cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fermentative production of pyruvate from glucose by Torulopsis glabrata

Abstract Novel strains selected from various genera of yeasts were investigated with regard to pyruvate productivity from glucose. The ability to produce pyruvate was found in yeasts belonging to the genera Saccharomyces, Toluropsis, Pichia, Candida and Trichosporon with a new resting cell method using the thiamine analogue, oxythiamine. In this first screening, strains belonging to the genus Saccharomyces showed the highest pyruvate productivity. In secondary screening using a fermentative method, strains belonging to the genus Torulopsis showed higher pyruvate productivity, with Torulopsis glabrata exhibiting the highest fermentative pyruvate productivity. These pyruvate producing yeast strains were divided into two types. The first type of yeast showed a high accumulation of pyruvate with the resting cell method, but a low accumulation with the fermentative method. The second type of yeast showed a high accumulation of pyruvate with the fermentative method, but a low accumulation with the resting cell method. The first type did not commonly possess thiamine-auxotrophy, while the second type exhibited at least double auxotrophy for both biotin and thiamine. All six strains belonging to T. glabrata required four vitamins; nicotinic acid, thiamine, pyridoxine and biotin for their growth and accumulated a high conversion of pyruvate (53.7 mM–300 mM) under the fermentative screening conditions. T. glabrata IFO 0005 was selected as the best strain among the T. glabrata. The optimum concentrations of these vitamins for the highest fermentative pyruvate productivity by T. glabrata IFO 0005 were determined. Thiamine and nicotinate were more effective towards productivity than other vitamins. The accumulation of pyruvic acid reached a final concentration of 648 mM (57.0 g/l as free pyruvic acid) at 59 h from an initial glucose concentration of 100 g/l by T. glabrata IFO 0005 under the optimal vitamin concentrations determined in this study. Consequently, the auxotrophy of multiple vitamins which are involved in the metabolism of pyruvate proved to be highly effective in the fermentative production of pyruvate from glucose.
A V3 loop haptenic peptide sequence, when tandemly repeated, enhances immunogenicity by facilitating helper T-cell responses to a covalently linked carrier protein

Subunit immunogens containing tandemly repeated copies of T- and B-cell epitopes have been shown to be more immunogenic than the respective immunogen containing only a single copy of the sequence. It has been unclear, however, whether the increased immunogenicity of a tandemly repeated B-cell epitope necessarily results from increased helper T-cell responses to intrinsic T-cell epitopes in the tandemly repeated sequences, or to neodeterminant T-cell epitopes created at the junction of adjacent repeat sequences. We examined this question by comparing the immunogenicity in mice of two immunogens containing one or eight tandemly repeated copies of an HIV-1 V3 loop haptenic sequence. Our results show that the tandemly repeated haptenic sequence potentiates the immunogenicity of the protein construct, likely through the facilitation of enhanced B-cell interaction with the tandem repeat construct and the consequent elicitation of increased carrier protein-specific helper T-cell responses.
Climatological Analyses of Thunderstorms and Flash Floods in the Baltimore Metropolitan Region

Abstract The climatology of thunderstorms and flash floods in the Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan region is examined through analyses of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning observations from the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) and discharge observations from 11 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream gauging stations. A point process framework is used for analyses of CG lightning strikes and the occurrences of flash floods. Analyses of lightning strikes as a space–time point process focus on the mean intensity function, from which the seasonal, diurnal, and spatial variation in mean lightning frequency are examined. Important elements of the spatial variation of mean lightning frequency are 1) initiation of thunderstorms along the Blue Ridge, 2) large variability of lightning frequency around the urban cores of Baltimore and Washington D.C., and 3) decreased lightning frequency over the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Lightning frequency has a sharp seasonal maximum around mid-July, and the diurn...
Dilute limit of hopping transport in molecularly doped polymers

Random variables for the position, energy, and orientation of donors are used to simulate hole transport in polymers with donor fraction p < 10 percent and clusters. Marcus hopping rates yield decreasing drift velocity with increasing bias field E. In contrast to energetic disorder emphasized in models at p approximately 50 percent, the mean dwell time (tau) (E) increases as positional or orientational disorder restricts hopping. Competition between energetic and positional disorder suggests a compensation temperature. Simulations of dilute systems are analyzed in terms of transient random walks, ensemble averages, and order statistics.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characteristics of conductive SrRuO3 thin films with different microstructures

Conductive SrRuO3 thin films were epitaxially grown on (100) LaAlO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition over a temperature range from 650 °C to 825 °C. Well-textured films exhibiting a strong orientation relationship to the underlying substrate could be obtained at a deposition temperature as low as 450 °C. The degree of crystallinity of the films improved with increasing deposition temperature as confirmed by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no particulates on the film surface. The resistivity of the SrRuO3 thin films was found to be a strong function of the crystallinity of the film and hence the substrate temperature during film deposition. A residual resistivity ratio (RRR = ρ300 K/ρ4.2 K) of more than 8 was obtained for the SrRuO3 thin films deposited under optimized processing conditions.
A neural network thrust force controller to minimize delamination during drilling of graphite-epoxy laminates

Delamination is a well-recognized problem associated with drilling fiber-reinforced composite materials (FRCMs). The most noted problems occur as the drill enters and exits the FRCM. Since drilling is often a final operation during assembly, any defects introduced in parts through the drilling process that result in the part being rejected represent an expensive loss. Studies based on linear-elastic fracture mechanics theory have proposed critical cutting and thrust forces in the various drilling regions that can be used as a guide in preventing crack growth or delamination. Using these critical force curves as a guide, a thrust force controller was developed to minimize the delamination while drilling a graphite-epoxy laminate. A neural network control scheme was implemented which required a neural network identifier to model the drilling dynamics and a neural network controller to learn the relationship between feed rate and the desired thrust force. Experimental results verifying the validity of this control approach as well as the robustness of the design are presented. Visual measurements of the delamination zones were used to quantify the benefits of the thrust force controlled drilling process versus the conventional constant feed rate drilling process.
Early Math Achievement and Functional Connectivity in the Fronto-Parietal Network

Abstract In this study we test the hypothesis that the functional connectivity of the frontal and parietal regions that children recruit during a basic numerical task (matching Arabic numerals to arrays of dots) is predictive of their math test scores (TEMA-3; Ginsburg, 2003 ). Specifically, we tested 4–11-year-old children on a matching task during fMRI to localize a fronto-parietal network that responds more strongly during numerical matching than matching faces, words, or shapes. We then tested the functional connectivity between those regions during an independent task: natural viewing of an educational video that included math topics. Using this novel natural viewing method, we found that the connectivity between frontal and parietal regions during task-independent free-viewing of educational material is correlated with children's basic number matching ability, as well as their scores on the standardized test of mathematical ability (the TEMA). The correlation between children's mathematics scores and fronto-parietal connectivity is math-specific in the sense that it is independent of children's verbal IQ scores. Moreover, a control network, selective for faces, showed no correlation with mathematics performance. Finally, brain regions that correlate with subjects’ overall response times in the matching task do not account for our number- and math-related effects. We suggest that the functional intersection of number-related frontal and parietal regions is math-specific.
Sharing of collective multipole strength in the nuclear particle-hole model

A procedure is given for defining explicitly the noncollective states of the degenerate schematic model for nuclear particle-hole configurations. The method is based on the view that the degenerate model is an approximation to the nondegenerate particle-hole model. In the collective-noncollective basis with a single force type, the separable particle-hole Tamm-Dancoff Hamiltonian matrix is transformed into one which is diagonal except for the row and column of the one collective state. The multipole strength of any noncollective state of the nondegenerate problem is given in perturbation theory in terms of the collective-noncollective matrix elements, which are expressed in terms of the parameters of the assumed separable multipole interaction. Application of the sharing formulas is made to Landau damping of the collective state due to mixing with the noncollective states. The relative contribution to the width due to the nondegeneracy and the nonseparable nature of the interaction are examined. Another application examines the random-phase-approximation energy distribution of isospin shared by the isoscalar and isovector collective states with the noncollective states over the giant quadrupole resonance region in $^{118}\mathrm{Sn}$.
REGENERATION IN MONOCOTYLEDONOUS SEEDLINGS

The experiments described in this paper were made for comparison with those conducted by the writer on dicotyledonous seedlings (La Rue, I933). Sixty years ago Van Tieghem (I873) published an account of researches on germination in which he stated that maize seedlings from which the plumules had been removed were unable to form new shoots, though they lived for a month or more and formed adventitious roots. Andronescu (1920) found that maize embryos which had been removed from their endosperms were able to develop into mature, though small, plants. When he removed the scutella as well as the endosperms, he found the plumules unable to grow out from their coleoptiles. Brown (1922) studied the effect of mutilation of maize seeds on germination and yield. His experiments differ from other similar tests in that they were carried out under field conditions and were continued to maturity of the plants.
Effects of cell-type specific leptin receptor mutation on leptin transport across the BBB

Abstract The functions of leptin receptors (LRs) are cell-type specific. At the blood–brain barrier, LRs mediate leptin transport that is essential for its CNS actions, and both endothelial and astrocytic LRs may be involved. To test this, we generated endothelia specific LR knockout (ELKO) and astrocyte specific LR knockout (ALKO) mice. ELKO mice were derived from a cross of Tie2-cre recombinase mice with LR-floxed mice, whereas ALKO mice were generated by a cross of GFAP-cre with LR-floxed mice, yielding mutant transmembrane LRs without signaling functions in endothelial cells and astrocytes, respectively. The ELKO mutation did not affect leptin half-life in blood or apparent influx rate to the brain and spinal cord, though there was an increase of brain parenchymal uptake of leptin after in situ brain perfusion. Similarly, the ALKO mutation did not affect blood–brain barrier permeation of leptin or its degradation in blood and brain. The results support our observation from cellular studies that membrane-bound truncated LRs are fully efficient in transporting leptin, and that basal levels of astrocytic LRs do not affect leptin transport across the endothelial monolayer. Nonetheless, the absence of leptin signaling at the BBB appears to enhance the availability of leptin to CNS parenchyma. The ELKO and ALKO mice provide new models to determine the dynamic regulation of leptin transport in metabolic and inflammatory disorders where cellular distribution of LRs is shifted.
THE RELEVANCE OF STATE‐UNIVERSITY RETIREMENT PLANS IN JOB SELECTION

Documents provided newly hired faculty members were requested from the major statesupported university in each of the fifty states. Those documents revealed two basic types of retirement plans: (1) state-controlled, defined-benefit plans in which retirement benefits are a function of a formula rather than the contributions by the employee and employer, if any; and (2) third-party, defined-contribution, input-based plans in which the funds are controlled by a third party and the benefits depend upon the amount of contributions and the return earned by them. The analysis focused upon the defined-benefit formula plans and a standard was developed to facilitate analysis. The simulations undertaken reveal significant, decision-relevant biases—especially against faculty who elect to change employers as infrequently as once every ten years when different pension plans are involved! The risks attendant to each type of plan and possible career strategies are discussed.
Role of innate immunity cytokines in systemic lupus and systemic onset arthritis

Abstract Cytokines of the innate immune system, like TNF and type I interferon (IFN-alpha/beta), have been described to be key players in autoimmunity. IFN-alpha/beta may drive many of the immune alterations described in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prototype autoimmune disease characterized by a break of tolerance to nuclear components. The recognition of the fundamental role of immature dendritic cells (DCs) in the control of peripheral tolerance led to the hypothesis that SLE may be driven through unabated DC activation. Indeed, CD14+ monocytes isolated from SLE blood, but not those from healthy individuals, act as DCs. Their activation is driven by IFN-α secreted by plasmacytoid DCs that have been shown to infiltrate SLE skin lesions. The importance of IFN-α in SLE is further shown by the presence of an IFN-α signature in the blood of all SLE patients, and by its extinction upon therapy with high-dose steroids. The excess of IFN-α may also contribute to the hypergammaglobulinemia that characterizes SLE patients, as pDCs triggered with virus induce activated B cells to differentiate into plasma cells. We have also explored the role of an innate immunity cytokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1), in the pathogenesis of systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SOJIA), one of the major forms of chronic inflammatory arthritis in childhood. Our results indicate that this cytokine is at the center of SOJIA pathogenesis, as these patients produce an excess of IL-1 and treatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) results in disease resolution.
Technical Communique: Robustness measures in nonlinear discrete-time systems with delays and large-parameter variations

Certain aspects of constructing the largest class of asymptotically convergent (stable) systems which surrounds a convergent system with nonlinearity and delays, and subject to large-parameter variations, are presented. Both the magnitude and computational efficiency of generating these results, which are based on the corresponding results from linear systems are presented. Here, three numerical examples, namely: (i)linear systems with linear multiple-parameter variations; (ii)nonlinear systems with linear multipleparameter variations and multiple nonlinearities; and (iii)linear systems with multiple nonlinear-parameter variations, are given to show applications of the underlying results. These building-blocks examples can be assembled to solve a complicated nonlinear discrete-time system with delays involving all the above variations.
Steady-state pattern electroretinogram in insulin-dependent diabetics with no or minimal retinopathy

Steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG) in response to sinusoidal gratings (1.7 c/deg spatial frequency; 9 × 9 deg field size) temporally modulated (sinusoidally) at 8 Hz were recorded in 40 insulin-dependent diabetics and 28 age-matched normal subjects. Visual acuity was ⩾ 20/20 in all 40 patients; 31 (62 eyes) showed no sign of retinopathy and nine (18 eyes) showed a few microaneurysms on fluorescein angiography. Insulin-dependent diabetics showed a significant reduction in the PERG mean amplitude as compared with age-matched control subjects (one-way analysis of variance: p < 0.0001). Significant differences were observed between normals and diabetics without retinopathy (Scheffe test: p < 0.0001), normals and diabetics with early retinopathy (Scheffe test: p < 0.0001), no retinopathy and early retinopathy patients (Scheffe test: p < 0.05). In diabetics without retinopathy multi-factorial analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of age of onset of the disease (p < 0.01) and an interaction effect between age of onset and duration (p < 0.001) on PERG amplitude. These results suggest a possible use of the steady-state PERG to detect early macular dysfunction in insulin-dependent diabetics.
Influence of Summer Biogeography on Wood Warbler Stopover Abundance

We evaluated the effect of summer biogeography of migrant wood warblers (Parulidae) on their stopover abundance. To characterize abundance patterns, we used mistnet capture data from spring and fall migration in the Middle Rio Grande Valley, New Mexico, spring migration on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, and fall migration on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. To describe the summer biogeography of 47 species of wood warblers. we used indices of their summer range size, their summer density, and distance between their summer ranges and our netting sites. Multiple linear regressions indicated that biogeographic indices explained 55% and 49% of variation in captures in the Middle Rio Grande Valley during spring and fall, respectively. On the Gulf Coast these regressions explained 25% of the variation during spring at the Louisiana site and 51% during fall at the Alabama site. Both summer range size and distance between the summer range and study sites explained significant portions of the variation in three of the four analyses. Interestingly, the importance of biogeographic factors was least evident among spring migrants along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. The difference between this site and other sites may reflect differences between migrants arriving after a Gulf crossing and those migrating across continental land masses or possibly an increased importance of winter biogeography for migrants crossing the Gulf of Mexico in the spring. In general, these results indicate that abundance of migrant warblers at our netting sites in both the eastern and western United States during spring and fall migration were influenced by summer biogeography. Consequently, we suggest including biogeographic analyses in assessments of conservation priorities for local stopover sites.
Citizenship in Latin America: New Works and Debates

Carlos Forment, Democracy in Latin America, 1760–1900, Volume 1: Civic Selfhood and Public Life in Mexico and Peru (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2003). Pp.456. $39/£25. ISBN 0-226-2571...
ACTION SPECTRUM FOR THE PHOTOINHIBITION OF BIOLUMINESCENCE IN THE MARINE DINOFLAGELLATE DISSODINIUM LUNULA

— The fractional photoinhibition of the mechanically stimulable bioluminescence in the vacuolar dinoflagellate Dissodinium lunula is proportional to the logarithm of the exposure. The action spectrum for this photoinhibition has been determined by measuring threshold exposures in absolute units of photons cm−2. The threshold exposure at the wavelength of maximum sensitivity, 450 nm, was 2 ± 10−2 photons cm−2. The action spectrum is consistent with absorption by a blue light receptor pigment shielded by a nonphotoactive pigment which absorbs in the region of the bioluminescence emission spectrum. It is suggested that there may be some selective advantage for this absorbing pigment in the vacuolar dinoflagellates in order to prevent the organisms from being photoinhibited by their own bioluminescence.
Packaging hygroscopic and stress-sensitive optics for a standard retarder

Abstract We discuss the packaging of a standard retarder. The retarder is a double Fresnel rhomb device and wehave achieved retardance stability within 1 ° over a temperature range. We estimated a 10year lifetime for storage within normal laboratory temperature and humidity conditions. The retardanceof an optical rhomb retarder is sensitive to stress- induced birefringence. We selected a glass with a lowstress-optic coefficient to improve optical performance. However, the glass is hygroscopic, and theretardance of the device changes in the presence of water vapor. Thus, for a stable retardance, a packageas nearly hermetic to water as possible that does not introduce any stress birefringence is required. Wehave tested the permeability of the seals, the sensitivity of our optical device to water vapor, andpredicted a usable lifetime for the retarder. We discuss the optical materials, water permeability of sealmaterials and the mathematical models used to predict the lifetime of the device. Also, we discuss theoptical design and retarder's placement in the package to minimize stress induced birefringence.Key words: Optical packaging and design; hygroscopic glass; stress induced birefringence; permeability
SU-GG-T-44: Evaluation of Xoft Electronic Brachytherapy System for Intraoperative Treatments

Purpose: The main objective was to evaluate and commission the Xoft Electronic Brachytherapy System for intraoperative treatments.Method and Materials: Using the manufacturer supplied phantom, we evaluated and commissioned the Xoft Electronic Brachytherapy system. We tested well‐chamber constancy and intercomparison, beam output stability with time, start/end effects, and performed radiation surveys. Other checks recommended by the AAPM TG152 were evaluated. Results The Ir‐192 calibrated well chamber is 3.7 times more sensitive when irradiated with the Xoft source than the Xoft calibrated well chamber. Expectation was that both chambers would give approximately the same reading because the Xoft integrated well chamber is cross calibrated in I‐125 source. It takes about 28s for the doserate from the Xoft Unit to ramp up to the treatmentdoserate. The unit delivers 9s worth of treatment during the ramp up phase. For treatment times less than 100s, this would introduce a dosimetry error of about 10% which will be repeated if there is a treatment interruption. Xoft Unit output may vary by up to 5% between 0.25 and 30 minutes. This variation is source dependent. So the minimum time used to collect charges for the AAPM‐TG61 calibration should be 1 minute, not 0.25 minute. Radiation surveys during treatment indicate that surface and intraoperative treatments give rise to exposure rates of 200mR/hr, 30cm from treatment area. Conclusions: Well chamber calibration inconsistency for Xoft Unit needs further investigation. Ramp up time accounts for 9s equivalent treatment time. Correction needed for treatment time less than 150 seconds. Charges for TG61 calibration should be collected for at least 1 minute, not 0.25 minute. Intraoperative and surface treatment produces exposure rate of 200mR/hr at distances of 30 cm. Exercise extreme caution by standing behind lead shield or wearing a lead apron.
Luteolytic Effect of LH and HCG on the Corpora Lute a of Pseudopregnant Rabbits1

Corpora lutea induced in 133 estrous rabbits by HCG were marked for future identification by India ink injection into each corpus luteum 2–4 days post ovulation. In Exp. I, a second set of corpora lutea was induced with HCG on days 3–13, all of which were maintained for 17–20 days after ovulation. The initial set of corpora lutea was maintained for the full life of the secondary set following HCG on day 3, and partially maintained after HCG on day 4, but regressed rapidly following injection of HCG after day 5. In Exp. II, FSH and LH singly or in combination were used to induce a second group of corpora lutea on day 7. FSH alone provoked regression in some, but not all, of the marked initial corpora lutea. FSH and LH or LH alone caused rapid regression of the initially formed corpora lutea, while the second group of corpora lutea persisted for a normal 17–18 day period. In Exp. Ill, 1.0 mg estrone sc daily on days 5–8, superimposed on HCG on day 7, prevented immediate regression of the initial corpora lut...
A Prosthetic Urinary Bladder—Why Not?

After cystectomy, bladder function is replaced with conduits and pouches constructed from autogenous bowel segments. These methods work reasonably well but not ideally.
A C-14 labeled Py-Im polyamide localizes to a subcutaneous prostate cancer tumor.

In an effort to quantitate Py–Im polyamide concentrations in vivo, we synthesized the C-14 radioactively labeled compounds 1–3, and investigated their tumor localization in a subcutaneous xenograft model of prostate cancer (LNCaP). Tumor concentrations were compared with representative host tissues, and exhibited a certain degree of preferential localization to the xenograft. Compound accumulation upon repeated administration was measured. Py–Im polyamide 1 was found to accumulate in LNCaP tumors at concentrations similar to the IC_(50) value for this compound in cell culture experiments.
Psychosocial Factors Associated with Patterns of Smoking Surrounding Pregnancy in Fragile Families

Although research has documented factors associated with maternal smoking, we need a more in-depth understanding of the risk factors associated with changes in smoking behaviors during the postpartum period. We investigate smoking patterns during pregnancy and 1 year postpartum as a function of relevant psychosocial factors. We use data on 3,522 postpartum mothers from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to analyze the predictors of smoking among mothers who did not smoke during pregnancy but smoked at 1 year postpartum, mothers who smoked both during pregnancy and postpartum, and mothers who did not smoke during either period. Our covariates are grouped into four categories of risk factors for smoking: socioeconomic status, health care, life course and health, and partner and social support. Postpartum mothers in our sample were more likely to smoke throughout or after their pregnancies if they had only a high school education or less, had a household income three or more times below the poverty line, had public or no health insurance, breastfed for less than 5 months, were not married to the infant’s father, if the infant’s father currently smoked, and if they attended religious services less than once a week. Mental health problems were consistently associated with an increased risk of constant and postpartum smoking relative to non-smoking. Psychosocial factors play a role in postpartum smoking, but they have a stronger effect in predicting smoking that persists throughout pregnancy and the first year postpartum.
Intra-ocular Heterotransplantation of Gonads and Sex Accessories from the Albino Mouse to the Albino Rat

SummaryThese observations indicate that heteroplastic transplants of gonads and accessory genital glands from albino mice do not become functionally incorporated in the anterior chamber of the eyes of albino rats. It is believed that the serological and phagocytic reactions of the host produce more rapid deterioration of the heterotransplant in the anterior chamber than occurs in other transplantation sites previously studied.
Modeling Fracture in Dielectric Stacks due to Chip-Package Interaction: Impact of Dielectric Material Selection

The trend towards decreasing dielectric constant of Interlayer Dielectric (ILD) materials has required significant trade-off between electrical performance and mechanical integrity of the die stack. Fracture caused by thermal stresses due to large coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between these materials arising during fabrication or testing are often the main driving force for failure. In this paper, we use CAD-inspired hierarchical field compositions [1] to carry out Isogeometric (meshfree) fracture simulations. We model cracks as arbitrary curves/surfaces and the crack propagation criterion is based on the evolving energy release rate (ERR) of the system. We simulate the solder reflow process to assess the impact of chip-package interaction on the reliability of ILD stacks. We use multi-level modeling to extract displacement boundary conditions for the local model of the ILD stack. Eight layers of metallization are considered in the ILD stack. We study the relative risks of replacing stronger dielectric (SiO2) with weaker dielectrics (SiCOH, ULK) on the criticality of preexisting flaws in the structure. Further, we study the impact of varying interfacial toughness values on the crack growth patterns in ILD stacks. Crack patterns reflect the propensity towards predominantly bulk failure with increasing interfacial toughness.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A differential drug screen for compounds that select against antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotics increase the frequency of resistant bacteria by providing them a competitive advantage over sensitive strains. Here, we develop a versatile assay for differential chemical inhibition of competing microbial strains, and use it to identify compounds that preferentially inhibit tetracycline-resistant relative to sensitive bacteria, thus “inverting” selection for resistance. Our assay distinguishes compounds selecting directly against specific resistance mechanisms and compounds whose selection against resistance is based on their physiological interaction with tetracycline and is more general with respect to resistance mechanism. A pilot screen indicates that both types of selection-inverting compounds are secreted by soil microbes, suggesting that nature has evolved a repertoire of chemicals that counteracts antibiotic resistance. Finally, we show that our assay can more generally permit simple, direct screening for drugs based on their differential activity against different strains or targets.
Age and Sex Differences in Induced Hierarchical Organizational Ability.

Summary Spontaneous and induced hierarchical organization was investigated with 72 first, third, and fifth graders (12 females and 12 males at each grade level). Stimuli consisted of an initial set of 20 unrelated pictures and a second set of 20 pictures which could be classified according to four super ordinate categories. Ss were randomly assigned to either the spontaneous or induced condition for the second set. Both recall scores and clustering indexes indicated that induced organization facilitates recall(p < .01 and p < .05, respectively). The effect of the induced presentation condition was most pronounced for third and fifth graders (p < .05). The clustering analysis indicated sex differences in the induced presentation condition (p < .05); with increasing age, girls exhibited a greater improvement than boys in induced organizational ability.
Experimental and theoretical study of reactivity trends for methanol on Co/Pt(111) and Ni/Pt(111) bimetallic surfaces

Methanol was used as a probe molecule to examine the reforming activity of oxygenates on Ni∕Pt(111) and Co∕Pt(111) bimetallic surfaces, utilizing density functional theory (DFT) modeling, temperature-programed desorption, and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). DFT results revealed a correlation between the methanol and methoxy binding energies and the surface d-band center of various Ni∕Pt(111) and Co∕Pt(111) bimetallic surfaces. Consistent with DFT predictions, increased production of H2 and CO from methanol was observed on a Ni surface monolayer on Pt(111), designated as Ni–Pt–Pt(111), as compared to the subsurface monolayer Pt–Ni–Pt(111) surface. HREELS was used to verify the presence and subsequent decomposition of methoxy intermediates on Ni∕Pt(111) and Co∕Pt(111) bimetallic surfaces. On Ni–Pt–Pt(111) the methoxy species decomposed to a formaldehyde intermediate below 300K; this species reacted at ∼300K to form CO and H2. On Co–Pt–Pt(111), methoxy was stable up to ∼350K and decomposed to form CO and H2. Overall, trends in methanol reactivity on Ni∕Pt(111) bimetallic surfaces were similar to those previously determined for ethanol and ethylene glycol.
Metabolic clearance rate of plasma deoxycorticosterone sulfate in men and women.

Abstract In the present investigation, we determined the metabolic clearance rate of plasma deoxycorticosterone sulfate in adult men and nonpregnant women and in one woman pregnant at 42 weeks gestation with an anencephalic fetus. The values obtained varied from 618 to 1070 l/24 h. The metabolic clearance rate of deoxycorticosterone sulfate, expressed as a function of body surface area, was 495 ± 31.7 l/24h/m 2 (mean ± SEM) and was not significantly different among men and nonpregnant women. In a woman pregnant with an anencephalic fetus at 42 weeks gestation, the metabolic clearance rate of deoxycorticosterone sulfate was 644 l/24 h/m 2 . We suggest that the high clearance rate of this steroid 21-sulfate, compared with those of other steroid sulfates, is due to rapid excretion of deoxycorticosterone sulfate into bile and irreversible metabolism in intestine by bacterial enzymes.
Phase Transitions for Controlled Mobility in Wireless Ad hoc Networks

*† ‡ § In this paper we investigate the phase transitions between different modes of controlled mobility in wireless ad hoc networks. The transmission of data between two nodes can be performed by one of three methods in a mobile ad hoc network: direct transmission between nodes; multi-hop relaying through intermediate nodes; and data ferrying through a node that physically moves between sources and destinations. Assuming the source and destination nodes are stationary, the best choice of transmission mode through the network is a function of several variables including the separation distance between nodes, the required average data throughput, the maximum tolerable delay, and the data ferry speed and buffer capacity. This paper presents the notion of a phase diagram relating separation distance to average data throughput. Contours of maximum packet delay are specified on this phase plot and are used to identify the optimal mode under various configurations. The creation and maintenance of communication channels of specified performance in a mobile ad hoc network can be viewed as a hybrid control problem. Calculation of the boundaries between phases corresponds to determining the transition conditions of the hybrid controller.
Global christianity and the control of its neglected tropical diseases.

Today, neglected tropical diseases represent some of the most common afflictions of global Christianity. Through NTDs, a renewed dialogue with faith-based organizations that work in developing countries and elements of the hierarchy of the Christian church could make an important difference in global Christianity and the lives of the world's poorest people.
Underlying differences between conscientious omnivores and vegetarians in the evaluation of meat and animals

As criticisms of factory farming continue to mount, an increasing number of individuals have changed their existing dietary practices. Perhaps the two most important options for those reacting against industrial farming are (1) vegetarianism/veganism (i.e., veg*nism), the avoidance of animal flesh/all animal products; and (2) conscientious omnivorism (CO), the consumption of meat or fish only when it satisfies certain ethical standards. While the former group has recently received much attention in the social science literature, studies specifically examining those who identify themselves as COs have been virtually nonexistent. The present research sought to investigate possible underlying attitudinal differences between the two groups. Results indicated that relative to veg*ns, COs evaluated animals less favorably, meat more favorably, and were lower in idealism, misanthropy, and ingroup identification. Mediation analysis demonstrated that differences between COs and veg*ns in the perceived acceptability of killing animals for food were mediated by beliefs about animals and meat. The discussion largely speculates on the causal direction of these effects.
Instability in electrodeposition: the critical wavelength

Abstract A simple and useful formula for the critical wavelength in electrodeposition derived by Sundstrom and Bark is obtained under conditions less restrictive than those used in its original derivation.
CT-based dosimetry for transperineal I-125 prostate brachytherapy

Purpose: To demonstrate CT-based target coverage achieved by an experienced brachytherapy team, with a documented history of clinical efficacy. These results may serve as a point of reference by which other implant teams could evaluate their technical results. Methods and Materials: Two to 4 h after implantation, a CT scan of the pelvis was obtained, taking 3-mm thick images at 3 mm scan intervals. The outer margins of the rectum and prostate were outlined on each CT section by a single investigator (KW). CT scans from 20 consecutive, unselected patients with stage T1 or T2 prostatic carcinoma who had transperineal 1-125 implants at MSKCC in 1995 were analyzed. The prescribed minimum peripheral prostate dose was 140 Gy, based on a preimplant CT scan of the prostate. Target volumes were determined based on planar reconstruction of the prostate. Results: An average of 84% of the target (range: 76-92%) was covered by the 140 Gy isodose line. An average of 90% of the target (range: 81-96%) was covered by the 120 Gy isodose line. The average minimum target dose was 57 Gy (range: 40-70 Gy). There was a loose correlation between the minimum dose and the degree of target coverage (r = 0.33). Conclusions: Based on CT scanning on the day of the implant, coverage of 80% or more of the target volume by the prescription dose is probably adequate. Accurate evaluation is a complex problem that is made imprecise by difficulty in target identification and by volume changes after the implant.
Pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland in children.

Summary Objective To evaluate the presentation, imaging characteristics and treatment outcome of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid in the pediatric population. Design Retrospective study with institutional review board approval. Setting Tertiary care pediatric medical center. Methods An extensive review of medical records with regard to presentation, imaging, histopathology, complication, recurrence and prognosis on patients 18 years or younger presenting from 1983 to 2005. Results Eleven patients (six females, five males) were identified. The most common presentation was an asymptomatic mass. Preoperative imaging was done on nine patients: MRI ( N = 6), CT ( N = 3), ultrasound ( N = 2), and sialogram ( N = 1). Initial treatments included: superficial parotidectomy ( N = 5), total parotidectomy ( N = 3), excisional biopsy followed by superficial parotidectomy ( N = 2), and excisional biopsy ( N = 1). There were two recurrences (18%); one presenting 7 months following excisional biopsy who underwent superficial parotidectomy and one occurred 3 years following total parotidectomy requiring revision parotidectomy and radiation. Other complications included: transient facial nerve paresis ( N = 5; 45%) and permanent weakness ( N = 1; 9%). The patients were followed an average of 18 months. Conclusions Pleomorphic adenoma is one of the most common tumors of the parotid in children. The most common presentation is an asymptomatic mass. A preoperative evaluation with MRI or CT scan can be helpful in determining the extent of the lesion and surgical planning. Complete excision via superficial or total parotidectomy with preservation of facial nerve is the treatment of choice. Long-term follow up is recommended, though was difficult in a tertiary care center.
Estimating rock porosity and fluid saturation using only seismic velocities

Evaluation of the fluid content in deep earth reservoirs or fluid contaminants in shallow earth environments has required the use of geophysical imaging methods such as seismic reflection prospecting. Interpretation of seismic velocities and amplitudes is based on theories of fluid‐saturated and partially saturated rocks that have been available since the 1950s. Here we present a new synthesis of the same physical concepts that uses compressional‐wave velocities together with shear‐wave velocities in a scheme that is much simpler to understand and apply yet yields detailed information about porosity and fluid saturation magnitudes and spatial distribution. The key idea revolves around the fact that the density and the Lame elastic parameter λ are the only two parameters determining seismic velocities that also contain information about fluid saturation. At low enough frequencies, Gassmann's well‐known equations show that the shear modulus is independent of the fluid saturation level. We use these facts to...
Microsatellite instability in hereditary and sporadic breast cancers

Sporadic cancers and familial breast cancers are characterized by an increase in genetic instability. Little is known about whether mismatch repair defects accompany this genetic instability. We investigated invasive and/or in situ breast cancers from 30 women with deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations and unclassified variant BRCA1/2 alterations. Forty cases of sporadic breast cancers were also investigated, including 7 medullary carcinomas. Malignant and benign lesions were examined from all cases to better understand tumor progression. Automated immunohistochemistry, with antibodies directed against hMLH1 and hMSH2, was used to screen cases for possible mismatch repair defects. When loss of expression was noted, DNA ploidy was performed by cytomorphometry. DNA, after laser microdissection, was extracted from a majority of familial cases and their corresponding controls, and microsatellite instability analysis was performed. None of the familial or sporadic cases had loss of hMSH2 expression. All but one lesion, a DCIS arising in a deleterious BRCA2 mutation carrier, had loss of hMLH1 expression and a tetraploid profile by image cytomorphometry. There was no MSI in any explored lesions (n = 34), as determined by molecular analysis, including the DCIS with loss of hMLH1 expression. We conclude that DNA mismatch repair defects involving hMLH1 and hMSH2 underexpression are extremely rare events in sporadic and familial breast cancer. Mismatch repair gene mutations may be secondary random events in breast cancer progression.
Properties of the PC-1 molecule

The technique of cell-surface iodination, followed by immuno-precipitation withPC-1.1 antiserum, was applied to normal spleen cells and to MOPC-70A BALB myeloma cells. The results indicate that the cell-surface component bearing PC-1 alloantigen has a molecular weight of from 105,000 to 110,000 daltons and does not resemble any constituent of plasma membranes or MuLV-type virus so far categorized by similar methods. The PC-1 specificity of the molecule was confirmed by comparison of the spleen cells of two mouse strains with spleen cells of their respective PC-congenic partner strains. MOPC-70A myeloma cells, but not spleen cells, yield a fainter band in the PC-1 position in controls in which antiserum is omitted, but peptide maps show that this similarly placed band has no relation to the PC-1 molecule.
Real-time fur over arbitrary surfaces

We introduce a method for real-time rendering of fur on surfaces of arbitrary topology. As a pre-process, we simulate virtual hair with a particle system, and sample it into a volume texture. Next, we parameterize the texture over a surface of arbitrary topology using “lapped textures” — an approach for applying a sample texture to a surface by repeatedly pasting patches of the texture until the surface is covered. The use of lapped textures permits specifying a global direction field for the fur over the surface. At runtime, the patches of volume textures are rendered as a series of concentric shells of semi-transparent medium. To improve the visual quality of the fur near silhouettes, we place “fins” normal to the surface and render these using conventional 2D texture maps sampled from the volume texture in the direction of hair growth. The method generates convincing imagery of fur at interactive rates for models of moderate complexity. Furthermore, the scheme allows real-time modification of viewing and lighting conditions, as well as local control over hair color, length, and direction. Additional
Self-reported delinquency and home life: Evidence from a sample of British girls

This study examines the correlation between family variables and delinquency (both self-reported and official) in a small sample of British teenage girls. Factor analysis of the 72-item Home Life Questionnaire (from T. H. Hirschi [1969] Causes of Delinquency, University of California Press, Berkeley) revealed a clear four-factor structure of caring and communication, discipline, pressure and mother-daughter closeness, which cumulatively accounted for 31% of the variance. Multiple regression of these factors onto self-reported delinquency indicated the maternal factor to be most powerful, explaining 25% of the variance in self-reported delinquency. Institutionalized and noninstitutionalized girls showed only chance differences in terms of the quality of their home life.
Performance Limitation and Mitigation of Longitudinal Spatial Hole Burning in High-Power Diode Lasers

Facets of high-power broad area diode lasers are typically coated with one high-reflecting and one partially reflecting layer to improve slope efficiency and maximize output power. The typical cavity lengths of commercial devices have also been progressively increasing, mainly to reduce temperature rise at the active region and improve laser performance and reliability. The asymmetric reflectivities and long cavity length, however, result in a highly inhomogeneous longitudinal profile of the photon density, which induces a spatially non-uniform carrier distribution, so-called longitudinal spatial hole burning (LSHB). A more uniform longitudinal photon and carrier distribution is believed to improve the overall gain of the cavity and reduce gain saturation, although further study is required to understand the impact of LSHB to power efficiency and its implication in laser design optimization to achieve higher peak powers. We present a phenomenological model that incorporates LSHB to describe longitudinal photon and carrier density inhomogeneity, as well as light-current characteristics of a diode laser. The impact of LSHB on the power efficiency is demonstrated through numerical calculation and can be significant under high-power operations. This presents new guidelines for high-power diode laser designs, in which LSHB imposes limits on reducing facet reflectivity and/or increasing cavity length, beyond which performance deteriorates. Alternatively, effects of LSHB can be mitigated through longitudinal patterning of the waveguide or contact to achieve high-power and high-efficiency diode lasers. We propose specially designed longitudinal patterning of electrical contact to mitigate LSHB. Ongoing device implementation will be used to demonstrate performance benefits.