cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lexical stresses in Macedonian and Polish

We have presented two different analyses of stress in Macedonian and Polish: one in terms of CGs and the other in terms of QS/ROB footing. Further, we showed how there were a number of problems with the CG account. We now consider those problems again in light of the latter analyses above.The first problem was that the emergence of unmarked stress under suffixation did not find a uniform explanation in Macedonian and Polish. This is not true of the revised analyses. Both are couched in terms of accent and the reemergence of regular stress in both languages follows as a consequence of distribution of lexical accent. In fact, aside from the contribution of secondary stresses in Polish and their absence in Macedonian, the analyses differ minimally. Footing in Macedonian is QS; footing in Polish is ROB.A second problem for the CG was that the reemergence of unmarked stress in Polish did not find a uniform explanation. Some cases were handled with lexical extrametricality, while others were handled with the special extrametricality rule.(44)This is also not a problem for the revised analysis. Class I and class II now differ minimally in the placement of accent.The third problem discussed above was the ad hoc character of the special extrametricality rule (44). This too is no longer a problem since this rule is no longer a part of the analysis. In fact, perhaps we can make the strong claim that rules of this type are to.be excluded in principle. An even stronger claim which might be supportable, though it would require we reconsider a number of analyses, is that lexical accent can never be marked with extrametricality. We leave this latter hypothesis open.Summarising, the best analysis of Macedonian and Polish requires a theory that makes use of two different kinds of footing – quantity-sensitive (QS) and revised obligatory-branching (ROB) – and that marks accent in terms of a diacritic feature rather than in terms of grid marks without constituency. Only by adopting such a theory can we capture in a satisfying fashion the generalisation exhibited in Macedonian and Polish, that regular stress reemerges when a word with exceptional stress undergoes sufficient affixation.
Caprine arthritis-encephalitis lentivirus (CAEV) challenge of goats immunized with recombinant vaccinia virus expressing CAEV surface and transmembrane envelope glycoproteins

This study evaluated infection and disease following caprine arthritis-encephalitis lentivirus (CAEV) challenge of goats with existent immune response to CAEV surface and transmembrane envelope glycoproteins. Six Saanen goats were vaccinated three times with recombinant vaccinia virus rWR63 expressing glycoproteins encoded by the CAEV-63 envelope gene. Two goats were immunized with rWRSC11, a control vaccinia virus derived from the pSC11 vaccinia expression plasmid without the CAEV envelope gene. One pair of rWR63 vaccinated goats received a booster immunization with recombinant surface glycoprotein in Freund's complete adjuvant, a second pair was boosted by intravenous inoculation with rWR63, and the third pair was boosted by immunization with HPLC purified native CAEV surface glycoprotein in Freund's complete adjuvant. All six goats vaccinated with rWR63 developed antibody responses to CAEV envelope glycoproteins; however, CAEV-63 neutralizing antibody was not detected. Neither of the rWRSC11-vaccinated goats developed CAEV reactive antibody. All goats were challenged by intravenous inoculation with 10(6) TCID50 CAEV-63. All goats became infected following challenge infection, shown by detection of serum antibody to CAEV core proteins and virus isolation. Existent CAEV-63 immune responses did not detectably alter the severity of inflammatory joint lesions at 24 weeks postchallenge.
Optical coherence tomography as a method for identifying benign and malignant microscopic structures in the prostate gland

Abstract Objectives. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new optical imaging technique capable of providing cross-sectional imaging of tissue microstructure in vivo and in real time. OCT was used in the setting of the human prostate ex vivo, and the images acquired were compared with those obtained using standard histopathologic methods. Methods. Multiple samples (3 to 6) were obtained from the radical prostatectomy specimens of 7 men with clinically localized (T1c-2, N0, M0) adenocarcinoma of the prostate. These specimens were 1 cm in length and 1 mm × 1 mm in rectangular cross section. Specimens were first imaged using OCT and then embedded and stained in preparation for histopathologic evaluation. Co-registration of the images obtained using OCT and standard histopathologic evaluation provided the basis for comparison. Results. Structural architecture on the order of 50 to 150 μm within benign glandular epithelium, fibroadipose tissue, and malignant glandular epithelium could be resolved to a depth of approximately 0.5 mm using OCT. Conclusions. Microscopic resolution is possible in human prostatic tissue using OCT. Further studies using this technique to improve the detection and staging of adenocarcinoma of the prostate are ongoing.
Coumarins in Eremocitrus glauca; Rutaceae; chemotaxonomy; coumarins; artifact; MS fragmentation.

Abstract 2′,3′-Dihydroxydihydrosuberosin its acetonide derivative and 7-hydroxycoumarin has been isolated from the extracts of Eremocitrus glauca . The s
Customised Stent Graft for Complex Thoraco-abdominal Aneurysm Associated with Congenital Pelvic Kidney

Abstract Introduction The association of aortic aneurysm with congenital pelvic kidney is an uncommon condition and has been described in association with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) open repairs. Report We present a case of a patient with a type IV thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) extending into the left common and internal iliac arteries associated with a congenital pelvic kidney who was treated with a customised endovascular prosthesis involving proximal fenestrations, bifurcation fenestration and a left internal deep iliac branch device. Discussion Although branch technology continues to evolve, cases such as this are encouraging for future widespread use. This approach allowed us to offer TAAA repair without compromising renal function in a patient with multiple co-morbidities who probably would not have withstood conventional open treatment.
Flow patterns in polyethylene and polystyrene melts during extrusion through a die entry region: measurement and interpretation

Abstract Flow visualization experiments have been carried out on these melts flowing from a reservoir into a capillary die. The existence and magnitude of vortices at the die entrance have been determined over a range of extrusion conditions. The vortex size is interpreted in terms of the theory of viscoelastic fluid mechanics. It is found that the second-order fluid-perturbation solution cannot represent the observed experimental results. The data are correlated with (i) a Weissenberg number τch V L ≡ \ gt( γ w) γ w ≡ Ψ1 γ w/2η  (N1)w/ 2(σ12)w measured at the die wall and (ii) with the deformation-rate dependence of relaxation time. Interpretation of vortex formation and size in terms of elongational viscosity is offered. Several polystyrene and polyethylene melts have been rheologically characterized as part of this study with measurements of viscosity η and principal normal stress difference N1. The zero shear viscosity η0 of the polystyrenes varies with the 3.5 power of the weight-average molecular weight Mw while the principal normal stress difference coefficient Ψ1 varies with the sixth power of Mw when evaluated at a shear rate of 1 sec−1.
Chemical Trend of the Formation Energies of the Group-III and Group-V Dopants in Si Quantum Dots

Doping behavior in quantum dots (QDs) differs from that in the bulk. Despite many efforts, the doping properties are still not fully understood. Using first-principles methods, we have calculated the formation energies of various group-III acceptors and group-V donors doping at all nonequivalent sites in a Si QD (Si${}_{147}$H${}_{100}$). To analyze the trend of the formation energy, we decompose it into two terms: the unrelaxed formation energy (chemical energy) and the relaxation energy. We find that the unrelaxed formation energy generally increases as the dopant moves from the center of the QD to the surface. The variation of the unrelaxed formation energy in the surface region is explained by the variation of the local potential of the QD and the size effect. The relaxation energy gain increases as the size mismatch between the dopant and Si atom increases. Generally, the relaxation effect becomes more significant as the dopant moves toward the surface of the QD. The trend of the formation energy is determined by the two terms discussed above. If the size mismatch between the dopant and the Si atom is small, the trend of the formation energy generally follows that of the unrelaxed formation energy, increasing as the dopant moves from the center to the surface; thus, these dopants have a better chance of staying in the core region. On the other hand, if the size mismatch is large, the relaxation effect dominates and the formation energy decreases, which indicates these dopants cannot enter the core region under equilibrium growth conditions.
Landscape predictions for the Higgs boson and top quark masses

If the standard model is valid up to scales near the Planck mass, and if the cosmological constant and Higgs mass parameters scan on a landscape of vacua, it is well-known that the observed orders of magnitude of these quantities can be understood from environmental selection for large scale structure and atoms. If in addition the Higgs quartic coupling scans, with a probability distribution peaked at low values, environmental selection for a phase having a scale of electroweak symmetry breaking much less than the Planck scale leads to a most probable Higgs mass of 115 GeV. While fluctuations below this are negligible, the upward fluctuation is $25/p\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$, where $p$ measures the strength of the peaking of the a priori distribution of the quartic coupling. There is an additional $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ uncertainty from calculable higher loop effects, and also sensitivity to the experimental values of ${m}_{t}$ and ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}$. If the top Yukawa coupling also scans, the most probable top quark mass is predicted to lie in the range (172.4\char21{}176.9) GeV, providing the standard model is valid to at least ${10}^{17}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$, with an additional uncertainty of $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ from higher loops. The downward fluctuation is $35\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/\sqrt{p}$, suggesting that $p$ is sufficiently large to give a very precise Higgs mass prediction. While a high reheat temperature after inflation could raise the most probable value of the Higgs mass to 124 GeV, maintaining the successful top prediction suggests that reheating is limited to about ${10}^{9}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$, and that the most probable value of the Higgs mass remains at 115 GeV. If all Yukawa couplings scan, then the $e$, $u$, $d$, and $t$ masses are understood to be outliers having extreme values induced by the pressures of strong environmental selection, while the $s$, $\ensuremath{\mu}$, $c$, $b$, $\ensuremath{\tau}$ Yukawa couplings span only 2 orders of magnitude, reflecting an a priori distribution peaked around ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. An interesting extension to neutrino masses and leptogenesis follows if right-handed neutrino masses scan, with a preference for larger values, and if ${T}_{R}$ and ${T}_{\mathrm{max}﻿}$ scan with mild distributions. The broad order of magnitude of the light neutrino masses and the baryon asymmetry are correctly predicted, while the right-handed neutrino masses, the reheat temperature and the maximum temperature are all predicted to be of order ${10}^{9}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$.
A generalized proof of the reciprocity theorem

This brief extends the general proof of the Ebers-Moll reciprocity theorem [1] originally presented by Shockley [2] to include time dependence and to device structures where heavy doping effects are significant so long as quasi-neutrality and low-level injection conditions are maintained.
Aggression and Dominance: The Roles of Power and Culture in Domestic Violence

In the past few decades, it has become increasingly clear to social scientists and policy makers alike that violence within the family is all too common and carries enormous costs to individuals, families, and society as a whole. Numerous controversies exist in the field, particularly with regard to what factors are significant in the etiology and development of violence between intimate partners. This article focuses on relationship power as a critical construct to consider in domestic violence, as it encompasses aspects of social, dyadic, and individual functioning. The literature on the construct of power and its relationship to domestic violence is reviewed and then placed in cultural context, followed by a discussion of future directions for research on and treatment issues in power and violence. Language: en
The use of information technology in the European searchrooms — results from the Danish pilot project ouverture

(1996). The use of information technology in the European searchrooms — results from the Danish pilot project ouverture. Journal of the Society of Archivists: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 55-65.
Learning with non-metric proximity matrices

Many emerging applications formulate non-metric proximity matrices (non-positive semidefinite), and hence cannot fit into the framework of kernel machines. A popular approach to this problem is to transform the spectrum of the similarity matrix so as to generate a positive semidefinite kernel matrix. In this paper, we explore four representative transformation methods: denoise, flip, diffusion, and shift. Theoretically, we discuss a generalization problem where the test data are not available during transformation, and thus propose an efficient algorithm to address the problem of updating the cross-similarity matrix between test and training data. Extensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the performance of these methods on several real-world (dis)similarity matrices with semantic meanings.
Optical networking: status update

Optical networking attracted a lot of interest in the telecommunication industry during the late 1990s. This interest has weakened since the downturn of this industry in 2000-2001 and throughout the post bubble years. Today, there are signs that optical networking is coming back. In this paper, we examine the current status of optical networking and switching, in terms of deployment in communication networks. We provide a status update in the telecommunication and cable industries. We also discuss today's trend toward relying on optical networks in advanced research and education (R&E) networking initiatives.
Clinical Diagnosis of the Cryptorchid Stallion

Cryptorchidism, or failure of testicular descent, can be a challenging clinical diagnosis, particularly in horses with an unknown castration history. Etiology of cryptorchidism is multifactorial and includes a genetic component. Diagnosis is centered on a detailed physical examination. Transrectal ultrasonography and endocrinologic assays including baseline testosterone, estrone sulfate, and human chorionic gonadotrophin stimulation are diagnostic aids. Treatment of cryptorchidism in horses is surgical removal of testicular tissue. A review of testicular descent, proposed etiologic mechanisms of cryptorchidism, as well as diagnosis and treatment options are presented.
The shape of the high frequency flicker sensitivity curve.

Abstract For a light flickering with a modulation amplitudeΔ L, there is a single frequency ƒ above which the light appears steady (fused). The relationship betweenΔ L and ƒ has been measured often under a variety of conditions, but its mathematical form is disputed. Three candidate functions have been proposed: (1)log ΔL ∝ƒ [Ferry-Porter law], (2)log ΔL αƒ 1/2 [diffusion model] and (3)log ΔL αlogƒ [cascaded integrator model]. Although all three functions roughly fit flicker fusion data (after appropriate linear transformation), they differ in curvature. We compared these functions using the general expression (4)log ΔL αƒλ, where A denotes a curvature parameter. Functions (1)-(3) are special cases of (4) withλ = 1, 0.5, and 0 respectively. When applied to 35 sets of flicker fusion data, the mean values of the best fitting ϕor each data-set was 0.919 (95% confidence interval 1.027 to 0.812). We conclude that the Ferry-Porter law describes most data better than a diffusion model, and that an integrator model deviates consistently in every case.
Tunneling, Zero-Bias Anomalies, and Small Superconductors

We have prepared tunnel junctions which contain small Sn particles imbedded in the oxide barrier. The size distribution of the small particles has been determined from electron micrographs. The electrical characteristics of these junctions were measured in the temperature range 1-300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and in magnetic fields up to 100 kOe. All junctions show a large temperature-dependent resistance peak at zero bias and at low temperatures. The resistance peak increases in magnitude when the Sn particles are made superconducting. A simple model based upon the capacitance of the particles can account quantitatively for this behavior. We believe that a simple extension of this model can account for at least some of the previously reported zero-bias resistance anomalies. From the experiment, it is also possible to extract information about the superconductivity of small particles. We find that Sn particles down to at least a radius $r\ensuremath{\sim}25$ \AA{} are superconducting. The transition temperature of the particles increases with decreasing particle size and reaches 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for particles with $r\ensuremath{\sim}70$ \AA{}, compared with ${T}_{c}=3.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K for bulk Sn. In the radius range $rg100$ \AA{}, the critical field of the particles can be described in terms of a theory by De Gennes and Tinkham. Smaller particles have a much higher critical field, which increases more rapidly with decreasing radius than predicted by that theory.
A new synthesis of perfluoroacyl halides and anhydrides from perfluorocarboxylate salts. A synthetic study

Abstract The nucleophilic cleavage of difluorophosphine esters of perfluorocarboxylic acids by halide ions to form acyl halides has not been previously reported. Furthermore, the reactions between halophosphoryldifluorides or the anhydrides, P 2 O 5 F 2 and P 2 O 3 F 4 , and perfluorocarboxylate salts produce acyl halides or acyl anhydrides, respectively.
Clinical trials of new and novel therapeutic agents

Throughout this issue of World Journal of Surgery are recommendations and descriptions of therapy to prevent the development of multiple organ failure (MOF). The subjects include advances in monitoring; circulatory, pulmonary, and gut support; blood treatment; immune modulation; and control of the inflammatory process. Additional methods of organ support include recommendations for resuscitation and initial care and for early definitive operations. New therapeutic agents such as growth factors, glucan, ketaconazole, and antithrombin III are described. Finally, methods to support organ function before it fails (circulation, lungs, and kidneys) are described.
Identifying and update of derived functions in functional databases

The consistency problems that arise in the design and implementation of functional databases are investigated. The notion of derived functions is used to capture the redundancies that are a common feature of the specification of fundamental databases. To maintain the consistency of databases in the presence of redundant specification, the derived functions in the conceptual schema are identified, and updates on derived functions are performed in a manner consistent with their derivations. An interactive design aid is developed to facilitate the identification of derived functions. Algorithms are developed of derived functions. Algorithms are developed that perform updates in a side-effect-free manner. >
Management of Asherman’s syndrome

Intrauterine adhesions (IUA) or Asherman's syndrome is a multifaceted condition which is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. Although it usually occurs following curettage of the pregnant or recently pregnant uterus, any uterine surgery can lead to IUA. Most women with IUA have amenorrhoea or hypomenorrhoea, but some have normal menses. Those who have amenorrhoea may also have cyclic pelvic pain secondary to 'trapped' menses and the accompanying retrograde menstruation may lead to endometriosis. In addition to menstrual disorders, most women with IUA will present with infertility or recurrent spontaneous abortion. Over the last four decades hysteroscopy has become the standard method to diagnose and treat this condition. Various techniques for adhesiolysis and for prevention of scar reformation have been advocated. The most efficacious appears to be the use of miniature scissors for adhesiolysis and the placement of a balloon stent inside the uterus immediately after surgery. Post-operative oestrogen therapy is prescribed in order to stimulate endometrial regrowth. Follow-up studies to assure resolution of the IUA are mandatory before the patient attempts to conceive as is careful monitoring of pregnancies for cervical incompetence, placenta accreta and intrauterine growth restriction.
Peanut, milk, and wheat intake during pregnancy is associated with reduced allergy and asthma in children.

Background Maternal diet during pregnancy may affect childhood allergy and asthma. Objective We sought to examine the associations between maternal intake of common childhood food allergens during early pregnancy and childhood allergy and asthma. Methods We studied 1277 mother-child pairs from a US prebirth cohort unselected for any disease. Using food frequency questionnaires administered during the first and second trimesters, we assessed maternal intake of common childhood food allergens during pregnancy. In mid-childhood (mean age, 7.9 years), we assessed food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis by questionnaire and serum-specific IgE levels. We examined the associations between maternal diet during pregnancy and childhood allergy and asthma. We also examined the cross-sectional associations between specific food allergies, asthma, and atopic conditions in mid-childhood. Results Food allergy was common (5.6%) in mid-childhood, as was sensitization to at least 1 food allergen (28.0%). Higher maternal peanut intake (each additional z score) during the first trimester was associated with 47% reduced odds of peanut allergic reaction (odds ratio [OR], 0.53; 95% CI, 0.30-0.94). Higher milk intake during the first trimester was associated with reduced asthma (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-0.99) and allergic rhinitis (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97). Higher maternal wheat intake during the second trimester was associated with reduced atopic dermatitis (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46-0.90). Peanut, wheat, and soy allergy were each cross-sectionally associated with increased childhood asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis (ORs, 3.6 to 8.1). Conclusion Higher maternal intake of peanut, milk, and wheat during early pregnancy was associated with reduced odds of mid-childhood allergy and asthma.
TD_gamma: Re-evaluating Complex Backups in Temporal Difference Learning

We show that the λ-return target used in the TD(λ) family of algorithms is the maximum likelihood estimator for a specific model of how the variance of an n-step return estimate increases with n. We introduce the γ-return estimator, an alternative target based on a more accurate model of variance, which defines the TDγ family of complex-backup temporal difference learning algorithms. We derive TDγ, the γ-return equivalent of the original TD(λ) algorithm, which eliminates the λ parameter but can only perform updates at the end of an episode and requires time and space proportional to the episode length. We then derive a second algorithm, TDγ(C), with a capacity parameter C. TDγ(C) requires C times more time and memory than TD(λ) and is incremental and online. We show that TDγ outperforms TD(λ) for any setting of λ on 4 out of 5 benchmark domains, and that TDγ(C) performs as well as or better than TDγ for intermediate settings of C.
Bevacizumab in Combination With Oxaliplatin, Fluorouracil, and Leucovorin (FOLFOX4) for Previously Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Results From the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study E3200

Purpose Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. Antiangiogenic therapy with bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy improves survival in previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer. This study was conducted to determine the effect of bevacizumab (at 10 mg/kg) on survival duration for oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients and Methods Eight hundred twenty-nine metastatic colorectal cancer patients previously treated with a fluoropyrimidine and irinotecan were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFOX4) with bevacizumab; FOLFOX4 without bevacizumab; or bevacizumab alone. The primary end point was overall survival, with additional determinations of progression-free survival, response, and toxicity. Results The median duration of survival for the group treated with FOLFOX4 and bevacizumab was 12.9 months compared with 10.8 months for the group treated with FOLFOX4 alone (corresponding hazard ratio for death 0.75; P .0011), and 10.2 months for those treated with bevacizumab alone. The median progression-free survival for the group treated with FOLFOX4 in combination with bevacizumab was 7.3 months, compared with 4.7 months for the group treated with FOLFOX4 alone (corresponding hazard ratio for progression 0.61; P .0001), and 2.7 months for those treated with bevacizumab alone. The corresponding overall response rates were 22.7%, 8.6%, and 3.3%, respectively (P .0001 for FOLFOX4 with bevacizumab v FOLFOX4 comparison). Bevacizumab was associated with hypertension, bleeding, and vomiting.
WSN14-4: Energy-efficient Reliable Transmission Protocol with Outsourcing in WSNs

Energy has been identified as a crucial resource in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Since it is usually difficult to recharge the sensors deployed in a remote or hostile environment, reducing the energy consumption is the key to prolong the lifetime of the network. In this paper, we investigate an energy-saving strategy, called outsourcing, which allows a sensor to outsource tasks to others in order to reduce the overall energy consumption as well as the energy consumption of the sensors with low remaining energy. Based on this strategy, we designed an energy-efficient reliable transport protocol that intelligently distributes the task of data recovery. Both analysis and simulations show the significant reduction in energy consumption. In addition, the implementation of the proposed scheme requires minor modification to the existing protocols.
The structure of red-infrared scattergrams of semivegetated landscapes

A physically based linear stochastic geometric canopy-soil reflectance model is presented for characterizing spatial variability of semivegetated landscapers at subpixel and regional scales. Landscapes are conceptualized as stochastic geometric surfaces, incorporating not only the variability in geometric elements but also the variability in vegetation and soil background reflectance, which can be important in some scenes. The model is used to investigate several possible mechanisms which contribute to the often observed characteristic triangular shape of red-infrared scattergrams of semivegetated landscapes. Scattergrams of simulated semivegetated scenes are analyzed with respect to the scales of the satellite pixel and subpixel components. >
Effects of pure silica coatings on thermal emission spectra of basaltic rocks: Considerations for Martian surface mineralogy

[1] On Mars, silica derived from chemical weathering could precipitate to coat rocks and particles. We suggest that rock coatings of secondary amorphous silica may account for a widespread Martian surface spectral unit previously modeled as andesite or weathered basalt. In a laboratory study, we investigated the effects of synthetic silica coatings on thermal infrared (TIR) spectroscopic measurements. Secondary amorphous silica is spectrally similar to silicate glass and clay spectra used in previous spectroscopic models. Silica coating and substrate spectra combine nonlinearly to produce a composite spectrum of a coated rock. Silica coatings <10 μm thick effectively mask the spectral contribution of a silicate substrate. Therefore, the capability of volumetrically small amounts of silica present as thin coatings on rocks should be considered when seeking explanations for spectral variability of Martian surface materials.
A plastome primer set for comprehensive quantitative real time RT-PCR analysis of Zea mays : a starter primer set for other Poaceae species

Background: Quantitative Real Time RT-PCR (q2(RT)PCR) is a maturing technique which gives researchers the ability to quantify and compare very small amounts of nucleic acids. Primer design and optimization is an essential yet time consuming aspect of using q2(RT)PCR. In this paper we describe the design and empirical optimization of primers to amplify and quantify plastid RNAs from Zea mays that are robust enough to use with other closely related species. Results: Primers were designed and successfully optimized for 57 of the 104 reported genes in the maize plastome plus two nuclear genes. All 59 primer pairs produced single amplicons after endpoint reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) as visualized on agarose gels and subsequently verified by q2(RT)PCR. Primer pairs were divided into several categories based on the optimization requirements or the uniqueness of the target gene. An in silico test suggested the majority of the primer sets should work with other members of the Poaceae family. An in vitro test of the primer set on two unsequenced species (Panicum virgatum and Miscanthus sinensis) supported this assumption by successfully producing single amplicons for each primer pair. Conclusion: Due to the highly conserved chloroplast genome in plant families it is possible to utilize primer pairs designed against one genomic sequence to detect the presence and abundance of plastid genes or transcripts from genomes that have yet to be sequenced. Analysis of steady state transcription of vital system genes is a necessary requirement to comprehensively elucidate gene expression in any organism. The primer pairs reported in this paper were designed for q2(RT)PCR of maize chloroplast genes but should be useful for other members of the Poaceae family. Both in silico and in vitro data are presented to support this assumption.
On zero sum Ramsey numbers: Multiple copies of a graph

As a consequence of our main result, a theorem of Schrijver and Seymour that determines the zero sum Ramsey numbers for the family of all r-hypertrees on m edges and a theorem of Bialostocki and Dierker that determines the zero sum Ramsey numbers for r-hypermatchings are combined into a single theorem. Another consequence is the determination of zero sum Ramsey numbers of multiple copies of some small graphs. © 1994 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proceedings of the Workshop on One-vs Two-Generation Reproductive Effects Studies

The Workshop on One-vs Two-Generation Reproductive Effects Studies was held on October 21-22, 1987. It was organized by the USEPA's Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances and Office of Research and Development and was supported by the Agency's Risk Assessment Forum. The purpose of the workshop was to address the central question: Is a single-generation reproductive effects study sufficient to assess the reproductive toxicity potential of chemicals that do not bioaccumulate? In response to this question, the panel of nine participants concluded that, by itself, a one-generation reproductive effects study is insufficient to identify all potential reproductive toxicants and that a two-generation study is needed for an adequate assessment. The panel did not support placing much importance on bioaccumulation as related to reproductive toxicity testing mainly because it is not the only critical factor that may account for effects in a second generation but not in the first. In studying broader issues, the pa...
Biological Intrusion of Low-Level Waste Trench Covers

The long-term integrity of low-level waste shallow land burial sites is dependent on the interaction of physical, chemical, and biological factors that modify the waste containment system. Past research on low-level waste shallow land burial methods has emphasized physical (i.e., water infiltration, soil erosion) and chemical (radionuclide leaching) processes that can cause waste site failure and subsequent radionuclide transport. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the need to consider biological processes as being potentially important in reducing the integrity of waste burial site cover treatments. Plants and animals not only can transport radionuclides to the ground surface via root systems and soil excavated from the cover profile by animal burrowing activities, but they modify physical and chemical processes within the cover profile by changing the water infiltration rates, soil erosion rates and chemical composition of the soil. One approach to limiting biological intrusion through the waste cover is to apply a barrier within the profile to limit root and animal penetration with depth. Experiments in the Los Alamos Experimental Engineered Test Facility were initiated to develop and evaluate biological barriers that are effective in minimizing intrusion into waste trenches. The experiments that are described employ four different candidatemore » barrier materials of geologic origin. Experimental variables that will be evaluated, in addition to barrier type, are barrier depth and soil overburden depth. The rate of biological intrusion through the various barrier materials is being evaluated through the use of activatable stable tracers.« less
Population Size, Clones and Morphogenesis in Naegleria gruberi*

SYNOPSIS. The size of the population of Naegleria gruberi at the time the amoebae are offered the opportunity to become flagellated is not a critical factor in the morphogenesis of this organism. Small populations (1-15 cells) readily become flagellated. Small populations (1-5 cells) washed several times also become flagellated. Clonal populations (25) have been established. All clones yield flagellates under the usual conditions. It is suggested that the physiological state of the amoebae is a factor in determining the number of cells that will undergo morphogenesis at any given time.
Endothelial KLF4: crippling vascular injury?

The health of the vascular endothelium is critical for normal vascular physiologic function, and dysfunction of the endothelium can lead to development of vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Endothelial cells (ECs) integrate hemodynamic and biochemical signals to regulate
Leveraging Optogenetic-Based Neurovascular Circuit Characterization for Repair

Optogenetic techniques are a powerful tool for determining the role of individual functional components within complex neural circuits. By genetically targeting specific cell types, neural mechanisms can be actively manipulated to gain a better understanding of their origin and function, both in health and disease. The potential of optogenetics is not limited to answering biological questions, as it is also a promising therapeutic approach for neurological diseases. An important prerequisite for this approach is to have an identified target with a uniquely defined role within a given neural circuit. Here, we examine the retinal neurovascular unit, a circuit that incorporates neurons and vascular cells to control blood flow in the retina. We highlight the role of a specific cell type, the cholinergic amacrine cell, in modulating vascular cells, and demonstrate how this can be targeted and controlled with optogenetics. A better understanding of these mechanisms will not only extend our understanding of neurovascular interactions in the brain, but ultimately may also provide new targets to treat vision loss in a variety of retinal diseases.
Proteins and amino acids: effects of deficiencies and specific amino acids.

Information about effects of protein and amino acid intake on carcinogenesis comes mainly from experiments on laboratory animals. In general, tumor formation and tumor growth are retarded in animals consuming proteinor amino acid-deficient diets, but the effects have been attributed mainly to reduced caloric intake or body weight. Nonetheless, some tumors grow well in animals consuming diets that contain levels of protein that are insufficient to meet their nutritional needs. Induction of tumors by chemical carcinogens or procarcinogens may be enhanced or inhibited in animals consuming a diet containing a particular level of protein, depending upon the responses of enzymes that activate or inactivate the specific compound being tested. The feeding of amino acid-deficient diets or amino acid antagonists has been proposed as an adjunct to chemotherapy. Undoubtedly, tumor development and growth can be influenced by the quantity of protein consumed by an animal, but the responses observed with specific tumors and carcinogens may differ. Therefore, it is not possible to draw general conclusions about effects of protein intake on the incidence of cancer or on the process of carcinogenesis.
Note on Central Planning

The rise and fall of central planning rank among the most significant events in the 20th century. For much of the century, central planning, which had catapulted Russia from a backward country in 1921 to a world-class superpower in the 1960s, was looked upon as a viable model of economic development for many developing countries. By the 1980s, however, the limitations of central planning had become apparent. Countries in the Soviet bloc were stagnant and appeared to be falling further behind Western countries in economic and technological development. In contrast, countries in Asia and South America that undertook market-oriented reforms had experienced rapid economic growth. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, most formerly communist economies have engaged in a historical transition process to market economies. Despite its initial success, central planning as a system of organizing and directing a national economy had proven to be less efficient than the market system. Why this is so is the focus of this note. After a brief historical account of the rise of central planning, this note offers a conceptual framework for understanding how the centrally planned economy is organized and how central planning works, or rather how it doesnt work.
Upper extremity bypass for hand ischaemia

The majority of operations to correct hand ischaemia are directed at reconstruction or bypass of the subclavian and axillary arterial segments. The approaches used are the transcervical (supraclavicular), transclavicular and transaxillary routes. The relationships of the major structures in the operative area are shown. In this cadaver dissection the clavicle is reflected laterally to expose the thoracic outlet area.
The Potable Constitution

According to Richard Hofstadter, the United States was born in the country and has moved to the city. As a result, the quest to divine meaning from the United States Constitution might more profitably speak of farmers' intent rather than framers' intent. This article proposes a seminar on The Potable Constitution, a tour of American constitutional law using naught but cases involving liquor, beer, wine, and milk.
Including teaching ethics into pedagogy: preparing information systems students to meet global challenges of real business settings

This paper's discusses five real business capstone projects that were designed to provide an educational experiential learning to include ethics and professionalism in the pedagogy. This class comprised senior undergraduate Computer Science (CS) and Information Systems (IS) students. The projects involved teamwork and lasted fifteen weeks. The aim of the capstone curriculum was to foster a teaching environment to: 1) include interdisciplinary partnership among university departments; 2) cultivate local industry alliances; 3) encourage students' analysis and synthesis of skills and knowledge in a real business setting project. The National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) practices were used while developing the curriculum and their eight Guiding Principles of Ethical Practices are used to describe the initial findings and lesson learned.
The feasibility of remotely sensed data to estimate urban tree dimensions and biomass

Abstract Accurately measuring the biophysical dimensions of urban trees, such as crown diameter, stem diameter, height, and biomass, is essential for quantifying their collective benefits as an urban forest. However, the cost of directly measuring thousands or millions of individual trees through field surveys can be prohibitive. Supplementing field surveys with remotely sensed data can reduce costs if measurements derived from remotely sensed data are accurate. This study identifies and measures the errors incurred in estimating key tree dimensions from two types of remotely sensed data: high-resolution aerial imagery and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Using Sacramento, CA, as the study site, we obtained field-measured dimensions of 20 predominant species of street trees, including 30–60 randomly selected trees of each species. For each of the 802 trees crown diameter was estimated from the aerial photo and compared with the field-measured crown diameter. Three curve-fitting equations were tested using field measurements to derive diameter at breast height (DBH) (r2 = 0.883, RMSE = 10.32 cm) from the crown diameter. The accuracy of tree height extracted from the LiDAR-based surface model was compared with the field-measured height (RMSE = 1.64 m). We found that the DBH and tree height extracted from the remotely sensed data were lower than their respective field-measured values without adjustment. The magnitude of differences in these measures tended to be larger for smaller-stature trees than for larger stature species. Using DBH and tree height calculated from remotely sensed data, aboveground biomass (r2 = 0.881, RMSE = 799.2 kg) was calculated for individual tree and compared with results from field-measured DBH and height. We present guidelines for identifying potential errors in each step of data processing. These findings inform the development of procedures for monitoring tree growth with remote sensing and for calculating single tree level carbon storage using DBH from crown diameter and tree height in the urban forest.
Interfacial engineering of solution-processed Ni nanochain-SiOx (x < 2) cermets towards thermodynamically stable, anti-oxidation solar selective absorbers

Cermet solar thermal selective absorber coatings are an important component of high-efficiency concentrated solar power (CSP) receivers. The oxidation of the metal nanoparticles in cermet solar absorbers is a great challenge for vacuum-free operation. Recently, we have demonstrated that oxidation is kinetically retarded in solution processed, high-optical-performance Ni nanochain-SiOx cermet system compared to conventional Ni-Al2O3 system when annealed in air at 450–600 °C for several hours. However, for long-term, high-temperature applications in CSP systems, thermodynamically stable antioxidation behavior is highly desirable, which requires new mechanisms beyond kinetically reducing the oxidation rate. Towards this goal, in this paper, we demonstrate that pre-operation annealing of Ni nanochain-SiOx cermets at 900 °C in N2 forms the thermodynamically stable orthorhombic phase of NiSi at the Ni/SiOx interfaces, leading to self-terminated oxidation at 550 °C in air due to this interfacial engineering. In ...
Abstract 5655: Infectivity selective oncolytic adenovirus for pancreatic cancer by redesigning the AB-loop via adenovirus library screening

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL A number of cancers, including pancreatic cancer, are resistant to adenovirus (Ad) infection. Genetically coded viral capsid modification has achieved increased infectivity but not much target specificity. Direct selection of targeted vector from Ad library is a promising approach to overcome this issue. We have established a novel Ad vector generating system enabling a huge-size Ad library. We hypothesize that Ad with redesigned AB-loop isolated by the screening of the new library system would result in a new class of oncolytic adenovirus with selective infectivity for the therapy of pancreatic cancer. Ad AB-loop library was screened with mesothelin-expressing 293 cells (293-MSLN) to target mesothelin (MSLN) which is highly over-expressed in pancreatic cancer, and the clones converged to one dominant clone. The binding of Ad with selected clone was analyzed with 293, Panc-1, MiaPaCa-2, A549 and 293-MSLN. The binding was significantly higher in 293-MSLN than any other cells and corresponded to the order of MSLN-expression by FACS analysis. The anti-MSLN siRNA and antibody significantly reduced the binding to MSLN expressing cells. The binding ability of the virus with this motif in Panc-1 was higher than that of Ad with 5/3 modified fiber which is known to exhibit remarkably enhanced infectivity pancreatic cancer cells. The anti-tumor effect was analyzed in vivo using Panc-1 as a MSLN-positive and MiaPaCa-2 as a MSLN-negative subcutaneous tumors. The injection of the selected clone showed significant anti-tumor effect against Panc-1 tumors, and almost complete regression of some Panc-1 tumors was observed, while it didn't demonstrate anti-tumor effect against MiaPaCa-2 tumors. The hexon immunostaining and the intratumoral viral copy number also indicated that the selected clone replicated in MSLN-positive pancreatic cancer, but not in MSLN-negative cancer. In this study, we selected MSLN targeting Ad vector from the high throughput screening of Ad library by infectivity. The selected clone exhibited significant infectivity to MSLN-positive pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. This new genetically modified oncolytic Ad with selective infectivity to pancreatic cancer may embody next generation targeted therapeutics for this devastating disease. 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 5655. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5655
Newer drugs for arthritis.

An intensive search continues for effective, nontoxic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Of the newer drugs, indomethacin appears of most value so far. Other agents, such as dimethylsulfoxide, an indomethacin analogue, cytotoxic drugs, immunosuppressive agents and anthranilic acid derivatives, are still experimental. Older drugs still have a definite place. In certain cases of gout, both indomethacin and allopurinol have proved useful.