cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional reverse phase-reverse phase chromatography: A simple and robust platform for sensitive quantitative analysis of peptides by LC/MS. Hardware design

We have revised current two-dimensional RP-RP approaches and developed a new robust 2-D RP-RP platform. This platform was implemented on an Agilent 1100 2-D liquid chromatography system and is based on high pressure switching between two high-resolution RP columns. An independent binary gradient was implemented for each dimension. The powerful combination of dual analytical columns with independent gradient elution achieves high analyte purity, effectively eliminates matrix effects, and maximizes MS sensitivity in Q1 SIM comparable to the sensitivity enhancements of MS/MS-based methods. Implementation of dual simultaneous gradient profiles (overlapped gradients) reduces 2-D method run-time to the scale of 1-D method run-times. This robust and sensitive approach is particularly suitable for hydrophobic peptides and small proteins and can be used as a routine standard technique for enhanced on-line peptide purification coupled with mass spectrometric detection.
Addressing the revenue impact of smoking ordinances

The need for accurate assessment of the revenue impact of smoking ordinances is rising as more state and local governments consider their implementation. This article provides a concise model demonstrating the effect of smoking ordinances on taxable restaurant and bar revenues in the State of California.
Chemical vapor deposition-grown vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes length assurance

Chemical vapor deposition is one of the several viable methods for growing vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (VA-SWNTs). Utilizing cobalt (Co) catalyst supported on multilayer Al/SiO2 and a hydrocarbon feedstock, VA-SWNTs are grown in excess of a millimeter height. To control VA-SWNTs length, one has to use the right combination of process control variables such as hydrocarbon gas flow rate, chamber temperature, and chamber pressure. This paper presents a process meta-model-based full factorial experimental design and analysis to study the yield of tall VA-SWNTs. All of the process variables under the study play a role in influencing VA-SWNTs length; the current study investigates main effects and their interactions. The meta-model-based analysis demonstrates that the hydrocarbon flow rate and the chamber pressure are the most statistically significant control variables that influence the length of VA-SWNTs. In addition, the response surface graph confirms that a higher gas flow rate at lower chamber pressure will consistently yield tall VA-SWNTs. We found that gas flow rate is the most significant of the control variables and only the optimum gas flow rate can ensure the growth of tall VA-SWNTs. We noticed that the interaction of gas flow rate with chamber temperature is also significant to the length of VA-SWNTs grown. All these observations together indicate that the dynamic pressure of the gas in the chamber plays an important role in the assurance of the length of VA-SWNTs. Outcomes of this investigation are beneficial for moving us closer towards producing VA-SWNTs on a mass scale.
Use of Screen Recording Software to Create Video Tutorials for Dermatopathology Education

Texts and atlases have limitations when used to teach dermatopathology to trainees: they can be tedious and time-consuming to use, image detail is limited, text and figure legends can be ambiguous, and only a minor degree of image annotation (letters, arrows, lines outlining important features) is possible. A video screen recording software program (Camtasia Studio) has been used to create high quality digital audio and video dermatopathology tutorials. The screen recording program is started with the image window being recorded. Audio narration (USB digital microphone) is recorded along with live drawings of annotating lines outlining important histologic features, creating the effect of a “digital chalkboard” being used by the instructor. Separate clips of each “chalkboard annotation” with accompanying narration can be combined to create a seamless movie detailing each of the important histopathologic features leading to a specific dermatopathologic diagnosis. Video dermatopathology tutorials are extremely effective because they closely mimic instruction at the microscope. However, they offer the significant advantage of allowing remote teaching at any time or place convenient for the learner. Tutorials can be compressed into a variety of multimedia formats and streamed for web delivery or can be provided on CD for distribution.
Process-Oriented Inquiry— A Constructivist Approach to Early Childhood Science Education: Teaching Teachers to Do Science

Process-oriented inquiry can help preservice and inservice early childhood teachers implement constructivist science education in their own classrooms. In this article, we discuss the basic elements of process-oriented inquiry applied to early childhood science education, show how we foster the development of process-oriented inquiry teaching skills with our preservice early childhood education students, and argue that the validity of children’s conclusions is more important than right or wrong answers.
The Use of Natural Fiber in Cementitious Composites

Variations in the mechanical properties of wood fiber reinforced cementitious (WRFC) materials containing treated fiber and water soluble polymers were investigated. Flexural strength is greatly improved by the addition of polymer. The interface bonding is enhanced by the fiber pre-treatment. The mechanism responsible for the strength increase in WRFC was studied by mercury intrusion porosimetry. Experimental results indicate that the increased strength results from an enhancement in the strength of the interface and reduced porosity.
Evidence for Preferential Transfer of Prostaglandin F2α to the Ovarian Artery Following Intrauterine Administration in Cattle

The effect of sectioning the broad ligament ipsilateral to the corpus luteum on estrous cycle length was evaluated. This surgical procedure ioIated the region of proposed transfer of the uterine luteolytic factor from uterine venous input. The estrous cycles of four of five animals were prolonged to at least 30 days, as judged by plasma progesterone concen- trations and the presence of marked corpora lutea at laparotomy on Day 30. In a second experiment, one of the branches of the ovarian artery was cannulated in the hilus of the ovary in five dairy cows, and 6 mg of prostaglandin Fr,, (PGF�.) was injected into thc lumen of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the cannula on Days 12 or 13 of the cycle. Frequent samples were collected simultaneously from the ovarian artery, carotid artery, and jugular vein. The concentration of prostaglandins of the F series (PCF) was observed to increase rapidly at all three sampling sites following administration of PCF,,,. While the concentra- tion was highest in the carotid and jugular within 5 mm of treatment, the concentration of PGF continued to increase in the ovarian artery to reach a peak 40 mm after treatment and remained at levels significantly greater (p <0.05) than jugular or carotid levels for 80 mm. These data are consistent with the hypothesis of preferential transfer of a uterine luteolytic factor from the uterus to the ovarian artery. Intrauterine administration of 6 mg of PCFwas luteolytic, as judged by a fall in plasma progesterone concentrations and a mean corpus luteum weight of 1.83 ± 0.22 g upon termination of the experiment 72 h after treatment. Peripheral plasma estrone and estradiol-17p levels were observed to increase to a peak 9 h after treatment, after which a slight increase in the mean plasma LH concentration occurred. Ovulation had occurred in four of five animals by 72 h after treatment, although LH peaks of the usual preovulatory magnitude were not observed to precede ovulation in all animals.
An insulator-lined silicon substrate-via technology with high aspect ratio

We have developed a novel high-aspect ratio substrate-via technology in silicon that features a SiN insulator liner. In this technology, the via is completely filled with electroplated Cu. We have demonstrated vias with an aspect ratio of 30 and we have verified the integrity of the liner in vias with an aspect ratio of 8. The impedance of individual vias was measured in the microwave regime using a high-frequency test structure. The measured inductance of vias with aspect ratios between 3 and 30 approach the theoretically expected values.
A role for cysteine 3635 of RYR1 in redox modulation and calmodulin binding

Oxidation of the skeletal muscle Ca(2+) release channel (RYR1) increases its activity, produces intersubunit disulfide bonds, and blocks its interaction with calmodulin. Conversely, bound calmodulin protects RYR1 from the effects of oxidants (Zhang, J.-Z., Wu, Y., Williams, B. Y., Rodney, G., Mandel, F., Strasburg, G. M., and Hamilton, S. L. (1999) Am. J. Physiol. 276, Cell Physiol. C46-C53). In addition, calmodulin protects RYR1 from trypsin cleavage at amino acids 3630 and 3637 (Moore, C. P., Rodney, G., Zhang, J.-Z., Santacruz-Toloza, L., Strasburg, G. M., and Hamilton, S. L. (1999) Biochemistry 38, 8532-8537). The sequence between these two tryptic sites is AVVACFR. Alkylation of RYR1 with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) blocks both (35)S-apocalmodulin binding and oxidation-induced intersubunit cross-linking. In the current work, we demonstrate that both cysteines needed for the oxidation-induced intersubunit cross-link are protected from alkylation with N-ethylmaleimide by bound calmodulin. We also show, using N-terminal amino acid sequencing together with analysis of the distribution of [(3)H]NEM labeling with each sequencing cycle, that cysteine 3635 of RYR1 is rapidly labeled by NEM and that this labeling is blocked by bound calmodulin. We propose that cysteine 3635 is located at an intersubunit contact site that is close to or within a calmodulin binding site. These findings suggest that calmodulin and oxidation modulate RYR1 activity by regulating intersubunit interactions in a mutually exclusive manner and that these interactions involve cysteine 3635.
Modulation of histone deacetylase activity by dietary isothiocyanates and allyl sulfides: Studies with sulforaphane and garlic organosulfur compounds

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors reactivate epigenetically-silenced genes in cancer cells, triggering cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Recent evidence suggests that dietary constituents can act as HDAC inhibitors, such as the isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables and the allyl compounds present in garlic. Broccoli sprouts are a rich source of sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate that is metabolized via the mercapturic acid pathway and inhibits HDAC activity in human colon, prostate, and breast cancer cells. In mouse preclinical models, SFN inhibited HDAC activity and induced histone hyperacetylation coincident with tumor suppression. Inhibition of HDAC activity also was observed in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from people who consumed a single serving of broccoli sprouts. Garlic organosulfur compounds can be metabolized to allyl mercaptan (AM), a competitive HDAC inhibitor that induced rapid and sustained histone hyperacetylation in human colon cancer cells. Inhibition of HDAC activity by AM was associated with increased histone acetylation and Sp3 transcription factor binding to the promoter region of the P21WAF1 gene, resulting in elevated p21 protein expression and cell cycle arrest. Collectively, the results from these studies, and others reviewed herein, provide new insights into the relationships between reversible histone modifications, diet, and cancer chemoprevention.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus cutaneous infections in a pediatric dermatology tertiary health care outpatient facility.

Background Epidemiology and patterns of antibiotic resistance for Staphylococcus aureus are changing in the United States. Objective We sought to determine the epidemiology and antibiotic susceptibility profiles in S aureus cutaneous infections in a pediatric dermatology tertiary health care facility in North Carolina. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study involving pediatric patients (n = 93, age Results We analyzed 141 cultures from 93 pediatric dermatology patients. S aureus was recovered from 97 cultures, of which 32% were methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA). In the pediatric dermatology clinic, children with atopic dermatitis accounted for 66% of the cultures; however, the presence of atopy did not represent a risk factor to acquire MRSA infection ( P = .190; odds ratio=1.643 [95% confidence interval: 0.672-4.014]). In all, 97 cultures were tested for antibiotic susceptibility and demonstrated the following resistance patterns: penicillin (86%), erythromycin (46%), methicillin (32%), clindamycin (22%), gentamicin (3%), vancomycin (0%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (0%). Of the pediatric dermatology outpatient MRSA infections, the resistance patterns were as follows: erythromycin (71%), clindamycin (16%), gentamicin (2%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (0%). Limitations This study addressed a select population of children in North Carolina and may not generalize to different clinical settings or regions. Conclusion Cutaneous S aureus infections in an outpatient pediatric dermatology tertiary health care facility demonstrated less resistance than previously reported from inpatient and emergency department settings. In our population, clindamycin and tetracyclines are still effective antibiotic choices in the majority of MRSA infections. Local prevalence and susceptibility of community-acquired MRSA as well as individual risk factors should be considered for diagnosis and treatment.
CMOS device modeling for subthreshold circuits

Simple models of MOS device behavior that covers the subthreshold regime and the transition to above threshold are explored. A formulation that appears to provide results as good as process variation permits and that is well-suited to efficient computation is proposed. The exponential dependence of source-drain current on gate voltage in subthreshold implies that current values may be very sensitive to variation in parameter values (particularly those that appear in exponents). This problem is investigated, particularly with respect to threshold voltage, I/sub 0/, and kappa . >
A language for geometric reasoning in mobile robots

Isaac is a rule-based language for mobile robots currently under development at NMSU. A successor to Altaira, it replaces Altaira's state-based rules and tile-based navigation with a more general geometric reasoning mechanism. The language uses the FuzzyCLIPS expert system shell as a reasoning backend.
Modification of isoaspartyl peptides and proteins by protein carboxyl methyltransferase from bovine brain.

Recent findings indicate that protein carboxyl methyltransfer-ases (PCMTs) from mammalian brain and erythrocytes selectively and stoichiometrically methylate peptides and proteins which contain L-isoaspartyl (isoAsp) sites, i. e., aspartate which is linked via its side-chain β -carboxyl group, rather than via the typical α-carboxyl linkage (reviewed in reference 1). Why would an enzyme exhibit such an unusual specificity? As described below, we have undertaken several approaches to this question. First, we have explored the effect of sequence on the specificity of PCMT for isoAsp-containing peptides. Second, we have studied the effects of methylation on the structure and activity of isoAsp-containing peptides and proteins. Third, we have begun investigating possible sources of isoAsp under in vivo conditions. Our findings to date suggest that PCMT may play a role in the repair or degradation of isoAsp-bearing proteins which arise as a result of spontaneous deamidation of intrinsically labile asparagine sites.
Pack Factor Measurements for Corn in Grain Storage Bins

Shelled yellow corn is commonly stored in concrete or corrugated steel bins. Granular materials compact under their own weight, primarily due to particle rearrangement, leading to an increase in bulk density and a change in volume when stored. Reliable grain pack factors are needed to estimate storage capacities and to accurately monitor grain inventories. A science-based model (WPACKING) of pack factors is available that uses the differential form of Janssen’s equation and takes into account the variation in density caused by pressure variation with height and moisture content of the grain and accounts for the effects of grain type, test weight, bin geometry, and bin material. However, this model needs to be compared to field data over a wide range of conditions to ensure robust prediction accuracy. The objective of this research was to determine the field pack factors and bin capacities for on-farm and commercial bins used to store corn in the U.S. and compare them to predictions of the WPACKING program. Bin inventory measurements were conducted in concrete bins with depths up to 31.4 m (114.8 ft) and corrugated steel bins with diameters up to 32.8 m (156 ft). These values were also compared to the techniques used by the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the USDA Farm Service Agency, Warehouse Branch (FSA-W). The differences between predicted and reported mass were -4.54% (maximum underprediction) to +4.53% (maximum overprediction) for WPACKING, -2.69% to 4.97% for the RMA method, and -3.33% to + 5.67% for the FSA-W method. The absolute average difference was lowest for the WPACKING model (0.90%) compared to the RMA and FSA-W methods (1.61% and 1.86%, respectively). WPACKING had less than half as many prediction differences above 1% (13 out of 51 bins) as did the RMA and FSA-W methods, which had 29 out of 51 and 33 out of 51, respectively. The RMA and FSA-W methods do not take into account the variations in pack factor due to bin type and moisture content of the stored grain.
Reply: When to Call It Severe Mitral Regurgitation?

As stated in our review article, functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is notoriously dynamic and may change in severity depending on loading conditions [(1)][1]. Dr. Sharma correctly points out that echocardiographers may be unaware of whether a given patient is appropriately treated or not, and
Envisioning the next generation of learning spaces

The traditional view of teaching and learning that assumes an instructor is standing in front of the room lecturing to students seated in neatly organized rows of desks is quickly evolving to models of teaching and learning that challenge these traditional assumptions. What are these new models of teaching and learning and how can learning spaces promote and encourage collaborative learning and deeper student engagement? In this session, we will explore examples of these learning spaces and the research on the effectiveness of these spaces for student learning.
Complex Care Options for Patients With Advanced Heart Failure Approaching End of Life

Care for patients with advanced cardiac disease continues to evolve in a complex milieu of therapeutic options, advanced technological interventions, and efforts at improving patient-centered care and shared decision-making. Despite improvements in quality of life and survival with these interventions, optimal supportive care across the advanced illness trajectory remains diverse and heterogeneous. Herein, we outline challenges in prognostication, communication, and caregiving in advanced heart failure and review the unique needs of patients who experience frequent hospitalizations, require chronic home inotropic support, and who have implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and mechanical circulatory support in situ, to name a few.
Robust Multiple Model Filtering with Uncertain Transition Models

The goal of multiple model estimation is to estimate the state and covariance of a hybrid system. In this paper, we are concerned about stochastic hybrid estimation, where common applications include Air Traffic Control (ATC) and UAV multi-target tracking problems. The basic modeling assumption is that the system switches between individual dynamic models according to a probabilistic process modeled with a known Markov Chain. Unfortunately, uncertainty in the parameters of this Markov Chain can degrade estimator performance by generating a covariance mismatch from the true covariance. A main concern of this paper is the issue of covariance underestimation in which the estimator is overly confident about the state estimate, as it can ultimately lead to increased estimation errors and tracking inefficiencies. We therefore introduce a new filter formulation that tackles the specific problem of estimator overconfidence and find the largest covariance matrix admissible given a Bayesian prior on the uncertain Markov Chain parameters. At each step of the filter, the uncertain Markov Chain is propagated by using Monte Carlo sampling, and a small quadratic program is solved that maximizes the trace of the robust covariance matrix within an admissible set. Our simulations show improved estimator performance over techniques that do not account for this uncertainty in the context of two tracking problems.
Charter Schools as a State Policy Innovation: Assessing Recent Developments:

Charter schools represent the most recent educational policy innova? tion designed to promote school choice in the United States. Like other moves toward broadening public schooling options, charter school initiatives have been proposed and adopted at the state level. The Minne? sota state legislature was the first to consider and approve a charter schools initiative, au? thorizing legislation in 1991. Subsequently, 24 state legislatures have approved variants of the charter schools concept, and several others have considered it. Most recently, a charter schools law was adopted for Wash? ington, D.C. Charter school laws differ significantly from those of public schools.1 Understand? ing the details of this difference is critical for determining how charter schools will affect the local delivery of public education. As a result, the charter schools movement has
Laboratory study on the biology and ecology of megaselia scalaris diptera phoridae

Laboratory research was conducted on the biology of the phurid fly Megaselia scalaris . The influence of 3 constant temperatures and various larval densities was researched in the laboratory as these relate to mean life stage rate of development and survival. Fly development on a synthetic diet at 25 °C, 75 ± 2% RH, and 18-h photophase was used as the standard. Mean times for development and survival were egg incubation 16.3 h (97.6%); larval period 7.3 days (97.6%); pupal period 9.8 days (♀ 95.8%, ♂ 91.6%); adult longevity ♀ 29.9 days, ♂ 24.8 days. Fecundity was 664.8 eggs. One generation required 19.7 days. Data are presented on the influence of 20 °C and 15 °C on the duration of life stages, survival and fecundity. Theoretical lower thresholds of development for life stages are reported. The adverse effects of larval crowding was reflected at the 100 larvae/10 g diet medium as larval and pupal periods increased. At the 200 larvae/10 g diet medium larval survival declined; pupal survival decline began at the 100/10 g level. Fecundity was not significantly altered.
Research and Comparison on Phase Compensation Schemes for Electronic Transformer

The phase error of electronic transformer is an important factor which will affect the measurement accuracy.However,the phase error can be modified through a proper phase compensation scheme.The principle of the electronic transformer has been given out and the causes of phase error have been analyzed.The phase compensation schemes,including all-pass filter,phase-shifted algorithm of short data window,and phase-shifted algorithm of Fourier,have been introduced.The influence of the harmonic on above schemes has also been researched.On this basis,an improved schemes of phase compensation is presented,,namely sampling points removed and the linear phase of all-pass filter scheme.The experimental results show that the phase error of transformer can meet the class 0.2 accuracy requirements so as to verify the feasibility.
Flexible beam-leaded substrates

Early in the search for an effective replacement for the chip and wire bonding method for interconnecting large numbers of integrated circuit chips in a single package, the idea of a beam-leaded substrate was suggested. This technique utilizes substrates with apertures to accommodate the integrated circuit chips. The interconnections on the substrate terminate in integral beam leads which overhand the chip apertures. The beam leads are eventually bonded directly to the pads of the integrated circuits. The more significant advantages of beam-leaded substrates over other alternatives to chip and wire bonding (e.g. beam-leaded devices and flip chip devices) are excellent heat sinking since the chips and substrate can be mounted on a suitable heat sink, a virtually unlimited selection of chips since devices of all types of terminal metallurgy can be utilized by choosing the appropriate beam-lead material, and a planar bonding surface for easy bond inspection and incapsulation. In addition, the beam-leaded substrate approach, along with the beam-leaded device and the flip-chip device, reduces the number of bonds by a factor of two in comparison with the chip and wire method of chip interconnection.
Gènes de la puberté précoce

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis controls puberty and reproduction and is tightly regulated by a complex network of excitatory and inhibitory factors. Delayed or absent activation of the HPG axis results in delayed puberty or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, whereas early activation results in central precocious puberty (CPP). In recent years, many genes have been identified in this complex network, providing insight into the regulation of GnRH secretion. These advances were heralded by the discovery of the kisspeptin system as a critical component for the activation of GnRH secretion, and followed by the discovery of the tachykinin, neurokinin B and its role in pubertal activation in turn, through regulation of kisspeptin secretion. More recently, we identified loss-of-function mutations in the MKRN3 gene, encoding makorin ring finger protein 3, as an important cause of CPP. MKRN3 is an imprinted gene on chromosome 15q11.2 in the Prader-Willi Syndrome critical region, with expression only from the paternally inherited allele. MKRN3 is expressed at high levels in the mouse hypothalamus prepubertally and decreases prior to puberty onset, suggesting that it acts as a “brake” on GnRH secretion. To date, MKRN3 is the first factor to be identified that likely has an inhibitory role on puberty in humans. The discovery of this new genetic link to early puberty will help to diagnose the cause of precocious puberty or to identify children at risk for developing precocious puberty, and the elucidation of the mechanisms by which MKRN3 regulates GnRH secretion, will bring new insights into reproductive physiology.
Mediation in the relationship among EL status, vocabulary, and science reading comprehension

ABSTRACTThe authors investigated the mediating effects of general academic and science-specific vocabulary on science reading comprehension among English learners (ELs) of varied proficiency. The sample included 169 regular education Grade 7 students (86 current ELs; 83 former ELs) enrolled in 1 urban school in Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The results indicated that both vocabulary types—rarely explicitly taught at the secondary level—were significant contributors to reading comprehension, above and beyond EL status. The full parallel mediation model accounted for 55% of the variance in science reading comprehension. Notably, the mediating effects of both vocabulary types were significant and statistically similar in size, yet, not sufficient to fully explain ELs' reading scores. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Tolerability and efficacy of colestipol hydrochloride for accelerated elimination of teriflunomide.

Background: Teriflunomide is an oral disease modifying therapy approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Teriflunomide’ s pharmacokinetics (PK) contribute to its ...
Sustaining living rivers

Rivers cannot continue to meet society's needs, or the needs of living things, if humans continue to regard river management as a purely political or engineering challenge. The flow of rivers is part of a greater flow, the planet's water cycle, which sustains not only the flow of water but the entire web of life. Ultimately, the condition, or health, of the aquatic biota is the best means of understanding and controlling humans' impact on the Earth's watercourses and on the whole water cycle. Biological monitoring, especially multimetric approaches such as the index of biological integrity, acknowledges the importance of rivers' biotic integrity and offers one of the strongest available tools for diagnosing, minimizing, and preventing river degradation. The broad perspective offered by biological evaluations stands a better chance than narrow chemical criteria or conventional measures of urban development of sustaining living rivers.
Evaluating the local impacts of recent immigration to California: Realism versus racism

Although past migration was often viewed with suspicion the implicit assumption was that new migrants would fill the jobs in the growing cities and contribute to the national wealth. There are those who still subscribe to the view that continuing migration will increase national wealth, indeed that new migrants are the work horses of prosperity. There is another view however, which focuses on the local impacts of migration. This view suggests that the migrations of the late twentieth century are in a different context and create substantial burdens on local communities and states. It may be too, that the mass migrations of the late twentieth century will lead to a new pattern of social exclusion, polarization and a new ethnic under-class. The analysis of recent migration in California documents the extent to which that migration is made up of very low skill, low income, and dependent groups and has the potential to create significant local dependency burdens.
On Visualization for Assessing Kriging Outcomes

Extant opinion about kriging is that all weights should be positive. Visualizations rendered by converting kriged grids to digital images are presented to show that negative weights may be beneficial to some spatial problems. In particular, variogram models with zero-valued nuggets, already well known to minimize smoothing through kriging, result in a visual resolution substantially superior to that from kriging with a variogram model having a nonzero nugget value in application to satellite acquired data. Negative weights are more likely when using variogram models with zero-valued nuggets, but resultant visualizations often show a smoother transition between extreme data values. This is true even when a variogram model having a nugget value of zero is not optimum with respect to mean square error, as is demonstrated using a nitrate data set. An analogy to digital image processing is used to suggest that the influence of negative weights in kriging is similar to a high-boost kernel.
Autologous bone marrow transplantation in acute myelogenous leukemia: in vitro treatment with myeloid-specific monoclonal antibodies and drugs in combination

We report the results of a preclinical study comparing four different purging protocols using a promyelocytic human cell line HL-60 and myeloid leukemic progenitor cells (colony-forming unit-leukemic [CFU-L]) from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients assayed in semisolid culture. We studied the antileukemic effect of (1) Single-cycle complement-mediated lysis by two different monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) (M195 [CD33] and F23 [CD13] 40 micrograms/mL), reactive with distinct antigens found on early myeloid cells and monocytes, used alone and in combinations; (2) 4-Hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC) (80 mumol/L or 100 mumol/L) alone; or (3) combined with VP-16 (5 micrograms/mL) and (4) a cocktail of 1 through 3 as above (combined immunochemotherapy). More than 4 logs of HL-60 tumor cell elimination were observed after 1 hour of incubation with both MoAbs plus 4-HC + VP-16 while the single treatment (immunotherapy or chemotherapy) provided 1.5 and 3.5 logs of colony-forming inhibition, respectively. When the same protocols were tested on cryopreserved leukemic cells from eight patients with AML, we observed a mean value of CFU-L inhibition of 92.3% +/- 2.5% SD, 95.5% +/- 1.4% SD, and 99% +/- 0.8% SD after MoAbs and complement lysis, 4-HC, and 4-HC + VP-16 treatment, respectively. The combined treatment of MoAbs and 4-HC + VP-16 produced more than 3-log reduction of CFU-L colony formation. By comparison, the mean recovery of committed normal bone marrow progenitors after incubation with MoAbs and complement was 12% for CFU-granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM), 22.9% for burst-forming unit erythroid (BFU-E), and the recovery following 4-HC + VP-16 treatment was 4.4% for CFU-GM and 5.6% BFU-E. In subsequent experiments, highly purified CD34+ blast cells, enriched by positive selection, and stimulated in liquid culture by cytokines (interleukin-1 [IL-1], IL-3, and combination of both) or MO-conditioned medium (MoCM), demonstrated that immunochemotherapy spares hematopoietic colony-forming cells earlier than day 14 CFU-GM, in vitro.
Fifteen-Year Trends in Management and Outcomes of Non-ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Among Black and White Patients: The ARIC Community Surveillance Study, 2000-2014.

Background Standardization of evidence‐based medical therapies has improved outcomes for patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Although racial differences in NSTEMI...
A frequency agile monolithic QPSK modulator with spectral filtering and 75 /spl Omega/ differential line driver

This monolithic modulator combines both digital signal processing and analog techniques to realize a high bit-rate quadrature phase-shift keyed (QPSK) modulator. It includes a digital baseband pulse shaping network, analog quadrature modulator, agile carrier generator, spectral shaping, and transmit power control for interfacing to wireline transmission media. Nominal data rates are 256 kbit/s with a carrier range of 8.096-20.128 MHz in 32 kHz steps. Maximum output level is 62 dBmV into a 75 /spl Omega/ load. The features of 1.2 /spl mu/m mixed signal BiCMOS technology permit both signal processing and power line drivers to be collocated while achieving better than 85 dB cross-talk isolation.
Quantum Control of Atomic and Molecular Ions at NIST

This presentation will give an overview of recent work on quantum information processing, quantum state control and precision spectroscopy on different species of atomic or molecular ions at NIST. Contribution of NIST, not subject to U.S. copyright.
Estimation of Expected Fisher Information for IRT Models

In item response theory (IRT) modeling, the Fisher information matrix is used for numerous inferential procedures such as estimating parameter standard errors, constructing test statistics, and fac...
The Role of Space in the Formation of Social Ties

Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in the relation between networks and spatial context. This review examines critically a selection of the literature on how physical space affects the...
A Device for measuring the in-situ response of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells to airborne environmental agents

Measuring the time evolution of response of Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial (NHBE) cells to aerosols is essential for understanding the pathogenesis of airway disease. This study introduces a novel Real-Time Examination of Cell Exposure (RTECE) system, which enables direct in situ assessment of functional responses of the cell culture during and following exposure to environmental agents. Included are cell morphology, migration, and specialised responses, such as ciliary beat frequency (CBF). Utilising annular nozzles for aerosol injection and installing windows above and below the culture, the cells can be illuminated and examined during exposure. The performance of RTECE is compared to that of the commercial Vitrocell by exposing NHBE cells to cigarette smoke. Both systems show the same mass deposition and similar trends in smoke-induced changes to monolayer permeability, CBF and transepithelial resistance. In situ measurements performed during and after two exposures to smoke show that the CBF decreases gradually during both exposures, recovering after the first, but decreasing sharply after the second. Using Particle image velocimetry, the cell motions are monitored for twelve hours. Exposure to smoke increases the spatially-averaged cell velocity by an order of magnitude. The relative motion between cells peaks shortly after each exposure, but remains elevated and even increases further several hours later.
Multiple Team Membership: An Integrative Review:

With many employees operating in a multiteam environment, multiple team membership (MTM) has become a critical topic across a number of disciplines. Although MTM research is often regarded as being...
Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy

The incidence of incidentally discovered small renal masses has increased over the last several years. Management of these tumors has shifted from radical to partial nephrectomy and from open surgery to minimally invasive surgery-specifically robotic partial nephrectomy. Robotic partial nephrectomy has proven oncologically equivalent to open partial nephrectomy with decreased blood loss, while proving superior to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in terms of ischemia time and procedureal conversion to an open surgery or nephrectomy. With robotic partial nephrectomy, the learning curve ranges from 15 to 30 surgeries and both a transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approach may be made depending on tumor characteristics and surgeon comfort. In this chapter, we describe the indications for, operative steps of, outcomes, and complication management for robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy from both a trans- and retroperitoneal approach.
[Analysis of pesticides residues in food samples in Shaanxi Province during 2013-2015].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the status of pesticides residues in vegetables, fruits, edible mushrooms and tea bags in Shaanxi Province. METHODS Ten cities in Shaanxi Province were selected as monitoring area, pesticides residues in food were detected by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry. RESULTS The total detection rate of pesticide residues was 15. 60%( 159/1019). The detection rate of pesticides in vegetables, fruits, edible mushrooms and tea bag was 18. 64%, 15. 00%, 4. 68% and23. 63%, respectively. The detection rate of organophosphorus, carbamate, pyrethroid and organochlorine was 7. 36%, 6. 48%, 8. 34% and 5. 79%, respectively. Methyl parathion, parathion, omethoate, cyhalothrin, cyhalothrin and cypermethrin were still overused in the vegetables, and the total exceeding rate was 1. 51%. CONCLUSION The pesticides in food were detected in Shaanxi Province, but the total of exceeding standard is below the national level.
'Unitorrial' Marks and the Global Economy

The early decades of the 21st Century may well become known in the annals of intellectual property development as the period when “everything old is new again.” There is one ancient doctrine that has not yet enjoyed a similar renaissance, despite its clear application to today’s new, global, digital economy. It is the old (and currently discredited) view that trademarks and other commercial symbols are universal in nature. First given credence in early US cases regarding the importation of grey market, or parallel imports, the doctrine of universality was gradually replaced by a view of trademarks as creatures of nation states — pure territorial objects. Such limited view served trade protectionist goals which have been rejected in today’s global environment of comparative free trade. This article examines the newly evolving nature of trademarks as “unitorrial” marks in today’s global, digital marketplace. It contends that this new quasi-universal, quasi-territorial nature demands a re-examination of domestic and international trademark law, including the treatment of famous marks, domain names, geographic indications and grey market imports, and the determination of international fora for enforcement. The article concludes by suggesting areas where changes in treatment must be examined in light of this new “unitorrial” trademark.
The number of Z-repeats and super-repeats in nebulin greatly varies across vertebrates and scales with animal size.

Nebulin is a skeletal muscle protein that associates with the sarcomeric thin filaments and has functions in regulating the length of the thin filament and the structure of the Z-disk. Here we investigated the nebulin gene in 53 species of birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. In all species, nebulin has a similar domain composition that mostly consists of ∼30-residue modules (or simple repeats), each containing an actin-binding site. All species have a large region where simple repeats are organized into seven-module super-repeats, each containing a tropomyosin binding site. The number of super-repeats shows high interspecies variation, ranging from 21 (zebrafish, hummingbird) to 31 (camel, chimpanzee), and, importantly, scales with body size. The higher number of super-repeats in large animals was shown to increase thin filament length, which is expected to increase the sarcomere length for optimal force production, increase the energy efficiency of isometric force production, and lower the shortening velocity of muscle. It has been known since the work of A.V. Hill in 1950 that as species increase in size, the shortening velocity of their muscle is reduced, and the present work shows that nebulin contributes to the mechanistic basis. Finally, we analyzed the differentially spliced simple repeats in nebulin's C terminus, whose inclusion correlates with the width of the Z-disk. The number of Z-repeats greatly varies (from 5 to 18) and correlates with the number of super-repeats. We propose that the resulting increase in the width of the Z-disk in large animals increases the number of contacts between nebulin and structural Z-disk proteins when the Z-disk is stressed for long durations.
Lactic Dehydrogenase X. A RE-EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF pH UPON THE KINETICS OF THE REACTION

The variation with pH of the kinetic parameters of the reaction catalyzed by bovine heart lactate dehydrogenase has been redetermined with use of purified coenzymes. Although some of the values differ from those reported previously by Winer and Schwert, the kinetic anomaly observed previously persists in the present results. This anomaly arises from the fact that the rate of dissociation of the enzyme-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide complex, calculated on the assumption that the reaction follows a simple ordered pathway in which coenzymes must be bound before substrates can be bound, is less than the observed maximal velocity from the NADH-pyruvate side of the reversible reaction. This anomaly has been rationalized by assuming that at pH values below neutrality an unreactive protonated form of the enzyme-NAD complex is formed. Analysis of the results has permitted consistent values to be assigned to rate constants for every step in the reaction with the exception of the interconversion of the ternary enzyme-NAD-lactate and enzyme-NADH-pyruvate complexes. Silverstein and Boyer have concluded from measurements of the rate of interconversion of coenzymes and substrates at equilibrium that the reaction catalyzed by bovine heart lactate dehydrogenase follows a compulsory pathway at pH 7.9 but only a preferred order of combination with substrates and coenzymes at pH 9.7. An alternative explanation of the results obtained at pH 9.7 is proposed which is consistent with the reaction model deduced from kinetic parameters.
Towards a Characterization of Self-Similar Tilings in Terms of Derived Voronoï Tessellations

In this paper, a technique for analyzing levels of hierarchy in a tiling \(\mathcal{T}\) of Euclidean space is presented. Fixing a central configuration P of tiles in \(\mathcal{T}\), a `derived Voronoi' tessellation \(\mathcal{T}\)P is constructed based on the locations of copies of P in \(\mathcal{T}\). A family of derived Voronoi tilings \(\mathcal{F}(\mathcal{T}{\text{)}}\) is formed by allowing the central configurations to vary through an infinite number of possibilities. The family \(\mathcal{F}(\mathcal{T}{\text{)}}\) will normally be an infinite one, but we show that for a self-similar tiling \(\mathcal{T}\) it is finite up to similarity. In addition, we show that if the family \(\mathcal{F}(\mathcal{T}{\text{)}}\) is finite up to similarity, then \(\mathcal{T}\) is pseudo-self-similar. The relationship between self-similarity and pseudo-self-similarity is not well understood, and this is the obstruction to a complete characterization of self-similarity via our method. A discussion and conjecture on the connection between the two forms of hierarchy for tilings is provided.
Chapter 21 Estrogen and Prolactin: Contributions to Autoimmunity in Murine Models of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses estrogen and prolactin and its contributions to autoimmunity in murine models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It discusses the immunostimulating properties of estrogen and prolactin in murine models, as well as the interactions between estrogen and prolactin, in the context of treating the autoimmune illness, (SLE). Estrogen has powerful effects on the immune system through mechanisms that are regulated differently through two types of estrogen receptors. Immunostimulatory effects of estrogen are expressed in B-cells in BALB/c mice, which have a genetic background that predisposes to loss of B-cell tolerance. The observation that estrogen can stimulate the immune system led to an attempt to control auto-immune disease with diet. The lesions were completely absent if the mice were fed a diet with normal levels of phyto-estrogen. Estrogen and prolactin both play important roles in stimulating the autoimmune disease, SLE. In experimental models of lupus, either hormone is capable of augmenting autoimmunity. When the effects of very high doses of estrogen were tested in mice, experimental results were obscured by estrogen toxicity, which led to early death from causesunrelated to autoimmune disease.
Effects of ionophore RO 2-2985 (X537 A) on conscious dogs in experimentally induced hemorrhagic hypotension. Mortality, systemic pressure and renal and coronary blood flow.

Abstract RO 2–2985, a potent inotropic agent, produces prolonged increases in left ventricular pressure and coronary and renal blood flow in conscious dogs. To evaluate these effects, 18 dogs were chronically instrumented with aortic or left ventricular pressure catheters, or both, and coronary and renal pulsed Doppler flow probes; 14 to 25 days later, after control values were recorded, sufficient blood was removed from each dog to reduce mean aortic pressure to 40 to 50 mm Hg or left ventricular pressure to 50 to 65 mm Hg during a 15 minute period. This pressure was maintained by withdrawal or addition of blood as necessary for an additional 30 minutes. The animals were then separated into two groups; one group was given RO 2–2985, the other an equivalent amount of drug solvent. Measurements were then made for 75 minutes or until death occurred. Retransfusion was performed in those animals living at 75 minutes. All 10 animals that received RO 2–2985 lived. After the drug injection, blood pressure and coronary and renal blood flow increased. Only one of eight animals receiving the solvent alone lived. The remaining control animals showed progressive deterioration in pressure and flow until death. The data show that RO 2–2985 decreased mortality and increased blood flow in the coronary and renal beds during hemorrhage-induced hypotension.