cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assembly of microarrays for genome-wide measurement of DNA copy number.

We have assembled arrays of approximately 2,400 BAC clones for measurement of DNA copy number across the human genome. The arrays provide precise measurement (s.d. of log2 ratios=0.05-0.10) in cell lines and clinical material, so that we can reliably detect and quantify high-level amplifications and single-copy alterations in diploid, polyploid and heterogeneous backgrounds.
The use of mycorrhizae in crop production systems

Symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots have only recently attracted more than academic interest. Mycorrhizae are now recognized as being significantly beneficial to the plant host, pa...
Effects of the Superoxide Dismutase/Catalase Mimetic EUK-207 in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease: Protection Against and Interruption of Progression of Amyloid and Tau Pathology and Cognitive Decline

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive deficits, accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal death. Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction and free radical damage are hallmarks of AD brain. Here we set out to define the role of oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis and progression by chronically treating 3xTg-AD mice with the superoxide dismutase (SOD)/catalase mimetic, EUK-207. Treatment started at 4 months before onset of pathology and cognitive deficits, and continued until 9 months, when the AD phenotype was established. Cognitive performance was assessed using fear conditioning, and brain oxidative stress, Aβ, and tau pathology were analyzed. At 9 months, 3xTg-AD mice exhibited a decline in performance in both contextual and cued fear conditioning, as compared to wild-type mice. EUK-207-treated 3xTg-AD mice did not display any deficit in fear conditioning and exhibited reduced Aβ, tau, and phosphorylated tau accumulation in amygdala and hippocampus, as well as brain levels of Aβ42, oxidized nucleic acids, and lipid peroxidation. The effects of a 3-month treatment after pathology onset at 9 months on cognitive performance, brain oxidative stress, Aβ, and tau pathology were also evaluated. EUK-207-treated 3xTg-AD mice did not display any deficit in fear conditioning and were protected against increases in brain levels of oxidized nucleic acids and lipid peroxidation; they also had reduced Aβ, tau, and hyperphosphorylated tau accumulation in amygdala and hippocampus. Our results confirm a critical role for oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis and progression and suggest the potential usefulness of EUK-207 in AD treatment.
Coding in tongues: a bilingual programming perspective to data structures

Many upper level computer science courses consist of students with diverse backgrounds in disparate programming languages. This can result when students enrolled in a course have varying academic or professional experience, or in the wake of a programming language transition in CS1 and CS2 courses from one language to another. This language transition in introductory courses has occurred at many schools in recent years, and many others anticipate a transition in the near future. In this paper, we describe our experiences in one such course, a third term Data Structures course, in which students had diverse programming language backgrounds. Rather than choose one language to compel students to use, we encouraged students to decide for themselves which language they found most appropriate. This approach seeded a theme we developed throughout the course, that there are multiple solutions to any problem, including determining the most appropriate language in which to implement a program. We describe the challenges we faced in this course as well as investigate some of the advantages and disadvantages of this method, and we provide some anecdotal examples for dealing with programming language diversity in the classroom setting.
β2-Microglobulin is not a Bone Cell Mitogen*

During the purification of skeletal growth factor/insulin-like growth factor-II and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) from EDTA extracts of bovine bone matrix significant mitogenic activity for cultured osteoblast (Ob)-like cells eluted in fractions that contained a nearly homogeneous peptide with a mol wt of about 14,000. This peptide has been purified to apparent homogeneity and identified as bovine beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) by amino-terminal amino acid sequencing. During the final purification of beta 2M by CN reverse phase HPLC the mitogenic activity for bone cells separated from the beta 2M protein peak. In spite of this the apparently homogeneous beta 2M preparation retained some mitogenic activity. The ED50 of the bone-derived beta 2M (4,890 +/- 462 ng/ml) was several orders of magnitude (2 x 10(3) to 1.4 x 10(5) times) greater than the ED50 of simultaneously assayed purified growth factors and was no different from the ED50 of the crude EDTA matrix extract (3,350 +/- 890 ng/ml). The beta 2M accounted for less than 0.002% of the total mitogenic activity for Ob-like cells present in the extracted matrix proteins. The following lines of evidence suggest that the mitogenic activity of bone matrix-derived beta 2M (BMD-beta 2M) is due to contamination of the BMD-beta 2M with TGF beta rather than an intrinsic property of beta 2M: 1) the coelution of TGF beta through four successive purification procedures and purification of TGF beta from adjoining fractions from C4 reverse phase HPLC; 2) the abolition of biological activity of BMD-beta 2M and TGF beta with reducing agents; 3) the lack of additive stimulation of [3H] methylthymidine incorporation into bone cells when beta 2M was added to maximally active concentrations of purified TGF beta; 4) the reduction of mitogenic activity when the BMD-beta 2M was incubated with anti-TGF beta; and 5) the inhibition of mink lung epithelial proliferation by the beta 2M preparation. Based on these findings we conclude that although beta 2M is present in bovine bone matrix extracts, it is not a mitogen for Ob-like cells.
The structure of vitreous and liquid GeSe2: a neutron diffraction study

Abstract High-quality neutron diffraction data are presented for GeSe 2 glass and liquid. In GeSe 2 glass at 10 K there is direct, clearly resolved evidence for edge-sharing of tetrahedra. C Ge (Ge) for dge-sharing tetrahedra measured in the glass (0.14), approaches that of the crystal (0.17). The Ge(Se 4 ) tetrahedron is the unit of short-range order in the glass, as it is in the crystal. The angle between neighboring corner-sharing tetrahedra in the glass is similar to that in the crystal. The tetrahedral building block persists in the liquid state at 1084 K, but it is broken up. The anomalous temperature dependence of the first sharp diffraction peak (FSDP) observed in the glass persists in the liquid. Experimentally, the height of the FSDP in the 1084 K liquid is 10% less than in the 10 K glass. The positions and the half-widths are identical. GeSe 2 retains considerable intermediate-range order in the liquid state. A comparison with molecular dynamics computer simulations is also presented.
Crystal and ligand field theory

Definitions and origins for both the crystal-field and ligand-field theories are elaborated. The role of parametrized models is contrasted with that of quantitative or semi-quantitative calculations—special emphasis being given to the meaning and evaluation of 10Dq. Finally, the implications of some recent calculations are discussed.
Comparison of post-junctional alpha-adrenoceptors in iris dilator muscle of humans, and albino and pigmented rabbits.

The relative potency of α-adrenoceptor agonists and the dissociation constants of competitive antagonists were studied to characterize the post junctional α-adrenoceptor of the human iris dilator muscle. The data obtained from human iris dilator tissue was compared to that from rabbit. The iris dilator muscle was mounted in an organ bath and tension changes were recorded. (−)-Norepinephrine, (−)-phenylephrine (PE), oxymetazoline and p-aminoclonidine caused contractile responses in albino rabbit, pigmented rabbit and human iris dilator muscle in a concentration-dependent manner. The imidazoline molecules were partial agonists. In rabbit iris dilator, desensitization occurred to repeated oxymetazoline application at an interval of 1 h but recovery to the agonist activity was complete in about 3 h. Exposure to cocaine (10 μmol/l), hydrocortisone (100 μmol/l) and U-0521, a catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor (100 pmol/l), significantly potentiated the response to norepinephrine by 92-, 32- and 7 fold in iris dilator tissue of albino rabbit, pigmented rabbit and human, respectively. After block of “uptake1” and “uptake2”, the EC50 values of norepinephrine in the albino rabbit, pigmented rabbit and human iris dilator did not differ and ranged from 99 to 195 nmol/l. Small but significant potentiation by uptake blockers was also observed in the responses to PE in the albino rabbit or pigmented rabbit iris dilator. The average maximum tension induced by 100 μmol/l PE was 96 ± 11 mg (n = 10), 197 ± 11 mg (n = 11), 45 ± 5 mg (n = 27) in albino rabbit, pigmented rabbit and human iris dilator, respectively. In human iris dilator, the responses to PE were competitively antagonized by prazosin, 5-methylurapidil and phentolamine with apparent pKB values of 7.3, 6.6 and 7.5, respectively. The pK B values of the prazosin-PE interaction in iris dilator of albino and pigmented rabbit were 8.6 and 6.4, respectively. These results suggest that the post-junctional α-adrenoceptors in iris dilator may be similar to that in pigmented rabbit iris. The α-adrenoceptor of the human or pigmented rabbit iris dilator may be characterized as α1L-adrenoceptor subtype. The α-adrenoceptor of albino rabbit iris dilator appears to be a high affinity subtype. Furthermore, albino rabbit may not be the best strain for the drug research which is relevant to human ocular therapeutics.
Continental movements, “Wallace’s Line” and Indomalayan-Australasian dispersal of land plants: Some eclectic concepts

An attempt is made to bring into concordance some of the known facts of zoogeography, phytogeography, and geology with respect toextant geographical dispersal of certain land plant groups (Hepaticae, Coniferales, Angiospermae). Such a synthesis faces innumerable obstacles, some of which have only recently been removed by proliferation of paleomagnetic and other pertinent geological data suggesting that the Australian bloc was contiguous to Antarctica until at least the start of the Tertiary and has rapidly moved northward. As a consequence, concepts of a single “center” of origin of the angiosperms — or any other group — which encompasses a region including all or part ofboth Southeast Asia (and the adjoining islands that are historically part of the Eurasian bloc) and Australasia, seem untenable since these two regions have only recently been juxtaposed. It is assumed that this recent approximation offers the most valid analysis of the significance of “Wallace’s Line” — various versions of which have been almost uniformly accepted by three generations of zoogeographers.
Experiments on and theory of the action of the Geiger point counter

Abstract Curves are included showing the relationship between voltage and relative position of electrodes, and between voltage and counter gas pressure. Also included are experiments on the preparation of sensitive and insensitive points, and experiments with different electrode materials. These data are for a counter operated with the point at negative potential. Zeleny's conclusion that a high resistance layer of adsorbed gas exists at the point is adopted. In addition, the assumption is made that the field at the point at the onset of “self-counting” is sufficient to produce auto-electronic emission. This combination now leads to a theory which accounts for the various characteristics of the counter and explains the threshold of counting curve, the auto-counting curve, and the continuous discharge curve. Probability considerations account for the selective counting of different ionizing agents in certain voltage ranges, for the dependence of counting upon path of ionizing rays through the chamber, and for the increase of counts with increase of voltage from threshold of counting to the point where all rays are registered.
Inelastic neutron scattering measurement of spin waves and magnetic interactions in NiO

Abstract The dispersion relation E ( q ) for spin waves in NiO, a Type II f.c.c. antiferromagnet, has been measured at 78°K. Values for the isotropic exchange interactions have been determined by fitting the Hamiltonian to the data. The next nearest neighbour interaction is found to dominate and the small nearest neighbour interaction is ferromagnetic in sign, in agreement with simple overlap theory.
Post-stratification based direct adjustment approach to a missing data problem in clinical trials

Abstract In clinical trials we always expect some missing data. If data are missing completely at random, then missing data can be ignored for the purpose of statistical inference. In most situation, however, ignoring missing data will introduce bias. Adjustment is possible for missing data if the missing mechanism is known, which is rare in real problems. Our approach is to estimate directly the mean outcome of each treatment group in the presence of missing data. To this end, we post-stratify all the subjects by the expected value of outcome (or by a variable predictive of the outcome) so that subjects within a stratum may be considered homogeneous with respect to the expected outcome, and assume that subjects within a stratum are missing at random. We apply this post-stratification approach to a recently concluded clinical trial where a high proportion of data are missing and the missingness depends on the same factors affecting the outcome variable. A simulation study shows that the post-stratification approach reduces the bias substantially compared to the naive approach where only non-missing subjects are analyzed.
Elastic Scattering of 9.76-Mev Protons by Helium

The differential cross section for elastic scattering of 9.76-Mev protons by helium has been investigated over the range of center-of-mass angles from 43\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 174\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The results are in essential agreement with those of Putnam at 9.48 Mev, differ from those by Freemantle et al. at 9.55 Mev by a constant factor, but do not confirm those of Cork and Hartsough at 9.7 Mev.
Stimulation of efferents alters the cochlear microphonic and the sound-induced resistance changes measured in scala media of the guinea pig

Electrical stimulation of the crossed olivo-cochlear bundle (COCB) increases both the cochlear microphonic and the acoustically synchronized changing resistance (CR) and it causes a decrease in the electrical impedance of scala media of the guinea pig. The similarity between the change in CR due to COCB stimulation and the change in CR due to negative d.c. polarization (Mountain, D.C., Hubbard, A.E. and Geisler, C.D. (1980): Hearing Res. 3, 215-229) suggests that the CR is dependent on the hair cell membrane potential measured with respect to scale tympani.
Glycolipid and glycoprotein sialyltransferase enzyme activity in denervated skeletal muscle

Abstract Glycolipid and glycoprotein sialyltransferase enzyme activities were determined in homogenates of control and denervated rat extensor digitorum longus muscles. One week after denervation cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-NANA): lactosyl ceramide and CMP-NANA: fetuin sialyltransferase enzyme activities in denervated muscles were consistently higher in denervated than in control muscles, whether the activities were expressed on a protein, wet weight, or whole muscle basis. These findings support the hypothesis that control of muscle glycoconjugate metabolism, established in the normal relationship between nerve and muscle, is disrupted by denervation.
Bioinspired gradient materials via blending of polymer electrolytes and applying electric forces.

Free-standing and supported films with a lateral gradient in composition were prepared using blends of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)/sodium salt and its copolymers with acrylamide (AAm) in an applied el...
A View From Across The Pond

Professor Keith S. Delaplane, of the University of Georgia, USA has kept bees since his school days and is well placed to give view of world beekeeping. If you wish to know more about his work why not visit: http://www.ent.uga.edu/bees/
Lysophosphatidic Acid Activates NF-κB in Fibroblasts A REQUIREMENT FOR MULTIPLE INPUTS

Abstract Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a growth factor that exerts a number of well characterized biological actions on fibroblasts and other cells. In the present study, we investigated the possibility that LPA activates the transcription factor NF-κB. NF-κB is a target of cytokines, but its activation by other classes of agonists has raised considerable interest in the control of processes such as inflammation and wound healing through varied mechanisms. We find that LPA causes a marked activation of NF-κB in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts as determined by the degradation of IκB-α in the cytosol and the emergence of κB binding activity in nuclear extracts. The EC50 for activation of NF-κB is 1–5 μm, a range similar to that reported for reinitiation of DNA synthesis and activation of the serum response element. Activation of NF-κB is attenuated by pertussis toxin and inhibitors of protein kinase C, and it is completely blocked by the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM. The combination of phorbol ester and thapsigargin promotes an activation comparable with that of LPA. Activation by LPA is additionally inhibited by tyrphostin A25 but not genistein or AG1478, indicating a selective utilization of protein-tyrosine kinases, and by certain antioxidants, implying a role for reactive oxygen species. The activation is also inhibited by tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate (D609), implying a requirement for hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine. The data demonstrate the utilization of multiple pathways in the activation of NF-κB by LPA, not inconsistent with the relevance of several families of GTP-binding regulatory proteins.
Examination of the electronic energy band model for one-dimensional disordered thin films

Abstract The nature of the electronic states in a disordered one-dimensional finite system subject to traveling wave boundary conditions is examined. A method is developed whereby these states can be characterized as either “localized” or extended. The concept of localization of states is modified so as to be applicable to amorphous thin films. The extent to which the disorder modifies the band structure of the ordered system is investigated as a function of disorder and the nature of the electronic states is related to the elastic tunneling transmission coefficient for a model metal-semiconductor-metal heterojunction. The results seem to corroborate the Mott-CFO model.
Synthesis of fuzzy controllers that achieve linguistic performance objectives

Abstract We use a new theorem about obtaining the fuzzy relation of a closed-loop feedback system given the fuzzy relations of the plant and the controller. Based on this theorem, a new design procedure of a fuzzy controller is proposed. To understand concepts, an example is used throughout the paper. Then, based on the fuzzy rules giving the desired behavior of the closed-loop system and given the fuzzy relation describing a plant, the design procedure is applied to synthesize a fuzzy controller.
NEURONAL PRECURSORS OF THE ADULT RAT SUBEPENDYMAL ZONE PERSIST INTO SENESCENCE, WITH NO DECLINE IN SPATIAL EXTENT OR RESPONSE TO BDNF

The adult mammalian brain continues to harbor ependymal/subependymal zone (SZ) precursor cells, which can give rise to neurons in vitro. In adult rats, explants of the rostral 6-7 mm of the SZ give rise to neurons in vitro, and over this entire expanse, neuronal survival is supported specifically by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We asked whether either the (a) spatial distribution, (b) abundance, or (c) BDNF responsiveness of the neuronal precursor population was affected by age. Explants of three rostrocaudally defined regions were taken from both young and old rats (3 and 20 months old, respectively), and cultured in 2% fetal bovine serum-containing media with or without added BDNF (20 ng/ml). The extent of neuronal production by these explants varied only minimally with their level of derivation, such that substantial outgrowth was observed at each level tested. Neuronal outgrowth was marginally higher and more rapid in achieving its maximal extent in the 3-month-old rats compared with their aged counterparts, but neuronal outgrowth was robust at each age tested. The duration of survival of SZ-derived neurons did not differ between the young and old rats. At both ages, BDNF supported the survival of these new adult neurons. The extent of BDNF's influence was independent of both the age of the donor rat and the rostrocaudal level at which the parent SZ explant was taken. Thus, the neuronal precursors of the rat brain persist into senescence; the size of the precursor pool attenuates minimally with age, and its spatial extent remains constant. The neurons generated from these precursors can respond to BDNF throughout life.
Transition force measurement between two negligibly charged surfaces: a new perspective on nanoparticle halos.

Since 2001, silica microspheres have been reported to be stabilized by highly charged hydrous ZrO2 nanoparticles which form halos around the microspheres at pH 1.5. However, the exact mechanisms be...
Hypoxia Regulates Avian Cardiac Arnt and HIF-1α mRNA Expression

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (Arnt) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha mediate cellular responses to hypoxia. We investigated the ability of hypoxia to regulate Arnt and HIF-1alpha mRNA in the heart in vivo. We cloned avian Arnt, developed an in vivo model of chronic cardiac hypoxia, and measured expression of cardiac Arnt and HIF-1alpha mRNA by quantitative RT-PCR. Chronic hypoxic exposure (24 h to 15% O(2)) of day 9 chick embryos resulted in a 30-fold increase in covalent binding of (3)H-misonidazole, a hypoxic tissue marker, to cardiac tissue, and a 2-fold induction of cardiac inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA, compared to normoxic controls. In this same model, cardiac Arnt mRNA expression decreased by 35%, while HIF-1alpha mRNA expression increased 400%. These data suggest that regulation of Arnt and HIF-1alpha mRNA expression may contribute to the physiological responses of the heart during prolonged hypoxia.
The continuing importance of maximum power

Abstract Of the many extremely ingenious, powerful and, yes, frustrating concepts and approaches that Howard Odum left us, the one with the most power to change how we understand the Earth, was that of maximum power. This theoretical framework, has subverted how most of his students and colleagues think about systems in general, transformed the way we think about ecosystems, natural selection, and even our environmental and general politics. The concept has not always been a comfortable one, but it is an exceedingly exciting and commanding one … and therein lies its interest. For most of us who have been exposed to it in some detail, there is no doubt as to its veracity [Maximum Power: The Ideas and Applications of H.T. Odum, University Press of Colorado, Niwot]. What remains to be answered, however, is just how wide is its net?
Molecular dynamics and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of Fe island growth on Cu(111)

Abstract We have performed extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a 0.07 ML coverage of Fe adatoms on Cu(111) at 300 K using a many-body interaction potential from the molecular dynamics/Monte-Carlo corrected effective medium theory. The Fe atoms were deposited randomly and then followed for two hundred picoseconds (ps) while annealing at a temperature of 300 K. The results of these MD simulations were analyzed to understand the general features of island growth. One finding was that islands as large as four atoms are only one of magnitude less mobile than monomers. Thus, the mobility of small islands played a significant role in the growth of large islands. In addition, the presence of next-nearest neighbor attractions was found to increase the speed of this growth. Another finding was that the Fe islands obtained their equilibrium structures only very slowly compared to the times of aggregation or coalescence. The MD results were used to construct and test several kinetic Monte Carlo models that incorporated the newly identified processes. Considering these MC models, we discuss some details of island structure, stability and aggregation.
The yeast DNA repair gene RAD6 encodes a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme

The RAD6 gene of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for a variety of cellular functions including DNA repair. The discovery that the RAD6 gene product can catalyse the covalent attachment of ubiquitin to other proteins suggests that the multiple functions of the RAD6 protein are mediated by its ubiquitin-conjugating activity.
Pattern classification approach to characterizing solitary pulmonary nodules imaged on high-resolution computed tomography

The purpose of our study was to characterize solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) as benign or malignant based on pattern classification techniques using size, shape, density and texture features extracted from HRCT images. HRCT images of patients with a SPN are acquired, routed through a PACS and displayed on a thoracic radiology workstation. Using the original data, the SPN is semiautomatically contoured using a nodule/background threshold. The contour is used to calculate size and several shape parameters, including compactness and bending energy. Pixels within the interior of the contour are used to calculate several features including: (1) nodule density-related features, such as representative Hounsfield number and moment of inertia, and (2) texture measures based on the spatial gray level dependence matrix and fractal dimension. The true diagnosis of the SPN is established by histology from biopsy or, in the case of some benign nodules, extended follow-up. Multi-dimensional analyses of the features are then performed to determine which features can discriminate between benign and malignant nodules. When a sufficient number of cases are obtained two pattern classifiers, a linear discriminator and a neural network, are trained and tested using a select subset of features. Preliminary data from nine (9) nodule cases have been obtained and several features extracted. While the representative CT number is a reasonably good indicator, it is an inconclusive predictor of SPN diagnosis when considered by itself. Separation between benign and malignant nodules improves when other features, such as the distribution of density as measured by moment of inertia, are included in the analysis. Software has been developed and preliminary results have been obtained which show that individual features may not be sufficient to discriminate between benign and malignant nodules. However, combinations of these features may be able to discriminate between these two classes. With additional cases and more features, we will be able to perform a feature selection procedure and ultimately to train and test pattern classifiers in this discrimination task.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sudden loss of the GVL effect following use of the TNF inhibitor infliximab in a chronic myelogenous leukemia patient with chronic GVHD.

Sudden loss of the GVL effect following use of the TNF inhibitor infliximab in a chronic myelogenous leukemia patient with chronic GVHD
Beating a path

Ciliary and Flagellar Membranes . Edited by Robert A. Bloodgood Plenum: 1990. Pp. 431. £63. 75, $102.
Non-iterative local second order Møller–Plesset theory

Abstract Second order Moller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) is formulated in terms of atom-centred occupied and virtual orbitals. Both the occupied and the virtual orbitals are non-orthogonal. A new parameter-free atoms-in-molecules local approximation is employed to reduce the cost of the calculation to cubic scaling, and a quasi-canonical two-particle basis is introduced to enable the solution of the local MP2 equations via explicit matrix diagonalisation rather than iteration.
Circumplex Model VII: Validation studies and FACES III.

This paper reviews some of the recent empirical studies validating the Circumplex Model and describes the newly developed self-report measure, FACES III. Studies testing hypotheses derived from the Circumplex Model regarding the three dimensions of cohesion, change, and communication are reviewed. Case illustrations using FACES III and the Clinical Rating Scale are presented. These two assessment tools can be used for making a diagnosis of family functioning and for assessing changes over the course of treatment. This paper reflects the continuing attempt to develop further the Circumplex Model and to bridge more adequately research, theory, and practice.
Nonsensory target-dependent organization of piriform cortex

The piriform cortex (PCX) is the largest component of the olfactory cortex and is hypothesized to be the locus of odor object formation. The distributed odorant representation found in PCX contrasts sharply with the topographical representation seen in other primary sensory cortices, making it difficult to test this view. Recent work in PCX has focused on functional characteristics of these distributed afferent and association fiber systems. However, information regarding the efferent projections of PCX and how those may be involved in odor representation and object recognition has been largely ignored. To investigate this aspect of PCX, we have used the efferent pathway from mouse PCX to the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Using double fluorescent retrograde tracing, we identified the output neurons (OPNs) of the PCX that project to two subdivisions of the OFC, the agranular insula and the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (AI-OPNs and LO-OPNs, respectively). We found that both AI-OPNs and LO-OPNs showed a distinct spatial topography within the PCX and fewer than 10% projected to both the AI and the LO as judged by double-labeling. These data revealed that the efferent component of the PCX may be topographically organized. Further, these data suggest a model for functional organization of the PCX in which the OPNs are grouped into parallel output circuits that provide olfactory information to different higher centers. The distributed afferent input from the olfactory bulb and the local PCX association circuits would then ensure a complete olfactory representation, pattern recognition capability, and neuroplasticity in each efferent circuit.
Thermomechanical effects on phase transformations in single-crystal Cu–Al–Ni shape-memory alloy

Single-crystal rods of Cu–Al–Ni shape-memory alloy fabricated from a molten pool of 82 wt% Cu, 14 wt% Al, and 4 wt% Ni by the Czochralski method were first heated to ∼870 °C and then quenched to obtain austenitic microstructures. Various microanalysis techniques were used to determine the chemical composition, microstructure, and phase-transformation temperatures of the produced alloy. Cyclic tensile tests with in situ temperature control demonstrated the occurrence of pseudoelastic deformation at elevated and close to phase-transformation temperatures and provided insight into the temperature dependence of the phase-transformation stress, damping characteristics, and cyclic straining of single-crystal Cu–Al–Ni alloy. The stress hysteresis observed in the pseudoelastic deformation cycles decreased at elevated temperatures. The stress response at different temperatures is associated with the formation, growth, and coalescence of martensite variants. Stress-induced phase-transformation mechanisms, coalescence of twin variants, and energy dissipation by pseudoelastic deformation are discussed in the context of experimental findings. The results illustrate the potential of single-crystal Cu–Al–Ni as a structural material for dynamic microsystems and temperature sensors.
CMOS Compatible Wafer-Scale Encapsulation MEMS Resonators

A unique MEMS encapsulation process on the use of epipolysilicon as a packaging and sealing layer is demonstrated. This process provides a very clean and stable environment for MEMS, is compatible with CMOS integration, and can be carried out in a conventional CMOS facility with standard tools. Silicon resonators fabricated inside the ‘epi-seal’ encapsulation showed quality factors over 10,000 and commercial level long-term stability (ppm level drift for over 1 year of operation). In addition, several modifications and improvements, such as Si-SiO2 composite resonators for reduced temperature coefficient of frequency and thermal isolated anchors for direct temperature control were successfully added to this process for improvements in resonator stability over temperature.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Self-correcting crowds

Much of the current work in crowdsourcing is focused on increasing the quality of responses. Quality issues are most often due to a small subset of low quality workers. The ability to distinguish between high and low quality workers would allow a wide range of error correction to be performed for such tasks. However, differentiating between these types is difficult when no measure of individual success is available. We propose it is possible to use higher quality workers to compensate for lower quality ones, without explicitly identifying them, by allowing them to observe and react to the input of the collective. In this paper, we present initial work on eliciting this behavior and discuss how it may be possible to leverage self-correction in the crowd for better performance on continuous real-time tasks.
Basic Studies of Corn Proteins for Improved Solubility and Future Utilization: A Physicochemical Approach

Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra were recorded for zein corn proteins in a number of organic solvent systems to establish the best solvent for these highly hydrophobic proteins. Carbon-13 NMR techniques were used to monitor at the molecular level the mobility of the amino acid side chains in solution. Polyacrylamide gel elcctrophoresis (PAGE). and sodium sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel elcctrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to identify the major subfractions in zein and to determine the effect that solvents such as ethanol and 2-propanol have upon the aggregation of zein proteins. It was determined, based on these studies, that pyridine: watcr (I:I. v/v) provided the best dispersibility for zein and the best subunit separation.
Serious ocular complications of cosmetic iris implants in 14 eyes

Purpose To report the presentation and subsequent management of a series of patients presenting with cosmetic iris implants. Setting New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, New York, USA. Design Case series. Methods In this evaluation of patients with NewColorIris cosmetic iris implants, data collected included patient demographics, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell count, and slitlamp examination findings at presentation. Medical and surgical interventions and the postoperative course were recorded. Results Fourteen eyes of 7 patients (ages 22 to 60; 71% men) were identified. Nine eyes (64%) presented with decreased visual acuity, 7 (50%) had elevated IOP, 5 (36%) had corneal edema, and 5 (36%) had anterior uveitis. All 14 eyes had explantation of the iris prosthesis (range 4 to 33 months after placement). The minimum follow-up after implant removal in all eyes was 2 months (range 2 to 28 months). Intraoperative complications included suprachoroidal hemorrhage during explantation in 1 eye. Postoperative complications included corneal edema (8 eyes), cataract (9 eyes), and increased IOP/glaucoma (7 eyes). Secondary surgeries included Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (5 eyes), cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement (7 eyes), trabeculectomy (3 eyes), glaucoma drainage implant placement (3 eyes), and penetrating keratoplasty (1 eye). Conclusions The cosmetic iris implants may result in severe ocular morbidity. Complications in our series included uveitis, glaucoma, corneal edema, and decreased visual acuity. Although explantation helped stabilize symptoms, additional medical and surgical intervention to control IOP and corneal decompensation was required in many cases. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Pollutant destruction in a reverse-flow chromatographic reactor

A reverse-flow chromatographic reactor (RFCR) is a packed reactor in which the flow direction is reversed periodically and in which one of the reactants is strongly adsorbed on the catalyst. We study the performance of a RFCR used to destruct a pollutant A by a reaction with a reactant B, the emission level of which is subject to even stricter restrictions. Due to safety considerations, this reactant B is introduced in the center of the reactor. The RFCR operation enables a reduction of the regulated effluent products well below the minimum attainable under a steady-state operation of the same packed-bed reactor. Moreover, it can respond effectively to any perturbations in the pollutant feed rate and/or concentration. When the environmental regulations on the emission of B are stricter than those of A, it is often advantageous to feed slightly less B than the amount needed for complete conversion of A. We present a methodology for finding the operating conditions that lead to the minimal level of weighted emission of both A and B. A continuous feed of the reactant B is superior to operation in which the same amount of B is fed during each semi-cycle but in a non-continuous fashion.
Pediatric Obesity Preventive Measures in Early Childhood

This article reviews the factors contributing to early childhood obesity and the options for recognition and early intervention. The role for developing preschool wellness programs that incorporate nutrition education and physical activity is presented with a model under development in the state of Maryland.
Purification and Properties of a Phytotoxic Polysaccharide Produced by Corynebacterium sepedonicum

A polysaccharide possessing a capacity to wilt plant cuttings has been isolated and purified from cultures of Corynebacterium sepedonicum. The molecular weight, based on the average of molecular weights determined by 3 physical methods, is 21,450. The empirical formula of the polysaccharide is C(48)H(96)O(48)N. It is antigenic and the borate complex migrates in an electric field. It has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.125 and an S(20w) of 0.76. A hydrolysate of the compound yields glucose, mannose, 2 unidentified reducing compounds and 1 unidentified non-reducing compound. The nitrogen in the toxin can be accounted for in 6 amino acids. Although the toxin is primarily polysaccharide it might more aptly be termed a glycopeptide.Some information regarding the physiological activity of this compound as well as a discussion of how it acts to bring about wilting is included.
TPF-I Planet Detection Testbed: progress in testing exo-planet signal detection

The Planet Detection Testbed is designed to simulate the architecture and operation of a space-borne four telescope nulling interferometer.
Self-recognition in chimpanzees and orangutans, but not gorillas

Recognition of one's own reflection in a mirror qualifies as an objective test of self-awareness. Although most primates appear incapable of learning that their behavior is the source of the behavior depicted in a mirror, the present study replicates previous reports showing that both chimpanzees and orangutans are capable of self-recognition. As the only remaining species of great ape, gorillas were also systematically tested with mirrors. Using a specially designed control procedure which provides independent evidence of interest in and motivation to touch unobtrusively applied marks used to assess self-recognition, gorillas appeared unable to correctly decipher mirrored information about themselves.
Anticipations of dream psychology in the Talmud

Various statements throughout the Babylonian and Palestinian Talmud with reference to dreams, their nature, validity, and analysis were explicated in terms of modern understandings and theories of dream psychology. Contrary to the more unsystematic categorizations of some earlier writers on the topic, the data, when carefully analyzed, imply a highly advanced conception of dreamwork. Such notions as wish-fulfillment, distortion, repression of threatening material and some salient features of commonly accepted dream-analysis theory were found to be anticipated by the rabbis of the Talmud. The Talmud is also shown to have a more eclectic view of the reality of dreams as opposed to older, more mythologized and spiritualized views. Both Ts also contain nonlegal or aggadic digressions. These digressions are replete with historical, medical, scientific, proverbial, religious, and moral statements. Most of the material on dream psychology gathered and presented here was culled from this aggadic body. The word Tanaic refers to an order of scholars mentioned in the T., living during the first two centuries CE. Rabbis living after this period were called amoraim. Most of the Rabbis mentioned here were tannaim. For the reader's benefit, a reliable English translation and exposition of the Talmud B. is the Soncino Press edition. All footnotes and references to the Talmud, although drawn from the original Aramaic text, apply to the pagination in this English translation as well.
Succinyl CoA Synthetase of Tobacco.

The isouition and partial purification of succinyl CoA synthetase from Nicotiana tabacum is described. Enzynio activity had a pH optimum of pH 7.0 and apparent Km values for succinic acid. ATF and MgCl(2) . are 3.5 × 10(-2) 5.7 × 10(-3) and 4.0 × 10(-3) M, respectively. The euzyme is specific in requirement for ATP. Enzyme activity was low in seed, decreased during germination and seedling development, then increased to maximum in physiologically mature leaf tissue. Plauts with the apical apical meristem removed had less euzyme activity in leaves but more enzyme activity in the roots than plants with apical meristem intact. Most enzyme activity observed was associated with the soluble fractions of the cell.
Association of Myn, the murine homolog of max, with c-Myc stimulates methylation-sensitive DNA binding and ras cotransformation.

Abstract Myn, a novel murine ∼ 18 kd basic/helix-loop-helix/ "leucine zipper" (B/HLH/LZ) protein, forms a specific DNA-binding complex with the c-Myc oncoprotein through the HLH/LZ motif in both proteins. c-Myc/Myn recognizes a c-Myc-binding site (GACCACGTGGTC) with higher affinity than either protein by itself. CpG methylation of the recognition site greatly inhibits DNA binding, suggesting that DNA methylation may regulate the c-Myc/Myn complex in vivo. In 3T3 fibroblasts, Myn mRNA levels are induced several-fold by serum with delayed early kinetics, suggesting regulation by immediate-early gene products. Coexpression of Myn in a myc/ras rat embryo fibroblast focus formation assay specifically augmented c-myc transforming activity. We suggest that interaction of Myn with c-Myc stabilizes sequence-specific DNA binding in vivo.
Measurement of association constants in ELISA. Reactions between solid-phase antibody and fluid-phase biotinylated antigen.

Abstract An ELISA procedure which utilized an avidin-peroxidase amplification reaction to detect and quantify the amount of fluid-phase biotinylated antigen bound to solid-phase antibody was developed to determine antibody association constants. The methodology required is uncomplicated, avoids the use of radioisotopes, and is theoretically amenable for use with any protein which can be biotinylated, and any receptor protein which can be immobilized on plastic wells. A plot of known immobilized biotinylated antigen concentrations, which ranged from approximately 100 ng/ml to 1000 ng/ml, versus avidin-peroxidase conjugate product formation, was used to establish a standard curve from which the amount of antibody-a3sociated in antigen binding assays could be determined. Antibodyassociation constants obtained with this method ranged from 105 to 109 M−.
Experimental studies of optical particle counters

Abstract The response characteristics of several commercially available optical particle counters have been studied experimentally using monodisperse aerosols generated by the vibrating-orifice generator. The particle diameters ranged from 0.5 to 10 μm and the particle refractive index from 1.4 to 1.6. Aerosol material used in the study included DOP (di-octyl phthalate) of 1.49 refractive index and Cargille index-of-refraction liquids of 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 refractive index. The response of the forward scattering counters (Royco 245 and Bausch & Lomb 40-1) was found to be independent of the particle refractive index above 1 μm in particle diameter. The right-angle scattering counter (Royco 220) showed a more pronounced particle refractive index effect. The experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions of counter response based on Mie-theory calculations. The resolution of the counter had been studied as a function of the particle size. The relative standard deviation of the pulse height distribution was found to increase with decreasing particle size due to the decreasing signal-to-noise ratio of the counter. A sheath-air inlet and a conical inlet are described. These new optical counter inlets improved significantly the resolution and the sampling efficiency of the counters. The use of the vibrating-orifice monodisperse aerosol generator as an aerosol concentration standard for evaluating sampling efficiencies of optical counters is described.
Blood Sugar and Carbon Dioxide Combining Power of the Plasma in Relation to Ketosis in Dairy Cattle

Summary Decreased blood sugar values accompany ketosis in cattle even when the ketosis is not sufficiently severe to be detected by clinical symptoms. The significance of the low blood sugars and causative factors in relation to ketosis is discussed. Acidosis is not an invariable accompaniment of ketosis in dairy cattle. The technical assistance of Mr. R. F. Jackson is gratefully acknowledged.
Effects of myocardial hypoxia on digitalis-induced toxicity in the isolated heart of guinea pigs and cats

The effects of hypoxia on the tolerance of myocardium to the toxic actions of digitalis were studied in isolated heart muscle preparations. Perfusion of Langendorff preparations of guinea-pig heart with a hypoxic solution failed to alter Na, K-ATPase with respect to its activity, its sensitivity to inhibition by dihydrodigoxin, or the number of [3H]ouabain binding sites and their affinity for ouabain, when these activities were estimated in ventricular muscle homogenates obtained after the hypoxic perfusion. Hypoxia potentiated the development of digoxin-induced contracture, as well as digoxin-induced changes in maximal upstroke velocity and the amplitude of action potentials, and the resting transmembrane potential in atrial and ventricular muscle preparations of guinea-pig heart. Under hypoxic conditions, however, digoxin failed to induce arrhythmias. In Purkinje fibers of cat heart, the time to onset of digoxin-induced arrhythmias, or the development of afterdepolarizations, was not affected by hypoxia. These results indicate that hypoxia alters the nature of toxic effects of digitalis in isolated heart muscle preparations, the development of contracture instead of arrhythmias being the primary toxicity in hypoxic muscle.