cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring for evaluation of hypoglycemia pre- and post-operatively for patients undergoing Total Pancreatectomy with Autologous Islet Cell Transplant.

Introduction Total pancreatectomy with autologous islet transplant (TPAIT) is indicated for patients with chronic pancreatitis to improve quality of life while reducing complications from hypoglycemia. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was used to assess overall islet function and the incidence of hypoglycemia pre- and post-operatively. Methods Nineteen patients who underwent TPAIT at a single center from 2018-2020 were included. Pre-operatively, patients were defined by diabetic status. HbA1c, stimulated C-peptide, and CGM were used to characterize glycemic function. Results Pre-operatively, 3 patients had diabetes, and 16 patients did not have diabetes. 8 out of 16 non-diabetic patients were insulin independent (50%). Of 6 non-diabetic patients with > 10% hypoglycemia on pre-operative CGM, 33% were insulin-independent post-operatively (p = 0.3). Of non-diabetic patients with ≥ 80% time in the euglycemic range, 62% were insulin-independent post-operatively (p = 0.2). For patients without diabetes, the median percent time in hypoglycemic range was reduced from 8% to 1% (p = 0.001). Delta C-peptide had a positive correlation with islet yield (p = 0.03). Discussion Conventional evaluation of TPAIT patients assesses primarily beta cell function. As pancreatogenic diabetes is concerning principally for the risk of hypoglycemia, assessment of alpha cell function can improve the quality of care. CGM better captures islet function and increases the identification of hypoglycemia. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Latitude Variations in Primary and Secondary Polar Crown Polarity Inversion Lines and Polar Coronal Hole Boundaries over Five Solar Cycles

We undertake a five solar-cycle (SC 19 - 23) ≈55-year (December 1954 to August 2009) study of the high latitude polarity inversion lines (PILs) using the recently digitized McIntosh Archive (McA) of solar synoptic (Carrington) maps. We looked at the evolution of the median solar latitudes of primary and secondary PILs, and of the polar coronal hole (CH) boundary for all 732 Carrington Rotations (CRs). We found hemispheric differences in the “Rush to the Poles” (RttP) where the polar CH gaps are often longer in the southern hemisphere (SH), and the secondary PIL reaches its polemost latitude at the end of its RttP later and more poleward than in the northern hemisphere (NH). The latitude oscillations found after this poleward peak are also stronger and often longer in the SH than in the NH, and exhibit a 22-year variation. The location variations in the CH boundaries and PILs appear to be at least partly associated with similar variations in the magnetic field. We also found equatorward expansions of the polar CHs by ≈50% and equatorward shifts in the PILs that were part of a disturbance that propagated ≈15°/CR from the SH to the NH in the descending phase of SC 23.
Cooperative defenses during enteropathogenic infection.

During their co-evolution with pathogens, hosts acquired defensive health strategies that allow them to maintain their health or promote recovery when challenged with infections. The cooperative defense system is a largely unexplored branch of these evolved defense strategies. Cooperative defenses limit physiological damage and promote health without having a negative impact on a pathogen’s ability to survive and replicate within the host. Here, we review recent discoveries in the new field of cooperative defenses using the model pathogens Citrobacter rodentium and Salmonella enterica. We discuss not only host-encoded but also pathogen-encoded mechanisms of cooperative defenses. Cooperative defenses remain an untapped resource in clinical medicine. With a global pandemic exacerbated by a lack of vaccine access and a worldwide rise in antibiotic resistance, the study of cooperative defenses offers an opportunity to safeguard health in the face of pathogenic infection.
Growth Maintenance of the Maize Primary Root at Low Water Potentials Involves Increases in Cell-Wall Extension Properties, Expansin Activity, and Wall Susceptibility to Expansins

Previous work on the growth biophysics of maize (Zea mays L.) primary roots suggested that cell walls in the apical 5 mm of the elongation zone increased their yielding ability as an adaptive response to low turgor and water potential (psi w). To test this hypothesis more directly, we measured the acid-induced extension of isolated walls from roots grown at high (-0.03 MPa) or low (-1.6 MPa) psi w using an extensometer. Acid-induced extension was greatly increased in the apical 5 mm and was largely eliminated in the 5- to 10-mm region of roots grown at low psi w. This pattern is consistent with the maintenance of elongation toward the apex and the shortening of the elongation zone in these roots. Wall proteins extracted from the elongation zone possessed expansin activity, which increased substantially in roots grown at low psi w. Western blots likewise indicated higher expansin abundance in the roots at low psi w. Additionally, the susceptibility of walls to expansin action was higher in the apical 5 mm of roots at low psi w than in roots at high psi w. The basal region of the elongation zone (5-10 mm) did not extend in response to expansins, indicating that loss of susceptibility to expansins was associated with growth cessation in this region. Our results indicate that both the increase in expansin activity and the increase in cell-wall susceptibility to expansins play a role in enhancing cell-wall yielding and, therefore, in maintaining elongation in the apical region of maize primary roots at low psi w.
Pharmacodynamic analysis of analgesic clinical trials using empirical methods.

Data from analgesic clinical trials have characteristics such as ordered categorical longitudinal responses with repeated measures, delay of effect with respect to analgesic plasma concentration, and right-hand censoring of response due to remedication. In order to determine the concentration-effect relationship of such data, we propose convolving an empirical function for plasma concentration, in the form of broken lines which connect each pair of neighboring observations, with a monoexponential function, to generate “effect site concentration” Effect site concentration and time are used, simultaneously, as independent variables in the fit of the model for the logit of the probability of having a specific pain relief (PR) score at each time point pre-remedication, via maximum likelihood. Using corresponding effect site concentration, the probabilities of having specific PR scores post-remedication are predicted via the concentration-response relationship established. The overall (pre- and post-remedication) predictions and corresponding standard errors for the responses are then estimated. Inference of the PR scoring, using a posterior method, is proposed. An illustration using real data is used to demonstrate these methods.
State Advertising Bans, Monopoly, and Alcohol Demand: Testing for Substitution Effects Using Panel Data

Using a panel of 45 states for the period 1982-97, this study analyzes the importance of several restrictive alcohol regulations, including advertising bans for billboards, bans of price advertising, state monopoly control of retail stores, and changes in the minimum legal drinking age. In contrast to previous research, the study allows for substitution among beverages as a response to a regulation that targets a specific beverage. A restrictive law that applies only to one beverage (or one form of advertising) can result in substitution toward other beverages (and other media). Allowing for substitution means that the net effect on total alcohol consumption is unceertain, and must be ascertained empirically. The empirical results demonstrate that monopoly control of spirits reduces consumption of that beverage, and increases consumption of wine. The effect on beer is positive, but is not statistically significant. The net effect on total alcohol is signifcantly negative. Higher minimum legal drinking age laws have negative effects on beverage and total alcohol consumption. Partial bans of advertising do not reduce total alcohol consumption, which reflects in part substitution effects.
Molecular dynamics simulations of the cytochrome c3-rubredoxin complex from Desulfovibrio vulgaris

Molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out on the complex formed between the tetraheme cytochrome c3 and the iron protein rubredoxin from the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris. These simulations were performed both with explicit solvent water molecules included, and without solvent molecules using a distance-dependent dielectric constant to approximate the screening effects of solvent. The results of both simulations are strikingly different, indicating that the representation of environmental effects is important in such simulations. For example, a striking adaptation of the two proteins seen in the nonsolvated simulation is not seen when explicit solvent water is included; in fact, the complex appears to become weaker in the solvated simulation. Nonetheless, the iron-iron distance decreases more significantly in the solvated simulation than in the nonsolvated simulation. It was found that in both cases molecular dynamics optimized the structures further than energy minimization alone.
Sourcing from the Enemy: Horizontal Subcontracting in Highway Procurement†

I empirically consider the effect of horizontal subcontracting on firm bidding strategies in California highway construction auctions. Subcontractors are hired by prime contractors prior to the auction, and the subcontractor may also be a competitor in the primary auction. While horizontal subcontracting may improve productive efficiency, it softens the horizontal subcontractor's bid strategy, since winning the auction may entail losing subcontracting business. I find that while each additional competitor supplied by the firm is estimated to increase its bid by 1.4 per cent, the winning bid is uncorrelated with horizontal subcontracting. This points toward an efficiency motive for cross-supply.
Changes in Intestinal Lactase and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Levels with Age in the Baboon (Papio Papio)

There has been debate about possible etiologies of low intestinal lactase levels in human subjects with primary lactose malabsorption. Data on other primates are not available; therefore a study of baboons was undertaken. Eight Olive baboons ( Papio papio ) from the same colony were killed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 12, and 36 months of age. The small intestines were divided into 10 equal segments and assayed for disaccharidase, alkaline phosphatase, and leucyl naphthylamidase activities. In comparison with the 1- to 4-month-old animals, lactase and cellobiase values were less in the duodenum and ileum in the 8- to 12-month-old animals, and lowest all along the intestine of the 36-month-old animal. Alkaline phosphatase activity was highest in the 1- to 4-month-old animals, and, after this age, was usually less than half that present in the younger animals. Sucrase, maltase, palatinase, trehalase, and leucyl naphthylamidase activities were essentially similar at all ages. The lower levels of lactase, cellobiase, and alkaline phosphatase in the older animals, in comparison to the 1- to 4-monthold baboons, appear to be a selective age-related phenomen.
Perceptual interfaces in human computer interaction

Humans are viewed as efficiently processing multiple sources of information supporting their interactions with the world and with others. This theoretical framework has been successful in predicting for a wide variety of research findings, as well as rationalizing everyday experiences. Existing controversies over perceptual interfaces are considered in terms of this framework. The conclusion is that both inputs and outputs in human computer environments should be characterized by many different sources of information from multiple modalities.
Nonoscillation and oscillation of second order half-linear differential equations

Abstract We study the oscillation problems for the second order half-linear differential equation [ p ( t ) Φ ( x ′ ) ] ′ + q ( t ) Φ ( x ) = 0 , where Φ ( u ) = | u | r − 1 u with r > 0 , 1 / p and q are locally integrable on R + ; p > 0 , q ⩾ 0 a.e. on R + , and ∫ 0 ∞ p − 1 / r ( t ) d t = ∞ . We establish new criteria for this equation to be nonoscillatory and oscillatory, respectively. When p ≡ 1 , our results are complete extensions of work by Huang [C. Huang, Oscillation and nonoscillation for second order linear differential equations, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 210 (1997) 712–723] and by Wong [J.S.W. Wong, Remarks on a paper of C. Huang, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 291 (2004) 180–188] on linear equations to the half-linear case for all r > 0 . These results provide corrections to the wrongly established results in [J. Jiang, Oscillation and nonoscillation for second order quasilinear differential equations, Math. Sci. Res. Hot-Line 4 (6) (2000) 39–47] on nonoscillation when 0 r 1 and on oscillation when r > 1 . The approach in this paper can also be used to fully extend Elbert's criteria on linear equations to half-linear equations which will cover and improve a partial extension by Yang [X. Yang, Oscillation/nonoscillation criteria for quasilinear differential equations, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 298 (2004) 363–373].
Level changes in volatility models

Level shifts confound the estimation of persistence. This paper shows analytically, in simulations, and using high-frequency stock price data that models for financial volatility that feature a separate source of randomness in the volatility equation are less susceptible to this effect. Such models include recently proposed time series models for realized volatility, as opposed to GARCH models for daily observations, which are highly sensitive to unknown shifts, as has been shown before.
Robust optimization of distributed parameter systems

©1995 SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited. The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.208830
Effects of Ginkgo biloba on cerebral blood flow assessed by quantitative MR perfusion imaging: a pilot study

Introduction Extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb), a dietary supplement used for a number of conditions including dementia, has been suggested to increase cerebral blood flow (CBF). The purpose of this study was to determine if changes in CBF could be detected by dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI) in elderly human subjects taking EGb.
Tuning nanostructure dimensions with supramolecular twisting.

Peptide amphiphiles are molecules containing a peptide segment covalently bonded to a hydrophobic tail and are known to self-assemble in water into supramolecular nanostructures with shape diversity ranging from spheres to cylinders, twisted ribbons, belts, and tubes. Understanding the self-assembly mechanisms to control dimensions and shapes of the nanostructures remains a grand challenge. We report here on a systematic study of peptide amphiphiles containing valine–glutamic acid dimeric repeats known to promote self-assembly into belt-like flat assemblies. We find that the lateral growth of the assemblies can be controlled in the range of 100 nm down to 10 nm as the number of dimeric repeats is increased from two to six. Using circular dichroism, the degree of β-sheet twisting within the supramolecular assemblies was found to be directly proportional to the number of dimeric repeats in the PA molecule. Interestingly, as twisting increased, a threshold is reached where cylinders rather than flat assembli...
The role of hydrogen bonding in tethered polymer layers

A molecular theory to study the properties of end-tethered polymer layers, in which the polymers have the ability to form hydrogen bonds with water, is presented. The approach combines the ideas of the single-chain mean-field theory to treat tethered layers with the approach of Dormidontova (Macromolecules, 2002, 35, 987.) to include hydrogen bonds. The generalization includes the consideration of position-dependent polymer-water and water-water hydrogen bonds. The theory is applied to model poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and the predictions are compared with equivalent polymer layers that do not form hydrogen bonds. It is found that increasing the temperature lowers the solubility of the PEO and results in a collapse of the layer at high enough temperatures. The properties of the layer and their temperature dependence are shown to be the result of the coupling between the conformational entropy of the chains, the ability of the polymer to form hydrogen bonds, and the intermolecular interactions. The structural and thermodynamic properties of the PEO layers, such as the lateral pressure-area isotherms and polymer chemical potentials, are studied as a function of temperature and type of tethering surface. The possibility of phase separation of the PEO layer at high enough temperature is predicted due to the reduced solubility induced by breaking of polymer-water hydrogen bonds. A discussion of the advantages and limitations of the theory, together with how to apply the approach to different hydrogen-bonding polymers, is presented.
On an extended class of error-locating codes

aj constant b width of burst of errors C1 binary error-detecting code C2 nonbinary error-correcting code d minimum distance e number of random errors 8¢ class of correctable errors for C2 8d class of detectable errors for C1 I t parity check matrix for resultant code k number of binary information digits in resultant code m number of check symbols in C2 n block length of resultant code P parity cheek matrix for C1 p~ /th column of P r number of binary check digits in resultant code S syndrome Si ith component of syndrome (considered as an element of GF(2 ~)) s number of sub-blocks in resultant code: also, total number of symbols in code C2 t number of digits per sub-block in resultant code: also, total number of digits in code C~ W primitive element of GF(2 s) xl unknown dement of GF(2 °) a element of GF(26) F parity check matrix for C2 ~/ii i-jth element of F p number of check digits in code C1
A cohort study evaluating robotic versus laparotomy surgical outcomes of obese women with endometrial carcinoma

Abstract Objective Minimally invasive surgery offers advantages for management of obese patients, but technical difficulty often deters its utilization. Compared to laparotomy, robotic surgery should allow comparable staging and improved surgical outcomes. Therefore, we evaluated outcomes in robotic and laparotomy cohorts of obese women with endometrial cancer at our institution. Methods Retrospective robotic and laparotomy cohorts of obese women (BMI≥30kg/m 2 ) undergoing surgical management of primary endometrial cancer from March 2006 to March 2009 were formulated utilizing a computerized database. Patient demographics, operative statistics, peri-operative complications, and pathologic details were collected in an intent to treat analysis. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and t -test were used for statistical analysis. Results 73 women underwent robotic surgical management, 11% converted to laparotomy. Mean BMI (39.8 vs. 41.9, p =0.152), number of co-morbidities (2.49 vs. 2.62, p =0.690), number of previous surgeries (0.97 vs. 0.94, p =0.841), and lymphadenectomies performed (65.8% vs. 56.7%, p =0.227) were similar between cohorts. Total lymph nodes obtained were not statistically different between cohorts (8.01 vs. 7.24, p =0.505). Total operative time and room time was significantly longer for robotic surgery; however, estimated blood loss, the percentage of patients receiving transfusion, hospital length of stay, wound complications (4.1% vs. 20.2%, p =0.002) and other complications (9.6% vs. 29.8%, p =0.001) were improved for the robotic cohort. Conclusions Robotic management of obese women with endometrial cancer yields acceptable staging results and improved surgical outcomes. Although operating time is longer, hospital time is shorter. Robotic surgery may be an ideal approach for these patients.
Planktonic foraminifera in the Western North Pacific during the past 150 000 years: Comparison of modern and fossil assemblages

Abstract Planktonic foraminiferal abundance variations in 186 deep-sea piston core tops from the western North Pacific were used to create a calibration set to characterize the present-day Kuroshio gyre system. Q-mode factor analysis helped identify six faunal assemblages (93% variance) related to modern water masses: two tropical assemblages differing in relative dissolution, three assemblages representing subtropical, subpolar and transitional conditions, and a gyre-margin assemblage lying between the Kuroshio Current and the mainland of Asia. Multivariate regression produced transfer functions relating observed summer (August) and winter (February) sea-surface temperatures (SST) to the assemblages, with standard errors of estimate of 1.5°C and 2.5°C, respectively. Data from 24 piston cores was used to interpret variations of the Kuroshio gyre system during the past 150 000 yr. Stratigraphic control is based on oxygen isotopic measurements, the extinction of pink-pigmented Globigerinoides ruber at 120 000 B.P., coiling direction changes in Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (north of 30°N), and dissolution variations between resistant and fragile taxa. Major, dynamic changes in the circulation of the Kuroshio gyre occurred during the last two glacial maxima at 15–20 000 B.P. (isotopic stage 2) and at 140–150 000 B.P. (isotopic stage 6). These intervals are characterized by: (1) lowered sea levels which reduced flow into the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okh Okhotsk; (2) advance of the polar front from its modern position at about 42°N to 35–38°N; (3) southward penetration of the Oyashio Current along the Pacific coast of Japan to Tokyo; (4) 2–3°C lowered SST in tropical areas, little or no change in subtropical areas, and a 4–6°C decrease in transitional areas; and (5) an overall decrease in carbonate dissolution relative to interglacial stages. The maximum interglacial at 120 000 B.P. (isotopic substage 5e) shows a retreat of the polar front north of its modern position and an overall relative increase in interglacial carbonate dissolution that does not become severe until substage 5d.
Ethanol potentiates the toxic effects of 1,4-butanediol

The simultaneous administration of ethanol increases the mortality rate and tissue damage observed in rats after 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD). A related increase in tissue 1,4-BD concentration supported the hypothesis of an in vivo competition of the two substances for alcohol dehydrogenase. The clinical implications of the results, in light of the recent discovery of the presence of endogenous 1,4-BD in humans are discussed.
Allergic fungal sinusitis: the Mayo Clinic experience.

The diagnosis of allergic fungal sinusitis (AFB) is difficult to establish. The clinical presentation is not diagnostic. We define current criteria for diagnosis and the role of total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in the disease process and review the clinical features of this disease. Fifty-one cases were identified in 44 patients who demonstrated characteristic allergic mucin. Thirty-one of these cases satisfied rigid criteria for the diagnosis of AFS. Twenty of these cases were classified as AFS-like syndrome. The prevalence of strictly defined AFS was 4.0%. Dematiaceous fungi were the predominant agents cultured. All our patients had polyps, 23 (54%) had asthma, 12 (27%) had aspirin sensitivity, 20 (65%) had eosinophilia, and 9 (69%) had increased total IgE levels
Continuous spectrum in the ground state of two spin-1/2 models in the infinite-volume limit

We show that in the ground states of the infinite-volume limits of both the spin-1/2 anisotropic antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model (in dimensions d⩾2), and the ferromagnetic Ising model in a strong transverse field (in dimensions d⩾1) there is an interval in the spectrum above the mass gap which contains a continuous band of energy levels. We use the methods of Bricmont and Frohlich to develop our expansions, as well as a method of Kennedy and Tasaki to do the expansions in the quantum mechanical limit. Where the expansions converge, they are then shown to have spectral measures which have absolutely continuous parts on intervals above the mass gaps.
The cost effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment strategies in resource-limited settings.

Optimal resource allocation for antiretroviral treatment (ART) in developing countries requires assessment of different strategies for drug treatment and laboratory monitoring. The objectives were to compare costs and outcomes for 10 000 simulated HIV-infected patients followed every 6 months for 10 years in a limited-resource setting. Method: Five nested strategies with and without the availability of a second-line treatment regimen were simulated: (a) no ART (NO ART); (b) with ART but without any laboratory markers of HIV other than positive serology (ART ONLY); (c) ART plus total lymphocyte count (TLC); (d) ART plus CD4 cell counts (CD4); and (e) ART plus CD4 cell count plus viral load measurement (VL). Baseline prices of CD4 cell count and viral load measurements were $5.00 and $25.00 per test respectively. With no second-line treatment available treating 10 000 patients with ART ONLY compared with NOART would cost $14.49 million [95%confidence interval (CI) 14.45-14.52] and would generate an additional 23 060 quality-adjusted life years (QALYS) (95% CI 22 770-23 360) for a median incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $628/QALY. Median ICER values per QALY for CD4 and VL strategies are $238 and $16 139 respectively when second-line treatment is unavailable. With second-line ART available the corresponding median ICER values are $8636 and $14 670. In the absence of second-line ART the CD4 strategy is a more cost-effective laboratory testing strategy for managing HIV infection than either TLC or VL. Availability of second-line ART plus CD4 cell count and/or viral load measurement would save additional lives but at high incremental cost. (authors)
Small sample tests of portfolio efficiency

Abstract This paper presents an eigenvalue test of the efficiency of a portfolio when there is no riskless asset, complementing the test of Gibbons, Ross, and Shanken (1989). Besides optimal upper and lower bounds, an easily-implented numerical method is provided for computing the exact P -value. Our approach makes it possible to draw statistical inferences on the efficiency of a given portfolio both in the context of the zero-beta CAPM and with respect to other linear pricing models. As an application, using monthly data for every consecutive five-year period from 1926 to 1986, we reject the efficiency of the CRSP value-weighted index for most periods.
Research Infrastructure for Interactive Human- and Autonomous Guidance

This paper describes a research infrastructure setup to exercise and investigate guidance and control capabilities under human and autonomous control modalities. The lab facility is designed to implement tasks that emphasize agent-environment interactions. The overall goal is to characterize these interactions and to apply the gained knowledge to determine interaction models. These can then be used to design guidance and control algorithms as well as human---machine systems. The facility uses miniature rotorcraft as test vehicles with a Vicon motion tracking system and SensoMotoric gaze tracking system. The facility also includes a high-fidelity simulation system to support larger scale autonomy and teleoperation experiments. The simulation incorporates the software components and models of the key flight hardware and sensors. The software system was integrated around the Robotics Operating System (ROS) to support the heterogenous processes and data and allow easy system reconfiguration. The paper describes the research objectives, details of the hardware and software components and their integration, and concludes with a summary of the ongoing research enabled by the lab facility including.
The speed of convergence of a martingale

LetX n, n≧0, be a martingale with respect to the σ-fieldsF n and letB n 2 =Σ1≧n E{(X 1−X 1−1)2|F 1−1} It is known that ifB 1 2 <∞ on some set Ω0 thenX ∞=limX n exists and is finite a.e. on Ω0 We show that under suitable conditions there exists a constant ν<∞ for which lim supB n −1 {log logB n 2 }−1/2|X ∞−X n−1 | ≦ √2(η+1). If “the fluctuations ofB n are small” (in the sense of the Corollary) then ν=0 and the usual upper bound of a law of the iterated logrithm results. This upper bound is not necessarily achieved, though.
Identification and analysis of the amylase‐binding protein B (AbpB) and gene (abpB) from Streptococcus gordonii

The binding of salivary amylase to Streptococcus gordonii has previously been shown to involve a 20-kDa amylase-binding protein (AbpA). S. gordonii also releases an 82-kDa protein into the supernatant that binds amylase. To study this 82-kDa component, proteins were precipitated from bacterial culture supernatants by the addition of acetone or purified amylase. Precipitated proteins were separated by SDS–PAGE and transferred to a sequencing membrane. The P2 kDa band was then sequenced, yielding a 25 N-terminal amino acid sequence, CGFIFGRQLTADGSTMFGPTEDYP. Primers derived from this sequence were used in an inverse PCR strategy to clone the full-length gene from S. gordonii chromosomal DNA. An open reading frame of 1959 bp was noted that encoded a 652 amino acid protein having a predicted molecular mass of 80 kDa. The first 24 amino acid residues were consistent with a hydrophobic signal peptide, followed by a 25 amino acid N-terminal sequence that shared identity (24 of 25 residues) with the amino acid sequence of purified AbpB. The abpB gene from strains of S. gordonii was interrupted by allelic exchange with a 420-bp fragment of the abpB gene linked to an erythromycin cassette. The 82-kDa protein was not detected in supernatants from these mutants. These abpB mutants retained the ability to bind soluble amylase. Thus, AbpA, but not AbpB, appears sufficient to be the major receptor for amylase binding to the streptococcal surface. The role of AbpB in bacterial colonization remains to be elucidated.
Intrahypothalamic injection of a cell line secreting gonadotropin-releasing hormone results in cellular differentiation and reversal of hypogonadism in mutant mice.

Abstract GT1 is an immortalized cell line that synthesizes and secretes the neurohormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). We have placed these cells into the brains of adult mutant hypogonadal (hpg) mice, which lack a functional GnRH gene, to determine whether such cells could differentiate in situ and support gonadal development. Immunocytochemical detection of GnRH revealed that these cells migrated widely in the central nervous system and elaborated axonal processes which on rare occasion projected to the normal target, the median eminence. Using a battery of antibodies, we demonstrated that these cells could cleave the GnRH precursor and that the amidated decapeptide as well as other cleavage products were present. The presence of biologically active material and its appropriate secretion were further documented by gonadal growth in both males and females. The morphological differentiation of the GT1 cells correlated with the density of cells injected. Those remaining within the injection site and/or forming a tumor retained a simple, rounded or fibroblastic appearance. Those cells that migrated into the host away from such tumors assumed the simple fusiform shape of normal GnRH neurons with dendrites extending from one or both poles. When cell density was drastically reduced a much more complex dendritic arbor was elaborated. These data suggest that such cell lines can be useful in reversing genetic defects and in studying such processes as GnRH neuronal migration, axonal targeting, and cytological differentiation.
Low-power fault-tolerant laser-to-fiber coupling with photorefractive BaTiO(3).

A novel device for low-power fault-tolerant laser-to-fiber coupling is described; it makes use of self-pumped phase conjugation in photorefractive BaTiO3. We found the degree of fault tolerance to improve by 2 orders of magnitude to 0.02 dB per 100-μm displacement within the determined displacement range at intensities incident on the crystal as low as 2 mW, compared with the losses without the BaTiO3 present.
Coming clean: understanding and mitigating optical contamination and laser induced damage in advanced LIGO

The cleanliness of optical surfaces is of great concern as the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) project transitions from installation to operation at full power. More particulates than expected were observed on and near the core optics as a result of assembly and installation work, prompting a re-evaluation of longheld contamination control practices. Even low particulate levels can potentially damage the fused silica optics and reduce overall interferometer sensitivity. These risks are mitigated from a combination of the following approaches: quantifying the extent of the contamination, identifying its sources, improving practices to reduce the generation of particulates, introducing a non-contact in-situ cleaning technique for suspended optics in air, qualifying cleanliness levels against induced damage, and developing methods for remotely measuring and cleaning suspended optics under vacuum. While significant progress has been made in understanding and mitigating contamination, and thus, protecting the optics from losses and damage, there is still more work to be done to reach ultimate performance requirements.
XCPU2 distributed seamless desktop extension

XCPU2 is the evolution of our XCPU process management system which allows the users to compose the environment of the remote cluster nodes to match that of their desktop workstation. This creates the illusion of cluster computation resources being a seamless extension of their desktop interface, facilitating cluster acceleration of workflows which can be composed and visualized on the end-user desktop. XCPU2 allows programs running on the cluster to use the same versions of the libraries and tools the user installed locally on their desktop, and access support files such as configuration and data in the familiar places in which they are located on the end-user's workstation. XCPU2 builds on our earlier work with the XCPU process management system. Like XCPU, XCPU2's interface is represented as a set of files exported by a 9P file server. It supports heterogeneous clusters and multiple head nodes. Unlike XCPU, it uses a pull instead of push model for distributed applications, binaries, and data. In this paper we describe the XCPU2 clustering model, its operation and how the per-job filesystem configuration can be used to solve some of the common problems when running a cluster.
Information systems as a reference discipline for new product development

Baskerville and Myers (2002) recently suggested that the information systems (IS) field has "come of age" and that it can now serve as a reference discipline for other fields. In this article, the discourse about their vision is extended by considering the potential for the IS field to contribute to new product development (NPD) research. It is argued that the rapid infusion of information technology (IT) along four dimensions of product development process management, project management, information and knowledge management, and collaboration and communication raises several important NPD research issues. These issues could be addressed by drawing from extant theories and models in the IS field. By employing NPD as the context, other issues that underlie the new role envisioned for the IS field are also identified.
Crystal structure of DMAP-C-HMTCAQ, C30H20N6O2, N,N-dimethylaminophenyl-carbamate-2'-hydroxymethyl-11, 11,12,12-tetracyano-anthraquinodimethan

C30H20N6O2,M r =496.53, triclinic, P¯1,a=8.748(4) A,b=10.989(3) A,c=13.541(8) A,α=90.67(4)°,β=99.15(4)°, γ=98.62(4)°,V=1269.8 A3,Z=2,D c =1.30 g cm−3, λ (Mo Kα)=0.71069 A,μ=1.02 cm−1,F(000)=516.0,T=295(3) K,R=0.127% for 1839 observed reflections, 363 parameters. The molecule has an extended, rather than a folded geometry. The HMTCAQ moiety has mm symmetry, and is shaped like a hawk about to land. The anthraquinone ring system is folded, with a dihedral angle of 37.3°; the two propanedinitrile groups have a mutual dihedral angle of 80.2°. The dihedral angle between the central ring of the TCAQ moiety and the phenyl ring is 37.2°. The phenyl rings stack over each other with a perpendicular distance of 3.36 A. The dipole moment of the molecule is 6.254 Debyes; the crystal Madelung energy isE M=−8.989 kJ/mol; the dispersion energy isE d =−318.370 kJ/mol; the repulsion energy isE r =130.139 kJ/mol.
Preparing for the change

Principles of Adaptive Optics. By Robert K. Tyson. Academic: 1991. Pp. 298. $49.95, £35.50.
Review of suspected acute appendicitis in adults and children using CT and colonic contrast material

Acute appendicitis has long been recognized as a leading cause of abdominal pain in both adults a'2 and children. 3-5 Accurate and timely diagnosis of appendicitis is necessary to decrease the possibility of morbidity and mortality related to complications, including, most seriously, abscess formation with appendiceal rupture. 6'7 Despite a long history of acute appendicitis as a leading differential diagnosis in acute abdominal pain, a solely clinical diagnosis remains difficult, s especially in young patients. TM Moreover, acute appendicitis has many clinical differential diagnoses, which may further hinder a solely clinical assess
An Entry/Gateway® cloning system for general expression of genes with molecular tags in Drosophila melanogaster

Tagged fusion proteins are priceless tools for monitoring the activities of biomolecules in living cells. However, over-expression of fusion proteins sometimes leads to the unwanted lethality or developmental defects. Therefore, vectors that can express tagged proteins at physiological levels are desirable tools for studying dosage-sensitive proteins. We developed a set of Entry/Gateway® vectors for expressing fluorescent fusion proteins in Drosophila melanogaster. The vectors were used to generate fluorescent CP190 which is a component of the gypsy chromatin insulator. We used the fluorescent CP190 to study the dynamic movement of related chromatin insulators in living cells. The Entry/Gateway® system is a timesaving technique for quickly generating expression constructs of tagged fusion proteins. We described in this study an Entry/Gateway® based system, which includes six P-element destination vectors (P-DEST) for expressing tagged proteins (eGFP, mRFP, or myc) in Drosophila melanogaster and a TA-based cloning vector for generating entry clones from unstable DNA sequences. We used the P-DEST vectors to express fluorecent CP190 at tolerable levels. Expression of CP190 using the UAS/Gal4 system, instead, led to either lethality or underdeveloped tissues. The expressed eGFP- or mRFP-tagged CP190 proteins are fully functional and rescued the lethality of the homozygous CP190 mutation. We visualized a wide range of CP190 distribution patterns in living cell nuclei, from thousands of tiny particles to less than ten giant ones, which likely reflects diverse organization of higher-order chromatin structures. We also visualized the fusion of multiple smaller insulator bodies into larger aggregates in living cells, which is likely reflective of the dynamic activities of reorganization of chromatin in living nuclei. We have developed an efficient cloning system for expressing dosage-sensitive proteins in Drosophila melanogaster. This system successfully expresses functional fluorescent CP190 fusion proteins. The fluorescent CP190 proteins exist in insulator bodies of various numbers and sizes among cells from multiple living tissues. Furthermore, live imaging of the movements of these fluorescent-tagged proteins suggests that the assembly and disassembly of insulator bodies are normal activities in living cells and may be directed for regulating transcription.
Brain damage from pertussis immunization. A Canadian neurologist's perspective.

• Uncontrolled case series noting an association between diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTP) immunization and brain damage have lead to widespread reduction in immunization, epidemics of pertussis and litigation. A judge, hearing the only Canadian court case, concluded there is no evidence that DTP induced brain injury. It is difficult to develop a cogent biologic hypothesis for the mechanism of DTP-induced brain injury, especially when the postulated clinical syndrome is variable without a characteristic neuropathologic pattern. Timed observational, case-controlled, and prospective cohort studies have not shown evidence of brain damage from pertussis vaccine. This suggests that the cause(s) of brain injury recorded in case series was other than DTP immunization. Any relationship is likely a temporal coincidence because DTP is administered several times in infancy. A vigorous effort is required to dispel the myth of DTP-induced brain damage. (AJDC. 1992;146:327-331)
THE MASS SPECTRA AND THE STEREOCHEMISTRY OF N,N'-BIS-(SALICYLIDENE)-1,1-(DIMETHYL)-ETHYLENEDIAMINO-OXOVANADIUM(IV)

Abstract The oxovanadium(IV) complex of the ligand, N,N'-bis-(salicylidene)-1,1-(dimethyl)ethylenediamine, has been prepared. It has a magnetic moment of 1.76 B.M., which is almost invariant over a range of temperature. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of the powder has been measured at 296° and 80°K, while that of the solution was measured at 296°K (go ≍ 1.97 and A0 ≍ 90 × 10−4 cm−1). The magnetic moment of the complex agrees with that calculated from the paramagnetic resonance g values taken at 80°K. Furthermore, the complex has been characterized by mass spectra, infra-red, ultra-violet and visible spectra, conductivity, osmometry and polarimetry. All evidence suggests that the complex is a tetragonal-pyramid.
Dipterous Parasites of Tsetse Flies

IN a recent issue of the Bulletin of Entomological Research, Major E. E. Austen has a very interesting paper on the flies of the genus Thyridanthrax, which are parasitic on tsetse flies, and are the only Diptera known to be parasitic on Glossina. I thought at once of the species of Glossina fossil in the Miocene of Colorado, and of the numerous genera of Bombyliidae also fossil in the same shales. These, or some of them, may well have been parasitic on Glossina, and may have had something to do with its extinction in America. It is interesting to note, however, that Thyridanthrax belongs to a series of Bombyliidae little related to the fossil genera, and can have no connexion with them.
Diagnosis and outcome of Hirschsprung’s disease: does age really matter?

Although Hirschsprung's disease (HD) typically presents in the newborn period, it is often diagnosed in older children, in whom the presentation and management remain poorly defined. We hypothesized that older patients with HD have a milder variant of the disease with an improved prognosis compared with those diagnosed earlier. Children with HD (1995-2001) were divided into Group I (diagnosis before 30 days) and Group II (after 30 days). Patients with total colonic disease were excluded. There were 66 patients; 47 in Group I and 19 in group II. Mean age at diagnosis was 7.1+/-1.3 days (range 1-30 days) versus 27+/-10 months (1.3 months-19 years). Older children differed mainly in the symptoms at presentation and the length of the involved segment of aganglionosis. Surgical strategies were applied equally in both groups. Complications, including postoperative enterocolitis, occurred equally, but the length of stay and costs were lower in Group II. The delayed diagnosis of HD does not worsen outcomes of older children with HD. This finding implies that these children have a milder form of the disease, perhaps because of adaptation to the aganglionic state.
Multiple imputation when records used for imputation are not used or disseminated for analysis

SUMMARY When some of the records used to estimate the imputation models in multiple imputation are not used or available for analysis, the usual multiple imputation variance estimator has positive bias. We present an alternative approach that enables unbiased estimation of variances and, hence, calibrated inferences in such contexts. First, using all records, the imputer samples m values of the parameters of the imputation model. Second, for each parameter draw, the imputer simulates the missing values for all records n times. From these mn completed datasets, the imputer can analyse or disseminate the appropriate subset of records. We develop methods for interval estima tion and significance testing for this approach. Methods are presented in the context of multiple imputation for measurement error.
Multiple isoforms of the high molecular weight microtubule associated protein XMAP215 are expressed during development in Xenopus.

We have cloned and sequenced cDNAs encoding two isoforms of XMAP215, a high molecular weight microtubule-associated protein identified in Xenopus eggs. XMAP215 is approximately 80% identical in amino acid sequence to the product of ch-TOG, a cDNA that is over expressed in certain human tumors [Charrasse et al., 1995: Eur J Biochem 234:406-413]. Northern and Western blots demonstrated that XMAP215 is expressed throughout development, from oogenesis to tadpole. We identified two XMAP215 transcripts differing only in the presence of a 108-bp sequence encoding a 36 amino acid insert. RT-PCR revealed that the transcripts encoding these two isoforms are expressed at distinct times during development: a transcript containing the insert (encoding XMAP215(M)) is expressed during oogenesis and is present through gastrulation. The second transcript (encoding XMAP215(Z)) lacks the 108-bp insert and is expressed from gastrulation onward. In situ hybridization demonstrated that XMAP215 transcripts are localized to the ectoderm of early embryos and in the developing nervous system during later development. These results suggest that XMAP215 plays important roles in at least two phases of development: (1) regulating the assembly of MTs during the rapid cell divisions after fertilization, and (2) regulating MT assembly during the development of the nervous system.
Is there a missing rare earth crystal structure

Abstract A new close-packed crystal structure is suggested as a possible addition to the trivalent rare earth structure series. Atomic-sphere approximation canonical d-band calculations show a small region of stability for this structure between the double hexagonal close packed and face centered cubic phases.