cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System in the Sinus Node Resistance to High Potassium

The resistance of sinus node automaticity to high potassium (K) levels was studied in anesthetized dogs by perfusing the sinus node artery with oxygenated Tyrode9s solution containing different K concentrations. The following results were obtained. (1) Sinus node automaticity persisted at a K concentration of 21.6 mM, although the pacemaker site tended to shift in and out of the node at this concentration. (2) Sinus node dominance at high K concentrations was progressively lost as sympathetic influences were progressively eliminated. (3) Sinus node pacemaker activity was suppressed at a K concentration lower than 21.6 mM when calcium was omitted from the perfusion fluid. (4) The pacemaker site shifted consistently from the sinus node towards the atrioventricular node at high K concentrations after the elimination of sympathetic activity (5) The transient sinus tachycardia caused by high K concentrations persisted after bilateral vagotomy. It is concluded that catecholamines participate in the resistance of the sinus node to K, suggesting that the difference in resistance to high K concentrations between the sinus node and Purkinje fibers may, in part, result from the more abundant innervation of the sinus node.
Effects of Hatchery Fish Density on Emigration, Growth, Survival, and Predation Risk of Natural Steelhead Parr in an Experimental Stream Channel

Abstract Hatchery supplementation of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss raises concerns about the impacts on natural populations, including reduced growth and survival, displacement, and increased predation. The potential risks may be density dependent. We examined how hatchery stocking density and the opportunity to emigrate affect the responses of natural steelhead parr in an experimental stream channel and after 15 d found no density-dependent effects on growth, emigration, or survival at densities ranging from 1–6 hatchery parr/m2. The opportunity for steelhead parr to emigrate reduced predation by coastal cutthroat trout O. clarkii clarkii on both hatchery and natural steelhead parr. The cutthroat trout exhibited a type-I functional response (constant predation rate with increased prey density) for the hatchery and composite populations. In contrast, the predation rate on natural parr decreased as hatchery stocking density increased. Supplementation with hatchery parr at any experimental stocking density ...
Lack of effect of an antifibrinolytic agent on cholesterol-induced aortic lesions in the rat, with observations on the independence of intimal foam cell lesions and extracellular medial lipid.

Abstract Hypercholesterolemic rats fed aminocaproic acid on alternate weeks for periods of 6 to 10 months did not show a difference in the character, extent or severity of aortic lesions, as compared to a control group with similar serum total cholesterol levels. It was noted that the early lesions in the rat are of two distinct types, an intimal foam cell lesion and an upper medial lesion consisting of intercellular accumulation of lipid. These two lesions appear to be unrelated spatially. They are also not related to proliferation of vascular smooth muscle, which does not occur in this experimental situation.
Joint stable attraction of two sums of products

Abstract With ( X 1 , X 2 ) in a stable domain of attraction and ( Y 1 , Y 2 ) independent of ( X 1 , X 2 ), conditions are given for which ( X 1 Y 1 , X 2 Y 2 ) is in the same domain and for which the same norming constants are applicable. For the case with no normal component, an alternative criterion for stable attraction facilitates the proof.
Oral delivery of Lactobacillus casei Shirota modifies allergen-induced immune responses in allergic rhinitis.

Summary Background Changes in the composition of the gut microbiota have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders, suggesting beneficial interactions between the intestinal immune system and specific bacterial strains. Lactobacilli are naturally present within the complex gastrointestinal microbiota of humans and they are currently present in many probiotic supplements. Objective We sought to investigate the role that Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) may play in modulating seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Methods The study format was double-blinded, placebo-controlled with 10 SAR sufferers in each group. We have documented and compared changes in immune status arising through the daily ingestion of a milk drink with or without live LcS, over a period of 5 months. Pre-, peak- and post-grass pollen season blood samples were collected for determination of plasma total IgE and grass pollen-specific IgG and IgE levels by an enzyme immunoassay. At the same time, cytokine levels were determined by flow cytometric bead array technology following culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 6 days in the presence or absence of specific grass pollen antigens. Results Volunteers treated with LcS showed a significant reduction in levels of antigen-induced IL-5, IL-6 and IFN-γ production compared with volunteers supplemented with placebo. Meanwhile, levels of specific IgG increased and IgE decreased in the probiotic group. Conclusion Changes in antigen-induced production of cytokines were observed in patients treated with probiotics. These data show that probiotic supplementation modulates immune responses in allergic rhinitis and may have the potential to alleviate the severity of symptoms.
PWR core safety analysis with 3-dimensional methods

Abstract The main focus of safety analysis is to demonstrate the required safety level of the reactor core. Because of the demanding requirements, the quality of the safety analysis strongly affects the confidence in the operational safety of a reactor. To ensure the highest quality, it is essential that the methodology consists of appropriate analysis tools, an extensive validation base, and last but not least highly educated engineers applying the methodology. The sophisticated 3-dimensional core models applied by AREVA ensure that all physical effects relevant for safety are treated and the results are reliable and conservative. Presently AREVA employs SCIENCE, CASMO/NEMO and CASCADE-3D for pressurized water reactors. These codes are currently being consolidated into the next generation 3D code system ARCADIA®. AREVA continuously extends the validation base, including measurement campaigns in test facilities and comparisons of the predictions of steady state and transient measured data gathered from plants during many years of operation. Thus, the core models provide reliable and comprehensive results for a wide range of applications. For the application of these powerful tools, AREVA is taking benefit of its interdisciplinary know-how and international teamwork. Experienced engineers of different technical backgrounds are working together to ensure an appropriate interpretation of the calculation results, uncertainty analysis, along with continuously maintaining and enhancing the quality of the analysis methodologies. In this paper, an overview of AREVA’s broad application experience as well as the broad validation base of its code systems is given. The importance and necessity of the comprehensive 3-dimensional methodology is illustrated by example analyses of a rod ejection accident and an ‘inadvertent opening of the pressurizer safety valve’ transient. The examples refer to the safety criteria pellet averaged fuel enthalpy, fast fuel enthalpy rise, number of fuel assemblies in film boiling and the maximum fuel temperature and illustrate, how 3D-methods provide evidence of bigger safety margins or archive more reliable results.
Diffusion processes in the relaxed cross section for the reaction 107, 109Ag+20Ne

The fragments emitted in the reaction 107,109Ag+20Ne at 175 and 252 MeV bombarding energy have been identified in charge up to Z = 32. Kinetic energy distributions, cross sections and angular distributions have been measured for each Z. The kinetic energy spectra show the two usual components: the quasielastic component and the relaxed component. The Z-distribution of the latter is fairly flat, slowly decreasing up to Z ≈ 15 and then rising again up to Z = 30. The variations in the Z-distribution are more pronounced at the lower bombarding energy. The angular distributions associated with the relaxed component are forward peaked for Z-values close to that of the projectile and behave like 1sinθ for larger Z-values. The forward peaking is very substantial for Z 10 the forward peaking in excess of 1sinθ disappears around Z = 15. These features are interpreted in terms of a diffusion process along the asymmetry coordinate of a short-lived intermediate complex.
Purification of the endogenous glucocorticoid receptor stabilizing factor

A ubiquitous, low molecular weight, heat-stable component of cytosol stabilizes the glucocorticoid receptor in its untransformed state in association with hsp90. This heat-stable factor mimics molybdate in its effects on receptor function, and it has the heat stability, charge, and chelation properties of a metal oxyanion. In this paper, the authors describe the further purification of the endogenous factor from rat liver cytosol by anion-exchange HPCL (Ion-110) after prepurification by molecular sieving, cation absorption, and charcoal absorption. Elution of the factor with an isocratic gradient of ammonium bicarbonate results in recovery of all of the bioactivity in a single peak which coelutes with inorganic phosphate and contains all of the endogenous molybdenum. The bioactivity can be separated from inorganic phosphate by chromatography of the partially purified endogenous factor on a metal-chelating column of Chelex-100. The chelating procedure results in complete loss of bioactivity with recovery of 98% of the inorganic phosphate in both the column drop-through and a subsequent 1 M NaCl wash. These observations support the proposal that an endogenous metal can stabilize the binding of hsp90 to the receptor but it is likely that other cytosolic components that are not present in the immunopurified complex must contribute tomore » the stability of the soluble protein-protein complex in cytosol.« less
Molecular Weight and Structure of Water Soluble (1→3), (1→4)‐β‐Glucans Affect Pasting Properties of Oat Flours

Seven experimental oat lines with high (5.9% to 7.2%), medium (5.3% to 5.5%), and low (4.4%) β-glucan concentrations were evaluated for the effects of β-glucan molecular weight (MW) and structure on viscosities of oat-flour slurries. The MW of β-glucans was determined by size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography. The structural features of β-glucans were measured by using fluorophore-assisted capillary-electrophoresis after complete hydrolysis with lichenase. The oat-slurry viscosities were measured on a Rapid Visco Analyser under 4 conditions: (1) without starch (amylolysis, removal of starch by α-amylase); (2) without β-glucan (removal of β-glucan by lichenase); (3) natural action of enzymes (autolysis, in sodium buffer); and (4) inhibition of enzymes (in silver nitrate solution). Excluding one line (regression outlier), significant correlations (P < 0.05) between peak MW of β-glucan and viscosities of oat slurries were obtained under inhibition. The ratio of degree of polymerization (DP) 3/DP4 negatively correlated with viscosity under amylolysis, autolysis, and inhibition (P < 0.05). The amount of DP ≥ 5 negatively correlated with pasting final viscosity after β-glucan removal by lichenase (P < 0.05). Positive correlations (P < 0.05) between the ratio of β-(1→4)/β-(1→3) linkages and viscosities under autolysis and inhibition were found. Overall, these findings demonstrated that the peak MW, ratio of DP3/DP4, amount of DP ≥ 5, and ratio of β-(1→4)/β-(1→3) linkages of β-glucans impacted pasting properties of oat-flour slurries.
A simple model for friction evolution infretting

Abstract The coefficient of friction (COF) has a large influence on the material response due to fretting, and the value of the COF evolves during fretting. Friction is usually low for early cycles and increases to reach a stabilized value at locations where slip occurs between the contacting bodies. Of the fretting studies utilizing the finite element method to evaluate fretting damage metrics, only one has accounted for the evolution of friction. The majority of studies have used a constant COF equal to the stabilized value. This is not appropriate for low cycle cases where the COF is transient for the majority of the duration or for high cycle cases where the changes in COF affect the stabilized cyclic stress–strain response due to the history dependence of the material behavior. The evolution of the COF is caused by the modification of the interface between contacting materials as a result of wear processes. The wear process changes with cycling, and progresses from initial roughening from metal to metal contact, followed by accumulation of debris, followed by saturation of the debris quantity and morphology and a stabilized response. These processes are each associated with energy dissipation, which can therefore be related to the COF evolution. In this study, a simple expression for the evolution of the COF has been developed that is dependent on accumulated frictional energy dissipation density. This allows the COF to be modified in a finite element model as a function of history and location based on an experimentally measured relationship between energy dissipation andCOF.
Drinking Motives and College Students : Further Examination of a Four-Factor Model

The purposes of this study were to examine the reliability and validity of a 4-factor model of the Drinking Motives Measure and to assess year in school and ethnic differences on different types of motives. Data were collected on 441 volunteer college students. Results indicated that fit indices for the 4-factor model were acceptable; fit indices were also better for the 4-factor model than they were for alternative models. Freshman students and students of color had higher scores on the Conformity motives subscale than senior and White students did, respectively. Additionally, differences in the correlation between Conformity motives and alcohol use existed based on year in school, such that the relationship was significantly smaller for freshmen than it was for other students.
A novel method for estimating the variable and constant components of one-way delays without using the synchronized clocks

One-way delay monitoring is necessary for the time-sensitive media streaming. The conventional methods of one-way delay measurement require the clocks used at both the source and sink nodes of a path have to be synchronized. Clock synchronization can be performed either through GPS or NTP-based methods. Both approaches bear certain limitations. This paper describes a novel method of estimating the variable and constant components of one-way delays without requiring the local clocks at the end nodes to be synchronized. This method requires a sequence of probing packet batches to be sent from a source to a sink along a fixed one-way path. The timestamps of sending and receiving the packets at the source and the sink are recorded with respect to the local clocks. The variable and constant components of one-way delays can be estimated based on carefully crafting the relationship between the timestamps measured with respect to local clocks. The variable delay component is estimated based on the difference between the inter-arrival times between batches that are measured at the source and the sink, respectively. The constant delay component offset by the clock skew can then be estimated by making use of the estimated values of the variable delay component and the timestamps measured locally at the source and the sink. A novel concept of nominal service duration for a packet batch is introduced in modeling the one-way delays. The introduction of the nominal service duration makes this estimation method to be able to estimate the variable component of one-way delays in the existence of cross traffic. Without the knowledge of the offset of the local clocks at the source and the sink, this estimation method can only estimate the constant delay component up to the offset value of the actual constant delay.
Computer calculations of air and steam blowdown suppression

Abstract We describe a computer code that combines an Eulerian incompressible-fluid algorithm (SOLA) with a Lagrangian finite-element shell algorithm. The former models the fluid and the latter models the containing structure in an analysis of pressure suppression in boiling-water reactors. The code (PELE-IC) calculates loads and structural response from air blowdown and from the oscillatory condensation of steam bubbles in a water pool. The fluid, structure, and coupling algorithms are tested by recalculating problems that have known analytical solutions, including tank drainage, spherical bubble growth, coupling for circular plates, and submerged cylinder vibration. Code calculations are also compared with the results of small-scale blowdown experiments.
Broad-search algorithms for the spacecraft trajectory design of Callisto–Ganymede–Io triple flyby sequences from 2024 to 2040, Part I: Heuristic pruning of the search space

Abstract Triple flybys of the Galilean moons of Jupiter can capture a spacecraft into orbit about Jupiter or quickly adjust the Jupiter-centered orbit of an already captured spacecraft. Because Callisto does not participate in the Laplace resonance among Ganymede, Europa, and Io, triple flyby sequences involving gravity-assists of Callisto, Ganymede, and Io occur only aperiodically for limited time windows. An exhaustive search of triple-flyby trajectories over a 16-year period from 2024 to 2040 using “blind” searching would require 8,415,358 Lambert function calls to find only 127,289 possible triple flyby trajectories. Because most of these Lambert function calls would not converge to feasible solutions, it is much more efficient to prune the solution space using a heuristic algorithm and then direct a much smaller number of Lambert function calls to find feasible triple flyby solutions. The novel “Phase Angle Pruning Heuristic” is derived and used to reduce the search space by 99%.
Binding Specificity of Salmonella Plasmid-encoded Fimbriae Assessed by Glycomics

The Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) genome encodes 12 intestinal colonization factors of the chaperone/usher fimbrial assembly class; however, the binding specificity is known for only one of these adhesins, known as type 1 fimbriae. Here we explored the utility of glycomics to determine the carbohydrate binding specificity of plasmid-encoded fimbriae from S. Typhimurium. A cosmid carrying the pef operon was introduced into Escherichia coli and expression of fimbrial filaments composed of PefA confirmed by flow cytometry and immune-electron microscopy. Plasmid-encoded fimbriae were purified from the surface of E. coli, and the resulting preparation was shown to contain PefA as the sole major protein component. The binding of purified plasmid-encoded fimbriae to a glycanarray suggested that this adhesin specifically binds the trisaccharide Galβ1–4(Fucα1–3)GlcNAc, also known as the Lewis X (Lex) blood group antigen. Results from the glycanarray were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in which plasmid-encoded fimbriae bound Lex-coated wells in a concentration-dependent manner. The binding of plasmid-encoded fimbriae to Lex-coated wells could be inhibited by co-incubation with soluble Lex antigen. Our results establish glycomic analysis as a promising new approach for determining the carbohydrate binding specificity of bacterial adhesins.
On the use of annual vehicle miles of travel estimates from vehicle owners

Abstract Estimates of annual vehicle miles of travel from 433 vehicle owners are compared with “actual” annual mileages as obtained from odometer readings recorded as part of North Carolina's Motor Vehicle Inspection Program. The results show that owners tend to overestimate annual mileage on low-usage vehicles and underestimate annual mileage on high-usage vehicles. On the average, the owners' estimate did not differ significantly from the actual mileage. A single estimate of annual vehicle miles of travel is not reliable, as errors of estimation are large. However, the distribution of errors is approximately normal and centered near zero. Hence, the mean annual miles may be estimated with any desired precision by including more owners in the sample.
Nocturnal and seasonal patterns of carbon isotope composition of leaf dark-respired carbon dioxide differ among dominant species in a semiarid savanna.

The C isotope composition of leaf dark-respired CO2 (δ13Cl) integrates short-term metabolic responses to environmental change and is potentially recorded in the isotopic signature of ecosystem-level respiration. Species differences in photosynthetic pathway, resource acquisition and allocation patterns, and associated isotopic fractionations at metabolic branch points can influence δ13Cl, and differences are likely to be modified by seasonal variation in drought intensity. We measured δ13Cl in two deep-rooted C3 trees (Prosopis velutina and Celtis reticulata), and two relatively shallow-rooted perennial herbs (a C3 dicot Viguiera dentata and a C4 grass Sporobolus wrightii) in a floodplain savanna ecosystem in southeastern Arizona, USA during the dry pre-monsoon and wet monsoon seasons. δ13Cl decreased during the nighttime and reached minimum values at pre-dawn in all species. The magnitude of nocturnal shift in δ13Cl differed among species and between pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. During the pre-monsoon season, the magnitude of the nocturnal shift in δ13Cl in the deep-rooted C3 trees P. velutina (2.8 ± 0.4‰) and C. reticulata (2.9 ± 0.2‰) was greater than in the C3 herb V. dentata (1.8 ± 0.4‰) and C4 grass S. wrightii (2.2 ± 0.4‰). The nocturnal shift in δ13Cl in V. dentata and S. wrightii increased to 3.2 ± 0.1‰ and 4.6 ± 0.6‰, respectively, during the monsoon season, but in C3 trees did not change significantly from pre-monsoon values. Cumulative daytime net CO2 uptake was positively correlated with the magnitude of the nocturnal decline in δ13Cl across all species, suggesting that nocturnal δ13Cl may be controlled by 13C/12C fractionations associated with C substrate availability and C metabolite partitioning. Nocturnal patterns of δ13Cl in dominant plant species in the semiarid savanna apparently have predictable responses to seasonal changes in water availability, which is important for interpreting and modeling the C isotope signature of ecosystem-respired CO2.
A Debugging Perspective on End-User Mashup Programming

In recent years, systems have emerged that enable end users to “mash” together existing web services to build new web sites. However, little is known about how well end users succeed at building such mashups, or what they do if they do not succeed at their first attempt. To help fill this gap, we took a fresh look, from a debugging perspective, at the approaches of end users as they attempted to create mashups. Our results reveal the end users’ debugging strategies and strategy barriers, the gender differences between the debugging strategies males and females followed and the features they used, and finally how their debugging successes and difficulties interacted with their design behaviors.
Foreign Direct Investment in Southeastern Europe: How (and How Much) Can Policies Help?

Gravity factors explain a large part of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in Southeastern Europea region not comprehensively covered before in econometric studiesbut host-country policies also matter. Key are policies that affect relative unit labor costs, the corporate tax burden, infrastructure, and the trade regime. This paper develops the concept of potential FDI for each country, and uses its deviation from actual levels to estimate what policies can realistically be expected to achieve in terms of additional FDI. It also finds evidence that above a certain threshold, the importance of some policies for attracting FDI is distinctly different.
ASSOCIATION OF NOCTURNAL OXYGEN SATURATION WITH FUTURE SUBCLINICAL CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE: THE WISCONSIN SLEEP COHORT

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, the contributions of traditional CVD risk factors (e.g., hypertension) relative to SDB are unknown. We evaluated longitudinal associations of nocturnal 02 saturation (SaO2) and CVD risk factors
Additional pharmacological evidence that endogenous ATP modulates cochlear mechanics

In the cochlea, outer hair cells (OHCs) generate the active cochlear mechanics whereas the supporting cells, such as Deiters' cells and Hensen's cells, may play a role in both the active and passive cochlear mechanics. The presence of receptors for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on OHCs, Deiters' cells and Hensen's cells indicates that endogenous ATP may have a role in cochlear mechanics. To explore this possibility, the effects of the ATP antagonist, pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS), were studied in guinea pig both in vitro on isolated OHCs, Deiters' cells, Hensen's cells and pillar cells using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique, and in vivo on sound evoked cochlear potentials (cochlear microphonic, CM; summating potential, SP; compound action potential, CAP) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) using cochlear perilymphatic perfusion. Results show that PPADS (100 microM) reduced the inward current evoked by 5-10 microM ATP in OHCs, Deiters' cells, Hensen's cells and pillar cells. This effect of PPADS was slow in onset and was slowly reversed to a varying degree in the different cell types. In vivo application of PPADS in increasing concentrations reduced the sound evoked CAP, SP and increased N1 latency starting at about 0.33 mM (SP) and 1 mM (CAP and N1 latency). PPADS (0.33-1 mM) reversibly suppressed the initial value of the quadratic DPOAE and reversed the 'slow decline' in the quadratic DPOAE that occurs during continuous stimulation with moderate level primaries. These results, together with the similar effects of the ATP antagonist suramin reported previously (Skellett et al., 1997), may be evidence that endogenous ATP acting on cells in the organ of Corti alters cochlear mechanics.
SU‐FF‐T‐318: Software Quality Assurance with and Beyond TG‐53 for the Cyberknife MultiPlan System

Purpose: To evaluate the application of AAPM‐TG53 to the Cyberknife MultiPlan™ treatment planningsoftware with additional use of an inhomogeneity phantom to QA the new Monte Carlo algorithm, and using motion phantom for QA of the 4D treatment planning algorithm. Method and Materials: An inhomogeneous Quasar phantom (Modus Medical Devices Inc) and a 4D‐motion phantom (Accuray Inc) with known density inserts were used in this study. Both phantoms accommodate film loading. The Quasar phantom also has an insert for a PTW 0.6cc farmer chamber. Both phantoms were scanned using GE PET/CT scanner with 1.25 mm thickness. The 4D phantom was scanned and planned with a full 4D scan. The Quasar phantom was scanned in 3D with a variety of density inserts with defined volumes. These known volumes were compared with the calculated volumes which were contoured using different drawing tools. The treatment plans for the inhomogeneous MC plan and the 4D plan was done using both the pencil beam and Monte Carlo algorithms.Results: The volumetric information differed from the actual volume based on the contouring tools. The contours made with the ellipse, bumper and rescale tool showed <25% error in volume in 8 out of 9 structures. For the MC plan with a prescription dose of 10 Gy, the measured dose with the farmer chamber was 9.99 Gy. The dose measured in the 4D delivery agreed with the 4D plan dose, whereas the 3D plan overestimated the dose to a static critical structure. Conclusion: TG‐53 offers basic guidance for software QA, but additional QA must be added to cover new software components. The choice of contouring tools affects the calculated volume of the structures contoured in MultiPlan™. Both MC algorithm QA and 4D planning QA can be implemented in a comprehensive clinical software QA program with commercially available phantoms.
Correlates of the Protestant Ethic of Hard Work: Results From a Diverse Ethno-Religious Sample

We examine the demographic and personality correlates of the Protestant ethic and how it correlates with contemporary individual and social issues. Success is more prevalent among Christian fundamentalists, those who were born outside the United States, individualists, individuals who have a higher locus of control, and individuals who believe in a just world. Hard work is more prevalent among Asian Americans and Filipinos, women, those who have a higher internal locus of control, and those who believe in a just world. Our data show that success and hard work are correlated positively with hours worked, total hours worked, and liberalization of drug laws. No other study has examined these issues using a diverse ethno-religious sample.
Tyramide signal amplification for analysis of kinase activity by intracellular flow cytometry

Intracellular flow cytometry permits quantitation of diverse molecular targets at the single-cell level. However, limitations in detection sensitivity inherently restrict the method, sometimes resulting in the inability to measure proteins of very low abundance or to differentiate cells expressing subtly different protein concentrations. To improve these measurements, an enzymatic amplification approach called tyramide signal amplification (TSA) was optimized for assessment of intracellular kinase cascades. First, Pacific Blue, Pacific Orange, and Alexa Fluor 488 tyramide reporters were shown to exhibit low nonspecific binding in permeabilized cells. Next, the effects of antibody concentration, tyramide concentration, and reaction time on assay resolution were characterized. Use of optimized TSA resulted in a 10-fold or greater improvement in measurement resolution of endogenous Erk and Stat cell signaling pathways relative to standard, nonamplified detection. TSA also enhanced assay sensitivity and, in conjunction with fluorescent cell barcoding, improved assay performance according to a metric used to evaluate high-throughput drug screens. TSA was used to profile Stat1 phosphorylation in primary immune system cells, which revealed heterogeneity in various populations, including CD4+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. We anticipate the approach will be broadly applicable to intracellular flow cytometry assays with low signal-to-noise ratios. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The cost-effectiveness of different strategies to evaluate optic disk drusen in children.

Purpose To compare the costs of diagnostic work-up for optic disk drusen where ophthalmic ultrasound was performed prior to imaging and invasive studies with those where ophthalmic ultrasound was performed after such studies. Methods The medical records of patients Results A total of 46 children with a B-scan ultrasound–confirmed diagnosis of calcified optic disk drusen were included. Neuroimaging was performed in 23 patients, of whom 20 had the study prior to ophthalmic ultrasound. The mean cost of evaluations for patients undergoing ancillary testing prior to ophthalmic ultrasound was $1,173; for those undergoing ancillary testing after, $305. Conclusions Because optic disk drusen can mimic the appearance of papilledema, it is more cost-effective to perform ophthalmic ultrasonography prior to neuroimaging, especially when the patient is asymptomatic. If ophthalmic ultrasonography confirms the presence of drusen, it is more cost-effective to reassess the clinical picture before proceeding with further tests.
Purification and properties of a rabbit kidney fructose diphosphatase with neutral pH optimum

Abstract A new procedure for the purification of rabbit kidney fructose 1,6-diphosphatase yields an enzyme with optimum activity at pH 7.0–7.5, in contrast to the alkaline pH optimum observed with earlier preparations. The purified enzyme hydrolyzes fructose-1,6- P 2 and sedoheptulose-1,7- P 2 at approximately equal rates, although the affinity for the former is much higher, and the pH optima are somewhat different. Homogeneity of the enzyme preparation was established by disc gel electrophoresis and ultracentrifugal analysis; the latter indicates the presence of a single protein of molecular weight of 140,000. The molecular weight of the subunits dissociated by treatment with maleic anhydride was found to be 37,500. The amino acid composition was similar to that reported previously for the enzyme with alkaline pH optimum, but several amino acids were present in significantly greater amounts. The enzyme was very sensitive to inhibition by AMP, and was also inhibited by high concentrations of fructose-1,6- P 2 .
Doing ‘Conservation’: Effects of Different Interpretations at an Ecuadorian Volunteer Tourism Project

As more people volunteer in the name of 'conservation,' a careful analysis of 'conservation' and the actors' underlying ideologies becomes pressing. Volunteers work on the seemingly similar goal of 'conservation,' but differences in interpretations can have on-the-ground impacts. In this paper, I use interviews and participant interactions to: (1) analyse how volunteers, reserve managers, and volunteer coordinators at an Ecuadorian reserve articulated 'conservation' in their discourse; and (2) examine how different conservation ideologies affected interactions among actors and with the environment. Using political ecology and a modified version of ideological and cluster criticism to analyse discourse, I found actors interpreted 'conservation' differently. I identified three ideologies presented by volunteers: Type I (preservation-oriented), Type-II (mixed), and Type-III (sustainable use-oriented); managers and coordinators held similar views as each other. Different 'conservation' ideologies among actors affected the project (e.g., acceptability of sustainable logging), interactions, perceptions of locals, and general attitudes towards conservation work.
The effect of angiostatin on vascular leakage and VEGF expression in rat retina

Angiostatin is a potent angiogenic inhibitor. The present study identified a new activity of angiostatin: reducing vascular leakage, which is associated with diabetic macular edema, tumor growth and inflammation. An intravitreal injection of angiostatin significantly reduced retinal vascular permeability in rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy and in those with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, but not in normal rats. Consistent with its effect on permeability, angiostatin downregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the retina in both the rat models but not in normal controls. These results suggest that the effect of angiostatin on vascular leakage is mediated, at least in part, through blockade of VEGF overexpression.
Argon-photoion-Auger-electron coincidence measurements following K-shell excitation by synchrotron radiation.

Argon photoion spectra have been obtained for the first time in coincidence with {ital K}-{ital LL} and {ital K}-{ital LM} Auger electrons, as a function of photon energy. The simplified charge distributions which result exhibit a much more pronounced photon-energy dependence than do the more complicated noncoincident spectra. In the near-{ital K}-threshold region, Rydberg shakeoff of {ital np} levels, populated by resonant excitation of {ital K} electrons, occurs with significant probability, as do double-Auger processes and recapture of the {ital K} photoelectron through postcollision interaction.
Intermolecular approach to metal ion indicators based on polymer phase transitions coupled to fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

An approach to ratiometric fluorescence detection of quenching metal ions was devised by copolymerizing N-isopropylacrylamide with small percentages of bipyridine and amine monomers. The copolymer was divided into two portions. The amine group on one portion was functionalized with AlexaFluor555 (donor fluorophore) and the other with AlexaFluor647 (acceptor fluorophore). The indicator consists of a mixture of these two portions. Aggregation above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of this copolymer brings about a large increase in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Addition of Cu(II) and other complexing metal ions to the aggregated copolymer introduces charge onto the backbone, causing the copolymer to redissolve with a resulting decrease in FRET. The ratio of acceptor to donor fluorescence varies with Cu(II) concentration. A plot of intensity ratio vs. pCu is sigmoidal with a log Kf of 6.1 for the Cu(II)–bipyridine complex. The data are consistent with the formation of a 1 : 1 complex. The copolymer responds to higher concentrations of other transition metal ions. The selectivity for Cu(II) is consistent with the literature values for 1 : 1 formation constants for bipyridine with metal ions.
The 14C(p, γ0)15N cross section below Ep = 12 MeV

Abstract The cross section for the 14C(p.γ0)15N reaction has been measured up to Ep = 12 MeV. These measurements cover the region of the main component of the giant dipole resonance in 15N previously observed in the inverse 15N(γ, p0)14C reaction. The structures seen are compared to recent measurements of the 14N(p, γ0)15O cross section at corresponding energies in 15O, allowing clear identification of T = 1 2 and 3 2 states. A comparison of the present experimental results is also made to recent bound and continuum shell model calculations for this region of 15N.
Study of the Jenkins Activity Survey

The Jenkins Acrivity Survey is a self-report inventory for the measurement of the coronary-prone behavior pattern ( 4 ) . Form T is specifically designed for the collegeage population to assess the presence of Type A behavior (and its opposite, Type B) . 1t has been used extensively (1, 2, 3 ) . While the instrument has 44 items, only 21 contribute to the over-all assessment of the Type A/Type B dimension. A typical question on this test is the following: "Has your spouse or some friend ever told you that you eat too fast?" A Type A response is "Yes, often," and Type B responses are "Yes, once or twice" or "No, no one has ever told me this." Endorsement of a Type A response is scored 'one point with no points for Type B responses. Answers to three questions about Form T were sought. ( 1 ) Are there sex differences in the scores? (2 ) Are there differences between rural and urban college populations? (3 ) What is the reliability of Form T ? Subjects were volunteers chosen from two institutions of higher education, a small liberal arts college located in a rural isolated area and a moderate-size university located in an urban area. The size differences reflect density differences between rural and urban areas. The mean scores from these students are contained in the table below.
Imaging of Fatty Tumors: Distinction of Lipoma and Well-differentiated Liposarcoma

PURPOSE: To review the reliability of computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features in distinguishing lipoma and well-differentiated liposarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT (n= 29) and MR (n = 40) images and radiographs (n = 28) of 60 patients with histologically verified fatty tumors (35 lipomas and 25 well-differentiated liposarcomas) were retrospectively reviewed in 31 females and 29 males (mean age, 56 years; age range, 1-88 years). Images were assessed for adipose tissue content, and nonfatty component was classified (thin and/or thick septa and nodular and/or globular components) as absent, mild, moderate, or pronounced. Also assessed were signal intensity and tissue attenuation of the fatty components and nonadipose elements. RESULTS: Statistically significant imaging features favoring a diagnosis of liposarcoma included lesion larger than 10 cm (P < .001), presence of thick septa (P = .001), presence of globular and/or nodular nonadipose areas (P = .003) or masses (P = .001...
AtomSim: web-deployed atomistic dynamics simulator

AtomSim, a collection of interfaces for computational crystallography simulations, has been developed. It uses forcefield-based dynamics through physics engines such as the General Utility Lattice Program, and can be integrated into larger computational frameworks such as the Virtual Neutron Facility for processing its dynamics into scattering functions, dynamical functions etc. It is also available as a Google App Engine-hosted web-deployed interface. Examples of a quartz molecular dynamics run and a hafnium dioxide phonon calculation are presented.
Alcoholics' initial organizational and problem-solving skills predict learning and memory performance on the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure.

This study was undertaken to investigate whether alcoholics differ qualitatively from controls in their organizational approach to the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) and to examine the effects of problem-solving and organizational ability on learning and retention. Data were collected on 3 groups of neuromedically healthy, middle-aged men: 29 recently detoxified alcoholics (RDA) abstinent at least 2 weeks, 29 long-term abstinent alcoholics (LTA) abstinent at least 18 months, and 29 nonalcoholic controls (NAC). Groups were comparable in age, education, WAIS–R Vocabulary score, and ANART IQ. Three indices of problem-solving approach were used to score how participants produce the ROCF during the copy condition: perceptual clustering, organization, and constructional accuracy. Learning and retention were measured by immediate recall, 20-min delayed recall, and recognition performance. RDAs had significantly impaired immediate recall, delayed recall, and recognition scores compared to NACs. RDAs also had significantly lower perceptual clustering, organization, and constructional accuracy scores than their long-term abstinent and nonalcoholic counterparts. Multiple regression analyses revealed that problem-solving ability at copy accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in immediate recall, delayed recall, and recognition. Further investigation of memory performance using a repeated measures design revealed that across the 3 groups, little forgetting occurred between immediate and delayed recall, while performance improved significantly on the recognition trial. Use of less efficient problem-solving strategies appears to affect RDAs' ability to learn and retrieve complex figural information. (JINS, 2000, 6, 12–19.)
Advocacy and perfect storms: an interview with Janina Longtine, President of the AMP.

Interview with Professor Janina Longtine PhD, by Claire Raison (Commissioning Editor)Janina Longtine is a professor of pathology at the Mount Sinai Hospital (New York, NY, USA) and currently serves as the President of the Association for Molecular Pathology (Bethesda, MD, USA). Prior to this, Professor Longtine was with the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston, MA, USA) for 30 years, working on understanding the molecular pathology of cancer and developing diagnostic procedures for cancers. In this interview article to mark 15 years of Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics, she reflects on her experience as a molecular pathologist in US hospitals, and warns of the regulatory and reimbursement challenges that face laboratory-developed procedures today.
Integrating conceptual and logical couplings for change impact analysis in software

The paper presents an approach that combines conceptual and evolutionary techniques to support change impact analysis in source code. Conceptual couplings capture the extent to which domain concepts and software artifacts are related to each other. This information is derived using Information Retrieval based analysis of textual software artifacts that are found in a single version of software (e.g., comments and identifiers in a single snapshot of source code). Evolutionary couplings capture the extent to which software artifacts were co-changed. This information is derived from analyzing patterns, relationships, and relevant information of source code changes mined from multiple versions in software repositories. The premise is that such combined methods provide improvements to the accuracy of impact sets compared to the two individual approaches. A rigorous empirical assessment on the changes of the open source systems Apache httpd, ArgoUML, iBatis, KOffice, and jEdit is also reported. The impact sets are evaluated at the file and method levels of granularity for all the software systems considered in the empirical evaluation. The results show that a combination of conceptual and evolutionary techniques, across several cut-off points and periods of history, provides statistically significant improvements in accuracy over either of the two techniques used independently. Improvements in F-measure values of up to 14% (from 3% to 17%) over the conceptual technique in ArgoUML at the method granularity, and up to 21% over the evolutionary technique in iBatis (from 9% to 30%) at the file granularity were reported.
A perspective on distortions

A framework for analyzing distortions in non-single viewpoint imaging systems is presented. Such systems possess loci of viewpoints called caustics. In general, perspective (or undistorted) views cannot be computed from images acquired with such systems without knowing scene structure. Views computed without scene structure will exhibit distortions, which we call caustic distortions. We first introduce a taxonomy of distortions based on the geometry of imaging systems. Then, we derive a metric to quantify caustic distortions. We present an algorithm to compute minimally distorted views using simple priors on scene structure. These priors are defined as parameterized primitives such as spheres, planes and cylinders with simple uncertainty models for the parameters. To validate our method, we conducted extensive experiments on rendered and real images. In all cases our method produces nearly undistorted views even though the acquired images were strongly distorted. We also provide an approximation of the above method that warps the entire captured image into a quasi single viewpoint representation that can be used by any "viewer" to compute near-perspective views in real-time.
Associative Grouping: Perceptual Grouping of Shapes by Association

Perceptual grouping is usually defined by principles that associate distinct elements by virtue of image properties, such as proximity, similarity, and occurrence within common regions. What role does learning play in forming a perceptual group? This study provides evidence that learning of shape associations leads to perceptual grouping. Subjects were repeatedly exposed to pairs of unique shapes that co-occurred within a common region. The common region cue was later removed in displays composed of these shapes, and the subjects searched the display for two adjacent shapes of the same color. The subjects were faster at locating the color repetition when the adjacent shapes with the same color came from the same trained groups than when they were composed of two shapes from different trained groups. The effects were perceptual in nature: Learned pairings produced spatial distortions similar to those observed for groups defined by perceptual similarity. A residual grouping effect was observed even when the shapes in the trained group switched their relative positions but was eliminated when each shape was inverted. These results indicate that statistical co-occurrence with explicit grouping cues may form an important component of perceptual organization, determining perceived scene structure solely on the basis of past experience.