cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Labeled and Unlabeled Impurities on the Analysis of Equilibrium Binding and Initial Velocity Data by Means of Scatchard Plots

Abstract Chemical and/or radiochemical impurities in a preparation of labeled ligand can introduce artifacts to the analytical Scatchard plot. The causes are either an incorrect assessment of the specific radioactivity of the ligand or an incorrect assessment of the equilibrium concentration of free ligand, or both. When non-binding impurities are present, the apparent specific activity of the ligand, S.A.app, and the apparent concentration of free ligand, [S]app, are related to the true values by: S.A.app = mS.A./n and [S] app = (1 - n )[P] t m(1 + VR)(1 + K s [S] ) + K s m , where n is the fractional radiochemical [counts per minute (cpm)] purity of the tracer; m, the fractional chemical (weight) purity of the ligand preparation; [P]t, the total concentration of active receptor sites; Ks = the dissociation constant of the receptor-ligand complex; and VR, the ratio of compartment volumes for binding measurements performed by equilibrium dialysis, which equals the volume of the compartment without the receptor/volume of compartment containing the receptor. (VR = 0 for measurements performed by filtration methods.) The apparent concentration of the PS complex, [PS]app, calculated indirectly from the difference between the radioactivity in the "plus receptor" and the "minus receptor" compartments or directly from the radioactivity trapped on the filter is related to the true concentration, [PS] by: [PS]app = n[PS]/m. In most cases, the Scatchard plot of [PS]app/[S]app vs. [PS]app will be curved (concave down). For any degree of radiochemical impurity, the curvature increases with increasing total receptor concentration. At receptor levels ⪢ Ks, the Scatchard plot and the Hill plot resemble those observed for positive co-operativity. Although linear plots are obtained if VR is very large, or if m
An X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder with systemic manifestations: report of a second family.

: Another family manifesting an X-linked, reticulate, pigmentary dermatosis, previously familial cutaneous amyloidosis, has been observed. The disorder is characterized in males in this family by onset in the first year of recurrent episodes of respiratory illness including pneumonia, a progressive reticulate pigmentation of the skin, hypophidrosis, and photophobia. The absence of amyloid deposits in the skin in both the mother and sons confirms that less emphasis should be given to the word “amyloidosis” in naming the disorder.
On the reducibility of moduli spaces of stable 2-bundles over an elliptic surface

The aim of this note is to give an affirmative answer to a question raised by R. Friedman in l-F]. More precisely, let S be a generic regular elliptic surface which is moreover relatively minimal. (See l-F] for the precise meaning of S being generic.) Let k be a positive integer and denote by Ms,k(CO), or simply Mk(co ), the moduli space of 2-bundles g ~ S with det ~ _~ ~0 s and c2 (g )= k which are stable relative to a K/ihler form co on S. (Here we talk of K/ihler form in place of ample line bundle in the definition of stability for convenience.) For certain suitably chosen KS.hler form co(k), depending on k, Friedman has obtained in [F] a number of results on the moduli spaces Ms.k(co(k)). For instance it is shown in the case when S is free of multiple fibre the moduli space Ms,k((2)(k)) is irreducible. This is no longer the case however if S=Sp has a single multiple fibre of odd multiplicity p. In fact in such situations it p + l is known Msp, k(e)(k)) has exactly ~ 2 components for all k__>2(l +pg(Sp)). It
Intra-session test-retest reliability of magnitude and structure of center of pressure from the Nintendo Wii Balance Board™ for a visually impaired and normally sighted population

Abstract Individuals with visual impairment (VI) have irreparable damage to one of the input streams contributing to postural stability. Here, we evaluated the intra-session test-retest reliability of the Wii Balance Board (WBB) for measuring Center of Pressure (COP) magnitude and structure, i.e. approximate entropy (ApEn) in fourteen legally blind participants and 21 participants with corrected-to-normal vision. Participants completed a validated balance protocol which included four sensory conditions: double-leg standing on a firm surface with eyes open (EO-firm); a firm surface with eyes closed (EC-firm); a foam surface with EO (EO-foam); and a foam surface with EC (EC-foam). Participants performed the full balance protocol twice during the session, separated by a period of 15 min, to determine the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Absolute reliability was determined by the standard error of measurement (SEM). The minimal difference (MD) was estimated to determine clinical significance for future studies. COP measures were derived from data sent by the WBB to a laptop via Bluetooth. COP scores increased with the difficulty of sensory condition indicating WBB sensitivity (all p
AD-NEMO: adaptive dynamic network expansion with mobile robots

Consider a situation in which a mobile wireless user needs connectivity to the Internet. One such situation arises in battlefield or at disaster recovery site where it may not be feasible to set up a fixed network. An alternative solution to this problem is to send out a team of mobile robots to establish and maintain the connection between the user and an established network that is connected to the Internet. This includes the possibility of sending out new robots to join the team as needed, when the user moves beyond the range of the existing team, or if the signal becomes degraded for some reason. In this paper we propose a framework called AD-NEMO (Adaptive Dynamic Network Expansion with Mobile rObots) where the mobile robots will create a dynamic and adaptive ad-hoc network to provide connectivity to the mobile user. We have developed a prototype of our solution with actual hardware to study the feasibility of our solution.
Structure of antibodies

Vertebrates develop a highly specialized system of defense mechanisms as a result of continuous stimulation by foreign materials from the environment. Whether free in body fluids or attached to cell surfaces, antibodies play the key role in the recognition of, and protection of the body against, foreign substances. Important characteristics of antibodies are their adaptive production as a result of antigenic stimulation and the specificity they exhibit in their reaction with the antigen that induced their production. Antibodies are present in the globulin fraction of the body fluids and are summarily called immunoglobulins. Knowledge pertaining lo antibody structure has been acquired principally from research of the last two decades. During this period many important findings have been made that are applicable to other proteins; in fact, antibodies are presently the most completely characterized of the complex proteins. This paper will encompass a brief review of the structure of antibodies. The rapid development in this field makes it difficult lo ensure the inclusion of all appropriate publications, and therefore we shall refer the reader principally to the most recent review articles and books which can be examined for more detailed information. Of these, four deserve special attention: Kochwa & Kunkel (1971), Amos (1971), Merler (1970), and the Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology (1967).
Performance analysis of an ATM MUX with a new space priority mechanism under ON-OFF arrival processes

We propose a new space priority mechanism, and analyze its performance in a single Constant Bit Rate (CBR) server. The arrival process is derived from the superposition of two types of traffics, each in turn results from the superposition of homogeneous ON-OFF sources that can be approximated by means of a two-state Markov Modulated Poisson Process (MMPP). The buffer mechanism enables the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) layer to adapt the quality of the cell transfer to the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements and to improve the utilization of network resources. This is achieved by “Selective-Delaying and Pushing-In” (SDPI) cells according to the class they belong to. The scheme is applicable to schedule delay-tolerant non-real time traffic and delay-sensitive real time traffic. Analytical expressions for various performance parameters and numerical results are obtained. Simulation results in term of cell loss probability conform with our numerical analysis.
Does a Cemented Cage Improve Revision THA for Severe Acetabular Defects

Background Evidence suggests a growing incidence of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) including a subset with large acetabular defects. Revision THA for severe acetabular bone loss is associated with a relatively high rate of mechanical failure.
Tc‐99m LL‐2 fab' monoclonal antibody imaging in acquired immune deficiency syndrome‐related lymphoma

BACKGROUND Both systemic and primary central nervous system (CNS) non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) occur in people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The radiographic manifestations may be similar to other neoplasms and opportunistic infections that are also found frequently in AIDS. Furthermore, these diseases may coexist with NHL in the AIDS patient. METHODS To evaluate the use of Tc-99m Lymphoscan (the Fab' fragment of the anti-CD-22 antibody LL-2; Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, NJ) in patients with suspected AIDS lymphoma, we studied 7 patients with 35 sites of suspected disease. Six had CNS lesions suspicious for parenchymal brain lymphoma. Each patient underwent planar and single photon emission computed tomography imaging at 3-5 and 18-24 hours after administration of Lymphoscan. Scintigraphic results were compared with results of conventional diagnostic modalities. RESULTS Overall, the sensitivity of Lymphoscan was 92% and the specificity was 86%. In brain lesions, there was 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Lymphoscan also had 100% sensitivity for sites of lymphomatous lymphadenopathy and for liver involvement. Although less specific in extracranial sites, Lymphoscan was correctly negative in sites of coexisting adenocarcinoma and pneumonia. Two patients had both parenchymal CNS and systemic lymphoma proven by biopsy. CONCLUSIONS Lymphoscan appears to be a sensitive and specific method for diagnosing CNS lymphoma in AIDS patients. Although slightly less specific in extracranial sites, it may be helpful in differentiating lymphoma from other etiologies in these patients at risk for multiple neoplasms and opportunistic infections. Cancer 1997; 80:2469-77. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Holographic PDLCs for optical beam modulation, deflection, and dynamic filter applications

A new type of electro-optical device, a switchable hologram, has emerged from the combination of two technologies, namely, photopolymer holographic materials and polymer- dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs). Starting from a simple homogeneous mixture containing a polymerizable monomer, a liquid crystal (LC), and a photoinitiator dye, this system cures under holographic illumination to form well defined channels of PDLCs interspersed between dense, LC-free polymer channels. These periodic PDLC planes produce diffraction of light in the Bragg regime with surprisingly good optical quality. LC droplets within the PDLC channels can be remarkably small, ranging in size from 20 nm to 200 nm. Even within this small domain, the molecules can be reoriented by an applied field, leading to electro-optical modulation of the diffraction efficiency. The polarization properties and sharp threshold switching of the diffracted light may be partially explained by the unique shape and consequent nematic ordering of the LC droplets. Complex holograms can be written in this material, and electro- optical switching at < 5 V/micrometers with response and relaxation times in the 20-40 microsecond(s) regime have been consideration. Spatial light modulators which modulate the intensity can make use of these switchable holograms. Some of the potential applications are in fiber optic switches, programmable optical interconnects, digital zoom lenses, optically assisted true-time-delay phased array radar, flat panel display, and dynamic filters.
Bor‐Stickstoff‐Verbindungen, LXVII [1]. Zur Kenntnis Gemischter Amino‐hydrazino‐borane

Gemischte Amino-hydrazino-borane wurden durch Umsetzung von 1,3-Dimethyl-2-chlor-1,3,2-diazaboracycloalkanen mit teilweise substituierten Hydrazinen sowie durch Kondensation der entsprechenden 2-Methylthioderivate mit Hydrazin erhalten. Es konnten die Verbindungen I bis VII isoliert werden, von denen sich IV und V auch als Diborylamine ansehen lassen. Kernresonanz- und infrarotspektroskopische Daten der Verbindungen werden diskutiert. Boron-Nitrogen Compounds. LXVII. Mixed Amino-Hydrazino-Boranes Mixed amino-hydrazino-boranes have been prepared by the reaction of 1,3-dimethyl-2-chloro-1,3,2-diazaboracycloalkanes with partially substituted hydrazines and by condensation of the corresponding 2-methylthio derivatives with hydrazine. The compounds I to VII were isolated; IV and V may also be viewed as diborylamines. Nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopic data of the compounds are discussed.
General structure of the Thomas-Fermi equation of state.

We derive the behavior of the Thomas-Fermi equation of state near both the hot-curve'' (the limit as {ital T}{r arrow}{infinity} for a fixed de Broglie length) and the cold-curve'' (the zero-temperature isotherm) by using perturbation methods. We derive efficient computational formulas for the coefficients in these expansions using Pade methods. We are able to meld all of these results into a structurally correct representation of the Thomas-Fermi fluid pressure. We indicate how this representational structure can be used to construct the equation of state for realistic materials over large ranges of temperature and pressure. We also discuss the computation of the degree of ionization with and without the exchange correction.
Potential for biological control of early leafspot of peanut using Bacillus cereus and chitin as foliar amendments

Abstract Chitin applied as an amendment to peanut leaves increased the populations of indigenous chitinolytic epiphytes from 40% of the total microflora. The total epiphytic bacterial populations increased by up to 0.3 log with the addition of chitin. When the chitinolytic Bacillus cereus strain 304 isolated from chitin-amended leaves was reapplied to peanut foliage with chitin, its populations were sustained as actively growing vegetative cells for a longer period than when applied to nonamended leaves. Eight days after application, B. cereus populations were > 1 log higher on chitin-amended leaves than on nonamended leaves. In two of three field trials, significant reductions in the severity of early leafspot caused by Cercospora arachidicola were seen on chitin-amended leaves, and a trend toward additional control (P
Neurocognitive evidence favors “top down” over “bottom up” mechanisms in the pathogenesis of body size distortions in anorexia nervosa

Perceptually-based disturbances in body image, or body size distortions, have been posited to occur in anorexia nervosa (AN). Perception does not result from a simple flow of sensory information from periphery to cortex ("bottom-up" processing), but involves the selection of inputs most likely to be relevant in light of an individual's experience and expectations ("top-down" processing). Most investigations of body size distortion in AN have used procedures likely to engage top-down processing, raising the possibility that attitudinal disturbances may play a role. To our knowledge, there have been no studies that assess the presence, in AN, of neurocognitive deficits associated with neurologically based disturbances in body schema. Such deficits, if found, could provide evidence of body image distortion unlikely to result from top-down processing. We tested 20 inpatients with AN on measures of proprioception, finger identification, right/left orientation, general cognition and eating disorders symptomatology, both before and after treatment. Matched normal controls were tested on the same measures over the same time intervals. Significant differences between the two groups occurred only prior to treatment, and only on those measures which involved executive, in addition to more body-schema-specific functions. This suggests that patients with AN do not have enduring deficits in the domain of body-schema, but may have subtle cognitive dysfunction, in the acute state, which is not specific to, but can interact with processing of body-schema-related information. This, in turn, suggests that their body image distortion may not be secondary to bottom-up perceptual disturbances.
Update on HDL Receptors and Cellular Cholesterol Transport

Efflux is central to maintenance of tissue and whole body cholesterol homeostasis. The discovery of cell surface receptors that bind high-density lipoprotein (HDL) with high specificity and affinity to promote cholesterol release has significantly advanced our understanding of cholesterol efflux. We now know that 1) cells have several mechanisms to promote cholesterol release, including a passive mechanism that depends on the physico-chemical properties of cholesterol molecules and their interactions with phospholipids; 2) a variety of HDL particles can interact with receptors to promote cholesterol transport from tissues to the liver for excretion; and 3) interactions between HDL and receptors show functional synergy. Therefore, efflux efficiency depends both on the arrays of receptors on tissue cells and HDL particles in serum.
The Relation of Certain Semen-quality Tests to Breeding Efficiency and Characteristics of Semen from Low-fertility Bulls Before and After Hormone Injection

Summary Laboratory tests for semen quality including concentration, motility, fructolysis index, percentage dead sperm, and percentage abnormal sperm were investigated for their relationship to breeding efficiency. The two latter tests were most closely correlated to fertility, as measured by 30-60 day non-returns. A deficiency of follicle-stimulating hormone appears as one of the factors involved in the production of low-quality semen by certain related bulls. The luteinizing hormone and testosterone appeared to be secreted in normal amounts in these bulls. Factors other than the above are indicated to have been involved in poor-quality semen production by three inbred Holstein bulls.
Optimizing sparse matrix vector multiplication on emerging multicores

After hitting the power wall, the dramatic change in computer architecture from single core to multicore/manycore brings us new challenges on high performance computing, especially for the data intensive applications. Sparse matrix-vector multiplication (SpMV) is one of the most important computations in this area, and has therefore received a lot of attention in recent decades. In contrast to the uniform/regular dense matrix computations, SpMV's irregular data access patterns with compact data structure for storage make the SpMV optimization more complex than optimizing regular/dense matrix computation. In this work, we look at the SpMV optimization problem in the context of emerging multicores from a different architecture conscious perspective, and propose an optimization strategy that has three key components: mapping, scheduling and data layout reorganization. Specifically, the mapping component derives a suitable iteration-to-core mapping; the scheduling component determines the execution order of loop iterations assigned to each core in the target multicore architecture; and finally, the data layout reorganization component prepares multiple memory layouts for the source (input) vector customized for different row patterns. A distinguishing characteristic of our approach is that it is cache hierarchy aware, that is, all three components take the underlying cache hierarchy of the target multicore architecture into account, and therefore, the derived solution is, in a sense, customized to the target architecture. We evaluate the proposed strategy using 10 sparse matrices with two different multicore systems. Our experimental evaluation reveals that the proposed optimization algorithm brings significant performance improvements (up to 26.5%) over the unoptimized case.
Three-dimensional analysis of a directional coupler exhibiting a Kerr nonlinearity

The propagating beam method is used to carry out a fully three-dimensional analysis of a nonlinear optical waveguide and a directional coupler formed from a pair of nonlinear waveguides. It is shown that, for interesting levels of the index nonlinearity, a beam in a monomode waveguide can undergo mild self-focusing and self-phase modulation. The behavior or the nonlinear coupler, on the other hand, is quantitatively similar to that predicted by coupled-mode theory. On the basis of the calculated power transfer characteristics of the nonlinear coupler, three schemes for using the device as a switch have been proposed. It is found that one of these, which is based on the operation of the coupler at a power close to the critical power, permits a larger power to be switched by a very small one. >
Partial vexillarity and bigrassmannian permutations

We define two closely related notions of degree for permutation patterns of type 2143. These give rise to classes of ''m-vexillary elements'' in the symmetric group. Using partitions, the Ehresmann-Bruhat partial order, and sets constructed from permutation inversions, we characterize the m-vexillary elements. We relate the maximal bigrassmannian permutations in the (Ehresmann-Bruhat) order ideal generated by any given m-vexillary element w to the maximal rectangles contained in the shape of w.
Effects of Biased Scanning and Distraction on Cognitive Responses

Summary In a biased scanning procedure, Ss (N = 52) were induced to produce either pro- or counterarguments in anticipation of a controversial communication advocating forced busing. Simultaneously, they were either highly or lowly distracted by an interposed advertisement rating task. The results supported a distraction-conflict theory. Distraction increased the proarguing of Ss who were induced to proargue, and it also increased the counterarguing of participants who were induced to counterargue. Effects on “traditional” attitude change measures were marginal.
Rhinoplasty and Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

An increasing number of patients are opting for combining sinus surgery and cosmetic rhinoplasty. The author has been performing rhinoplasty with FESS since April of 1990. The technique and equipment used in early cases is much different than that used in more recent surgeries. Specific advances include high definition monitor, intraoperative navigation system, and powered dissecting instruments. The benefits of these advances are illustrated by a review of the more recent cases performed by the author. Combined rhinoplasty and FESS can be performed with good results (functional and cosmetic) and minimal complications. Advances in sinus surgery technique and equipment have made the procedure safer, faster, more precise, and more comfortable.
Unraveling reticulate evolution in North American Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae)

The thirteen species of Dryopteris in North America have long been suspected of having undergone a complicated history of reticulate evolution via allopolyploid hybridization. Various explanations for the origins of the allopolyploid taxa have been suggested, and though most lines of evidence have supported the so-called “semicristata” hypothesis, contention over the group’s history has continued in several recent, conflicting studies. Sequence data from nine plastid and two nuclear markers were collected from 73 accessions representing 35 species of Dryopteris. Sequences from each of the allopolyploids are most closely related to their progenitor species as predicted by the “semicristata” hypothesis. Allotetraploid D. campyloptera appears to be derived from a hybrid between diploid D. expansa and D. intermedia; D. celsa, from diploid D. ludoviciana x D. goldiana; and D. carthusiana and D. cristata, from diploid “D. semicristata” x D. intermedia and D. ludoviciana, respectively. Allohexaploid D. clintoniana appears to be derived from D. cristata x D.goldiana. The earliest estimated dates of formation of the allopolyploids, based on divergence time analyses, were within the last 6 Ma. We found no evidence for recurrent formation of any of the allopolyploids. The sexual allopolyploid taxa are derived from crosses between parents that show intermediate levels of genetic divergence relative to all pairs of potential progenitors. In addition, the four allotetraploids are transgressive with respect to geographic range relative to one or both of their parents (their ranges extend beyond those of the parents), suggesting that ecological advantages in novel habitats or regions may promote long-term regional coexistence of the hybrid taxa with their progenitors. This study provides the first thorough evaluation of the North American complex of woodferns using extensive sampling of taxa and genetic markers. Phylogenies produced from each of three datasets (one plastid and two nuclear) support the “semicristata” hypothesis, including the existence of a missing diploid progenitor, and allow us to reject all competing hypotheses. This study demonstrates the value of using multiple, biparentally inherited markers to evaluate reticulate complexes, assess the frequency of recurrent polyploidization, and determine the relative importance of introgression vs. hybridization in shaping the histories of such groups.
W-band endfire log periodic dipole array

A W-band endfire log periodic dipole array (LPDA) antenna designed to be compatible with a surface micro-machining process known as PolyStrata™ is demonstrated in this paper. 13 dipole elements are crisscrossed in two copper layers to form the log periodic array. A μ-coaxial line is monolithically integrated in the antenna's lower boom as the feeding line. The proposed antenna achieves consistent radiation patterns, VSWR&#60;2, and gain>7dBi from 70GHz to 115GHz. A two element LPDA based array with monolithically integrated 180° hybrid is also demonstrated. The W-band LPDA antenna is slightly modified to cover 50GHz to 110GHz bandwidth. The radiation patterns of sum and differential modes show good gain and null-depth in the end-fire direction, respectively. The performance of the designed antenna is verified by finite integration and finite element method comparisons.
Roughness development in electrodeposited soft magnetic CoNiFe films in the presence of organic additives

The effects of three additives, sodium lauryl sulfate (NaLS), saccharin (Sacc), and NaLS + Sacc, on roughness development during the electrodeposition of CoNiFe films were investigated. The characterization of these films by atomic force microscopy shows that the electrodeposits produced from NaLS containing solution result in a rough surface. The role of NaLS surfactant is to change the interfacial tension and clean non-polar species like hy- drogen bubbles from the surface. In Sacc containing solution, the evolution of a smooth sur- face is controlled by adsorbed Sacc molecule at the interface. The kinetic roughening of these deposits was investigated by dynamic scaling analysis. It was demonstrated that the roughness of CoNiFe films, obtained in the presence of NaLS + Sacc additives, was also de- pendent on current density, roughness of substrate, and the temperature of plating bath.
Medical intensive care unit consults occurring within 48 hours of admission: a prospective study.

Abstract Rationale Critical care consults requested shortly after admission could represent a triage error. This consult process has not been adequately assessed, and data are retrospective relying on discharge diagnoses. Objectives The aims of this study were to identify reasons for medical Intensive care unit (MICU) consultations within 48 hours of admission and to detect differences between those accepted and those denied MICU admission. Methods Data were prospectively collected including demographics, reason for consultation, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Elixhauser comorbidity measure, functional status, need for assisted ventilation or vasopressor, presence of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, and whether a DNR order was obtained after MICU consultation. Results Ninety-four percent of patients consulted were not initially evaluated in the emergency department, half of whom were accepted. Respiratory failure, sepsis, and alcohol withdrawal were the most frequent reasons for MICU transfers. Factors predicting MICU admission included respiratory illness, better baseline functional status, and less comorbidity, whereas DNR predicted rejection. We did not find differences in hospital mortality; but hospital length of stay was longer. Conclusions Prospective examination of the consult process suggests that disease progression rather than triage error accounted for most unplanned transfers. Functional status and comorbidity predicted MICU admission rather than illness severity. Goals of care were not being discussed adequately. We did not detect differences in mortality although hospital length of stay was increased.
Parsons as a Symbolic Interactionist: A Comparison of Action and Interaction Theory

Action theory's substantive image of social organization, theory building strategy, and methodological tenets are compared with those of interactionism. Despite polemics to the contrary, action and interaction concepts denote a similar image of social organization and personality. As is argued, the principle difference between the two perspectives revolves around the issue of the most appropriate theory building and methodological strategy. The ontological implications of this fact are examined and found not to justify the continued partitioning of social theory into antagonistic metaphysical camps.
The inositol regulon controls viability in Candida glabrata.

Inositol is essential in eukaryotes, and must be imported or synthesized. Inositol biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is controlled by three non-essential genes that make up the inositol regulon: ScINO2 and ScINO4, which together encode a heterodimeric transcriptional activator, and ScOPI1, which encodes a transcriptional repressor. ScOpi1p inhibits the ScIno2-ScIno4p activator in response to extracellular inositol levels. An important gene controlled by the inositol regulon is ScINO1, which encodes inositol-3-phosphate synthase, a key enzyme in inositol biosynthesis. In the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, homologues of the S. cerevisiae inositol regulon genes are ‘transcriptionally rewired’. Instead of regulating the CaINO1 gene, CaINO2 and CaINO4 regulate ribosomal genes. Another Candida species that is a prevalent cause of infections is Candida glabrata; however, C. glabrata is phylogenetically more closely related to S. cerevisiae than C. albicans. Experiments were designed to determine if C. glabrata homologues of the inositol regulon genes function similarly to S. cerevisiae or are transcriptionally rewired. CgINO2, CgINO4 and CgOPI1 regulate CgINO1 in a manner similar to that observed in S. cerevisiae. However, unlike in S. cerevisiae, CgOPI1 is essential. Genetic data indicate that CgOPI1 is a repressor that affects viability by regulating activation of a target of the inositol regulon.
Dietary Supplementation with ω-3 PUFA Increases Adiponectin and Attenuates Ventricular Remodeling and Dysfunction with Pressure Overload

Objective Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) decreases the risk of heart failure. We assessed the effects of dietary supplementation with ω-3 PUFA from fish oil on the response of the left ventricle (LV) to arterial pressure overload. Methods Male Wistar rats were fed a standard chow or a ω-3 PUFA-supplemented diet. After 1 week rats underwent abdominal aortic banding or sham surgery ( n =9–12/group). LV function was assessed by echocardiography after 8 weeks. In addition, we studied the effect of ω-3 PUFA on the cardioprotective adipocyte-derived hormone adiponectin, which may alter the pro-growth serine–threonine kinase Akt. Results Banding increased LV mass to a greater extent with the standard chow (31%) than with ω-3 PUFA (18%). LV end diastolic and systolic volumes were increased by 19% and 105% with standard chow, respectively, but were unchanged with ω-3 PUFA. The expression of adiponectin was up-regulated in adipose tissue, and the plasma adiponectin concentration was significantly elevated. Treatment with ω-3 PUFA increased total Akt protein expression in the heart, but decreased the fraction of Akt in the active phosphorylated form, and thus did not alter the amount of active phospho-Akt. Conclusion Dietary supplementation with ω-3 PUFA attenuated pressure overload-induced LV dysfunction, which was associated with elevated plasma adiponectin.
Description of an Early Cretaceous Termite (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) and Its Associated Intestinal Protozoa, With Comments on Their Co-Evolution

The remarkable mutualistic associations between termites and protists are in large part responsible for the evolutionary success of these eusocial insects. It is unknown when this symbiosis was first established, but the present study shows that fossil termite protists existed in the Mesozoic. A new species of termite (Kalotermes burmensis n. sp.) in Early Cretaceous Burmese amber had part of its abdomen damaged, thus exposing trophic stages and cysts of diverse protists. Some protists were still attached to the gut intima while others were in the amber matrix adjacent to the damaged portion. Ten new fossil flagellate species in the Trichomonada, Hypermastigida and Oxymonadea are described in nine new genera assigned to 6 extant families. Systematic placement and names of the fossil flagellates are based on morphological similarities with extant genera associated with lower termites. The following new flagellate taxa are established: Foainites icelus n. gen. n. sp., Spiromastigites acanthodes n. gen. n. sp., Trichonymphites henis n. gen., n. sp., Teranymphites rhabdotis n. gen. n. sp., Oxymonas protus n. sp., Oxymonites gerus n. gen., n. sp., Microrhopalodites polynucleatis n. gen., n. sp., Sauromonites katatonis n. gen., n. sp., Dinenymphites spiris n. gen., n. sp., Pyrsonymphites cordylinis n. gen., n. sp. A new genus of fossil amoeba is also described as Endamoebites proterus n. gen., n. sp. Fourteen additional trophic and encystid protist stages are figured and briefly characterized. This represents the earliest fossil record of mutualism between microorganisms and animals and the first descriptions of protists from a fossil termite. Discovering the same orders, families and possibly genera of protists that occur today in Early Cretaceous kalotermitids shows considerable behaviour and morphological stability of both host and protists. The possible significance of protist cysts associated with the fossil termite is discussed in regards the possibility that coprophagy, as well as proctodeal trophallaxis, was a method by which some termite protozoa were transferred intrastadially and intergenerationally at this time.
Extended aortic valvuloplasty: A new approach for the management of congenital valvar aortic stenosis

Abstract A new technique for the treatment of congenital valvar aortic stenosis is described. It consists of augmenting the aortic cusp by extending the commissurotomy incision into the aortic wall around the leaflet insertion, mobilizing the valve cusp attachment at the commissures, and freeing the aortic insertion of the rudimentary commissure. The results of standard valvotomy performed on 48 patients (group 1) were compared with those of the new extended valvuloplasty carried out on 16 patients (group 2). The two groups were comparable in age at operation (2.7 ± 2.1 years for group 1 versus 24 ± 1.7 years for group 2; p = not significant) and in preoperative pressure gradient (58 ± 25 mm Hg for group 1+ versus 61 ± 36 mm Hg for group 2; p = not significant). There was no operative mortality in either group. Follow-up is available on all patients, with a mean of 4.3 ± 2.6 years for group 1 versus 1.7 ± 0.5 years for group 2 ( p = 0.05). There was one late death in group 1. Postoperative gradient was 47 ± 13 mm Hg in group 1 versus 19 ± 13 mm Hg in group 2 ( p = 0.05). Moderate or severe regurgitation was present in 18 patients (38%) in group 1 and 2 patients (13%) in group 2 ( p = not significant). Reoperation was needed in 8 patients (17%) in group 1 versus 2 patients (13%) in gronp 2 ( p = not significant). The described valvuloplasty procedure addresses the unique pathological features of valvar aortic stenosis and provides better relief of the obstruction than the presently available techniques. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the late results of this approach.
Communication and attitudes toward work‐related change

The purpose of this study was to examine one dimension of the interface between organizational communication and organizational change: the relative importance of selected communication variables in predicting attitudes toward work‐related change. A small plastics firm with three geographically dispersed branch plants was used as the research site. Both hourly and salaried employees (131 subjects) voluntarily participated in the study by completing a questionnaire. Four major conclusions were drawn. First, the best predictor of attitude toward work‐related change was the organizational relationships variable which included relations between co‐workers, superiors and subordinates, and the corporation and its employees. Employees who had positive work relationships had positive attitudes toward change. Second, to a lesser extent, the use of informal channels and the accuracy of formal channels were also significant predictors of attitudes toward change. Employees who relied heavily on informal channels were...
Night Shift: Expansion of Temporal Niche Use Following Reductions in Predator Density

Predation shapes many fundamental aspects of ecology. Uncertainty remains, however, about whether predators can influence patterns of temporal niche construction at ecologically relevant timescales. Partitioning of time is an important mechanism by which prey avoid interactions with predators. However, the traits that control a prey organism's capacity to operate during a particular portion of the diel cycle are diverse and complex. Thus, diel prey niches are often assumed to be relatively unlikely to respond to changes in predation risk at short timescales. Here we present evidence to the contrary. We report results that suggest that the anthropogenic depletion of daytime active predators (species that are either diurnal or cathemeral) in a coral reef ecosystem is associated with rapid temporal niche expansions in a multi-species assemblage of nocturnal prey fishes. Diurnal comparisons of nocturnal prey fish abundance in predator rich and predator depleted reefs at two atolls revealed that nocturnal fish were approximately six (biomass) and eight (density) times more common during the day on predator depleted reefs. Amongst these, the prey species that likely were the most specialized for nocturnal living, and thus the most vulnerable to predation (i.e. those with greatest eye size to body length ratio), showed the strongest diurnal increases at sites where daytime active predators were rare. While we were unable to determine whether these observed increases in diurnal abundance by nocturnal prey were the result of a numerical or behavioral response, either effect could be ecologically significant. These results raise the possibility that predation may play an important role in regulating the partitioning of time by prey and that anthropogenic depletions of predators may be capable of causing rapid changes to key properties of temporal community architecture.
Police Employee Disciplinary Matrix: An Emerging Concept

This article explores the concept of a rational sentencing structure for imposing internal police discipline that helps practitioners make more reasoned and consistent decisions when dispensing dis...
Statistical Hyperbolicity in Teichmüller Space

In this paper we explore the idea that Teichmuller space is hyperbolic “on average.” Our approach focuses on studying the geometry of geodesics which spend a definite proportion of time in some thick part of Teichmuller space. We consider several different measures on Teichmuller space and find that this behavior for geodesics is indeed typical. With respect to each of these measures, we show that the average distance between points in a ball of radius r is asymptotic to 2r, which is as large as possible. Our techniques also lead to a statement quantifying the expected thinness of random triangles in Teichmuller space, showing that “most triangles are mostly thin.”
Evaluation of the Humoral Immune Response in Trachoma to Chlamydia trachomatis Major Outer Membrane Proteins by Sequence-Defined Immunoassay

The Chlamydia trachomatis immunodominant major outer membrane protein (MOMP) is both a target of neutralizing antibodies and the serotyping antigen and thus has been a focus of diagnostic, seroepidemiologic, and experimental investigations. The microimmunofluorescence (MIF) test has been the principal tool in serologic investigations of chlamydial infections but is difficult and expensive for routine use; moreover, since it uses whole organisms as antigen, it is incapable of revealing the molecular specificity of the humoral response to infection. These limitations were resolved by using synthetic peptides corresponding to serovar-specific antigenic regions of MOMP in an ELISA-based format to analyze the serospecificity of sera from trachoma cases. The ELISA reaction to the surface-exposed MOMP sequence variable segment 1 was immunodominant and serovar-specific and was in concordance with serovar specificity according to paired MIF test determinations. Understanding the patterns of humoral responses to MOMP determinants in patient populations will advance our knowledge of their role in the immunobiology of naturally acquired infection.
Iterative cyclic prefix reconstruction for coded single-carrier systems with frequency-domain equalization (SC-FDE)

In this paper, we propose iterative methods to reconstruct the cycle prefix for coded single-carrier frequency-domain equalization (SC-FDE) systems that employ insufficient length of cycle prefix at the transmitter. Since the insertion of the cyclic prefix for SC-FDE systems decreases the bandwidth utilization efficiency as the channel's delay span increase, it is desirable to improve the bandwidth utilization efficiency by limiting the length of the cycle prefix. Two novel schemes for reconstructing the cycle prefix of coded SC-FDE systems are discussed: one employing the soft output of the soft output of the decoder and the other employing precoding. The performance of these schemes is shown by computer simulations.
Gender and the Body of Medicine or at Least Some Body Parts: (Re)Constructing the Prestige Hierarchy of Medical Specialties

Understanding the disproportionate location of women physicians in lower status medical specialties necessitates knowing how women and men view the prestige hierarchy of specialties. Previous resea...
What the Diagnostic Radiologist Needs to Know about Radiation Oncology

Substantial technologic advances in radiation treatment planning and delivery have made possible exquisite tailoring of three-dimensional radiation dose distributions that conform to the tumor treatment volume while avoiding adjacent normal tissues. Although such highly precise treatment can increase the therapeutic ratio, it also introduces the potential that tumor extension outside the target is missed because it is unrecognized at the time of radiation treatment planning. As a result, accurate targeting of the tumor with radiation is of utmost importance to the radiation oncologist. Communication between diagnostic radiologists and radiation oncologists is essential, particularly given the subtleties that accompany image interpretation, to optimize the care of the cancer patient.
Malware Evolution: A Snapshot of Threats and Countermeasures in 2005

Speed, stealth, and purpose of malware [1] threats and countermeasures are evolving quickly. This chapter describes these three facets of current malware threats, and describes a few countermeasures emerging to better address such threats.
Slowly varying oscillators

We develop a Melnikov type perturbation method for detecting periodic and homoclinic orbits and codimension one bifurcations in a class of third order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. These equations may be autonomous or contain time periodic terms, but we assume that they are small perturbations of integrable Hamiltonian systems with unperturbed energy functions of the form H(x,y;z) and that the z-coordinate varies slowly in the perturbed system. We apply these methods to a nonlinear oscillator subject to weak feedback control.
Prevention for those who can pay: insurance reimbursement of genetic-based preventive interventions in the liminal state between health and disease

Clinical use of genetic testing to predict adult onset conditions allows individuals to minimize or circumvent disease when preventive medical interventions are available. Recent policy recommendations and changes expand patient access to information about asymptomatic genetic conditions and create mechanisms for expanded insurance coverage for genetic tests. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommends that laboratories provide incidental findings of medically actionable genetic variants after whole genome sequencing. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) established mechanisms to mandate coverage for genetic tests, such as BRCA. The ACA and ACMG, however, do not address insurance coverage for preventive interventions. These policies equate access to testing as access to prevention, without exploring the accessibility and affordability of interventions. In reality, insurance coverage for preventive interventions in asymptomatic adults is variable given the US health insurance system's focus on treatment. Health disparities will be exacerbated if only privileged segments of society can access preventive interventions, such as prophylactic surgeries, screenings, or medication. To ensure equitable access to interventions, federal or state legislatures should mandate insurance coverage for both predictive genetic testing and recommended follow-up interventions included in a list established by an expert panel or regulatory body.