cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A quantitative disease bioassay for selection of fluorescent pseudomonads which suppress preemergence damping-off of hybrid field corn caused by pythium spp.

Abstract Biological control of fungal diseases of corn seedlings is a possible alternative to conventional chemical seed treatments. A necessary first step in the selection of biocontrol agents is the development of a reproducible, quantitative bioassay of the efficacy of isolated organisms. A growth chamber scale bioassay for preemergence damping-off of hybrid field corn (maize; Zea mays L.) caused by Pythium spp. was developed. The results of the bioassay were consistent over experiments, and reductions in seedling emergence and above-ground biomass production were proportional to the level of infestation of soil mix with Pythium spp. Mean emergence in 35 randomly selected experiments was reduced by 72% when soil mix was infested with 1.5 × 103 propagules of Pythium/cm2 soil surface. The assay was used to screen 111 isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads obtained from healthy corn plants. Treatments with 37 of these strains resulted in significantly increased seedling emergence and aboveground biomass production. Three strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, 1986-1, 1986-2, and 1986-4, were chosen for further characterization. Efficacy of all three strains was found to be dose dependent. The minimum effective antagonist dose was proportional to the level of pathogen infestation in the soil mix. Transposon Tn5 was used to generate mutants of strain 1986-1 which were lacking in antifungal activity against Pythium spp. on potato dextrose agar. These mutants either completely or partially lost the ability to protect corn seedlings in the growth chamber bioassay.
Conversion From Intrathecal Morphine to Oral Methadone

Background and Objectives Methadone is an inexpensive and highly effective analgesic when titrated appropriately. Its equianalgesic ratio with other opioids is variable, however. We present a case of conversion from high-dose intrathecal (IT) morphine to oral methadone. Case Report A 37-year-old man was admitted to the orthopedic service due to increased lower back pain. He had a history of recurrent L5 plasmacytoma, an L5 corpectomy, and L3-S1 fusion with instrumentation. An implanted neuraxial drug delivery device had been placed at another institution for back pain. Evaluation suggested infection involving the hardware. The patient underwent hardware removal, debridement of osteomyelitis, and removal of the IT catheter. The patient’s analgesia was converted from IT to intravenous morphine and then to oral methadone. Conclusions The conversion from high-dose IT morphine to oral methadone has not been previously described. The case presents higher IT morphine to oral methadone conversion ratio than might be expected based upon conventionally used equianalgesic tables.
Design Patterns for Policy-Based Service Engagements

Service engagements arise commonly in business and scientific computing. A service engagement is characterized by autonomous parties coming together in a contractual arrangement to share resources or carry out tasks for one another. Recent work shows how to model service engagements in an interactive manner and at a high level. This work formalizes the atoms of a service engagement as commitments among the participants, to be created and manipulated as the engagement progresses. Further, it scopes the commitments of an engagement in a (virtual) organization, and specifies how the policies of the participants affect their interactions. This paper contributes design patterns for service engagements formulated in terms of roles, commitments, and allied concepts. Each pattern reflects a distinct element of a service engagement from a business perspective and highlights exactly where policies apply. This enables the perspicuous, reusable specification of service engagements.
Hexachlorophene effects on the rat brain: study of high doses by light and electron microscopy.

Hexachlorophene was fed io female adult Sherman strain rats at 500 ppm (25 mg/kg/day) for 14 and 10 weeks in two consecutive studies. After two weeks on the diet containing hexachlorophene, the rats developed leg weakness which progressed to paralysis in three to five weeks. After ten weeks on these diets in the second study, hexachlorophene was discontinued; the rats regained almost complete recovery of leg function within six weeks. The brains of the rats that had ingested hexachlorophene weighed significantly more than those of controls and returned to normal in six weeks. The lesions produced by hexachlorophene in the rat brains represented cerebral edema limited to the white matter, which resembles diffuse spongy degeneration of the white matter of the brain described in infants.
Verification data for electron beam dose algorithms.

The Collaborative Working Group (CWG) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) electron beam treatment planning contract has performed a set of 14 experiments that measured dose distributions for 28 unique beam-phantom configurations that simulated various patient anatomic structures and beam geometries. Multiple dose distributions were measured with film or diode detectors for each configuration, resulting in 78, 2-D planar dose distributions and one, 1-D depth-dose distribution. Measurements were made for 9- and 20-MeV electron beams, using primarily 6{times}6- and 15{times}15-cm applicators at several SSDs. Dose distributions were measured for shaped fields, irregular surfaces, and inhomogeneities (1-D, 2-D, and 3-D), which were designed to simulate many clinical electron treatments. The data were corrected for asymmetries, and normalized in an absolute manner. This set of measured data can be used for verification of electron beam dose algorithms and is available to others for that purpose.
The instability of the steady flow past spheres and disks

We consider the instability of the steady, axisymmetric base flow past a sphere, and a circular disk (oriented broadside-on to the incoming flow). Finite-element methods are used to compute the steady axisymmetric base flows, and to examine their linear instability to three-dimensional modal perturbations. The numerical results show that for the sphere and the circular disk, the first instability of the base flow is through a regular bifurcation, and the critical Reynolds number (based on the body radius) is 105 for the sphere, and 58.25 for the circular disk. In both cases, the unstable mode is non-axisymmetric with azimuthal wavenumber m = 1. These computational results are consistent with previous experimental observations (Magarvey & Bishop 1961 a, b; Nakamura 1976; Willmarth, Hawk & Harvey 1964).
Individual investors' risk judgments and investment decisions: The impact of accounting and market data☆

Abstract This study experimentally investigates whether risk judgments and investment decisions of individual investors are affected by the variables noted in portfolio theory (i.e. variance of returns and covariance of returns with the market return) and/or accounting risk measures. Results indicate that investors are able to assess and do (not) use return variance (covariance) as described in portfolio theory. When accounting and market measures are in conflict, the participants' risk judgments correspond with accounting measures rather than market measures.
Estimating the bankfull velocity and discharge for rivers using remotely sensed river morphology information

A method to estimate the bankfull velocity and discharge in rivers that uses the morphological variables of the river channel, including bankfull width, channel slope, and meander length was developed and tested. Because these variables can be measured remotely from topographic and river alignment information derived from aerial photos and satellite imagery, it is possible that the bankfull state of flow can be estimated for rivers entirely from remotely-sensed information. Defining the bankfull hydraulics of rivers would also provide a reference condition for remote tracking of dynamic variables including width, stage, and slope, and for quantifying relative change in flow conditions of rivers over large regions. This could provide a more efficient method to inventory and quantify river hydraulic attributes and dynamics.
Prevention through Design as a Path toward Social Sustainability

AbstractDesign and construction professionals who have studied sustainability know that sustainability encompasses not just environmental equity but also social equity and economic equity. Most of the literature on social sustainability in the built environment focuses on regional urban planning issues, not on specific actions capital project owners and design professionals can take. Prevention through design (PtD) (also known as design for construction safety) is an emerging initiative in the design and construction industry in which design professionals consider the safety of construction workers during the design phase. This paper provides an overview of the PtD concept and suggests that PtD should be a required aspect of social equity on capital projects. A recent survey (n=103) indicates that the expected challenges to diffusion of PtD—lack of knowledge, higher costs, industry structure, and fear of liability—may not prove to be significant barriers, but these challenges may be relevant to other soci...
Structural and stereochemical studies of esterification of aromatic amino acids by α-chymotrypsin in alcohol solvents

Abstract α-Chymotrypsin catalyses the esterification of N- acetyl - l - tryptophan in ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, cyclopentanol, and cyclohexanol. No esterification was observed in methanol or 2-methyl-2-propanol; however, esterification proceeds in ethanol/2-methyl-2-propanol mixtures but not in ethanol/methanol mixtures. Esterification of N- acetyl - dl - tryptophan in ethanol is enantiospecific and enantioselective, with only the L - ester produced. However, esterification of N- trifluoroacetyl - l - phenylalanine in 2-butanol is nondiastereoselective, since a mixture of 2-butyl esters is obtained.
Building an Octree from a Set of Parallelepipeds

What do you call an algorithm designed to stack things up to build larger things? Why, STACK, of course.
Computing multi-valued velocity and electric fields for 1D Euler--Poisson equations

We develop a level set method for the computation of multi-valued velocity and electric fields of one-dimensional Euler-Poisson equations. The system of these equations arises in the semiclassical approximation of Schrodinger-Poisson equations and semiconductor modeling. This method uses an implicit Eulerian formulation in an extended space-called field space, which incorporates both velocity and electric fields into the configuration space. Multi-valued velocity and electric fields are captured through common zeros of two level set functions, which solve a linear homogeneous transport equation in the field space. Numerical examples are presented to validate the proposed level set method.
Imaging of lumbar degenerative disk disease: history and current state.

One of the most common indications for performing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the lumbar spine is the symptom complex thought to originate as a result of degenerative disk disease. MR imaging, which has emerged as perhaps the modality of choice for imaging degenerative disk disease, can readily demonstrate disk pathology, degenerative endplate changes, facet and ligamentous hypertrophic changes, and the sequelae of instability. Its role in terms of predicting natural history of low back pain, identifying causality, or offering prognostic information is unclear. As available modalities for imaging the spine have progressed from radiography, myelography, and computed tomography to MR imaging, there have also been advances in spine surgery for degenerative disk disease. These advances are described in a temporal context for historical purposes with a focus on MR imaging’s history and current state.
A Re(V)-catalyzed C-N bond-forming route to human lipoxygenase inhibitors.

A regioselective synthesis of propargylamines by the coupling of propargyl alcohols with tosylamines and carbamates catalyzed by an air- and moisture-tolerant rhenium−oxo complex is described. The ability to couple functionalized components allows for convergent approaches to nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds such as the marine antibiotic pentabromopseudilin. These compounds were assayed against human lipoxygenase and found to be both potent and selective.
Compartmentalization of positive and negative self-knowledge: keeping bad apples out of the bunch

Three studies examined whether categorical organization of knowledge about the self explains variance in self-esteem and depression beyond that which is accounted for by sheer amount of positive or negative content. Compartmentalization is the tendency to organize positive and negative knowledge about the self into separate, uniformly valenced categories (self-aspects). As long as positive self-aspects are activated, access to negative information should be minimized. Compartmentalization was associated with high self-esteem and low depression scores for individuals whose positive self-aspects were important; when negative self-aspects were important, compartmentalization was correlated with low self-esteem and high depression scores. An analysis of self-aspect labels showed that individuals with compartmentalized organization define negative self-aspects in especially narrow terms. A possible relationship between compartmentalized organization and cognitive complexity is discussed.
The Idealized Cultural Identities Model on Help-Seeking and Child Sexual Abuse: A Conceptual Model for Contextualizing Perceptions and Experiences of South Asian Americans

In this paper, we propose an interdisciplinary framework to study perceptions of child sexual abuse and help-seeking among South Asians living in the United States. We integrate research on social marginality, intersectionality, and cultural psychology to understand how marginalized social experience accentuates South Asian immigrants' desire to construct a positive self-identity. Using model minority ideology as an example of such a construction, we highlight its role in silencing the topic of child sexual abuse within this immigrant community as well as its impact on attitudes towards professional mental health services. We contend that our framework, the idealized cultural identities model on help-seeking and child sexual abuse, provides a unique analytical model for clinicians and researchers to understand how South Asian Americans process, experience, and react to child sexual abuse.
Amplitude control of cell-cycle waves by nuclear import

Propagation of waves of biochemical activities through consecutive stages of the cell cycle is essential to execute the steps of cell division in a strict temporal order. Mechanisms that ensure the proper amplitude and timing of these waves are poorly understood. Using a synthetic gene circuit, we show that a transcriptional activator driven by yeast cell-cycle promoters propagates transcriptional oscillations with substantial damping. Although regulated nuclear translocation has been implicated in the timing of oscillatory events, mathematical analysis shows that increasing the rate of nuclear transport is an example of a general regulatory principle, which enhances the fidelity of wave propagation. Indeed, increasing the constitutive import rate of the activator counteracts the damping of waves and concurrently preserves the intensity of the signal. In contrast to the regulatory range of nuclear transport, the range of mRNA turnover considerably limits transcriptional wave propagation. This classification of cellular processes outlines potential regulatory mechanisms that can contribute to faithful transmission of oscillations at different stages of the cell cycle.
Deoxyribonuclease activities in the development of the leopard frog, Rana pipiens.

Abstract Deoxyribonucleases have been studied in the leopard frog, Rana pipiens , by following the progressive increase of perchloric acidsoluble compounds absorbing at 260 mμ during incubation of homogenates with macromolecular DNA at 27°C. The terms DNase I and DNase II, as used in this report, do not necessarily imply identity with purified DNase I and DNase II as studied in mammals, but refer only to the enzymatic breakdown of DNA under two given sets of conditions. Frog DNase I activity exhibits an alkaline pH optimum of pH 8.5–9.0, but in other requirements is similar to DNase I activities studied in higher vertebrates. It is relatively unaffected by excess substrate, exhibits a divalent cation requirement which can be satisfied by magnesium but is inhibited by concentrations of MgSO 4 above 0.025 M . Frog DNase II activity is similar to mammalian DNase II in all the requirements studied. It has a pH optimum of 4.5–5.0, exhibits a high degree of sensitivity to excess substrate, requires an ionic strength of about 0.18 for optimal activity, and is strongly inhibited by divalent ions. DNase I activity was found in adult pancreas and whole tadpole homogenates. By the assay technique employed, it was undetectable in the early embryo but began to rise at approximately Shumway stage 23. This coincides approximately with the time of morphological appearance of the anuran pancreas as reported in the literature. Stage 25 tadpoles grown for 1 week and dissected showed a striking localization of DNase I activity in the pancreas, and perhaps some in the gut as well. Low DNase II activity was found in the unfertilized egg. This activity decreased slightly through gastrulation, then began to increase with the onset of neurulation. On a per milligram protein basis, this activity continued to increase through early prelarval development but leveled off at about the time DNase I activity became detectable. On a per embryo basis, the activity continued to increase. Hence, these two nuclease activities show strikingly different patterns of development. The increase in DNase II activity at neurulation coincides with cellular degeneration reported to occur in the forming neural plate and neural tube of vertebrate embryos. No attempt was made to determine the localization of DNase II activity in the neurula. A three- to fivefold increase in activity was found during tail resorption at metamorphosis, a result which suggests a correlation between DNase II activity and degenerative processes.
Effects of high magnetic fields on the flow stress of 18-8 stainless steels

Abstract The plastic deformation of two 18-8 stainless steels was studied in magnetic fields as large as 18 T at temperatures of 4, 77 and 290 K. Changes in stress-strain behavior during magnetic exposure at cryogenic temperatures are reported, and are associated with an enhanced f.c.c.→ b.c.c. martensitic transformation. In the magnetic field a reduced flow stress was observed at small strains, but at larger strains an increased rate of work hardening and a larger flow stress were observed. Additionally, a reduced elongation was found for the specimens tested in the magnetic field. Although these effects of magnetic fields are probably too small to be of engineering importance, they provide a unique means of determining how the f.c.c.→ b.c.c. martensitic transformation affects the plastic deformation of 18-8 stainless steels.
Hybrid organic-inorganic sensors

Abstract Using the sol-gel process, it is possible to combine organic and inorganic components within the same matrix. Many new hybrid materials with unique mechanical, chemical or physical properties have been synthesized using this low-temperature, ‘soft chemistry’ route. Optics and sensing technology probably stand to benefit the most from the current research effort on these new materials. Since they combine the features of gel-derived oxides (mechanical strength, transparency in the visible, high porosity and surface area) with the characteristics of organic molecules (wide range of reactivity and specificity, optical properties), organic-inorganic hybrids are materials that often cannot be fabricated by other means. This report describes some recent work in the authors' laboratory and briefly summarizes other recent advances in the field. According to a recent trend, it distinguishes between two different types of hybrids. In type I hybrids, the interaction between organic and inorganic constituents is weak and due to second order (Van der Waals or hydrogen) bonding. In Type II hybrids, the interaction between the organic and the inorganic constituents is strong and due to covalent or iono-covalent bonding.
What consumers know and what they do: An investigation of consumer knowledge, awareness, and use of privacy protection strategies

Abstract This study examines consumer knowledge of privacy-related laws and practices, and consumer awareness and use of strategies that may protect the consumer's privacy. Consumers were found to have very little knowledge of direct marketing practices and regulations. While consumers were fairly well informed on privacy-protection strategies, their use of these strategies was quite low. This study also investigates whether several consumer traits, namely gender, age, telephone number listing status, and desire to receive direct marketing solicitations, had any relationship to the consumer's awareness and use of privacy-protection strategies. It was found that males and young people were more likely than their counterparts to be aware of privacy-protection strategies. Those most likely to use privacy-protection strategies were young people and people who disliked receiving direct marketing solicitations.
Specific surface area measurements on ceramic powders

Abstract Surface area measurements on ceramic powders are determined by gas adsorption using the Brunauer—Emmett—Teller (B.E.T.) equation. Two methods are described: the static and the dynamic. Emphasis is placed on sample preparation prior to adsorption. Data are presented which compare the two methods along with the results of a round robin study on surface area measurements on an alumina sample.
Sedimentation and sediment flow in settling tanks with inclined walls

The flow of a sediment layer that forms on an inclined plate as a consequence of the steady sedimentation of spherical particles was investigated theoretically as well as experimentally. The theoretical analysis was based on the model proposed by Nir & Acrivos (1990), modified to include shear-induced diffusion due to gradients in the shear stress as well as a slip velocity along the wall due to the finite size of the particles. The resulting set of partial differential equations, which is amenable to a similarity-type solution both near the leading edge as well as far downstream, was solved numerically using a finite difference scheme thereby yielding theoretical predictions for the particle concentration and velocity profiles, plus the local sediment layer thickness, all along the plate. In addition, a new experimental technique based on laser Doppler anemometry was developed and was used to measure the particle velocity profiles in the highly concentrated sediment layer as well as the corresponding slip coefficient which relates the slip velocity to the velocity gradient adjacent to a wall. The thickness profile of the sediment layer was also measured experimentally by means of video imaging. It was found that the experimental results thus obtained for the particle velocity profile and for the local sediment layer thickness were in very good agreement with the corresponding theoretical predictions especially considering that the latter did not make use of any adjustable parameters.
Statistical Analysis of BTEX Surface Soil Regulatory Guidance Values

Residential surface soil regulatory guidance values (RGVs) specify the threshold at which soil contamination requires action. Usually, these are risk-based values based on child ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) are among the five most commonly regulated soil contaminants in the United States and worldwide. More than 100 regulatory jurisdictions have established surface soil RGVs for BTEX compounds. Analysis of these values indicates that they vary by several orders of magnitude and appear to fit a lognormal random variable model with values well dispersed across the number spans. The RGVs applied to benzene are statistically distinct from those applied to TEX contamination, but the TEX values appear to be statistically indistinguishable. The magnitude of difference between TEX RGVs of different jurisdictions appears to be more significant than differences in the T, E, and X values specified by any one jurisdiction. Although value distributions are dominated by randomness, some contain clusters of points that are unlikely to be random and may represent consensus on appropriate values. Where "consensus clusters" exist, they should be identified and explored. The mechanistic explanations for cluster values may yield methods of reducing RGV variability.
Fever response in elderly nursing home residents: are the older truly colder?

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that many nursing home residents with an apparently blunted fever response (maximum temperature less than 101 degrees F) may actually have a significant change in temperature (delta T greater than or equal to 2.4 degrees F) which is not recognized because of a low baseline temperature. DESIGN Retrospective chart review for cases of infection that met specific criteria and for chart-recorded baseline and infection temperatures. Chart-recorded baseline temperatures were prospectively compared with re-measurement of morning temperatures. SETTING Nursing Home Care Unit of the VAMC West Los Angeles. PATIENTS Random review of 40 residents' charts resulted in the detection of 69 infections among 26 residents over a 20-month period. Fifty randomly selected residents prospectively underwent comparison of chart-determined and actual re-measurement of baseline temperatures. RESULTS In 50 randomly selected residents, the mean oral baseline temperature of 97.4 +/- 0.2 (degrees F +/- SEM) closely approximated the mean nurse-recorded measures in the charts (97.6 +/- 0.1). Chart review detected 69 infections among 26 residents, with 53 episodes having a temperature recorded during the infection. The mean maximum temperature (Tmax) during an infection was 101.3 +/- 0.3 (degrees F +/- SEM) but 47% (25/53) of the episodes had a "blunted" fever response (Tmax less than 101 degrees F). Of the 25 "blunted" fevers (Tmax less than 101 degrees F), about one-fourth demonstrated an adequate change in temperature from baseline (delta T greater than or equal to 2.4 degrees F) but failed to reach 101 degrees F because of a low baseline. Most infections (89%) had a Tmax greater than 99 degrees F. CONCLUSION Establishing a nursing home patient's basal temperature and monitoring for changes in temperature (delta T greater than 2.4 degrees F) and/or lowering the threshold for recognition of fevers (to 99 degrees or 100 degrees F) in nursing home residents with a change in function should assist in early recognition of infections.
Genetic and environmental influences on aggression in 4- to 7-year-old twins

Aggressive behaviors of 38 twin pairs (21 monozygotic [MZ], 17 dizygotic [DZ]) between the ages of 4 and 7 years were assessed through mothers' ratings and observations in their homes. An observation checklist was developed in which mothers were asked to observe and report each child's specific aggressive behaviors for a total of 6 hours spread over 3 days. In particular the observations focused on the following behaviors: rejection, destructiveness, negativism, noncompliance, teasing, physical negative, insult, verbal threat, and yelling. Biometrical genetic analysis evidenced significant heritable influences on composite aggression scores in both the observation checklist and the mothers' ratings; heritability estimates varied from.24 to.94 depending on the aggression nieasnre used, with scores from the mothers' observations demonstrating smaller genetic effect than those of the parental ratings of the environmental sources of variance, within-family factors were far more important than the between-family ones. The results also yielded significant sex and zygosity differences for means of some of the specific aggressive behaviors, where males and DZ twins scored higher than females and MZ twins. It was suggested that future studies should include more detailed investigations of the context in which specific aggressive behaviors occur and the sources toward which they are directed in order to determine the extent to which different types of aggression may have different etiologies.
Ochratoxin A and Penicillic acid interaction in mice

Abstract Penicillic Acid (PA) and Ochratoxin A (OA) are toxic fungal metabolites that are synergistic in combination. This interaction was investigated using mice which were dosed orally as follows: control, none; solvent control, 0.2 ml bicarbonate buffer; PA, 40 mg/kg; OA, 10 mg/kg and combination, 40 mg/kg PA + 10 mg/kg OA. The only significant histopathologic change observed was an acute multifocal toxic tubular nephrosis which appeared most severe in the combination‐treated mice killed on day 10. While the combination group had a death rate of 20% (5/25), no deaths occurred in the other treatment groups. The increased death rate and the extensive nephrotoxic findings in the combination group indicate a toxic interaction between OA and PA at sub‐lethal dose levels and is consistent with a renal site of action.
DNA Repair Processes Protect Human Beings from Premature Solar Skin Damage: Evidence from Studies on Xeroderma Pigmentosum

The repair of DNA damage by ultraviolet light is defective in the hereditary disease xeroderma pigmentosum. A deoxyribonucleotide excision-proficient form and several excision-deficient forms of xeroderma pigmentosum have been identified. Premature solar skin damage develops in all xeroderma pigmentosum patients. Some patients also have neurological abnormalities caused by premature death of nerve cells. This abnormal aging of the central nervous system and of sun-exposed skin appears to be the result of the abnormal DNA repair processes. Clinical, biological, and physicochemical studies on DNA-repair-dependent processes and on the DNA repair defects in xeroderma pigmentosum are elucidating the mechanisms by which such abnormal aging is prevented in normal human beings.
SU-FF-I-69: A 2D-3D Registration Quality Evaluator for Patient Positioning in Radiotherapy

Purpose: To construct a registration quality evaluator (RQE) for 2D‐3D registration to automatically determine the “goodness” of a registration for user‐defined error tolerance based on average pixel shift in the region of interest, a more consistent quantification of registration error, rather than conventional units in mm and degree. Method and Materials: RQE was automatically constructed from two orthogonal kilovoltage portal images and their corresponding CT dataset of an anthropomorphic cranial phantom. Digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) were generated from a registered CT dataset by adding known arbitrary displacements. Then normalized mutual information (NMI) values between each pair of DRRs and their corresponding portal images were computed, and associated with the known registration error. Based on a user‐defined error tolerance, each sample, which includes a NMI value and its known registration error, was classified as a successful or unsuccessful registration. Finally, supervised learning was performed to calculate a decision threshold on NMI. To determine the goodness of a registration, the registration error can be estimated by calculating the NMI related to the registration output and comparing the value with the RQE threshold. To estimate RQE performance, radio‐opaque markers were attached to the phantom and marker‐based registrations were carried out independently to establish a gold standard. In the absence of markers, this standard can be established by using multiple runs of a registration algorithm alongside visual verification. Results: RQE training yielded a sensitivity and a specificity of 0.9804 (0.8955–0.9995) and 0.9388 (0.8313–0.9872) respectively at 95% confidence interval. Using test dataset, the sensitivity and the specificity of RQE were 0.939 and 0.937, respectively. Conclusion: Our phantom study showed RQE had very good performance in identifying registration errors in 2D‐3D registrations. As part of an automated patient positioning system, RQE can be combined with a 2D‐3D registration algorithm to avoid local optima and improve robustness.
Metalloprobes: synthesis, characterization, and potency of a novel gallium(III) complex in human epidermal carcinoma cells.

Abstract Multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by overexpression of the MDR1 gene product, P-glycoprotein (Pgp), represents one of the best characterized barriers to chemotherapeutic treatment in cancer and may be a pivotal factor in progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thus, agents capable of probing Pgp-mediated transport could be beneficial in biomedical imaging. Herein, we synthesized and structurally characterized a gallium(III) complex ( 5 ) of the naphthol–Schiff base ligand. The crystal structure revealed octahedral geometry for the metallodrug. Cytotoxicity profiles of 5 were evaluated in KB-3-1 (Pgp−) and KB-8-5 (Pgp+) human epidermal carcinoma cell lines. Compared with an LC 50 (the half-maximal cytotoxic concentration) value of 1.93 μM in drug-sensitive (Pgp−) cells, the gallium(III) complex 5 demonstrated an LC 50 value > 100 μM in drug-resistant (Pgp+) cells, thus indicating that 5 was recognized by the Pgp as its substrate, thereby extruded from the cells and sequestered away from their cytotoxic targets. Radiolabeled analogues of 5 could be beneficial in noninvasive imaging of Pgp-mediated transport in vivo .
Occurrence of prosaposin as a neuronal surface membrane component

Prosaposin is a precursor of four saposins that are required for the lysosomal hydrolysis of sphingolipids by specific hydrolases. Besides its precursor role, prosaposin also exists as a secreted protein. The present investigation reveals that prosaposin also exists as an integral component of the surface membranes of neuronal cells. Subcellular fractionation studies demonstrate that the membrane-bound prosaposin occurs specifically in plasma membranes of NS20Y rat neuroblastoma cells. An immunohistochemical study of the neuroblastoma cells using rat prosaposin-specific antibodies also showed that a portion of prosaposin is located on the surface of neurites as well as on cell bodies. Similar histochemical studies with antibodies that specifically recognized human prosaposin revealed the presence of prosaposin in dendrites, axons, and cell bodies of subcortical and spinal cord neurons in both human adult brain and in fetal brain (24-wk gestation). These findings suggest an important role of prosaposin in neuronal development.
Thiocyanations VI: Iron-catalyzed thiocyanations of unsaturated acids and esters

The effect of iron catalyst and the advantages of its use in thiocyanogen additions to a series of unsaturated acids and esters were studied. In the absence of catalyst, the deactivation effect of the carboxylic group on the double bond is observed up to and including the Δ5 position, conversions to products are low, and the products in some cases are not the anticipated dithiocyanate adducts. These normally unreactive double bonds are induced to react with thiocyanogen by iron catalyst. Furthermore, for the catalyzed reactions of Δ2 and Δ3 acids and esters, the esters are found to be more reactive than the acids, although both produce trace to low yields of adducts. Single isolated bonds located in any position beyond Δ3, including terminal, are thiocyanated rapidly and in high yield in the presence of iron catlyst. Methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate form ca. 80% of the tetrathiocyanate and hexathiocyanate adducts, respectively.
Simulation of conformational transitions

Conformational transitions are essential for the functioning of many proteins, and understanding this dynamical behavior is a central goal in molecular biology. Computer simulations are playing an important role towards this aim by providing insights into how the conformational changes are induced, propagated and used. Popular methods for the simulation of conformational transitions will be reviewed, with a focus on atomistic molecular dynamics techniques for the calculation of transition pathways
Enzymology: Modular biosynthesis branches out.

Rings in biologically active molecules confer rigidity that helps the molecules to bind strongly and selectively to their targets. A ring-forming mechanism has been identified that involves a biochemically unusual reaction. See Letter p.124 Polyketide synthases (PKSs) are modular enzyme complexes that produce polyketides, a large class of secondary metabolites — otherwise known as natural products. In this manuscript, the authors identify and characterize a novel PKS module from the endofungal bacterium Burkholderia rhizoxinica that catalyses a vinylogous addition of a malonyl unit to an unsaturated thioester, generating a branch in the growing polyketide chain. This enzymological activity is very unusual; all previously studied PKS modules catalyse the head-to-tail fusion of acyl and malonyl units, yielding a linear polyketide chain. This newly discovered reaction provides a simple mechanism by which structural diversity of polyketide natural products can be increased.
In memoriam: Simon Triger

Presents a tribute to Simon Triger, an electronics designer and researcher who died descending Mont Blanc.
Targeting gene expression in the mouse somite: adenovirus-mediated gene delivery and whole embryo culture.

We report here a novel approach to direct gene expression in the mouse somite based on the combined application of adenovirus-mediated gene delivery and whole embryo ex vivo culture. As proof of principle, we show functional analysis of somites microinjected with an engineered virus expressing an activated form of Smoothened, the signaling receptor for Sonic Hedgehog (SHH). As adenovirus can infect many embryonic tissues in the mouse, this method may provide an effective alternative to conventional transgenesis for targeted spatial and temporal gene expression. genesis 42:71–76, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
TGF-β and lung fluid balance in ARDS.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by hypoxemia from flooding of the distal airspaces of the lung with protein-rich edema fluid. Pulmonary edema develops because of an increase in lung vascular permeability and from injury to the alveolar epithelium that diminishes the normal capacity of the alveolar epithelium to remove edema fluid from the airspaces (alveolar fluid clearance, AFC) (1, 2). The severity of alveolar edema depends on the competing effects of increased permeability and the active clearance of edema fluid from the airspaces in regions where the epithelium is intact. The vectorial transport of sodium into the interstitial space provides an osmotic gradient for absorption of water. The sodium concentration gradient is established by Na+/K+-ATPase located in the basolateral membrane of polarized alveolar epithelial type 1 and type 2 cells (Fig. 1). Transepithelial sodium transport also requires an adequate paracellular barrier, apically polarized sodium channels such as ENaC (the epithelial sodium channel), and chloride transport (3, 4).
Associations between caryopsis dormancy, α-amylase activity, and pre-harvest sprouting in barley

Abstract Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a concern for barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) producers, grain processors, and researchers worldwide. Pre-harvest sprouting has been mainly attributed to low dormancy, which is determined by genotype, stage of plant maturation, and environmental conditions during caryopsis development. Fourteen barley genotypes were sown in field experiments at two sites in North Dakota in 2004 and 2005. Spikes were harvested at four different stages: ≈500 g kg −1 moisture content, physiological maturity, harvest maturity, and post-harvest maturity. Results indicated that barley genotypes were released from dormancy at different rates. The 14 barley genotypes were divided into three classes based on their dormancy loss rate during caryopsis development. C93-3230-24 was highly dormant, and ‘Stander’ and ‘Legacy’ were highly susceptible to PHS due to lack of dormancy from as early as 20 d after heading date. All other genotypes fell into the third group that had intermediate dormancy loss rate. No significant correlation was detected between barley α-amylase activity and germination percentage. A moderate association between malt α-amylase activity and caryopsis dormancy suggested that cultivars with increased malt α-amylase activity tend to have low dormancy and may be more prone to PHS.
Novice Teacher Learning and Motivation Across Contexts: Assessment Tools as Boundary Objects

We present a longitudinal study of novice teachers’ appropriation, negotiation, and recontextualization of assessment tools and practices. During the four years of the study, we observed and interviewed beginning mathematics and social studies teachers, along with their colleagues, mentors, and supervisors, from their time in a graduate secondary teacher education program through their second year of professional teaching. Analysis of fieldnotes, interview transcripts, and artifacts suggests that assessment tools function as boundary objects in negotiations within and between the social worlds in which novices learn to teach. Boundary objects serve as reifications or representations of values, goals, and meanings (Bowker & Star, 1999; Star & Griesemer, 1989; Wenger, 1998). Assessment tools and artifacts, as boundary objects, facilitate engagement of teachers, administrators, students, and their families in coordinating activity across social boundaries and are central to the function of educational organi...
Social Capital, Cognition, and Entrepreneurial Opportunities: A Theoretical Framework

Entrepreneurship—the recognition and exploitation of opportunities—is valuable within organizations as well as in the establishment of new ventures. Some studies have addressed the issue why some i...
Branch Distance Optimization of Structured Programs

Abstract One of the functions of code generation (or peephole optimization of generated code) is to find a linear arrangement of code segments such that the sum of branch distances between code segments is minimized. The problem is a generalization of the optimal linear arrangement problem which is known to be NP-hard. However, it has important applications in generating object code for pipeline and cache machines. This paper presents a branch-and-bound method which incorporates a heuristic for deriving a near-optimal initial solution.
Search for donors of a race-specific rice blast resistance gene Pi-b by means of molecular marking methods

An intragenic codominant marker system for identifying gene Pi-b is used for searching for its donors in the working collection of initial breeding material of the All-Russian Rice Research Institute.
OCLC interlending and document delivery services

OCLC provides inter‐library lending facilities for participating libraries in 52 countries worldwide via the OCLC PRISM ILL system. This service can be used to borrow monographs and serial articles from either participating OCLC libraries or document suppliers. Enhancements to the PRISM system currently being implemented are described. FirstSearch document delivery options and electronic journal services are outlined, together with OCLC's plans for providing integrated access to these and ILL services.
Beryllium Case Registry Progress Report: 1962

The Beryllium Case Registry was initiated in 1952 to develop knowledge of Be poisoning. A review of accumu lated data suggests that Be in all forms must be considered potentially harmful. (C.H.)
Mechanical behavior of tungsten preform reinforced bulk metallic glass composites

Quasistatic and dynamic compression tests were conducted on four tungsten preform reinforced Vit105 (Zr52.5Ti5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10) and Vit106 (Zr57Nb5Cu15.4Ni12.6Al10) metallic glass composites. All the composites exhibited large plastic strain under both quasistatic and dynamic compression. In general, the dynamic loading resulted in higher failure stress than the quasistatic loading. The deformation behavior was found to be dominated by the ductile W phase. Microscopic observation of the deformed and fractured specimens revealed shear banding in the glassy phase, cracking along the particle boundaries and severe deformation of W particles. It is also found that the processing methods have strong influence on the mechanical behavior of the composites even when they have the same matrix and the same volume fractions of the reinforcement.
Examining the relationships among academic self-concept, instrumental motivation, and TIMSS 2007 science scores: a cross-cultural comparison of five East Asian countries/regions and the United States

Many American authors expressed their concern that US competitiveness in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is losing ground. Using the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2007 data, this study investigated how academic self-concept and instrumental motivation influence science test performance among East Asian and American students. Jackknife regression modelling indicated that in East Asia science competency is not tied to enjoying science or estimated ability while in the US both variables are negatively correlated with performance. Additionally, the test performance of the East Asian students does not seem to be boosted by the perception of the role of science in career advancement, but this perception could significantly predict the test performance of their American counterparts. It is the conviction of the author that these findings related to student-level factors could lead to practical implications for educational policies and pedagogical strategie...
Monoamine oxidase inhibition and the activity of other oxidative enzymes in the brains of mice fed cuprizone

Abstract Several oxidative enzymes in the brains of mice treated with the disubstituted hydrazide cuprizone (biscyclohexanone oxaldihydrazone) were studied sequentially by qualitative enzyme histochemical techniques. dietary administration of 0.3% cuprizone resulted in rapid, progressive, and widespread inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity (MAO). Demonstrable reduction of MAO activity occurred as early as 5 days in the diencephalon. After 5 wk feeding, a severe reduction in enzyme activity had occurred in both gray and white matter in numerous areas of the brain, but was especially severe in the diencephalon and reticular formation. Alterations in oxidative enzyme activity occurred in reactive astrocytes, ependymal cells and severely edematous areas but changes in neuronal perikarya, blood vessels, oligodendroglia, and choroidal epithelium were not observed. In reactive astrocytes intense staining was observed for lactate and glutamate dehydrogenase and NAD diaphorase, but the staining intensity was less for succinic and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADP diaphorase. Desquamation of the ependymal cells lining the ventricular system was accompanied by loss of oxidative enzyme activity. The encephalopathy induced in mice by cuprizone was compared to that produced by hydrazides in other species. It was suggested that a possible mechanism for the induction of the neural alterations was a build up of biogenic amines following MAO inhibition by cuprizone.