cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stable-Isotope Labeled Hydrophobic Hydrazide Reagents for the Relative Quantification of N-linked Glycans by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

This study presents the development of stable-isotope labeled hydrophobic, hydrazide reagents for the relative quantification of N-linked glycans. The P2GPN “light” (12C) and “heavy” (13C6) pair are used to differentially label two N-linked glycan samples. The samples are combined 1:1, separated using HILIC, and then mass differentiated and quantified using mass spectrometry. These reagents have several benefits: (1) impart hydrophobic character to the glycans affording an increase in electrospray ionization efficiency and MS detection; (2) indistinguishable chromatographic, MS, and MS/MS performance of the “light” and “heavy” reagents affording relative quantification; and (3) analytical variability is significantly reduced due to the two samples being mixed together after sample preparation. Obtaining these analytical benefits only requires ∼4 h of sample preparation time. It is shown that these reagents are capable of quantifying changes in glycosylation in simple mixtures, and the analytical variabili...
Formation of palmitate esters of monohydric short chain alcohols by swine arterial subcellular fractions.

Alcohols of 1–5 carbon chain length were esterified with palmitic acid and palmitoyl CoA substrates by swine aortic cytosol, mitochondrial, and microsomal fractions. Esterification of the palmitic acid substrate with ethanol was enhanced by the addition of adenosine 5′-triphosphate and CoA to the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions. The rate of esterification of ethanol was most rapid in the microsomal fraction and with the palmitoyl CoA substrate. Esterification was linearly related to time of incubation, was optimal at pH 6.8, and could be inactivated by heating at 90 C. Esterification was inactivated by ethanol concentrations above 0.8 M and by lower concentrations of the other alcohols. Rates of esterification were highest with n-propanol and lowest with tert-butanol and the pentanols. The formation of cholesteryl esters by the aortic microsomes was inhibited by ethanol and was inversely related to the rate of ethyl palmitate formation.
Thermal Stability of Some Metabolically Conjugated Potential Precursors of Flavor Components in Meat and Milk

The stability of selected metabolic conjugates (phenylphosphate, phenylglucuronide, naphthylglucuronide, and naphthylsulfate) was evaluated in model systems. Phenylphosphate was less stable than the glucuronides and the sulfate, especially under neutral (pH 6.8) and acidic conditions (pH 1.5). Phenylphosphate was completely degraded after 1.7 hr at 100°C, and after 0.3 hr at 150°C at pH 6.8. The glucuronide and sulfate conjugates were especially stable under neutral conditions (pH 6.8) requiring > 5 hr for complete hydrolysis at 100°C. All conjugates were quite stable to hydrolysis under alkaline conditions (pH 11). The presence of certain organic solvents (ethyl acetate or ethyl ether) caused rapid hydrolysis of conjugates under very mild conditions (40°C for 30 min). This information may improve under-standing of flavor production from animal products.
SHEEP GRAZING PREFERENCES ON A SALTINGS PASTURE AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE FOR WIGEON (ANAS PENELOPE L.) CONSERVATION

Arising from the need to improve the palatability of tussocky, rank Festuca rubra swards to provide a greaer area of grazing for overwintering wigeon which avoided these swards, the effect of sheep grazing on these and close-mown F. rubra swards was studied by a point-quadrat method. This showed that close mowing improved the palatability of Festuca rubra swards for sheep to a degree comparable with swards made up of Puccinellia maritima and Agrostis stolonifera, for which sheep and wigeon had previonsly been shown to have a significant preference. The results of the study are discussed in relation to methods of managing an area of saltings pastnre made up of these two types of swards to increase the area of grazing available for wigeon; whilst still being compatible with the objectives of the grazier's sheep husbandry.
THE ROLE OF EXHUMATION IN THE TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF ORE DEPOSITS—A REPLY

Sir: We welcome this opportunity to clarify points raised by Groves and Goldfarb (2007) in their discussion of our recent Express Letter (Kesler and Wilkinson, 2006). Their first concern centers on our modal age of 160 Ma for orogenic gold deposits; they state that “…it is unclear how the stated theoretical modal age was calculated….” The modal ages that we gave for the three deposit types are not theoretical. As explained in the text, they are simply the most common age in a best-fit curve to the age-frequency distribution for each deposit type. For orogenic gold deposits, the curve was fit to ages of deposits younger than 1900 Ma using their age data (Goldfarb et al., 2005), and …
The extratropical sensitivity to the meridional extent of tropical ENSO forcing

The extratropical response to tropical remote forcing has been examined with so-called tropical ocean-global atmosphere experiments, which use prescribed sea surface temperature (SST) in the tropical Pacific and a slab mixed-layer ocean model elsewhere. In this study we have revisited this experimental design and found that the extratropical response is quite sensitive to the meridional extent of tropical prescribed SST domain. Even in the case of a prescribed annual cycle only (i.e., no ENSO), the differences in the prescribed SST regions lead to different atmospheric motions in the adjacent extratropics. When the tropical forcing includes ENSO, the sensitivity to the meridional domain is more prominent, especially during La Nina events. In La Nina, the prescribed SST is warmer than the simulated SST in the northern subtropics, and the warmer SST differences continue to 30°N. This broad SST differences accompany enhanced atmospheric meridional circulation that directly connects the tropics and extratropics within the Pacific basin. Moreover, the Rossby wave excitation also increases, so the effect of prescribed region difference is felt beyond the Pacific basin. On the other hand, the effect of ENSO sea surface temperature anomalie (i.e., ENSO experiment composite minus control experiment annual cycle, both of which have the same prescribed SST domain) is stronger in the broad tropical forcing experiment. However, the ENSO anomaly composite from own annual cycle is similar regardless of the meridional extent of forcing region, and commonly mimics the Northern Hemisphere El Nino composite of nature in the boreal winter season.
The 5′CL-PCBP RNP complex, 3′ Poly(A) tail and 2Apro are required for optimal translation of poliovirus RNA.

In this study, we showed that the 5'CL-PCBP complex, 3' poly(A) tail and viral protein 2A(pro) are all required for optimal translation of PV RNA. The 2A(pro)-mediated stimulation of translation was observed in the presence or absence of both the 5'CL and the 3' poly(A) tail. Using protein-RNA tethering, we established that the 5'CL-PCBP complex is required for optimal viral RNA translation and identified the KH3 domain of PCBP2 as the functional region. We also showed that the 5'CL-PCBP complex and the 3' poly(A) tail stimulate translation independent of each other. In addition to the independent function of each element, the 5'CL and the 3' poly(A) tail function synergistically to stimulate and prolong translation. These results are consistent with a model in which the 5'CL-PCBP complex interacts with the 3' poly(A)-PABP complex to form a 5'-3' circular complex that facilitates ribosome reloading and stimulates PV RNA translation.
Organizational correlates of perceptions of quality outcomes for ISO 9000 registration: a preliminary analysis

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact that the organizational factors of planning and implementation processes have on individual perceptions of quality outcomes related to The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000 registration. Results indicate that the planning and implementation processes of ISO 9000 registration do indeed have an influence on the ways in which individuals evaluate the impact that registration has on quality outcomes. The study further showed that personality factors also influence perceptual judgments of ISO 9000 registration success. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of body condition on the trade-off between vigilance and foraging in Belding's ground squirrels

Abstract Abstract. A field experiment was performed to examine the effect of a change in energy reserves on the trade-off between foraging and predator vigilance. Free-living juvenile female Belding's ground squirrels, Spermophilus beldingi , were observed in three-step experiment. First, a squirrel's behavioural response to a tape-recorded conspecific alarm call was observed (playback 1). Then, over a 6-day period, either ad libitum foraging was supplemented with an energy-rich food (peanut butter mixture), or foraging opportunities were restricted for a few hours every day, during which an energy-poor food (lettuce) was available. These two treatments resulted in weight gain ('supplemented' group) or moderate weight loss ('deprived' group), respectively. Finally, a squirrel's response to a second alarm call was observed (playback 2). During playback 2, deprived individuals were less vigilant and foraged more than supplemented individuals. At playback 2, vigilance was positively related and foraging was negatively related both to a measure of body condition and to the mass change during treatment. Body condition and mass change during the previous week were not independent, making it difficult to determine which had a greater impact on foraging activity. However, in the week after playback 2, when all squirrels were foraging freely, the deprived group showed a greater rate of mass gain than the supplemented group. These results suggest that (1) the foraging versus vigilance decision is affected by body mass deviations from a 'set-point', and (2) a moderate reduction in energy stores can influence the trade-off between foraging and vigilance even though there is no short-term threat of energetic shortfall.
PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS AND SYNCOPE

Syncope is a common disorder accounting for up to 3% of emergency department visits and 6% of hospital admissions. 4 Although studies have reported a high prevalence of psychiatric illness in patients with syncope, 10,11 fewer than 5% of patients have been assigned psychiatric diagnoses in cohort studies from the 1980s. 4,5,9,20,27 This may be due to lack of standardized assessment for psychiatric illness in the earlier studies. Physicians did not recognize psychiatric illness in half of the patients in one study. 10 Thus, there is a need to understand better the association of psychiatric illnesses and syncope. This article reviews the association of psychiatric illness and syncope and provides recommendations for incorporating psychiatric assessment in the evaluation of syncope. In an evaluation of 414 patients with syncope using Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS), a structured interview administered to formulate DSM-III-R diagnosis, the authors found that the prevalence of psychiatric illnesses was highest in the syncope of unknown origin group and lowest in the cardiac syncope group (24.5% and 9.7%, P 10 Linzer and colleagues 14 had 72 patients with syncope evaluated by psychiatrists and found 17 (24%) in whom the cause of the syncope was attributed to a psychiatric disorder. Those patients were reported to have the diagnosis of panic disorder (PD) in 12.5%, MDD in 8.3%, MDD plus panic attacks in 2.8%, and conversion disorder in 2%. Patients with syncope and psychiatric disorders were younger, had more prodromal symptoms, had a higher number of syncopal episodes in the last 6 to 12 months before evaluation, 10,14,17 and had a larger number of other complaints. 10 In the authors' study, when psychiatric disorders were subdivided into alcohol/substance abuse or psychiatric disorders, multivariate predictors for the former were male gender and age less than 65 years and for the latter having four or more episodes of syncope in the past year and prodromal symptoms before syncope. 10
Remote laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy analyses of Dar al Gani 476 and Zagami Martian meteorites

[1] Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was recently selected to provide active remote sensing compositional information on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover. The ability of LIBS to remotely determine differences between basaltic rock types on Mars is investigated by analyzing two Martian basaltic shergottite meteorites whose compositions differ slightly and which also differ slightly in texture. Using 14 analysis spots of ~400 µm diameter on Dar al Gani (DaG) 476 and 9 analysis spots on Zagami, the LIBS technique at a 5.4 m standoff distance clearly distinguished the olivine-phyric (DaG 476) from the basaltic (Zagami) shergottite on the basis of MgO and CaO. Mean elemental abundances agreed with literature values for these meteorites to within ~12% for most of the major elements. The ability of LIBS to remotely distinguish between basaltic and andesitic compositions in a Martian environment was also investigated by analyzing a known andesite standard and comparing its spectra to the Martian basaltic shergottite spectra, yielding agreement with the literature andesite composition within 9%. The data presented here demonstrate the ability of LIBS to provide reasonable estimates of whole rock composition as well as determine relatively subtle differences in rock types from a distance.
Genetic and Physiological Analysis of Iron Biofortification in Maize Kernels

Background Maize is a major cereal crop widely consumed in developing countries, which have a high prevalence of iron (Fe) deficiency anemia. The major cause of Fe deficiency in these countries is inadequate intake of bioavailable Fe, where poverty is a major factor. Therefore, biofortification of maize by increasing Fe concentration and or bioavailability has great potential to alleviate this deficiency. Maize is also a model system for genomic research and thus allows the opportunity for gene discovery. Here we describe an integrated genetic and physiological analysis of Fe nutrition in maize kernels, to identify loci that influence grain Fe concentration and bioavailability. Methodology Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was used to dissect grain Fe concentration (FeGC) and Fe bioavailability (FeGB) from the Intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) recombinant inbred (RI) population. FeGC was determined by ion coupled argon plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP). FeGB was determined by an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell line bioassay. Conclusions Three modest QTL for FeGC were detected, in spite of high heritability. This suggests that FeGC is controlled by many small QTL, which may make it a challenging trait to improve by marker assisted breeding. Ten QTL for FeGB were identified and explained 54% of the variance observed in samples from a single year/location. Three of the largest FeGB QTL were isolated in sister derived lines and their effect was observed in three subsequent seasons in New York. Single season evaluations were also made at six other sites around North America, suggesting the enhancement of FeGB was not specific to our farm site. FeGB was not correlated with FeGC or phytic acid, suggesting that novel regulators of Fe nutrition are responsible for the differences observed. Our results indicate that iron biofortification of maize grain is achievable using specialized phenotyping tools and conventional plant breeding techniques.
Behavior of the deeply inserted helices in diphtheria toxin T domain: helices 5, 8, and 9 interact strongly and promote pore formation, while helices 6/7 limit pore formation.

Diphtheria toxin T domain aids the membrane translocation of diphtheria toxin A chain. When the isolated T domain is deeply membrane-inserted, helices TH 8−9 form a transmembrane hairpin, while helices TH 5−7 form a deeply inserted nontransmembrane structure. Blocking deep insertion of TH 8−9 blocks deep insertion of TH 5−7 (Zhao, G., and London, E. (2005) Biochemistry 44, 4488–4498). We now examine the effects of blocking the deep insertion of TH 5 and TH 6/7. An A282R/V283R dual substitution in TH 5 prevented its deep insertion, significantly decreased the deep insertion of TH 9, and to a lesser degree that of TH 6/7. Blocking deep insertion of TH 6/7 with a L307R mutation had no effect on the deep insertion of TH 5, similar to its previously characterized lack of effect on the deep insertion of TH 8−9. An I364K mutation in TH 9 blocked TH 8−9 deep insertion and greatly reduced pore formation by the T domain, consistent with the role of TH 8−9 in pore formation. The A282R/V283R mutations also reduced th...
Multiband planar metallodielectric photonic crystals using frequency selective surface techniques

Two-dimensional single layer metallodielectric photonic crystals (MDPCs) with multiple stopbands in the far-infrared transmission spectrum have been designed and fabricated using frequency selective surface (FSS) techniques at the micron-scale. These surfaces consist of self-similar fractal cross-dipole or fractal square patch metallic elements patterned on thin, flexible dielectric substrates using standard semiconductor microfabrication techniques. Optimization of design parameters, such as element spacing, through the application of a periodic method of moments (PMM) modeling code leads to experimental results with two transmission stopbands, each with greater than 10 dB attenuation. These results are in excellent agreement with those predicted by the PMM model. The positions of the bands can be readily controlled by utilizing the modeling data to determine optimum element geometries.
Insights and Blindspots of Reliabilism

Mesurant le developpement de la theorie de la connaissance en ce qui concerne la fiabilite des processus de formation de la croyance, l'A. propose un apercu fondamental sur les epistemologies fiabilistes, attribuant le statut de connaissance vraie a la croyance vraie non justifiee. Soulevant la question d'un recentrement de l'epistemologie a partir de la substitution de l'idee de fiabilite des processus de formation de la croyance aux theorie traditionnelles des bonnes raisons de croire, l'A. montre qu'on ne peut remplacer les concepts de raison, evidence, inference, justification par celui de fiabilite sans courrir le risque des faiblesses conceptuelles de la croyance concernant leur structure inferentielle
Managing Toxicities Associated With Antiangiogenic Biologic Agents in Combination With Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Toxicities commonly associated with antiangiogenic agents include hypertension, proteinuria, wound-healing complications, bleeding or hemorrhage, thromboembolic events, hypersensitivity reactions, and gastrointestinal perforation; however, toxicities most often attributed to chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, neuropathy, mucositis, hand-foot syndrome, hypersensitivity reactions, and myelosuppression. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who receive an antiangiogenic agent in combination with chemotherapy may experience toxicities related to both chemotherapy and the antiangiogenic agent. If possible, evidence-based interventions should be used for the management of toxicities. Patient education about expected toxicities and optimal toxicity management can promote the optimal use of therapy to improve survival and quality of life. Oncology nurses are well positioned to educate patients and their families on anticipated treatment and management of side effects. This article summarizes the incidence of toxicities associated with the antiangiogenic biologic agents aflibercept and bevacizumab, in combination with chemotherapy for patients with mCRC, and provides strategies for managing these toxicities based on clinical practice guidelines.
An Overview of the Ecology of Antarctic Seals

Four species of seals occupy the pack-ice region of the oceans surrounding the Antarctic Continent. These seals include the crabeater ( Lobodon cardnophagus ), leopard ( Hydrurga leptonyx ), weddell ( Leplonychotes weddellii ), and ross ( Ommatophoca rossii ), and are true seals with special adaptations for living in the pack-ice region. Two other seal species, the southern elephant seal ( Mirounga leonina ) and the fur seal ( Arctocephalus gazella ) (the only eared seal of this region) generally occur further to the north and use land rather than ice during the period of birth of young. This paper reviews the status of these species, and examines the generalecology of the four species that inhabit the pack-ice zone. In general, the four species that occupy the pack-ice zone have specialized in habitats and habits so that little overlap in dietsor habitat use exist among these species. The exception is the interaction between the leopard and the crabeater which occupy the same regions and eat krill ( Euphausia superba ), particularly during the winter. The impact of the potential harvest of krill by man on these species is discussed. Further, the impact that recovery of the large baleen whales that feedin this region during the summer is discussed with regard to the changes that might occur as competition for krill by the large vertebrate species increases.
Testing method for mechanical properties of fibrin glue

A testing method was developed to evaluate the mechanical properties of a fibrin adhesive in an effort to correlate mechanical strength to fibrinogen content. Autologous fibrin adhesives with varying fibrinogen content were loaded to failure in shear using a mechanical testing machine. The method developed was capable of distinguishing a mechanical strength difference among the three fibrin sample lots used in the study. A number of parameters were evident that could lead to testing variability. The development of a more sophisticated component delivery system would greatly reduce the variability of these parameters and thus, the product reliability. Ultimately, the information gathered from the current and future studies will form a type of quality control standard to directly correlate the percentage of fibrinogen in a particular sample to its adhesive performance. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Scaled atmospheric blooming experiment

The SABLE experiment investigated the ability of phase-conjugate adaptive-optics to compensate strong thermal blooming and turbulence encountered during atmospheric propagation of a high-power laser beam. The experiments utilized a 10 kW hydrogen fluoride laser, selected because its spectrum is strongly absorbed by the atmosphere. Characteristics of the beam at both the transmitter and receiver, of the atmosphere along the propagation path, and of the adaptive optics were measured and recorded during the tests and used to test the accuracy of a time-dependent computer propagation code. Wind variations along the propagation path were shown to significantly improve system performance and to suppress the phase conjugate instability.
Effects of diesel exhaust inhalation on heart rate variability in human volunteers

Objectives Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is associated with alterations in cardiac conductance and sudden cardiac death in epidemiological studies. Traffic-related air pollutants, including diesel exhaust (DE) may be at least partly responsible for these effects. In this experimental study we assessed whether short-term exposure to DE would result in alterations in heart rate variability (HRV), a non-invasive measure of autonomic control of the heart.
Evaluation of the effect of media velocity on filter efficiency and most penetrating particle size of nuclear grade high-efficiency particulate air filters.

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are widely used to control particulate matter emissions from processes that involve management or treatment of radioactive materials. Section FC of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers AG-1 Code on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment currently restricts media velocity to a maximum of 2.5 cm/sec in any application where this standard is invoked. There is some desire to eliminate or increase this media velocity limit. A concern is that increasing media velocity will result in higher emissions of ultrafine particles; thus, it is unlikely that higher media velocities will be allowed without data to demonstrate the effect of media velocity on removal of ultrafine particles. In this study, the performance of nuclear grade HEPA filters, with respect to filter efficiency and most penetrating particle size, was evaluated as a function of media velocity. Deep-pleat nuclear grade HEPA filters (31 cm × 31 cm × 29 cm) were evaluated at media velocities ranging from 2.0 ...
Evidence for altered trisynaptic circuitry in schizophrenic hippocampus.

Recent postmortem studies have demonstrated subtle alterations in the hippocampal formation (HIPP) of patients with schizophrenia (SZ). These changes include a decreased density of nonpyramidal neurons (NPs), an increase of the GABAA, but not benzodiazepine receptors and a neuroleptic-dose-related increase of GAD65-IR terminals, particularly in sectors CA3 and CA2. High resolution studies of the GABAA receptor have further suggested that a decrease of disinhibitory GABAergic activity (i.e., GABA-to-GABA) in stratum pyramidale of CA3 may coexist with reduced inhibitory modulation (i.e., GABA-to-excitatory pyramidal neuron) in the stratum oriens of this same sector. These changes could potentially involve excitotoxic damage to interneurons in CA2; but, the precise time frame for the induction of such an injury during pre- versus postnatal life cannot as yet be inferred from the available data. These findings are consistent with reports of abnormal oscillatory rhythms and increased basal metabolic activity in the HIPP of patients with SZ. The fact that patients with manic depression also show a decrease of NPs in CA2 suggests that changes in the GABA system may not be related to a susceptibility gene for SZ. Rather, these alterations could be associated with a nonspecific factor, such as stress, experienced either early in life or much later during adolescence or adulthood. Presumably, there are also changes associated in other transmitter systems that may play a more specific role in establishing the SZ phenotype.
Density of a Luminous Gas and the Emission of Light by Atoms in Metastable States

MR. I. S. BOWBN points out in an interesting letter to NATURE (Oct. 1, 1927, p. 473) that the low density prevailing in nebulae favours the emission of light by atoms in metastable states, and thus he accounts for a number of hitherto unexplained nebular lines as the result of transitions from initial metastable states of ionised atoms of oxygen and nitrogen. There is no doubt, as Prof. Fowler, who has adduced further spectroscopic evidence in support of the suggestion, puts it, that “a satisfactory explanation of some of the most important nebular lines has at last been reached.” The suggestion, however, implies that we have to give up the position that the transition of an atom from a metastable state to one of lower energy level resulting in emission is necessarily conditioned by the action on the atom of an agent external to it, an electric field, a magnetic field, or the impact of another atom. If, as is sometimes alleged, the influence of neighbouring atoms causes the emission of forbidden lines from initial metastable states, a high density, and not a low one, should be the condition favourable for such emission.
Comorbidity of Mental Illness and Substance Use in Jail Populations.

The present study examines the incidence of substance use and mental illness among jail inmates by analyzing differences and similarities in demographic characteristics and detention status with a standard operational definition of mental illness and substance use. The sample consisted of a total of 5,785 subjects from 407 jails in the United States. The current study used the "Survey of Inmates of Local Jails. 1983: (United States)" from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (1985). Significant associations were found between membership in one of the substance use and/or mental illness categories and variables reflecting subjects' demographic, socioeconomic, and sentence status. There is a need to utilize standardized instruments that assess both substance use and mental illness in jails.
A characterization of conjugate priors in exponential families with application to inverse regression

Abstract It is often convenient to assume that X and X | Y are in the same exponential family. By considering X as the “parameter” and Y as the “data”, the problem becomes determining which exponential families X | Y have conjugate priors. We develop a necessary condition for conjugacy. One-dimensional exponential families can be conjugate only if they have exactly two support points.
Search for Pulsar Wind Nebula Associations with Unidentified TeV γ-Ray Sources

Many of the recently discovered TeV γ-ray sources are associated with pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). In fact, they represent the most populous class of Galactic sources at TeV energies. In addition, HESS has also discovered, in a survey of the Galactic plane, a population of TeV γ-ray sources that are still without definitive counterparts at longer wavelengths. For a number of these sources, a pulsar is an evident association, which is often located within an extended region of the TeV γ-ray emission. These particular HESS sources are promising candidates for yet not resolved PWNe. Here we have undertaken a systematic search for X-ray counterparts of the sources, using the archival Chandra data, within the spatial bounds of the unidentified HESS sources. A number of X-ray sources have been detected in the Chandra fields. Two of them, CXOU J161729.3–505512 and CXOU J170252.4–412848, are of a special interest because of their excellent positional coincidence with the pulsars PSR J1617–5055 and PSR J1702–4128, respectively. The first source is extended, with a bright core of 2.6'' (FWHM) in radius but the emission can be seen up to roughly 20''. The second one is much fainter and detected only with marginal significance (4.6 σ). It might also be slightly extended, although the situation is quite uncertain due to very limited statistics. The analysis of the archival Chandra data for a middle-aged pulsar (PSR J1913+1011) does not reveal any statistically significant excess at and around the position of the pulsar or the center of gravity of its plausible TeV γ-ray counterpart (HESS J1912+101). We discuss the implications of the results.
A genetic approach to endocellular symbiosis

Abstract The value of a genetic approach to symbiosis is three-fold. First, it provides a conceptual framework around which to organize a mass of diverse data. For example, we have seen that both the segregation of uninfected bacteria from a strain harboring bacteriophage, and the elimination of symbiotic algae from epidermal cells of hydra during development are relevant to the question of the regulation and control of symbiont transmission. Similarly, the ability of Rhizobium -infected root nodules to fix nitrogen and the appearance of new antigens on the surfaces of virus-infected bacteria both illustrate new phenotypes arising from the acquisition of a symbiont; endosymbioses therefore either create or release genetic information. Second, a genetic approach to endocellular symbiosis emphasizes the genetic and biochemical ntegration of host and symbionts. Together they form a single biological system, more or less perfectly coordinated, so that distinctions between “invader” and “organelle” may become impossible, or at least meaningless. Third, the approach has heuristic value. As a result of considering symbiotic associations in somewhat new ways, new questions arise. For example, what factors regulate the respective division rates of host cells and symbionts so that neither outstrips the other and the association is faithfully perpetuated? Just how complex is the genetic control of mutually compatible host and symbiont specificities, and how do these genes operate? Are macromolecules exchanged between symbiont partners, or is macromolecular synthesis necessary for the creation of a suitable intracellular environment for symbiosis? Are new molecular species formed as a result of the juxtaposition of two dissimilar genomes? Answers to these and similar questions should be forthcoming with the continued application of genetic and biochemical techniques to the biology of host-symbiont relationships.
Mortality from neonatal diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract The ability of the newborn to reestablish a fetal-type eirculation is potentially lethal in infants with diaphragmatic hernia operated upon on the first day of life. The responses of their pulmonary vasculature to all stimuli are exaggerated. Our efforts to treat them will continue to be in the direction of pharmacologic manipulation of pulmonary arterial pressure and the rate of ductal closure. To do so, it is necessary to have direct measurements of PaO 2 above and below the ductus, so that changes in shunt can be interpreted.
Prediction of cardiac events in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction with dobutamine cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment of wall motion score index.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of dobutamine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DCMR) results for predicting cardiac events in individuals with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Background It is unknown whether DCMR results identify a poor cardiac prognosis when the resting LVEF is moderately to severely reduced. Methods Two hundred consecutive patients ages 30 to 88 (average 64) years with an LVEF ≤55% that were poorly suited for stress echocardiography underwent DCMR in which left ventricular wall motion score index (WMSI), defined as the average wall motion of the number of segments scored, was assessed at rest, during low-dose, and after peak intravenous infusion of dobutamine/atropine. All participants were followed for an average of 5 years after DCMR to ascertain the post-testing occurrence of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and unstable angina or congestive heart failure warranting hospital stay. Results After accounting for risk factors associated with coronary arteriosclerosis and MI, a stress-induced increase in WMSI during DCMR was associated with future cardiac events (p 40%. Conclusions In individuals with mild to moderate reductions in LVEF (40% to 55%), dobutamine-induced increases in WMSI forecast MI and cardiac death to a greater extent than an assessment of resting LVEF. In those with an LVEF
Automatic Shape-Based Level Set Segmentation for Needle Tracking in 3-D TRUS-Guided Prostate Brachytherapy

Prostate brachytherapy is an effective treatment for early prostate cancer. The success depends critically on the correct needle implant positions. We have devised an automatic shape-based level set segmentation tool for needle tracking in 3-D transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images, which uses the shape information and level set technique to localize the needle position and estimate the endpoint of needle in real-time. The 3-D TRUS images used in the evaluation of our tools were obtained using a 2-D TRUS transducer from Ultrasonix (Richmond, BC, Canada) and a computer-controlled stepper motor system from Thorlabs (Newton, NJ, USA). The accuracy and feedback mechanism had been validated using prostate phantoms and compared with 3-D positions of these needles derived from experts' readings. The experts' segmentation of needles from 3-D computed tomography images was the ground truth in this study. The difference between automatic and expert segmentations are within 0.1 mm for 17 of 19 implanted needles. The mean errors of automatic segmentations by comparing with the ground truth are within 0.25 mm. Our automated method allows real-time TRUS-based needle placement difference within one pixel compared with manual expert segmentation.
Polyclonal anti-idiotypes induce specific anti-saxitoxin antibody responses.

Abstract Polyclonal BALB/C mouse and New Zealand White rabbit anti-idiotypic antibodies were raised by immunization with a protein G-purified burro anti-saxitoxin IgG antibody preparation. Following absorption of non-anti-idiotype reactivity, murine and rabbit IgG were purified by protein A chromatography and used to immunize BALB/C mice for the induction of anti-saxitoxin antibody responses. Unconjugated BALB/C anti-idiotypes did not induce significant anti-saxitoxin reactivity in BALB/C mice, even after repeated immunizations. However, BALB/C mice immunized with purified BALB/C anti-idiotypes conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin, or with purified, unconjugated rabbit anti-idiotypes, as alumunum hydroxide precipitates, induced significant and specific anti-saxitoxin immune responses. Saxitoxin, a sodium channel blocker, can protect cells treated with veratridine and ouabain, whose respective actions are to open sodium channels and to block the activity of Na/K-ATPase. The anti-idiotype-induced anti-saxitoxin antibodies inhibited saxitoxin from protecting against cell death induced by veratridine and ouabain treatment. These and other published experimental results strengthen the concept of anti-idiotype-based vaccines in eliciting protective immunity against a variety of low molecular weight, nonproteinaceous biological and chemical toxins, whose extreme toxicity does not allow their use as safe immunogens.
Role of adenosine in contrast media-induced acute renal failure in diabetes mellitus.

Increased release of renal adenosine and stimulation of renal adenosine receptors have been proposed to be major mechanisms in the development of contrast media—induced acute renal failure (CM-ARF). Patients with diabetes mellitus or preexisting renal disease who have reduced renal function have a markedly increased risk to develop CM-ARF. This increased risk to develop CM-ARF in patients with diabetes mellitus is linked to a higher sensitivity of the renal vasculature to adenosine, since experimental studies have shown increased adenosine-induced vasoconstriction in the kidneys of diabetic animals. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that administration of adenosine receptor antagonists reduces the risk of development of CM-ARF in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of adenosine in the development of CM-ARF, particularly in the kidneys of diabetic patients, and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of adenosine receptor antagonists in the prevention of CM-ARF. Selective adenosine Al receptor antagonists may provide a therapeutic tool to prevent CM-ARF in patients with diabetes mellitus and reduced renal function.
Red cell life span of white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus

Abstract 1. 1. The red cell survival of white-tailed deer as measured with DFP 32 is similar to that seen in the sheep and human, with destruction by senescence after a period of approximately 125 days. 2. 2. Under the environmental conditions of our experiment, there did not appear to be any deleterious effect on red cell survival due to variation in hemoglobin type or the ability of cells to sickle. 3. 3. Red cell survival in a guanaco was estimated to be 227 days, in an elk 149 days, in an aoudad 99 days, and in two sika deer, 149 and 159 days respectively.
Interactions of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease with a redox inhibitor: evidence for an alternate conformation of the enzyme.

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE1) is an essential base excision repair protein that also functions as a reduction and oxidation (redox) factor in mammals. Through a thiol-based mechanism, A...
Label-free proteomic identification of endogenous, insulin-stimulated interaction partners of insulin receptor substrate-1.

Protein–protein interactions are key to most cellular processes. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)-based proteomics combined with co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) has emerged as a powerful approach for studying protein complexes. However, a majority of systematic proteomics studies on protein–protein interactions involve the use of protein overexpression and/or epitope-tagged bait proteins, which might affect binding stoichiometry and lead to higher false positives. Here, we report an application of a straightforward, label-free CO-IP-MS/MS method, without the use of protein overexpression or protein tags, to the investigation of changes in the abundance of endogenous proteins associated with a bait protein, which is in this case insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), under basal and insulin stimulated conditions. IRS-1 plays a central role in the insulin signaling cascade. Defects in the protein–protein interactions involving IRS-1 may lead to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses identified eleven novel endogenous insulin-stimulated IRS-1 interaction partners in L6 myotubes reproducibly, including proteins play an important role in protein dephosphorylation [protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 12A, (PPP1R12A)], muscle contraction and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and protein folding, as well as protein synthesis. This novel application of label-free CO-IP-MS/MS quantification to assess endogenous interaction partners of a specific protein will prove useful for understanding how various cell stimuli regulate insulin signal transduction.
The signal importance of noise

Noise is widely regarded as a residual category—the unexplained variance in a linear model or the random disturbance of a predictable pattern. Accordingly, formal models often impose the simplifying assumption that the world is noise-free and social dynamics are deterministic. Where noise is assigned causal importance, it is often assumed to be a source of inefficiency, unpredictability, or heterogeneity. We review recent sociological studies that are noteworthy for demonstrating the theoretical importance of noise for understanding the dynamics of a complex system. Contrary to widely held assumptions, these studies identify conditions in which noise can increase efficiency and predictability and reduce diversity. We conclude with a methodological warning that deterministic assumptions are not an innocent simplification.
Assessment of Alternative Management Forms in Academic Interdisciplinary Research Projects

Interdisciplinary research projects in academic institutions are classified using cluster analysis on their structural properties of size, stability of membership, number of hierarchical levels, division of labor, and the proportion of professional staff with doctoral degrees, masters degrees but not doctorates, and bachelors degrees but neither a masters degree nor a doctoral degree. Within each type, management actions such as time spent planning and assembling resources together with task and relationship oriented behaviors were evaluated for differences between high and low performing projects within each structural type and across types in order to identify those which enhance effective performance. Large stable projects with highly educated personnel performed best. Leaders who exhibited task oriented behaviors had higher performing projects regardless of structural type. Findings that time spent planning interdisciplinary research is not associated with higher performance are different from previous findings for noninterdisciplinary research.
Flexibility and Structure May Enhance Implementation of Family-Focused Therapy in Community Mental Health Settings

This study elicited provider and administrator preferences in implementing an evidence-based practice (EBP) for bipolar disorder or psychosis, family-focused therapy (FFT). Providers (n = 35) and administrators (n = 5) from three community mental health centers took part in FFT training and participated in pre- and post-training focus groups. Transcripts were examined using conventional content analysis. Providers and administrators discussed barriers to implementing EBPs. Successful EBPs were described as incorporating flexibility and close supervision to maximize provider adherence. Providers expressed preferences for structured EBPs like FFT that have both explicit implementation steps and built-in flexibility.
Elevated anti-sulfatide antibodies in Guillain–Barre´ syndrome in T cell depleted at end-stage AIDS

Abstract A 38-year-old man developed the Guillain–Barre´ syndrome (GBS) associated with untreated end-stage AIDS and CD4+ lymphocyte count of 3 cells/mm3. The patient had serum high titer anti-sulfatide antibodies and responded well to infusion of immunoglobulin. The data suggest that elevated levels of anti-sulfatide antibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis of GBS in this patient, although a direct neurotropic effect of HIV virus cannot be excluded.
CUDA accelerated robot localization and mapping

We present a method to accelerate robot localization and mapping by using CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture), the general purpose parallel computing platform on NVIDIA GPUs. In robotics, the particle filter-based SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm has many applications, but is computationally intensive. Prior work has used CUDA to accelerate various robot applications, but particle filter-based SLAM has not been implemented on CUDA yet. Because computations on the particles are independent of each other in this algorithm, CUDA acceleration should be highly effective. We have implemented the SLAM algorithm's most time consuming step, particle weight calculation, and optimized memory access by using texture memory to alleviate memory bottleneck and fully leverage the parallel processing power. Our experiments have shown the performance has increased by an order of magnitude or more. The results indicate that oftloading to GPU is a cost-effective way to improve SLAM algorithm performance.
Metabolic properties of isolated rat liver cell preparations enriched in epithelial cells other than hepatocytes

A selected fraction of non-parenchymal cells was prepared from the liver of untreated rats, of rats 11-13 days after ligation of the common bile duct, and of rats fed for 4-5 weeks a choline devoid diet containing DL-ethionine. The cell fraction isolated from these livers consisted of one type of mesenchymal cells (Kupffer cells), and of increasing proportions of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase-positive non-parenchymal epithelial cells (bile ductule/oval cells). The activities of aminopyrine N-demethylase and of aniline hydroxylase were determined in the three cell fractions, and were found to be less than 10% of the same enzyme activities of purified hepatocytes isolated from untreated rats. Primary cultures of untreated rat hepatocytes, and of the non-parenchymal cell fraction prepared from the liver of untreated and treated rats, were exposed to aflatoxin B1. Less than 0.5% of the hepatocytes from untreated rats survived a 48 h exposure to a concentration of 10−6 m aflatoxin B1. On the other hand, 75% or more of the non-parenchymal cells survived a 48 h exposure to a concentration of aflatoxin B1/cell two and a half times as great. It is concluded that non-parenchymal epithelial cells of rat liver have low activities of aminopyrine N-demethylase and of aniline hydroxylase in comparison to hepatocytes, and, in contrast to hepatocytes, are highly resistant to the cytotoxic action of aflatoxin B1. Preneoplastic and neoplastic hepatocytes are known to possess similar properties. Thus, the findings reported herein are consonant with the views that non-parenchymal epithelial cells of rat liver may be alternate target cells, initiated by chemical carcinogens inducing hepatocellular carcinomas, and that the initiated cells may be progenitors of neoplastic hepatocytes.