cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resistance of Francisella novicida to fosmidomycin associated with mutations in the glycerol-3-phosphate transporter.

The methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is essential in most prokaryotes and some lower eukaryotes but absent from human cells, and is a validated target for antimicrobial drug development. The formation of MEP is catalyzed by 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR). MEP pathway genes have been identified in many Category A and B biothreat agents, including Francisella tularensis, which causes the zoonosis tularemia. Fosmidomycin inhibits purified Francisella DXR. This compound also inhibits the growth of F. tularensis NIH B38, F. novicida and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica LVS bacteria. Related compounds such as FR900098 and lipophilic prodrugs of FR900098 have been developed to improve the bioavailability of these DXR inhibitors. In disc-inhibition assays with these compounds, we observed breakthrough colonies of F. novicida in the presence of fosmidomycin, suggesting spontaneous development of fosmidomycin resistance (FosR). FosR bacteria had decreased sensitivity to both fosmidomycin and FR900098. The two most likely targets for the development of mutants would be the DXR enzyme or the glycerol-3-phosphate transporter (GlpT) that allows entry of fosmidomycin into the bacteria. Sensitivity of FosR F. novicida bacteria to compound 1 was not abated suggesting that spontaneous resistance is not due to mutation of DXR. We thus predicted that the glpT transporter may be mutated leading to this resistant phenotype. Supporting this, transposon insertion mutants at the glpT locus were also found to be resistant to fosmidomycin. DNA sequencing of four different spontaneous FosR colonies demonstrated a variety of deletions in the glpT coding region. The overall frequency of FosR mutations in F. novicida was determined to be 6.3 x 10-8. Thus we conclude that one mechanism of resistance of F. novicida to fosmidomycin is caused by mutations in GlpT. This is the first description of mutations in Francisella leading to fosmidomycin resistance.
Monolithic and modular termination analyses for higher-order attribute grammars

In this paper we describe a sound, but not complete, analysis to prove the termination of higher-order attribute grammar evaluation caused by the creation of an unbounded number of (finite) trees as local tree-valued attributes, which are then themselves decorated with attributes. The analysis extracts a set of term-rewriting rules from the grammar that model creation of new syntax trees during the evaluation of higher-order attributes. If this term rewriting system terminates, then only a finite number of trees will be created during attribute grammar evaluation. The analysis places an ordering on nonterminals to handle the cases in which higher-order inherited attributes are used to ensure that a finite number of trees are created using such attributes. When paired with the traditional completeness and circularity analyses for attribute grammars and the assumption that each attribute equation defines a terminating computation, this analysis can be used to show that attribute grammar evaluation will terminate normally. This analysis can be applied to a wide range of common attribute grammar idioms and has been used to show that evaluation of our specification of Java 1.4 terminates. We also describe a modular version of the analysis that is performed on independently developed language extension grammars and the host language being extended. If the extensions individually pass the modular analysis then their composition is also guaranteed to terminate. We give a conservative non-termination analysis for higher-order attribute grammars.The analysis is applicable to many attribute grammar idioms.Our attribute grammar specification of Java 1.4 passes the analysis.We provide a modular version of the analysis applicable to extensible languages.
The stimulation of anthraquinone production by Cinchona ledgeriana cultures with polymeric adsorbents

Anthraquinones produced by suspension cultures of Cinchona ledgeriana are released into the medium, which becomes saturated with products late in the growth cycle. When a high affinity polymeric adsorbent, such as the macro-reticular Amberlite XAD-7, is added to the culture the concentration of anthraquinone in the medium is maintained at a low level and production may be stimulated 15-fold, yielding up to 20 mg/1/day. More than 90% of the product is released from the cells. For maximal yields it is shown that both the amount of adsorbent used and the time after sub-culture at which it is added to the system are critical. The value of such a method for product recovery from immobilised cells is discussed.
Tumor lysis syndrome in a patient with metastatic, androgen independent prostate cancer

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an uncommon, but well described, clinical entity that typically occurs following chemotherapy in patients with rapidly growing hematological malignancies. It is rarely described in patients with solid tumors. We report a case of TLS in a patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate after treatment with paclitaxel chemotherapy.
Estradiol and 20α-Dihydroprogesterone Dehydrogenase Activities in Human Endometrium During the Menstrual Cycle

Estradiol dehydrogenase E2-DH)and 20α-dihydroprogesterone dehydrogenase (20αDHP-DH) activities in human endometrium at various phases of the menstrual cycle were measured by incubating 3H-estradiol or 3H-20α-dihydroprogesterone (20αDHP) with an 800 × g supernatant of tissue and excess NAD*. The enzymatic activities, expressed as nmoles of product formed per hr and per mg of protein, showed a significant increase during the secretory phase. The average values of E2-DH activities were 1.2 in proliferative endometrium and 14 in secretory tissue. The corresponding 20αDHP-DH activities were lower (0.3 and 3.0). The total amount of E2 receptors in endometrium, determined by the method of superfusion, was found o t decline from 3.2 pmole/mg DNA in the proliferative phase to 0.6 pmole/mg DNA at the end of the secretory phase. The increase in E2-DH levels leads to a faster removal of E2 from endometrium since the conversion of E2 to E2 is only partially reversible and E1 rather than E2 is released by the tissue. T...
Should laparoscopy be the standard approach used for pelvic lymph node dissection

Involvement of the pelvic lymph nodes in patients with prostate cancer worsens the overall prognosis of this common disease entity. Prior radiographic staging tech-niques, including fine-needle aspiration, are limited by a poor sensitivity and are not reliable. The gold standard for the evaluation of pelvic lymph nodes in men with prostate cancer involves performing a lymphadenectomy. Historically, this procedure was performed using an open surgical technique. Unfortunately, this invasive procedure is associated with significant morbidity. In response, modern surgical technology has provided newer, less invasive techniques, including laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (LPLND). Improved detection of localized prostate cancer through the institution of screening protocols and early detection programs has decreased the number of patients presenting with lymph node involvement. Various clinical indicators, including prostate-specific antigen, grade, and stage, have been used to improve the selection of “high-risk” patients that are appropriate candidates for pelvic lymph node dissection. The technique of LPLND is a valid option in the armamentarium for staging of prostate cancer. The laparoscopic approach provides the same staging accuracy as the open surgical technique and is superior with respect to morbidity. LPLND is limited to patients who present with a high risk of advanced prostate cancer. In addition, the urologist must accept the additional training, financial expense, and “learning curve” associated with this technique.
Isolation and Preliminary Characterization of a Human Transforming Gene from T24 Bladder-Carcinoma Cells

DNA from T24, a cell line derived from a human bladder carcinoma, can induce the morphological transformation of NIH 3T3 cells. Using techniques of gene rescue to clone the gene responsible for this transformation, we have found that it is human in origin, less than 5 kilobase pairs in size and is homologous to a 1,100-base polyadenylated RNA species found in T24 and HeLa cells. Blot analysis indicates extensive restriction endonuclease polymorphism near this gene, in human DNAs.
Sampling, species abundance, and the stratigraphic signature, of mass extinction: A test using Holocene tidal flat molluscs

Assume that a catastrophe caused the sudden extinction of the molluscan biota of a Holocene tidal flat. Would this event be recorded accurately in the stratigraphic record? How accurately would the extinction of rare species be recorded? How would sudden, gradual, and stepwise patterns of extinction compare? Bivalve and gastropod species occurrences were recorded from eight tidal channel sediment cores (up to 70 cm long) from Bahia la Choya, northern Gulf of California. The distribution of last occurrences of 45 species suggests that a sudden extinction would appear to be gradual in the stratigraphic record, due to error in biostratigraphic range end-points (Signor-Lipps effect). Extinction is typically not accurately recorded for species with less than 15% stratigraphic abundance (i.e., occurring in less than 15% of the sample intervals; 71% of the species). The data were subjected to simulations of stepwise and gradual extinction. Differences between the sudden, stepwise, and gradual scenarios are apparent in (1) frequency distributions of biostratigraphic last occurrences, (2) graphic relations between stratigraphic abundance and last occurrence, and (3) patterns of apparent diversity decline below the extinction boundary. Extinction studies in outcrops and cores could utilize last occurrence and stratigraphic abundance data (readily available in the fossil record) to distinguish among sudden, stepwise, and gradual patterns of extinction.
New Developments in Cancer-Related Computational Statistics

A brief overview is presented of recently developed and currently emerging statistical and computational techniques that have been proved to be highly helpful in handling the avalanche of the new type of data generated by modern high-throughput technologies in experimental biology. The review, in no way comprehensive, focuses attention on Bayesian Networks, Hidden Markov Chain, and methods of chaotic dynamics for time-course genomic data; innovative methods in optimization and clustering; and multiple testing in the context of identification of differentially expressed genes.
Antibody responses to two encephalomyocarditis virus vaccines in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Two groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) housed in rodent-controlled outdoor corrals were inoculated with two different encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) vaccines. One group (n = 45) received a vaccine made from an inactivated field isolate of virus cultured during an outbreak at a zoo in Florida. This vaccine produced fourfold increases in the titers of 28 animals (62%); the increases persisted for at least 18 months (last test) after a single injection of the vaccine. The other group (n = 51) received a vaccine made from an inactivated porcine field strain of the virus. This vaccine did not produce titers in any of the vaccinees.
Acute Interstitial Nephritis Proteinuria and Herpes Simplex Virus Hepatitis in Pregnancy Mimic HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets).

Elevated transaminases, hemolysis, and thrombocytopenia in pregnancy are most often caused by a preeclampsia variant—HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets). In atypical cases, it is important to consider other causes, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis. Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)-induced proteinuria can make distinguishing HELLP from its mimics more difficult. A 43-year-old G4P3 gestational carrier at 28 weeks had abnormal laboratory findings consistent with HELLP, including proteinuria. However, she was normotensive and febrile, prompting an investigation into other possible causes of her signs and symptoms. She ultimately was diagnosed with disseminated HSV infection, started on definitive therapy, and allowed to continue her pregnancy to term. The proteinuria was attributed to AIN. AIN can cause proteinuria in the critically ill pregnant patient. When mimics of HELLP syndrome, such as disseminated HSV infection, are the cause of critical illness, the presence of AIN-induced proteinuria may falsely implicate a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, resulting in iatrogenic premature delivery of the fetus and failure to initiate definitive potential lifesaving treatment.
Deformablemable Registration of CT Pelvis Images Using Mjolnir

Our recently published 3D-3D deformable image registration algorithm, Mjolnir (Ellingsen et al., 2006) was developed for inter-subject registration of MR brain images. Mjolnir is a hybrid registration method, where both anatomical features and image intensities are used to hierarchically align the images. In addition to the hierarchical scheme, the algorithm was implemented in a multi-resolution framework, which both reduces local minima and speeds up the registration process. In this paper an extension to this work is proposed, where Mjolnir has been adapted to register CT images of the pelvis. The main concepts of Mjolnir will be briefly described and the changes made to previous work explained. The algorithm was tested on CT images of the pelvis of 13 different subjects. Results indicate good registration accuracy however, further validation is needed.
Characterization of a neuronal growth factor from mouse heart-cell-conditioned medium.

Abstract A fraction of medium conditioned by embryonic mouse heart cells in culture promotes the growth of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons in vitro. The factor stimulates neurite outgrowth, elevates specific activities of tyrosine hydroxylase and choline acetyltransferase in sympathetic ganglion explants, and enhances survival of dissociated sympathetic neurons in culture. The growth-promoting activity, which has a profound effect on survival of mouse sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons but little effect on mouse sensory neuron survival, is sensitive to trypsin and elevated temperature, suggesting association with a polypeptide or protein. Unlike nerve growth factor (NGF), the conditioned medium fraction is insensitive to anti-NGF antiserum, and fosters growth of mouse parasympathetic neurons. Consequently, the conditioned medium appears to contain a new nerve growth-promoting factor.
Update on groupthink

Revue de la litterature concernant la degradation des modes de reflexion dans le groupe social soude: cohesion, unanimite ont souvent pour envers une veritable deterioration du pouvoir de decision, soumis aux pressions. Dans les sequences de prise de decision, les considerations d'existence et de perpetuation du groupe passent avant la decision elle-meme, fut-elle vitale. Les grandes lignes de l'ouvrage de I. Janis: «Victims of groupthink» sont evoquees
A distributed memory parallel element-by-element scheme for semiconductor device simulation

Abstract A domain decomposition and parallel element-by-element (EBE) scheme is developed for semiconductor device simulation modeled by the drift-diffusion (DD) equations. A classical Gummel iterative decoupling of the potential and carrier transport equations is applied on an unstructured triangulation. The distributed memory EBE scheme is formulated for a Galerkin finite element approximation of the nonlinear Poisson problem, and a modified Scharfetter–Gummel method is used for the carrier transport problem. The resulting sequences of symmetric and nonsymmetric linear systems are solved via preconditioned Krylov methods. Unstructured triangular grids are used to permit grading of the mesh, which is then partitioned to processor subdomains with appropriate data structures for message passing. Details of the parallel algorithm and data structure are provided. The scheme is implemented in Fortran90 with MPI and performance results are presented for a representative MOSFET on an IBM SP, a CRAY T3E, and an SGI/CRAY Origin2000.
Was it really hepatic hydrothorax? - Authors' reply

1300 www.thelancet.com Vol 376 October 16, 2010 Authors’ reply Although we noticed loculations on CT scan, the fl uid was transudative in origin. In a study by Chung and colleagues, 30 of 120 patients with loculations on ultra sonography turned out to have a transudate eff usion. The mechanism behind the loculation in a transudative eff usion is unclear and could possibly be a result of any previous pulmonary process. Even though fl uid was a transudate on Light’s criteria, which are very specifi c for diagnosis of transudative effusions, we did an extensive work-up to rule out all possible causes of pleural eff usion including those causing exudative eff usions as mentioned by Sourin Bhuniya. Once all causes were ruled out, hepatic hydrothorax was considered a possibility. After establishing the defi nitive presence of portal hypertension by hepatic vein catheterisation, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was done. The success of TIPS in preventing reaccumulation of pleural eff usion in itself supports our diagnosis Although talc pleurodesis was done in Gulati and colleagues’ patient, the safety of talc pleurodesis has been questioned over and again, especially in North America where lung injury after thoracoscopic talc insuffl ation is reported even today.
Thermal red and blue shifts of Nd ion spectral lines in laser garnet crystals

Abstract Thermal red and blue shifts of a number of spectral lines related to transitions 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 9/2 and 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 1 1/2 of Nd 3+ in the laser garnet crystals of Gd 3 Sc 2 Ga 3 O 12 and CaY 2 Mg 2 Ge 3 O 12 are reported. These line shifts are compared with those in YAG : Nd 3+ found by other workers.
Optimization of enzyme loading and hydrolytic time in the hydrolysis of mixtures of cotton gin waste and recycled paper sludge for the maximum profit rate

Abstract The hydrolytic kinetics of mixtures of cotton gin waste (CGW) and recycled paper sludge (RPS) at various initial enzyme concentrations of Spezyme™ AO3117 was investigated. The experiments showed that the concentrations of reducing sugars and the conversions of the mixtures increased with increasing initial enzyme concentration. The reducing sugar concentration and conversion of the mixture of 75% CGW and 25% RPS were higher than those of the mixture of 80% CGW and 20% RPS. The conversion of the former can reach 73.8% after a 72-h hydrolysis at the initial enzyme loading of 17.4 Filter Paper Unit (FPU)/g substrate. A three-parameter kinetic model based on enzyme deactivation and its analytical expression were derived. Using nonlinear regression, the parameters of the model were determined for the experimental data of hydrolytic kinetics of the mixtures. Based on this kinetic model of hydrolysis, two profit rate models, representing two kinds of operating modes with and without feedstock recycling, were developed. Using the profit rate models, the optimal enzyme loading and hydrolytic time can be predicted for the maximum profit rate in ethanol production according to the costs of enzyme and operation, enzyme loading, and ethanol market price. Simulated results from the models based on the experimental data of hydrolysis of the mixture of 75% CGW and 25% RPS showed that use of a high substrate concentration and an operating mode with feedstock recycle can greatly increase the profit rate in ethanol production. The results also demonstrated that the hydrolysis at a low enzyme loading is economically required for systematic optimization of ethanol production.
The Effect of Anticipatory Discharge Orders on Length of Hospital Stay in Staff Pediatric Patients

Effective discharge planning should serve to reduce length of stay (LOS) and lower readmission rates. A combined prospective/retrospective study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of anticipated discharge order forms in decreasing LOS for staff pediatric patients. Resident physicians provided advance notice of the planned discharge date to nursing staff and patient family members. Patient selection was random, and the data were collected prospectively. These subjects were matched with patients for whom the order form was not used, and the data was collected retrospectively. Matching variables included: diagnosis, age, gender, race, and method of payment. There were 103 matched pairs. LOS was collapsed into low and high categories. There was a significant difference when comparing subject groups (chi 2 = 8.5; P = 0.005). Whereas only 14% of experimental patients were categorized as high LOS, 32% of control patients were classified as such. Physician prediction of discharge date helped decrease patient LOS.
Alley section effects on blocking

The acquisition of discriminative stimulus control by brightness cues after prior discrimination training with hedonic cues produced by reward and nonreward in a successive go/no-go runway situation varied as a function of alley section. Blocking was substantial and perhaps complete in the start section, considerable in the run section, and entirely absent in the goal section. Explaining these findings has implications for understanding stimulus control in instrumental situations.
Evaluation of the combined dexamethasone suppression/thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test for detection of pars intermedia pituitary adenomas in horses

Background: A combined dexamethasone (DEX) suppression/thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) test (DEX/TRH test) has been developed to evaluate horses for presence of a pars intermedia pituitary adenoma (PIPA), but to the authors' knowledge, the accuracy of this test has not been previously determined. Hypothesis: The sensitivity and specificity of the DEX/TRH test can be determined by comparing test results with histopathologic examination findings. Animals: Age of 42 horses of various breeds ranged from 2 to 33 years. Methods: Plasma cortisol concentration was measured before and 24 hours after IV administration of 40 μg of DEX/kg of body weight, and before and 30 minutes after IV administration of 1 mg of TRH that had been given 3 hours after the injection of DEX. Results of the DEX/TRH test were considered positive if either the plasma cortisol concentration exceeded 10 ng/mL 24 hours after DEX administration, or if the change in plasma cortisol concentration 30 minutes after injection of TRH was ≥66% above the 3-hour baseline. Diagnosis of PIPA was determined by histologic examination of the pituitary gland. Results: PIPA was detected in 17 of 42 (40%) horses. The DEX/TRH test had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative (NPV) predictive value of 88, 76, 71, and 90%, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The combined DEX/TRH test was more sensitive than either of its component tests and had a high NPV, but was not as specific as the TRH component alone (92%). The DEX/TRH test should be used to screen older horses for PIPA.
The growth of roughness during electrodeposition

Abstract Measurements of the growth rate of roughness on a cathode surface can be used to study the physics of cathodic processes. But these growth rates are cell wide variables and they ordinarily depend on what is taking place at the anode as well as at the cathode. Our aim is to derive a simple condition under which the anode makes no contribution to the interpretation of growth rate measurements at the cathode. Our condition stems from the contribution of ion diffusion to the growth rate and it is satisfied for all non-small values of the wave number of a growing disturbance. This, together with the fact that surface tension is the only stabilizing factor and the fact that the surface tension coefficient multiplying the wave number is small, means that the anode ought not to be important for the fastest growing wave numbers. Once the effect of the anode is eliminated, the growth rate at the cathode can be expressed in a formula so simple that pencil and paper calculations are possible and this makes important questions in cell design easy to answer, e.g., is the growth rate diffusion controlled?
Choledocholithiasis in African American and Hispanic patients: a comparison between painless presentation and classical biliary pain with regards to clinical manifestations and outcomes.

Choledocholithiasis (CDL) usually presents with biliary pain. Painless CDL is also known to occur, especially in the elderly. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the mode of presentation (painful vs. painless) influences the clinical course and outcomes of CDL in African American and Hispanic patients. Ten years of admission and discharge records (January 1998–December 2007) were reviewed retrospectively, yielding 527 community hospital patients, aged 23–97 years, with the final diagnosis of CDL. Patients with painless presentation had higher odds of having comorbidities compared to patients presenting with pain. However, patients who presented with biliary pain were predominantly younger (mean age 34 years), and 59 % were Hispanic females (p = 0.001). In our study painless CDL was associated with higher morbidity and mortality.
Classical and Quantum Scattering on a Spinning Cone

Solutions are presented for the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations in the 2+1 dimensional space-time created by a massive point particle, with arbitrary angular momentum. A universal formula for the scattering amplitude holds when a required self-adjoint extension of the Dirac operator is specified uniquely. Various obstacles to a consistent quantum mechanical interpretation of these results are noted.
Conformational Changes at the Nucleotide Binding of GroEL Induced by Binding of Protein Substrates LUMINESCENCE STUDIES

2′-Deoxy-3′-anthraniloyl adenosine-5-triphosphate (ANT-dATP) coordinated to Tb3+ was used as an environmentally sensitive probe of the nucleotide-binding site of GroEL. Tb3+·ANT-dATP recognizes the nucleotide-binding site of GroEL and inhibits ATPase activity. Sensitized luminescence, arising from resonance energy transfer from the anthraniloyl moiety to Tb3+, is substantially enhanced in the presence of GroEL. Binding of denatured mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase to the apical domain of GroEL causes a red shift in the fluorescence emitted by anthraniloyl and further enhancement in the phosphorescence emitted by Tb3+ upon excitation at 320 nm. It is suggested that binding of the protein substrate initiates domain movement, which is extended to the nucleotide-binding site. The luminescence results are discussed in reference to the structure of GroEL derived from x-ray crystallographic studies.
Effect of cadmium administration on intestinal calcium absorption and vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein

The effects of cadmium on intestinal calcium absorption and calcium-binding protein (CaBP) were investigated in chicks by means of the in situ ligated duodenal loop technique. Dietary cadmium, administered in the feed or by gastric intubation, resulted in significant declines in intestinal calcium absorption and mucosal calcium-binding protein concentrations. Cadmium chloride injected directly into the ligated loop of naive chicks also diminished calcium absorption and CaBP concentrations in an apparently dose-response related fashion. No adverse effects of cadmium administration on either the 25- or 1α-hydroxylation reactions of vitamin D were observed. While the general effect of cadmium administration was a reduction in intestinal calcium absorption, plasma calcium levels were consistently elevated in Cd-treated chicks, with the exception of those also maintained on diets low in Ca. The results indicate that cadmium toxicity exerts at least two effects on Ca metabolism, one at the intestinal level and another at the level of the bone, kidney, or both.
RAY EFFECT AND FALSE SCATTERING IN THE DISCRETE ORDINATES METHOD

A discussion on the ray effect and false scattering occurring in discrete ordinates solution of the radiative transfer equation is presented in this article. Ray effect arises from the approximation of a continuously varying angular nature of radiation by a specified set of discrete angular directions. It is independent of the spatial discretization practice. False scattering, on the other hand, is a consequence of the spatial discretization practice and is independent of the angular discretization practice. In multidimensional computations, when a beam is not aligned with the grid line, false scattering smears the radiative intensity field. It reduces the appearance of unwanted bumps, but does not eliminate ray effect. An inappropriate view of false scattering is also presented. Four sample problems are used to explain these two effects.
Multiplex mass spectrometric imaging with polarity switching for concurrent acquisition of positive and negative ion images.

We have recently developed a multiplex mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) method which incorporates high mass resolution imaging and MS/MS and MS3 imaging of several compounds in a single data acquisition utilizing a hybrid linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometer (Perdian and Lee, Anal. Chem.82, 9393–9400, 2010). Here we extend this capability to obtain positive and negative ion MS and MS/MS spectra in a single MS imaging experiment through polarity switching within spiral steps of each raster step. This methodology was demonstrated for the analysis of various lipid class compounds in a section of mouse brain. This allows for simultaneous imaging of compounds that are readily ionized in positive mode (e.g., phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins) and those that are readily ionized in negative mode (e.g., sulfatides, phosphatidylinositols and phosphatidylserines). MS/MS imaging was also performed for a few compounds in both positive and negative ion mode within the same experimental set-up. Insufficient stabilization time for the Orbitrap high voltage leads to slight deviations in observed masses, but these deviations are systematic and were easily corrected with a two-point calibration to background ions.
Adaptive estimation of regression models via moment restrictions

Abstract This paper considers adaptive estimation of regression models by means of generalized method of moments estimators. Two models are considered, one with an i.i.d. disturbance that is independent of the regressors and one with a conditionally symmetric but (possibly) heteroskedastic disturbance. For both cases the paper develops linearized estimators that are asymptotically efficient if the number and variety of moment conditions are allowed to grow at an appropriate rate with the sample size. In the general symmetric case no other adaptive estimator has yet been proposed. Also, results of a small Monte Carlo study indicate that in the independence case the small sample performance of the generalized method of moments estimator can be quite good vis-a-vis other estimators previously proposed.
Sensing mechanism investigation on semiconductor quantum dot/polymer thin film based hydrocarbon sensor

Semiconductor CdSe quantum dots (QDs) have been surface-functionalized with aromatic ligands for the sensitive and selective detection of aromatic hydrocarbons (HCs). By fabricating rough nanostructured films on silicon substrates using the above QDs embedded in poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, we have achieved the lowest detection limit for HCs (e.g. ∼15 ppm xylenes) within QD-based sensing techniques. The introduced rough nanostructure is believed to enhance the local electromagnetic field (EF) and thus QD excitation and emission, aiding in the observed detection limits. A detailed study of the sensing properties has revealed both QD photoluminescence (PL) enhancement and quenching processes, with the inversion point occurring at a specific HC level dependent on the nature of QD surface-bound ligands, target chemical species, QD loading, and polymer matrices. The following events affect and determine the observed HC sensing characteristics: (1) PL enhancement due to QD interaction with the HCs, which dominates at low level HC exposures, (2) attenuation of photon absorption for QDs upon a large amount of HC absorption resultant film wetting at high level HC exposures, leading to an undesired PL quenching, and (3) increased collection of background signal due to a reflection of excitation light from the Si substrate under film wetting and clearing conditions, which may introduce a false sensing signal, contingent on QD loadings and film thickness.
Mastication and Rumination in Relation to Body Size of Cattle

Effect of body size on number of minutes per kilogram cell wall constituents spent chewing during eating and ruminating was studied in a total of 59 mature animals including 18 Holstein cows, 12 Jersey cows, 6 Ayrshire cows, 11 Guernsey cows, and 12 steers. Larger animals were more efficient chewers, spending less time chewing per kilogram of ingested cell wall constituents. Body size accounted for 52% and differences of intake of cell wall constituents accounted for an additional 22% of variability of chewing time. Neither breed nor ambient temperature contributed significantly to explaining the variability. Size of fecal particles and amount of each size did not differ significantly for different body sizes. These results suggest that acceptability of particles to the reticulo-omasal orifice was not different for different body sizes. Correlation was nil between body size and speed of chewing.
An algorithm for the computation of knapsack functions

Knapsack problems have been studied in [l]-[4]. See these references for physical applications. Modified dynamic programming algorithms are given in [3] and [4]. The algorithm in [3], presented in a complicated theoretical context, is difficult to conceptualize. The algorithm in [4] is presented in a network context of considerable complexity. Both algorithms compute the knapsack function for all arguments. From the work presented here it is evident that the problem can be solved as a relatively simple enumeration with a very simple algorithm. We define the knapsack function in terms of an equality constraint, without the use of a slack variable. An enumeration is then made for only feasible arguments of the knapsack function. A major computational advantage is thereby gained. Our algorithm has another computational advantage by being a single pass algorithm. Backtracking is optional. Equality constraint problems can be solved without restrictions on the constants using our algorithm. The method in [4] requires a unity coefficient in the constraint. Thus we obtain greater generality. The algorithm presented here should be thought of as replacing the basic algorithms in [3] and [4]. The important theoretical work developed in [3] and [4] should be used to calculate the knapsack function for large arguments. The knapsack problem is defined as: find xi , j = l,..., n that
A paradigm for location and multidimensional problems in planning

Abstract Several theories, concepts, methods, or alternatively, “paradigms” have been suggested for the explanation and prediction of the location behavior of urban households. Increasingly, hwoever, “behavioral” approaches to the explanation of the dimensions of “choice” and/or exploration of alternative hypotheses have been cumbersome in the “mechanistic” paradigms of the social system and its related subsystems. An alternative paradigm of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is proposed to explore alternative structural specification hypotheses (sequential versus simultaneous) on the grouping and changing relative importance of “instrumental” and “non-instrumental” factors affecting location decision-making. AHP estimates of the “locational shares” of an urban (corridor) zonal population provide a paradigmatic basis for behavioral, vis-a-vis environmental, explanation of location decision-processes in a methodologically efficient, robust and theoretically inclusive framework of hierarchy systems. This paradigm is proposed for locational analysis requiring an effective integration of multilevel, environmental (contextual) and behavioral measures of relative importance, with limited data, and, for multidimensional problems in planning and policy-making, formidably requiring the integration of positive with normative analysis of systems.
Effects of Hyperthermia on Binding, Internalization, and Degradation of Epidermal Growth Factor

125 I-epidermal growth factor was used as a molecular probe to study the effects of hyperthermia and local anesthetics on cultured Rat-1 cells. Heating cells at 45°C for times up to 1 hr caused a continuous decrease in EGF binding. Scatchard analysis showed that the decreased binding resulted from a decrease in the affinity of the EGF receptors rather than from a decrease in receptor number. Whereas hyperthermia as high as 45°C for 30 min did not inhibit the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis of EGF, the degradation of internalized EGF was strongly inhibited at temperatures from 43 to 46°C. Exposure to 42°C had no effect on degradation. Because EGF degradation has been shown to occur in lysosomes, we compared the effects of heat to those caused by the local anesthetics procaine and lidocaine, which have been shown to prevent EGF degradation. The latter compounds, as well as other lysosomotropic amines, were similar to hyperthermia in their ability to permit accumulation of internalized EGF by preven...
A Multi-Year Program Developing an Explicit Reflective Pedagogy for Teaching Pre-service Teachers the Nature of Science by Ostention

This investigation delineates a multi-year action research agenda designed to develop an instructional model for teaching the nature of science (NOS) to preservice science teachers. Our past research strongly supports the use of explicit reflective instructional methods, which includes Thomas Kuhn’s notion of learning by ostention and treating science as a continuum (i.e., comparing fields of study to one another for relative placement as less to more scientific). Instruction based on conceptual change precepts, however, also exhibits promise. Thus, the investigators sought to ascertain the degree to which conceptual change took place among students (n = 15) participating in the NOS instructional model. Three case studies are presented to illustrate successful conceptual changes that took place as a result of the NOS instructional model. All three cases represent students who claim a very conservative Christian heritage and for whom evolution was not considered a legitimate scientific theory prior to participating in the NOS instructional model. All three case study individuals, along with their twelve classmates, placed evolution as most scientific when compared to intelligent design and a fictional field of study called “Umbrellaology.”
US duration and local trial spacing affect autoshaped responding

The acquisition and maintenance of signal-directed pecking was examined in week-old Leg-Horn chicks responding to a keylight stimulus paired with heat. In contrast with previous studies using pigeons with food as the US, both speed of acquisition and asymptotic level of keypecking were a direct function of US duration. Experiment 2 examined responding using a within-subject design to isolate the effects of trial spacing on performance during the immediate trial from the effects on performance during a following trial of fixed length. These comparisons revealed a significant effect of intertriai interval (ITI), with less responding after shorter intervals. The effect of different temporal spacing was apparent in responding on the immediate trial, but not on the following trial. These local ITI effects were better predicted by a recent autoshaping model based on relative waiting time (Jenkins, Barnes, & Barrera, 1981) than by a model based on relative US expectancy (Gibbons & Balsam, 1981). However, neither model predicted the effect of US duration. A reexamination of the US-duration literature suggested that the diversity of previous findings is consistent with the assumption that conditioned responding is an inverted U-shaped function of US duration.
Measurements of the spin-rotation parameters for parrowd. -->. parrowd elastic scattering at 496, 647, and 800 MeV

The spin-rotation parameters D/sub N/N, D/sub S/S, D/sub L/S, D/sub S/L, and D/sub L/L; induced polarization P; and vector analyzing power A at 496 and 647 MeV and D/sub S/L and D/sub L/L at 800 MeV for p-d elastic scattering have been measured using a polarized proton beam. This work represents the first measurement of the final state L component parameters D/sub S/L and D/sub L/L for p-d elastic scattering. Comparison with the noneikonal multiple scattering theory reveals large discrepancies between the data and current theory at 800 and 650 MeV but fairly good agreement is seen at 500 MeV. The data also provide for a test of time-reversal invariance.
Workflow scheduling in computational grids: Opportunistic vs. planned

One of the prime-most issues that is faced by the parallel systems in the past and is inherited by the grid systems of today, is the mapping and the execution of jobs on the available machines. Various scheduling approaches that were suggested in classical parallel systems literature are adopted for the grid systems with appropriate modifications. Although these modifications made them suitable for execution in grid environment, these approaches failed to deliver on the performance front. Dynamic availability of resources, data dependence among the tasks and communication latencies are some of the factors that negatively affected the outcome of these scheduling algorithms. Various grid management systems implemented their custom tailored versions of scheduling algorithms for task execution in the grid. These approaches suffer from various shortcomings such as inefficient utilization of the execution queues and/or failure to cater for the dependencies among the tasks in a job. In this paper, we will compare the two prevalent scheduling models in the grid; opportunistic and planned. Opportunistic model is used in DAGMan for scheduling workflow applications, which in-turn is an integral component of Condor and Condor-G. Planned scheduling, on the other hand, is used by the grid management architectures such as GrADS and MARS.
French final consonants and nonlinear phonology

Abstract Within the broad framework of Nonlinear Phonology, the formal distinction required in the representations of latent and fixed final consonants in French has received an impressive array of competing implementations. This paper offers a critical survey of the major types of approaches proposed in skeletal, moraic and government theories.
Coexistent psoriasis and lupus erythematosus treated with alefacept

Coexistence of psoriasis and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is unusual. Although there have been reports of this occurrence, there have been no reports of this overlap syndrome treated with immunomodulators. We describe a case of coexisting psoriasis and SCLE initially treated with infliximab, and then alefacept. The patient's arthritis flared after the second infusion of infliximab, which was discontinued. During treatment with alefacept, the patient's psoriasis improved markedly without exacerbation of his photosensitive SCLE lesions.
Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in environmental standard reference materials

Standard reference materials (SRMs) are valuable tools in developing and validating analytical methods to improve quality assurance standards. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a long history of providing environmental SRMs with certified concentrations of organic and inorganic contaminants. Here we report on new certified and reference concentrations for 27 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners in seven different SRMs: cod-liver oil, whale blubber, fish tissue (two materials), mussel tissue and sediment (two materials). PBDEs were measured in these SRMs, with the lowest concentrations measured in mussel tissue (SRM 1974b) and the highest in sediment collected from the New York/New Jersey Waterway (SRM 1944). Comparing the relative PBDE congener concentrations within the samples, we found the biota SRMs contained primarily tetrabrominated and pentabrominated diphenyl ethers, whereas the sediment SRMs contained primarily decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE 209). The cod-liver oil (SRM 1588b) and whale blubber (SRM 1945) materials were also found to contain measurable concentrations of two methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-BDEs). Certified and reference concentrations are reported for 12 PBDE congeners measured in the biota SRMs and reference values are available for two MeO-BDEs. Results from a sediment interlaboratory comparison PBDE exercise are available for the two sediment SRMs (1941b and 1944).
Comparison of paired-pulse facilitation of AMPA and NMDA synaptic currents in the lateral amygdala

Stimulating thalamic fibers exiting from the internal capsule evokes a glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) recorded in vitro with patch electrodes in neurons of the rat lateral amygdala (LA). The purpose of this study is to compare paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), a form of short-term synaptic plasticity, of AMPA and NMDA receptor-mediated EPSCs. Analysis of PPF at this synapse is important since, in fear-conditioned animals, PPF reflects an enhanced transmitter release but the amplitude of only AMPA EPSCs is facilitated. PPF magnitude of the composite EPSC is a result of both AMPA and NMDA receptor activation; however, the characteristics of AMPA and NMDA PPF are dissimilar. Specifically, the NMDA EPSC shows greater PPF (NMDA PPF) than does the AMPA EPSC whether measuring the NMDA PPF magnitude in an AMPA antagonist/Mg(2+)-free solution or by subtracting the AMPA EPSC from the composite EPSC in normal Mg(2+). Presynaptic NMDA receptors neither influence AMPA PPF nor account for the difference between the NMDA and AMPA PPF. Another difference was that removal of inhibitory tone enhanced AMPA PPF, while it had mixed effects on NMDA PPF. Furthermore, AMPA PPF was independent of stimulus intensity and postsynaptic voltage, unlike the NMDA PPF. Another dissimilarity was that the amplitudes of pairs of AMPA EPSCs were not correlated, suggesting presynaptic mechanisms. In contrast, NMDA PPF was dependent on stimulus intensity and postsynaptic voltage and the amplitudes of paired NMDA EPSCs had a positive correlation, suggesting a postsynaptic influence. Both AMPA and NMDA PPF were influenced by GABA inhibition and this could be a factor in the magnitude disparity. These data show that AMPA and NMDA PPF have different characteristics and contribute to the composite PPF in the thalamic to lateral amygdala pathway.
A relationship between particular reproductive endocrine disorders and the laterality of epileptiform discharges in women with epilepsy

Cerebral limbic structures modulate the endocrine function of the hypothalamopituitary axis in both animals and humans. In an investigation of 30 women who had complex partial seizures with unilateral temporal lobe epileptiform discharges and reproductive endocrine disorders, there was a significant difference between the EEG laterality distributions associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO) and those associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). There was a strong predominance of left-sided discharges (15 versus one) with PCO, and right-sided discharges (12 versus two) with HH. Each distribution differed significantly from that of 30 women with epilepsy who had no reproductive endocrine disorder (left/right: 17/13). Moreover, among women with PCO who had unilateral non-temporal lobe foci, six of seven had right-sided epileptiform discharges. This represents a significant difference from the EEG laterality distribution among women with PCO who had temporal foci. These relationships between altered patterns of reproductive hormonal secretion and the predominant laterality of EEG epileptiform discharges in women with epilepsy are consistent with a lateralized asymmetry in cerebral influences on reproductive endocrine function.