cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protracted form of Canavan's disease: case history and protein kinase activity of membrane fractions.

Clinical and morphological findings in an 8-year-old Jewish girl with spongy leukodystrophy are presented. Ultrastructural changes indicated that this may be a form of Canavan's disease with some atypical features. Biochemical measurements indicated that synaptosomal membranes prepared from the striatum but not from the cerebral cortex were deficient in protein kinase activity based on incorporation of32P into proteins. Both areas contained the same spectrum of proteins. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) measurements indicated no significant differences between brain areas, or when compared to tissue obtained from a stillborn and a 5-year-old child.
Automated structural design and analysis of advanced composite wing models

Abstract The design of a composite wind tunnel model has demonstrated the ability to tailor the response of a composite structure to provide desired static and dynamic characteristics. This was possible because the strength and stiffness properties of composite structures can be controlled through selection of materials and lamination patterns. To take maximum advantage of the capability, efficient computer procedures are being developed for the design and analysis of composite structures. A finite element procedure and a direct Rayleigh-Ritz procedure, specialized for the preliminary analysis of wing-type structure, are discussed. The use and accuracy of these procedures have been demonstrated on a low cost, low risk basis in the design and analysis of a composite wind tunnel model and in test-theory correlation for static and dynamic response. Material selection, intermediate design decisions, fabrication, testing for natural modes and frequencies, and testing for influence coefficients for the wind tunnel model are discussed.
Hematopoiesis on cellulose ester membranes (CEM). XII. Effect of membrane enrichment by purified matrix proteins.

Cellulose ester membranes (CEM) were enriched with the following purified matrix proteins: collagen I, II, IV, proteoglycan and laminin. Fifteen milligrams of each were placed on CEM which were then folded into open-ended tubes implanted i.p. and s.c. CEM were removed after 3, 6 and 12 months and examined histologically. There was no evidence of hematopoiesis or new bone formation on the implanted, enriched CEM at any of the intervals examined. Collagen I and proteoglycan-enriched CEM showed evidence of increased sinusoid-like vascular structures.
Lack of Change in Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Pediatric Hospital Despite Marked Changes in Antibiotic Utilization

Introduction It is assumed that a direct relationship exists between the extent of use of any given antibiotic or antibiotic class and the degree of susceptibility or resistance on the part of various bacteria to that antibiotic or class.
Comparison of immunoreactivity to serotonin, FMRFamide and SCPb in the gut and visceral nervous system of larvae, pupae and adults of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti

Abstract In all life stages, the gut of the mosquito is innervated by a small number (typically 4) of central neurons immunoreactive to serotonin (SI). The serotonergic system appears to pass through metamorphosis largely intact, despite extensive remodeling of the gut. Axons immunoreactive to antibodies raised against molluscan FMRFamide (RF-I) constitute peptidergic innervation that anatomically parallels the serotonergic system. In the larva, two clusters of 3 neurons project to the anterior regions of the gut, whereas in the pupa and adult, typically two large RF-I neurons located next to the esophagus send several processes posteriorly. In adults, these neurons branch throughout the diverticula and anterior stomach. In pupae, but not in larvae or adults, the gut RF-l system coexpresses reactivity to antibodies raised against a member of another peptide family, molluscan small cardioactive peptide b (SCP-I). SCP-I immunoreactivity is localized independently of RF-l immunoreactivity in the ganglia of a...
Bacterial expression of the phosphodiester-binding site of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor for crystallographic and NMR studies.

The cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) is a multifunctional protein that interacts with diverse ligands and plays central roles in autophagy, development, and tumor suppression. By delivering newly synthesized phosphomannosyl-containing acid hydrolases from the Golgi to endosomal compartments, CI-MPR is an essential component in the generation of lysosomes that are critical for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The ability of CI-MPR to interact with ∼60 different acid hydrolases is facilitated by its large extracellular region, with four out of its 15 domains binding phosphomannosyl residues. Although the glycan specificity of CI-MPR has been elucidated, the molecular basis of carbohydrate binding has not been determined for two out of these four carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD). Here we report expression of CI-MPR's CRD located in domain 5 that preferentially binds phosphodiester-containing glycans. Domain 5 of CI-MPR was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells as a fusion protein containing an N-terminal histidine tag and the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein. The His6-SUMO-CRD construct was recovered from inclusion bodies, refolded in buffer to facilitate disulfide bond formation, and subjected to Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. Surface plasmon resonance analyses demonstrated that the purified protein was active and bound phosphorylated glycans. Characterization by NMR spectroscopy revealed high quality (1)H-(15)N HSQC spectra. Additionally, crystallization conditions were identified and a crystallographic data set of the CRD was collected to 1.8A resolution. Together, these studies demonstrate the feasibility of producing CI-MPR's CRD suitable for three-dimensional structure determination by NMR spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic approaches.
Four Steps for Conducting a Pregroup Screening Interview.

Abstract This article suggests and discusses four steps for conducting an effective pregroup screening interview.
Influence of leaching pretreatment on fuel properties of biomass

Abstract Modification of fuel compositions can reduce ash fouling and slagging, corrosion, and environmental impacts for thermochemical conversion systems. Leaching was used as a feedstock pretreatment to improve the properties of selected agricultural, forestry, and energy crop biomass, including rice straw, wheat straw, corn stover, switchgrass, Miscanthus, Jose tall wheatgrass, and Douglas fir wood. Crude and leached solids were characterized for changes in ash fusibility, heating value, major element concentrations, and other properties. Leachates were analyzed for major and trace elements and organic species. Ash contents were in all cases significantly reduced although simultaneous inorganic and organic material extraction led to more complex outcomes in fuel properties due to possible changes in the composition of residual solids. Declines in ash concentrations were therefore not always accompanied by increases in heating value or improvements in initial ash melting temperatures, although melt flow temperatures in all cases increased, in some cases by more than 500 °C. The trends in melt behavior are generally predicted from phase equilibria using reduced ash compositions. Sugars (1.5 – 103.5 mg/g dry matter) and organic acids (0.6 – 57.6 mg/g dry matter) constituted the major fractions of the identified organic extracts and may have potential for coproduct recovery.
Selection for gene junction sequences important for VSV transcription

The heptauridine tract at each gene end and intergenic region (IGR) at the gene junctions of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) have effects on synthesis of the downstream mRNA, independent of their respective roles in termination of the upstream mRNA. To investigate the role of the U tract and the IGR in downstream gene transcription, we altered the N/P gene junction of infectious VSV such that transcription levels would be affected and result in altered molar ratios of the N and P proteins, which are critical for optimal viral RNA replication. The changes included extended IGRs between the N and P genes and shortening the length of the heptauridine tract upstream of the P gene start. Viruses having various combinations of these changes were recovered from cDNA and selective pressure for efficient viral replication was applied by sequential passage in cell culture. The replicative ability and sequence at the altered intergenic junctions were monitored throughout the passages to compare the effects of the changes at the IGR and U tract. VSV variants with wild-type U tracts upstream of the P gene replicated to levels similar to wt VSV. Variants with shortened U tracts were reduced in their ability to replicate. With passage, populations emerged that replicated to higher levels. Sequence analysis revealed that mutations had been selected for in these populations that increased the length of the U tract. This correlated with an increase in abundance of P mRNA and protein to provide improved N:P protein molar ratios. Extended IGRs resulted in decreased downstream transcription but the effect was not as extensive as that caused by shortened U tracts. Extended IGRs were not selected against in 5 passages. Our results indicate that the size of the upstream gene end U tract is an important determinant of efficient downstream gene transcription in infectious virus.
Endocrine disruption via estrogen receptors that participate in nongenomic signaling pathways

Abstract When inappropriate (non-physiologic) estrogens affect organisms at critical times of estrogen sensitivity, disruption of normal endocrine functions can result. Non-physiologic estrogen mimetics (environmental, dietary, and pharmaceutical) can signal rapidly and potently via the membrane versions of estrogen receptors, as can physiologic estrogens. Both physiologic and non-physiologic estrogens activate multiple signaling pathways, leading to altered cellular functions (e.g. peptide release, cell proliferation or death, transport). Xenoestrogens’ mimicry of physiologic estrogens is imperfect. When superimposed, xenoestrogens can alter endogenous estrogens’ signaling and thereby disrupt normal signaling pathways, leading to malfunctions in many tissue types. Though these xenoestrogen actions occur rapidly via nongenomic signaling pathways, they can be sustained with continuing ligand stimulation, combinations of ligands, and signaling that perpetuates downstream, eventually also impinging on genomic regulation by controlling the activation state of transcription factors. Because via these pathways estrogens and xenoestrogens cause nonmonotonic stimulation patterns, they must be carefully tested for activity and toxicity over wide dose ranges. Nongenomic actions of xenoestrogens in combination with each other, and with physiologic estrogens, are still largely unexplored from these mechanistic perspectives.
Sensitivity of heliothine larvae to wild-type and recombinant strains of a single nucleocapsid (HzSNPV) and a multiple nucleocapsid (AcMNPV) baculovirus

Mid-stadium larvae of Helicoverpa zea were equally susceptible to either the wild-type (Wt) or recombinant (RcHzLqh) strain of HzSNPV. There was, however, a significant difference (1.8-fold) in the rate of mortality between the two strains. The LT50 for the Wt and Rc strain was 3.4±0.1 days and 1.9±0.2 days, respectively. In contrast, there was a significant difference in both the rate and extent of mortality of mid-stadium larvae of H. virescens fed either the Wt or Rc strain of HzSNPV (LC50: Wt, 11.4±0.6 OB/cm2; Rc, 42.2±8.2 OB/cm2. LT50: Wt, 4.1±0.1 days; Rc, 2.8±0.2 days). An 8-fold increase in the viral rate of the WtHzSNPV was needed (800 OB/mm2) to match the effectiveness of the RcHzLqh strain at 100 OB/cm2. Increasing the RcHzLqh rate above 100 OB/cm2 did not significantly reduce the LT50 or larval feeding as measured by frass weight. All viral rates of the Rc strains significantly reduced (ca. 6- to 12-fold) mid-stadium larval feeding over that of the control. Differences between the Rc and Wt strains of HzSNPV, using late-stadium H. zea larvae, showed the same tendency as that using mid-stadium larvae, but the differences were not as great (< 2-fold). Mid-stadium larvae of H. virescens were ca. 3-fold more susceptible to RcAcLqh than to either the WtAc or RcAcAa. Both RcAcLqh and RcAcAa strains killed larvae quicker (1.5- to 1.7-fold) and reduced feeding more (1.6- to 1.9-fold) than the WtAc strain. A combination of RcAcLqh and RcAcAa at 5 OB/cm2 had no additive effect on mortality of H. virescens larvae and the combination was less effective than either Rc strain at 10 OB/cm2. Unexpectedly, the known level of susceptibility of semi-permissive larvae of H. zea to WtAcMNPV, as measured by percent mortality, LT50, and feeding, was significantly enhanced (ca. 2-fold) when H. zea larvae were fed the RcHzLqh strain. In contrast, expression of the Lqh-toxin by RcHzLqh did not significantly increase the susceptibility of H. subflexa, larvae previously reported as being highly resistant to WtHzSNPV.
Knowledge gaps and research needs for understanding and treating neonatal hypoglycemia: workshop report from Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Maintenance of glucose homeostasis via initiation of glucose production is one of the critical physiological events that results in a smooth transition and adaptation to extrauterine life. A number of neonates have difficulty during transition to the extrauterine environment that result in altered glucose homeostasis and low plasma glucose concentrations. Although much progress has been made over the years in understanding the causes and mechanisms of altered neonatal glucose metabolism, the long-term consequences and the threshold values that may cause injury remain unknown. In 2000, Cornblath et al summarized the contemporary state of knowledge related to neonatal hypoglycemia by noting the following:
The Beer Creek-Cottonwood Igneous Contact, Southern White Mountains, California

New geologic mapping has documented the nearly E-W-trending igneous contact between two large leucocratic plutons in the White-Inyo Range of easternmost California. The megacrystic Cottonwood Granite (∼170 Ma) on the north and its apophyses intrude the slightly older, medium-grained, grey Beer Creek Granodiorite on the south. Construction of this portion of the Andean calc-alkaline arc evidently was well under way by mid-Jurassic time.
CANINE BRAIN ANATOMY ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES

Magnetic resonance (MR) images of the canine brain were acquired during investigation of dogs with neurologic disease. A paramagnetic contrast medium was used for enhancement. MR provided images with excellent contrast between grey and white matter, as well as brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid. Good resolution and anatomic detail of the canine brain were obtained. A series of images was compiled and labelled as a reference for MR anatomy of the canine brain.
The NATIONAL REFERRAL CENTER: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN The LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Eighty years ago, in his famous book Life on the Mississippi, Mark Twain wrote a few lines which may help us keep perspective on the problems that this conference has been considering. He said:
Fault-plane Solution of the Koyna (India) Earthquake

THE peninsular shield of India has long been regarded as a stable region. The area had not been subject to orogenic deformation since the Pre-Cambrian, although a vast area (5 × 105 square km) was flooded by basalts during Late Cretaceous to the Eocene—the Deccan Trap. Several years ago, a small dam was built across the Koyna river, some 200 km south-east of Bombay (Fig. 1). The dam reservoir filled in stages, beginning with the monsoon of 1962, and reached a capacity of 2 × 109 m3 and a maximum depth of about 70 m1.
Instantons and intermittency in 1-D MHD Burgerlence

Abstract We examine MHD Burgerlence using instanton path integral techniques. It is shown that the characteristic directions are of fundamental importance in the extended functional space as well as the original physical space. For forced Burgerlence, statistical stationarity forces the system to adopt these characteristic directions. This nonperturbative result suggests that the attractor for MHD Burgerlence is a state of energy equidissipation, rather than equipartition, supporting the main conclusions from a perturbative, renormalization group analysis.
Monte Carlo Approach to FIAT Uncertainties with Applications for Mars Science Laboratory

A new scriptedMonte Carlo analysis software tool has been developed for use with the fully implicit ablation and thermal response program thermal-protection-system-sizing code. This paper describes the new software tool and gives examples of its increased utility and useful insights onmany aeroshell heatshield design considerations, such as maximum bond line temperature, recession, isotherm depth, surface temperature, and char depth. Finally, results are presented that illustrate the effect of uncertainties in key parameters that were used in the Mars Science Laboratory aeroshell thermal protection system design. The parameters having the greatest influence on bond line temperature dispersion for theMars Science Laboratory backshell are virginmaterial thermal density (34%), initial material temperature (20%), virgin material conductivity (17%), and char density (13%).
The pigeon's analysis of pictures

Abstract Pigeons were trained to identify Charlie Brown in “Peanuts” cartoons. Truncated and scrambled versions of Charlie Brown were subsequently treated by the pigeons as equivalent to intact versions. Recognition therefore depended only on information remaining after fragmentation of the stimulus. This suggests that pigeons respond to complex line projections as collections of local features rather than as representations of three dimensional objects.
Four-year results using balloon-based brachytherapy to deliver accelerated partial breast irradiation with a 2-day dose fractionation schedule

Abstract Purpose We present 4-year results from a Phase I/II trial using balloon-based brachytherapy to deliver accelerated partial breast irradiation in 2 days. Materials/Methods Forty-five patients received breast-conserving surgery followed by adjuvant radiation therapy using a balloon-based brachytherapy applicator delivering 2800 cGy in four fractions over 2 days. Outcomes analyzed include toxicities scored using the NCI Common Toxicity Criteria v3.0 scale, ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence, regional nodal failure, distant metastasis, disease-free survival, cause-specific survival, and overall survival. Results Median age was 66 years (range, 48–83 years) and median tumor size was 0.6 cm (range, 0.2–2.3 cm). Five percent of patients were node positive ( n = 2), whereas 73% was estrogen receptor positive ( n = 33). Median followup was 3.7 years (2.4–7.0 years) with greater than 2 years of followup for all patients. Only Grades 1 and 2 chronic toxicities were noted with fat necrosis (18%) and asymptomatic seromas (42%) being the most common toxicities. Seven percent of patients developed ipsilateral rib fractures ( n = 3), although this was not statistically associated with maximum rib dose ( p = 0.31). Ninety-eight percent of patients had a good or excellent radiation-related cosmetic outcome at the time of last followup. There were no ipsilateral breast tumor recurrences or regional nodal failures; however, 2 patients developed distant metastases. Four-year actuarial disease-free survival, cause-specific survival, and overall survival were 96%, 100%, and 93%, respectively. Conclusions Treatment of early-stage breast cancer patients with breast-conserving therapy using a 2-day radiation dose schedule resulted in acceptable chronic toxicity and similar clinical outcomes as standard 5-day fractionation.
Decreases in the inhibition of the electrocatalyzed oxidation of formic acid by carbon monoxide

The electrocatalyzed oxidation of formic acid at noble metals and alloys in inorganic acid solutions has been studied extensively for several decades [1,2]. The primary motivation for research on formic acid is its potential as a fuel in fuel cells. However, the current-potential characteristics may be too unfavorable for formic acid to become a viable commercial fuel. The potential at which oxidation to CO 2 produces a substantial current is higher than desired. The problem with the current-potential characteristics is directly related to the electrochemical mechanism. Oxidation of formic acid at a platinum electrode involves at least two reaction pathways [2-5]. In one reaction path, which is referred to as the direct route [4] throughout this paper, the intermediates possess short lifetimes and all reactions occur at relatively low values of the potential. Strongly bound intermediates form in other reaction pathways. These intermediates occupy surface sites and thus seriously impede the reactions of the direct route. The strongly bound intermediates are oxidized at a significant rate only at relatively high values of the potential. It is now generally accepted that the majority of the strongly bound intermediates comprise different forms of surface bonded carbon monoxide [2-4,6,7]. We present experimental results which demonstrate that the inhibiting effects of carbon monoxide can be decreased substantially. The potential response obtained from experiments conducted under conditions of constant current is compared with the response obtained from experiments in which a sinusoidal component was added to the current. For a range of frequencies of perturbation, an average potential was obtained that is substantially smaller than the value of the potential of the unperturbed system. It is deduced that in the perturbed system
Microarray Analysis Reveals Previously Unknown Changes in Toxoplasma gondii-infected Human Cells

Cells infected with the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii undergo up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, organelle redistribution, and protection from apoptosis. To examine the molecular basis of these and other changes, gene expression profiles of human foreskin fibroblasts infected with Toxoplasma were studied using human cDNA microarrays consisting of approximately 22,000 known genes and uncharacterized expressed sequence tags. Early during infection (1-2 h), <1% of all genes show a significant change in the abundance of their transcripts. Of the 63 known genes in this group, 27 encode proteins associated with the immune response. These genes are also up-regulated by secreted, soluble factors from extracellular parasites indicating that the early response does not require parasite invasion. Later during infection, genes involved in numerous host cell processes, including glucose and mevalonate metabolism, are modulated. Many of these late genes are dependent on the direct presence of the parasite; i.e. secreted products from either the parasite or infected cells are insufficient to induce these changes. These results reveal several previously unknown effects on the host cell and lay the foundation for detailed analysis of their role in the host-pathogen interaction.
The molecular zeeman effect in propene and comparison of the magnetic susceptibility anisotropies with cyclopropene and other small ring compounds

Abstract The molecular Zeemand effect has been observed in propene in magnetic fields of 21 kG. The molecular g -values are g aa = −0.0789 ± 0.0006, g bb = −0.0424 ± 0.0004, and g cc = +0.0107 ± 0.0005. The magnetic susceptibility anisotropies are 2X aa −X bb −X cc = −0.74 ± 0.30 and 2X bb −X aa −X cc = +13.4 ± 0.5 in units of 10 −6 erg/G 2 mole where the c axis is out of plane and the b axis nearly bisects the CCC angle. The molecular quadrupole moments are also obtained. The magnetic susceptibility anisotropies are compared with other molecules.
Action of Adenine and Related Compounds on Replication of Encephalomyocarditis Virus in Tissue Culture.

SummaryAddition of 100-500 μg/ml of adenine under a variety of experimental conditions to Krebs 2 and Ehrlich ascites tumor cell suspension in a simplified medium was found to delay growth of encephalomyocarditis virus. The approximately 2-log lower yield in both supernatant and cell-associated virus observable at 24 hours was less apparent after this time. The replication of EMC virus in L cells as well as influenza, PR8, in CAM roller tubes, and deembryonated eggs was unaffected by adenine under the experimental conditions tested. Other related compounds were essentially without effect at nontoxic levels.
Membrane Fatty Acids Associated with the Electrical Response in Visual Excitation

The fatty acid composition of rat photoreceptor membranes was altered by dietary manipulation. A functional alteration was also observed in the component of the electroretinogram which is generated by the photoreceptors. A membrane fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid, appears to be involved in the transduction process of visual excitation.
Gene recruitment – A common mechanism in the evolution of transfer RNA gene families

The evolution of alloacceptor transfer RNAs (tRNAs) has been traditionally thought to occur vertically and reflect the evolution of the genetic code. Yet there have been several indications that a tRNA gene could evolve horizontally, from a copy of an alloacceptor tRNA gene in the same genome. Earlier, we provided the first unambiguous evidence for the occurrence of such "tRNA gene recruitment" in nature--in the mitochondrial (mt) genome of the demosponge Axinella corrugata. Yet the extent and the pattern of this process in the evolution of tRNA gene families remained unclear. Here we analyzed tRNA genes from 21 mt genomes of demosponges as well as nuclear genomes of rhesus macaque, chimpanzee and human. We found four new cases of alloacceptor tRNA gene recruitment in mt genomes and eleven cases in the nuclear genomes. In most of these cases we observed a single nucleotide substitution at the middle position of the anticodon, which resulted in the change of not only the tRNA's amino-acid identity but also the class of the amino-acyl tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) involved in amino-acylation. We hypothesize that the switch to a different class of aaRSs may have prevented the conflict between anticodon and amino-acid identities of recruited tRNAs. Overall our results suggest that gene recruitment is a common phenomenon in tRNA multigene family evolution and should be taken into consideration when tRNA evolutionary history is reconstructed.
Self-amplified spontaneous emission for short wavelength coherent radiation

Abstract We review the recent progress in our understanding of the self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE), emphasizing the SASE. Accelerator technologies producing high brightness electron beams required for short wavelength SASE are discussed. An example utilizing electron beams for a photocathode-linac system to produce 4 nm SASE in the multigigawatt range is presented.
Interferon Gene Expression in Sputum Cells Correlates with the Asthma Index Score During Virus-Induced Exacerbations

BACKGROUND The majority of asthma exacerbations are related to viral respiratory infections. Some, but not all, previous studies have reported that low interferon responses in patients with asthma increase the risk for virus-induced exacerbations. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the relationship between lower airway inflammatory biomarkers, specifically interferon gene expression, and the severity or presence of an exacerbation in asthmatics experiencing a naturally occurring viral infection. METHODS Sputum samples were analysed from subjects in an asthma exacerbation study who experienced a confirmed viral infection. Subjects were monitored for daily symptoms, medication use and peak expiratory flow rate until baseline. Sputum samples were assessed for cell counts and gene expression. RESULTS Interferon gamma expression was significantly greater in patients with asthma exacerbations compared to non-exacerbating patients (P = 0.002). IFN-α1, IFN-β1 and IFN-γ mRNA levels correlated with the peak Asthma Index (r = 0.58, P < 0.001; r = 0.57, P = 0.001; and r = 0.51, P = 0.004, respectively). Additionally, IL-13, IL-10 and eosinophil major basic protein mRNA levels were greater in patients with asthma exacerbations compared to non-exacerbating patients (P = 0.03, P = 0.06 and P = 0.02, respectively), and IL-13 mRNA correlated with the peak Asthma Index (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that asthma exacerbations are associated with increased rather than decreased expression of interferons early in the course of infection. These findings raise the possibility that excessive virus-induced interferon production during acute infections can contribute to airway inflammation and exacerbations of asthma.
Visualization and interactive analysis of multidimensional image data

This paper reviews the results of multidimensional image analysis and visualization studies using n-dimensional Probability Density Functions (nPDF) algorithm. The nPDF technique is an approach to the visualization and analysis of multispectral data and overcomes many of the problems inherent to traditional classifiers that rely on purely statistical approaches to describe data and class (or training field) distribution. A graphical method, in conjunction with statistical techniques, has the advantage of providing a multidimensional data distribution and may be used for supervised and unsupervised classifications. The approach is particularly useful for comparing training data with the spectral classes present in the entire data set. Compared to the conventional statistical classifiers, the nPDF procedure is extremely fast and user-interactive. The approach relies on data visualization techniques and displays data and class distribution graphically. In this paper, a review of the theory and applications of the technique are given. The data processing procedure for supervised and unsupervised classifications using the interactive nPDF method and comparison of the nPDF technique with the traditional algorithms are also discussed.
A dynamic framework for object projection views

User views in a relational database obtained through a single projection ("projection views") are considered in a new framework. Specifically, such views, where each tuple in the view represents an object ("object-projection views"), are studied using the dynamic relational model, which captures the evolution of the database through consecutive updates. Attribute sets that yield object-projection views are characterized using the static and dynamic functional dependencies satisfied by the database. Object-projection views are then described using the static and dynamic functional dependencies “inherited” from the original database. Finally, the impact of dynamic constraints on the view update problem is studied in a limited context. This paper demonstrates that new, useful information about views can be obtained by looking at the evolution of the database as captured by the dynamic relational model.
On the Mathematics of Exchange Processes in Fixed Columns. III. The Solution for General Entry Conditions, and a Method of Obtaining Asymptotic Expressions

The equations for an exchange process between a suitable solid and a flowing fluid in a fixed column—e.g. heat exchange, ion exchange, adsorption or adsorption exchange—are solved explicitly for general entry conditions. It is shown how asymptotic expressions may be found for large values of the ratio of the exchange coefficient to the rate of volume flux of the fluid for the various cases that arise. In part IV, discontinuities arising in the first term of the asymptotic solution will be discussed in detail. In part V the results will be shown to be in agreement with those for the leading terms in the asymptotic solution obtained by considering certain singular and non-singular perturbations of a simplified set of equations (the ‘equilibrium theory’ equations). The equations considered are reduced to ∂ u ∂ x + ∂ v ∂ y = 0 , e ∂ v ∂ y = u − r v + ( r − 1 ) u v in x ⩾ 0, y ⩾ 0, with the boundary conditions v ( x , 0) = 0 for x ⩾ 0, and u (0, y ) = f { y ) for 0 ⩽ y ⩽ Y , u (0, y ) = 1 for y ⩾ Y , where f (0) = 0, f ( Y ) = 1, and f ( y ) is monotonic in (0, Y ). Asymptotic expressions of the solution are sought for small e. For a bibliography and description of previous solutions for particular entry conditions see Goldstein (1953).
Directions and patterns of adaptation induced in liver enzymes of the diabetic rat by the feeding of glucose and fructose.

Abstract 1. The effect of diabetes on the activities of 19 hepatic enzymes of rats fed diets containing 60% of either glucose or fructose was studied. 2. The activities of glucose 6-phosphatase, fumarase, glutamate-aspartate transaminase, and glutamate-alanine transaminase were all significantly elevated in diabetes. 3. 6-Phosphoglucose dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, α-glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase (glucose diet only), lactate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase (TPN) were all significantly depressed in activity. 4. Changes in the activity of TPN-dependent malate dehydrogenase closely paralleled those of the hexosephosphate dehydrogenases. 5. An attempt is made to relate these changes in enzymic activity to metabolic patterns in the diabetic liver. 6. The widespread disturbance in hepatic enzyme activities observed in diabetes emphasizes the difficulty of assigning its specific cause to a change in activity of a single enzyme.
The use of quantum chemistry to predict phase behavior for environmental and process engineering

Abstract For societal reasons, it is important to know how a chemical released into the environment will be distributed between the air, water, soil and biota (living things). The properties needed to make such predictions for any chemical are its vapor pressure, its infinite dilution activity coefficient in water (or their product, the Henry’s law constant), and its octanol–water partition coefficient. We will briefly discuss the role of each of these properties. Then knowing only the atomic connectivity in a molecule, we show how computational chemistry methods can be used to predict thermodynamic properties of environmental interest when little or no experimental data are available.
Determination of the magnetic susceptibility of labeled particles by video imaging

Magnetic cell sorting is gaining in popularity as a method to separate and recover viable cells which differ in functionality, but not in physical characteristics. We are developing a continuous cell sorter to overcome the restrictions of current batch methods, which are limited in their throughput and separation efficiency and which can also subject cells to potentially detrimental physical stresses. Of primary importance in the design and operation of a continuous magnetic cell sorter is the degree of cell magnetization, which is characterized by a property called the magnetic susceptibility. Current techniques for measuring susceptibility give only population average values. We describe here a video-based technique for quickly measuring the susceptibility of large numbers of individual particles. Paramagnetic particles are pumped across the interpolar gap of a permanent magnet and the magnetic field-induced deflections are recorded by video microscopy. Susceptibility is computed from force balances and the measured velocities for individual particles. Our results show that this method can provide susceptibility values which agree well with values obtained from other established methods, while additionally providing population statistics not available by the other methods. The versatility of this method is also demonstrated.
Relationship between bond dissociation energies and activation energies for bond scission reactions

Bond dissociation energies are frequently derived from values of the high pressure activation energy for bond scission reactions. The value derived depends on the transition state structure chosen for the reaction. We consider several models of the transition state and show that the variation in derived BDE values can be quite substantial, 3 to 6 kcal/mol at the high temperatures of pyrolysis kinetics. Application of the restricted Gorin model of the transition state results in BDE values in good agreement with current thermochemistry, while the other models tested result in lower to much lower values. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
X-Men Ethics: Using Comic Books to Teach Business Ethics

A modern form of narrative, comic books are used to communicate, discuss, and critique issues in business ethics and social issues in management. A description of comic books as a legitimate medium is followed by a discussion of the pedagogical uses of comic books and assessment techniques. The strengths of the pedagogy include crossing cultural barriers, understanding the complexity of individual decision-making and organizational influences, and the universality of dilemmas and values. We provide an initial source for educators on the topics, comic books, plotlines, and other commentary for consideration of use in the classroom from high school to graduate business ethics and social issues in management courses.
Changes in Historic Patterns during Amphibian Embryonic Development

As gastrulation procedes in the amphibian embryo, the pattern of differentiation for the major organ systems becomes irreversibly determined, yet their histological and physiological characteristics will not be apparent until later developmental stages. The expression of differentiation can be viewed as activation of certain genes, and, presumably, the repression of others. Since specific histones appear to play a key role in chromosome structure, it is possible that histones are involved in the process of embryonic differentiation. The present study demonstrates that embryonic histone patterns differ markedly from those of adult tissue and progressively change to the adult pattern during embryogenesis. Histones isolated from the Rana pipiens embryo were identified and characterized by analysis of acid-soluble crude chromatin protein on low pH-urea and SDS polyacrylamide gels and by incorporation of lysine but not tryptophan. Analysis of the acid-soluble crude chromatin protein of the gastrula revealed a deficiency in the slightly lysine-rich histones H2A and H2B and an enrichment of the arginine-rich histone H4. Between the gastrula and tadpole stage, the histone profile progressively changed to the adult histone pattern. Analysis of histone from a mixture of gastrulae and tadpoles showed that the presence of the gastrula did not interfere with isolation of the usual quantity of tadpole H2A and H2B histone, and is evidence against significant proteolytic degradation during isolation of gastrula histone. Incomplete extraction of gastrula H2A and H2B was ruled out by 8 M urea-2 M LiCl extraction of gastrula crude chromatin which failed to yield additional H2A and H2B histone. Analysis of supernatant fractions discarded during isolation of gastrula crude chromatin failed to reveal the presence of H2A and H2B histones. It is therefore unlikely that these histones are selectively lost during the isolation of gastrula crude chromatin. The unusual pattern of histones present in the early amphibian embryo may indicate that the highly conserved histone-DNA structure of the repeating chromosomal subunit (nucleosome) found in differentiated cells may be altered in the early embryo.
A novel cell line isolated from the murine olfactory mucosa

A clonal cell line (designated MOE CL1) was isolated from the olfactory mucosa of the mouse. A number of growth and biochemical parameters were studied. Our experiments suggest that MOE CL1 cells are olfactory basal cells (undifferentiated neuroblasts).
Flow over reefs and structures by wave action

The discharge of water caused by wave action on reefs and structures with impermeable, uniformly sloping sides and zero crest widths was measured for various elevations of crest with respect to the still-water level. The experiments were completed for side slopes of ½ and ⅓ and for smooth and rough surfaces of the barrier. The wave steepness H/L and the relative depth d/L were used as parameters, and dimensionless plots were made for the discharge QT/H2 as a function of relative elevation h/H of the crest of the barrier.
What's good for the host is good for the bug

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, kills approximately two million people each year. The infection is characterized by an inflammatory response culminating in the formation of a granuloma, a collection of immune cells that controls the infection. However, the granuloma can be the source of immunopathology that encourages transmission. Recent data support the idea that mycobacterial products can positively and negatively regulate the inflammatory response. Our contention is that induction of the immune response and subsequent granuloma formation is beneficial to the host for control of infection, and is also beneficial to the bacillus, as a place to hide and as a means for transmitting the infection to naive hosts.
Quantitative analysis of radiation-induced grain-boundary segregation measurements

Radiation-induced and precipitation-induced grain-boundary segregation profiles are routinely measured by scanning-transmission electron microscopy using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS). However, radiation-induced grain-boundary segregation (RI9 profiles achieved at low and moderate temperatures are e.xceedingly narrow, typically less than 10 nm full width at half maximum. Since the instrumental spatial resolution can be a significant fraction of this value, the determination of grain boundary compositions poses a formidable challenge. STEM-EDS and Auger electron spectroscopy @ES) measurements are reported, performed on controlled-purity alloys of type 304L stainless steel irradiated with 3.4 MeV protons to 1 displacement per atom at 400°C. Because of statistical noise and the practical lower limit on the step size in STEM, deconvolution of the measured data does not yield physical results. An alternative analysis of STEM data is presented. Numerical calculations of RIS profiles are convoluted with the instrumental broadening function and modified iteratively to fit the data, yielding a “best estimate” profile. This “best estimate” is convoluted with the Auger intensity profile to yield a simulated AES measurement, which is compared with the actual AES measurement to provide an independent test of the validity of the “best estimate”. For impurities with a narrow segregation profile and an Auger electron escape depth of one monolayer, a combination of STEM and AES data allows a determination of the width of the segregated layer. It is found that, in an ultrahigh-purity alloy doped with P, the latter is essentially contained in a single monolayer.
Comparability of gene expression between human and baboon CD34+ marrow cells

Abstract Nonhuman primates are a useful model system for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) research because they are closely related to humans. We asked whether human-based cDNA arrays could be used to study hematopoiesis in the baboon. Our objective was to compare the human and baboon transciptosome, using cDNA filter arrays surveying 25,920 human genes (Unigene), to determine if the expression patterns were similar, and to identify the commonly-expressed genes. Bone marrow mononuclear cells from a normal adult human and an adult baboon were sorted using magnetic beads, to obtain CD34+ cells of 90% and 77% purity, respectively. Total RNA was 33 P-labeled by oligo-dT primed reverse-transcription, hybridized sequentially in the presence of human Cot1 DNA and poly dA to GeneFilters releases 200–204 (Research Genetics), phospho-imaged and analyzed with Pathways software. The baboon-derived probes had a slightly higher background than human (3-fold) so the expression of low abundance cDNAs was less reliable. Overall, the relative expression of individual genes was comparable between the species, with a correlation coefficient which varied by experiment, but was between 0.86–0.90. A total of 5,474 genes showed comparably high expression in both species (≥ 10-fold above baseline) of which 1,123 were ≥ 100-fold. These highly-expressed cDNAs (67 genes, 956 ESTs) included genes such as IL-3 receptor, HLA class II, and CSF3 receptor. Only a few genes/ESTs showed species-restricted expression (75 in human and 59 in baboon). We conclude that human cDNA arrays are a reliable method to study baboon marrow. The genes/ESTs identified here represent a useful set for generating a cDNA microarray chip to study baboon stem cell function, which will facilitate the study of HSC gene expression during steady state hematopoiesis and following a variety of stimuli.
Micritic cement in microborings is not necessarily a shallow-water indicator

ABSTRACT Intragranular, micritic cement has been observed in microborings from deep-sea sedimentary particles (pteropod shells), depths 528 m to 871 m. It is particularly conspicuous in depositional environments such as the Blake Plateau. Such cementation may be concurrent and analogous to the formation of intergranular deep-sea cement. It can occur at such energy levels where particle-to-particle contacts do not persist for sufficient time to allow intergranular cementation.
Mutations of the GABA-A Receptor α1 Subunit M1 Domain Reveal Unexpected Complexity for Modulation by Neuroactive Steroids

Neuroactive steroids are among the most efficacious modulators of the mammalian GABA-A receptor. Previous work has proposed that receptor potentiation is mediated by steroid interactions with a site defined by the residues α1Asn407/Tyr410 in the M4 transmembrane domain and residue α1Gln241 in the M1 domain. We examined the role of residues in the α1 subunit M1 domain in the modulation of the rat α1β2γ2L GABA-A receptor by neuroactive steroids. The data demonstrate that the region is critical to the actions of potentiating neuroactive steroids. Receptors containing the α1Q241W or α1Q241L mutations were insensitive to (3α,5α)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (3α5αP), albeit with different underlying mechanisms. The α1Q241S mutant was potentiated by 3α5αP, but the kinetic mode of potentiation was altered by the mutation. It is noteworthy that the α1Q241L mutation had no effect on channel potentiation by (3α,5α)-3-hydroxymethyl-pregnan-20-one, but mutation of the neighboring residue, α1Ser240, prevented channel modulation. A steroid lacking an H-bonding group on C3 (5α-pregnan-20-one) potentiated the wild-type receptor but not the α1Q241L mutant. The findings are consistent with a model in which the α1Ser240 and α1Gln241 residues shape the surface to which steroid molecules bind.
Aircraft AC generators: Hybrid system modeling and simulation

Integrated drive generators (IDGs) are the main source of electrical power for a number of critical systems in aircraft. Fast and accurate fault detection and isolation is a necessary component for safe and reliable operation of the IDG and the aircraft. IDGs are complex systems, and a majority of the existing fault detection and isolation techniques are based on signal analysis and heuristic methods derived from experience. Model-based fault diagnosis techniques are hypothesized to be more general and powerful in designing detection and isolation schemes, but building sufficiently accurate models of complex IDGs is a difficult task. dq0 models have been developed for design and control of generators, but these models are not suitable for fault situations, where the generator may become unbalanced. In this paper, we present a hybrid phase-domain model for the aircraft generator that accurately represents both nominal and parametric faulty behaviors. We present the details of the hybrid modeling approach and simulation results of nominal operation and fault behaviors associated with parametric faults in the aircraft generator. The simulation results show that the developed model is capable of accurately capturing the generator dynamics under a variety of normal and faulty configurations.