounds were studied including NaNO(2), 2-nitroethanol, 2-nitro-1-propanol, 3-nitro-2-pentanol, 2-nitrophenol, 2-nitroethane, 2-aminoethanol, isopentyl nitrite, DPTA/NO, DETA/NO, and urea, a nitrous acid trap. The results indicate that short chain aliphatic beta-nitro alcohols (2-nitroethanol, 2-nitro-1-propanol, and 3-nitro-2-pentanol) are particularly effective cross-linking agents at pH 7.4, showing both time and concentration dependent effects. Furthermore, nitrosation does not appear to induce tissue cross-linking. In conclusion, aliphatic beta-nitro alcohols can cross-link scleral tissue at physiologic pH and temperature. Since beta-nitro alcohols are known to have reasonable toxicity profiles, these agents could find utility as pharmacologic cross-linking agents for scleral thinning disease.
Baseline toxicity and stage specificity of recently developed reduced-risk insecticides chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram to obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

BACKGROUND: Studies were designed to assess baseline toxicity of the two recently developed reduced-risk insecticides chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram to obliquebanded leafroller (OBLR), Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), and to determine stage-specific effects of these products on OBLR, so that these new chemicals could be judiciously incorporated into IPM programs by targeting only the most susceptible stages of OBLR. RESULTS: Both chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram were highly effective against neonate OBLR larvae at much lower doses than conventional standard azinphosmethyl. Most of the mortality caused by spinetoram occurred during the 4 day exposure period, while significant delayed mortality was observed as a result of chlorantraniliprole treatment during the 7 day recovery period, indicating that chlorantraniliprole is a slower-acting compound compared with spinetoram. Unlike broad-spectrum predecessors, the toxicity of chlorantraniliprole significantly increased with larval age. Similarly, the toxicity of spinetoram increased as larvae grew from neonates to third instars. CONCLUSION: Chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram are highly effective against OBLR larvae, regardless of larval age. Incorporation of these reduced-risk chemistries into IPM programs for OBLR would lead to effective management of this pest in tree fruit systems. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Tree species selection for a mine tailings bioremediation project in Peru

Abstract Tailings water from a copper mine in southern Peru was being discharged to the sea, carrying a significant amount of solids. To investigate the potential for environmental impact mitigation, it was hypothesized that crops could be grown using the water, with the only restriction being that they are non-edible, since the water could contain relatively high levels of minerals which might be absorbed by plants. Trees were identified as the most appropriate crop since they could be used for fuel or construction, and would have a local market in an area almost devoid of natural tree growth. A project was initiated to determine what species/varieties of trees might best be grown in the area, to establish a test plot, and then assess growth. After 16 months, Tamarix aphylla and Acacia saligna had the largest base diameter and height, of the 25 species/varieties planted. Four species exceeded 3 m in height, with base diameters exceeding 5.5 cm, and ranging up to 10.5 cm. Comparison of tree measurement techniques showed height and base diameter to have the highest correlation of all techniques used. Given the ease of measuring base diameter, this appears to be the optimal method to use for assessment of growth. Extending the trial and conducting a destructive harvest would have determined which species/varieties produced the greatest amount of biomass and best lumber; however, funds were not available to obtain these data.
Modelling and analysis of radio tomography

Radio tomographic imaging (RTI) has recently been proposed for tracking object location via radio waves without requiring the objects to transmit or receive radio signals. The position is extracted by inferring which voxels are obstructing a subset of radio links in a dense wireless sensor network. This paper proposes a refined model for signal attenuation in RTI based on measured data, which is used to provide analytic support for previous qualitative observations. We also provide an analytic method for choosing the weighting of the regularization term, and investigate methods for dealing with negative observations caused by noise.
Poly-amido-saccharides: Synthesis via Anionic Polymerization of a β-Lactam Sugar Monomer

Enantiopure poly-amido-saccharides (PASs) with a defined molecular weight and narrow dispersity are synthesized using an anionic ring-opening polymerization of a β-lactam sugar monomer. The PASs have a previously unreported main chain structure that is composed of pyranose rings linked through the 1- and 2-positions by an amide with α-stereochemistry. The monomer is synthesized in one-step from benzyl-protected d-glucal and polymerized using mild reaction conditions to give degrees of polymerization ranging from 25 to >120 in high yield. Computational modeling reveals how the monomer’s structure and steric bulk affect the thermodynamics and kinetics of polymerization. Protected and deprotected polymers and model compounds are characterized using a variety of methods (NMR, GPC, IR, DLS, etc.). On the basis of circular dichroism, the deprotected polymer possesses a regular secondary structure in aqueous solution, which agrees favorably with the prediction of a helical structure using molecular modeling. Fur...
Effects of metamorphism on quartz cathodoluminescence

A relationship between cathodoluminescence color and metamorphic grade is shown by two sequences of naturally deformed quartzites. The metamorphic grade of quartzites from the Bergell Alps varies from low greenschist to high amphibolite. The metamorphic grade of quartzites from the Johnson Spring Formation of Inyo County, California is not precisely known, but the degree of metamorphism varies from slight alteration to complete recrystallization. Luminescence of detrital grains in undeformed quartzite is heterogeneous and varies from dull red to blue. Secondary quartz overgrowths and veins luminesce a rusty red color. Greenschist-facies samples also luminesce rusty red. Recrystallized and amphibolite-facies samples luminesce blue violet. Of the quartzites examined, those from near contacts with granite in the Bergell Alps had the bluest quartz cathodoluminescence. Metamorphism appears to homogenize luminescence with the color being related to metamorphic grade—low temperature causing red luminescence and high temperature, blue.
Reproductive dominance and differential ovicide in the communally breeding burying beetle Nicrophorus tomentosus

Communal breeding can be characterized by the division of reproduction among cooperating individuals and, if the distribution of reproduction is inequitable, by the mechanisms for achieving skewed reproductive success. The burying beetle (Nicrophorus tomentosus) is a facultative communal breeder. Unrelated adults, especially females, provide extensive parental care to broods of mixed parentage. The frequency and degree of reproductive skew between two females were examined experimentally. On medium-size carcasses, the proportion of eggs attributed to each female was not significantly different from random in 42% of the broods, skewed in 42% and not shared in 16%. Although reproduction was usually skewed in favor of the larger female, the relative sizes of the two females did not predict the degree of skew. On large carcasses, the proportion of eggs attributed to each female was not different from random in 87% of the broods and weakly skewed in 13%. Several mechanisms for biasing reproductive success were investigated. Females increase the proportion of their offspring in the brood by committing differential ovicide. Secondly, burying and preparing a carcass cooperatively stimulates ovarian development of the larger female and slows it for the smaller female, reducing or delaying oviposition by the subordinate. Thirdly, larger females are more likely to be dominant and are more fecund than smaller females.
Additional immunotherapy on the basis of increasing mixed hematopoietic chimerism after allogeneic BMT in children with acute leukemia: is there an option to prevent relapse?

The success of allogeneic BMT (allo-BMT) in children with acute leukemias is mainly affected by relapse. There is evidence that these patients have only a little or no benefit from additional immunotherapy if the treatment is started in frank hematological relapse. Recently we were able to demonstrate that pediatric patients with acute leukemias and increasing mixed chimerism (MC) post-transplant have a significantly enhanced risk of developing relapse. We asked whether there is a possibility of preventing relapse, eg by withdrawal of post-tranplant immunosuppression or by administration of donor lymphocytes in an early phase of the development of relapse. We present the case reports of two children (MDS and AML) with rapidly increasing MC in whom withdrawal of post-transplant immunosuppression or donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) did prevent relapse.
Regioselectivity in the iodolactonization of 1,6-heptadien-4-carboxylic acid derivatives

Abstract Electronic control, as a consequence of differential olefin substitution, and a comparison of conformational versus electronic control in the iodolactonization of 1,6-heptadien-4-carboxylic acid derivatives are reported.
The Use of Frozen Blood in Neonatal Exchange Transfusion

Because of inability to quickly locate donors to provide fresh heparinized blood, seven exchange transfusions were performed on four newborns with hemolytic disease due to Rhesus incompatibility using previously frozen erythrocytes suspended in albumin or heparinized, decitrated fresh frozen plasma. Platellets were added to one unit of previously frozen erythrocytes because of severe thrombocytopenia in one patient following an earlier exchange transfusion. The hematologic and bilirubin removing responses were comparable to those seen with fresh heparinized whole blood. Using this method, the safest red blood cells available, namely the mother's, can be drawn and frozen early in gestation for subsequent exchange transfusion.