cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sulpiride isomers exhibit reversed stereospecificity for D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptors in the CNS.

Abstract We have investigated the stereospecificity of the interaction of (−) and (+)sulpiride with [ 3 H] cis -flupentixol and [ 3 H]spiperone binding to D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptors respectively in rat strialum. Both isomers of sulpiride compete more potently at D-2 vs. D-1 dopamine receptors. (−)Sulpiride is 50-fold more potent than (+)sulpiride in blocking D-2 receptors, while (+)sulpiride is 3-fold more potent than (−)sulpiride at D-1 receptors. This reversed stereospecificity of sulpiride interactions with CNS D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptors is similar to the stereospecificity of sulpiride interactions at DA 1 and DA 2 dopamine receptors in peripheral vascular beds. Biochemical and radioligand binding studies indicate the presence of D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptor subtypes in the central nervous system (CNS) (Creese, Sibley, Hamblin and Leff, 1983). Pharmacological studies suggest that a similar subclassiflcation may be made for dopamine receptors found in peripheral vascular beds based on their postsynaptic (DA 1 ) or presynaptic (DA 2 ) localization (for review see Goldberg and Kohli, 1982). Some pharmacological data suggest that similarities may exist between D-1 vs. DA 1 and D-2 vs. DA dopamine receptor subtypes (Goldberg and Kohli, 1982; Creese, 1983; Shepperson, Duval, Massingham and Langer, 1982; Schmidt and Imbs, 1980). Interestingly, all investigations indicate that DA 1 and DA 2 receptors show an opposite stereoselectivity for the (−)(S) and (+)(R) stereoisomers of sulpiride whereby DA 2 receptors are more potently blocked by (−)sulpiride vs. (+)sulpiride and DA 1 receptors are slightly more sensitive to (+)sulpiride vs. (−)sulpiride. The present study reports a similar stereoselectivity for CNS D-2 and D-1 dopamine receptors, respectively, measured by radioligand binding techniques.
Rival transnational networks, domestic politics and Indonesian timber.

Abstract Scholars interested in the promotion of “good governance” and those interested in transnational advocacy networks both are concerned with the potential power of external actors to alter domestic political structures. This article analyses the networks promoting neo-liberalisation and democratic practices in Indonesia's forestry sector as rival transnational networks. The analysis finds that the Asian economic crisis and collapse of the Suharto regime provided a political opening for alliances between the two rival networks that helped to bring down the ruling oligarchy in timber, but the power of domestic oligarchs controlling the sector remains strong. In brief, there are limits to the power of both external networks vis-a-vis domestic power relations. Given the financial resources and constraints on non-governmental organisations, they may be unable to alter the deep structures of capitalist accumulation and distribution based in Indonesia's forest resources.
GaAs/AlGaAs Diode Lasers on Monolithic GaAs/Si Substrates

One approach to the development of optical interconnects between silicon systems utilizes diode lasers fabricated in III-V epitaxial layers grown on Si wafers. The authors fabricated double-heterostructure lasers in gallium arsenide/aluminum gallium arsenide layers grown on a germanium-coated Si substrate, and both asymmetric large-optical-cavity (LOC) lasers and graded-index, separate-confinement heterostructure (GRIN-SCH) lasers in such layers grown directly on a Si substrate. The GaAs/A1GaAs layers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on (100) p-Si substrates. Si and beryllium were used as the n- and p-type dopants, respectively. Oxide-defined stripe-geometry devices, 300 micro long, were fabricated using standard Gold tin and chromium gold metallizations for the n- and p-type contacts, respectively. The laser facets were formed by ion-beam-assisted etching. The double-heterostructure devices (8 micro stripe width), in which the active region contained about 10 mole percent A1As, were evaluated using pulsed bias at 77 K. They produced power outputs up to 3.3 mW per facet and exhibited thresholds as low as 170 mA. Keywords: Lasers, Optical Interconnects, Optoelectronic Device.
Callocation methods for volterra integrodifferential equations with singular kernels

Abstract A collocation method which uses Hermite cubic elements is proposed for the solution of Volterra integrodifferential equations with singular kernels. Optimum error estimates in the uniform norm are obtained by means of interpolation operators. We also report on results of numerical comparisons with one well established method and another new “modified collocation” scheme.
Modification of horse heart cytochrome c with trans-2-hexenal.

Horse heart cytochrome c reacting with trans-2-hexenal was used as a simple model of the nonspecific interactions of proteins with 2-alkenals. The reaction mixtures containing relatively high concentrations of the protein and aldehyde were characterized using visible spectrophotometry, fluorescence, and circular dichroism measurements, capillary isoelectric focusing, size-exclusion chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and mass-spectrometric techniques. The mass-spectrometric data indicate that cytochrome c becomes modified with one or two molecules of hexenal as the major reaction product. The modified species with a correspondingly lowered isoelectric point were detected through capillary isoelectric focusing. The results of proteolytic studies indicate nonspecific modifications. Significant quantities of the oligomeric farms of hexenal-modified protein were also observed electrophoretically.
Insect herbivory and propagule pressure influence Cirsium vulgare invasiveness across the landscape

A current challenge in ecology is to better understand the magnitude, variation, and interaction in the factors that limit the invasiveness of exotic species. We conducted a factorial experiment involving herbivore manipulation (insecticide-in-water vs. water-only control) and seven densities of introduced nonnative Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle) seed. The experiment was repeated with two seed cohorts at eight grassland sites uninvaded by C. vulgare in the central Great Plains, USA. Herbivory by native insects significantly reduced thistle seedling density, causing the largest reductions in density at the highest propagule inputs. The magnitude of this herbivore effect varied widely among sites and between cohort years. The combination of herbivory and lower propagule pressure increased the rate at which new C. vulgare populations failed to establish during the initial stages of invasion. This experiment demonstrates that the interaction between biotic resistance by native insects, propagule pressure, and spatiotemporal variation in their effects were crucial to the initial invasion by this Eurasian plant in the western tallgrass prairie.
After sixty years: reflections on my life among the proteins

The year 1926, in which I began to work on proteins, saw one of the great turn- ing points in protein chemistry. It was then that J. B. Sumner reported that he has crystallized the enzyme urease from jack bean meal, and found it to be a protein. At first his paper passed without great notice, and Sumner was widely disbelieved, especially in Europe, where the contrary view of the eminent Richard Wilistfitter - that enzymes were
Synthesis of a molecular receptor containing two recognition sites

Abstract We report the synthesis and preliminary binding properties of a molecular receptor containing two distinct binding sites; a cyclophane and a crown ether.
Institutional Review of Primary Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma of the Female Genital Tract: A 33-Year Experience

Objective The aim of this is to provide an updated review of the literature and to report our institutional experience with this rare gynecologic malignancy. Methods The medical records of patients with diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the female genital tract from 1980 to 2013 at the Yale–New Haven Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Histological classification and staging were determined by the World Health Organization and Ann Arbor systems, respectively. Kaplan-Meier was used to calculate the survival. Results There were 36 patients with diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the female genital tract and followed for a median of 61 months (0–361 months). The median age of diagnosis was 44 years (19–87 years), and 76% (n = 28) were classified as stage IV. Of these, 4 patients were asymptomatic on presentation, and 13 were identified incidentally during surgery/radiography (n = 9), on prenatal ultrasound (n = 1), and on Papanicolaou test (n = 3). The location of the disease included the ovary (n = 6), uterine corpus and cervix (n= 9), vagina (n = 1), a pelvic mass (n = 7), isolated pelvic/para-aortic lymph nodes (n = 3), and/or multiple sites (n = 9). There were 6 cases that were concomitant with other gynecologic malignancies. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n= 18) was the most common histologic type. A total of 28 patients underwent surgery. Combination chemotherapy was used in 34 patients, with concomitant radiation therapy in 7 and stem cell transplantation in 3. A total of 5 patients had recurrent disease. The overall median survival from the diagnosis of lymphoma was 70 months (0.3–361 months) with a 91% 1-year survival, 86% 5-year survival, and a 79% 10-year survival. Conclusions Our report is the largest published single-institution experience of this disease. It demonstrates a more favorable prognosis and proposes that with early diagnosis and appropriate therapy, radical gynecologic surgery can be avoided.
A Laboratory Study of the Effect of Coal Selection on the Amount and Composition of Combustion Generated Submicron Particles

Abstract Eleven selected coals were burned under controlled conditions in a laboratory combustion furnace to determine the effect of coal type on the amount and composition of combustion generated inorganic submicron particles. Significant differences in both the amount and composition of submicron particles were found between coals and particularly between rank of coals. In most cases, however, the extent to which an element appeared in the submicron fume could be correlated on the basis of its occurrence and distribution in the coals.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED SOFTWARE SOLUTION FOR PIEZOELECTRIC ACTIVE-SENSING IN STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING

In this study, a novel approach of integrating data interrogation algorithms of active sensing methods for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications, including Lamb wave propagation, impedance method, and sensor-diagnostics, is presented. Contrary to most active-sensing SHM techniques, which utilize only a single signal processing method for damage identification, a suite of signal processing algorithms are employed and grouped into one package to improve the damage detection capability. A MatLab-based user interface called H.O.P.S. (Health Of Plate Structures) was created, which allows the analyst to configure the data acquisition system and display the results from each damage identification algorithm for side-by-side comparison. This side-by-side comparison of results simplifies the task of identifying the relative effectiveness and sensitivity of each algorithm. By grouping a suite of algorithms into one package, this study contributes to and enhances the visibility and interpretation of the active-sensing methods related to damage identification in a structure.
Effects of exchange transfusion on neonatal thyroid function

cage. 7 The resultant "collapsing" chest apparently triggers an inhibitory reflex which suppresses central respiratory drive. Continuous positive airway pressure may reduce rib cage distortion by stabilizing the chest wall, and, thus, may reduce the incidence of apnea by eliminating the intercostal-phrenic inhibitory reflex. ~ Stimulation of lung mechanoreceptors and alteration of sleep states are other possible mechanisms by which continuous positive airway pressure may reduce apnea. Newborn infants have a unique ventilatory response to hypoxemia, that is, a brief increase in ventilation followed by periodic breathing and, occasionally, by apnea? Thus, although apnea may be precipitated by induced hypoxemia,' in our study most episodes of apnea occurred during normal states of oxygenation, and no difference in transcutaneous oxygen could be found between nonapneic periods and periods just prior to apneic attacks. Our findings are consistent with those of Gerhardt and Bancalari) ~ who found no significant difference in Pa% or lung compliance in infants with apnea compared to infants without apnea. Therefore, although hypoxemia such as that resulting from pulmonary disease may exacerbate apneic spells, it does not appear that a low or decreasing Pa% is an important pathogenetic factor in idiopathic apnea of prematurity. Conversely, increasin~ inspired oxygen to infants with no pulmonary disease will decrease the incidence of periodic breathing and apnea and may prevent or ameliorate respiratory muscle fatigue. However, the arterial oxygen tension required for this effect may be hazardous for neonates at risk for retrolental fibroplasia. '1 In our opinion, it is inappropriate to treat apnea with continuous oxygen therapy unless blood gas monitoring reveals a true state of hypoxemia.
Effect of the Duration of Chronic Pancreatitis on Pancreas Islet Yield and Metabolic Outcome Following Islet Autotransplantation.

Total pancreatectomy (TP) with islet autotransplantation (IAT) is a highly selected treatment for severe pain associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP) after exhausting medical and endoscopic therapies. The effect of duration of CP on TP-IAT has not been clarified. Retrospective review of a consecutive cohort undergoing TP-IAT was performed. Patients were classified according to islet dose of 5000 IEQ/kg. Islet yield and metabolic outcomes were compared to disease duration of CP. A total of 76 CP patients underwent TP-IAT. Longer disease duration was associated with lower islet yield transplanted (Spearman’s correlation = −0.24; p = 0.04) for total cohort. Highest absolute value of the coefficient was found in patients with hereditary CP when study subjects were classified by the etiology of CP (correlation = −0.72; p = 0.02). Higher islet yields were significantly associated with better metabolic outcomes (7.6 ± 1.1 vs 6.6 ± 1.1 % of HbA1c post-TPIAT in patients with 5000 IEQ/kg transplanted, respectively; p = 0.04). The duration of CP could affect islet yield and metabolic outcomes. The time since the diagnosis of CP should be considered when selecting patients for islet autotransplantation.
Cultivating quality: implementing surgical smoke evacuation in the operating room.

OverviewInspired by a presentation at an educational conference, two operating room (OR) nurses at Children's Hospital Boston raised concerns at the hospital's perioperative evidence-based practice committee meeting about the potential hazards associated with exposure to surgical smoke and aerosols.
On Loudness Enhancement of a Tone Burst by a Preceding Tone Burst

According to preceding experiments, loudness effects in pairs of tone bursts are controlled by two processes, loudness enhancement and loudness summation. This paper deals with the effects of intensity, time, and frequency differences between the bursts on the loudness enhancement of the second burst. Listeners were asked to match the loudness of a third (comparison) burst to the loudness of the second burst of a monotic burst pair. All three bursts had a duration of 10 msec, and the second and third bursts were at 1000 Hz. The intensity of the first burst was either +20, 0, or −20 dB re the intensity of the second burst, which was always at a sensation level of 40 dB. The interval between the onsets of the first and second bursts was varied stepwise between 10 and 500 msec, and the frequency of the first burst, between 200 and 4000 Hz. The results indicate a loudness enhancement that increases with the intensity of the first burst and decreases as the time interval and the frequency difference between the bursts in the burst pair increase. When the first burst was at an intensity level of −20 dB, a loudness decrement occurred.
ADANET: inferring gene regulatory networks using ensemble classifiers

Gene regulatory networks model dependencies between genes, and thus they potentially explain normal cell physiology, as well as pathological phenotypes. Because high-throughput technologies for measuring gene expression provide increasingly complete and accurate expression profiles, reverse-engineering of the gene regulatory interactions from observational data is an active field of research. In this study we propose a new approach to the inference of regulatory networks - we transform the problem into a set of independent binary classification tasks. We solve them using AdaBoost ensemble classifier, and use the structure of the discriminative models to discover the associations between transcription factors and regulated genes. Compared to the existing methods, our proposed approach shows higher prediction precision for the network inferred from the expression data of E. coli. However, the method does not make assumptions about the nature of the regulatory interactions, which promises a good accuracy for the expression profiles of the other species.
Acquired and reversible Pelger‐Huët anomaly of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in three transplant patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil therapy

Deficient nuclear segmentation and abnormal chromatin condensation define Pelger-Huet anomaly of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Next to the hereditary irreversible form, acquired forms both reversible and irreversible have been described. We describe three transplant patients who were all investigated for a left shift in the absence of symptoms or signs of infection and in whom acquired reversible Pelger-Huet anomaly was discovered. The abnormal PMN phenotype was induced by mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). MMF is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the development of the anomaly. In our three patients a dose-response effect was observed regarding plasma MMF concentration and severity of neutrophil dysplasia. Except for one slightly elevated value, the patients' plasma MMF levels were within the therapeutic range. None of the patients, one who was neutropenic at presentation and two who were non-neutropenic, developed infectious complications. From our three cases as well as those of other authors, we identify previous graft rejection episodes as a potential predisposing factor for the development of PHA. In the first patient, drug withdrawal led to normalization of PMN morphology. In the other two patients, the left shift disappeared after dose reduction. In these latter two patients, a form of desensitization to the effect of MMF on neutro- phils was observed following re-augmentation of MMF dose.
Destruction of 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurons and the dynamics of dopamine in nucleus accumbens septi and other forebrain regions of the rat

Abstract 5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) was injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle of rats which had been pretreated with desipramine; this treatment reduced the concentrations of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT) but not of norepinephrine or dopamine (DA) in forebrain regions. When 5,7-DHT was injected bilaterally into the nucleus accumbens septi (NAS) of desipramine-pretreated rats, it selectively depleted 5-HT only from the NAS. Exploratory locomotor activity and the locomotor stimulation induced by f -amphetamine and apomorphine were enhanced in both NAS- and 5,7-DHT-injected rats. These locomotor effects in the 5-HT-depleted animals were not associated with changes in the activity of dopaminergic neurons, which were estimated biochemically from either the regional concentrations of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) or the rate of accumulation of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) after the administration of a decarboxylase inhibitor. That is, the concentration of DOPAC and the accumulation of DOPA in the NAS, olfactory tubercle and striatum of NAS-5,7-DHT and 5,7-DHT-injected rats were the same as in controls. Furthermore, the ability of apomorphine to decrease, and of haloperidol to increase, DOPAC concentrations and DOPA accumulation were the same in control, NAS-5,7-DHT and 5,7-DHT-injected rats. These results indicate that the enhancement of spontaneous and drug-stimulated locomotor activity following destruction of 5-HT nerve terminals in the brain are not associated with changes in the activity of the major ascending DA-containing neuronal systems.
Reconstruction of symmetry deviations: a procedure to analyze partially decorated F-actin and other incomplete structures.

Abstract The absolute value of individual differences (AVID) procedure is a method to map variations within images arising from deviations in symmetry. We devised this procedure to analyze images of actin filaments decorated with actin-binding proteins (ABPs). In three-dimensional maps of such actin complexes, ABPs often appear weak (i.e. they have low density) relative to actin. Because the 3D map represents an average taken over equivalent positions in the helix, the final density at the position of the ABP represents an average of the densities at all ABP sites. If there is either incomplete binding or a conformational variability of the bound ABP, the average density will be lowered. By the same argument, the variation of density at these sites will be increased. The aim of the AVID procedure is to calculate the density variations within partially decorated filaments and thereby attempt to locate the bound protein. We tested the AVID procedure with model data and then applied it to electron micrographs of F-actin decorated with an actin-binding domain of fimbrin known as N375 [Hanein et al., J. Cell Biol. 139 (1997) 387–396]. The AVID maps have peaks at the site where N375 binds. Because it excludes the layer line data, the AVID procedure uses data that are independent of the data used for 3D reconstruction and difference mapping. It therefore provides an independent way to localize the bound subunit without the need for a map of undecorated actin. Moreover, the difficulties of scaling maps are minimized. This procedure could also be applied to structures with non-helical symmetry.
A Linear Optimal Transportation Framework for Quantifying and Visualizing Variations in Sets of Images

Transportation-based metrics for comparing images have long been applied to analyze images, especially where one can interpret the pixel intensities (or derived quantities) as a distribution of `mass' that can be transported without strict geometric constraints. Here we describe a new transportation-based framework for analyzing sets of images. More specifically, we describe a new transportation-related distance between pairs of images, which we denote as linear optimal transportation (LOT). The LOT can be used directly on pixel intensities, and is based on a linearized version of the Kantorovich-Wasserstein metric (an optimal transportation distance, as is the earth mover's distance). The new framework is especially well suited for computing all pairwise distances for a large database of images efficiently, and thus it can be used for pattern recognition in sets of images. In addition, the new LOT framework also allows for an isometric linear embedding, greatly facilitating the ability to visualize discriminant information in different classes of images. We demonstrate the application of the framework to several tasks such as discriminating nuclear chromatin patterns in cancer cells, decoding differences in facial expressions, galaxy morphologies, as well as sub cellular protein distributions.
Chemie und Biochemie der Pflanzenstoffe, XXVII1) Synthesen substituierter Cumarine und substituierter Chromane

Die Verbindungen 1-7 werden in Gegenwart von Trichloressigsaure hergestellt. Mit Acetessigsaureathylester kondensieren Di- und Triphenole in guten Ausbeuten zu Hydroxy-4-methyl-cumarinen 1-5; Phenolcarbonsauren reagieren nicht. 4-Amino-salicylsaure fuhrt zu 7-Amino-2.4-dioxo-chroman (6). Aus Phloroglucin und Malonsaure entsteht bei 110° ausschlieslich 5.7-Dihydroxy-2.4-dioxo-chroman (7). Chemistry and Biochemistry of Plant Constituents, XXVII1). Syntheses of Substituted Coumarins and Substituted Chromans The compounds 1-7 are prepared in the presence of trichloroacetic acid. With ethyl acetoacetate di- and triphenols condense to hydroxy-4-methyl-coumarins (1-5) in high yields; phenolcarboxylic acids do not react. 4-Amino-salicylic acid affords 7-amino-2.4-dioxochroman (6). On heating (110°) phloroglucinol with malonic acid only 5.7-dihydroxy-2.4-dioxochroman (7) is formed.
Habitat area trumps fragmentation effects on arthropods in an experimental landscape system

The effects of habitat area and fragmentation are confounded in many studies. Since a reduction in habitat area alone reduces patch size and increases patch isolation, many studies reporting fragmentation effects may really be documenting habitat-area effects. We designed an experimental landscape system in the field, founded on fractal neutral landscape models, to study arthropod community responses to clover habitat in which we adjusted the level of fragmentation independently of habitat area. Overall, habitat area had a greater and more consistent effect on morphospecies richness than fragmentation. Morphospecies richness doubled between 10 and 80% habitat, with the greatest increase occurring up to 40% habitat. Fragmentation had a more subtle and transient effect, exhibiting an interaction at intermediate levels of habitat only at the start of the study or in the early-season (June) survey. In these early surveys, morphospecies richness was higher in clumped 40–50% landscapes but higher in fragmented landscapes at 60–80% habitat. Rare or uncommon species are expected to be most sensitive to fragmentation effects, and we found a significant interaction with fragmentation at intermediate levels of habitat for these types of morphospecies in early surveys. Although the effects of fragmentation are expected to amplify at higher trophic levels, all trophic levels exhibited a significant fragmentation effect at intermediate levels of habitat in these early surveys. Predators/parasitoids were more sensitive to habitat area than herbivores, however. Thus, our results confirm that habitat area is more important than fragmentation for predicting arthropod community responses, at least in this agricultural system.
Thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) of hydrogen from niobium

Thermal desorption spectroscopy is often used to determine the activation energy of desorption of an adsorbate on a substrate as well as the order of the kinetics. In the case of flash desorption of an adsorbate from a surface obeying second order kinetics, a plot of Log(θ oT p 2 ) vs. 1/Tp (where θ o is the initial surface coverage and Tp is the temperature of the maximum desorption rate, i.e., the “desorption temperature”) will yield a straight line, the slope of which is determined by the chemisorption energy. However, Davenport et al.l argued on the basis of a simple theoretical model that in the case of a system with hydrogen absorbed into the bulk in quasiequilibrium with adsorption sites on the surface, a similar plot, where the coverage θ o must now be replaced by the initial concentration xo, will yield a slope determined by the heat of solution. In the following experiments we have tried to verify the functional dependence of the desorption temperature on hydrogen loading as outlined above. Deviations from these theoretical predictions were observed, and numerical kinetic simulations were made to aid in understanding them.
The effects of a large discrete maize price increase on the distribution of household welfare and poverty in rural Kenya1

This study estimates the effects of a large discrete maize price increase on the welfare of a sample of rural Kenyan households. The usual first-order welfare approximation formula is extended to a second-order formula that allows for supply and demand responses to the price change. Results show that many rural households are not affected greatly by the price change, and there are about as many gainers as losers. However, these full sample results mask important differences across regions. Welfare gains generally take place in major production areas while losses are in areas where most households are net buyers of maize. Semiparametric methods are used to investigate the relationship between income and the size of the welfare effect, and poverty dominance techniques are applied to study the impacts of the maize price increase on rural poverty.
A distributed computation platform for wireless embedded sensing

We present a low cost wireless microsensor node architecture for distributed computation and sensing in massively distributed embedded systems. Our design focuses on the development of a versatile, low power device to facilitate experimentation and initial deployment of wireless microsensor nodes in deeply embedded systems. This paper provides the details of our architecture and introduces fine-grained node localization as an example application of distributed computation and wireless embedded sensing.
Species Trees from Gene Trees: Reconstructing Bayesian Posterior Distributions of a Species Phylogeny Using Estimated Gene Tree Distributions

The desire to infer the evolutionary history of a group of species should be more viable now that a considerable amount of multilocus molecular data is available. However, the current molecular phylogenetic paradigm still reconstructs gene trees to represent the species tree. Further, commonly used methods of combining data, such as the concatenation method, are known to be inconsistent in some circumstances. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate the phylogeny of a group of species using multiple estimated gene tree distributions, such as those that arise in a Bayesian analysis of DNA sequence data. Our model employs substitution models used in traditional phylogenetics but also uses coalescent theory to explain genealogical signals from species trees to gene trees and from gene trees to sequence data, thereby forming a complete stochastic model to estimate gene trees, species trees, ancestral population sizes, and species divergence times simultaneously. Our model is founded on the assumption that gene trees, even of unlinked loci, are correlated due to being derived from a single species tree and therefore should be estimated jointly. We apply the method to two multilocus data sets of DNA sequences. The estimates of the species tree topology and divergence times appear to be robust to the prior of the population size, whereas the estimates of effective population sizes are sensitive to the prior used in the analysis. These analyses also suggest that the model is superior to the concatenation method in fitting these data sets and thus provides a more realistic assessment of the variability in the distribution of the species tree that may have produced the molecular information at hand. Future improvements of our model and algorithm should include consideration of other factors that can cause discordance of gene trees and species trees, such as horizontal transfer or gene duplication.
Activities, Achievements, and Lessons Learned during the First 10 Years of the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network: 1996-2005

Since the establishment of the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) in 1996, it has been an essential resource for the surveillance and investigation of foodborne disease in the United States. FoodNet has had a major impact on food safety because it conducts population-based, active surveillance for laboratory-confirmed infections from 9 pathogens commonly transmitted through food. Each year, FoodNet publishes the National Report Card on Food Safety, which is used by regulatory agencies, industry and consumer groups, and public health personnel to prioritize and evaluate food safety interventions and monitor progress toward national health objectives. FoodNet also determines the human-health impact of foodborne illness by conducting related epidemiological studies that contribute to the estimates of the overall burden of foodborne illness, attribute the burden of foodborne illness to specific foods and settings, and address important foodborne disease-related issues, such as antimicrobial resistance and sequelae from foodborne infections. This article summarizes the activities, achievements, and lessons learned during the first 10 years of FoodNet.
Correction for Hayes et al., “Regulatory Protein BBD18 of the Lyme Disease Spirochete: Essential Role during Tick Acquisition?”

Volume 5, no. 2, doi:[10.1128/mBio.01017-14][1], 2014. In [Fig. 3B][2], the wrong lanes were inadvertently included in the upper left panel, which resulted in misidentification of the samples. [Figure 3][2] should appear as shown below. ![Figure][3] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1128/mBio.01017-14
Maximally informative foraging by Caenorhabditis elegans

Animals have evolved intricate search strategies to find new sources of food. Here, we analyze a complex food seeking behavior in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to derive a general theory describing different searches. We show that C. elegans, like many other animals, uses a multi-stage search for food, where they initially explore a small area intensively ('local search') before switching to explore a much larger area ('global search'). We demonstrate that these search strategies as well as the transition between them can be quantitatively explained by a maximally informative search strategy, where the searcher seeks to continuously maximize information about the target. Although performing maximally informative search is computationally demanding, we show that a drift-diffusion model can approximate it successfully with just three neurons. Our study reveals how the maximally informative search strategy can be implemented and adopted to different search conditions.
Host-Response Therapeutics for Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal diseases are initiated by Gram-negative tooth-associated microbial biofilms that elicit a host response, with resultant osseous and soft tissue destruction. In response to endotoxins derived from periodontal pathogens, several osteoclast-related mediators target the destruction of alveolar bone and supporting connective tissues. Major drivers of this aggressive tissue destruction are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cathepsins, and other osteoclast-derived enzymes. This article focuses on the downstream factors of the osteoclast responsible for the degradation of bone and soft tissues around teeth and oral implants. Furthermore, therapeutic approaches that target MMP-2, -8, and -9 inhibition, such as MMP inhibitors, chemically modified tetracyclines, and subantimicrobial formulations of tetracycline analogues, are discussed. The use of rapid, chair-side tests of MMP activity, in particular for MMP-8 and bone collagen fragments, show strong potential as non-invasive measures of tissue health or disease. In addition, studies using other agents for the preservation of bone mass, such as bisphosphonates that inhibit osteoclast recruitment, are highlighted. The application of these bone-preservation strategies to periodontal management and treatment are discussed in the context of high-risk patients susceptible to disease reactivation or disease complications.
Poverty, Risk Aversion, and Path Dependence in Low-Income Countries: Experimental Evidence from Ethiopia

In most low-income countries, rural households depend on mixed rain-fed agriculture/livestock production, which is very risky. Due to numerous market failures, there are few ways to shift risks to third parties. The literature has focused on what determines the responses of households in such environments. Of special concern are path dependencies in which households experiencing failure are prone to further failure and potential poverty traps. This paper estimates levels and determinants of risk aversion in the highlands of Ethiopia. We find high risk aversion and evidence that constraints have important impacts on risk-averting behavior with perhaps significant implications for long-term poverty. The results also suggest the possibility of path dependence and offer insights into links between risk aversion and poverty traps. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.
Localization and Trajectory Estimation of Mobile Objects with a Single Sensor

The localization problem in mobile sensors is aimed at identifying the spatial location of an object with reference to a known coordinate system. Existing solutions assume that multiple (generally three or more) sensors around the object know their position and the solution is obtained by using a triangulation scheme. Such solutions are not computationally feasible when the object or sensor are moving. In this paper, we present a novel method to solve the localization problem for an object whose position is unknown using a single moving sensor whose position is known. The proposed method relies on multiple time samples from the moving sensor to estimate the trajectory of the moving object. We derive the Cramer-Rao bound for the localization parameters and use an unscented Kalman filter to estimate the parameters from noisy measurements.
Combining the best in triplex recognition: synthesis and nucleic acid binding of a BQQ-neomycin conjugate.

Synthesis of a BQQ−neomycin conjugate is reported. The conjugate combines two ligands, one known to intercalate triplexes (BQQ) and another known to bind in the triplex groove (neomycin). The conjugate stabilizes T·A·T, as well as mixed base DNA triplex, better than neomycin, BQQ, or a combination of both. The conjugate selectively stabilizes the triplex (in the presence of physiological salt concentrations), with as little as 4 μM of the ligand leading to a ΔTm of >60 °C. Competition dialysis studies show a clear preference for the drug binding to triplex DNA/RNA over the duplex/single strand structures. Modeling studies suggest a structure of neomycin bound to the larger W−H (Watson−Hoogsteen) groove with BQQ intercalated between the triplex bases.
Reoperative parathyroidectomy: who is at risk and what is the risk?

Abstract Background Persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism necessitate reoperation, which is associated with increased procedure-specific complication rates. The effect of reoperative parathyroidectomy on more generalized outcomes is poorly understood. We sought to determine patient, provider, and perioperative characteristics associated with reoperation, as well as to determine the associated risks. Methods All patients receiving a parathyroidectomy in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2008–2011) were identified. Patients receiving initial parathyroidectomy were compared with those receiving reoperative parathyroidectomy. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were performed. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed for significant outcome measures. Results Of 9114 parathyroidectomies performed, 8738 (95.9%) were initial and 376 (4.1%) were reoperative. The annual rate of reoperation was 3.6%–4.8%. Patients undergoing reoperative parathyroidectomy were more likely to be obese (48.5 versus 40.0%, P = 0.009) and American Society of Anesthesiologist class 3 (40.7 versus 30.3%, P = 0.001) than patients undergoing initial parathyroidectomy. There was no difference in gender, age, or race. Reoperations had a longer median operative time (101 minimum, interquartile range [IQR] [74–146] versus 76 [55–105], P versus 1, IQR [0–1], P versus 2.6%, P P = 0.002). Conclusions Obesity and an American Society of Anesthesiologist 3 classification are independently associated with reoperation. Readmission within 30 d is associated with reoperation and is a target for patient education and quality improvement after this procedure.
Simple wave and monoclinal wave models: River flow surge applications and implications

[1] Unsteady flow surges in rivers can be idealized as a transition between lower steady flow downstream and higher steady flow upstream. Simple wave and monoclinal wave models are analytical solutions of the dynamic wave equations that can be used to model these surges. The simple wave model neglects bed slope and flow resistance, simulating surge propagation over relatively short distances. The monoclinal wave profile evolves progressively, and this model is generally applicable at larger distances. These models are easy to use and generally apply to different flow conditions. However, both models lack criteria to determine their suitability for specific applications. The objectives of this paper are to develop and to assess criteria to guide simple wave and monoclinal wave model applications and to use the models to gain insights into the inertia and slope–flow resistance contributions to momentum and the nonlinear effects of increasing surge amplitude. Simple wave model application criteria include a dimensionless time, the amplitude to initial amplitude ratio for a linear dynamic wave traveling downstream, a distance scale, and the ratio between the measured surge celerity and the c+ dynamic wave celerity of the high flow upstream. The length of the monoclinal-diffusion wave profile gives the minimum distance needed to develop a steady monoclinal wave profile. Model capabilities to describe flow surges and the adequacy of the application criteria are evaluated with data from laboratory and field studies covering a wide range of conditions. Profile celerity and high flow velocity behind the surge are always greater for the simple wave than for the monoclinal wave because of the absence of slope and flow resistance effects. The differences between the models are enhanced as Froude number decreases and as surge amplitude increases.
Responses to Epstein-Barr Virus in Immune Deficient Patients

Two decades have passed since Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was described (1) and yet new diseases continue to be attributed to the virus. Debates initiated in the early 1960’s are ongoing regarding the role of the virus in Burkitt lymphoma (BL), and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Recently, the opportunistic malignant lymphomas (ML) occurring in immune deficient individuals have provided new puzzles. Questions remaining to be answered are whether latent virus is activated in B cells transformed by other agents or alternatively, does the virus infect the malignant B cell after transformation owing to the presence of viral receptors on the cell. Attention has also been directed to find oncogenic and benign strains of the virus. In our view, underlying inherited or environmentally induced immune deficiency is important in determining the outcome of EBV infections.
Inventory Effects, the Winner’s Curse, and Bid Shading in Credit Default Swap Auction Outcomes

This article studies bidding behavior in the novel and complex auctions that, since 2005, have determined recovery rates in the multi-trillion dollar credit default swap (CDS) market. We find that bids are substantially influenced by inventory effects (bidders’ CDS positions entering the auction), market illiquidity, and “winners curse” considerations. The economically and statistically significant extent of “bid-shading” induced by these factors explains why auction prices deviate significantly (on average >16%) from pre- and post-auction market prices for the same instruments even while auction-generated information is significantly informative for post-auction market price formation.
Designing Services for the Minority Aged

Let me begin by saying that research on the utilization of services by minorities and minority elderly is a relatively underdeveloped area of scholarship. Some case studies have been published, and they present illustrative profiles of particular client groups in specific locales; but it is exceedingly dangerous to generalize from the findings of such small-scale, descriptive studies.
Solid-State NMR and the Crystallization of Aspartic and Glutamic Acids

We used high-resolution solid-state 13C NMR, with cross-polarization and magic-angle spinning, to study chirality in the crystallization of aspartic acid. We show that, contrary to a recent report, dl-aspartic acid crystallizes over most of its temperature range as racemic crystals rather than a conglomerate of enantiomeric crystals, regardless of whether the solution was prepared by solution of the racemate or by mixing solutions of the pure enantiomers. Over virtually the entire solution temperature range at 1 bar pressure, racemic crystals of aspartic acid are thermodynamically stable, whereas the conglomerate is metastable. In contrast, in agreement with the literature, glutamic acid crystallizes as a conglomerate under thermodynamic conditions. Solid-state NMR results are confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction.
Quality Assurance of Proton Compensators

Distal dose conformity to a target volume is achieved by choosing proper range of the proton beam and modifying it by custom designed compensator. The voxel of the compensator is milled precisely using a computerized milling machine. The quality assurance of proton compensators used in patient treatment is a vital issue in proton therapy that is investigated. Forty one patient specific proton compensators were analyzed that were manufactured using Milltronics VM16 computerized machine. Comparisons were made between the treatment planning system output data file and the voxel depth of the compensator. Point depths were measured by Sheffield Discovery II and were input into OmniPro IMRT software. The spatial distributions and histograms of compensator depth differences were visualized and evaluated. The acceptable depth difference between the measured and specified depth 0.32mm was maintained. The acceptance criterion of the manufactured compensator was 95% data points. For 37 of the 41 compensators, all measured points passed the test. The average difference is ±0.04 mm with the max difference depth of 0.28mm. One compensator was rejected as 10.4% of the measured points failed the test. For 3 other compensators, about 2.7% of the measured points failed the test with the maximum difference of 9.8 mm. Spatial distribution of the poor quality points was evaluated to decide if the compensa- tors should be rejected. A method for proton compensator quality assurance based on an existing commercial software system is introduced. The QA approach is coupled with visualization and statistical evaluation. Spatial distributions of error points can be identified, which are valuable for further dose distribution analysis.
Utilization of dipeptides by mammalian cells in tissue culture.

SummaryTwelve amino acids had proved essential for the survival and growth of both the mouse fibroblast (strain L) and a human carcinoma cell (strain HeLa). In media lacking a single essential amino acid; in which the cells would otherwise degenerate and die, normal growth and multiplication were obtained on the addition of a dipeptide containing the essential amino acid. The effective concentrations of the dipeptide were of the same order of magnitude as those required of the simple amino acid. It remains to be seen whether the dipeptide is incorporated into cellular protein as such, or whether it is first split into its component amino acids(3).