cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope and facility instruments

The Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) is a revolutionary large telescope of 9.2 meter aperture, located in West Texas at McDonald Observatory. The HET operates with a fixed segmented primary and has a tracker which moves the four-mirror corrector and prime focus instrument package to track the sidereal and non-sidereal motions of objects. The HET has been taking science data for five years, but the image quality and primary mirror stability have been far from specifications. Work over the past two years has improved performance significantly, and demonstrated site-seeing limited images of 0.8 arcsec., showing that the telescope will meet all specifications. The performance of the HET is discussed in detail. The first phase of HET instrumentation includes three facility instruments: the Low Resolution Spectrograph (LRS), the Medium Resolution Spectrograph (MRS), and High Resolution Spectrograph (HRS). The current status of the instruments is described. Upcoming near infrared capabilities for the LRS and MRS are also discussed.
Sequestration of copper and zinc in the hepatopancreas of Armadillidium vulgare latreille following exposure to lead.

Heavy metals have been found in tissues of a variety of terrestrial isopods recovered from heavy-metal polluted sites. One of the difficulties encountered in these studies is the interpretation of the influence of multiple non-essential heavy metals on concentrations of essential metals. The primary soft tissue site of heavy metal storage in the isopod is the hepatopancreas, which stores more heavy metal than any other soft tissue of any other animal. In a preliminary study, isopods exposed to lead nitrate showed increased copper and zinc concentrations in hepatopancreas tissue. As a result of these findings, this more extensive study was undertaken.
Effect of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium depletion on intramembranous charge movement in frog cut muscle fibers.

Cut muscle fibers from Rana temporaria (sarcomere length, 3.3-3.5 microns; temperature, 13-16 degrees C) were mounted in a double Vaseline-gap chamber and equilibrated for at least an hour with an internal solution that contained 20 mM EGTA and phenol red and an external solution that contained predominantly TEA-gluconate; both solutions were nominally Ca-free. The increase in total myoplasmic concentration of Ca (delta[CaT]) produced by sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release was estimated from the change in pH produced when the released Ca was complexed by EGTA (Pape, P.C., D.-S. Jong, and W.K. Chandler. 1995. Journal of General Physiology. 106:259-336). The resting value of SR Ca content, [CaSR]R (expressed as myoplasmic concentration), was taken to be equal to the value of delta[CaT] obtained during a step depolarization (usually to -50 to -40 mV) that was sufficiently long (200-750 ms) to release all of the readily releasable Ca from the SR. In ten fibers, the first depolarization gave [CaSR]R = 839-1,698 microM. Progressively smaller values were obtained with subsequent depolarizations until, after 30-40 depolarizations, the value of [CaSR]R had usually been reduced to < 10 microM. Measurements of intramembranous charge movement, Icm, showed that, as the value of [CaSR]R decreased, ON-OFF charge equality held and the amount of charge moved remained constant. ON Icm showed brief initial I beta components and prominent I gamma "humps", even after the value of [CaSR]R was < 10 microM. Although the amplitude of the hump component decreased during depletion, its duration increased in a manner that preserved the constancy of ON charge. In the depleted state, charge movement was steeply voltage dependent, with a mean value of 7.2 mV for the Boltzmann factor k. These and other results are not consistent with the idea that there is one type of charge, Q beta, and that I gamma is a movement of Q beta caused by SR Ca release, as proposed by Pizarro, Csernoch, Uribe, Rodriguez, and Rios (1991. Journal of General Physiology. 97:913-947). Rather, our results imply that Q beta and Q gamma represent either two distinct species of charge or two transitions with different properties of a single species of charge, and that SR Ca content or release or some related event alters the kinetics, but not the amount of Q gamma. Many of the properties of Q gamma, as well as the voltage dependence of the rate of SR Ca release for small depolarizations, are consistent with predictions from a simple model in which the voltage sensor for SR Ca release consists of four interacting charge movement particles.
Vitamin K in the treatment of cancer.

Although the overall outlook for patients with cancer has measurably improved (37), for patients with many common cancers, progress has been disappointing. In such diseases as adenocarcinoma of the colon and breast, and non-small cell lung cancer, new drugs are clearly needed if further improvement for patients with these cancers is to be achieved (26, 29, 30). In this regard, the biological and biochemical properties associated with a variety of vitamin structures have stimulated recent investigations into their potential for incorporation into antineoplastic treatment strategies. Although vitamins A, C and E have received the most intensive scrutiny (66, 91), considerable evidence is accruing that the vitamin K group of agents is also worthy of clinical investigation. This review will outline experimental work to date suggesting antineoplastic activity ofvitamin K both as cytotoxic therapy for established malignancy and as chemopreventive therapy for developing malignancy.
Chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology of insect cuticular lipids

The chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology of insect cuticular lipids are reviewed. The types of components present in cuticular extracts are described with special emphasis on the occurrence and identification of the di- and trimethylalkanes and the newly discovered tetramethylalkanes. The methods used in the extraction of cuticular components are discussed, including recommendations to standardize procedures. The structural elucidation of methylalkanes, particularly the mass spectral interpretation of multi-methyl-branched alkanes, is reviewed. The biosynthesis of cuticular lipids is discussed with emphasis on the hydrocarbon components, describing elongation reactions and the origin of the methyl branches. The effects of environment and development on cuticular lipids are reviewed.
Subnanometer hole properties of CO2-Exposed polysulfone studied by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

Positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy has been employed to study subnanometer hole properties in polysulfone (PSF). In this study, hole properties of size, fraction, and distribution of PSF exposed to CO 2 are reported. In the PSF/CO 2 system, the hole size and fraction significantly increase and the free-volume distribution broadens as a function of CO 2 pressure in the range of 0-1000 psi. Hysteresis in hole properties is observed during CO 2 sorption/desorption cycle. The high sensitivity of PAL results due to CO 2 exposure in PSF is explained in terms of the microstructural changes in the polymer matrix, i.e., filling penetrant and plasticization, gas hydrostatic pressure effect, and creation of free volumes and holes.
Mapping of Airborne Doppler Radar Data

Abstract Two sets of equations are derived to 1) map airborne Doppler radar data from an aircraft-relative coordinate system to an earth-relative coordinate system, and 2) remove the platform motion from the observed Doppler velocities. These equations can be applied to data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration WP-3D system, the National Center for Atmospheric Research ELDORA system, and other airborne radar systems.
Heterogeneity of the MtTW15 mammosomatotropic tumor. I. Light microscopic evaluation of cell types by means of immunocytochemistry, morphometric quantitation, fluorescence cytophotometry and radioimmunoassay

Large MtTW15 pituitary tumors produced 200- to 800-fold elevations in serum growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) levels. Female tumor hosts showed doubling in body weight, milk secretion, and a 2-fold hepatosplenomegaly. Pituitaries of host animals were reduced by about 50% in both weight and concentrations of GH and PRL. Large tumors were well-encapsulated, multinodular and showed variable amounts of necrosis and hemorrhage. Cytofluorometric analysis revealed a range of 100-fold in nuclear DNA content of tumor parenchymal cells which were chromophobic, pleomorphic and frequently mitotic. Concentrations of hormones in tumors were less than in normal pituitaries and highly variable with the ratio of GH/PRL ranging up to 30-fold within the same tumor. Immunostaining and linear scanning quantitation showed that about 50% of the tumor cells contained immunodetectable hormones. Comparison of immunostained adjacent sections showed that hormone-containing tumor cells were pleomorphic, unequally distributed within nodules, lacking in distinctive identifying morphological characteristics and that they contained GH or PRL but not both hormones simultaneously. Collectively our results show that large MtTW15 tumors are comprised of a markedly heterogeneous population of tumor cells and they suggest that the hormone-containing cells are monohormonal secreting tumor cells which can produce GH or PRL but not both hormones.
Demonstration of LMMP automated performance testing using cloud computing architecture

The Lunar Mapping and Modeling Project (LMMP) is currently being built by NASA. The goal is to provide a single point of access to the best state of knowledge of the moon's terrain, rock and crater fields, resource maps, lighting conditions and thermal conditions. The project uses cloud computing scalable infrastructure to support users. This demonstration will show how cloud computing can be used to support large scale automated testing, simulating users from around the world, in a cost effective manner.
Rothia prosthetic knee joint infection

Rothia species — Gram-positive pleomorphic bacteria that are part of the normal oral and respiratory flora — are commonly associated with dental cavities and periodontal disease although systemic infections have been described. We describe a 53-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis complicated by prosthetic knee joint infection due to Rothia species, which was successfully treated by surgical removal of prosthesis and prolonged antimicrobial therapy. The issue of antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures among patients with prosthetic joint replacements is discussed.
Poster: I/O workload analysis with server-side data collection

A detailed understanding of high-performance computer (HPC) file system read and write (I/O) workloads allows stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of the I/O infrastructure and identify bottlenecks and other issues. Always-on, server-side monitoring, like that provided by the Lustre Monitoring Tool, permits a comprehensive and nonintrusive mechanism for capturing details of the I/O workload. The statistical properties of data movement to and from mass storage on an HPC system reveal transaction patterns that connect the server-side observations back to the computer-side jobs that caused them. This paper lays out strategies to characterize such patterns using I/O statistics.
Health services research in urology

Health services research (HSR) is increasingly important given the focus on patient-centered, cost-effective, high-quality health care. We examine how HSR affects contemporary evidence-based urologic practice and its role in shaping future urologic research and care. PubMed, urologic texts, and lay literature were reviewed for terms pertaining to HSR/outcomes research and urologic disease processes. HSR is a broad discipline that focuses on access, cost, and outcomes of Health care. Its use has been applied to a myriad of urologic conditions to identify deficiencies in access, to evaluate cost-effectiveness of therapies, and to evaluate structural, process, and outcome quality measures. HSR utilizes an evidence-based approach to identify the most effective ways to organize/manage, finance, and deliver high-quality urologic care and to tailor care optimized to individuals.
57Co: a volume marker for the triple-isotope, double-antibody radioimmune assay.

Abstract A prototype triple-isotope, double-antibody radioimmune assay for the analysis of large numbers of samples on a routine basis has previously been reported (Egan et al., 1972). The major advantage of this technique is that almost instaneoeous computer calculations replace the tedious and often error-prone step of washing the precipitate as the last step in the assay procedure. The 22Na used as a volume marker in the original procedure can be replaced by 57Co provided a chelating agent is present to prevent its adsorption to serum proteins. Because of its decay pattern, 57Co can be counted with greater efficiency with less overlap into other channels. Other features which recommend its use are the lower gamma radiation level which results in reduced exporse of personnel to radioactivity.
Retinoic acid-induced change in anteroposterior positional identity in regenerating axolotl limbs is dose-dependent.

Retinoic acid (RA) induces pattern duplication in the proximodistal (PD) axis of axolotl limb regenerates. The effect is dose-dependent, with the maximum extent of duplication being evoked at a dose of 150 μ RA/g body weight, The same dose of RA induces maximum pattern completion in the anteroposterior (AP) axis of regenerating anterior half or double anterior half limbs. RA inhibits the regeneration of posterior half or double posterior half limbs (Kim, W.S., and Stocum, D.L. [1986] Dev Biol 114:170–179). The effects of lower doses of RA on the AP axis of limb regenerates have not been tested and thus it is not known whether the effects of RA on positional identity in this axis are dose-dependent or are all-or-none. To answer this question, we examined the effects of a range of doses of RA on AP positional identity in regenerating double anterior and double posterior axolotl forelimbs and hindlimbs constructed by exchanging the anterior and posterior halves of right and left zeugopodia as either autografts or homografts. Ten days after the exchange, the double half zeugopodia were amputated through their distal ends. At 4 days postamputation, the animals were injected intraperitoneally with 20, 50, 75, or 100 μg RA/g body weight and the constructs allowed to regenerate for at least 6 weeks. Control double anterior forelimbs and hindlimbs formed symmetrical regenerates with an average of two and 1.8 anterior digits, respectively. RA treatment induced the blastema of double anterior zeugopodia to regenerate missing posterior structures in mirror-image patterns and to duplicate zeugopodial and stylopodial elements in the PD axis. The extent of posterior regeneration and PD duplication was proportional to dose. Control double posterior forelimbs and hindlimbs produced symmetrical regenerates with an average of 2.4 and 3.3 posterior digits, respectively. Regeneration was inhibited at 100% frequency at doses above 50 μg of RA, but regeneration took place with increasing frequency at the 50 and 20 μg doses. We conclude from these data that RA posteriorizes AP positional identity in a dose-dependent way, analogous to the dose-dependent proximalization of positional identity reported previously for the PD axis. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A simple seismoscope

This instrument has now been placed in the telephone-exchange in Hilo, Hawaii, and the radio rooms respectively of Canton and Baker islands, for report on time and intensity of local earthquakes by postal card to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (or by radiophone). It is an annunciator (Fig. 1) with electric bell to show earthquake-amplitudes 1 to 6 in the range approximately I to IV Rossi-Forel. The original model has done good work for some years in Hawaii National Park.
The Formal Treatment Contract in the Inpatient Management of Borderline Personality Disorder

Formal, written contracts between the patient and the treatment team have been shown to be useful in the inpatient management of borderline personality disorder by fostering a therapeutic alliance, containing dangerous behavior, and protecting the integrity of the treatment. The author discusses the advantages and disadvantages of such contracts and points out several common contractual errors, including making a contract too restrictive, allowing the contract to substitute for psychotherapy, and using the contract as a means of defense or punishment. She provides 12 guidelines, for formulating successful contracts, beginning with the need to clearly state the purpose of the treatment plan mutually agreed on by patient and staff.
A multilevel statistical analysis of changes in language use among first-generation immigrants in a bilingual setting

The subject pronouns of English (which are nearly categorical) have contributed to a cross-generational increase in occurrence rates of Spanish pronouns (which are variably overt or null) among second generation speakers in New York. But is the passage of time also associated with overt pronoun rate increases among first generation immigrants? Analysis of a large corpus of verbs (n = 51,478) revealed that first generation speakers who arrived in New York between the ages of four and 14 showed significantly higher rates of pronoun use than those who arrived as young adults or older. Among all three first generation age-of-arrival cohorts, the number of years spent in New York was associated with higher rates of pronoun use. A significant difference owing to region of origin among first generation cohorts was also evident: Caribbean speakers showed higher pronoun rates than Mainland speakers, with the difference between regional rates higher among early arrivers than later arrivers. Multivariate analysis employed a two-level hierarchical linear model which revealed that all three predictors (age of arrival, exposure to New York, and region of origin) made independent, statistically significant contributions to pronoun overtness. The regression also showed that region of origin is the strongest predictor of pronoun use, after taking into account exposure and arrival age.
Changing attitudes of student teachers on classroom discipline

(1982). Changing attitudes of student teachers on classroom discipline. The Teacher Educator: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 10-15.
Characterization and validation of methane products from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)

[1] This paper presents the characterization and validation of retrievals of atmospheric methane (CH4) vertical profiles by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on the EOS/Aqua platform. AIRS channels near 7.6 μm are used for CH4 retrieval, and they are most sensitive to the middle to upper troposphere, i.e., about 200–300 hPa in the tropics and 400–500 hPa in the polar region. The atmospheric temperature-humidity profiles, surface skin temperature, and emissivity required to derive CH4 are obtained from retrievals using separate AIRS channels and the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU). Comparison of AIRS retrieved profiles with some in situ aircraft CH4 profiles implied that the forward model used in the AIRS retrieval system V4.0 required a 2% increase in methane absorption coefficients for strong absorption channels, and this bias adjustment was implemented in the AIRS retrieval system V5.0. As a new operational product in V5.0, AIRS CH4 were validated using in situ aircraft observations at 22 sites of the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory, Global Monitoring Division (NOAA/ESRL/GMD), ranging from the Arctic to the tropical South Pacific Ocean, but their altitudes are usually above 300 hPa. The results show the bias of the retrieved CH4 profiles for this version is −1.4∼0.1% and its RMS difference is about 0.5–1.6%, depending on altitude. These validation comparisons provide critical assessment of the retrieval algorithm and will continue using more in situ observations together with future improvement to the retrieval algorithm. AIRS CH4 products include not only the CH4 profile but also the information content. As examples, the products of AIRS CH4 in August 2004 and the difference of CH4 in May and September 2004 are shown. From these results a few features are evident: (1) a large AIRS CH4 plume southwest of the Tibetan plateau that may be associated with deep convection during the Asian summer monsoon; (2) high mixing ratios of AIRS CH4 in southeastern Asia and in the high northern hemisphere in the summer; and (3) the increase of AIRS CH4 from May to September in the high northern hemisphere that is likely linked with wetland emission but needs more study. Further analysis of these data and its comparison with model data will be addressed in a separate paper.
Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition with a Free Piston: A New Approach to Ideal Otto Cycle Performance

Sandia National Laboratories has been investigating a new, integrated approach to generating electricity with ultra low emissions and very high efficiency for low power (30 kW) applications such as hybrid vehicles and portable generators. Our approach utilizes a free piston in a double-ended cylinder. Combustion occurs alternately at each cylinder end, with intake/exhaust processes accomplished through a two stroke cycle. A linear alternator is mounted in the center section of the cylinder, serving to both generate useful electrical power and to control the compression ratio by varying the rate of electrical generation. Thus, a mechanically simple geometry results in an electronically controlled variable compression ratio configuration.
In vivo retention and bioactivity of IL-1ra microspheres in the rat intervertebral disc: a preliminary investigation

Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) contribute to the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration. Previously we demonstrated, in vitro, that by delivering interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) from poly(lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres, we could attenuate the degradative effects of IL-1β on the nucleus pulposus (NP) for up to 20 days. The objective of this study was to undertake a preliminary investigation into whether microspheres could be successfully delivered to and retained in the disc in vivo, and whether IL-1ra released from those microspheres remained biologically active. For retention studies, fluorescently-labeled microspheres were delivered to the NPs of rat caudal discs. Rats were sacrificed at time points up to 56 days, and microspheres were localized using fluorescent microscopy. To investigate whether IL-1ra microspheres could effectively inhibit the effects of IL-1β in vivo, four disc levels were allocated to the following treatment groups: intact; saline; IL-1β; or IL-1β + IL-1ra microspheres. Rats were sacrificed after seven days and NP glycosaminoglycan content was measured. Microspheres were visible in the disc at all time points up to 28 days, and localized to the NP, the annulus fibrosus (AF), or both. Glycosaminoglycan content for discs injected with IL-1β alone was significantly lower than for intact controls. For discs injected with IL-1β along with IL-1ra microspheres, glycosaminoglycan content was not significantly different from intact controls. Microspheres can successfully be delivered to the disc in vivo and retained for a clinically relevant time frame. IL-1ra released from microspheres can effectively prevent IL-1β-induced NP glycosaminoglycan loss in vivo.
Extending the demands-control model: A daily diary study of job characteristics, work-family conflict and work-family facilitation

Using personal digital assistants, 91 parents employed in non-professional occupations were surveyed for 14 consecutive days about their job characteristics and work-family experiences. We found significant daily variation in work-to-family conflict (WFC) and work-to-family facilitation (WFF) that was predictable from daily job characteristics. Higher levels of WFC were associated with greater job demands and control at work. Contrary to the demands-control model (Karasek, 1979), these two job characteristics interacted such that the relationship between demands and WFC was stronger when control was high. We also found that demands were negatively related and control and skill level positively related to WFF. The results suggest ways in which jobs may be redesigned to enhance individuals' work-family experiences.
Measurement of eight scalar and dipolar couplings for methine-methylene pairs in proteins and nucleic acids

A new 3D, spin-state-selective coherence transfer NMR experiment is described that yields accurate measurements for eight scalar or dipolar couplings within a spin system composed of a methylene adjacent to a methine group. Implementations of the experiment have been optimized for proteins and for nucleic acids. The experiments are demonstrated for Cβ–Cα moieties of the third IgG-binding domain from Streptococcal Protein G (GB3) and for C\( ^{5^{\prime}} \)–C\( ^{4^{\prime}} \) groups in a 24-nt RNA oligomer. Chemical shifts of Cα, Cβ and Hβ (respectively C\( ^{4^{\prime}} \), C\( ^{5^{\prime}} \) and H\( ^{5^{\prime}} \)) are dispersed in the three orthogonal dimensions, and the absence of heteronuclear decoupling leads to distinct and well-resolved E.COSY multiplet patterns. In an isotropic sample, the E.COSY displacements correspond to 1JCαHα, 2JCαHβ2+2JCαHβ3, 2JCβHα, 1JCβHβ2+1JCβHβ3, 1JCβHβ2−2JHβ2Hβ3, 1JCβHβ3−2JHβ2Hβ3, 3JHαHβ2 and 3JHαHβ3 for proteins, and 1J\( _{{{\rm C}4^{\prime}}{{\rm H}4^{\prime}}} \), 2J\( _{{\rm C}4^{\prime}{{\rm H}5^{\prime}}}+^{2} \)J\( _{{{\rm C}4^{\prime}}{{\rm H}5^{\prime\prime}}} \), 2J\( _{{{\rm C}5^{\prime}}{{\rm H}4^{\prime}}} \), 1J\( _{{{\rm C}5^{\prime}}{{\rm H}5^{\prime}}} \)+1J\( _{{\rm C}5^{\prime}{{\rm H}5^{\prime\prime}}} \), 1J\( _{{\rm C}5^{\prime}{\rm H}5^{\prime}}-^{2} \)J\( _{{\rm H}5^{\prime}{\rm H}5^{\prime\prime}} \), 1J\( _{{\rm C}5^{\prime}{{\rm H}5^{\prime\prime}}}-^{2} \)J\( _{{\rm H}5^{\prime}{\rm H}5^{\prime\prime}} \), 3J\( _{{\rm H}4^{\prime}{\rm H}5^{\prime}} \) and 3J\( _{{\rm H}4^{\prime}{{\rm H}5^{\prime\prime}}} \) in nucleic acids. The experiment, based on relaxation-optimized spectroscopy, yields best results when applied to residues where the methine–methylene group corresponds to a reasonably isolated spin system, as applies for C, F, Y, W, D, N and H residues in proteins, or the C\( ^{5^{\prime}} \)–C\( ^{4^{\prime}} \) groups in nucleic acids. Splittings can be measured under either isotropic or weakly aligned conditions, yielding valuable structural information both through the 3J couplings and the one-, two- and three-bond dipolar interactions. Dipolar couplings for 10 out of 13 sidechains in GB3 are found to be in excellent agreement with its X-ray structure, whereas one residue adopts a different backbone geometry, and two residues are subject to extensive χ1 rotamer averaging. The abundance of dipolar couplings can also yield stereospecific assignments of the non-equivalent methylene protons. For the RNA oligomer, dipolar data yielded stereospecific assignments for six out of the eight C\( ^{5^{\prime}} \)H2 groups in the loop region of the oligomer, in all cases confirmed by 1J\( _{{\rm C}5^{\prime}{{\rm H}5^{\prime}}} > ^{1} \)J\( _{{\rm C}5^{\prime}{\rm H}5^{\prime\prime}} \), and H\( ^{5^{\prime}} \) resonating downfield of H\( ^{5^{\prime\prime}} \).
Lineage relationship between LNCaP and LNCaP-derived prostate cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND LNCaP and its derivative cell lines, which include C4-2 (and the related C4-2B) and CL1, are used as models of prostate cancer. Unlike LNCaP, the other cell lines show features of progressed disease such as metastatic capability and hormone independence. Analyses were done to determine if C4-2 or CL1 cells were selected from pre-existent subpopulations in LNCaP. METHODS Prostate cancer cells were characterized by cluster designation (CD) phenotyping. Specific cell populations were sorted by flow cytometry. DNA array analysis was used to probe differential gene expression. RESULTS CD phenotyping showed that CL1 and C4-2 (and C4-2B) were very dissimilar, and C4-2 was more similar to LNCaP. One common difference between LNCaP and its derivatives was CD26, in which virtually all C4-2 or CL1 cells were CD26+ but only ∼10% of LNCaP cells were CD26+. The CD26+ subpopulation of LNCaP was isolated and cultured in vitro. After culture, a high percentage of the cells (descended from the sorted cells) were CD26+, in contrast to those sorted by CD13 or CD44. The cultured CD13 and CD44 populations did not show a high percentage of CD13+ and CD44+ cells, respectively. CD13 and CD44 are markers, in addition to CD26, for CL1 but not for C4-2. CONCLUSIONS C4-2 arose probably from CD26+ LNCaP cells, while CL1 arose de novo. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Heterocyst-Specific Expression of patB, a Gene Required for Nitrogen Fixation in Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120

The patB gene product is required for growth and survival of the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 in the absence of combined nitrogen. A patB::gfp fusion demonstrated that this gene is expressed exclusively in heterocysts. patB mutants have a normal initial pattern of heterocyst spacing along the filament but differentiate excess heterocysts after several days in the absence of combined nitrogen. Expression of hetR and patS, two critical regulators of the heterocyst development cascade, are normal for patB mutants, indicating that patB acts downstream of them in the differentiation pathway. A patB deletion mutant suffers an almost complete cessation of growth and nitrogen fixation within 24 h of combined nitrogen removal. In contrast, a new PatB mutant that is defective in its N-terminal ferredoxin domain, or a previously described mutant that has a frameshift removing its C-terminal helix-turn-helix domain, grows very slowly and differentiates multiple contiguous heterocysts under nitrogen-deficient conditions.
A Numerical Study of the Steady Scalar Convective Diffusion Equation for Small Viscosity

A time-independent convection diffusion equation is studied by means of a compact finite difference scheme and numerical solutions are compared to the analytic inviscid solutions. The correct internal and external boundary layer behavior is observed, due to an inherent feature of the scheme which automatically produces upwind differencing in inviscid regions and the correct viscous behavior in viscous regions.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in a rhesus macaque

We describe the clinical course and histopathologic findings in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) which developed a systemic inflammatory disorder resembling systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The manifestations of the SLE included antinuclear antibody, hemolytic anemia, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and arthritis. To our knowledge, spontaneously occurring SLE has not previously been described in nonhuman primates.
Application in practice of the results of library and information retrieval research-experience in consultancy

Analysis of the records of a small, specialised consultancy indicates that research results have been applied both in general development of subject knowledge and in solving specific prob lems. Some promising research which appears not yet to have yielded practical results is noted, and difficulties are identified in converting published research into practical applications. Text and document analysis on a large scale and the auto matic acquisition of texts are likely to be useful future research topics; user studies and cost benefit analyses appear to be the best tools for assessment.
Distortionless crest factor reduction for forward link CDMA

Forward link code division multiple access (CDMA) signals typically suffer from high crest factors. A signal with a large crest factor is not only vulnerable in the presence of nonlinear components such as power amplifiers, but also leads to low transmission power efficiency. In this paper, we propose two blind selected mapping techniques to reduce the crest factor of a forward link CDMA signal. Both techniques are built on the concept of selecting for transmission, the signal with the lowest crest factor from a set of equivalent representations. They are "blind" in the sense that no side information on the selection is transmitted. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed crest factor reduction algorithms.
Absorption of phenytoin from rectal suppositories formulated with a polyethylene glycol base.

Study Objective. To compare phenytoin pharmacokinetics following administration of an oral suspension and a rectal suppository formulated with a polyethylene glycol base. Design. Unblinded, single-dose, randomized, crossover trial. Setting. University-affiliated pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics laboratory. Subjects. Six healthy subjects. Intervention. Subjects were given a single 200-mg dose of phenytoin as an oral suspension and a rectal suppository separated by a 1-week washout. Measurements and Main Results. Blood for plasma phenytoin concentrations was obtained at baseline and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 hours after administration. Plasma was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (coefficient of variation < 6%) for total phenytoin concentration. Phenytoin maximum concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax (Tmax), time to first measurable concentration (Tlag), and area under the curve from time zero to time of last measurable concentration (AUClast) were estimated for oral and rectal administration by WinNonlin (v 1.1) and compared using Wilcoxons signed rank test (p<0.05 for statistical significance). Two subjects did not have detectable plasma phenytoin concentrations after rectal administration. For the other four subjects, median rectal Cmax was significantly lower than oral Cmax (0.4 vs 1.9 μg/ml, p=0.028), median rectal Tmax did not differ from oral Tmax (11.9 vs 8.0 hrs, p=0.465), and median rectal AUClast, although highly variable, was significantly lower than oral AUClast (5.4 vs 36.2 μg•hr/ml, p=0.046). No Tlag was seen after oral administration, but with rectal administration the median Tlag was 2 hours. The estimated relative bioavailability of rectal phenytoin suppositories based on AUC0–24 was 4.7%, with individual values ranging from 0–58.3%. Conclusion. It appears that absorption of phenytoin from polyethylene glycol rectal suppositories in healthy subjects is highly variable and unpredictable. Thus this formulation is not recommended.
Chemical prevention and treatment of winter saprolegniosis ("winter kill") in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

The efficacies of formalin, potassium permanganate, sodium chloride, and copper sulfate as prophylactic treatments for saprolegniosis (“winter kill”) in channel caffish Icralums puncratus were evaluated. Formalin and copper sulfate were also evaluated as postinfective treatments for the disease. Each of the five experiments was conducted with 5–to 7-g channel catfish placed in static water aquaria maintained in refrigerated tanks. Water temperature was reduced from 25 to 10 C within 36 h and maintained at 10 ± 0.5 C for 28 d. Fish were exposed to cultured Saprolegnia sp. at 20 C, and morbidity and mortality data were recorded for 28 d. Saprolegnia sp.-associated mortalities occurred 7–10 d after exposure. Formalin (25 mg/L) was effective as both a prophylactic and postinfective treatment for saprolegniosis. Copper sulfate was effective in preventing saprolegniosis at a concentration of 0.1 mg/L, but was ineffective as a postinfective treatment. Sodium chloride at 5,000 mg/L was effective in preventing saprolegniosis, but was not practical for use in the commercial catfish industry. Potassium permanganate (up to 0.5 mg/L) was not effective in preventing or treating saprolegniosis in channel caffish. Based on the results of this study, it may be possible to prevent saprolegniosis in channel catfish using formalin or copper sulfate during winter when fish are immunosuppressed by rapid decreases in water temperature or to treat infected fish with formalin. However, the routine use of chemicals to control this disease should not be recommended until studies on their efficacy under typical caffish culture conditions and the effect of long-term use of chemicals on fish and on the environment are completed.
The Role of Mitochondria in the Establishment of Developmental Competence in Early Human Development

An accumulating body of evidence strongly implicates mitochondria as a central player in the establishment and maintenance of oocyte and preimplantation stage embryo developmental competence. For the human, numerical and functional defects in mitochondria have been implicated in fertilization and early developmental failure after in vitro fertilization (IVF), and as possible etiologies of female subfertility or infertility. This chapter addresses aspects of human oocyte and preimplantation embryonic development in which mitochondria appear to have critical roles. Aspects of mitochondrial function discussed include cellular bioenergetics (ATP generation), signal transduction, regulation of calcium homeostasis, and redox and reactive oxygen species-sensitive signaling. Evidence is presented indicating that abnormalities in free calcium levels in human oocytes and abnormally high levels of ATP production are associated, and may contribute to developmental abnormalities after fertilization. The finding that structurally equivalent mitochondria can be spatially distinguished in the oocyte and early embryo by detectable differences in the magnitude of the potential difference across the inner membrane (∆Ψm) is discussed in the context of how mitochondrial activity may be regulated, its affect on developmental competence, and whether spatial microzonation of mitochondria with high ∆Ψm is indicative of functional compartmentalization that is both a normal aspect of early development and one that if defective, can directly influence outcome in infertility treatments.
Fatty acid profiles are biomarkers of fish habitat use in a river-floodplain ecosystem

Fatty acid (FA) analyses of fish tissues offer the potential to gain new knowledge of habitat- or forage-specific energy inputs to fishes in river-floodplain ecosystems, although limited information exists regarding among-habitat differences in FA biomarkers. The goal of this study was to determine if differences in fish FA profiles among main channel and connected and disconnected floodplain lakes exist in large river-floodplain systems. Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus FA profiles were generated to assess differences among two reaches of the Illinois River, USA, and its connected and disconnected floodplain lakes and determine whether FA signatures could be used to reclassify fish to their source habitat. Bluegill FA profiles differed among habitats and river reaches, including differences in levels of individual FAs (e.g., 18:2n−6, an indicator of allochthonous inputs, was higher among main channel fish) and FA groupings (e.g., n−3:n−6 FA ratio, an indicator of aquatic primary productivity, was higher among floodplain lake fish), which enabled >87.5% reclassification accuracy of fish to their source environment. We demonstrated that bluegill FA profiles differed among reaches and laterally among river channel and floodplain habitats, suggesting that FA profiles can be used to infer recent habitat use and habitat-specific foraging of fishes in large river-floodplain ecosystems.
Component Availability

Reliability can reasonably be defined for an individual component. Availability depends intrinsically on the service discipline of a system so that a component can not be assigned a measure of availability exclusive of the system in which it operates. To obtain a general formulation the structural details of the system are omitted and the action of the system is represented by the waiting time distribution of the component service queue. Two approaches to the definition of component availability are given. 1) An integro-differential equation definition in terms of the service waiting time distribution. 2) A methodological definition for component availability in terms of the details of a combinatorial queue model.
Intramolecular NH···Pt interactions of platinum(II) diimine complexes with phenyl ligands.

Pt(pipNC)2(phen) [pipNC− = 1-(piperidylmethyl)phenyl anion; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline] was prepared by the reaction of cis-Pt(pipNC)2 with phen. Crystallographic and 1H NMR data establish that the...
Spinal cord astrocytomas: a modern 20-year experience at a single institution.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis. OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of resection on survival and neurological outcome in a modern cohort of patients with spinal cord astrocytomas and identify prognostic factors for survival. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA There are currently no clear treatment guidelines for the management of spinal cord astrocytomas. Additionally there is no conclusive evidence for the surgical resection of these tumors, with some studies even demonstrating worse survival with surgery. However, most studies have examined patients treated prior to the routine use of magnetic resonance imaging and advanced microsurgical techniques. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 46 consecutive patients with spinal cord astrocytomas treated at our institution from 1992 to 2012. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify variables associated with survival. RESULTS The majority of patients (67.4%) underwent surgical resection, with the remaining only receiving biopsy. Of those who underwent resection, only 12.5% of patients underwent gross total resection, all of whom had low-grade astrocytomas. Of all patients, 30.7% worsened compared with their preoperative baseline. The occurrence of worsening increased with high tumor grade (52.9% vs. 27.6%, P = 0.086) and an increased extent of resection (66.7% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.0069). Resection did not provide a survival benefit compared with biopsy alone (P = 0.53). Multivariate analysis revealed high-grade histology (hazard ratio, 11.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.41-53.2; P = 0.0021), tumor dissemination (hazard ratio, 4.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-14.8; P = 0.023), and an increasing number of tumor involved levels (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.74; P = 0.058) to be associated with worse survival. CONCLUSION As surgical intervention is associated with a higher rate of neurological complications and lacks a clear benefit, the resection of spinal cord astrocytomas should be reserved for select cases and should be used sparingly.
Influence of some plant extracts on the transdermal absorption and penetration of marker penetrants

AbstractContext: Plant extracts are commonly used in a number of cosmetics and topical pharmaceuticals. The effects on such extracts on the subsequent dermal absorption and penetration of other cosmetic ingredients needs to be evaluated.Objective: This study demonstrates the effect of some natural extracts routinely found in cosmetics on the dermal absorption and penetration of marker penetrants.Methods: Aqueous ethanolic extracts of Gingko biloba, Lavendula angustifolia, Rosmarinus officinale, Mentha piperita, Matricaria recutita, Persea Americana, Avena sativa, Zingiber officinale were prepared. 14C-caffeine and 14C-salicylic acid were topically dosed with either 10% solutions of natural extracts or ethanol (control) using a flow through in vitro porcine skin diffusion system. Samples were analyzed with liquid scintillation counter. The parameters of flux, permeability, and percent dose absorbed/retained were calculated and compared.Results: The dermal absorption of 14C-caffeine was significantly higher...
A Variety of Yue(粤) or Hakka(客家)?:A Preliminary Research on Min'an(民安) Shijiao(石角) Dialect of Fogang(佛冈) County

Based on the first-hand language data and personal experience of the author of this paper,it is intended in this paper,from the phonological and lexical point of view,to conduct some preliminary research on Min'an(民安)Shijiao(石角)dialect of Fogang(佛冈)County,Guangdong(广东)province to determine the affiliation of this dialect variation,which possesses features of both Cantonese and Hakka. It is hoped that the article could stimulate further interest among linguists so that more systematic studies could be done of this variety and more scientific conclusions could be made.
The Role of a Skills Learning Support Program on First-Generation College Students’ Self-Regulation, Motivation, and Academic Achievement A Longitudinal Study

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to assess the impact of the Skills Learning Support Program (SLSP) aimed to support entering first-generation college students’ motivational beliefs, use ...
Invasive procedures for diagnosing pulmonary infection. A critical review.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Several diagnostic modalities are available to the clinician seeking the cause of pulmonary infiltrates in either the immunocompromised or nonimmunocompromised patient. The four procedures discussed herein should be regarded as complementary. For example, bronchoscopy is done for more central lesions, aspiration lung biopsy for more peripheral lesions or focal pulmonary processes, and bronchoscopy or open lung biopsy for more diffuse processes. Clearly, the immunocompromised patient is at great risk from diffuse or focal lung disease, and a rapid, specific etiologic diagnosis is vital. There is disagreement regarding the question of whether outcome is influenced by invasive diagnostic procedures. Until prospective data are available indicating which circumstances, if any, clearly do not warrant an aggressive approach to diagnosing lung infection in immunosuppressed patients, we suggest that a sequential series of steps be carried out to attempt to diagnose specifically the cause of pulmonary infiltrates in these patients. Which procedures are chosen should be based upon the diagnostic yield at the institution treating patients with suspected lung infection.
Management of Foreign Bodies in the Skin

Although puncture wounds are common, retained foreign bodies are not. Wounds with a foreign body sensation should be evaluated. The presence of wood or vegetative material, graphite or other pigmenting materials, and pain is an indication for foreign body removal. Radiography may be used to locate foreign bodies for removal, and ultrasonography can be helpful for localizing radiolucent foreign bodies. It is wise to set a time limit for exploration and to have a plan for further evaluation or referral. Injuries at high risk of infection include organic foreign bodies or dirty wounds. These should be treated with plain water irrigation and complete removal of retained fragments. In most cases, antibiotic prophylaxis is not indicated. If a patient presents with an infected wound, the possibility of a retained foreign body should be considered. Tetanus prophylaxis is necessary if there is no knowledge or documentation of tetanus immunization within 10 years, including tetanus immune globulin for the person with a dirty wound whose history of tetanus toxoid doses is unknown or incomplete.
The pediatrician and the prevention of lead poisoning in children.

Childhood lead poisoning can be eradicated if the pediatrician will take an active role in the prevention of this problem, in part through education of the community and organization of their efforts. The sources of lead poisoning and their control are reviewed and newer screening procedures and their interpretation discussed.
Who Prefers What: The Impact of Identity on Evaluations

Social identity—that is, ethnicity, gender, age, etc.—impacts an individual’s perspectives in a host of political settings. The impact of identity results from shared life experiences from those who belong to a similar reference group. Regardless of identity, constituents universally value symbolic responsiveness. Ethnic minorities, young people, women and the less educated were much less focused on tangible aspects like policy. Older adults were most concerned with symbolic behavior, whereas education decreased the relevance of that factor. This variation in relevance may have impact not only for constituents but also for representatives depending on the demographic composition of their districts.