cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Innate immunity in plants: a continuum of layered defenses

Plant responses to pathogenic invaders result from recognition of nonself elicitors. Host surveillance proteins activate distinct signaling pathways that induce partially overlapping defensive responses. Pathogen virulence is promoted by inhibition of these pathways. This evolutionary struggle has produced plant immune systems that rely on a continuum of layered defenses.
Superconductivity of Sn-Zn Eutectic Alloys

An experimental study has been made of the superconducting transitions in Sn-Zn eutectic alloys in the temperature range 3.0-3.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, employing magnetization measurements on spherical samples. The samples were about 4 mm in diameter, and the laminar spacing varied from 1 to 8\ensuremath{\mu} depending on the speed with which the parent ingot had been cooled from the melt. The measurements showed magnetic isotherms approaching those of a type-I superconductor, but with frozen flux of varying degree. The critical-field-versus-temperature relation was similar to that of pure Sn, providing evidence that the laminations behave like a continuous superconducting material. The transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ was found to decrease with decreasing laminar spacing. This effect was compared quantitatively with the predictions of proximity-effect theory. The two significant theoretical parameters derived from the data were ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{s}$, the effective resistivity ratio of the Sn-rich phase, and ${T}_{\mathrm{cn}}$, the effective transition temperature of the Zn-rich phase. The large-spacing ${T}_{c}$ data indicated an effective ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{s}$ of about 0.12, in reasonable agreement with the expected magnitude. At smaller spacing the experimental ${T}_{c}$ was higher than expected. Alternatively stated, ${T}_{\mathrm{cn}}$ was 2.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, which is larger than the accepted Zn transition temperature 0.9\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Embryonic development and skeletogenesis of the pharyngeal jaw apparatus in the cichlid Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The evolution of a specialized pharyngeal jaw apparatus (PJA) has been argued to be the key evolutionary innovation that allowed the explosive adaptive radiation of cichlid fishes in East African lakes. Subsequent studies together with recent molecular phylogenies have shown that similar innovations evolved independently several times within the teleosts, which poses the questions: (1) how similar are the developmental mechanisms responsible for these changes in divergent taxa and (2) how did such complex features arise independently in evolution? A detailed knowledge of PJA development in cichlids and other teleosts is needed to address these questions. Here, we provide a detailed account of the development of the PJA in one species of cichlid, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), from the early segmentation and patterning of its embryonic precursors – pharyngeal arches 3 to 7 – to its ossification. We find that pharyngeal segmentation occurs sequentially from anterior to posterior during early segmentation stages through the mid-pharyngula period. We show a clear combinatorial code of Hox gene expression such that each posterior arch is defined by a distinctive Hox signature. Posterior arch chondrogenesis in tilapia is essentially complete by the end of the hatching period, and most elements become ossified over the next two days. Our results reveal that both the fusion of lower jaw bones and articulation between the neurocranium and upper jaws occur during post-embryonic development. Abstract end data should be: Anat Rec, 292:1780–1800, 2009. V V C 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Finite-difference approximation of the exterior problem for poisson's equation

The three-dimensional exterior problem (where the potential distribution is outside of the boundary configuration) is converted to an equivalent interior problem; while leaving the region of interest unchanged. The important axially symmetric problem is treated as a special case. Finite-difference approximations appropriate for computer solution of the modified exterior problem are proposed for both the two-dimensional (x-y coordinate) and the axially symmetric (r-z coordinate) cases. The accuracy of these finite-difference approximations is evaluated by numerical solution of exterior problems with known analytical solutions.
Reinforcement duration and the peak shift in post-discrimination gradients.

Pigeons were trained to key-peck for food, first with single-stimulus training and then with successive discrimination (multiple schedule) training. In the multiple schedule, two different wavelengths were each correlated with equally frequent variable-interval reinforcement but different durations (6 sec vs. 2 sec) of access to grain. For some birds, the different durations of feeding cycle were cued by different intensities of the food hopper light. For some of these “cued” birds, single-stimulus training had been carried out with 6-sec feedings and when multiple-schedule training was introduced, the novel stimulus was correlated with 2-sec feedings. For the others, 2-sec feedings were originally used, and the novel stimulus was then present during the 6-sec reinforcement duration. The cueing procedure enhanced discrimination performance, and was necessary for the consistent production of a peak shift. In addition, the condition in which original training had been carried out with 6-sec feedings, and thus reinforcement duration was reduced in the presence of the novel stimulus, led to the best performance.
Light Propagation in Colloidal Crystals and Glass: The Role of the Packing Geometry

We study light propagation in films composed of random mixtures of strongly- and weakly-scattering spheres. The transport mean free path of photons, l *, is enhanced when the coordination number of strong scatterers is ~ 4.
Treaties and Executive Agreements

Various serials related to treaties and executive agreements are discussed within the context of historical events. Mention is made of the constitutional, statutory, and administrative authority that requires the U.S. government to negotiate and publish treaties and executive agreements. Examples include those compacts concerning the Panama Canal and the reduction of nuclear weapons. The many official sources are noted, with a description of their purpose and role in the treaty process.
Multinight recording and analysis of continuous positive airway pressure airflow in the home for titration and management of sleep disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVES The authors examined magnitude/variability of residual sleep disordered breathing (SDB) at pressures around the therapeutic continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and described a multinight approach to CPAP titration/retitration consisting of recording airflow and summarizing SDB over multiple nights at multiple pressures and choosing an optimal pressure from these summarized data. DESIGN Prospective, single-center nonblinded study. PATIENTS Ten female/18 male patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) (respiratory disturbance index [RDI] 67/h), 17 newly-initiated, 11 chronic CPAP users. INTERVENTIONS A custom CPAP device (Fisher & Paykel Healthcare) recording airflow and pre-programmed to vary CPAP between 2-3 cm H2O below and 1-2 cm H2O above prescription pressure as determined by a full laboratory titration. RESULTS Airflow and pressure continuously recorded for multiple nights (15.9 ± 5.1 nights) at four to seven different pressures in each patient. SDB events manually scored from the airflow as apnea (airflow reduction > 90%), hypopnea (airflow reduction > 30% lasting 10 to 120 sec with inspira-tory flow limitation [IFL]) and runs of sustained IFL > 2 min identified. RDI = (apnea + hypopnea)/total sleep time calculated for each night and an obstruction index, including sustained IFL, also was calculated. PressureMultinight was obtained for each patient from multiple nights of data using two mathematical techniques. Night-to-night variability of SDB indices was low in some patients and significant in others. PressureMultinight could be determined in 17 of 28 patients and was similar to the in-laboratory pressure. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that recording multiple nights of CPAP airflow in the home and analyzing these data for residual SDB provided useful information, including the possibility of determining a therapeutic prescription for fixed CPAP in most patients and identification of others with significant physiologic variability of SDB.
Characterisation of individual ambient aerosol particles retained on taxus needles washed with water

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy interfaced with automated image analysis and X-ray energy spectrometry (SAX) was used to characterise the size and elemental composition of ambient aerosol particles retained on Taxus needles washed with water. Washing with water for 45 min removed 96% of the particle mass from field-sampled Taxus needles, but the number of particles was reduced by only 63%. To address the removal of ‘recently deposited’ particles, Taxus seedlings were grown with twigs isolated in a ‘particle-free’ environment, and then were exposed for four days at an industrial site. Washing of these needles with water for 60 min removed 97% of the particle mass and reduced the number of particles on the needles by 85%. The percentage distribution of particles in 29 chemical classes, defined on the basis of the relative intensity of X-rays collected from individual particles for up to 27 elements (Z > 10), changed dramatically after washing due to effective removal of the ‘most-soluble’ classes of particles. Particle population percentage distributions were remarkably similar for washed field needles, washed industrial site (short-term exposure) needles, and unwashed field Taxus needles collected at the industrial site after rainfall events. On an elemental mass basis, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, and calcium were removed most efficiently; iron was removed least efficiently. Sample calculations demonstrate the importance of particle retention on washed needles, particularly in the determination of trace element concentrations in washed plant tissue.
Ovarian hormones influence odor cues emitted by female meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus

During the spring-summer breeding season female meadow voles emit odors that are preferred by males, whereas in the autumn-winter season of reproductive quiescence females emit odors that are not preferred by males, but are attractive to females. The effects of daylength and ovarian hormones on salience of female odors were determined by assaying male responses to odors. Females housed in long and short photoperiods transmitted odors that elicited responses similar to those of spring and autumn female voles, respectively. The odor cues emitted by ovariectomized (OVX) females, irrespective of photoperiodic history, were similar to those generated by females during the nonbreeding season. In the absence of ovarian hormones, long daylengths were not sufficient to induce females to broadcast the spring odors preferred by males. Spring-type odor cues were, however, emitted by OVX voles housed in either photoperiod and treated with estradiol. Ovarian hormones appear necessary and sufficient to generate breeding season odor cues and sufficient to induce production of such cues during the nonbreeding season. We conclude that daylength affects odor cues emitted by females by altering ovarian hormone activity.
Optimizing the planning of construction site security for critical infrastructure projects

Construction decisions can have a significant impact on the security level of critical infrastructures over their entire life cycle. Federal regulations require construction managers and security officers to consider all possible physical security measures to protect critical assets and classified information that reside onsite during the construction phase of critical infrastructure projects. This paper presents the development of an automated multi-objective optimization framework for the planning of construction site layout and security systems of critical infrastructure projects that provides the capability of minimizing overall security risks and minimizing overall site costs. The framework is developed in four main phases: (1) risk identification and system modeling, (2) security lighting optimization, (3) security-cost optimization, and (4) performance evaluation. The automated framework utilizes newly developed metrics for quantifying the security system performance and the impact of site layout planning on the effectiveness of the security system. The performance of the present framework is analyzed using an application example that demonstrates its capabilities in planning construction site security systems and generating optimal tradeoffs between minimizing security risks and minimizing overall site costs.
Forensic identification of seal oils using lipid profiles and statistical models.

Seal blubber oils are used as a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in Canada but prohibited in the United States and (FA) European Union. Thus, a reliable method is needed to identify oils originating from seals versus fish. Two lipid profiling methods, fatty acid analysis using gas chromatography and triacylglycerol (TAG) analysis using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, were applied with statistical models to discriminate commercial oils and blubber samples harvested from marine fish and seals. Significant differences were observed among FA profiles, and seal samples differed from each of the fish oils (p ≤ 0.001). FA and TAG profiles were used to discriminate sample groups using a random forest classifier; all samples were classified correctly as seals versus fish using both methods. We propose a two-step method for the accurate identification of seal oils, with preliminary identification based on FA profile analysis and confirmation with TAG profiles.
A HIGH-ORDER FAST MARCHING SCHEME FOR THE LINEARIZED EIKONAL EQUATION

We present a high-order upwind finite-difference scheme for solving a useful family of first-order partial differential equations, of which the linearized eikonal equation is a member. Fast solutions of the linearized eikonal equation have applications in traveltime tomography and residual migration algorithms. The technique, besides being both accurate and stable, escapes aperture limitations inherent in static marching schemes. We use a time-sequential evaluation method similar to Sethian's Fast Marching strategy to insure causal operator evaluation. We apply our technique to several complex slowness distributions, including the Marmousi model. We also use an adaptation of our technique to compute Cartesian-to-Ray coordinate transforms for the same slowness models.
Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Mass Selected Chromium Trimers in an Argon Matrix

The resonance Raman spectra of mass-selected chromium trimers (Cr3) in argon matrixes have been obtained. Five resonance Raman transitions were observed between 450 and 690 nm. Four of them are assigned to a totally symmetric (a1‘) vibrational progression, from which we obtain a ground-state harmonic frequency of ωe = 432.2 cm-1 with ωexe = 16.3 cm-1. The other Raman line, observed at 302.0 cm-1, is assigned to the degenerate bending motion v2(e‘) of the triatomic metal cluster. The geometry of the ground state is that of an equilateral triangle (D3h). These results provide a value of the stretching force constant of ke = 1.91 mdyne/A and a spectroscopic atomization energy of 0.36 eV.
Media Discontinuance: Modeling the Diffusion “S” Curve to Declines in Media Use

AbstractThe cumulative growth in innovations such as new media has been modeled with S-curves. However, the S-curve model has not been applied to mature innovations that have reached their peak of diffusion and begun to decline. This study explores the potential extension of the use of the S-curve to model decays in the availability or usage of traditional media. Using annual data from declines in telegrams, afternoon newspapers, vinyl records, outdoor movie theaters, and VHS tapes, this study finds that declines in incumbent media often follow a dramatic downward path that is more abrupt than that of media undergoing growth. Implications for media management and theory are discussed.
The Changing Spatial Concentration of Income and Poverty among Suburbs of Large US Metropolitan Areas

After developing a longitudinal data-base of civil divisions within 27 large metropolitan areas (MSAs) from the 1970-1990 US censuses, this study examines changes in the spatial concentration of income and poverty within these MSAs. A series of cross-sectional analyses of geographical and social determinants of poverty rates and median household income are used to analyse whether the determinants are changing over time. Large, older central cities in the north-east and mid-west have experienced increasing poverty and decreases in income relative to their own history and relative to their own suburbs. There is some evidence of economic decline in the inner suburbs of these central cities relative to other suburbs, but not relative to the central cities. The geographical shifts in MSA population among suburbs by income between 1970 and 1990 are analysed relative to initial social characteristics of civil divisions. The study concludes that the filtering of older residential buildings to, and the lower margi...
Proteomic Assessment Shows That Many Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)-resident Proteins Are Targeted by Nϵ-Lysine Acetylation in the Lumen of the Organelle and Predicts Broad Biological Impact *

In addition to the nucleus, cytosol, and mitochondrial lumen, Nϵ-lysine acetylation also occurs in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, the impact of such an event on ER functions is still unknown. Here, we analyzed the “ER acetyl-lysine proteome” by nano-LC-MS/MS and discovered that a large number of ER-resident and -transiting proteins undergo Nϵ-lysine acetylation in the lumen of the organelle. The list of ER-resident proteins includes chaperones and enzymes involved with post-translational modification and folding. Grouping of all acetylated proteins into major functional categories suggests that the ER-based acetylation machinery regulates very diverse biological events. As such, it is predicted to play a fundamental role in human physiology as well as human pathology.
Bilirubin Oxidase in Addition to Intensive Phototherapy to Eliminate or Delay Need for Exchange (Ex Tx). 923

BOX, in the presence of O2, selectively destroys bilirubin and its oxidation products. During feedings, active enzyme is recovered from the stools (near 100% recovery in infant rats) and stool bilirubin and bilirubin glucuronides are markedly decreased. Since 1995, on an IND permit, after informed consent, BOX, in PO4 buffer, has been given to eight newborn infants at risk of Ex Tx because of rapidly rising serum bilirubin (SB) in spite of intensive photoRx (BW 1997 to 3960g, GA 32 to 40 wk, 60 to 120 enzyme units/kg/day in one or two hourly feedings or constant OG infusion). Oral BOX was uniformly well tolerated, with no signs of toxicity. Three of the eight were term infants and otherwise healthy; one with severe BO disease (to be described elsewhere), and two with G6PD deficiency with mild hemolysis. Hepatic bilirubin excretion was quite limited in one of these latter infants whose SB rose to 27 mg/dl (BA ratio 6.3mg/g) in spite of intensive photoRx plus BOX, and an Ex Tx was necessary. The remaining five jaundiced BOX-Rx infants had other complications. One was an IDM born at 35/36 wk GA with polycythemia, hypoglycemia, somewhat increased hemolysis (day zero Hct 68%, day 5 Hct 44%) and a rapidly rising SB. After starting oral BOX, SB rise moderated, plateaued and then fell sharply. No Ex was necessary. The four other infants, one term and three preterm, were critically ill, two with severe birth asphyxia, shock and large subgaleal/intracerebral bleeds, one with symtomatic sepsis and poor albumin bilirubin binding affinity (36 wk GA), and one (32 wk GA twin) with severe bruising, probable sepsis and respirtory distress. Only the two infants with large intracranial bleeds required Ex. No Ex was needed in the two other sick infants. A significant increase in bilirubin clearance is suggested by the more rapid than expected fall in SB. We conclude BOX Rx appears promising, completely non toxic, and deserves study in randomized clinical trials. (BOX supplied by Amano International Enzyme Co., Ltd.)}
BSM pin assignment with differential pairing on multiple layer designs

Bottom Surface Metals (BSM) pin assignment for high frequency signals on a package device is a tedious manual job. Recently, [3] proposed a network flow based method to assign BSM automatically for one layer without routing blockages. In this paper, we extend the work of [3] to do BSM pin assignment on multiple layers with routing blockages. [3] also considers BSM differential pairing constraints, but the pairing is limited to horizontal and vertical pairs. As technology advances, diagonal BSM pairs start to present in designs which makes the BSM pairing algorithm in [3] not applicable any more. In this work, we present an optimal BSM pairing algorithm based on maximum weight matching. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our algorithms.
Introduction to Multi-criteria Decision Support Systems Minitrack

Almost all decisions that people are faced with are made based on multiple factors or criteria, with the decision maker pursuing multiple, and often conflicting, objectives. A feasible solution that is optimum with respect to all objectives or criteria rarely, if ever, exists. The field of multi-criteria decision-making research has been around for more than thirty years and deals with problem theory and solution approaches directly involving multiple decision criteria. Information technology and systems may help in dealing with such multi-criteria decision problems. This mini-track focuses on solution approaches, technology, and systems that support decision-making under consideration of multiple decision criteria.
Neuroendocrine Abnormalities in Fibromyalgia and Related Disorders

Fibromyalgia (FM) and related syndromes are poorly understood disorders that share symptoms such as pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and psychological distress. These syndromes are more common in women, and they are associated with psychological or physical stressors. The neuroendocrine axes are essential physiologic systems that allow for communication between the brain and the body. Interconnections among the neuroendocrine axes lead to coordinate regulation of these systems in both a positive and negative fashion. Several neuroendocrine axes have been shown to be dysfunctional in patients with FM. Although we do not yet understand the relationship between the reported disturbances of neuroendocrine function and the development or maintenance of FM and related syndromes, the authors have proposed that these abnormalities are important in symptomatic manifestations. This article reviews data showing disturbances of the neuroendocrine axes in FM and proposes a hypothesis of the development and maintenance of FM related to neuroendocrine disturbances.
Adrenocorticotropin and Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Stimulate de Novo Synthesis of Adrenal Phosphatidic Acid by a Cycloheximide-Sensitive, Ca++-Dependent Mechanism

We tested further our postulate that enhanced de novo synthesis of phosphatidic acid is responsible for ACTH- and cAMP-induced increases in adrenal phospholipids in the phosphatidate polyphosphoinositide pathway. During incubation of adrenal sections or cells in vitro, ACTH and cAMP increased the concentrations of and incorporation of [3H]glycerol and [14C]palmitate into phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, two major phospholipids which are derived from phosphatidic acid, but are extrinsic to the inositide pathway. Thus, it is unlikely that ACTH and cAMP increase inositide phospholipids at the expense of other phospholipids. Similar to previously reported effects on phosphatidic acid and inositide phospholipids, cycloheximide blocked the effects of ACTH and cAMP on phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. In addition, Ca++ was required for these effects, as well as for cAMP-induced increases in phosphatidic acid, inositide phospholipids, and steroidogenesis. Our findings strongly suggest that ACTH, via cAMP, stimulates de novo phosphatidate synthesis by a cycloheximide-sensitive, Ca++-dependent process, and this stimulation causes a rapid generalized increase in adrenal phospholipids. Moreover, the increased incorporation of labeled glycerol and palmitate into phospholipids suggests that ACTH and cAMP may stimulate the glycerol-3'-PO4 acyltransferase reaction. This stimulatory effect may play a central role in the steroidogenic and trophic actions of ACTH and cAMP.
DICOM image viewers: a survey

Purpose: The purpose of this survey was to identify and characterize available programs for viewing DICOM images on personal computers. Methods: To determine the most commonly used software packages for viewing DICOM images and to seek out less well-known ones, recommendations from colleagues, Internet searches, and searches of databases were carried out. Available software was downloaded and run on the hardware recommended by the developer. Features, such as DICOM information object types, image processing capabilities included, and the ability to export images in other formats were tested and compared. Results: A number of “freeware” and “shareware” programs for viewing DICOM images are available. They range from comprehensive offerings that are very similar to commercial workstation software to simple-to-use programs to open DICOM image files and display the images on personal computers. Surprisingly, some of the more capable software is also “freeware”. Breakthrough work: While no scientific breakthroughs resulted from this work, at least one of the DICOM image software packages was not well known among the author’s colleagues who were familiar with other systems, and this particular software was among the most flexible in terms of exporting images in other forms. Conclusion: DICOM viewing software is readily available at no, or low, cost. These programs vary in ease of use, features, and output capability. The results of this survey, while necessarily a “snapshot” in the fast-moving world of software development, should be useful to those who desire to open DICOM images on personal computers or export images from PACS for use in typical office or educational applications.
Diet and risk for breast cancer recurrence and survival

Dietary factors may influence the risk for breast cancer and also the prognosis following diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess whether self-reported prediagnosis diet or other patient factors associated with breast cancer incidence were predictive of recurrence and survival. Patients (n = 149) diagnosed with primary breast cancer between 1989 and 1991 were followed for five or more years. Total energy (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.58, 95%, confidence interval (CI) = 1.05, 2.38) as well as total (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.01), saturated (HR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.05, 3.04), and monounsaturated (HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.09, 2.49) fat intakes were associated with increased risk, and energy-adjusted bread and cereal consumption (HR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.93) with decreased risk of recurrence. Both total energy (HR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.03, 2.43) and polyunsaturated fat (HR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.09, 3.13) intakes were associated with an increased risk of death. All associations between dietary fat and recurrence and survival attenuated following energy adjustment. Oral contraceptive use (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.60), lymph node positive status (HR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.01, 5.49), and tumor stage (HR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.02, 4.81) were associated with increased risk of recurrence. Tumor stage (HR = 4.96, 95% CI = 1.86, 13.23), lymph node positive status (HR = 3.31, 95% CI = 1.38, 7.95), and estrogen receptor negative status (HR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.02, 5.94) were associated with increased risk, and arm muscle circumference (HR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.86) and mammographic utilization (HR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61, 0.98) with decreased risk of death. Higher levels of energy, fat intakes, and selected patient characteristics (particularly disease stage and anthropometric indicators of adiposity) appear to increase risk of recurrence and/or shortened survival following the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Blood Volume in Normal Chicks and in Chicks with Nutritional Encephalomalacia

Conclusions1. The disease described as nutritional encephalomalacia of chicks is not associated with significant alterations in cell plasma ratio, plasma or blood volume. 2. During the early growth period of the chick, the growth of the plasma and blood follow closely the growth of body weight. The blood and plasma volume per kilo, aside from individual variations, remain constant throughout the early growth period.
Response of Selected Hard Red Wheat Lines to Imazamox as Affected by Number and Location of Resistance Genes, Parental Background, and Growth Habit

Imidazolinone-resistant (IR) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was released for commercial production in portions of the USA in 2002 and has provided growers with a new technology to selectively control winter annual grass weeds. Imidazolinone herbicides inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS) in susceptible plants; however, IR wheat has an altered target site which confers resistance to these herbicides. The mutation-derived resistance trait of most commercially available IR winter wheat cultivars is located on the D-genome; however, winter and spring wheat cultivars with the resistance trait on the A, B, or D genome or on multiple genomes are currently under development. Four groups of near-isoline wheat with spring or winter growth habit and resistance genes on the B, D, or both B and D genomes were compared for whole plant and ALS enzyme response to imazamox. Biomass accumulation after treatment was similar among B- and Dgenome resistant winter wheat biotypes and was always higher than Band D-genome resistant spring wheat biotypes. D-genome resistant spring wheat was more resistant than B-genome resistant spring wheat and the two-gene resistant spring wheat had an additive level of tolerance to imazamox compared with single-gene resistant spring wheat. Growth habit (spring vs. winter) did not affect in vitro ALS activity among B- or among D-genome resistant cultivars; however, D-genome resistant cultivars had significantly higher in vitro ALS activity in the presence of imazamox compared with B-genome resistant cultivars regardless of growth habit. D-genome resistance appears to provide greater tolerance to imazamox compared with B-genome resistance; however, multiple-genome resistance likely will be required to consistently avoid crop injury in spring wheat from labeled U.S. rates. Although ALS extracted from winter wheat and spring wheat responded similarly to imazamox, whole plant responses demonstrates that tolerance is affected by factors other than resistance gene location.
Integrated semiconductor optical sensors for cellular and neural imaging

We review integrated optical sensors for functional brain imaging, localized index-of-refraction sensing as part of a lab-on-a-chip, and in vivo continuous monitoring of tumor and cancer stem cells. We present semiconductor-based sensors and imaging systems for these applications. Measured intrinsic optical signals and tissue optics simulations indicate the need for high dynamic range and low dark-current neural sensors. Simulated and measured reflectance spectra from our guided resonance filter demonstrate the capability for index-of-refraction sensing on cellular scales, compatible with integrated biosensors. Finally, we characterized a thermally evaporated emission filter that can be used to improve sensitivity for in vivo fluorescence sensing.
Predicting performance of concurrency control designs

Performance is a high-priority consideration when designing concurrent or distributed systems. The process of designing such a system is complicated by two factors: (1) the current state-of-the-art in concurrent system design is very ad hoc — software design principles for concurrent systems are still in their infancy, and (2) performance evaluation of concurrent systems is quite difficult and it is especially difficult to relate aspects of the design to aspects of the implementation. This paper reports on work with a performance modeling technique for concurrent or distributed systems that allows structured design to be related to the implementation of the concurrency control component of the system. First, a General Process Model (GPM) is used to organize system design information into a six level hierarchy. The abstract performance properties of each level in the hierarchy have been established using concurrency control theory. Next, we describe how to translate the structured system design into efficient concurrency control techniques, using elements of this theory. Finally, a prototype automated design evaluation tool which serves as a central component of the design methodology is described.
A Nickel Finish Protects Silicon Photoanodes for Water Splitting

The large-scale generation of hydrogen from water with sunlight could provide a sustainable source of this industrially important gas, but could also provide fuel for vehicles and a storage medium for solar energy. The direct photoelectrochemical (PEC) splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen, which combines a photovoltaic cell and an electrolyzer into a single device, remains an important goal ( 1 ). One problem is that some of the materials that work well for photovoltaics, such as n-type silicon (Si), corrode in electrolyzer solutions. On page 836 of this issue, Kenney et al. ( 2 ) show that a 2-nm-thick nickel (Ni) film on an n-type silicon semiconductor not only provides some stability against corrosion when used for oxygen evolution in a PEC configuration, but also generates a high voltage via a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) configuration.
Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

Because there are no reliable biological or laboratory markers associated with the condition, the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is based on patient descriptions of common symptoms such as abdominal pain accompanied by changes in stool form or frequency and associated symptoms such as bloating and distension. With the development and refinement of symptom-based criteria for the diagnosis of IBS, the traditional need for a negative diagnostic evaluation has been questioned. This article evaluates the diagnostic characteristics of various symptom-based criteria in routine clinical practice and reviews the data regarding the yield of the multiple commonly used diagnostic tests in patients with suspected IBS.
Reasons for contraceptive nonuse among women having unmet need for contraception in developing countries.

The level of unmet need for contraception -- an important motivator of international family planning programs and policies -- has declined only slightly in recent decades. This study draws upon data from 51 surveys conducted between 2006 and 2013 in Africa Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean to provide an updated review of the reasons why many married women having unmet need are not practicing contraception. We examine the reasons for contraceptive nonuse and how these reasons vary across countries and according to national levels of unmet need and contraceptive use. We present specific findings regarding the most widespread reasons for nonuse particularly infrequent sex and concerns regarding side effects or health risks. Our findings suggest that access to services that provide a range of methods from which to choose and information and counseling to help women select and effectively use an appropriate method can be critical in helping women having unmet need overcome obstacles to contraceptive use.
Unexpected suppression of free phenytoin concentration by salicylate in uremic sera due to the presence of inhibitors: MALDI mass spectrometric determination of molecular weight range of inhibitors.

Abstract Salicylate displaces phenytoin from protein binding leading to an increase in free phenytoin concentration. We observed unexpected decreases in free phenytoin concentration in the presence of salicylate. Serum pools containing no phenytoin or salicylate were supplemented with the same concentrations of phenytoin. Then to the aliquots of the individual pool, no salicylate (control), 150, 300 and 500 μg ml of salicylate (therapeutic range: 15–300 μg ml ) were added. Specimens were incubated at 37 °C for 2 h and after re-equilibration at room temperature for 20 min, total and free phenytoin (in the protein free ultrafiltrates) concentrations were measured using fluorescence polarization immunoassay on the TDx/FLX analyzer. We observed an increase in free phenytoin concentration from 1.91 μg ml (in the absence of salicylate) to 2.39 μg ml in the presence of 500 μg ml salicylate (total phenytoin: 13.3 μg ml ) in the normal pool. In sharp contrast, the free phenytoin concentrations decreased from an initial concentration of 3.82 μg ml to 2.52 μg ml in the presence of 500 μg ml of salicylate (total phenytoin: 13.2 μg ml ) in the uremic pool. We also treated the uremic pool with activated charcoal. In the original uremic pool, the initial free phenytoin concentration was 3.05 μg ml and the free concentrations then decreased to 2.28 μg ml in the presence of 300 μg ml of salicylate. In contrast, in the charcoal treated pool, the initial free phenytoin concentration increased from 1.61 μg ml to 3.23 μg ml in the presence of 300 μg ml of salicylate. More interestingly when uremic toxins were extracted back from charcoal with methanol and the dry residue was added to an aliquot of normal serum, the normal serum behaved like a uremic serum and free phenytoin concentration was significantly decreased in the presence of salicylate. When an aliquot of methanol extract was studied by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption lonization Mass Spectrometry (scan up to 10,000), we observed no peak at molecular weight over 551, indicating that these inhibitors are small molecules. We also identified hippuric acid as one of the inhibitors.
Characterization of organic acids recovered from rhizosphere of corn grown on biosolids-treated medium

Abstract Organic acid production by plants and microorganisms was quantified in sand media amended with biosolids in the presence and absence of corn (Zea mays L.) in a sand‐culture hydroponic medium. Total quantities of organic acids were greatest in treatments containing both plants and biosolids, with lesser amounts in treatments with plants alone, biosolids‐treated media alone, and a nutrient solution–irrigated blank medium. Biosolids enhanced organic acid production in the rhizosphere and influenced the composition of organic acid mixtures. Only lactic, acetic, butyric, and oxalic acids were detected in media without plants. When the medium was planted, additional organic acids were recovered including tartaric, maleic, succinic, valeric, glutaric, pyruvic, and propionic. Lactic, acetic, and butyric acids were predominant in solutions recovered from the planted media and collectively accounted for 0.65 to 0.75 of the COO− mole fraction. Oxalic, maleic, and tartaric acids were the second most abundant...
Hick's interpretation of religious pluralism

There is no question that Hick's theory rests upon multiple assumptions about a singular, transcendental grounding and the fundamental equality of the various religions that cannot be inductively verified beyond all doubt. That need not mean, however, that the “attractiveness” of his theory derives solely from the “peculiar charm”1 of supposing that the One and the Many are no more at odds in the realm of religion than anywhere else. For Hick's assumptions are not just an exercise in wishful thinking or wild speculation. They are based upon “experience” from within what he calls the “benign circle of faith.”2 Because the reality experienced is “ambiguous,” acceptance or rejection of his views will, of course, be a matter of “choice.” And, admittedly, this choice will be dictated not so much by a weighing of empirical evidence that might prove the various religions to be exactly as he sees them, as by a consideration of what we have been surveying in the preceding pages, namely, “the import of seeing things as Hick does.”3
Synthesis of novel selenium-containing choline and acetylcholine analogues and their quantitation using a pyrolysis—gas chromatography—mass spectrometry assay

Abstract Methods for the synthesis and quantitation of the novel choline analogues, selenonium choline and acetylselenonium choline, are described. An assay procedure utilizing pyrolysis—gas chromatography—mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) with cold trapping was developed with deuterated d 4 -selenonium choline and d 4 -acetylselenonium choline as internal standards. The selenonium compounds were ion-pair extracted from tissue with dipicrylamine, washed with 2-butanone, and pyrolyzed prior to GC-MS analysis. The compounds were monitored using selected ion monitoring at m / z 122 and m / z 125 for the non-deuterated and deuterated compounds, respectively. The assay had a sensitivity of 20 pmol of compound taken through the assay and was linear through 20 nmol.
Histopathology of Gardenia ( Gardenia Jasminoides Veitchi), Infected With Three Species of Meloidogyne 1)

Les auteurs n'ont observe aucune difference dans le developpement des galles sur Gardenia causees par les nematodes des racines Meloidogyne incognita incognita et M. incognita acrita. Des cellules geantes, du xyleme anormal, ainsi que de l'hypertrophie et de l'hyperplasie corticales et du stele ont accompagne toutes les infections. Les cellules corticales de certaines racines infectees etaient pourvues d'un a plusieurs parois transversales minces. Au cote infecte de beaucoup de racines s'est developpe des couches exterieures du cortex un tissus ressemblant a un periderme. Un epaississement irregulier des parties des parois cellulaires fut parfois observe aux environs des cellules geantes renfermant des groupes de cellules parenchymateuses. Le developpement de la galle causee par M. hapla etait identique, mais les cellules corticales n'etaient que faiblement hypertrophiees et une grande production de racines secondaires fut observee.
Modeling the Atmospheric Response to Irrigation in the Great Plains. Part II: The Precipitation of Irrigated Water and Changes in Precipitation Recycling

AbstractThe rapid expansion of irrigation in the Great Plains since World War II has resulted in significant water table declines, threatening the long-term sustainability of the Ogallala Aquifer. As discussed in Part I of this paper, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) was modified to simulate the effects of irrigation at subgrid scales. Simulations of nine April–October periods (three drought, three normal, and three pluvial) over the Great Plains were completed to assess the full impact of irrigation on the water budget. Averaged over all simulated years, irrigation over the Great Plains contributes to May–September evapotranspiration increases of approximately 4% and precipitation increases of 1%, with localized increases of up to 20%. Results from these WRF simulations are used along with a backward trajectory analysis to identify where evapotranspiration from irrigated fields falls as precipitation (i.e., irrigation-induced precipitation) and how irrigation impacts precipitation recycli...
Cross-linked hyaluronan-coated stents in the prevention of airway stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: This project studies the use of airway stents coated with a cross-linked derivative of hyaluronan (HA) in a rabbit airway model of subglottic stenosis (SGS).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: An ...
Analog multitone with interference suppression: Relieving the ADC bottleneck for wideband 60 GHz systems

Commercial exploitation of the large amounts of unlicensed spectrum available at 60 GHz requires that we take advantage of the low-cost digital signal processing (DSP) made available by Moore's law. A key bottleneck, however, is the cost and power consumption of high-precision analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) at the multiGigabit rates of interest in this band. This makes it difficult, for example, to apply traditional DSP-based approaches to channel dispersion compensation such as time domain equalization or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), since these are predicated on the availability of full-rate, high-precision samples. In this paper, we investigate the use of analog multitone for sidestepping the ADC bottleneck: transmissions are split into a number of subbands, each of which can be separately sampled at the receiver using a lower rate ADC. For efficient use of spectrum, we do not allow guard bands between adjacent subbands, hence the receiver signal processing must account for intercarrier interference (ICI) across subbands as well as intersymbol interference (ISI) within a subband due to channel dispersion. We illustrate our ideas for short-range (100–200 meters), highly directional, outdoor 60 GHz links, as might be employed for wireless backhaul. Given the large coherence bandwidth of the sparse multipath channels typical of such links that we consider, reliable performance requires spatial diversity, in addition to the beamforming required to close the link. We therefore consider one transmit and two receive antenna arrays, each with 4 × 4 elements. We investigate linear equalization strategies corresponding to different combinations of: (a) combining samples from both arrays/choosing the stronger array and (b) equalizing the subbands independently/jointly. We find that exploiting the spatial diversity completely by combining samples from both arrays is critical for combating fading and inter carrier interference.
The Mitotoxin, Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-Saporin, Effectively Targets Human Prostatic Carcinoma in an Animal Model

AbstractPurpose: The antitumor activity of the mitotoxin basic fibroblast growth factor-saporin (bFGF-SAP) against human prostatic carcinoma DU 145 was examined in athymic nude mice. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated on the basis of dose, route of administration and treatment schedule.Materials and Methods: Chemical conjugate or recombinant bFGF-SAP (0.02 to 50 microgram/kg.) was administered by intravenous tail injection, intraperitoneal injection, or local or distal subcutaneous injection beginning 5 days (or 60 to 121 days for large tumor studies) after subcutaneous implantation of DU 145 cells. Tumor growth was monitored as long as 140 days by external caliper measurements.Results: Recombinant bFGF-SAP, though less cytotoxic than its chemical conjugate form, effectively targeted DU 145 tumors growing as xenografts in nude mice dose-dependent manner. Antitumor response to treatment by intravenous, intraperitoneal, or distal subcutaneous injection suggested similar bioavailability of the mitotoxin admi...
The isolation and sequence analysis of transfer RNA The use of plaskon chromatography (RPC-5)

Abstract High pressure liquid chromatography on columns of 4 % Adogen on Plaskon have been used to rapidly and efficiently fractionate gram quantities of transfer RNA. The use of preparative scale Plaskon columns at neutral and acidic pH permits the rapid purification of individual species of tRNAs in the 100 mg range. Plaskon columns can also be used in the sequence analysis of tRNAs. These columns give excellent resolution of the complete pancreatic or T 1 ribonuclease digestion products of pure tRNAs in significantly less time than the standard column procedures (DEAE-cellulose or DEAE-Sephadex). Plaskon columns can also be used to fractionate the products of partial ribonuclease T 1 digestion of pure tRNAs. These columns, run in the absence of urea at neutral, then acid pH, permitted the rapid and efficient isolation of individual, highly purified partial fragments. Plaskon columns can also be used to rapidly separate mononucleotides. Extensive use of these procedures, in conjunction with other methods, can significantly shorten the time needed to obtain a complete nucleotide sequence.