cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Chimeric Bacterial Phosphofructokinase Exhibits Cooperativity in the Absence of Heterotropic Regulation

The phosphofructokinases (PFKs) from the bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus stearothermophilus differ markedly in their regulation by ATP. Whereas E. coli PFK (EcPFK) is profoundly inhibited by ATP, B. stearothermophilus PFK (BsPFK) is only slightly inhibited. The structural basis for this difference could be closure of the active site via a conformational transition that occurs in the ATP-binding domain of EcPFK, but is absent in BsPFK. To investigate the role of this transition in ATP inhibition of EcPFK, we have constructed a chimeric enzyme that contains the "rigid" ATP-binding domain of BsPFK grafted onto the remainder of the EcPFK subunit. The chimeric PFK has the following characteristics: (i) tetrameric structure and kinetic parameters similar to those of the native enzymes, (ii) insensitivity to regulation by the effector phosphoenolpyruvate despite its ability to bind to the enzyme, and (iii) a sigmoidal (nH around 2) fructose 6-phosphate saturation curve. From the results, it is concluded that the active site regions of the two native enzymes are remarkably similar, but their effector sites and their mechanisms of heterotropic regulation are different. The chimeric subunit is locked in a structure resembling that of activated E. coli PFK, yet the enzyme can exist in two different conformational states. Mechanisms for its sigmoidal kinetics are discussed.
The influence of temporal pattern of stimulation on delay tuning of neurons in the auditory cortex of the FM bat, Myotis lucifugus.

Abstract In echolocating bats, delay-sensitive neurons show facultative responses to simulated pulse-echo pairs at particular echo delays. Three experiments examined how the temporal pattern of stimulation affected the delay tuning of neurons in the auditory cortex of the awake FM bat, Myotis lucifugus. First, delay tuning was compared using a series of pulse-echo pairs fixed in echo delay (‘standard’ stimuli), and a series of pulse-echo pairs in which successive sound pairs decreased by a fixed echo-delay step (‘approach’ stimuli). Similar best delays were measured with both stimulation patterns presented at repetition rates in which the neuron was delay-sensitive. At the higher delay-sensitive pulse repetition rates, approach stimuli evoked larger delay-dependent responses. Second, approach stimuli were fixed at different intertrial intervals. The best delay was unaffected by intertrial interval, although some neurons showed larger responses for longer intertrial intervals (0.5, 1.0 s), especially at the higher delay-sensitive pulse repetition rates. Third, approach stimuli were fixed at different echo-delay steps to simulate target velocity. The majority of neurons showed some sensitivity to echo-delay step, with clear preference for target velocity mainly between 1.8-7.0 m/s. This suggests that delay-sensitive neurons compute target velocity by rate of change of echo delay over successive echoes. Thus, response properties of cortical neurons are influenced by dynamic acoustic conditions found in target-directed flight.
Identification of the σ1S protein in reovirus serotype 2-infected cells with antibody prepared against a bacterial fusion protein

Abstract A bacterial expression vector, pATH 3, was used to produce high levels of a fusion protein composed of a portion of the trpE protein of Escherichia coli and the putative σ1S coding region from the S1 gene of reovirus serotype 2. The fusion protein was purified and injected into rabbits to prepare antisera. This antibody was able to detect of σ1S being synthesized in L929 cells infected with reovirus serotype 2 by means of immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting techniques. The peak of of S accumulation in type 2-infected cells was shown to occur approximately 20 hr after infection. This report represents the first description of al S production in reovirus serotype 2-infected cells.
Attenuation of isoniazid-resistant mutants of tubercle bacilli and host hypersensitivity to tuberculin.

SummaryIsoniazid-resistant, catalasedeficient strains of tubercle bacilli are strikingly less pathogenic for hamsters than for CF1 mice. Neither of these species of animals manifests much tuberculin hypersensitivity. Therefore, the differences in susceptibility of different animal species to such strains of tubercle bacilli cannot be consistently related to differences in ability to develop tuberculin hypersensitivity during the course of tuberculous infection.
ASSESSING THE NECESSITY OF A WILDLIFE TOXICOLOGY CERTIFICATE: A SURVEY OF PROFESSIONAL PERCEPTIONS

This article details the study findings and methodology used in developing a survey instrument to assess the need for a professional certificate in wildlife toxicology. Following discussion at a 2007 wildlife toxicology conference, researchers used the Delphi process to develop a survey questionnaire that was administered to members of two professional societies. Survey results indicated a high level of variability in support for a wildlife toxicology certificate, as well as in desired requirements, benefits, and drawbacks of certification. Although the results of this study are of particular interest to wildlife toxicology practitioners and a governing body wishing to host a certification program, our methodological approach and the perceptions of certification benefits and concerns documented here have utility in other fields considering a professional certificate program.
An application of anisotropic regularization to the existence of weak Pareto minimal points

Abstract Given a function f on Rn, we introduce the concept of anisotropic regularization f e ,g as a generalization of Tikhonov regularization fe(x)=f(x)+ex. When f is a continuous P 0 -function on Rn and K is a box in Rn, we study the properties of f e ,g and the limiting behavior of solutions of a regularized box variational inequality problem BVI (f e ,g ,K) , with emphasis on the existence of weak Pareto minimal points with respect to K. This work generalizes results of Sznajder and Gowda (1998) proved in the setting of nonlinear complementarity problems.
Delay constrained multicast routing: What can we learn from an exact approach?

Delay constrained multicast routing is a typical problem in many emerging applications such as voice over IP, video on demand and teleconferencing etc. Equivalently referred to as the delay constrained minimum Steiner tree (DCMST), this problem requires to find a tree spanning a source and a set of destination nodes such that the total cost is minimized while the delay from the source to each destination node is no more than a preset upper bound. Due to its NP-complete nature, all previous work focused on developing efficient heuristics. In this paper, we study this problem from a completely different perspective by using an exact approach, which has never been done before. Preliminary experimental results demonstrate that the exact algorithm described in this paper works surprisingly well, and in certain cases it outperforms some fast heuristics. Even though the exact algorithm is not expected to be used in practice, its relative high efficiency makes it possible of creating a set of benchmark instances for evaluating the performance of a heuristic most accurately. In addition, with the help of this algorithm, we are able to gain insight into some interesting properties of this problem, which in turn may help us to design more efficient heuristics.
Diffuse lamellar keratitis: evaluation of etiology, histopathologic findings, and clinical implications in an experimental animal model

Abstract Purpose To induce diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) and investigate the potential causative agents in an animal model. Setting Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Methods In 70 eyes of 35 Dutch Belted rabbits, a corneal flap was cut and the interface randomly exposed to 1 of 7 substances: Pseudomonas aeruginosa endotoxin, 1 of 2 Staphylococcus aureus exotoxins, meibomian gland secretion, povidone−iodine 10%, Palmolive ® Ultra soap, and Klenzyme® soap. Slitlamp examinations were performed 1, 3, 5, and 7 days postoperatively. The DLK was staged from 1 to 4. On day 7, the rabbits were killed and the eyes enucleated and processed for histopathologic examination. Results At the end of the study, 54 eyes (46 exposed, 8 control) were available for evaluation. The 8 eyes studied concurrently in the control group remained clear and did not show interface inflammation. Thirty-one of 46 eyes (67%) treated with the various test substances developed DLK. The highest DLK rates were found with the cleaning soap Palmolive Ultra (100%; P = .022) and P aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (90%; P = .026). Conclusions Interface inflammation was consistently induced in the animal model. All 7 agents caused DLK in at least some eyes. The histopathologic evaluation showed the morphologic profile of the marked inflammatory cellular reaction that occurred in almost all the specimens.
Effect of hydrogen on the low-temperature mechanical properties of V-5 at % Ti alloys

The effects of grain size and hydrogen in solid solution or as hydrides on the strength and ductility of V-5 at % Ti was studied over the temperature range 15–448 K. Comparison of the strength and ductility characteristics of hydrogenated alloys where hydrides were not observed down to 78 K (1.8 and 1.9 at % H alloys) or where hydrides were observed to form near 230 K (3.8 and 3.9 at % H alloys) indicated that the presence of hydride precipitates had no apparent influence on the strength or ductility characteristics. It appears that the main consequence of hydride precipitation is that hydrogen is removed from solid solution making strengthening less effective than expected based on the total hydrogen content. Decreasing grain size from 31 μm to 8 μm had no apparent effect on ductility in the nonhydrogenated alloys (< 0.05 at % H) but it did increase the strength over most of the temperature range and especially at 15 K. In the hydrogenated alloys this decrease in grain size lowered the transition temperature about 10 K and it appreciably increased the degree of ductility return at 78 K and below. The ductility return below 78 K peaked near 50 K before decreasing below 30 K with the improvement in ductility being greatest in the alloys with the lower hydrogen contents.
Spectral properties of a linear operator connected with solutions of linear differential equations in Banach spaces

In Bogdanowicz and Welch [2] we derived formulas for the spectrum and the resolvent of a linear continuous operator K acting in the space P(X) of Bohr almost periodic functions from the real line R into a fixed complex Banach space X. The importance of this operator is that if f , g are elements of P(X), then g -K f if, and only if Dg + Ag = f. Where A is a fixed linear continuous operator from X into X. We were thus able to use the operator K to reduce the nonlinear differential equation
A comparison of thought suppression to an acceptance-based technique in the management of personal intrusive thoughts: a controlled evaluation.

Abstract Research suggests that suppressing unwanted thoughts is not possible, leads to a subsequent increase in frequency of the suppressed thoughts, and results in higher levels of distress. Because thought suppression may have negative effects, an alternative, acceptance-based approach has been proposed. The current paper reports the outcomes of two studies. Study I examined the relationships between two naturally occurring strategies of thought management (thought suppression and acceptance), symptoms of psychopathology, and experiences with personally relevant intrusive thoughts. Results showed that those who naturally suppress personally relevant intrusive thoughts have more, are more distressed by, and have a greater “urge to do something” about the thoughts, while those who are naturally more accepting of their intrusive thoughts are less obsessional, have lower levels of depression, and are less anxious. Study II compared three groups (thought suppression, acceptance, and monitor-only groups) on the frequency and distress associated with experiencing personally relevant intrusive thoughts. Results revealed that those instructed to suppress their personal intrusive thoughts were unable to do so and experienced an increased level of distress after suppression, whereas those instructed to use an acceptance-based strategy experienced a decrease in discomfort level (but not thought frequency) after having used such a strategy. These data offer initial evidence that acceptance may be a useful alternative to the suppression of personally relevant intrusive thoughts.
Missing Data Issues at the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research

Missing data in clinical trials pose a tremendous problem in the regulatory setting. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration relies on statistically rigorous evidence of safety and efficacy as a precondition for granting marketing approval for drugs, biologics, and many devices. The presence of missing data can compromise the integrity of any statistical analysis, further complicating a regulatory decision-making process with significant public health, legal, and financial implications. We review the unique missing data challenges faced by the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and discuss limitations in our current approach to these issues and potential directions for improvement.
Gender differences in electrophysiological responses to facial stimuli

Abstract Background: A facial discrimination task was adapted to be used in an event-related potential (ERP) paradigm in order to evaluate whether young women’s brain responses to affective stimuli differed from those of young men. Methods: The stimuli used to generate a late positive component of the ERP, designated the “P450,” were male and female faces with neutral, sad, or happy facial expressions. Subjects were instructed to respond to the happy and sad faces but not to the neutral faces. The amplitude and latency of the P450 component was evaluated with respect to the gender of the subject, as well as the gender and emotional affect of the facial stimuli themselves. Results: In all subjects, the sad faces elicited longer latency and higher amplitude P450 components as compared to the happy faces. Female subjects were found to generate significantly longer latency and higher amplitude P450 components than male subjects to both happy and sad faces. All subjects were found to respond more quickly to: male happy faces > female happy faces > female sad faces > male sad faces. Conclusions: These data suggest that the morphology of the late positive component of the ERP differs depending on the emotional expression of the stimuli, the gender of the facial stimulus, and the gender of the subject.
Loss of hybridizable ribosomal DNA from human post-mitotic tissues during aging: II. Age-dependent loss in human cerebral cortex — Hippocampal and somatosensory cortex comparison

Abstract DNA was isolated from the hippocampal and from the somatosensory cortex of 13 humans (at autopsy). In both the cortex and hippocampus, the loss of ribosomal DNA (rDNA), as measured through hybridization in the liquid phase, approximates about 0.9% per year. The r value for somatosensory cortex was about −0.7 and that for the hippocampus was about −0.91. The correlation coefficient between the sets of two samples derived from the same individual (two different areas) in +0.945. These results are consistent with those reported concurrently for human myocardium and with earlier studies conducted with beagle dogs, in which only post-mitotic tissues (brain, heart and skeletal muscle) showed measurable decrements in these key genes. To the degree that the synthesis of new proteins is essential for sustained mental activity, these results are consistent with the observations that Nissl substance is more slowly replenished, following exhaustive work by motor cortical cells, and the fact that many older persons experience mental fatigue during continuous mental work at earlier times than do younger persons. The mechanism of loss is not certain, but may well be related to inadequacies in DNA repair systems, thereby allowing deletion of tandemly duplicated genes through cross-over “episome” formation, followed by degradation of the excised DNA segments. The ratio of loss of rDNA hybridizability in human and dogs is about 1 to 7, which approximates the relative ratios of their lifespans (reciprocals).
A method for detecting organic acids on thin-layer and paper chromatograms

Abstract A method for the detection of acidic compounds on paper and cellulose thin-layer chromatograms is described that is sensitive to 0.05-0.0025 μmole of acid and produces a semistable record. The method can also detect materials that absorb 2500–3000 A radiation to the same level of sensitivity. The chromatograms can be repeatedly stained when the contrast of background to spots is lost, and the staining procedure only involves one side of paper chromatograms. After the method has been used on a chromatogram, the chromatogram is still receptive to other reagents such as aniline-xylose reagent or indicator dyes for organic acids and ninhydrin for amino acids.
General-relativistic effects in hydrogenic systems

We examine in detail the behavior of bound systems containing a spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ fermion (e.g., atomic hydrogen or positronium) in an external gravitational field. Starting with the generally covariant Dirac equation, we derive the effective Hamiltonian for a fermion in a weak gravitational field correct through order $\frac{{v}^{2}}{{c}^{2}}$, where $v$ is the fermion velocity. The resulting expression is then used to obtain the gravitational Hamiltonian for both hydrogen and positronium including relativistic effects. It is shown that the form of the Hamiltonian for the bound system depends on the choice of center-of-mass and relative coordinates, and several choices of these coordinates are considered. An extensive discussion is given of the relativistic variables used to describe the bound system and their physical significance. The principal focus of this paper is a relativistic gravitational analog of the Stark effect which arises from a set of post-Newtonian terms in the bound-state Hamiltonian. These are shown to mix opposite-parity states in hydrogen, such as ${S}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ and ${P}_{\frac{1}{2}}$, and lead to a correlation between the local acceleration of gravity $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{g}}$ and the photon polarization in electromagnetic decays. We discuss the possibility that a study of this polarization could be used to discriminate among different theories of gravity at the quantum level through its dependence on one of the parametrized post-Newtonian parameters. For a fermion-antifermion system such as positronium, the interaction Hamiltonian can admix states with opposite values of $P$ and $\mathrm{CP}$, as we illustrate with several example. Our results apply specifically to the case of a hydrogenic system supported in a gravitational field by nongravitational forces. The effects of these are not explicitly considered.
Feasibility of external cranial cooling during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Hypothermia during brain ischemia can improve neurological outcome. This study tested whether local cranial cooling during the low-flow state of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) could produce clinically significant cerebral cooling. Ice was applied to the heads and necks of subjects (hypothermia group) with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) during CPR. Nasopharyngeal and tympanic temperatures were measured as surrogates for cerebral temperature. The rate of cranial cooling in the hypothermia group (-0.06 +/- 0.06 degrees C/min) was not significantly increased compared with a control group without ice (-0.04 +/- 0.07 degrees C/min), although older age was associated with more rapid cranial cooling. Of note, many subjects with OOHCA are already mildly hypothermic (mean cranial temperature= 35.0 +/- 1.2 degrees C) when they are first encountered in the field. This study suggests that brief cranial cooling is ineffective for rapidly lowering brain temperature. However, most cardiac arrest victims are spontaneously mildly hypothermic and preventing rewarming may provide some of the desired benefits of cerebral hypothermia.
High-pressure vapor-liquid equilibria with cubic equations of state

Abstract This paper considers the prediction of high-pressure VLE with cubic equations of state, extending work presented at the 1984 Otto Redlich symposium (Tsonopoulos and Heidman, 1985). Three cubic equations of state are examined: Redlich-Kwong-Soave, Peng-Robinson, and the cubic chain-of-rotators. The capabilities of these equations are tested against vapor pressure data for selected components and VLE data for mixtures containing H 2 , CO 2 , or water. Both conventional and the more recent local composition mixing rules are used in the calculations, and correlations are presented for the binary interaction parameter used in the conventional mixing rules.
Preventing Substance Abuse Among American-Indian Adolescents: A Bicultural Competence Skills Approach

Tobacco, alcohol, and drug use are problems for American-Indian people. We reviewed these problems and the explanations for them and described a bicultural competence skills approach for preventing substance abuse with American-Indian adolescents. Data from a study of that approach suggest its efficacy with American-Indian youth. At posttest and a 6-month follow-up, American-Indian subjects who received preventive intervention based on bicultural competence skills concepts improved more than did American-Indian subjects in a no-intervention control condition on measures of substance-use knowledge, attitudes, and interactive skills, and on self-reported rates of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. Our findings have implications for future substance-abuse prevention research with American-Indian people.
Profile of paliperidone extended release: review of efficacy and safety data

Paliperidone, an active metabolite of risperidone, is the most recent second-generation antipsychotic to become available on the market. This article addresses the pharmacology, clinical efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone. A comprehensive review of studies on MEDLINE using terms, such as paliperidone, 9-hydroxy risperidone, efficacy and tolerability, was conducted. Paliperidone, a 9-hydroxy derivative of risperidone is an antagonist at the dopamine and serotonin receptor sites. As paliperidone is an active metabolite of the parent compound risperidone, it is not metabolized hepatically, has minimal drug-drug interactions and is largely excreted unchanged by the kidneys. It follows linear pharmacokinetics. Evidence from short- and long-term trials supports the efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone extended release (ER) in the treatment of schizophrenia. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies have demonstrated both paliperidone 6 and 12 mg result in symptom improvement, increase in time of first recurrence of psychotic symptoms as well as significant improvements in personal and social performance. Studies demonstrated increases in plasma prolactin levels and extrapyramidal symptoms with paliperidone ER treatment compared with placebo. Changes in blood glucose and lipid levels with paliperidone ER were comparable to placebo. Overall, paliperidone is an efficacious, well-tolerated addition to the treatment armamentarium for schizophrenia.
CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy): diagnostic skin biopsy changes determined by electron microscopy.

Abstract Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a familial vascular disorder associated with migraines, recurrent ischemic strokes, and early-onset multiinfarct dementia. The diagnosis of CADASIL is made ultrastructurally by finding characteristic granular, electron-dense, osmiophilic material attached to vascular smooth muscle cells. These changes have been found in brain, skeletal muscle, nerve, and skin. We describe a woman with CADASIL diagnosed on the basis of brain and skin electronmicroscopic findings. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists need to be aware of this disorder because characteristic electronmicroscopic changes on a skin biopsy specimen are diagnostic. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:1125-7.)
Case report 796

We have presented a young adult with alveolar soft part sarcoma. The lesion occurred in the ankle region and caused extensive bony erosion that mimicked metastasis. At the time of presentation, gingival and subcutaneous metastases were present. Within a short period, however, the patient developed disseminated lung and skeletal metastases as well.
Evaluation of amendments used to prevent sodification of irrigated fields

Gypsum and S are applied to soils being irrigated with Na–HCO3 dominated coalbed natural gas (CBNG) produced water to protect soil structure and fertility. Wyoming law requires beneficial use of produced water and irrigation with CBNG produced water in the semi-arid Powder River Basin is becoming more common. Strontium isotopes were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the gypsum and S applications in preventing sodification of these irrigated soils. The isotope ratio of Sr on the cation exchange complex of irrigated soil falls between that of the gypsum amendment (0.7074) and that of local soil (0.712–0.713). Strontium isotopes indicate that, to a depth of 30 cm, as much as 50% of the Sr on the irrigated soil cation exchange sites originated from the applied gypsum amendment on a field irrigated for 3 a. This was also true to a depth of 5 cm on a field irrigated less than 1 a. Strontium isotope ratio measurements of vegetation illustrate plant utilization of Sr from gypsum amendments, thereby reinforcing the conclusions about the presence of Sr from gypsum on the soil’s exchange sites. This Sr tracing technique may be useful in a wide variety of settings where monitoring soil health is necessary, especially in settings where poor quality water is used for irrigation: a more common occurrence as demand for fresh water increases.
Ethical Responsibilities: Preparing Students for the Real Art Therapy World

This report addresses several educators' attempts to prepare their students for entering the "real" art therapy world. Two important components necessary to prepare students for entering the professional arenas are introduced: the need to translate theory into practice and the ability to communicate and negotiate with other helping professionals. A summary of a course project designed by art therapy professors to prepare art therapy students for job interviews is outlined. A survey was initiated to determine the effectiveness of this project with students who had participated. The results revealed that the students who responded thought that the exercise was indeed helpful in obtaining positions. This report concludes with a summary and discussion of the results and with a "call to arms" to all art therapy educators.
Effect of engineering Hsp70 copy number on Hsp70 expression and tolerance of ecologically relevant heat shock in larvae and pupae of Drosophila melanogaster.

To determine how the accumulation of the major Drosophila melanogaster heat-shock protein, Hsp70, affects inducible thermotolerance in larvae and pupae, we have compared two sister strains generated by site-specific homologus recombination. One strain carried 12 extra copies of the Hsp70 gene at a single insertion site (extra-copy strain) and the other carried remnants of the transgene construct but lacked the extra copies of Hsp70 (excision strain). Hsp70 levels in whole-body lysates of larvae and pupae were measured by ELISA with an Hsp70-specific antibody. In both extra-copy and excision strains, Hsp70 was undetectable prior to heat shock. Hsp70 concentrations were higher in the extra-copy strain than in the excision strain at most time points during and after heat shock. Pretreatment (i.e. exposure to 36 degrees C before heat shock) significantly improved thermotolerance, and this improvement was greater and more rapid in larvae and pupae of the extra-copy strain than in those of the excision strain. The experimental conditions resemble thermal regimes actually experienced by Drosophila in the field. Thus, these findings represent the best evidence to date that the amount of a heat-shock protein affects the fitness of a complex animal in the wild.
The effects of transforming growth factor alpha and somatostatin on regenerating hepatocytes in the rat

Summary Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF~) stimulates DNA synthesis in adult rat hepatocytes, and plays a physiological role after partial hepatectomy by an autocrine mechanism. Somatostatin (SS-14) is a potent inhibitor of gastrointestinal function and inhibits proliferation in various cell types. We examined the proliferative effect of TGF~ and the inhibitory effect of SS-14 on hepatocytes isolated at various times after partial hepatectomy. To study the mechanism of SS-14 further, we treated rats with the long acting SS-14 analog, octreotide, before or after 709/o hepatectomy to determine whether or not a differential effect could be seen. We confirmed the proliferative effects of TGF~, and the inhibitory action of SS-14 in the early phase of liver regeneration in vitro. Regenerating hepatocytes isolated from hepatectomized livers respond to TGF~ only at early time points (2 h) but do not respond to SS-14. In addition, the long acting SS-14 analog, octreotide, inhibited hepatic regeneration only when administered prior to hepatectomy. We conclude that exogenous peptide stimulation is effective only in the early phase of the hepatic proliferative response. After the initial changes brought about by hepatectomy, subsequent steps of the regenerative process appear refractory to external stimuli.
The Case for a Reference Model for Agent-Based Systems

The current state of the art in agent technology sees that several implementations of agent frameworks exist. However, there is little agreement on the terms and concepts used to describe such systems, which is a significant barrier towards adoption of these technologies by industry, military and commercial entities. A clear definition of terms and concepts at an appropriate level of abstraction is needed to facilitate discussion, evaluation and adoption of these emerging agent technologies. In this paper, we argue that a reference model for agent-based systems can fill this need. We discuss what a reference model is and why one is needed for agent-based systems. While the complete model is a work in progress, we present a preliminary version to motivate further discussion from the agents community at large. It is our hope that ultimately a wider community of practice will assume responsibility for the standardization similar to the way that the well-known seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model was a driving force underlying communications standards.
'Crushing the stone': a brief history of lithotripsy, the first minimally invasive surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To traca the history of lithotripsy, marking the start of minimally invasive surgery. Methods: Primary and secondary sources describing the development of lithotripsy as a method to treat common bladder stones were reviewed. Results: To trace the history of lithotripsy, Lithotripsy emerged in the early 19th century as an alternative to the morbid and frequently fatal perineal lithotomy practised for thousands of years to relieve sufferers of bladder stones. Lithotripsy developed in stages, first by learning how to pass a straight hollow sound, then drilling stones to break them up, later by crushing them, followed by means to evacuate the fragments, finally by integrating the lithotrite with the cystoscope, permitting surgery under direct vision. CONCLUSIONS Lithotripsy evolved as the first minimally invasive surgical procedure owing to the ingenuity and skill of our urological forebears.
The Influence Machine: Nonnegative Instance-Space Learning with Differentiated Regularization

We introduce a new method for classification called the influence machine. The influence machine assigns influence powers to the instances in the training sample so that they can apply their influence to other instances through the connections between the instances specified by a connection matrix. A new instance is classified to be positive if the overall influence it receives is positive and vice versa. Similar to support vector machine (SVM), the influence machine selects a small subset of the training instances to give influence power. However, this selection is very different from how the support vectors are selected by SVM. Experiment results show that the classification performance of the influence machine is comparable to that of the SVM. In a few cases, the influence machine shows much better classification accuracy. The influence machine has other advantages: any similarity matrix can be applied with the influence machine, not like SVM which requires that the kernel be positive definite. Furthermore, the influence machine uses linear optimization, instead of the quadratic optimization used by SVM. It may be more suitable for large scale learning problems.
Effect of column diameter on plate height in high speed liquid chromatography using pellicular and perfused particles in packed capillaries

The purpose of this work was to examine column designs that allow for rapid separations by packed capillary liquid chromatography. Previous work with packed capillary columns with inner diameters (i.d.'s) of 20 to 150 μm revealed significantly reduced eddy diffusion broadening in these columns compared to larger bore columns. These results suggested that resistance to mass transfer dominates band broadening in microcolumns at high flow rates. Thus, it should be possible to attain rapid separations in capillaries by using pellicular or perfused particles which reduce resistance to mass transfer in the stagnant mobile phase. Furthermore, the use of capillary columns with small eddy diffusion effects should give better performance than larger bore columns packed with similar particles. To test these possibilities, the plate height of an unretained solute as a function of flow velocity was evaluated in columns with internal diameters of 50 to 250 μm packed with pellicular particles (8 and 15 μm diameter) and perfusion particles (10 and 20 μm diameter). Decreasing both column i.d. and column i.d. to particle diameter ratio (ρ) were found to improve the performance of columns packed with pellicular particles; however, ρ was the most important factor. Column i.d. and ρ had no effect on the performance of perfusion particles within the range tested. However, the capillary perfusion columns had better performance than previously reported for larger bore perfusion columns. The best results were obtained for 8 μm pellicular particles inside 50 μm i.d. columns. These columns generated nearly 7,000 theoretical plates in 10 s. Further improvements should be possible by using smaller particles and smaller column internal diameters.
The Impact of Sleep on Soldier Performance

The military population is particularly vulnerable to a multitude of sleep-related disorders owing to the type of work performed by active duty servicemembers (ADSMs). Inadequate sleep, due to insufficient quantity or quality, is increasingly recognized as a public health concern. Traditionally, ADSMs have been encouraged that they can adapt to insufficient sleep just as the body adapts to physical training, but there is a substantial body of scientific literature which argues that this is not possible. Additionally, the military work environment creates unique challenges with respect to treatment options for common sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias. This review highlights sleep disorders which are prevalent in the modern military force and discusses the impact of poor sleep on overall performance. Medical treatments and recommendations for unit leaders are also discussed.
Contribution of Msh2 and Msh6 subunits to the asymmetric ATPase and DNA mismatch binding activities of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Msh2–Msh6 mismatch repair protein

Previous analyses of both Thermus aquaticus MutS homodimer and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Msh2–Msh6 heterodimer have revealed that the subunits in these protein complexes bind and hydrolyze ATP asymmetrically, emulating their asymmetric DNA binding properties. In the MutS homodimer, one subunit (S1) binds ATP with high affinity and hydrolyzes it rapidly, while the other subunit (S2) binds ATP with lower affinity and hydrolyzes it at an apparently slower rate. Interaction of MutS with mismatched DNA results in suppression of ATP hydrolysis at S1—but which of these subunits, S1 or S2, makes specific contact with the mismatch (e.g., base stacking by a conserved phenylalanine residue) remains unknown. In order to answer this question and to clarify the links between the DNA binding and ATPase activities of each subunit in the dimer, we made mutations in the ATPase sites of Msh2 and Msh6 and assessed their impact on the activity of the Msh2–Msh6 heterodimer (in Msh2–Msh6, only Msh6 makes base specific contact with the mismatch). The key findings are: (a) Msh6 hydrolyzes ATP rapidly, and thus resembles the S1 subunit of the MutS homodimer, (b) Msh2 hydrolyzes ATP at a slower rate, and thus resembles the S2 subunit of MutS, (c) though itself an apparently weak ATPase, Msh2 has a strong influence on the ATPase activity of Msh6, (d) Msh6 binding to mismatched DNA results in suppression of rapid ATP hydrolysis, revealing a “cis” linkage between its mismatch recognition and ATPase activities, (e) the resultant Msh2–Msh6 complex, with both subunits in the ATP-bound state, exhibits altered interactions with the mismatch.
Effects of Character Geometric Model on Perception of Sign Language Animation

This paper reports a study that aimed to determine whether character geometric model (i.e. segmented vs.seamless) has an effect on how animated signing is perceived by viewers. Additionally, the study investigated whether the geometric model affects perception at varying degrees of linguistic complexity--specifically handshape complexity. We modeled and animated two polygonal 3D characters: Torrents,one seamless mesh, and Robby, a fully segmented avatar. Both characters had similar geometrical proportions, identical skeletal systems, similar visual styles and color schemes, and met standards of good character design. Each signed 60stimulus signs, divided into three groups—those with simple(group I), moderately complex (group II), and complex (groupIII) handshapes according to factors established in the linguistic literature. 53 participants, who learned ASL by age5, viewed animated clips in random order via web survey. They(1) identified the sign (if recognizable), and (2) rated its realism using a 5-point Likert scale. Findings show that the seamless avatar (Torrents) was rated highest, and simple handshapes were rated higher than moderately complex and complex ones.The interaction between character and handshape complexity was also significant. For Robby (more than for Torrents),ratings decreased as handshape complexity increased. The lower ratings for Robby could indicate a preference for seamless, deformable characters over segmented ones, especially in signs with complex handshapes.
Effect of Ischemia on Capillary Pressure and Equivalent Pore Radius in Capillaries of the Isolated Dog Hind Limb

Measurements were made of filtration coefficients ( Lp ), area per unit path length ( A /Δ x ), and equivalent pore radius ( rp ) in the control state and following severe ischemia (arrested blood flow) for periods of 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 3 hours. The value of As /Δ x for diffusion of all lipid-insoluble substances was not changed after 30 minutes of ischemia, but it was increased after 1 and 3 hours of ischemia. The value of rp calculated from the theory of restricted diffusion yielded values of 34-35 A for both the control period and after all three periods of ischemia. Combination of hydrodynamic data ( Lp ) and diffusion data ( A ω/Δ x ) yielded values for rp of 23 A for control and ischemic periods. Measurements of plasma-protein osmotic pressure, tissue-protein osmotic pressure, tissue hydrostatic pressure, and capillary hydrostatic pressure supported the conclusion that extended periods of arrested blood flow did not affect muscle capillary membrane porosity. In 5 of 16 hind limbs, there appeared to be a porosity change following 3 hours of arrested blood flow. This change was demonstrated by a net decrease in plasma-protein osmotic pressure and an increase in rp from 34 A to 54 A. Lp was not changed after 30 minutes but was increased after 1 hour of ischemia; the increase was associated solely with an increase in capillary surface area. After 3 hours of ischemia, the primary change in 11 of 16 hind limbs was an increase in capillary surface area, although an increase in the size of the pores per unit membrane area could not be rigorously excluded. In 5 hind limbs after 3 hours of ischemia, an increase in rp was the primary change and an increase in capillary surface area was of secondary importance. The data indicate that the edema which occurs subsequent to reperfusion of the vasculature after moderately long periods of severe ischemia results from an increase in capillary hydrostatic pressure augmented by an increase in capillary surface area not associated with an increase in membrane porosity. The rise in capillary pressure for any given arterial or venous pressure involves a decrease in precapillary resistance, but postcapillary resistance does not change for any given flow.
Neuralgic amyotrophy manifesting as anterior interosseous nerve palsy

Neuralgic amyotrophy may present as a picture of anterior interosseous nerve palsy. In such a case, rather than a lesion of the nerve in the forearm, we offer indirect evidence of a lesion in the brachial plexus affecting discrete fiber bundles destined to form the anterior interosseous nerve.
A Stochastic Network Model for Uncertain Spatiotemporal Weather Impact at the Strategic Time Horizon

Motivated by challenges in flow-contingency management, we introduce a stochastic network model for the spatiotemporal evolution of weather impact at a strategic time horizon. Specifically, we argue that a model that represents weather-impact propagation using local probabilistic influences can capture the rich dynamics and inherent variability in weather impact at the spatial and temporal resolution of interest. We then illustrate that such an influence model for weather impact is simple enough to permit a family of analyses that are needed for decision-support, including 1) model parameterization to meet probabilistic forecasts at time snapshots, 2) fast simulation of representative weather trajectories and impact probabilities, and 3) computation of correlations and higher-order statistics in weather impact. Also, lower-order representation of the stochastic dynamics at critical locations in the airspace is considered. Finally, a brief exploratory discussion is given on how the weather-impact model may eventually be used in tandem with network flow models to study flow contingency management. 1. Motivation and Goals As the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) comes into operation, a wide array of new decision-support tools for traffic flow management (TFM) are needed, in order to meet the performance requirements of the new system and to take advantage of its new hardware capabilities. Although decision-support for tactical TFM has been advanced significantly during the last few years, TFM design at the strategic and planning time horizons (2hrs – 1day, and days – months/years, respectively) remains challenging. A major obstacle in current TFM operations is the often overly conservative actions taken when demand exceeds capacity in either predicted or impending operations. A lack of information availability and integration, as well as grave limitations in decision support systems that assist decision makers in identifying and alleviating potential congestion in a way that minimizes the impact on the National Airspace System (NAS), are understood to be current deficits in the system. However, the details on exactly what decision support system capabilities are necessary, and the resulting products from these decision support systems, are not clearly defined. The work that we present here is motivated by this need for decision-support at the strategic time frame.
Tumor response and toxicity with multiple infusions of high dose 131I-MIBG for refractory neuroblastoma.

Background 131I Metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) is an effective targeted radiotherapeutic for neuroblastoma with response rates greater than 30% in refractory disease. Toxicity is mainly limited to myelosuppression. The aim of this study was to determine the response rate and hematologic toxicity of multiple infusions of 131I-MIBG. Procedure Patients received two to four infusions of 131I-MIBG at activity levels of 3–19 mCi/kg per infusion. Criteria for subsequent infusions were neutrophil recovery without stem cell support and lack of disease progression after the first infusion. Results Sixty-two infusions were administered to 28 patients, with 24 patients receiving two infusions, two patients receiving three infusions, and two patients receiving four infusions. All patients were heavily pre-treated, including 16 with prior myeloablative therapy. Eleven patients (39%) had overall disease response to multiple therapies, including eight patients with measurable responses to each of two or three infusions, and three with a partial response (PR) after the first infusion and stable disease after the second. The main toxicity was myelosuppression, with 78% and 82% of patients requiring platelet transfusion support after the first and second infusion, respectively, while only 50% had grade 4 neutropenia, usually transient. Thirteen patients did not recover platelet transfusion independence after their final MIBG infusion; stem cell support was given in ten patients. Conclusions Multiple therapies with 131I-MIBG achieved increasing responses, but hematologic toxicity, especially to platelets, was dose limiting. More effective therapy might be given using consecutive doses in rapid succession with early stem cell support. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A genetic dissection of intestinal fat-soluble vitamin and carotenoid absorption

Carotenoids are currently investigated regarding their potential to lower the risk of chronic disease and to combat vitamin A deficiency. Surprisingly, responses to dietary supplementation with these compounds are quite variable between individuals. Genome-wide studies have associated common genetic polymorphisms in the BCO1 gene with this variability. The BCO1 gene encodes an enzyme that is expressed in the intestine and converts provitamin A carotenoids to vitamin A-aldehyde. However, it is not clear how this enzyme can impact the bioavailability and metabolism of other carotenoids such as xanthophyll. We here provide evidence that BCO1 is a key component of a regulatory network that controls the absorption of carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins. In this process, conversion of β-carotene to vitamin A by BCO1 induces via retinoid signaling the expression of the intestinal homeobox transcription factor ISX. Subsequently, ISX binds to conserved DNA-binding motifs upstream of the BCO1 and SCARB1 genes. SCARB1 encodes a membrane protein that facilitates absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids. In keeping with its role as a transcriptional repressor, SCARB1 protein levels are significantly increased in the intestine of ISX-deficient mice. This increase results in augmented absorption and tissue accumulation of xanthophyll carotenoids and tocopherols. Our study shows that fat-soluble vitamin and carotenoid absorption is controlled by a BCO1-dependent negative feedback regulation. Thus, our findings provide a molecular framework for the controversial relationship between genetics and fat-soluble vitamin status in the human population.