cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histoplasma Requires SID1, a Member of an Iron-Regulated Siderophore Gene Cluster, for Host Colonization

The macrophage is the primary host cell for the fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum during mammalian infections, yet little is known about fungal genes required for intracellular replication in the host. Since the ability to scavenge iron from the host is important for the virulence of most pathogens, we investigated the role of iron acquisition in H. capsulatum pathogenesis. H. capsulatum acquires iron through the action of ferric reductases and the production of siderophores, but the genes responsible for these activities and their role in virulence have not been determined. We identified a discrete set of co-regulated genes whose transcription is induced under low iron conditions. These genes all appeared to be involved in the synthesis, secretion, and utilization of siderophores. Surprisingly, the majority of these transcriptionally co-regulated genes were found clustered adjacent to each other in the genome of the three sequenced strains of H. capsulatum, suggesting that their proximity might foster coordinate gene regulation. Additionally, we identified a consensus sequence in the promoters of all of these genes that may contribute to iron-regulated gene expression. The gene set included L-ornithine monooxygenase (SID1), the enzyme that catalyzes the first committed step in siderophore production in other fungi. Disruption of SID1 by allelic replacement resulted in poor growth under low iron conditions, as well as a loss of siderophore production. Strains deficient in SID1 showed a significant growth defect in murine bone-marrow-derived macrophages and attenuation in the mouse model of infection. These data indicated that H. capsulatum utilizes siderophores in addition to other iron acquisition mechanisms for optimal growth during infection.
Prototype algorithm for automated determination of gastric slow wave characteristics

An algorithm for determining the frequency and propagation time of the gastric slow wave has been designed for integration into a demand gastric pacing system. The algorithm analyses the serosal activity in both the time and frequency domains, and the results are compared to produce a conclusion only when the values are within 5% of each other. Thus, the probability of inappropriate intervention is reduced, at the expense of unidentified segments. The system is verified by comparing the conclusions produced by the algorithm with conclusions from hand analysis of seven canine and one human serosal recordings. The algorithm correctly identifies the slow-wave frequency in the distal portion of the stomach for 90% of the segments, while producing no incorrect results. Slow-wave propagation times in the antrum are correctly identified for 84% of the segments, with no incorrect identifications.
Pituitary Serotonin: Responsiveness of Levels to Hormonal Change and Ultrastructural Alterations Associated with Amine Depletion*

The level of serotonin in the pituitary gland of young dogs was significantly increased following treatment with thyroxine and after the injection of reserpine. Electron microscopic examination of the pituitary gland of thyroxine treated animals failed to reveal any ultrastructural alterations. Treatment with reserpine induced the appearance of annulate lamellae in the cytoplasm of cells containing very small granules and having the morphology of thyrotrophs. These observations suggest that biogenic amines within the gland may be involved in regulating the cellular activity of the pituitary.
Substance P stimulates vascular endothelial cellular reducing capacity in the presence of insulin and human plasma factors

Substance P (SP) is an important tachykinin in vascular wall biology. In previous studies [Villablanca et al. (1994): Circ Res 75:1113-1120], the authors have demonstrated that SP is a stimulus for endothelial cell growth and proliferation in serum-free culture conditions with cell quiescent in the G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle. As mitogenic and metabolic activity may interrelate, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the vasoactive perivascular neuropeptide SP on changes in the metabolic function of endothelial cells, and to characterize the response, by studying cellular reducing capacity in aortic vascular endothelial cells. In addition, interactions between SP and other growth factors (insulin and non-platelet plasma factors) were investigated and compared to the responses to SP alone. Metabolic effects were determined by evaluating cellular reducing capacity by the conversion of (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) to formazan (the MTT assay). The findings demonstrated that SP alone (10 pg/ml-25 micrograms/ml) inhibited cellular reducing capacity in vascular endothelial cells. In contrast, SP in the presence of insulin (10 micrograms/ml) stimulated endothelial reducing capacity, as compared to SP alone, by twofold on average. The effect of SP and insulin was additive at < or = 0.001 microgram/ml SP, and synergistic at SP concentrations ranging within 0.01-1.0 microgram/ml. SP in the presence of human platelet-poor plasma (HPPP, 5%) stimulated endothelial reducing capacity, as compared to SP alone, by threefold on average. The effect of SP and HPPP was additive at < or = 0.01 microgram/ml SP and synergistic at SP concentrations of 0.1-25 micrograms/ml. Lastly, SP in the presence of insulin and HPPP stimulated endothelial metabolic activity, as compared to SP alone, by 14-fold on average. An additive response to SP, insulin, and HPPP was observed at the lowest SP concentration studied (10 pg/ml). At all other SP concentrations studied (0.0001-25 micrograms/ml), the responses to insulin, HPPP, and SP were synergistic. Our studies indicate that the vasoactive neuropeptide substance P may synergize with insulin and HPPP in regulating endothelial cell metabolism. In addition, our findings suggest that the mechanisms by which SP stimulates cellular metabolism are different from the mechanisms by which it stimulates cell growth.
Trajectory generation and steering optimization for self-assembly of a modular robotic system

A problem associated with motion planning for the assembly of individual modules in a new self-reconfigurable modular robotic system is presented. Modules of the system are independently mobile and can be driven on flat surfaces in a similar fashion to the classic kinematic cart. This problem differs from most nonholonomic steering problems because of an added constraint on one of the internal states. The constraint properly aligns the docking mechanism, allowing modules to connect with one another along wheel surfaces. This paper presents an initial method for generating trajectories and control inputs that allow module assembly. It also provides an iterative method for locally optimizing a nominal control function using weighted perturbation functions, while preserving the final pose and internal states.
Analysis of leakage currents in photovoltaic modules under high‐voltage bias in the field

As photovoltaic modules become more widely disseminated in high-power or utility-power applications, their ability to withstand high voltage relative to ground becomes a reliability issue. Long-term effects of exposure to high-voltage stress in the field are investigated. Starting in early 1998, four commercially available PV modules inaugurated the high-voltage stress test at the Outdoor Test Facility at NREL. Modules representing both crystalline and amorphous silicon technologies were deployed on the high-voltage stress testbed located outdoors in order to simulate and assess operation in high-voltage array configurations. They were biased at positive and negative polarity 600 V at all times—except for 1 min at noon each day, when they were subjected to 2200 V bias—and their leakage currents to ground were monitored continuously. The ubiquitous effects of moisture on leakage conductance are analyzed. Module leakage conductance is found to be thermally activated with a characteristic energy that depends on relative humidity. Separate current paths likely responsible for leakage conductance are analyzed and identified at opposite ends of the relative humidity range. Leakage current data are integrated against time to arrive at accumulated charge due to long-term, high-voltage exposure. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Common endothelial progenitor cell assays identify discrete endothelial progenitor cell populations

Background Multiple measures of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been described, but there has been limited study of the comparability of these assays. We sought to determine the reproducibility of and correlation between alternative EPC assay methodologies. Methods We simultaneously assessed EPC numbers in 140 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization using the 2 most commonly used culture techniques: endothelial cell outgrowth and colony-forming unit (CFU). In the final 77 patients, EPCs were also identified on the basis of cell surface marker expression (CD133, CD34, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 [VEGFR-2]) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. Results Endothelial progenitor cell enumeration based on fluorescence activated cell sorting was more precise than culture assays. There was limited correlation between EPC numbers determined using the 2 common culture-based assays; however, endothelial CFUs correlated with VEGFR-2 and CD34/VEGFR-2–expressing cells. Endothelial progenitor cells defined by expression of CD133, CD34, CD133/CD34, and ALDH activity correlated with each other, but not with VEGFR-2 + cells. Conclusions Endothelial progenitor cells can be broadly classified into 2 classes: VEGFR-2–expressing cells, which give rise to endothelial CFUs, and CD133/CD34 or ALDH br cells. These observations underscore the need for better assay standardization and a more precise definition of EPCs in cell therapy research.
Characterization of the hemoglobins and myoglobin of Travisia foetida

Abstract 1. 1. Travisia foetida has an extracellular vascular hemoglobin, a coelomic cell hemoglobin and a body wall myoglobin which are chemically distinct from one another. 2. 2. The vascular hemoglobin is a 3.4 × 10 6 mol. wt molecule consisting of at least four different subunits with molecular weights ranging from 15–18,000 and has one heme group per 23,400 g protein. 3. 3. The coelomic cell hemoglobin is a 32,000 mol. wt dimeric protein with subunits of molecular weight 16,000. The hemoglobin is homogeneous on isoelectric focusing with a pI = 8.6–8.8. 4. 4. The body wall myoglobin is a 30,000 mol. wt dimeric protein with subunits of molecular weight 15,000. It is also electrophoretically homogeneous with a pI = 6.9. 5. 5. The amino acid compositions of these three purified proteins are presented and are quite different from one another. 6. 6. All three pigments lack a Bohr effect and their relatively high oxygen affinities are such that myoglobin > coelomic cell hemoglobin > vascular hemoglobin. Both the coelomic cell hemoglobin and the myoglobin show slightly cooperative oxygen binding consistent with their dimeric quaternary structure.
Scramble competition selects for greater tailfin size in male red-spotted newts (Amphibia: Salamandridae)

Darwin predicted that scramble competition for access to reproductive females would result in sexual dimorphism of locomotory structures, but direct evidence for this is extremely rare. I examined the relationship between variation in tailfin size and mating success in a field and laboratory study of red-spotted newts, Notophthalmus viridescens. Over three breeding seasons, male tailfin size was positively correlated with variation in male amplexus frequency, and indirectly correlated with male insemination frequency. In a laboratory study, I confirmed that males' ability to capture females is affected by variation in tailfin size. This is the first study to show that naturally occurring variation in male locomotory structures affects male mating success. It corroborates the prediction that scramble competition leads to sexual selection on locomotory structures and, potentially, to dimorphism in these structures.
Precise typing of abstract data type specifications

There are two important notions of data types being used in programming languages today. In the concept called abstract data types, types are algebras; the semantics of programs is described in terms of operations in these algebras. Another notion of type found in most of the "typed" programming languages in actual use regards types as sets of objects; the elements of types are the objects manipulated by the operators of a programming language. I shall be careful to use "abstract data type" when I mean the algebraic notion, and "data type" or simply "type" to mean the set-based concept.This paper presents a formal theory of types as an approximation to the exact semantics of a language, following the lead of Milner [Mil78]. The semantics is based upon multi-sorted algebras [ADJ73, 76, 77, 78] and is applied to a language consisting of equational specifications that define an abstract data type. The principal results of the paper are to characterize a class of typings as uniform approximations to an exact semantics, to extend Milner's theory of types to include types formed by coproduct construction, and to explicate typing as an (approximate) semantics for an equational theory.In developing a formal theory of abstract data types as multi-sorted algebras, the word "sort" is used to designate names used to distinguish various sets of objects that may constitute the domains of operators. Sorts are thus analogous to data types in programming languages. However, the sort signatures given to operators of abstract data types do not themselves constitute a very richly descriptive language. Sort names can be formed into sequences, corresponding to product construction in an object domain, but the theory (multi-sorted Σ-algebras) does not seem to allow alternation sequences of sorts, corresponding to coproduct construction in an object domain. If this were possible, then sort signatures could actually fulfill the role of data types. We shall see that alternation sequences in type signatures arise naturally as a consequence of the semantics given to an equational theory.
Sequential Development of Modes of Response in the Concept Learning of Elementary Students.

Abstract An open-category task was administered to 180 students in kindergarten, second, fourth, sixth, and eighth grades. Three modes of response related to the ways students acquire attributes for objects were used to score the tasks. Qualitative changes in the three modes of response were analyzed using three quantitative measures based on the total number of groups generated for each response mode. The response level as measured by the highest mode of response was significant on the three quantitative measures. Scheffe post hoc comparisons of the mean scores for each response level were also significant on the three quantitative measures. Mean scores on the total number of groups weighted by response level were significant for the fourth, sixth, and eighth grades. These results were interpreted as supporting a qualitative change in the modes of response.
Slavoj Žižek and John Milbank, The Monstrosity of Christ: Paradox or Dialectic?

(2010). Slavoj Žižek and John Milbank, The Monstrosity of Christ: Paradox or Dialectic?. Political Theology: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 141-144.
Variations in wetting behavior of mixed-wet cores resulting from probe oil solvency and exposure to synthetic oil-based mud emulsifiers

Abstract Mixed wettability (MXW) results from adsorption from crude oil on rock surface which is not overlain by bulk water. Crude oil/brine/rock interactions and their effect on oil recovery are often investigated after replacing the crude oil with a mineral oil. If crude oil is displaced directly by mineral oil, extreme wettability alteration, referred to as MXW-DF (direct flood), is observed. Less change is observed if an intermediate solvent, such as decalin, is used to avoid destabilization of asphaltenes contained in the crude oil; wettability conditions attained by this treatment are referred to as MXW-F (film). The oil used in a displacement test is referred to as the probe oil, the most common choice being either crude oil or mineral oil. There is strong practical interest in developing MXW-F cores that have wetting properties that are comparable to wettability at reservoir conditions. The main objective of this work is to compare the effect of probe oil solvency, characterized by refractive index, on wetting behavior, characterized by spontaneous imbibition, with MXW wettability given by the parent crude oil. The tested probe oils included mineral oils, alkanes, decalin, toluene, alpha-methylnaphthalene (AMN), crude oils and modified crude oils with both increased and reduced solvency, and base oils and solutions of emulsifiers used in synthetic oil-based mud (SBM) formulations. Wettability established by direct displacement of crude oil with an alkane (MXW-DF) showed systematic increase in water wetness with increase in solvency of the probe oil. Other approaches to tuning MXW-F wettability states by choice of probe oil are also presented. Base oils used in the formulation of SBM had essentially no effect on the imbibition behavior of MXW-F, whereas exposure of MXW-F cores to two kinds of emulsifier resulted in persistently suppressed imbibition for a wide range of probe oils.
Phytoremediation of Mercury and Organomercurials in Chloroplast Transgenic Plants: Enhanced Root Uptake, Translocation to Shoots, and Volatilization

Transgenic tobacco plants engineered with bacterial merA and merB genes via the chloroplast genome were investigated to study the uptake, translocation of different forms of mercury (Hg) from roots to shoots, and their volatilization. Untransformed plants, regardless of the form of Hg supplied, reached a saturation point at 200 microM of phenylmercuric acetate (PMA) or HgCl2, accumulating Hg concentrations up to 500 microg g(-1) with significant reduction in growth. In contrast, chloroplast transgenic lines continued to grow well with Hg concentrations in root tissues up to 2000 microg g(-1). Chloroplasttransgenic lines accumulated both the organic and inorganic Hg forms to levels surpassing the concentrations found in the soil. The organic-Hg form was absorbed and translocated more efficiently than the inorganic-Hg form in transgenic lines, whereas no such difference was observed in untransformed plants. Chloroplast-transgenic lines showed about 100-fold increase in the efficiency of Hg accumulation in shoots compared to untransformed plants. This is the first report of such high levels of Hg accumulation in green leaves or tissues. Transgenic plants attained a maximum rate of elemental-Hg volatilization in two days when supplied with PMA and in three days when supplied with inorganic-Hg, attaining complete volatilization within a week. The combined expression of merAB via the chloroplast genome enhanced conversion of Hg2+ into Hg,0 conferred tolerance by rapid volatilization and increased uptake of different forms of mercury, surpassing the concentrations found in the soil. These investigations provide novel insights for improvement of plant tolerance and detoxification of mercury.
Policy Research in an Imperfect World: Response to Terry F. Buss, “The Case Against Targeted Industry Strategies”

It is a sign of the coming of age of economic development research that tough questions are being asked about the quality of the data, how solid the conclusions from research are, and when we are better off with limited data and knowledge than without them. Buss makes a valuable contribution in raising these issues. He goes too far in damning all studies because individual errors appear in some of them and is wrong in calling the studies atheoretical. His ideological bias causes him to attack any tinkering with the free market; on that basis, all economic development efforts are inappropriate. However, more external review of targeting studies and more evaluation of targeting programs would greatly improve the quality of data, studies, and economic development policy and practice.
Evidence for an Inter-Organismic Heme Biosynthetic Pathway in Symbiotic Soybean Root Nodules

The successful symbiosis of soybean with Bradyrhizobium japonicum depends on their complex interactions, culminating in the development and maintenance of root nodules. A B. japonicum mutant defective in heme synthesis in culture was able to produce heme as a result of its symbiotic association with the soybean host. The bacterial mutant was incapable of synthesizing the committed heme precursor δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), but nodule plant cells formed ALA from glutamate. In addition, exogenous ALA was taken up by isolated nodule bacteria of the parent strain and of the mutant. It is proposed that bacterial heme found in nodules can be synthesized from plant ALA, hence segments of a single metabolic pathway are spatially separated into two organisms.
An HIV Epidemic Model Based on Viral Load Dynamics: Value in Assessing Empirical Trends in HIV Virulence and Community Viral Load

Trends in HIV virulence have been monitored since the start of the AIDS pandemic, as studying HIV virulence informs our understanding of HIV epidemiology and pathogenesis. Here, we model changes in HIV virulence as a strictly evolutionary process, using set point viral load (SPVL) as a proxy, to make inferences about empirical SPVL trends from longitudinal HIV cohorts. We develop an agent-based epidemic model based on HIV viral load dynamics. The model contains functions for viral load and transmission, SPVL and disease progression, viral load trajectories in multiple stages of infection, and the heritability of SPVL across transmissions. We find that HIV virulence evolves to an intermediate level that balances infectiousness with longer infected lifespans, resulting in an optimal SPVL∼4.75 log10 viral RNA copies/mL. Adaptive viral evolution may explain observed HIV virulence trends: our model produces SPVL trends with magnitudes that are broadly similar to empirical trends. With regard to variation among studies in empirical SPVL trends, results from our model suggest that variation may be explained by the specific epidemic context, e.g. the mean SPVL of the founding lineage or the age of the epidemic; or improvements in HIV screening and diagnosis that results in sampling biases. We also use our model to examine trends in community viral load, a population-level measure of HIV viral load that is thought to reflect a population's overall transmission potential. We find that community viral load evolves in association with SPVL, in the absence of prevention programs such as antiretroviral therapy, and that the mean community viral load is not necessarily a strong predictor of HIV incidence.
Prioritization strategies for video storyboard keyframes

This exploratory study investigates one type of video surrogate, storyboards, in terms of their ability to summarize and communicate the themes of arts-related videos. An HTML interface containing the storyboards, videos, and instructions was developed and run in a standard browser. Three phases—consisting of storyboard evaluation, full-length video evaluation, and their comparison—were completed by each user for three different videos. The data were analyzed for issues relating to keywords, summaries, and recognition of visual style for both the storyboards and the full-length videos. The linear sequence and narrative structure of storyboards are questioned, and a three-tiered model is proposed. The first layer consists of keyframes representing the “entity” and “action” of the video's central theme, the second layer consists of “entity” and “action” keyframes with regard to background or supporting information, and the third layer is composed of keyframes representing attributes, locations, and time periods. This structure facilitates the identification of appropriate keyframes for storyboards, eliminating redundant or peripheral images, and improves the storyboard's ability to communicate the essential message of videos. The tiered model is motivated and supported by the user study as well as current research on video surrogates and classical indexing theory. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Occurrence of Grapevine leafroll associated virus-2, −3 and Grapevine fleck virus in Virginia, U.S.A., and factors affecting virus infected vines

A statewide survey of commercial vineyards in Virginia (VA), USA was conducted in 2009–2011 seasons to examine the occurences of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-2 (GLRaV-2), Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-3 (GLRaV-3), Grapevine fleck virus (GFkV), and mealybugs. Out of 415 samples (comprising 41 wine grape cultivars) from 77 locations (vineyards), GLRaV-2, GLRaV-3 and GFkV were detected by RT-PCR in 8, 25, and 1 %, respectively, and 64 % of vineyards were positive for at least one of the three viruses. Samples from 100 wild Vitis sp. tested negative for the three viruses. Both the grape (Pseudococcus maritimus) and Gill’s (Ferrisia gilli) mealybug were found in VA vineyards. Although regional effect was not significant (P > 0.05), examination of variance showed higher variability of GLRaV-3 incidence at cultivar scale within a vineyard than at a smaller spatial scale (i.e., at sampling site). In addition, the probability of finding a GLRaV-3-infected vine was higher in the presence of mealybugs (P < 0.001) and with increased vine age (P < 0.001). These results also suggest movement of GLRaV-3 by mealybugs in VA vineyards. The high frequency of virus-infected vines emphasizes the importance of clean plant materials as well as management of mealybugs. This is the first study reporting the presence of Ferrisia gilli, GLRaV-2, GLRaV-3, and GFkV in VA vineyards.
A Novel Method of Etching Copper Oxide Using Acetic Acid

The removal of copper oxide using acetic acid at low temperatures was investigated. Acetic acid removes a variety of copper oxides, including cuprous oxide, cupric oxide, and cupric hydroxide without attacking the underlying copper film. The removal of these oxides was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Acetic acid can tolerate up to 4 vol % water dilution without hindering the oxide removal while producing an oxide-free surface. However, if a deionized water rinse is performed after an acetic acid treatment, a surface film of cupric hydroxide forms immediately. An acetic acid treatment at 35°C without a water rinse removes the native copper oxide and produces an oxide-free, streak-free copper surface.
China's outward foreign direct investment

China's outward foreign direct investment (FDI) is steadily increasing. The United States is now a key target for China's outward FDI, and the response by the American public tends to fall at opposite ends of the spectrum: fever or fear. Chinese FDI in the United States faces challenges posed by its liability of foreignness in political, cultural, marketing, and technological aspects. Utilizing mini case studies, we herein examine the polarized responses to Chinese outward direct investment, its history, and the challenges faced by Chinese multinational corporations operating in or attempting to enter the U.S. market. Finally, strategy suggestions are proposed.
HPV vaccine acceptance, utilization and expected impacts in the U.S.: Where are we now?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines represent a remarkable opportunity for the primary prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. With almost four years of vaccine availability now accrued in the United States (US.), data are beginning to accumulate about vaccine utilization patterns and how these may be affected by public opinions about the vaccines. This article describes the burden of HPV infection and related disease in the US, and reviews what is currently known about HPV vaccine utilization among adolescent and young adult females in this country. In addition, we report on emerging data on the personal and attitudinal factors that appear to influence HPV vaccine utilization and discuss how these data may be useful for designing future interventions to improve uptake of these vaccines. Finally, we re-examine cost-effectiveness studies of HPV vaccines, taking into account updated information on utilization of, and public attitudes about, these vaccines.
Quantum size effects in metal particles

The subject of small metallic particle properties is outlined with emphasis on quantum electronic effects. The theoretical background for interpretation of experiments is discussed beginning with the work of Kubo. More recent amendments to this have been included, taking into account the techniques of random matrix theory and effects of the spin-orbit interaction. A general review of experimental work is presented in order to permit a comprehensive evaluation of current understanding of the quantum size effect on the electronic spectrum. This survey includes magnetic susceptibility, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, heat capacity, optical, and infrared absorption measurements. These are discussed in many instances from the point of view of there being competing size effects arising from a reduced volume contrasted with those from the surface. A number of stimulating and provocative results have led to the development of new areas of research involving metallic clusters such as cluster beam techniques, far-infrared absorption by particle clusters, adsorbate NMR, and particle-matrix composites. Although there is little question that the experiments themselves indicate the existence of quantum effects, there are as yet, insufficient results to test the theoretical predictions for electron-level distribution functions based on fundamental symmetries of the electron Hamiltonian. A new suggestion for measurement of the electron-level correlation function is made using the magnetic field dependence of the NMR Knight shift. Particle preparation methods are also reviewed with commentary on the problems and advantages of these techniques for investigation of quantum electronic effects.
Detection of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection in cell cultures and peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes of experimentally infected cats using a biotinylated cDNA probe

A dot blot hybridization assay, using a biotinylated cDNA probe, was able to detect feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) RNA in Felis catus whole fetus (fcwf-4) cells infected with the FIPV isolates DF2, 79-1146, UCD1, and UCD2. The probe cross-hybridized in the dot blot assay with nucleic acid of a closely related feline coronavirus, feline enteric coronavirus (FEVC)-79-1683. To construct the probe, a 2.5 kilobase cDNA, prepared from FIPV-DF2 genomic RNA, was molecularly cloned. The recombinant cDNA clone was digested with the restriction endonuclease Rsa I, and an 870 basepair Rsa I fragment was isolated from vector DNA by agarose electrophoresis and glass-milk purification. This fragment was complementary to the 3' three fourths of the nucleocapsid gene. The hybridization probe was prepared by random primed labeling in the presence of biotin-11-dUTP. Using an avidin-alkaline phosphatase conjugate and chemiluminescent substrate detection system, virus could be detected in as few as 3000 infected cells. In an in vivo study, the probe was used to detect FIPV RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBML) isolated at various post-infection days (PID) from cats experimentally infected with the FIP-producing coronavirus isolate FIPV-79-1146 or FIPV-DF2. Viral RNA could be detected in as few as 12,000 PBML isolated from cats at PID 7 and in 50,000 PBML at PID 22. There was no consistent pattern, however, between hybridization results and prognosis or severity of disease at the time of sampling. Despite some cross-hybridization with FECV RNA, this probe should be useful for diagnosis of FIP, because cats infected with FECV most likely do not become viremic.
A cloud-based image analysis gateway for traumatic brain injury research

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) may soon become the non-invasive tool of choice for diagnosing Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to its ability to examine white matter changes in the living brain. While research has shown the value of DTI in differentiating affected and control populations, further work is required to develop algorithms and tools that enable reliable and reproducible methods for obtaining clinical bio-markers. Current approaches are computationally intensive, collaborative and require orchestrated invocation of many independently developed research tools. Thus, researchers are faced with challenges related to developing such complex analysis pipelines and executing them at scale on high performance compute resources and over large subject cohorts. To alleviate the need for both considerable technical expertise and dedicated local resources to set up and run those analyses, we have developed an always available cloud-based gateway service in which computational resources are provisioned and configured on demand. We build upon the Globus Galaxies platform which allows researchers to assemble and execute complex pipelines through their web browser. Our DTI gateway supports a range of different analyses and implements an execution model in which cloud compute instances are dynamically provisioned and configured.
An application to probability laws of the noncontinuity of the inverse Radon transform

Abstract While any ƒ∈L1( R n) is uniquely determined by its Radon transform, we show in this note that the inverse transform is not continuous on L∞,1(Sn-1× R ) and provide a probabilistic interpretation: the Cramer—Wold device fails when convergence in total variation replaces weak convergence.
Multivariate curve resolution for hyperspectral image analysis: applications to microarray technology

Multivariate curve resolution (MCR) using constrained alternating least squares algorithms represents a powerful analysis capability for a quantitative analysis of hyperspectral image data. We will demonstrate the application of MCR using data from a new hyperspectral fluorescence imaging microarray scanner for monitoring gene expression in cells from thousands of genes on the array. The new scanner collects the entire fluorescence spectrum from each pixel of the scanned microarray. Application of MCR with nonnegativity and equality constraints reveals several sources of undesired fluorescence that emit in the same wavelength range as the reporter fluorphores. MCR analysis of the hyperspectral images confirms that one of the sources of fluorescence is due to contaminant fluorescence under the printed DNA spots that is spot localized. Thus, traditional background subtraction methods used with data collected from the current commercial microarray scanners will lead to errors in determining the relative expression of low-expressed genes. With the new scanner and MCR analysis, we generate relative concentration maps of the background, impurity, and fluroescent labels over the entire image. Since the concentration maps of the fluorescent labels are relativly uaffected by the presence of background and impurity emissions, the accuracy and useful dynamic range of the gene expression data are both greatly improved over those obtained by commercial microarray scanners.
Secure deduplication of general computations

The world's fast-growing data has become highly concentrated on enterprise or cloud storage servers. Data deduplication reduces redundancy in this data, saving storage and simplifying management. While existing systems can deduplicate computations on this data by memoizing and reusing computation results, they are insecure, not general, or slow. This paper presents UNIC, a system that securely deduplicates general computations. It exports a cache service that allows applications running on behalf of mutually distrusting users on local or remote hosts to memoize and reuse computation results. Key in UNIC are three new ideas. First, through a novel use of code attestation, UNIC achieves both integrity and secrecy. Second, it provides a simple yet expressive API that enables applications to deduplicate their own rich computations. This design is much more general and flexible than existing systems that can deduplicate only specific types of computations. Third, UNIC explores a cross-layer design that allows the underlying storage system to expose data deduplication information to the applications for better performance. Evaluation of UNIC on four popular open-source applications shows that UNIC is easy to use, fast, and with little storage overhead.
Importin β contains a COOH-terminal nucleoporin binding region important for nuclear transport

Proteins containing a classical NLS are transported into the nucleus by the import receptor importin β, which binds to cargoes via the adaptor importin α. The import complex is translocated through the nuclear pore complex by interactions of importin β with a series of nucleoporins. Previous studies have defined a nucleoporin binding region in the NH2-terminal half of importin β. Here we report the identification of a second nucleoporin binding region in its COOH-terminal half. Although the affinity of the COOH-terminal region for nucleoporins is dramatically weaker than that of the NH2-terminal region, sets of mutations that perturb the nucleoporin binding of either region reduce the nuclear import activity of importin β to a similar extent (∼50%). An importin β mutant with a combination of mutations in the NH2- and COOH-terminal regions is completely inactive for nuclear import. Thus, importin β possesses two nucleoporin binding sites, both of which are important for its nuclear import function.
Prognostic impact of race and ethnicity in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Multiple studies have demonstrated that black patients have a less favorable prognosis and suffer higher death rates from colorectal cancer than whites. After more than 40 years of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based therapy, theintroduction of new agents such as irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine in the past decade has revolutionized the treatment of colorectal cancer. Although 5-FU remains an important part of most regimens, irinotecan and oxaliplatin are now essential components of front-line therapy. The development of new agents such as bevacizumab, cetuximab, and other molecularly-targeted agents currently under investigation suggest that significant progress in colorectal cancer management will continue. Clinical trials should include a wide variety of patients, and patients in populations for whom disparities indicate higher death rates should avail themselves of new research developments.
Monolithic CMOS digital integrated circuits in 6H-SiC using an implanted p-well process

We report the first p-well Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) digital integrated circuits in 6H-SiC. Enhancement mode NMOSFET's and PMOSFET's are fabricated on implanted p-wells and n-type epilayers, respectively. CMOS logic circuits such as inverters, NAND, NOR, XOR, flip-flops, half adders, and 11-stage ring oscillators are implemented using these devices and operated at room temperature, The inverters show stable operation at room temperature and 300/spl deg/C with V/sub dd/=10 and 15 V.
1/f phase noise in quartz s.a.w. devices

It has been observed that s.a.w. delay lines made on ST-cut quartz are the major source of 1/f noise in s.a.w. controlled oscillators. However, with proper treatment of the quartz surface, the 1/f noise can be significantly reduced. A modified expression for calculating the single-sideband f.m. noise power spectrum of s.a.w. oscillators is presented.
Studies with Shigella Dysenteriae (Shiga). III. Infection and Intoxication in Macacus Mulatta Monkeys

Infections with Shigella paradysenteriae (Flexner) occur spontaneously in monkeys, and epidemics within a colony are not uncommon. Infections with Shigella dysenteriae (Shiga) have not been described in these animals. Whether or not it is possible to produce S. dysenteriae infection in monkeys is a question of more than academic interest. The study of the clinical and pathological picture produced in monkeys by S. dysenteriae (Shiga) and its toxins might give useful information about this relatively rare type of dysentery and afford an opportunity to study its treatment and prevention as well. The possibility of producing infection or intoxication of monkeys with S. dysenteriae (Shiga) or toxins prepared from this organism was investigated in this study, and the results are herein reported.
An efficient systolic array design for the discrete sine transform

A two-dimensional systolic array is designed for the 1-D Discrete Sine Transform (DST). The implementation of the DST is carried out by defining the 1-D DST in terms of the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). A 1-D array is initially designed for the DFT by utilizing Goertzel's algorithm which requires N processors with a computation time of O(N). The 1-D array for the DST is designed by adding additional computational elements to the 1-D DFT array. A 2-D array for the DST is designed by partitioning the indices of the input data. The 2-D array achieves a speedup of O(/spl radic/N) for the N-point DST when compared to the computation time for the 1-D systolic array without increasing the number of processors. >
Storable, thermally activated, near-infrared chemiluminescent dyes and dye-stained microparticles for optical imaging

Imaging techniques are a vital part of clinical diagnostics, biomedical research and nanotechnology. Optical molecular imaging makes use of relatively harmless, low-energy light and technically straightforward instrumentation. Self-illuminating, chemiluminescent systems are particularly attractive because they have inherently high signal contrast due to the lack of background emission. Currently, chemiluminescence imaging involves short-lived molecular species that are not stored but are instead generated in situ, and they typically emit visible light, which does not penetrate far through heterogeneous biological media. Here, we describe a new paradigm for optical molecular imaging using squaraine rotaxane endoperoxides, interlocked fluorescent and chemiluminescent dye molecules that have a squaraine chromophore encapsulated inside a macrocycle endoperoxide. Squaraine rotaxane endoperoxides can be stored indefinitely at temperatures below -20 °C, but upon warming to body temperature they undergo a unimolecular chemical reaction and emit near-infrared light that can pass through a living mouse.
A patch perspective on summer habitat use by brown trout Salmo trutta in a high plains stream in Wyoming, USA

We quantified the use of habitat patches by brown trout, Salmo trutta, during summer conditions in a plains stream in the western United States. A Global Positioning System was used to map discrete habitat patches (2-420 m 2 ) consisting of macrophytes, wood accumulation, or deep water. Habitat use by brown trout was monitored by radio telemetry. Brown trout used habitat in a nonrandom manner with 99% of all daytime observations and 91% of all nighttime observations occurring in patches that consisted of combinations of deep water, wood accumulations or macrophytes even though such patches constituted only 9.8% of the available habitat. Brown trout used deep water almost exclusively during the day but broadened their habitat use at night. Most fish stayed within a large plunge pool created by a low-head dam. This pool supplemented the deep-water habitat that was naturally rare in our study area and illustrates how human modifications can sometimes create habitat patches important for stream fishes.
Mitochondrial DNA Instability and Peri-Implantation Lethality Associated with Targeted Disruption of Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 in Mice

In vitro studies have implicated nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1) in the transcriptional expression of nuclear genes required for mitochondrial respiratory function, as well as for other fundamental cellular activities. We investigated here the in vivo function of NRF-1 in mammals by disrupting the gene in mice. A portion of the NRF-1 gene that encodes the nuclear localization signal and the DNA-binding and dimerization domains was replaced through homologous recombination by a β-galactosidase–neomycin cassette. In the mutant allele, β-galactosidase expression is under the control of the NRF-1 promoter. Embryos homozygous for NRF-1 disruption die between embryonic days 3.5 and 6.5. β-Galactosidase staining was observed in growing oocytes and in 2.5- and 3.5-day-old embryos, demonstrating that the NRF-1 gene is expressed during oogenesis and during early stages of embryogenesis. Moreover, the embryonic expression of NRF-1 did not result from maternal carryover. While most isolated wild-type and NRF-1+/− blastocysts can develop further in vitro, the NRF-1−/− blastocysts lack this ability despite their normal morphology. Interestingly, a fraction of the blastocysts from heterozygous matings had reduced staining intensity with rhodamine 123 and NRF-1−/− blastocysts had markedly reduced levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The depletion of mtDNA did not coincide with nuclear DNA fragmentation, indicating that mtDNA loss was not associated with increased apoptosis. These results are consistent with a specific requirement for NRF-1 in the maintenance of mtDNA and respiratory chain function during early embryogenesis.
Intracorporeal suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings in foals and horses.

Objective— To report a technique for repair or prevention of inguinal hernia in horses using intracorporeal suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings. Study Design— Case series. Animals— Foals (n=6) and geldings (n=2). Methods— After selection of a peri-umbilical telescope portal, instrument portals were made unilaterally or bilaterally, as needed. Herniated viscera was reduced, castration (foals) or spermatic cord remnant transection at the internal inguinal ring (adults) performed, and then simple interrupted intracorporeal sutures of synthetic absorbable suture material were used to close the internal inguinal and vaginal rings. Results— There was no recurrence of inguinal hernia. Postoperative morbidity was minimal and cosmetic outcome was comparable to that achieved with conventional, open techniques. Conclusion— Laparoscopic, primary closure of the internal inguinal ring by use of intracorporeal sutures provides a secure barrier to herniation and costs considerably less than using endoscopic staples. Clinical Relevance— Laparoscopic suture closure of the internal inguinal and vaginal rings provides safe and effective repair of inguinal hernia in horses.
Human-in-the-loop vehicle routing policies for dynamic environments

In this paper we design coordination policies for a routing problem requiring human-assisted classification of targets through analysis of information gathered on-site by autonomous vehicles. More precisely, we consider the following problem: targets are generated according to a spatio-temporal Poisson process, uniformly in a region of interest. It is desired to classify targets as friends or foes. In order to enable human operators to classify a target, one of the vehicles needs to travel to the target?s location and gather sufficient information. In other words, the autonomous vehicles provide access to on-site information, and the human operator provide the judgment capabilities necessary to process such information. The objective of our analysis is to design joint motion coordination and operator scheduling policies that minimize the expected time needed to classify a target after its appearance. In addition, we analyze how the achievable system performance depends on the number of autonomous vehicles and of human operators. We present novel coordination policies between the vehicles and operators and compare the performance of these policies with respect to asymptotic performance bounds.