cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alkaline phosphatase fusion proteins for molecular characterization and cloning of receptors and their ligands

Publisher Summary A large number of so-called orphan receptors have been identified that appear by their structure to be cell surface receptors for polypeptide ligands, yet have no known ligand. This has implied an opportunity to identify corresponding ligands that would be novel cell-cell signaling molecules. One strategy to identify such molecules has been to use the extracellular domain of the orphan receptor, fused to an alkaline phosphatase (AP) or immunoglobulin Fc tag that can serve as an affinity probe to identify the corresponding ligand(s). This approach is widely applicable, and has been used to identify a large number of novel ligands. An analogous strategy, using ligands fused to AP or Fc tags, has similarly been used to identify novel receptors. The chapter describes the use of such fusion proteins to identify and clone novel ligands or receptors. It also describes methods for the molecular characterization of ligands, receptors, and their interactions. An efficient procedure to identify a good source for cloning is to test embryonic or adult tissues by in situ staining, using a receptor or ligand-AP fusion protein as a probe to identify locations of high expression.
Design and implementation of a key-lifecycle management system

Key management is the Achilles’ heel of cryptography. This work presents a novel Key-Lifecycle Management System (KLMS), which addresses two issues that have not been addressed comprehensively so far. First, KLMS introduces a pattern-based method to simplify and to automate the deployment task for keys and certificates, i.e., the task of associating them with endpoints that use them. Currently, the best practice is often a manual process, which does not scale and suffers from human error. Our approach eliminates these problems and specifically takes into account the lifecycle of keys and certificates. The result is a centralized, scalable system, addressing the current demand for automation of key management. Second, KLMS provides a novel form of strict access control to keys and realizes the first cryptographically sound and secure access-control policy for a key-management interface. Strict access control takes into account the cryptographic semantics of certain key-management operations (such as key wrapping and key derivation) to prevent attacks through the interface, which plagued earlier key-management interfaces with less sophisticated access control. Moreover, KLMS addresses the needs of a variety of different applications and endpoints, and includes an interface to the Key Management Interoperability Protocol (KMIP) that is currently under standardization.
Partner Characteristics, Information Asymmetry, and the Signaling Effects of Joint Ventures

We provide theory and evidence regarding the signaling effects of joint venture (JV) announcements. We argue that when a firm characterized by information asymmetry with respect to the stock market announces a JV, the growth opportunities and the quality of resources of the partner provides a signal to investors about the true value of the firm. Our study shows that (i) apart from synergies, JV announcements impact firm value also because of the information they convey about future growth opportunities; and (ii) JVs may not only validate but also ‘invalidate’ the quality of a firm by revealing that it is unable to attract strong partners. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR INTRAGUILD PREDATION

Many important issues in community ecology revolve around the interplay of competition and predation. Species that compete may also be locked in predator-prey interactions, a mixture of competition and predation known as "intraguild predation" (IGP). There is growing evidence for the importance of IGP in many natural communities, yet little formal ecological theory addresses this particular blend of interactions. In this article, we explore the consequences of incorporating IGP into standard models of exploitative competition and food chains (a general resource-consumer model, a Lotka-Volterra food chain model, and Schoener's exploitative competition model). Our theoretical analyses suggest a general criterion for coexistence in IGP systems: the intermediate species (the prey in intraguild predation) should be superior at exploitative competition for the shared resource, whereas the top species (the predator) should gain significantly from its consumption of the intermediate species. Along gradients in en...
Complex field reconstruction using gradient and intensity measurements from a Shack-Hartmann wave front sensor

In many adaptive optical systems the standard wave front sensing and reconstruction process involves a conventional least squares reconstruction of gradient measurements obtained from a Shack-Hartman wave front sensor (WFS). This reconstruction algorithm assumes the WFS measurements are equal to the average phase gradient within each subaperture. However, this assumption does not account for the effects of scintillation in the wave front. As scintillation increases, intensity fluctuations in the wave front increase the disparity between the output of the WFS and what the reconstruction algorithm expects, which in turn causes a degradation in the performance of the reconstructor. We present an algorithm that attempts to mitigate the scintillation problem by reconstructing the real and imaginary components of the wave front using gradient and intensity information obtained from a Shack-Hartmann WFS. This algorithm estimates the wave front by inverting a more precise model of the WFS measurement process. Wave optics simulations over a variety of atmospheric conditions are used to compare the performance of our algorithm against a least squares reconstructor and a complex exponential reconstructor.
ON THE INHERITANCE OF AGGLUTINOGENS OF HUMAN BLOOD DEMONSTRABLE BY IMMUNE AGGLUTININS.

The heredity of two agglutinable structures demonstrable by immune agglutinins was studied in 166 families. From the data collected it is evident that one deals with a case of Mendelian inheritance. The main result of the studies is the demonstration that it is feasible to investigate the heredity of serological structures of human blood other than the group agglutinogens. Irrespective of the ultimate theory it seems very probable that the properties M and N do not appear in the offspring when they are absent in both parents—a conclusion substantiated by the examination of ten families with 46 children. These findings offer the prospect of forensic application to cases of disputed paternity and, in our opinion, a correct decision could already be given, at least with great probability, provided the reagents are available and the method properly applied. Of course further work is needed before the test can be adopted as a routine procedure.
Renal computed tomography with 3-dimensional angiography and simultaneous measurement of plasma contrast clearance reduce the invasiveness and cost of evaluating living renal donor candidates

Renal computed tomography (CT), 3-dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA), and simultaneous measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by x-ray fluorescence determination of plasma contrast clearance (PCC) are alternatives to intravenous urography (IVU), renal arteriography (RA), and 24-hr urine creatinine clearance (CrCl) for evaluation of renal structure and function in living renal donor (LRD) candidates. To determine if CT, 3D-CTA, and PCC provide data comparable to IVU, RA, and CrCl, both methods were used to evaluate 23 LRD candidates. Costs were also compared. Conventional RA identified 19 accessory arteries and one case of medial fibroplasia. Each of these anomalous vessels was recognized on 3D-CTA. Venous anatomy was more clearly delineated on 3D-CTA than the venous phase of conventional RA. CT demonstrated 3 benign cysts and a single, small intra-parenchymal calcification in 3 renal units. GFRs measured by PCC and CrCl were 91±4 and 132±7 ml/min/1.73m 2 , respectively (r=0.64, P<0.05). Total cost for CT/3D-CTA/PCC was 46% less than that of IVU/BA/CrCl and 40% less than RA/CrCl. CT/3D-CTA/PCC provided reliable structural and functional data at substantially less cost, discomfort, and inconvenience to the living renal donor candidate. As such, CT/3D-CTA/PCC is superior to conventional methods for evaluation of the living renal donor candidate.
Auditing the Internet: An introduction to web assurance services

If your company has an Internet website—or plans to—you should know about a new class of assurance services. They attest to the accuracy of information and selling practices at corporate websites. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Monitoring the changing organization of work: international practices and new developments in the United States

Recent trends in the organization of work have raised concerns about their implications for safety and health in the workplace. Capacity for monitoring of these trends from an occupational safety and health perspective (also known as hazard surveillance To be consistent with the convention in much of Europe, we have adopted the expression “monitoring” in relation to the collection and evaluation of data on trends in the organization of work. In the public health field in the U.S., the term “surveillance” is used as an analog to monitoring, referring to the systematic and ongoing collection of information on occupational injuries and illness (“health surveillance”) and hazards (“hazard surveillance”), and analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of this information for prevention purposes (NIOSH 2001). ) varies considerably across countries and regions. This forum article discusses current practices for monitoring the organization of work, noting strengths, limitations, and needs for improvement. Particular attention is given to the status of monitoring practices in the U.S., and new initiatives by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to improve upon these practices.
Correlates of depression in new onset pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Of thirty six children with new-onset inflammatory bowel disease given a Kiddie-SADS interview, five children were depressed and ten had some depressive symptoms. Depressed children had less severe illness, and were more likely to have a maternal history of depression, more life events, and families characterized by less cohesion and more conflict.
From systems biology to photosynthesis and whole-plant physiology: a conceptual model for integrating multi-scale networks.

Network analysis is now a common statistical tool for molecular biologists. Network algorithms are readily used to model gene, protein and metabolic correlations providing insight into pathways driving biological phenomenon. One output from such an analysis is a candidate gene list that can be responsible, in part, for the biological process of interest. The question remains, however, as to whether molecular network analysis can be used to inform process models at higher levels of biological organization. In our previous work, transcriptional networks derived from three plant species were constructed, interrogated for orthology and then correlated with photosynthetic inhibition at elevated temperature. One unique aspect of that study was the link from co-expression networks to net photosynthesis. In this addendum, we propose a conceptual model where traditional network analysis can be linked to whole-plant models thereby informing predictions on key processes such as photosynthesis, nutrient uptake and as...
The effect of early experience on learning and memory in cuttlefish.

The effect of early experience on the growth and ontogeny of memory in cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) was studied using an associative learning protocol. Five groups of cuttlefish were reared in different conditions (standard conditions, SC; impoverished conditions, IC; enriched conditions, EC; impoverished then enriched conditions, I/EC; enriched then impoverished conditions, E/IC) from birth to the 3rd month of postembryonic life. Acquisition and retention of the learning task were assessed at 1 and 3 months. Growth was slower and maturation of memory abilities occurred later in cuttlefish from Group IC than in cuttlefish from Group EC, with the maturation rate of memory in cuttlefish from Group SC intermediate between these two groups. Retention performances of cuttlefish from Groups I/EC and E/IC indicated that the environment of rearing during the 2nd and/or 3rd months of life was crucial for the development of memory. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 36: 101–110, 2000
Complex Propagators in Perturbation Theory

A method is given for studying the analytic properties of an arbitrary Feynman graph $F$, in which a full two-particle propagator $G$ is inserted between one pair of points. Three special graphs are treated in detail: the two-particle amplitude itself, with two- and three-particle intermediate states, and the "triangle" graph. When $G$ has a resonance, a possible approximation for $F$ is to replace $G$ by a complex pole, obtaining thereby a new graph $f$ in which one internal particle has a complex mass. We show that, although the singularities of $F$ and $f$ are in general different, this approximation is appropriate for calculating "enhancement" effects due to singularities of $F$, near the physical region, associated with the resonance. For the cases considered, we predict the ranges of the external variables for which such effects will occur, and show how to calculate them explicitly.
Concentrations, isotopic compositions, and sources of size‐resolved, particulate organic carbon and oxalate in near‐surface marine air at Bermuda during spring

[1] During spring 1998, concentrations and stable isotopic compositions of organic carbon and oxalate were measured in size-segregated aerosols at Bermuda to characterize sources and chemical processing. Marine-derived organic carbon in super-μm-radius aerosol was enriched by an average of 724 ± 91 times relative to surface seawater. Carbon isotopic compositions indicated that, on average, marine-derived carbon accounted for approximately 38% of carbon in both the super- and sub-μm size fractions. Oxalate was present and significantly correlated with marine derived carbon in all size fractions. Most oxalate in super-μm radius aerosol (>1 μm) originated from in situ production involving marine-derived organic precursors, whereas oxalate in smaller size fractions originated primarily from condensation of oxalic acid vapor produced from the oxidation of gaseous marine precursors. The average dry-deposition fluxes of marine organic carbon, continental organic carbon, and oxalate was 3.6, 7.3, and 0.15 μmol C m−2 day−1, respectively. Super-μm aerosol dominated the dry-deposition fluxes of marine (93%) and continental (96%) particulate carbon and oxalate (93%).
364 NOSOCOMIAL NICU KLEBSIELLA INFECTIONS

Previous studies have demonstrated the virulence of multiply resistent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains for newborns, but optimal management of nursery outbreaks has not been defined. We have experienced 2 outbreaks of Kanamycin resistent Klebsiella (Serotypes 60 ± 2) in which 13 infants were bacteremic and 72 infants were colonized. Each episode was characterized by significant virulence(9 deaths)and a high colonization rate(15-90%). Colonization occurred earliest and most frequently in the infant's stools. Stool cultures of 77 personnel and 26 inanimate sites showed the infants alone acted as the reservoir. Colonization occurred from 1-9 weeks after admission to the NICU (mean = 3 wks). Prior antibiotic usage did not predispose to colonization. Stool colonization continued for 1 to 8 months after acquisition (mean = 5 months). Monthly telephone and/or clinic follow up visits of 42 chronically colonized infants revealed no mortality or significant morbidity.
Geomagnetic Excursions: A Critical Assessment of the Evidence as Recorded in Sediments of the Brunhes Epoch

Geomagnetic excursions have tantalized geophysicists since the earliest suggestion of their occurrence over 15 years ago. Either as large-scale geomagnetic secular variation, geomagnetic reversals of short duration or aborted reversals, they held great promise of providing new insights into the nature of the origin of the geomagnetic field. Unfortunately the evidence for geomagnetic excursions from the palaeomagnetic record of Brunhes age sediments is not as compelling as the theoretical arguments. A critical assessment of the available data indicates that the Gothenburg excursion is unlikely to have occurred and the Erieau excursion is very unlikely. The Mono Lake excursion probably occurred, but its absence in nearby contemporaneous sites creates profound problems. The Blake Event appears to be an actual short reversal of complex character, but confirmation of its global nature may be quite difficult.
Combined Treatment of Periodontal Disease and Benign Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid. Case Report With 8 Years Maintenance

Background: Desquamative gingivitis may be the clinical manifestation of one of several systemic diseases. The clinical course of the disease can be complicated by plaque-associated periodontitis. However, there is no information currently available for the concurrent management of both conditions. Case report and results: This paper presents the treatment and 8-year maintenance of a patient with periodontal disease and benign mucous membrane pemphigoid (BMMP). The first phase of treatment included oral hygiene instructions and local corticosteroid administration, followed by scaling and root planing. The patient's compliance and excellent response to therapy allowed for subsequent surgical pocket elimination and augmentation of the zone of keratinized tissue for prosthetic reasons. Over the following 8 years, the patient's periodontal condition remained stable even though periodontal maintenance was erratic. For the control of BMMP, intermittent administration of corticosteroids was necessary, without an...
Absorption and long distance transport by isolated stele of maize roots in relation to the dual mechanisms of ion absorption.

Ion absorption and transport by intact roots, isolated cortex and isolated stele were compared shortly after tissue isolation and after aging. Absorption isotherms in the low and in the high concentration range show that in stripped-stele, which absorbs at a very low rate immediately after isolation, the capacity of system 1 but not system 2 is built up with aging. In agreement with this result analysis of individual fluxes across plasmamembrane and tonoplast reveals that only the influx from the medium into the cytoplasm increases considerably with aging of stele. Changes observed in aging excised roots and in isolated cortex are much less significant. In spite of the increase of absorption with aging by isolated stele, long distance transport, which is essentially passive through freshly stripped stele, decreases with aging. The reported results reflect the marked permeability of the plasmamembrane of fresh isolated stele, and demonstrate the importance of the cortex as a tissue “collecting” ions for long distance transport. New evidence for the theory of symplasmatic transport of ions into the xylem vessels is thus provided.
Identification and characterization of P2Y2 nucleotide receptors in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

P2 nucleotide receptor expression in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was investigated using the photoaffinity ATP analog BzATP, polymerase chain reaction of reverse-transcribed RNA (RT-PCR) and fura-2 fluorescence measurement of changes in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). In experiments carried out in RPE cells at passage 10-15, addition of micromolar concentrations of ATP, UTP, and ATPgammaS to RPE cells resulted in a rapid, transient 3.5-fold increase in [Ca2+]i followed by a prolonged elevation that was twofold above the original baseline. Similar results were obtained from cells at passage 2. Characteristics of nucleotide-stimulated calcium mobilization in RPE cells, including partial inhibition by pertussis toxin, suggest that a G protein-coupled receptor mediates this response. Consistent with the expression of a P2Y2 nucleotide receptor subtype in RPE cells, [alpha-32P]BzATP labeled a 53-kDa protein in plasma membranes, and RT-PCR revealed the presence of P2Y2 receptor RNA. Adenosine had no effect on [Ca2+]i in RPE cells, indicating that the A2 subtype of P1 receptor described previously in human RPE is not involved in the response to nucleotides. Together the results indicate that human RPE cells express functional P2Y2 nucleotide receptors.
Utility of oral valganciclovir for the treatment of cytomegalovirus disease after renal transplantation

Utility of oral valganciclovir for the treatment of cytomegalovirus disease after renal transplantation
Simultaneous Quantification of 20 Synthetic Cannabinoids and 21 Metabolites, and Semi-quantification of 12 Alkyl Hydroxy Metabolites in Human Urine by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Clandestine laboratories constantly produce new synthetic cannabinoids to circumvent legislative efforts, complicating toxicological analysis. No extensive synthetic cannabinoid quantitative urinary methods are reported in the literature. We developed and validated a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneously quantifying JWH-018, JWH-019, JWH-073, JWH-081, JWH-122, JWH-200, JWH-210, JWH-250, JWH-398, RCS-4, AM-2201, MAM-2201, UR-144, CP 47,497-C7, CP 47,497-C8 and their metabolites, and JWH-203, AM-694, RCS-8, XLR-11 and HU-210 parent compounds in urine. Non-chromatographically resolved alkyl hydroxy metabolite isomers were considered semi-quantitative. β-Glucuronidase hydrolyzed urine was extracted with 1ml Biotage SLE+ columns. Specimens were reconstituted in 150μL mobile phase consisting of 50% A (0.01% formic acid in water) and 50% B (0.01% formic acid in 50:50 methanol:acetonitrile). 4 and 25μL injections were performed to acquire data in positive and negative ionization modes, respectively. The LC-MS/MS instrument consisted of a Shimadzu UFLCxr system and an ABSciex 5500 Qtrap mass spectrometer with an electrospray source. Gradient chromatographic separation was achieved utilizing a Restek Ultra Biphenyl column with a 0.5ml/min flow rate and an overall run time of 19.5 and 11.4min for positive and negative mode methods, respectively. Quantification was by multiple reaction monitoring with CP 47,497 compounds and HU-210 ionized via negative polarity; all other analytes were acquired in positive mode. Lower and upper limits of linearity were 0.1-1.0 and 50-100μg/l (r(2)>0.994). Validation parameters were evaluated at three concentrations spanning linear dynamic ranges. Inter-day analytical recovery (bias) and imprecision (N=20) were 88.3-112.2% and 4.3-13.5% coefficient of variation, respectively. Extraction efficiencies and matrix effect (N=10) were 44-110 and -73 to 52%, respectively. We present a novel LC-MS/MS method for simultaneously quantifying 20 synthetic cannabinoids and 21 metabolites, and semi-quantifying 12 alkyl hydroxy metabolites in urine.
Evolving an adaptive optimization course [Application Notes]

This article describes a course that has been taught for about a half dozen times at two institutions and how it has evolved. The course began in the 1990's at the University of Pittsburgh and focused on genetic algorithms, at that time the highest profile paradigm among the metaheuristics. The course title is Adaptive Optimization although Metaheuristics Inspired by Nature is probably a more descriptive title. This is a three credit hour, semester long course that is letter graded. There have been a few excellent articles in this publication about focused graduate programs in the metaheuristic field [1, 2] but this article is a course specific exposition. Below I give some information about the pedagogical evolution of this course.
Catecholamine-synthesizing neuronal projections to the nucleus tractus solitarii of the rat

The objective of the present study was to determine the location of the neurons that give rise to catecholamine-containing terminals in the nucleus tractus solitarii. This was done by injecting rhodamine-filled latex microspheres into the nucleus tractus solitarii of rats to retrogradely label neuronal cell bodies and by processing sections from the brains of these animals to determine if the labelled neurons were immunoreactive for the catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PNMT). Approximately 60% of the DBH-immunoreactive neurons that projected to the nucleus tractus solitarii belonged to the A1/C1 cell group, while an additional 20% belonged to the A5 cell group. Thus, these two ventrolateral rhombencephalic cell groups accounted for nearly 80% of the total number of rhodamine-bead-labelled DBH-immunoreactive neurons in this series of experiments. Only a small number of DBH-immunoreactive neurons of the A2/C2 cell group contained rhodamine-filled latex microspheres. Rarely, DBH-immunoreactive neurons in the locus coeruleus and the nucleus subcoeruleus were found to project to the nucleus tractus solitarii. The majority of the PNMT-immunoreactive neurons that projected to the nucleus tractus solitarii belonged to the C1 cell group. Only small numbers of PNMT-immunoreactive neurons of the C2 and C3 groups were found to contain rhodamine-filled latex microspheres. It is concluded that neurons in the ventrolateral medulla and pons, some of which presumably utilize norepinephrine and/or epinephrine as a transmitter, could regulate autonomic function via direct projections to the nucleus tractus solitarii.
Sound Propagation near the Structural Phase Transition in Strontium Titanate

Finite ultrasonic velocity changes at the structural phase transition in SrTi${0}_{3}$ are observed for different modes. They are interrelated and correlated by theory. No critical effects are observed.
Derangements of Myocardial Metabolism Preceding Onset of Ventricular Fibrillation After Coronary Occlusion

To determine alterations in myocardial metabolism and hemodynamics that occur within the first 30 minutes after coronary arterial occlusion, before the onset of ventricular fibrillation, measurements were compared in two series of dogs. Series A, 90 dogs that did not manifest ventricular fibrillation after coronary occlusion, were considered a control group. Series B consisted of 28 dogs that had ventricular fibrillation within 30 minutes after occlusion. All had similar comprehensive measurements completed preceding the onset of ventricular fibrillation. The animals in series B (subsequent fibrillation) had significantly higher heart rates before and after coronary occlusion. In this series cardiac metabolism of the occluded segment judged by transmyocardial lactate extraction, potassium balance, sodium/potassium ratio and blood pH became grossly more abnormal after coronary occlusion than in series A. In 5 animals whose measurements were obtained within 5 minutes of the onset of ventricular fibrillation, a sudden massive lactate production, potassium loss and increased acidosis of the occluded portion supervened minutes before the onset of the fatal arrhythmia. Animals with ventricular fibrillation had higher intracoronary S-T segment elevation that persisted until the onset of ventricular fibrillation. Measurements of abnormal hemodynamic function (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, peak systolic pressure and first derivative of left ventricular pressure [dP/dt]) were not associated with an increased incidence of ventricular fibrillation. The study indicates that animals that manifest ventricular fibrillation within 30 minutes after coronary occlusion have higher preocclusion heart rates, a more severe metabolic disorder of the coronary occluded segment and more persistent intracoronary S-T segment elevation compared with animals that do not manifest ventricular fibrillation.
Variable coordination geometries at the diiron(II) active site of ribonucleotide reductase R2.

The R2 subunit of Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase contains a dinuclear iron center that generates a catalytically essential stable tyrosyl radical by one electron oxidation of a nearby tyrosine residue. After acquisition of Fe(II) ions by the apo protein, the resulting diiron(II) center reacts with O2 to initiate formation of the radical. Knowledge of the structure of the reactant diiron(II) form of R2 is a prerequisite for a detailed understanding of the O2 activation mechanism. Whereas kinetic and spectroscopic studies of the reaction have generally been conducted at pH 7.6 with reactant produced by the addition of Fe(II) ions to the apo protein, the available crystal structures of diferrous R2 have been obtained by chemical or photoreduction of the oxidized diiron(III) protein at pH 5−6. To address this discrepancy, we have generated the diiron(II) states of wildtype R2 (R2-wt), R2-D84E, and R2-D84E/W48F by infusion of Fe(II) ions into crystals of the apo proteins at neutral pH. The structure...
On the degenerate parabolic partial differential equations of nonlinear filtering

(1985). On the degenerate parabolic partial differential equations of nonlinear filtering. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 10, No. 6, pp. 555-634.
The effect of diazoxide-induced hormonal secretion on plasma triglyceride concentration in the rat.

The relationship between non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) mobilization and hepatic conversion to plasma triglycerides (TG), as modulated by diazoxide-induced effects upon endogenous catecholamine, glucagon, and insulin secretion, was examined in vivo in the rat. Thyrotropin (TSH)-induced NEFA mobilization provided the control study. — In all control experiments, TSH (1.5 IU/ 100 g) induced a 110% increase in NEFA availability, which was associated with a subsequent 52% increase in plasma TG concentration and a 73% increase in plasma ketone bodies. Following diazoxide administration (30 mg/kg), endogenous secretion of both catecholamines and glucagon was observed, resulting in a comparable 100% increase in NEFA availability, with the appropriate ketonaemic response. However, in contrast to the control TSH study, plasma triglyceride concentration did not increase. This suppression was secondary, at least in part, to a direct 40% inhibition of hepatic secretion of triglycerides. — Although plasma NEFA concentration is an important determinant of plasma triglyceride levels, the concurrent concentration of endogenous catecholamines, glucagon, and insulin modulate the hepatic conversion of NEFA to triglycerides in vivo.
Inhibition of the Staphylococcus aureus sortase transpeptidase SrtA by phosphinic peptidomimetics

During pathogenesis, Gram-positive bacteria utilize surface protein virulence factors such as the MSCRAMMs (microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules) to aid the initiation and propagation of infection through adherence to host endothelial tissue and immune system evasion. These virulence-associated proteins generally contain a C-terminal LPXTG motif that becomes covalently anchored to the peptidoglycan biosynthesis intermediate lipid II. In Staphylococcus aureus, deletion of the sortase isoform SrtA results in marked reduction in virulence and infection potential, making it an important antivirulence target. Here we describe the chemical synthesis and kinetic characterization of a nonhydrolyzable phosphinic peptidomimetic inhibitor of SrtA derived from the LPXTG substrate sequence.
The gene encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit II from Rhodobacter sphaeroides; comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with sequences of corresponding peptides from other species.

Abstract The gene ( coxII ) encoding subunit II of Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome c oxidase (cytochrome aa 3 ) has been isolated by screening a genomic DNA library in phage λ with a probe derived from coxII of Paracoccus denitrificans . A 2-kb fragment containing coxII DNA was subcloned into the phage M13mp18 and the sequence determined. The 2-kb insert contains the entire coding region for coxII gene, including the ATG start codon and a TGA stop codon. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of subunit II of R. sphaeroides shows regions of substantial homology to the corresponding subunit of the bovine mitochondrial oxidase (63 % overall) and P. denitrificans oxidase (68 % overall). The postulated redox-active copper ion (Cu A binding site involving two Cys and two His residues (as well as an alternative Met residue) is conserved among these species, along with four invariant acidic aa residues (two Asp and two Glu) that may be involved in interactions with cytochrome c, and a region of aromatic residues (Tyr-Gln-Trp-Tyr-Trp-Gly-Tyr-Glu-Tyr) which is postulated to play a role in electron transfer. Hydropathy profile analysis suggests that while the bovine COXII secondary structure contains two transmembrane helices, the R. sphaeroides subunit II has a third such helix that may function as part of a signal sequence, as suggested for P. denitrificans .
Superpixel segmentation for analysis of hyperspectral data sets, with application to Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars data, Moon Mineralogy Mapper data, and Ariadnes Chaos, Mars

[1] We present a semiautomated method to extract spectral end-members from hyperspectral images. This method employs superpixels, which are spectrally homogeneous regions of spatially contiguous pixels. The superpixel segmentation is combined with an unsupervised end-member extraction algorithm. Superpixel segmentation can complement per pixel classification techniques by reducing both scene-specific noise and computational complexity. The end-member extraction step explores the entire spectrum, recognizes target mineralogies within spectral mixtures, and enhances the discovery of unanticipated spectral classes. The method is applied to Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) images and compared to a manual expert classification and to state-of the-art image analysis techniques. The technique successfully recognizes all classes identified by the expert, producing spectral end-members that match well to target classes. Application of the technique to CRISM multispectral data and Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) hyperspectral data demonstrates the flexibility of the method in the analysis of a range of data sets. The technique is then used to analyze CRISM data in Ariadnes Chaos, Mars, and recognizes both phyllosilicates and sulfates in the chaos mounds. These aqueous deposits likely reflect changing environmental conditions during the Late Noachian/Early Hesperian. This semiautomated focus-of-attention tool will facilitate the identification of materials of interest on planetary surfaces whose constituents are unknown.
Netchannel: a VMM-level mechanism for continuous, transparentdevice access during VM migration

Efficient and seamless access to I/O devices during VM migration coupled with the ability to dynamically change the mappings of virtual to physical devices are required in multiple settings, including blade-servers, datacenters, and even in home-based personal computing environments. This paper develops a general solution for these problems, at a level of abstraction transparent to guest VMs and their device drivers. A key part of this solution is a novel VMM-level abstraction that transparently handles pending I/O transactions, termed Netchannel. Netchannel provides for (1) virtual device migration and device hot-swapping for networked as well as locally attached devices, and (2) remote access to devices not directly attached to networks via transparent device remoting, an example being a disk locally present on a bladeserver node. A Xen-based prototype of Netchannel demonstrates these capabilities for block and for USB devices, for both bulk and isochronous USB access methods. Within the same administrative domain, seamless access to these devices is maintained during live VM migration and during device hot-swapping. Experimental evaluations with micro-benchmarks and with representative server applications exhibit comparable performance for Netchannel-based remote vs. local devices.
The control of color in mammals.

synopsis. Recent advances in the biology of mammalian pigmentation are reviewed. Particular attention is given to emerging information on the integration of pigmentary events occurring at different levels of biological organization within mammalian skin and hair. The structural and functional significance of keratinocytes and melanocytes as components of mammalian epidermal melanin units is viewed from this perspective. New evidence on the nature of genetic, developmental, endocrine, and radiation influences on performance of melanocytes and the establishment of pigmentary pat? terns is summarized. As elegantly pointed out by Fitzpatrick and associates, interpretation of melanin pigmentation in mammals demands clarification of structural and functional events at a number of discrete levels of biological organization which range upward in com? plexity from the specific molecules relevant to melanin synthesis through the skin as a fully integrated organ (Fitzpatrick, 1965; Duchon, Fitzpatrick, and Seiji, 1968). GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Electromagnetic mass splittings of mesons in the charmed-quark model

Assuming that the electromagnetic mass splitting of pseudoscalar and vector mesons results from intrinsic quark mass differences plus Coulomb and magnetic interactions, we derive inequalities among the meson masses, including the masses of charmed mesons. (AIP)
Extensive phalangeal cystic lesions

A young black man is presented with a 33-month course of insidious but eventually striking hand deformity and limitation of motion in the absence of any other symptoms. Radiologic and histologic findings of the digits support the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, though physical, laboratory, and chest x-ray examination show no evidence of this multisystem disease.
Potential options for preservation of fertility in women.

An increasing number of options are available for women who wish to preserve their fertility, particularly before cancer treatment: oophorectomy with cryopreservation, embryo cryopreservation, and aspiration of oocytes for cryopreservation immediately or after ovarian hyperstimulation. This article also describes the natural process of oocyte loss and methods of testing for decreased ovarian reserve.
Spontaneous lateral composition modulation in InAlAs and InGaAs short-period superlattices

The microstructure of spontaneous lateral composition modulation along the [110] direction has been studied in (InAs){sub n}/(AlAs){sub m} short-period superlattices grown by molecular beam epitaxy on (001) InP. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy show that global strain ({var_epsilon}) in the superlattice reduces the degree of composition modulation, which disappears for the absolute value of {var_epsilon} > 0.7%. For tensile strains of {var_epsilon} {approx} +0.4%, they find that In-rich columns become regularly spaced and correlated with cusps in the growth surface. A similar correlation is seen in (InAs){sub n}/(GaAs){sub m} short-period superlattices between the enriched columns and the peaks and valleys of {l_brace}114{r_brace}{sub A} facets on the surface. The enriched columns in the (InAs){sub n}/(GaAs){sub m} layer (and the facets) extend for much longer distances ({approximately}0.2--0.4 {micro}m) in the [1{bar 1}0] direction than do the columns in the (InAs){sub n}/(AlAs){sub m} layer ({approximately} 56 nm).
The Doomsday Argument and the Simulation Argument

The Doomsday Argument and the Simulation Argument share certain structural features, and hence are often discussed together (Bostrom 2003, Are you living in a computer simulation, Philosophical Quarterly, 53:243–255; Aranyosi 2004, The Doomsday Simulation Argument. Or why isn’t the end nigh, and you’re not living in a simulation, http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/190/ ; Richmond 2008, Doomsday, Bishop Ussher and simulated worlds, Ratio, 21:201–217; Bostrom and Kulczycki 2011 A patch for the Simulation Argument, Analysis, 71:54–61). Both are cases where reflecting on one’s location among a set of possibilities yields a counter-intuitive conclusion—in the first case that the end of humankind is closer than you initially thought, and in the second case that it is more likely than you initially thought that you are living in a computer simulation. Indeed, the two arguments do have some structural similarities. But there are also significant disanalogies between the two arguments, and I argue that these disanalogies mean that the Simulation Argument succeeds and the Doomsday Argument fails.
Bridge fatigue damage evaluation and updating using non-destructive inspections

Abstract A method is proposed to mitigate fatigue damage using information from non-destructive inspections. In spite of improvements in the design of fatigue-sensitive structures, periodic non-destructive inspections are still required by the profession. A linear elastic fracture mechanics-based reliability model is proposed which incorporates uncertainties from many different sources, including uncertainty in the results obtained from the non-destructive inspections. Regardless of whether or not it detects any cracks, each inspection provides additional information and the underlying fatigue reliability needs to be updated after each inspection. The updated information on the reliability can be used as a decision making tool as what to do next, in terms of whether to do nothing, reschedule the next inspection at an earlier date, or repair or replace the structure immediately. The application potential of the method is demonstrated with the help of examples. It is shown that the proposed method is much superior to the current S − N curve-based AASHTO method and can be used as an alternative to it.
Refraction of surface plasmon-polaritons at Au-Al boundaries observed by scanning near-field optical microscopy

Surface plasmon-polariton (SPP) propagation was investigated experimentally on a heterostructured metal sample consisting of in-plane Al and Au films. A scattered-type scanning near-field optical microscope (SNOM) was used to observe the wave vector and intensity of the SPPs. Interference fringes appearing in the SNOM image clearly bent at the interface between Al and Au, indicating a definite refraction of the SPPs. The observed bending angle of the interference fringes was in good agreement with a corresponding simulation and theoretical analysis using Snell's law.
Bromelain prevents secretion caused by Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli enterotoxins in rabbit ileum in vitro.

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Diarrhea is a major cause of illness and death in children and young animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of bromelain, a proteolytic extract obtained from pineapple stems on bacterial toxin and second-messenger agonist-induced intestinal secretion. METHODS: The effect of bromelain pretreatment on short-circuit responses to Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin, heat-stable enterotoxin, and Vibrio cholerae cholera toxin was evaluated in rabbit ileum mounted in Ussing chambers. RESULTS: Bromelain was 62% effective in preventing heat-labile enterotoxin- induced secretion, 51% effective against cholera toxin, and 35% effective against heat-stable enterotoxin [corrected]. Bromelain also prevented secretory changes caused by prostaglandin E2, theophylline, calcium-ionophore A23187, 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate, and 8-bromoguanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate, well-known intracellular mediators of ion secretion. The efficacy of bromelain was not caused by reduced tissue viability resulting from its proteolytic effects on enterocytes, indicated by experiments measuring uptakes of nutrients into intestinal cells and experiments measuring short-circuit responses to glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Bromelain prevents intestinal fluid secretion mediated by secretagogues that act via adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate, guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate, and calcium- dependent signaling cascades. It may be clinically useful as an antidiarrheal drug. (Gastroenterology 1997 Jul;113(1):175-84)
An alternative to thought suppression

Comments on the original article, "Setting free the bears: Escape from thought suppression," by D. M. Wegner (see record 2011-25622-008). While Wegner supposed that we might have to learn to live with bad thoughts, the present author discusses the use of imagination and guided imagery as an alternative to forced thought suppression.
Relation between charge-dipole interactions and the sqrt(E)-dependent mobility in molecularly doped polymers

Time-of-flight measurements on a wide variety of molecularly-doped polymers reveal carrier mobilities that exhibit an exponential dependence on the square root of the applied electric field. Recent attempts to explain the observed field dependence have focused on the role played by spatial and energetic disorder. It as also been conjectured that the charge-dipole interactions often identified as the source of energetic disorder could be of sufficient range to lead to correlations in the energies of neighboring hopping sites. We have analytically explored the effect of such correlations on high field carrier transport in random potentials, and discuss how particular features of the correlations associated with charge-dipole interactions might lead to behavior similar to that seen in experiment.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dependence of DMS global sea-air flux distribution on transfer velocity and concentration field type

[1] Large-scale transport of marine reduced sulfur to the troposphere is a key to climate and global change, due to the influence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) on aerosol/condensation nucleus fields. The sensitivity of DMS fluxes to sea-air transfer scheme has previously been studied using established climatologies or local simulations. However, planetary level sulfur cycle models are now coming on line, and roughly coincident, eddy correlation measurements indicate that interfacial behavior of the compound may be distinct from less soluble gases. Variation of the overall sulfur flux distribution is explored here for an historical sampling of piston velocities expressed as functions of the reference height wind, plus a composite reflecting the new transfer estimates. Dissolved concentrations are derived alternately from a current generation biogeochemistry model or the standard compilation. Comparisons of simulation and data-driven fields show that both have advantages. Modeling captures fine resolution features along frontal systems and provides a natural, biogeographic extrapolation across the general circulation. Climatology is free from physical or biotic computational biases and also is relatively strongly supported by coastal measurements. Contrast among the piston formulas includes integrated mass transfer differences as large as a factor of two. Working from the composite scheme, potential is demonstrated for improvements to shift marine DMS outputs from the Southern Ocean toward the equator. Complexities deriving from atmospheric stability, bubble enhancement, and surfactant chemistry may temper these results. Global budgets fall within the envelope of earlier work, 15 to 35 Tg S a−1.