cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genomic regulation of natural variation in cortical and noncortical brain volume

The relative growth of the neocortex parallels the emergence of complex cognitive functions across species. To determine the regions of the mammalian genome responsible for natural variations in cortical volume, we conducted a complex trait analysis using 34 strains of recombinant inbred (Rl) strains of mice (BXD), as well as their two parental strains (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J). We measured both neocortical volume and total brain volume in 155 coronally sectioned mouse brains that were Nissl stained and embedded in celloidin. After correction for shrinkage, the measured cortical and noncortical brain volumes were entered into a multiple regression analysis, which removed the effects of body size and age from the measurements. Marker regression and interval mapping were computed using WebQTL. An ANOVA revealed that more than half of the variance of these regressed phenotypes is genetically determined. We then identified the regions of the genome regulating this heritability. We located genomic regions in which a linkage disequilibrium was present using WebQTL as both a mapping engine and genomic database. For neocortex, we found a genome-wide significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 11 (marker D11Mit19), as well as a suggestive QTL on chromosome 16 (marker D16Mit100). In contrast, for noncortex the effect of chromosome 11 was markedly reduced, and a significant QTL appeared on chromosome 19 (D19Mit22). This classic pattern of double dissociation argues strongly for different genetic factors regulating relative cortical size, as opposed to brain volume more generally. It is likely, however, that the effects of proximal chromosome 11 extend beyond the neocortex strictly defined. An analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in these regions indicated that ciliary neurotrophic factor (Cntf) is quite possibly the gene underlying the noncortical QTL. Evidence for a candidate gene modulating neocortical volume was much weaker, but Otx1 deserves further consideration.
Optimizing Engine Parameters with Exhaust Gas Recirculation

In addition to designing and developing hardware to control the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate, it is equally important to tailor the other engine variables. Optimization of air-fuel ratio (A/F) and spark timing is required to achieve the best combination of oxides of nitrogen (NO sub x), hydrocarbon (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) control, while minimizing the losses in fuel economy and drivability. This paper describes an engine dynamometer and vehicle study which defines the relationship between the above parameters.
'This Right is Not Allowed by Governments that are Afraid of the People': The Public Meaning of the Second Amendment When the Fourteenth Amendment was Ratified

This prepublication version of the article has been cited by the petitioner’s brief and an amicus brief in McDonald v. Chicago, 08-1521 (S. Ct. argued Mar. 2, 2010). Please see the final publication version here: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1585461. If the Fourteenth Amendment is found to incorporate the Second Amendment against the states, what meaning of the Second Amendment does it include? This paper examines judicial and popular understandings of the Second Amendment in the period between ratification of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment.
Measuring enterprise network usage pattern & deploying passive optical LANs

Recent advances in the manufacturing and commercialization of passive optical components are now extending the capabilities of fiber to edge and campus networks. This paper presents a comparison between Passive Optical LAN (POL) and copper-based LAN solution, and demonstrate the benefits of PON such as reduced infrastructure footprint and cost, reduced power requirements, future-proof bandwidth, greener infrastructure, safer, higher security and higher reliability.
Combination Therapy with Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate and Doxorubicin in Human Prostate Tumor Modeling Studies: Inhibition of Metastatic Tumor Growth in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Mice

The polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in combination with doxorubicin (Dox) exhibits a synergistic activity in blocking the growth and colony-forming ability of human prostate cell lines in vitro. EGCG has been found to disrupt the mitochondrial membrane potential, induce vesiculation of mitochondria, and induce elevated poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and apoptosis. EGCG in combination with low levels of Dox had a synergistic effect in blocking tumor cell growth. In vivo tumor modeling studies with a highly metastatic tumor line, PC-3ML cells, revealed that EGCG (228 mg/kg or 200 μmol/L) appeared to sensitize tumors to Dox. EGCG combined with low levels of Dox (0.14 mg/kg or 2 μmol/L) blocked tumor growth by PC-3ML cells injected intraperitoneally (ie, in CB17 severe combined immunodeficiencies) and significantly increased mouse survival rates. Similarly, relatively low levels of EGCG (57 mg/kg or 50 μmol/L) plus Dox (0.07 mg/kg or 1 μmol/L) eradicated established tumors (ie, in nonobese diabetic–severe combined immunodeficiencies) that were derived from CD44hi tumor-initiating cells isolated from PCa-20a cells. Flow cytometry results showed that EGCG appeared to enhance retention of Dox by tumor cells to synergistically inhibit tumor growth and eradicate tumors. These data suggest that localized delivery of high dosages of EGCG combined with low levels of Dox may have significant clinical application in the treatment of metastatic prostate and/or eradication of primary tumors derived from tumor-initiating cells.
Lysophosphatidic acid/vascular endothelial growth factor autocrine loop regulates ovarian cancer telomerase

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4996 Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein expressed in over 90% of all cancers, including ovarian cancer, plays an important role in cellular immortalization, survival and drug resistance. Although telomerase regulation is complex, many growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can regulate telomerase activity in non-ovarian cancer models. Likewise, ovarian tumor growth and metastasis require VEGF-dependent angiogenesis. Since VEGF secretion by cancer cells functions in an autocrine loop to promote cancer cell growth and survival, this study examined the contribution of VEGF to regulate telomerase in ovarian cancer cells. We found that ovarian cancer cells, but not normal ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells, stimulated endothelial angiogenic properties, secreted in excess of 1000 pg/ml of VEGF165 and possessed the VEGF receptors, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. VEGF165 also elevated telomerase activity in cancer cells, but was ineffective in telomerase-negative OSE cells. Inhibition of VEGF expression with either neutralizing antibodies or preventing VEGF receptor activation suppressed VEGF-mediated telomerase activity. VEGF increased telomerase hTERT transcription via the MAPK ERK1/2 pathway and targeted transcription binding sequences within the 976- to 578-bp regions of the hTERT promoter. Further, the potential ovarian cancer biomarker and upstream regulator of VEGF, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), increased VEGF production and telomerase activity in all ovarian cancer cell lines examined. In addition, LPA-induced telomerase activity was abolished by concurrent treatment with the VEGF receptor inhibitor, CBO-P11, indicating that LPA-mediated telomerase activity was VEGF-dependent. In conclusion, these data represent a paradigm shift in our previously held views of VEGF solely as a regulator of endothelial cell growth and survival and identify telomerase as a novel, molecular target of LPA. Clinical modulation of the LPA/VEGF autocrine loop, then, could target and reduce telomerase activity leading to improved chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer, the leading cause of gynecological death in the US.
Posttranscriptional Silencing of VβDJβCβ Genes Contributes to TCRβ Allelic Exclusion in Mammalian Lymphocytes

Feedback inhibition of V(D)J recombination enforces Ag receptor allelic exclusion in mammalian lymphocytes. Yet, in-frame VbetaDJbeta exons can assemble on both alleles in human and mouse alphabeta T lineage cells. To elucidate mechanisms that enforce TCRbeta allelic exclusion in such cells, we analyzed Vbeta expression and rearrangement in mice containing a functional Vbeta14DJbeta1.5Cbeta1 gene (Vbeta14(NT)) and/or Vbeta8.2DJbeta1.1Cbeta1 transgene (Vbeta8(Tg)). The majority of Vbeta14(NT) and Vbeta8(Tg) alphabeta T lineage cells expressed only Vbeta14(+) or Vbeta8(+) TCRbeta-chains, respectively, and lacked Vbeta rearrangements on wild-type TCRbeta loci. However, endogenous Vbeta rearrangements and alphabeta T lineage cells expressing endogenous Vbetas from wild-type alleles alone or with the prerearranged Vbeta in cell surface TCRbeta-chains were observed in Vbeta14(NT) and Vbeta8(Tg) mice. Although nearly all Vbeta8(Tg):Vbeta14(NT) thymocytes and splenic alphabeta T cells expressed Vbeta8(+) TCRbeta-chains, only half of these lymphocytes expressed Vbeta14(+) TCRbeta-chains, even though similar steady-state levels of Vbeta14(NT) mRNA were expressed in Vbeta8(+)Vbeta14(+) and Vbeta8(+)Vbeta14(-) populations. Our data demonstrated that posttranscriptional silencing of functionally assembled endogenous VbetaDJbetaCbeta genes can enforce TCRbeta allelic exclusion and reveal another mechanism that contributes to the development of lymphocytes with monospecific Ag receptors.
Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis treated with insulin and heparin

Purpose A case of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis that was managed with insulin and heparin is reported. Summary A 39-year-old Hispanic man arrived at the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting over one day. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed peripancreatic inflammatory changes surrounding the tail of the pancreas, consistent with pancreatitis. Pertinent laboratory test values on admission were as follows: triglyceride concentration, 5366 mg/dL; total cholesterol concentration, 555 mg/dL; amylase concentration, 131 units/L; lipase concentration, 51 units/L; serum glucose concentration, 253 mg/dL; and serum sodium concentration, 128 mmol/L. The patient was diagnosed with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis. On hospital day 1, the patient was given nothing by mouth and received a 1-L bolus dose of 0.9% sodium chloride injection, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride injection at a rate of 125 mL/hr. Subcutaneous heparin 5000 units every eight hours, sliding-scale regular insulin, and gemfibrozil 600 mg twice daily were initiated. On hospital day 2, the patient’s triglyceride concentration decreased to 2962 mg/dL, and his blood glucose concentration was 147 mg/dL. Subcutaneous insulin detemir 25 units daily was ordered, and sliding-scale insulin was continued. Due to continued elevated triglyceride levels, the patient was transitioned from subcutaneous insulin to an i.v. insulin infusion at 0.1 unit/kg/hr in addition to an infusion of 5% dextrose. On hospital day 5, the patient’s triglyceride concentration decreased to 717 mg/dL; the insulin–dextrose infusion was discontinued. The patient was discharged on hospital day 6. Conclusion A 39-year-old man with pancreatitis caused by severe hypertriglyceridemia was treated with a continuous insulin infusion and subcutaneous heparin.
RESOURCE PRODUCTIVITY, RETURNS TO SCALE AND FARM SIZE IN INDIAN AGRICULTURE: SOME RECENT EVIDENCE*

A perceptible technological transformation has been under way in India during the last few years. The output of total foodgrains increased sharply between 1967-68 and 1970-71 over previous years. There is enough evidence to show that the technological change has resulted in an upward shift in production functions for major crops, especially for wheat.
Kidney disease caused by viral infections

Abstract Viral infections are important causative agents in renal disease and are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Of particular interest are those viral infections with productive replication in the kidney, which often occur in immunocompromized hosts such as renal allograft recipients. Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus and polyomavirus (type BK) are prominent members of this group causing specific diseases. Other viruses lack direct histological evidence of viral replication in the kidney, such as hepatitis C or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). They are associated with renal disorders in immunocompetent and/or immunocompromised hosts, and glomerular or tubulo-interstitial 11 injury can be caused via indirect pathways, such as the deposition of immune complexes or cryoglobulins. Glomerular or tubulo-interstitial injury is frequently caused via indirect pathways, such as circulating immune complexes or cryoglobulins. This review will highlight selected viral diseases affecting the kidneys. Emphasis is placed on key morphological criteria, the use of ancillary studies (immunohistochemical staining, electron microscopy) and serologic techniques useful for the histopathologist to establish a step-wise diagnostic approach. The major differential diagnoses entering into the decision-making process are discussed.
BIFURCATIONS, AND TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL PATTERNS OF A MODIFIED LOTKA–VOLTERRA MODEL

Bazykin proposed a Lotka–Volterra-type ecological model that accounts for simplified territoriality, which neither depends on territory size nor on food availability. In this study, we describe the global dynamics of the Bazykin model using analytical and numerical methods. We specifically focus on the effects of mutual predator interference and the prey carrying capacity since the variability of each could have especially dramatic ecological repercussions. The model displays a broad array of complex dynamics in space and time; for instance, we find the coexistence of a limit cycle and a steady state, and bistability of steady states. We also characterize super- and subcritical Poincare–Andronov–Hopf bifurcations and a Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation. To illustrate the system's ability to naturally shift from stable to unstable dynamics, we construct bursting solutions, which depend on the slow dynamics of the carrying capacity. We also consider the stabilizing effect of the intraspecies interaction parameter, without which the system only shows either a stable steady state or oscillatory solutions with large amplitudes. We argue that this large amplitude behavior is the source of chaotic behavior reported in systems that use the MacArthur–Rosenzweig model to describe food-chain dynamics. Finally, we find the sufficient conditions in parameter space for Turing patterns and obtain the so-called "back-eye" pattern and localized structures.
Strategies for eye positioning after laser-related loss of central vision

Loss of foveal vision from exposure to laser light or retinal disease can seriously impair visual functions like reading and visual search. Central scotomas produce large losses in visually guided performance because central vision has the best visual resolution, compared to more peripheral retina, and is also important in the normal reflexive patten of eye movement. Relatively small central field scotomas can produce significant impairments in visual search if tasks require a high degree of foveal vision such as seeing fine detail or discriminating similar contours or letters. Subjects faced with the task of adapting to the loss of ventral vision sometimes position their eyes in ways which are either asymmetrical, not optimum, or seem to generate abnormal eye movements, even after extensive practice. Discussion includes oculomotor drift, error fixations, hyper-eccentric fixations and remedial eye positioning strategies.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Teacher Stories and Transactional Inquiry: Hearing the Voices of Mentor Teachers

The authors trace their work with mentor teachers in a southwestern U.S. professional development school. These mentors met to tell, write, share, and analyze stories of their experiences as mentors to preservice teachers. As the authors worked with several groups of teachers, they began to analyze the processes involved in the sessions. An outcome of the authors’ discussions was the idea of transactional inquiry, a method grounded in narrative inquiry, transactional literacy theory, and literary analysis. Transactional inquiry provides a vehicle for teachers to reflect on their own and others’ professional development, identify lessons from their teaching, and connect with other teachers through the inquiry process. This article describes the evolution of transactional inquiry as well as the mentors’ stories and sharing.
Effect of welding on a high-density polyethylene liner

This paper describes part of an ongoing research project concerning high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liners used for pipeline rehabilitation. Tests were conducted in the laboratory, where a steel sleeve was welded on the outside surface of a steel pipe lined with a HDPE liner. Recommendations were made to establish welded joints using stitch welds of length equal to the minimum length specified by the applicable codes, with a center-to-center spacing of three times the weld length. A waiting period may be required between consecutive stitch welds, especially for small-diameter pipes. A second group of tests was conducted to evaluate the material performance of a liner strengthened by butt-fused HDPE rings. The overall stiffness of the liner increased with the addition of the butt-fused rings. Tension tests were conducted on dog-bone-shaped samples extruded from the stiffened liner. The butt-fusion process used to attach the stiffening rings increased the average tensile strength and average elasticity modulus of the material in the fusion area.
Proton-phonon coupling in a hydrogen bonded system

The Hamiltonian for the dynamics of a structural defect in a linear hydrogen bonded system (e.g., one analogous to an excess proton in ice) is developed, including explicit expressions for the coupling between the defect and phonons. The nature of these couplings are discussed and the results of a minimal basis set SCF calculation on a model system presented. The coupling to the longitudinal phonons is found to be very strong.
Policing and attitudes towards police in countries in transition: Preliminary results of the international crime (victim) survey

The International Crime (Victim) Survey was carried out in 1992 and 1996 in 7 and 15 countries in transition respectively. Changes in policy and attitudes to the police in these countries aroused major interest in terms of whether things are changing after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Preliminary analysis of the IC(V)S shows that in countries in transition there was an increase in reporting to the police in the period 1992–1996; the highest increase from among the total of 57 participating countries. While in 1992 the majority of citizens did not report to the police, in 1996 there were more reported than non‐reported crimes. However, other indicators of police satisfaction have not changed much. There is still an average no‐confidence in the police and dissatisfaction with the way the police handle cases once reported and treat the victims of crime. Similarly, satisfaction with the police in controlling crime has not improved. There is still much to be desired in changing the police culture and improving...
Competition between ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism in FePt

FePt in the ${L1}_{0}$ (tetragonal) phase is of interest due to its ease of synthesis as nanoparticles and because superparamagnetism is suppressed by the large magnetoanisotropy energy (MAE) of the ${L1}_{0}$ phase. Here we present the results of first-principles electronic-structure calculations that reveal a competition between ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering of the alternating Fe planes, with energy differences less than room-temperature thermal energy. We find that the FM state is stabilized relative to the AFM state as ${L1}_{0}$ tetragonal distortion decreases or chemical (antisite) disorder increases on Pt planes. Inherently, then, there is a competition between stabilizing the FM state and maintaining the large MAE in FePt, and optimally maximizing both is important for nanomagnetic applications.
Photochemistry of flavins. I. Conventional and laser flash photolysis study of alloxazine.

— The photobleaching of alloxazine in buffered aqueous solution has been studied by means of flash photolysis using conventional and laser excitation sources. Several transient species have been characterized. The alloxazine triplet state (Λmax 420 nm and 550 nm, times; = 9 μs) was identified with the aid of low-temperature comparison experiments in ethanol. Transient absorption with Λmax 440 nm, which appears after decay of the triplet state, and whose second-order decay is pH-dependent, is postulated to be due to the semiquinone radical (AH2*) and a radical derived from alloxazine by addition of water and loss of a hydrogen atom (HAOH*), which are in equilibrium with their conjugate cation radicals. The results of experiments in the presence of oxygen indicate that these species are not primarily formed from the triplet state. The enhanced second-order decay of the flavin radicals in oxygen-containing solutions is interpreted in terms of their reaction with the peroxy radicals. The proposed mechanisms account for the production of hydroxylated alloxazines.
Quantitative isolation of α1AT mutant Z protein polymers from human and mouse livers and the effect of heat

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha1AT) deficiency in its most common form is caused by homozygosity for the alpha1AT mutant Z gene. This gene encodes a mutant Z secretory protein, primarily synthesized in the liver, that assumes an abnormal conformation and accumulates within hepatocytes causing liver cell injury. Studies have shown that mutant alpha1ATZ protein molecules form unique protein polymers. These Z protein polymers have been hypothesized to play a critical role in the pathophysiology of liver injury in this disease, although a lack of quantitative methods to isolate the polymers from whole liver has hampered further analysis. In this study, we demonstrate a quantitative alpha1ATZ polymer isolation technique from whole liver and show that the hepatocellular periodic acid-Schiff-positive globular inclusions that are the histopathological hallmark of this disease are composed almost entirely of the polymerized alpha1ATZ protein. Furthermore, we examine the previously proposed but untested hypothesis that induction of alpha1ATZ polymerization by the heat of physiological fever is part of the mechanism of hepatic alpha1ATZ protein accumulation. The results, however, show that fever-range temperature elevations have no detectable effect on steady-state levels of intrahepatic Z protein polymer in a model in vivo system. In conclusion, methods to separate insoluble protein aggregates from liver can be used for quantitative isolation of alpha1ATZ protein polymers, and the effect of heat from physiological fever may be different in vivo compared with in vitro systems.
Dosage compensation in Drosophila

Abstract Dosage compensation in Drosophila is accomplished by a twofold transcriptional hyperactivation of the male X relative to each female X chromosome. A number of chromosomal signals and control genes have been implicated in this process. Studies using P-element transformation are beginning to locate cis -acting sequences controlling compensation of some X-linked genes.
Fast compact prime number sieves (among others)

Abstract A parameterized family of algorithms is presented for the problem of finding all prime numbers up to a limit N. Many previous algorithms for this problem are shown to correspond to members of this family. A particular choice of parameters leads to an algorithm that requires only Θ(N) additions and that runs in o( N ) bits. The small storage requirement is made possible by a provably compact method of storing all the primes up to some limit.
Stereocontrolled synthesis of nucleoside-methylphosphonate-methyl ester diastereomers from mixed anhydride

Abstract Nucleoside-3′-methylphosphonate was converted to a diastereomeic mixture of di-n-butylphosphiothioic anhydride and the stereoisomers were separated. Activation of each isomer with silver nitrate and coupling with methanol resulted in the formation of a methyl ester with inversion of configuration.
Feasibility of Dual-Marking Age-0 Chinook Salmon for Mark–Recapture Studies

Abstract We investigated the short-term mortality associated with the application of a dual mark on juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha used in mark–recapture trials. Treatment groups were either spray-dyed with fluorescent pigments, stained with Bismarck brown, or marked with both. Acute mortality was greater for the spray-dyed–Bismarck brown combination (0.48%) and the spray-dyed (0.13%) treatment groups than for the Bismarck brown or control groups. Daily mortality was less than 0.15% for marked treatment groups for 3 d after marking. Cumulative mortality was greatest for the spray-dyed (0.93%) and the spray-dyed– Bismarck brown (0.84%) groups. Significant differences in mortality were not detected among groups (P = 0.063) or within groups on a temporal scale (P = 0.124). Recognition of fluorescent pigments was 100% during the study. Bismarck brown staining did not obscure the fluorescent pigments, which were easily differentiated among colors. We conclude that our dual-marking technique p...
Histological-hemodynamic correlation in cirrhosis—a histological classification of the severity of cirrhosis

Background/Aims While the definitive diagnosis of cirrhosis is histological, it is the degree of portal hypertension, as determined by the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), that is an important determinant of the severity of cirrhosis. An HVPG ≥10mmHg (termed clinically significant portal hypertension or CSPH) is predictive of the development of complications of cirrhosis, including death. This study aimed to determine the relationship between specific histological parameters and HVPG in cirrhosis. Methods Forty-three patients with biopsy-proven cirrhosis and HVPG measurements within 6 months of the biopsy were included in the study. The following parameters were scored semiquantitatively and without knowledge of HVPG results: sinusoidal fibrosis, septal thickness, loss of portal tracts and central veins, nodule size, inflammation, steatosis, and iron. Results Septal thickness ( p =0.03), small nodularity ( p =0.003), loss of portal tracts ( p =0.01), inflammation ( p =0.04) and alcoholic etiology ( p =0.01) correlated with the presence of CSPH. However, small nodularity and septal thickness were the only parameters independently predictive of CSPH ( r =0.658, p Conclusions We describe a subclassification of histological cirrhosis based on the severity of portal hypertension that consists of a combination of nodule size and septal thickness, with small nodularity and thick septa being independent predictors of the presence of CSPH.
A prospective study of oesophageal 24-h ambulatory pH monitoring in patients with functional dyspepsia

Abstract Background. The diagnostic utility of 24-h oesophageal ambulatory pH monitoring in patients with functional dyspepsia has not been well established. Aims. We performed a prospective study of oesophageal pH monitoring in patients with functional dyspepsia in order to assess whether a positive pH test might predict response to proton pump inhibitor therapy in a subset of functional dyspepsia patients. Patients. Forty Helicobacter pylori-negative functional dyspepsia patients (35 males and 5 females, mean age (±S.E.M.) of 54 ± 2.4 years) with predominantly unspecified dyspepsia subtype and normal distal oesophageal biopsies. Methods. All subjects were randomised in a double-blind fashion to either omeprazole 20 mg/day or placebo daily for four weeks after 24-h pH monitoring. Results: Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring was abnormal in 9 of the 21 patients (43%) in the omeprazole group and 5/19 (26%) of the placebo group (p = NS). Patients who reported symptomatic improvement on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale were no more likely to have abnormal scores on pH monitoring than patients who did not have symptomatic response. Conclusions. Although approximately one-third of functional dyspepsia patients will have abnormal profiles on 24-h ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring, an abnormal score does not appear to predict response to proton pump inhibitor therapy in patients with unspecified functional dyspepsia.
A RESEARCH NOTE SPICE INTERFERENCE WITH PHOSPHATASE ANALYSIS OF FOODS USING 2,6 DIBROMOQUINONE CHLORIMIDE FOR COLOR DEVELOPMENT1

Estimating heat treatment of muscle foods by analysis of phosphatase enzyme activity using disodium phenyl phosphate (DSPP) as substrate and 2,6 dibromoquinone chlorimide (2,6 DBQ) for color development is subject to interference by some common spices. Both false high and false low results of the reactions have been demonstrated. Phenolics, which are common in spices and flavorings, may react with 2,6 DBQ to form the characteristic blue indophenol color indicating enzyme activity in samples with no phosphatase, or may interfere with indophenol formation in samples containing phosphatase, depending upon concentration. The possibility of false high or false low results, and therefore implied over or under processing, should be considered when using 2,6 DBQ in phosphatase enzyme analysis of foods.
Live-imaging of the Drosophila pupal eye.

Inherent processes of Drosophila pupal development can shift and distort the eye epithelium in ways that make individual cell behavior difficult to track during live cell imaging. These processes include: retinal rotation, cell growth and organismal movement. Additionally, irregularities in the topology of the epithelium, including subtle bumps and folds often introduced as the pupa is prepared for imaging, make it challenging to acquire in-focus images of more than a few ommatidia in a single focal plane. The workflow outlined here remedies these issues, allowing easy analysis of cellular processes during Drosophila pupal eye development. Appropriately-staged pupae are arranged in an imaging rig that can be easily assembled in most laboratories. Ubiquitin-DE-Cadherin:GFP and GMR-GAL4–driven UAS-α-catenin:GFP are used to visualize cell boundaries in the eye epithelium 1-3. After deconvolution is applied to fluorescent images captured at multiple focal planes, maximum projection images are generated for each time point and enhanced using image editing software. Alignment algorithms are used to quickly stabilize superfluous motion, making individual cell behavior easier to track.
Enhancement of the Fruit-setting Activity of Indolyl-3-acetic Acid by Alkyl Substitution on the alpha-Carbon

SINCE Gustafson1 first demonstrated that parthenocarpic fruit growth could be induced in the tomato with indolyl-3-acetic acid, numerous investigators2–4 have extended these investigations to include derivatives of indole and other growth substances. Several structurally unrelated compounds (for example, substituted phenoxyacetic, benzoic acids, etc.) were found to be more active in promotion of parthenocarpic fruit growth than the indoles4. Further, modification by monochloro substitution in the benzene ring of indolyl-3-acetic acid or esterification of the carboxyl group with a methyl or ethyl radical resulted in derivatives with greater activity than the parent compound3. Enhanced fruit-setting activity of indolyl-3-acetic acid by alkyl substitution on the α-carbon, with special reference to D,L-α-methylindolyl-3-acetic acid, is herein described.
Estimation of Genetic Parameters Using Sampled Data from Populations Undergoing Selection

In populations undergoing selection, genetic (co)variances may be altered in amounts dependent on selection intensity among parents and the mating structure. In order to estimate the genetic parameters of the unselected population, all information that led to the current population must be included in the analysis. This is often not possible due to missing information or computer limitations, and, therefore, only samples of data and pedigree information of recent generations are included in analysis, and simplified operational models are used. Biases in genetic parameters, which were estimated by multitrait derivative-free REML method, were investigated in different strategies of sampling data and pedigree. In dual purpose cattle, in which young bulls are selected for growth before being progeny tested for milk yield, heritabilities and additive genetic correlations were all unbiased when all data and all relationships were used in an animal model. Using only recent data but all relationships in an animal model also gave unbiased estimates of heritabilities. Using an animal model for growth but a sire model for milk with all data gave an unbiased estimate of heritability for milk. When only recent data were used, the heritability estimate for milk was biased downward. In single purpose dairy populations, sire models gave biased estimates of genetic parameters even when all data were included in the analysis. Treating sire effects on second crop of daughters as fixed did not overcome selection bias.
The interaction of tidal currents on a disturbed intertidal bottom with a resulting change in particulate matter quantity, texture and food quality

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine if clam digging had an effect on the suspended sediment texture and composition in the intertidal zone. Surface sediment and suspended particulate samples were collected prior to and after bottom perturbation similar to clam digging. The results indicated that the dug bottom sediments became coarser and contained lower amounts of organic matter. The coarser texture was due to increased winnowing on the ‘rough’ bottom created in the digging process. Suspended sediment concentrations also increased after perturbation, especially over finer-textured areas. The resuspended particulates were well sorted with relatively low organic content. Resuspended bottom sediments contributed virtually no protein to the particulates brought in by the estuarine waters. Recovery rate both of the bottom sediments and the suspended particulates was slow, and seemed dependent on the microtopographic relief which could take weeks to months to return to normal.
Identifying bluetongue virus ribonucleic acid sequences by the polymerase chain reaction.

A primer-directed nucleic acid amplification reaction, commonly known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has been adapted to the identification of bluetongue virus (BTV) RNA. The protocol described in this article is designed for the detection of a purported globally-conserved, serogroup specific nucleic acid sequence within the BTV genome. Due to the double-stranded RNA composition of the BTV genome, the original polymerase chain reaction protocol has been modified to include chemical denaturation and reverse transcription steps that allow selective amplification from this unique template molecule. The amplification procedure yields a 210 base pair product when tested on samples of RNA from the prototypic strains of U.S. BTV serotypes 2, 10, 11, 13, 17. The amplification product is tentatively identified by agarose gel electrophoresis of the PCR samples. Final positive identification of the amplified BTV-specific product is determined by Southern blot hybridization of the PCR samples. RNA samples from uninfected cell culture controls and from cell cultures infected with two serotypes of epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer (EHDV) yielded negative results. Preliminary experiments to quantify the threshold of sensitivity of this protocol, as described here, indicate positive detection of the BTV target RNA sequence at a level of less than 2 fg, or the amount of target sequence derived from less than 7500 viral particles. While this falls short of the theoretical limit of sensitivity of the PCR, the enhanced threshold of sensitivity of the PCR reaction compared to standard nucleic acid hybridization methodology suggests that rapid detection of BTV RNA directly within clinical specimens may be feasible with further refinements. Potential methods of enhancing this reaction are discussed.
Metabolic effects of thiazide and 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D in postmenopausal osteoporosis

It was previously shown that the stimulation of intestinal calcium absorption by exogenous 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis was attenuated when thiazide was added, probably due to the suppression of endogenous synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D). To test whether the above attenuation could be averted if exogenous 1,25-(OH)2D replaced 25-OHD, 10 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis participated in a three-phase study comprising control (pretreatment), treatment with 1,25-(OH)2D 0.5 µg/day for 4 weeks, and combined 1,25-(OH)2D and trichlormethiazide (TZ) 2 mg/day for 4 weeks. The 1,25-(OH)2D treatment significantly increased serum 1,25-(OH)2D from 60±7.2 (SD) to 154±48 pmol/1, fractional intestinal calcium absorption (α) from 0.386 ±0.055 to 0.613±0.081, and urinary calcium from 3.7±0.8 to 6.6±1.9 mmol/day. Addition of TZ significantly reduced urinary calcium from 6.6±1.9 to 4.8±1.3 mmol/day, without changing α (0.613±0.081 to 0.584±0.070), serum calcium or 1,25-(OH)2D (154±48 to 154±38 pmol/1). Thus, estimated calcium balance (absorbed minus urinary calcium, increased marginally to +5.6 mmol/day on 1,25-(OH)2D alone (p=0.028) and significantly to +6.8 mmol/day on 1,25-(OH)2D+TZ, from the control value of +4.0 mmol/day. Seven patients who were treated long-term with combined 1,25-(OH)2D and TZ for 11–29 months maintained their a (0.593±0.099) and a marginally more positive estimated calcium balance (+6.4 mmol/day,p=0.025 from the control phase). Moreover, there was a stability of bone density of radial shaft, femoral neck, and lumbar spine. In conclusion, when exogenous 1,25-(OH)2D is provided, TZ does not lower serum 1,25-(OH)2D and α in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Thus, the hypocalciuric action of TZ may lead to improved calcium balance and may potentially attenuate further bone loss.
Introduction of single-stranded ADH genes into Drosophila results in tissue-specific expression.

We injected single-stranded circular DNA containing a Drosophila Adh gene into ADH-negative embryos of Drosophila melanogaster and performed ADH histochemical staining on third instar larvae of the injected generation. Introduction of either the coding or non-coding strand resulted in correct tissue-specific expression of the Adh gene in larvae. Southern blotting revealed that the bulk of the injected DNA became double-stranded shortly after injection and was not integrated into the genome.
E-Government Development and China's Administrative Reform

Abstract This article examines the impact of electronic government (e-government) development on China's administrative reform. The article begins with a review of major management and policy issues about the E-government development. The article then introduces some problems of China's old cadre system and major strategies of China's recent administrative reforms. Based on the E-government development issues and the Chinese administrative problems, the article analyzes important opportunities and challenges associated with the E-government development.
Computerized atlas for functional stereotaxis robotics and radiosurgery

The implementation and use of a computerized whole-brain mapping system which can be used in conjunction with the major imaging modalities (MR, CT, angiography, PET, SPECT) is described. Three mapping systems (brainstem anatomical, electrophysiological, and proportional whole-brain) based upon common reference structures about the third and fourth ventricular core of the brain are used in conjunction with internationally recognized nomenclature to create a comprehensive normalized whole-brain mapping system. This mapping technique can be universally applied to aid in discerning the surgical and anatomico-physiological topography of the brain for medical imaging.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The synergistic effect of polysorbate 80 upon the toxicity of tri‐n‐butyltin chloride

Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) was used as an emulsifying agent for administering tri-n-butyltin chloride (TBTCl) to rats below, at and above the LD50 for the compound. Tween 80 greatly enhanced the toxicity of the organotin compound. The LD50 in the presence of Tween 80 (16% of the emulsion) is less than half of the LD50 when the TBTCl was administered in corn oil.
Comments on “Droplets to Drops by Turbulent Coagulation”

Riemer and Wexler (2005, henceforth RW05) have utilized the turbulent collision kernel model of Zhou et al. (2001) to study the effect of turbulence on the initiation and development of raindrops from cloud droplets. They concluded that, for a cloud dissipation rate at 300 cm s , turbulent coagulation can move 96% of the droplet mass to sizes over 100 m in radius in 30 min, as compared to only 7% without turbulence. This result shows that turbulence is capable of rapidly transforming droplets to sizes for which the gravitational coagulation can operate effectively, thus overcoming the size-gap bottleneck for rain initiation. Under the assumption that the turbulent collision kernel of Zhou et al. (2001) can be extrapolated to atmospheric Reynolds numbers, RW05 found that the turbulent coagulation kernel is several orders of magnitude larger than the sedimentation kernel for droplets smaller than 100 m. We believe that the effects of turbulence have been grossly overestimated in RW05 for reasons to be discussed below. First, we would like to point out an error in RW05 that led to an overestimation of the rms velocity u by a factor of 3 and thus an overestimation of the Taylor microscale Reynolds number R by a factor of 3. RW05’s estimations were based on the rms velocity u and the average cloud dissipation rate on the in-cloud measurements by MacPherson and Isaac, shown in Table 1 of MacPherson and Isaac (1977). The cloud turbulence is anisotropic and a rough estimate of u for equivalent isotropic turbulence would be
USING THE METABOLIC THEORY OF ECOLOGY TO PREDICT GLOBAL PATTERNS OF ABUNDANCE

Studies of abundance (N)-the number of individuals of a taxon in a given area and time-have traditionally focused on the dynamics of local species populations over generations. The conceptual basis of this approach has been demographic (i.e., dN/dt = birth rate death rate + migration rate). Brown and colleagues (2004) in introducing the Metabolic Theory of Ecology focus on a different question: how should abundance in entire communities at equilibrium vary as we move about in space and time? Their answer, the Metabolic Theory of Abundance (henceforth MTA), uses a mass balance approach (Odum 1971, Kaspari et al. 2000). It has the potential to guide work on this subject for years to come.
An altered-cast impression technique that eliminates conventional cast dissecting and impression ☐ing

An altered-cast impression technique that eliminates conventional cast-dissecting and impression-boxing procedures has been described. The master cast obtained by this method reproduces the teeth in anatomic form and the residual alveolar ridges in functional form.
The effects of aging on the P3 component of the visual event-related potential

Visual stimuli were used to elicit ERPs in 108 normal subjects ranging in age from 8 to 90 years. Age-related differences were found for both P3 latency and amplitude. Children and elderly adults were found to have the latest P3s. The earliest P3s were found in subjects in their twenties. A curvilinear function best described the P3 latency/age relationship. Also, small but significant differences were observed between males and females in P3 latency. The relationship between P3 amplitude and age was strongly influenced by scalp location. P3 was largest at posterior electrode sites, but was not visible at frontal sites in young children. With increasing age P3 decreased in amplitude at the posterior sites and increased in amplitude at more frontal locations.
Psychological Issues in the Design of Expert Systems

Abstract : Recent advances in the artificial intelligence technology of knowledge-based expert systems have captivated the imaginations of designers, sponsors, and suppliers of computer-based systems in government and industry as well as researchers in university and non-profit laboratories where the technology originated. An expert system is essentially a way to capture the knowledge and expertise of a subject-matter expert and transfer it to a computer program in hopes of creating and 'intelligent' computer system that will emulate the problem-solving and decision-making performance of the expert. Such systems are being built to serve as intelligent advisors and decision aids in a wide variety of application areas. We discuss conceptual issues underlying expert system design, with references to current psychological and artificial intelligence literature, and urge consideration of these issues before undertaking development of expert systems. Author-assigned Keywords include: Knowledge-based systems; Knowledge acquisition; Knowledge representation; Mental models; and Decision aids.
Variations in solar magnetic activity during the last 200 000 years: is there a Sun–climate connection?

Abstract The production of 10Be in the Earth’s atmosphere depends on the galactic cosmic ray influx that, in turn, is affected by the solar surface magnetic activity and the geomagnetic dipole strength. Using the estimated changes in 10Be production rate and the geomagnetic field intensity, variations in solar activity are calculated for the last 200 ka. Large variations in the solar activity are evident with the Sun experiencing periods of normal, enhanced and suppressed activity. The marine δ18O record and solar modulation are strongly correlated at the 100 ka timescale. It is proposed that variations in solar activity control the 100 ka glacial–interglacial cycles. However, the 10Be production rate variations may have been under-estimated during the interval between 115 ka and 125 ka and may have biased the results. Future tests of the hypothesis are discussed.
Production of thromboxane A2 by the kidney in glycerol-induced acute renal failure in the rabbit

The hemodynamic alterations occuring in glycerol induced renal failure are controversial. To date no single humoral substance can fully explain the change in renal resistance observed in this hemodynamic model of acute renal failure. To assess the capacity of the rabbit kidney to produce thromboxane A2, a potent vasoconstrictor, the following experiments were carried out. Rabbits received 14 ml/kg of 50% glycerol subcutaneously 24 hrs before the study. After 24 hrs., the kidneys were removed and perfused ex vivo in superfusion bioassay cascade. Kidneys from rabbits which developed renal failure, as assessed by elevated serum creatinines, released a substance which produced contraction of rabbit aorta (RCS) in response to bradykinin (BK) and angiotensin II. Microsomes prepared from these kidneys when incubated with [14C]-arachidonic acid produced a peak of radioactivity which comigrated with thromboxane B2 on the thin layer chromatography and was inhibited by the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor imidazole. Furthermore, an inverse linear relation was found between the BK dose required to release RCS from perfused kidney and the serum creatinine levels. A direct linear relation was found between the percent of TxB2 produced by renal microsome preparations and the serum creatinine. These studies demonstrate an increased renal capacity of the glycerol-model of acute renal failure to produce TxA2. The production of TxA2 a potent vasoconstrictor should therefore be further evaluated as a potential endogenous mediator of the hemodynamic changes occurring in acute renal failure.