cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orally administered β-glucans enhance anti-tumor effects of monoclonal antibodies

β-Glucan primes leukocyte CR3 for enhanced cytotoxicity and synergizes with anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies (mAb). We studied readily available (1→3)-β-D-glucan using the immune deficient xenograft tumor models, and examined the relationship of its anti-tumor effect and physico-chemical properties. Established subcutaneous (s.c.) human xenografts were treated for 29 days orally with daily β-glucan by intragastric injection and mAb intravenously (i.v.) twice weekly. Control mice received either mAb alone or β-glucan alone. Tumor sizes were monitored over time. β-Glucans were studied by carbohydrate linkage analysis, and high performance size-exclusion chromatography with multiple angle laser scattering detection. Orally administered β-D-glucan greatly enhanced the anti-tumor effects of mAb against established tumors in mice. We observed this β-glucan effect irrespective of antigen (GD2, GD3, CD20, epidermal growth factor-receptor, HER-2), human tumor type (neuroblastoma, melanoma, lymphoma, epidermoid carcinoma and breast carcinoma) or tumor sites (s.c. versus systemic). This effect correlated with the molecular size of the (1→3),(1→4)-β-D-glucan. Orally administered (1→3),(1→6)-β-D-glucans also synergized with mAb, although the effect was generally less marked. Given the favorable efficacy and toxicity profile of oral β-D-glucan treatment, the role of natural products that contain β-glucan in cancer treatment as an enhancer of the effect of mAb therapy deserves further study.
Debt Financing, Venture Capital, and Initial Public Offerings

We examine the comparative roles of debt financing and venture capital in the performance of companies that go public. For a sample of more than 5,000 IPOs during the period 1980-2002, we find that firms with high debt financing tend to exhibit characteristics of lower valuation uncertainty and risk than firms that are backed by venture capital. We document a strong negative relation between debt financing and initial returns (or underpricing), after controlling for other factors affecting these returns. For the entire sample, one standard deviation change in leverage is associated with 7% lower underpricing. Our results are especially pronounced during periods with high valuation uncertainty. For example, during the 1999-2000 period, firms with high debt levels and without venture capitalist backing averaged 60% lower underpricing than firms with low use of debt financing but backed by venture capitalists. Our results confirm the theories of James and Wier (1990), who hypothesize that debt financing is associated with lower initial returns, and Ueda (2004) who hypothesizes about the comparative effects of banks and venture capitalists on IPO firms. Also consistent with Ueda's theory, we document that debt financing and venture capital tend to be substitutes. We also examine the comparative effects of debt financing and venture capital on the long-term performance of IPO firms. Overall, we find that high levels of debt financing are associated with negative aftermarket performance in the five years after the IPO, in contrast with the comparatively positive performance of venture capital-backed firms, after adjusting for market risk, size, and book-to-market effects. Brav and Gompers (1997) show that the negative long-term performance of IPOs is primarily associated with small firms that do not have venture capital backing. We find that firms with substantial debt financing tend to have especially low performance. Furthermore, we show that the firms characterized by Brav and Gompers as small (in market capitalization) and without venture capital are generally also firms with high debt financing. Thus, the characteristics of firms with extensive debt financing help to account for both their lower initial returns at the IPO, and their negative long-term performance following the IPO. While the underperformance of debt-backed firms demonstrates a statistically meaningful anomaly, it may suggest further need for incorporating the effect of debt in examining investment performance, as suggested recently by related results for non-IPO firms by Billett, Flannery, and Garfinkel (2005).
Medroxyprogesterone acetate for the evaluation of hypertestosteronism in hirsute women.

Twenty-three women with moderately elevated plasma testosterone levels (77 to 240 ng/dl) received 10mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) orally, three times daily, for 3 months or more. The testosterone levels were reduced to normal (less than 70 ng/dl) in 21 patients, suppressed partially in 1 patient, and unchanged in 1 patient. The removal of an ovarian teratoma normalized the testosterone level in the patient whose levels had failed to suppress with MPA. On therapy, the mean plasma testosterone concentration decreased 60%, apparent free testosterone decreased 31%, and dihydrotestosterone decreased 34% (P Experience with this simple trial suggests that extensive diagnostic testing may not be required in women with hirsutism and moderately elevated testosterone levels.
An improved method for generating axenic entomopathogenic nematodes

Steinernema carpocapsae are parasitic nematodes that invade and kill insects. The nematodes are mutualistically associated with the bacteria Xenorhabdus nematophila and together form an excellent model to study pathogen infection processes and host anti-nematode/antibacterial immune responses. To determine the contribution of S. carpocapsae and their associated X. nematophila to the successful infection of insects as well as to investigate the interaction of each mutualistic partner with the insect immune system, it is important to develop and establish robust methods for generating nematodes devoid of their bacteria. To produce S. carpocapsae nematodes without their associated X. nematophila bacteria, we have modified a previous method, which involves the use of a X. nematophila rpoS mutant strain that fails to colonize the intestine of the worms. We confirmed the absence of bacteria in the nematodes using a molecular diagnostic and two rounds of an axenicity assay involving appropriate antibiotics and nematode surface sterilization. We used axenic and symbiotic S. carpocapsae to infect Drosophila melanogaster larvae and found that both types of nematodes were able to cause insect death at similar rates. Generation of entomopathogenic nematodes lacking their mutualistic bacteria provides an excellent tool to dissect the molecular and genetic basis of nematode parasitism and to identify the insect host immune factors that participate in the immune response against nematode infections.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Thoracic Spine. Evaluation of Asymptomatic Individuals (

We reviewed magnetic resonance imaging studies of the thoracic spines of ninety asymptomatic individuals to determine the prevalence of abnormal anatomical findings. This group included sixty individuals who had no history of any thoracic or lumbar pain and thirty individuals who had a history of low-back pain only. In addition, we reviewed imaging studies of eighteen patients who had an operatively proved herniation of a thoracic disc and studies of thirty-one patients who had been seen with thoracic pain. Sagittal T1-weighted spin-echo and axial multiplanar gradient refocused images at each disc level were interpreted by us (two neuroradiologists and two orthopaedic spine surgeons); we had no clinical information about the patients. Sixty-six (73 percent) of the ninety asymptomatic individuals had positive anatomical findings at one level or more. These findings included herniation of a disc in thirty-three subjects (37 percent), bulging of a disc in forty-eight (53 percent), an annular tear in fifty-two (58 percent), deformation of the spinal cord in twenty-six (29 percent), and Scheuermann end-plate irregularities or kyphosis in thirty-four (38 percent). This study documents the high prevalence of anatomical irregularities, including herniation of a disc and deformation of the spinal cord, on the magnetic resonance images of the thoracic spine in asymptomatic individuals. We emphasize that these findings represent roentgenographic abnormalities only, and any clinical decisions concerning the treatment of pain in the thoracic spine usually require additional studies.
Primary-Grade Teachers' Self-Efficacy Beliefs, Attitudes toward Teaching, and Discipline and Teaching Practice Priorities in Relation to the "Responsive Classroom" Approach

In this study we examined the ways in which experience with a relational approach to education, the Responsive Classroom (RC) Approach, related to teachers' beliefs, attitudes, and teaching priorities. Questionnaire and Q-sort data were collected for a sample of 69 teachers in grades kindergarten through 3 at 6 schools (3 schools in their first year of RC implementation and 3 comparison schools) in a district with a diverse student body (54% ethnic minorities, 35% eligible for free or reduced-price lunch). Findings showed that teachers who reported using more RC practices reported greater self-efficacy beliefs and teaching practice priorities that were consistent with those of the RC approach. Teachers at RC schools were also more likely to report positive attitudes toward teaching as a profession and to hold disciplinary and teaching practice priorities that were aligned with the goals of the RC approach. Findings are discussed in relation to the teacher and school changes that accompanied implementation...
Expanding the dialogue on culture as a critical component when assessing writing

Abstract This article reports on the findings of a study that illustrates the value of including the voices of teachers from diverse backgrounds in discussions concerning writing assessment. The inclusion of such voices can help, not only to inform, but to re-shape current assessment practices, research priorities, and policy debates that focus on finding solutions to problems of assessment, particularly as they relate to diverse populations. In Part one of the article, I review the findings of an investigation in which four European-American teachers assess students' written texts. These teachers rated essays written by ethnically diverse fifth- and sixth-grade students using an array of rhetorical and linguistic measures—including overall quality, coherence, sentence-level mechanics, and use of an organizational structure. In Part two, I describe a replication of this investigation in which four African-American teachers assessed the writings of the same students' written essays using the same rhetorical and linguistic measures. Findings suggest that European-American and African-American teachers hold some consistently different views about the assessment of diverse students' written texts. Motivated by these observed differences and a desire to expand the dialogue on culture as a critical component in assessing writing, I present in the third and final section of the article the voices of the African-American teachers who participated in this study. Through candid and reflective comments, these teachers share deep felt concerns and specific suggestions concerning writing assessment. In this section, I also discuss how the voices of teachers from diverse backgrounds can be useful for broadening debates about the reform of writing assessment in general, and the assessment of writing for culturally and linguistically diverse students in particular.
Reference implications of digital technology in a library photograph collection

Research undertaken in photograph collections presents unique challenges, both for the researcher and for the librarian or archivist attempting to provide access. Unlike a book, which most frequently has a recognizable author and/or title, a photograph is not easily described or indexed. The identity of the photographer is sometimes unknown. The names of any people shown in the images are frequently not readily available, and even the location may be ambiguous.
INCREASES IN FUNCTIONAL RESIDUAL CAPACITY (FRC) AT TWO DIFFERENT DOSES OF DEXAMETHASONE IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (VLBW) INFANTS: A DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED TRIAL. † 1359

We have reported a one week weaning course of 0.5 mg dexamethasone (DEX) in VLBW ventilator dependent infants 7 - 14 days of age to significantly improve pulmonary compliance (as well as subsequent CLD) when compared to controls(Pediatrics 1995; 95: 584-90). The effect of two different dose regimes of DEX on lung volume in VLBW infants at risk for CLD has not been reported. As part of an ongoing study, we measured FRC and static pulmonary mechanics (PM) in 21 infants ≤ 1000 g ventilator dependent at 7 - 14 days with a randomized, double-blind study design. Ten infants (mean BW=785 g, GA=25.7 wks, 70% male, 50% Caucasian, FIO2 at entry = 0.48, mean airway pressure (MAP) = 7.1 cmH2O) received high dose DEX (0.5mg/kg/day × 3 days; 0.25 mg/kg/day × 3 days; 0.1 mg/kg/day × 1 day) while 11 infants (mean BW=714 g, GA=25.5 wks, 64% male, 45% Caucasian, FIO2 at entry = 0.48, MAP=8.2 cm H2O received low dose DEX (0.2 mg/kg/day × 3 days; 0.1 mg/kg/day × 4 days). FRC and PM were measured at similar ventilator settings before and on days 2, 5, and 7 of DEX. FRC was measured with the nitrogen washout technique. A minimum of 2 measurements were performed with the neonate supine and quiet. Only consistent tracings initiated at end expiration and without evidence of leak were accepted. A study was acceptable if the measurements had a coefficient of variation < 10%. Respiratory compliance (Crs) was measured using the single breath occlusion technique (SensorMedics 2600). FRC is shown as ml/kg and Crs as ml/cm H2O/kg. Both groups had a significant decrease in FIO2 and MAP by day 7 of therapy (p<0.05). Although the increase is more gradual in the low dose DEX group, both high and low dose DEX had significant increases in FRC and Crs by day 7. However, the high dose DEX group had a 129% increase in FRC, while low dose DEX increased FRC by 43% (p<0.05). We speculate that this statistically significant increase in FRC with high DEX versus low DEX will also prove to be clinically significant, and supports a short course of the high dose as more effective than the low dose for infants at risk for CLD.Table
Civic Nationalism and Language Policy

Civic nationhood is meant to describe a political identity built around shared citizenship in a liberal-democratic state.1 A "civic nation," in this sense, need not be unified by commonalities of language or culture (where "culture" refers to the traditions and customs of a particular national group). It simply requires a disposition on the part of citizens to uphold their political institutions, and to accept the liberal principles on which they are based. Membership is open to anyone who shares these values. In a civic nation, the protection or promotion of one national culture over others is not a goal of the state.2 Although the concept of a "civic," as distinct from a "cultural," nationalism goes very far back in the literature, those employing the distinction today tend to be philosophers who wish to defend a liberal ideal of citizenship. Jurgen Habermas argues that new immigrants to a liberal state should not be required to assimilate to the culture of the majority nation, but instead must simply "assent to the principles of the constitution within the scope of interpretation determined at a particular
High-resolution measurements of the spatial and temporal scalar structure of a turbulent plume

Two techniques are described for measuring the scalar structure of turbulent flows. A planar laser-induced fluorescence technique is used to make highly resolved measurements of scalar spatial structure, and a single-point laser-induced fluorescence probe is used to make highly resolved measurements of scalar temporal structure. The techniques are used to measure the spatial and temporal structure of an odor plume released from a low-momentum, bed-level source in a turbulent boundary layer. For the experimental setup used in this study, a spatial resolution of 150 μm and a temporal resolution of 1,000 Hz are obtained. The results show a wide range of turbulent structures in rich detail; the nature of the structure varies significantly in different regions of the plume.
Photoluminescence Quenching and the Photochemical Oxidation of Porous Silicon by Molecular Oxygen

Exposure of luminescent n-type porous Si to gaseous molecular oxygen results in reversible quenching of the visible photoluminescence associated with this material. Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence quenching follow a dynamic Stern−Volmer model. From the Stern−Volmer analysis, the quenching rate constant, kq, was found to be 26 ± 9 Torr-1 s-1. The rate constant for quenching is not strongly dependent on the chemical composition of the surface. Hydride-, deuteride-, or oxide-terminated surfaces all display similar quenching rate constants. Quenching is attributed to electron transfer from the luminescent chromophore in porous Si to an O2 molecule weakly chemisorbed to a surface defect. In parallel with the reversible quenching process but on a much longer time scale (minutes to hours depending upon light intensity), porous Si samples also slowly photooxidize. Both the intensity (measured at steady state) and lifetime (measured by nanosecond-pulsed laser excitation) of photoluminescence decre...
Beyond SumBasic: Task-focused summarization with sentence simplification and lexical expansion

In recent years, there has been increased interest in topic-focused multi-document summarization. In this task, automatic summaries are produced in response to a specific information request, or topic, stated by the user. The system we have designed to accomplish this task comprises four main components: a generic extractive summarization system, a topic-focusing component, sentence simplification, and lexical expansion of topic words. This paper details each of these components, together with experiments designed to quantify their individual contributions. We include an analysis of our results on two large datasets commonly used to evaluate task-focused summarization, the DUC2005 and DUC2006 datasets, using automatic metrics. Additionally, we include an analysis of our results on the DUC2006 task according to human evaluation metrics. In the human evaluation of system summaries compared to human summaries, i.e., the Pyramid method, our system ranked first out of 22 systems in terms of overall mean Pyramid score; and in the human evaluation of summary responsiveness to the topic, our system ranked third out of 35 systems.
Preliminary results of fetal cardiac bypass in nonhuman primates

Objective Fetal cardiac surgery has potential benefits for treatment of some congenital heart defects. However, placental dysfunction as a result of fetal bypass, fetal stress, and fetal exposure to external milieu needs to be overcome to optimize the outcomes of fetal cardiac bypass. In this study we evaluated the technical feasibility of cardiac bypass in the nonhuman primate fetus and the efficacy of different anesthetic approaches. Methods Twelve baboon fetuses, average gestation 146 ± 8 days and weight 696 ± 184 g, were used. Three fetuses were excluded from the study because of nuchal cord presentations. The animals were separated into two anesthesia groups: isoflurane (n = 6) and fentanyl and midazolam (n = 3). A miniature roller pump circuit without oxygenator was used for fetal bypass for 30 minutes. No blood transfusion was performed. Fetal blood gas samples were collected before bypass, during bypass, and at 15 and 60 minutes after bypass. Results All fetuses in the isoflurane group were successfully placed on the cardiac bypass circuit. However, 2 animals in the fentanyl and midazolam group were not placed on the bypass circuit because of sustained elevation in maternal uterine tone. All maternal baboons survived. Of the 6 fetuses in the isoflurane group, 5 survived for 60 minutes; however, placental function continued to deteriorate after bypass (Pa o 2 33 ± 3 mm Hg before bypass, 23 ± 6 mm Hg 15 minutes after, and 18 ± 9 mm Hg 60 minutes after). Conclusion The technical feasibility of cardiac bypass in nonhuman primate fetuses weighing less than 1000 g was confirmed. Isoflurane anesthesia appears to be superior to fentanyl and midazolam anesthesia for fetal cardiac surgery because of adequate uterine relaxation.
The partial molar heat capacities of some solutes in water and deuterium oxide

Abstract Partial molar heat capacities are reported for several electrolytes and non-electrolytes in H2O and in D2O. It is observed that the partial molar heat capacities of simple electrolytes are smaller than the molar heat capacities of the pure substances while the opposite is true for sugars and polyhydric alcohols. Little difference is observed between the molar heat capacity of urea and its partial molar values in aqueous solutions. The heat capacities of “structure-breaking” solutes such as the simple electrolytes are smaller in D2O than in H2O while the opposite is true for “structure-enhancing” solutes such as the tetrabutylammonium salts.
Novel Mach-Zehnder Polymer Modulators Using Coplanar Waveguide Electrodes

Polymer modulators using CPW electrodes are demonstrated for the first time. A novel in-plane CPW electrode structure is introduced to enhance overlap factor. In first experiments we achieved half-wave voltage of 23.6V for 2cm-long device.
GRESHAM'S LAW: THE REGULATORY ANALOGY

The authors argue that delegation of discretion over environmental regulation to the states may trigger a process analogous to Gresham's Law in which lax regulation in one state drives out stringent regulation in neighboring states. This devolution to regulatory laxity is illustrated by the lax pesticide regulations in five Midwestern “agricultural” states. Questions are raised about the effects of the Reagan Administration's commitment to reduce the stringency of federal environmental regulations and delegate more regulatory discretion to the states.
Limiting Length, Steady Spread, and Nongrowing Flames in Concurrent Flow Over Solids

A detailed two-dimensional transient model has been formulated and numerically solved for concurrent flames over thick and thin solids in low-speed forced flows. The processes of flame growth leading to steady states are numerically simulated. For a thick solid, the steady state is a nongrowing stationary flame with a limiting length. For a thin solid, the steady state is a spreading flame with a constant spread rate and a constant flame length. The reason for a nongrowing limiting flame for the thick solid is the balance between the flame heat feedback and the surface radiative heat loss at the pyrolysis front, as first suggested by Honda and Ronney. The reason for achieving a steady spread for thin solids is the balance between the solid burnout rate and the flame tip advancing rate. Detailed transient flame and thermal profiles are presented to illustrate the different flame growth features between the thick- and thin-solid fuel samples.
Lipoxidase and the oxygen absorption of homogenates from corn seedlings

Abstract Homogenates from 2 1 4 - day corn seedlings absorbed oxygen most rapidly at pH 5.0 and a second smaller maximum occurred at pH 7.2. The homogenates could be separated into two fractions, one of which contained lipoxidase and the other contained substrates for lipoxidase. Several lines of evidence led to the conclusion that the lipoxidase-substrate system accounts for the major portion of the oxygen absorption of the homogenate at pH 5.0 but at pH 7.2, other enzymes systems must contribute to the oxygen absorption.
Continuum interpolation of stress fields in brittle fracture

Abstract The locally nonlinear behavior of crack stresses is first represented by adjustable boundary conditions near the crack tip. The actual boundary conditions are then determined by continuity conditions imposed on a general parameterized solution. The thus modified formulation yields finite crack tip stresses consistent with atomistic and other hybrid models of brittle fracture.
Carotid Sinus Baroreceptor Reflex Effects upon Myocardial Contractility

The reflex effects of stimulation of the carotid sinus baroreceptors on left atrial and ventricular performance have been studied in an auxotonic and an isovolumetric left heart preparation, which was innervated, though completely isolated hydraulically. Reflex changes of heart rate, arterial impedance, venous return, and level of circulating catecholamines were prevented from influencing cardiac performance. In the auxotonic preparation, stimulation of the carotid sinus baroreceptors decreased aortic pressure, cardiac output, and external left ventricular work. Simultaneously, mean left atrial pressure rose definitely. In the isovolumetric preparation, a decrease of the left ventricular peak systolic pressure was observed. These changes in atrial and ventricular dynamics were attributed primarily to a reflex negative inotropic effect directly upon the atrial and ventricular mycardium, mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. No definite changes in distensibility of the isovolumetric left ventricle were observed, although this could not be excluded in the auxotonic preparation. Primary changes in the coronary vascular bed were not considered to be responsible for the observed changes in atrial and ventricular dynamics.
The Apo(a) gene is the major determinant of variation in plasma Lp(a) levels in African Americans.

The distributions of plasma lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), levels differ significantly among ethnic groups. Individuals of African descent have a two- to threefold higher mean plasma level of Lp(a) than either Caucasians or Orientals. In Caucasians, variation in the plasma Lp(a) levels has been shown to be largely determined by sequence differences at the apo(a) locus, but little is known about either the genetic architecture of plasma Lp(a) levels in Africans or why they have higher levels of plasma Lp(a). In this paper we analyze the plasma Lp(a) levels of 257 sibling pairs from 49 independent African American families. The plasma Lp(a) levels were much more similar in the sibling pairs who inherited both apo(a) alleles identical by descent (IBD) (r = .85) than in those that shared one (r = .48) or no (r = .22) parental apo(a) alleles in common. On the basis of these findings, it was estimated that 78% of the variation in plasma Lp(a) levels in African Americans is attributable to polymorphism at either the apo(a) locus or sequences closely linked to it. Thus, the apo(a) locus is the major determinant of variation in plasma Lp(a) levels in African Americans, as well as in Caucasians. No molecular evidence was found for a common "high-expressing" apo(a) allele in the African Americans. We propose that the higher plasma levels of Lp(a) in Africans are likely due to a yet-to-be-identified trans-acting factor(s) that causes an increase in the rate of secretion of apo(a) or a decrease in its catabolism.
Life beyond the vector

For decades technological growth in geophysical exploration and development of petroleum reservoirs has required increasingly larger and more powerful computers to handle the very large corresponding increase in the number of calculations. Even the current exploration slump has not halted this trend. It may well accelerate as the soft market encourages companies to devote more time and resources to R&D.
Effects of temperature on the alignment and electrooptical responses of a nematic nanoscale liquid crystalline film

The surface-induced alignment and electrooptical (EO) dynamics of a 50-nm-thick liquid crystalline (4-n-pentyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl; 5CB) film were studied at three temperatures: 25 and 33 degrees C (near the crystalline-nematic and nematic-isotropic transition temperatures, respectively) and 29 degrees C (a median temperature in the stability region of the nematic phase). The ZnSe surfaces that entrap the liquid crystal (LC) film have been polished unidirectionally to produce a grooved surface presenting nanometer-scale corrugations, a structure that induces a planar and homogeneous orientation in the nematic phase. The present work attempts to understand the influences of temperature on the surface-induced alignment and corresponding EO dynamics of the material. Step-scan time-resolved spectroscopy measurements were made to determine the rate constants for the electric-field-induced orientation and thermal relaxation of the 5CB film. The field-driven orientation rates vary sensitively with temperature across a range that spans the stability limits of the nematic phase; the relaxation rates, however, vary very little across this same temperature range. We propose that these differences in LC behavior arise as consequence of the interplay of the temperature dependence of the elastic constants, viscosity, and degree of orientational order of the LC medium. A simple theoretical model provides some understanding of these behaviors.
A Second-Century AD Letter of Introduction in the Washington State University Collection

Edition of a papyrus of the Washington State University; beginning of a letter which breaks off at the bottom after fourteen lines. In this letter the sender, a certain Ptolemaios, writes to his father Tryphon informing him that a man named Galates will a letter to him and that Galates then intends to meet with the strategus . Before the letter breaks off, Ptolemaios asks from his father the kind reception of Galates.
Standard free energies for uridylyl group transfer by hexose-1-P uridylyltransferase and UDP-hexose synthase and for the hydrolysis of uridine 5'-phosphoimidazolate.

The reversible reaction of UDP-glucose with imidazole (Im) to produce uridine 5'-phoshoimidazolate (UMPIm) and glucose-1-P is catalyzed by UDP-hexose synthase, which is the mutant H166G of hexose-1-P uridylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.12) [Kim, J., Ruzicka, F.J., & Frey, P.A. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 10590-10593]. The availability of UDP-hexose synthase allows the equilibrium constant for the reaction UDP-glucose + Im = UMPIm + glucose-1-P to be measured, and it is found to be 2.2 x 10(-2) at pH 8.5 and 27 degrees C. At pH 7.0 and 27 degrees C the equilibrium constant is 6.4 x 10(-4). The equilibrium constant for the formation of the covalent uridylyl-enzyme intermediate of hexose-1-P uridylyltransferase (E-His(166) + UDP-glucose = E-His(166)-UMP + glucose-1-P) is found to be 1.8 x 10(-4) at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C, which is slightly less favorable than the formation of UMPIm from UDP-glucose and Im. These equilibrium constants, when considered in the light of other data in the literature, allow the standard free energy changes for the hydrolysis of UMPIm and the analogous covalent uridylyl-enzyme intermediate to be calculated. The results show that delta G' degrees (delta G degrees (ph)(7.0)) for the hydrolyses of UMPIm and E-His(166)-UMP are -14.7 and -15.4 kcal mol(-1), respectively at pH 7.0. At pH 8.5, the corresponding values of delta G degrees (ph) (8.5) are -12.6 and -9.9 kcal mol(-1), respectively. It is concluded that noncovalent binding interactions between the active site and the UMP group of E-His(166)-UMP provide little or no stabilization in the formation of this species as an intermediate in the reaction of hexose-1-P uridylyltransferase.
Variable speed drives for power factor correction in the water sector

While solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can offset emissions and water use at the power plant, high levels of installed rooftop PV capacity can have negative impacts on the stability and efficiency of the local grid because of power factor (PF) degradation. Specifically, electric utilities have cited voltage fluctuations that occur more dynamically than legacy, electromechanical voltage regulation solutions like capacitor banks are designed to correct. At the same time, distributed power electronics devices like inverters can provide the type of dynamic voltage support that utilities seek to maintain reliability while juggling load growth and a greening grid. Using data from Pecan Street Inc. Smart Grid Demonstration Project in Austin, Texas and Austin Water Utility (AWU), this research examines the potential for a three-phase, four quadrant variable speed drive (VSD) in the water sector to provide PF correction to a load pocket of 63 homes experiencing varying levels of PV penetration. In the analysis, the VSD is not reserved for voltage support; instead it is predominantly used to drive a 30 kilowatt (kW) centrifugal sewage pump. The simulation determines the degree to which the VSD can restore PF to a defined threshold of 0.95. Further, the economic viability of using the VSD as a grid device is explored by comparing the per unit cost of the PF correction it provides to a current utility solution for dynamic volage regulation.
POLYMORPHISMS IN DIPEPTIDYL PEPTIDASE IV GENE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RISK OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ATHEROSCLEROSIS

0143-4179/$ see front matter 2012 Elsevier Ltd. A http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.npep.2012.10.001 ⇑ Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 617 636 5000. E-mail address: naghili@tuftsmedicalcenter.org (N Background: Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is not only important in pancreatic b-cell regulation but also has proinflammatory actions that can contribute to atherosclerosis progression. Previously, we showed that DPP-IV is co-localized with CD31 (an endothelial cell marker) in the neovessels within the human atherosclerotic plaques. These characteristics of DPP-IV may predispose patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) to plaque rupture and thus to myocardial infarction. The goal of this investigation was to determine whether genetic alterations in DPP-IV predispose to plaque vulnerability and myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Between Aug 2004, and March 2007, blood samples of patients (age <60) with angiographically documented CAD were collected. Demographic, clinical, risk factor, and angiographic data were recorded. Eight hundred and seventy five patients of European ancestry with angiographic CAD were divided into those with MI (n = 421) and those without (n = 454). Methods: A genome-wide association study was performed using the Affymetrix 6.0 chip to identify loci that predispose to MI. In the current study we only focused on DPP4 gene to assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DPP-IV gene and risk of MI in patients with CAD. For genotyped SNPs, association was tested by logistic regression with significance level of 0.05. Plasma DPP-IV level was measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Results: Average patients’ age at diagnosis of CAD was 46.8 years for MI group and 50.8 in the non MI group. There was no difference in distribution of traditional risk factors between the two groups. We identified one SNP (rs3788979) that was significantly related to angiographic CAD with MI, vs. without MI (OR: 1.36, p = 0.03). The association of the identified SNP to MI risk was not attenuated after adjustment for traditional risk factors. The SNP was associated with lower levels of plasma DPP-IV (p = 0.005). Moreover, CAD patients with the major alleles (GG) and no MI had highest plasma DPP-IV levels. (481.6, p = 0.002). Conclusions: A polymorphism in the DPP-IV gene in patients with known CADmay increase the risk of MI. This SNP is associated with decreased plasma DPP4 level in patients with MI. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Neural Network Optimisation of Remotely Sensed Maize Leaf Nitrogen with a Genetic Algorithm and Linear Programming using Five Performance Parameters

An algorithm was developed to select an optimum model among several neural network (NN) models using the Manhattan and Euclidean metric measures. The algorithm was implemented to find an optimum NN prediction model based on simultaneous comparison of five performance parameters. Weighted coefficients were given to each performance parameter based on their significance for specific condition. The associated weighted coefficients were optimised using two optimisation techniques: (i) genetic algorithm; and (ii) linear programming. The algorithm performed satisfactorily in determining acceptable models and selecting an optimum NN model. The radial basis function NN model based on green vegetation index texture yielded an average prediction accuracy of 92·1% for predicting leaf nitrogen content under field conditions.
A 3D BEM-FEM methodology for simulation of high speed train induced vibrations

This work presents an efficient methodology for the analysis of vibrations in a railroad track system, induced by the passage of conventional and high-speed trains. To this end the Boundary Element Method is used to model the soil-tie system within the framework of impulse response techniques. Conventional Finite Element Methods along with Newmark's integration is used for the modeling of the rail system. The two methods are coupled at the tie-rail interface and the solution is obtained following a staggered, time marching scheme in an efficient manner. The methodology accounts for Soil-Structure Interaction and traveling wave effects. In addition, this work identifies the parameters that affect the efficient modeling of railroad track systems as they pertain to the proposed solution methodology.
Methane flame extinguishment with layered halon or carbon dioxide

In quenching tests of downward propagation in stoichiometric methane-air mixtures based on flammability limits and flame speed data, Halon 1301 was about five times more effective, on a volumetric basis, than carbon dioxide as an extinguishant.
Electrical characteristics and reliability of UV transparent Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors

In this paper, we discuss the electrical characteristics and reliability of UV transparent Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors. We examine film thicknesses in the range of 55 to 25 nm with capacitance densities from 1.2 ff//spl mu/m/sup 2/ to 2.8 ff//spl mu/m/sup 2/, respectively, for single MIM capacitors. A new approach for projecting the dielectric reliability of these films extends the limits of maximum operating voltage. Accounting for temperature acceleration and area scaling, the projected lifetimes can be met for a wide range of operating conditions.
Purification and binding properties of the Mal63p activator of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Mal63p is a transcriptional activator for maltose fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have purified it to homogeneity from a yeast strain in which the MAL63 gene is under the control of the GAL1–GAL10 promoter. Purification included fractionation of a whole-cell extract by ion-exchange chromatography, chromatography using both non-specific DNA-affinity (calf thymus), and sequence-specific DNA-affinity chromatography. Mal63p activity was assayed by its binding to a fragment of the MAL61–MAL62 promoter, using both filter-binding and electrophoretic-mobility shift assays. DNase-I footprinting identified a new binding site (site 3) between the two previously known sites (sites 1 and 2). Mal63p is a dimer, and methylation-protection experiments identify the recognition motif as: c/a GC N9 c/a GC/g.
Fruits of NMR

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Medicine and Biology. By Peter G. Morris. Clarendon: 1986. Pp.388. £35, $59.
Gestalt Group Dreamwork Demonstrations in Taiwan

The application of Gestalt dreamwork was explored with counselor education students and professors at two Taiwan universities. The literature indicates Asians are reluctant to disclose personal matters or to display emotions. Contrary to expectations, the Taiwanese participants readily enacted roles, were personally open, and expressed intense feelings. Examples of dreamwork using Gestalt techniques are specifically illustrated. The fostering of group therapeutic factors and group process are highlighted. Implications for group counseling with a diverse cultural group are discussed.
Bioaccumulation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans in E. fetida from floodplain soils and the effect of activated carbon amendment.

Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the bioaccumulation of aged polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in soil near the base of the terrestrial food chain using earthworms (E. fetida) as a model organism. This research also assessed the effect of activated carbon (AC) addition to soil on PCDD/F bioaccumulation in earthworms and passive uptake in polyoxymethylene (POM) samplers. Two soils taken from a wetland and a levee along the Tittabawassee River floodplain downstream of Midland, MI were used in this study. In the untreated soils, biota sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) ranged from 0.17 for 2,3,7,8-TCDD to 0.02 for some of the higher chlorinated congeners, which were substantially lower than would be predicted using a conventional equilibrium partitioning model. The addition of AC to the floodplain soils generally reduced the BSAF values to lower than 0.02. Amendment of the wetland soil (having a high organic content) with 2% and 5% AC resulted in a 78 and 91% reduc...
Phylogenetic structure and host abundance drive disease pressure in communities

Pathogens play an important part in shaping the structure and dynamics of natural communities, because species are not affected by them equally. A shared goal of ecology and epidemiology is to predict when a species is most vulnerable to disease. A leading hypothesis asserts that the impact of disease should increase with host abundance, producing a 'rare-species advantage'. However, the impact of a pathogen may be decoupled from host abundance, because most pathogens infect more than one species, leading to pathogen spillover onto closely related species. Here we show that the phylogenetic and ecological structure of the surrounding community can be important predictors of disease pressure. We found that the amount of tissue lost to disease increased with the relative abundance of a species across a grassland plant community, and that this rare-species advantage had an additional phylogenetic component: disease pressure was stronger on species with many close relatives. We used a global model of pathogen sharing as a function of relatedness between hosts, which provided a robust predictor of relative disease pressure at the local scale. In our grassland, the total amount of disease was most accurately explained not by the abundance of the focal host alone, but by the abundance of all species in the community weighted by their phylogenetic distance to the host. Furthermore, the model strongly predicted observed disease pressure for 44 novel host species we introduced experimentally to our study site, providing evidence for a mechanism to explain why phylogenetically rare species are more likely to become invasive when introduced. Our results demonstrate how the phylogenetic and ecological structure of communities can have a key role in disease dynamics, with implications for the maintenance of biodiversity, biotic resistance against introduced weeds, and the success of managed plants in agriculture and forestry.
Elements of effective weight control programs: Implications for exercise and sport psychology

Abstract Research on elements of effective weight control programs may have important implications for applied exercise and sport psychology. Eight of 11 elements were derived from the scientific literature: (1) quality of the initial assessment; (2) completeness of the cognitive-behavior therapy component; (3) completeness of the nutritional component; (4) emphasis on exercise; (5) training and skills of staff; (6) frequency of sessions and duration of the program; (7) management of the weight losers' social environments; (8) use of protein sparing modified fasting. The remaining 3 elements were selected based on clinical judgment; (9) reasonableness of costs; (10) ethics (including the use of scientific knowledge); and (11) flexibility of treatment. The gestalt of these elements represents a very comprehensive, intensive, and long-term approach to treating obesity. When all of these elements are operational, a treatment program can help many obese clients develop the super-normal self-regulatory skills ...
Head-mounted and multi-surface displays support emergency medical teams

Emergency medical teams collaborate to solve problems and take care of patients under time pressure and high cognitive load, in noisy and complex environments. This paper presents preliminary work in the design and evaluation of head-mounted and multi-surface displays in supporting teams with interactive checklists and more generally dynamic cognitive aids.
Capitula in the Asteridae: A widespread and varied phenomenon

The presence of capitula, the head-type of inflorescences, is widespread in the Asterideae. Several families, predominantly terminal in the clade, display the tendency of maximizing reproductive output by condensing indeterminate inflorescences to the point of capitulum formation. This is accomplished by the process of halting or suppressing development of the internodes, an example of paedomorphosis of the progenesis type. This tendency is either infrequent or absent in the basal members of the Asteridae. When inflorescence condensation is present, closely related taxa often demonstrate the progression of the paedomorphosis. More examples of capitulum formation are found in the more advanced families, culminating with the Asteraceae, almost all of which display fully condensed capitula of some sort. Other phenomena are also apparent besides the basic inflorescence condensation. Edge effects are often seen, ranging from a mere crowding of the outermost flowers to the formation of additional flower types. In some taxa, inflorescence condensation continues beyond the basic capitulum form, yielding even more condensed inflorescences that then become determinate. More highly condensed inflorescences have independently evolved several times in the Asteraceae, and some tertiarily condensed inflorescences have evolved as well.
Fluorescence tomography using synchrotron radiation at the NSLS

Fluorescence tomography utilizing focussed, tunable, monoenergetic X-rays from synchrotron light sources hold the promise of a non-invasive analytic tool for studying trace elements in specimens, particularly biological, at spatial resolutions of the order of micrometers. This note reports an early test at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratories in which fluorescence tomographic scans were successfully made of trace elements of iron and titanium in NBS standard glass and in a bee.
Optimal placement of multiple visual sensors considering space coverage and cost constraints

This paper proposes an optimal camera placement method that analyzes static spatial information in various aspects and calculates priorities of spaces using modeling the moving people pattern and simulation of pedestrian movement. To derive characteristics of space and to cover the space efficiently, an agent-based camera placement method has been developed considering the camera performance as well as the space utility extracted from a path finding algorithm. The simulation shows that the method not only determines the optimal number of cameras, but also coordinates the position and orientation of a camera efficiently considering the installation costs. Experimental results show that our approach achieves a great performance enhancement compared to other existing methods.