cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a rat liver protein carboxyl methyltransferase involved in the maturation of proteins with the -CXXX C-terminal sequence motif.

Abstract We have utilized S-farnesyl-Leu-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Lys-Cys as a methyl-accepting substrate to characterize a membrane-bound C-terminal protein methyltransferase from rat liver. We have localized the activity to the microsomal fraction and show that the bulk of the enzyme fractionates by density gradient centrifugation with glucose-6-phosphatase, a marker of the endoplasmic reticulum, and not with 5'-nucleotidase, a marker of the plasma membrane, or galactosyl:N-acetylglucosamine transferase, a marker of the Golgi apparatus. This methyltransferase appears to form an integral part of the membrane structure. Its activity is markedly affected by a variety of detergents used to solubilize membrane proteins in their native form. All activity is lost when membranes are treated with seven different detergents at a concentration of 1% (w/v). The activity is inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide, although it can be protected against inactivation with its substrate S-adenosyl-L-methionine, or its product S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine. Finally, we find that 5'-methylthioadenosine, a substrate analogue reported to be an inhibitor of this activity in other studies, is not an effective inhibitor in vitro.
Modelling and Model Checking a Distributed Shared Memory Consistency Protocol

Distributed Shared Memory (DSM) systems provide the abstraction of a common virtual address space across a network of processors. Such systems employ a variety of protocols to maintain a consistent view of data across all local memories. Li and Hudak proposed several of the pioneering protocols for DSM [LH 89]. We have used both Petri net modelling and model checking to explore some of their protocols. Our work has detected inefficiencies, unstated assumptions, and errors in the original protocol descriptions. This paper presents Petri net models for one protocol at two layers of abstraction. For each model, we describe corresponding specifications for model checking and provide verification statistics. This combination of models and specifications gives different views of the protocol, inspiring greater confidence in the correctness of our analysis than if we had used only one approach.
Camera based evaluation of photometric compensation methods on multi-projector displays

An important problem in achieving seamless multi-projector displays is the photometric (luminance) variation across the display. Currently, evaluation of the improvement in the quality of the imagery achieved by applying different photometric correction methods and a comparison between them is done by a subjective human user. In this paper, we present a camera-based method for relative evaluation of the luminance properties of the imagery on multi-projector displays, both before correction and after correction using different compensation techniques. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first camera-based method designed to evaluate the different photometric correction methods on a multi-projector display. We show that using our simple and automatic evaluation scheme the optimal photometric compensation parameter for a multi-projector display can be identified, which is not possible by subjective evaluation.
When are observed failures more informative than observed survivals

A framework involving independent competing risks permits observing failures due to a specific cause and failures due to a competing cause, which constitute survival times from the cause of primary interest. Is observing more failures more informative than observing survivals? Intuitively, due to the definitiveness of failures, the answer seems to be the former. However, it has been shown before that this intuition holds when estimating the mean but not the failure rate of the exponential model with a gamma prior distribution for the failure rate. In this article, we address this question at a more general level. We show that for a certain class of distributions failures can be more informative than survivals for prediction of life length and vice versa for some others. We also show that for a large class of lifetime models, failure is less informative than survival for estimating the proportional hazards parameter with gamma, Jeffreys, and uniform priors. We further show that, for this class of lifetime models, on average, failure is more informative than survival for parameter estimation and for prediction. These results imply that the inferential purpose and properties of the lifetime distribution are germane for conducting life tests. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013
Strategy training and working memory task performance.

Abstract Three experiments examined how strategy use influences working memory (WM) span performance and the correlation between WM span scores and higher cognitive function, using the operation span measure and the Nelson–Denny assessment of reading ability. Participants completed two versions of the operation span measure in a pre-/post-test design. In each study, half of the participants received strategy instructions prior to post-test. In Study 1, WM span scores increased as result of using a rehearsal strategy. In Study 2, three different strategies (rehearsal, imagery, and semantic) were compared. Low spans, in particular, benefited from using a rehearsal strategy. Also, the relationship between WM span scores and Nelson–Denny reading ability composite scores was enhanced, suggesting that strategy use, unless controlled for, can mask the “true” relationship between WM span and reading ability scores. In Study 3, time spent using the strategies described in Study 2 was controlled. Although no particular span group benefited from using any one strategy, WM span scores obtained while participants used the rehearsal strategy was, again, more predictive of reading ability. The importance of controlling for variation in strategy use during assessments of WM span is discussed.
A general-equilibrium model of tariffs in a noncompetitive economy

Abstract Recent contributions to the theory of the effective-protection and domestic-resource-cost indicators of resource allocation have shown that general-equilibrium rather than partial-equilibrium models are required. Yet general-equilibrium models have, to date, assumed competitive behavior, an assumption which is at variance with reality and which is inconvenient empirically. This paper argues for the use of simple general-equilibrium models embodying noncompetitive pricing assumptions and then presents such a model. A test of the model on data from the Ivory Coast shows that different assumed pricing behaviors do lead to different resource allocations, suggesting that the assumption of competition in a noncompetitive world may give misleading results.
Controllers for linear systems with bounded actuators: Slab scheduling and anti-windup

For linear systems with bounded actuators, a continuous family of controllers is designed which avoids control saturation for a given worst case disturbance. The control law acts as a scheduling scheme which, at each time, based on the closed-loop behavior (i.e., the closed-loop state vector) out of the continuous family selects a controller that provides the best performance while avoiding saturation. Graphically, the resulting scheduling scheme relies on slab regions in the phase plane. It is shown that the most aggressive controller can be set to be a nominal controller designed without any regard to the saturation bounds, resulting in an anti-windup scheme. Among advantages of this anti-windup protection scheme are its improved performance while the nominal controller is mildly saturated and its applicability to open-loop unstable plants. The benefits of the proposed technique are demonstrated through two numerical examples.
Nonlinear partial volume artifacts in x-ray computed tomography

Dark streaks connecting the petrous bones are often observed in cranial transverse section CT reconstructions. These artifacts are usually only slightly diminished by two-pass beam hardening corrections. However, it is found that by narrowing the slice thickness the artifacts are substantially reduced. In this paper, it is shown that axial partial volume effects can account for the presence of the artifacts. These axial partial volume effects occur when, at any point in the slice, the object has axial variations in attenuation. In such cases the logarithm of the integrated intensity measured by the detector is not a linear function of the integrated attenuation (even for monochromatic beams). This nonlinearity causes inconsistencies in the data set which in turn can cause streaks in the image. We have studied the partial volume effect using computer simulation. Algorithms are presented whose purpose is to correct for these effects by estimating the axial variation using neighboring slices. These correction algorithms are successful in computer simulation cases but failed with clinical data. It is concluded that no practical correction method is viable unless overlap scanning is employed. However, thin-slice scanning for sections where these artifacts are common is perhaps a more preferable solution.
Effect of magnetization on the gel structure and protein electrophoresis in polyacrylamide hydrogel nanocomposites

In this study, polyacrylamide nanocomposite hydrogels were formulated in combination with sodium montmorillonite (MMT) in the presence of a 2-T magnetic field. This top-down nanomanufacturing approach led to interesting changes in the internal structure of the gel and ultimately to a dramatic improvement in the ability of the composite to separate the two protein probes, ovum serum albumin and carbonic anhydrase. The morphology of the nanocomposite hydrogel was analyzed with cryogenic scanning and transmission electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and small-angle scattering to determine whether morphological changes would correlate with this improved separation. As the volume fractions of MMT were well under 1% in this study (because of aqueous swelling), scattering data were dominated by the polymer structure. Significant morphological changes were noted at two length scales: (1) the hydrogel cell structure, at hundreds of nanometers, appeared to exhibit changes in the anisotropic orientation with magnetization, and (2) the polyamide structure, at tens of nanometers, exhibited decreasing pore size (small-angle X-ray scattering). The separation data correlated most closely with a reduction in pore size; however, an additional contribution to separation from local electrostatic effects from the presence of charged MMT in the cell walls could not be discounted. The change in the pore size associated with processing may have been due to the MMT presence altering the diffusion rates of the reactants during polymer formation. The method demonstrated herein could be used ultimately to separate proteins in their native state, with the potential retention of function for downstream applications, such as novel detection techniques or purification. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Grain Structure and Electromigration Testing of Deep Sub- Micrometer Cu Interconnects

Copper interconnect test stripes were fabricated by electron-beam lithography, evaporation and lift-off to linewidths as small as 140 nm. Grain structure in the as-deposited films exhibited smaller standard deviation than long-term annealed films. Grain growth during the anneal step increased maximum grain size by 2.5 times. Electromigration lifetime testing indicated these interconnects have 2-4 orders-of-magnitude greater normal-use lifetimes than large cross-sectional area, large-grain Al-alloy interconnects.
ONE‐STOP FINANCIAL SHOPPING — IN SEARCH OF CONSUMER MARKETS

One‐stop financial shopping at major retailers has so far proved to be less of a boon than was expected. Early consumer studies point to problems with consumer acceptance, customer satisfaction, market segments, and marketing programs. There is no denying the existence of tantalizing opportunities, but most providers have failed to capitalize on these possibilities. The authors suggest that such firms adopt a different approach. The best approach for surmounting these problems and capitalizing on the existing opportunities is (1) proper market segmentation, (2) target marketing, and (3) well‐suited marketing strategies. Nontraditional providers should stop trying to be all things to all customers; they should be more selective and precise in their offerings. More specifically, findings indicate: 1. Consumers who feel comfortable shopping one‐stop financial services do so conditionally. The major retailers' lack of expertise in financial services and the questionable ability of personnel are primary areas of concern. 2. The relatively small segment of consumers who feel comfortable shopping for financial services offered by retailers prefer the convenience of the one‐stop service. Also these consumers accept favorably the national retail chains because of their established reputations. 3. Retailers offering financial services have had problems in identifying target markets and developing satisfied and repeat customers. Nevertheless, opportunities do exist if cross‐selling of present offerings to selected markets can be further cultivated.
Endocan, a putative endothelial cell marker, is elevated in preeclampsia, decreased in acute pyelonephritis, and unchanged in other obstetrical syndromes

AbstractObjective: Endocan, a dermatan sulphate proteoglycan produced by endothelial cells, is considered a biomarker for endothelial cell activation/dysfunction. Preeclampsia is characterized by systemic vascular inflammation, and endothelial cell activation/dysfunction. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine whether: (1) plasma endocan concentrations in preeclampsia differ from those in uncomplicated pregnancies; (2) changes in plasma endocan concentration relate to the severity of preeclampsia, and whether these changes are specific or observed in other obstetrical syndromes such as small-for-gestational age (SGA), fetal death (FD), preterm labor (PTL) or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM); (3) a correlation exists between plasma concentration of endocan and angiogenic (placental growth factor or PlGF)/anti-angiogenic factors (soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor or sVEGFR-1, and soluble endoglin or sEng) among pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia; and (4)...
Phase behaviour of microemulsions: Derivation of expressions for the natural radius and for the interfacial tension between microemulsion and the excess dispersed phase

Abstract An equation is proposed for the interfacial tension σ between a microemulsion and the excess dispersed phase, relating this quantity to other measurable quantities such as the radius of the globules r and their volume fraction . This equation is obtained by subtracting from the interfacial tension γ at the surface of the globules the energy ϵ due to the bending of the interfacial layer of surfactant and cosurfactant. Thermodynamic considerations, which are based on micro and macro length scales, along with an expression for the entropy of dispersion of the globules in the continuous phase provide a relation for γ as a function of r and . The same thermodynamic considerations are used to develop a procedure to calculate the natural radius of the surfactant layer which in turn allows one to calculate ϵ in terms of r and . In contrast to previous approaches proposed for the calculation of ϵ, the natural radius is no longer an empirical parameter but a quantity which naturally arises as a result of the thermodynamic considerations.
Modeling the Effect of Fiber Diameter and Fiber Bundle Count on Tow Impregnation during Liquid Molding Processes

This paper explores the effect of fiber diameter and fiber bundle count on tow impregnation during liquid molding processes. Resin and fiber wetting properties play an important role on the resin infiltration behavior within a single fiber tow. Dynamic and equilibrium microflow models, based on Darcy’s Law and force equilibrium at the resin flow front, assume that the infiltration of the resin is driven through capillary pressure and hindered by the entrapped gas within the tow. The results of the dynamic model show that the fiber tow count and the fiber diameter have a significant effect on the tow infiltration time. The infiltration time is 10 times longer for a 60 K carbon fiber tow than for a 6 K one. The infiltration time is also inversely proportional to the fiber diameter. As the fiber diameter is decreased 100 times, from 3.5 mm to 35 nm, the infiltration time increases 100 times for the same diameter tow. It also shows that fiber volume fraction also has a significant effect on the tow infiltrati...
Partner-specific interpretation of maintained referential precedents during interactive dialog

Abstract In dialog settings, conversational partners converge on similar names for referents. These lexically entrained terms [Garrod, S., & Anderson, A. (1987). Saying what you mean in dialog: A study in conceptual and semantic co-ordination. Cognition, 27, 181–218] are part of the common ground between the particular individuals who established the entrained term [Brennan, S. E., & Clark, H. H. (1996). Conceptual pacts and lexical choice in conversation. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 22, 1482–1493], and are thought to be encoded in memory with a partner-specific cue. Thus far, analyses of the time-course of interpretation suggest that partner-specific information may not constrain the initial interpretation of referring expressions [Barr, D. J., & Keysar, B. (2002). Anchoring comprehension in linguistic precedents. Journal of Memory and Language, 46, 391–418; Kronmuller, E., & Barr, D. J. (2007). Perspective-free pragmatics: Broken precedents and the recovery-from-preemption hypothesis. Journal of Memory and Language, 56, 436–455]. However, these studies used non-interactive paradigms, which may limit the use of partner-specific representations. This article presents the results of three eye-tracking experiments. Experiment 1a used an interactive conversation methodology in which the experimenter and participant jointly established entrained terms for various images. On critical trials, the same experimenter, or a new experimenter described a critical image using an entrained term, or a new term. The results demonstrated an early, on-line partner-specific effect for interpretation of entrained terms, as well as preliminary evidence for an early, partner-specific effect for new terms. Experiment 1b used a non-interactive paradigm in which participants completed the same task by listening to image descriptions recorded during Experiment 1a; the results showed that partner-specific effects were eliminated. Experiment 2 replicated the partner-specific findings of Experiment 1a with an interactive paradigm and scenes that contained previously unmentioned images. The results suggest that partner-specific interpretation is most likely to occur in interactive dialog settings; the number of critical trials and stimulus characteristics may also play a role. The results are consistent with a large body of work demonstrating that the language processing system uses a rich source of contextual and pragmatic representations to guide on-line processing decisions.
Impact of oily waste application on the mite community on an arable soil

A two-year study on the effects of experimentally incorporated oily industrial wastes on the community structure of soil mites was performed at an old-field site in central New York State (U.S.A.). Twenty plots were divided among five groups: three treatment groups which received different application rates of oily wastes (High, Medium, Low), a natural control group (Natural) which was left undisturbed, and a rototilled control group (Control) which was subject to physical disturbance comparable to that of treatment groups, but not waste application. Wastes were applied at three times during the study (Treatments I–III) and samples were taken monthly and extracted with a high-gradient extractor.
Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in trauma: improved compliance with a novel miniaturized pneumatic compression device.

Abstract Objective Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices prevent lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) when used properly, but compliance remains an issue. Devices are frequently discontinued when patients are out of bed, and they are rarely used in emergency departments. Trauma patients are at high risk for LEDVT; however, IPCs are underused in this population because of compliance limitations. The hypothesis of this study was that a new miniaturized, portable, battery-powered pneumatic compression device improves compliance in trauma patients over that provided by a standard device. Methods This was a prospective trial in which trauma patients (mean age, 46 years; revised trauma score, 11.7) were randomized to DVT prophylaxis with a standard calf-length sequential IPC device (SCD group) or a miniaturized sequential device (continuous enhanced-circulation therapy [CECT] group). The CECT device can be battery-operated for up to 6 hours and worn during ambulation. Timers attached to the devices, which recorded the time each device was applied to the legs and functioning, were used to quantify compliance. For each subject in each location during hospitalization, compliance rates were determined by dividing the number of minutes the device was functioning by the total minutes in that location. Compliance rates for all subjects were averaged in each location: emergency department, operating room, intensive care unit, and nursing ward. Results Total compliance rate in the CECT group was significantly higher than in the SCD group (77.7% vs. 58.9%, P = .004). Compliance in the emergency department and nursing ward were also significantly greater with the CECT device ( P = .002 and P = .008 respectively). Conclusions Previous studies have demonstrated that reduced compliance with IPC devices results in a higher incidence of LEDVT. Given its ability to improve compliance, the CECT may provide superior DVT prevention compared with that provided by standard devices.
Bridging Newsrooms and Classrooms: Preparing the Next Generation of Journalists for Converged Media

This study has provided empirical evidence that will help journalism educators make informed decisions about how to teach media convergence in their curricula and courses. A national survey was conducted among college professors, news professionals, and news editors. The study found strong support for training generalists and teaching new technology while continuing to emphasize critical thinking in journalism schools. It concludes that dealing with media convergence in college journalism education is an urgent necessity.
The function of ATP in Ca2+ uptake by rat brain mitochondria

Abstract Ca 2+ uptake by rat brain mitochondria was studied under different experimental conditions. The most rapid uptake of Ca 2+ occurred in the presence of ATP, succinate and P i . ATP alone also supported Ca 2+ uptake. In contrast, no Ca 2+ uptake occurred with succinate and P i when no ATP was added. Oligomycin and atractylate completely inhibited ATP-supported Ca 2+ uptake but produced only a partial inhibition of Ca 2+ transport in the presence of ATP, succinate and P i . ATP plays a dual role in its action on brain mitochondria; it can support Ca 2+ uptake by itself and it serves a function in allowing respiration-dependent Ca 2+ uptake to proceed. The latter role of ATP does not involve transfer of energy from the nucleotide.
Photoreceptor topography in the duplex retina of the paddlefish (Polyodon spathula).

Retinal whole-mount preparations from the eyes of the North American paddlefish, Polyodon spathula, were examined with a combination of bright field and differential interference contrast microscopy. The entire retina was mapped and population counts of rod and cone photoreceptors were made at regular intervals throughout the retina. The retina is dominated by rods, but a significant percentage (ca. 38%) of the photoreceptors are cones. Mean cone packing density for the entire retina is 6,402±1,216 cones/mm2. There is a small (16%) but statistically significant difference between cone packing density in the dorsal retina (6,674±1,168 cones/mm2) and the ventral retina (5,745±1,076 cones/mm2). There is no region of unusually high cone concentration that might be construed as a fovea or a visual streak. Mean rod packing density for the entire retina is 10,271±1,205 rods/mm2. Except in the far periphery, where rods are less numerous, the density of rods is fairly uniform throughout the retina. The data are discussed with regard to paddlefish habitat and behavior. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:674–681, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Friends, real friends and fifth columnists

Purpose – Strives to illuminate the types of relationships many libraries have with friends' organizations and to illustrate what makes a good relationship between the two organizations. While many libraries have had successful experiences with such groups, not all relationships have a happy ending.Design/methodology/approach – Uses real‐life examples to illustrate various ways friends' groups have, and have not, been successful with their relationship with the library, and with their goal to help increase library support.Findings – If managed successfully, a library's relationship with its friends' group can mean greater library advocacy, more funds available for the library, and success for both organizations.Originality/value – Noting some of the pitfalls and successes that have occurred in the past, seven key rules are identified for library managers to keep in mind that will help them keep a relationship with a friends' advocacy group from going sour.
Arrestment of Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) by a Kairomone Associated with Eggs of Its Host, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Telenomus remus Nixon females, but not males, were arrested after contacting a kairomone(s) extracted from eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Bioassays were used to characterize the retention of the wasp in an area treated with the kairomone(s). The retention time in the treated area was affected by dose of the kairomone and also by the dimensions of the treated area. Female wasps were most sensitive to the kairomone, and were arrested for a longer period, at the beginning of the scotophase. Maximal response was exhibited by young, 2- to 4-day-old wasps. The wasps also were arrested by a kairomone(s) extracted from whole bodies of adult male or female moths. r 1996
Genetic variability of East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus under field and controlled environment conditions.

Abstract Cassava geminiviruses occur in all cassava growing areas of Africa and are considered to be the most damaging vector-borne plant pathogens. At least seven species of these viruses have been identified. We investigated genetic variation in East African cassava mosaic cassava Cameroon virus (EACMCV) from naturally infected cassava and from experimentally infected Nicotiana benthamiana. Results showed that the populations of EACMCV in cassava and in N. benthamiana were genetically heterogeneous. Mutation frequencies in the order of 10−4, comparable to that reported for plant RNA viruses, were observed in both hosts. We also produced an EACMCV mutant that induces reversion and second site mutations, thus suggesting that a high mutation frequency facilitates the maintenance of genome structure and function. This is direct experimental evidence showing that cassava geminiviruses exhibit a high mutation frequency and that a single clone quickly transforms into a collection of mutant sequences upon introduction into the host.
Dissipative enterprises, chaos, and the principles of lean organizations

Abstract This paper proposes that `lean' organizations, which many observers believe constitute an entirely new `paradigm' of management and organization, are successful because their fundamental structure embodies many of the characteristics of `self-organizing' dynamic systems, such as `dissipative structures', which balance `chaos' with `order'. It employs concepts from modern information theory, cybernetics, and the comparatively new field of self-organizing systems. These concepts suggest that lean organizations are extremely flexible and highly adaptable to rapidly changing competitive conditions, and are characterized by continual reorganization, rapid new product development, and constant search for increased efficiency, all of which are the results of self-organizational processes.
The costs of skull base surgery in the pediatric population.

Objectives To determine the costs of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for pediatric skull base lesions. Methods Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (ages 1 month to 19 years) treated for skull base lesions with EES from 1999 to 2013. Demographic and operative data were recorded. The cost of care for the surgical day, intensive care unit (ICU), floor, and total overall cost of inpatient stay were acquired from the finance department. Results A total of 160 pediatric patients undergoing EES for skull base lesions were identified. Of these, 55 patients had complete financial data available. The average total inpatient and surgical costs of care were $34, 056 per patient. Angiofibromas were the most costly: $59,051 per patient. Fibro-osseous lesions had the lowest costs: $10,931 per patient. The average ICU stay was 1.8 days at $4,577 per ICU day. The average acute care stay was 3.4 days at $1,961 per day. Overall length of stay was 4.5 days. Three cerebrospinal fluid leaks (4%) and two cases of meningitis (3%) occurred. One tracheostomy was required (1.5%). Conclusions EES is a cost-effective model for removal of skull base lesions in the pediatric population. Costs of care vary according to pathology, staged surgeries, length of ICU stay, and need for second operations.
Plasma fatty acids in premature infants with hyperbilirubinemia: before-and-after nutrition support with fish oil emulsion.

Infants who are dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN) sometimes develop PN-associated cholestasis (PNAC). A compassionate use protocol, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the institutional review board, guided enrollment of hospitalized infants with PNAC ( 3 weeks). Plasma concentrations of essential fatty acids were monitored before and after a soybean-based PN lipid, infused at 3 g/kg body weight/d, was replaced by an experimental fish oil-based intravenous fat emulsion (FO-IVFE) at 1.0 g/kg/d. All participants were born premature (n = 10; 20% male). At enrollment, infants were (mean ± SD) 86.5 ± 53.5 days of life and weighed 2.24 ± 0.87 kg; direct bilirubin was 5.5 ± 1.3 mg/dL. After treatment, blood concentrations significantly increased from baseline (P < .017) for circulating eicosapentaenoic acid (6.3 ± 3.0 to 147.8 ± 53.1 µg/mL), docosahexaenoic acid (20.7 ± 6.5 to 163.7 ± 43.4 µg/mL), pristanic acid (0.01 ± 0.01 to 0.17 ± 0.03 µg/mL), and phytanic acid (0.06 ± 0.03 to 0.64 ± 0.15 µg/mL). In contrast, total plasma ω-6 fatty acids (including linoleic acid) decreased (P < .017). The triene/tetraene ratio remained below the threshold value of 0.2 that defines ω-6 deficiency. No adverse effects were observed attributable to FO-IVFE. Discontinuation of FO-IVFE was typically due to infants (body weight 3.76 ± 1.68 kg) transitioning to enteral feeding rather than for resolution of hyperbilirubinemia (direct bilirubin 7.9 ± 4.8 mg/dL). These exploratory results suggest that FO-IVFE raises circulating ω-3 fatty acids in premature infants without development of ω-6 deficiency in the 8.3 ± 5.8-week time frame of this study.
Lateral hypothalamus and hunger: Responses to a secondary reinforcer with and without electrical stimulation☆

Abstract Food deprived rats experienced 210 contiguous pairings of a tone with food delivery. Subsequently, a food satiated group was presented with a bar which, if pressed, elicited the tone. During a test session the subjects received alternating periods of electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (ESLH) and periods of non-stimulation. A control group was similarly treated except that the tone was never presented during the test session. Results revealed that the experimental group was more responsive than the controls, but only during ESLH. These findings are analogous to similar experiments where food-deprivation was substituted for ESLH, and hence support the view that there is a strong resemblance between ESLH and hunger.
Feasibility of conditioning with thymoglobulin and reduced intensity TBI to reduce acute GVHD in recipients of allogeneic SCT

Murine studies using anti-T-cell antibodies for conditioning in allogeneic SCT demonstrate engraftment with low rates of GVHD. On the basis of this preclinical model, we conditioned 30 patients with advanced hematologic malignancies with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and TBI, to reduce rates of fatal acute GVHD. Patients were enrolled in two sequential groups: cohort 1 received ATG 10 mg/kg in divided doses (days -4 to -1)+200 cGy TBI (n=16), and cohort 2 received ATG (days -10 to -7)+450 cGy TBI (n=14). Median donor blood chimerism for the combined group was 94, 93 and 93% in the first, second and third months after transplant. Only three developed grade II acute GVHD despite 43% of patients receiving unrelated donor transplants. One-year survival was 71+/-11 and 54+/-14%, respectively, in recipients of related and unrelated donor SCT. Donor lymphocyte infusions were needed in 12 patients for the management of relapse and for mixed donor-recipient chimerism in 4 patients. We conclude that 10 mg/kg ATG and TBI allows engraftment with a low risk of acute GVHD; however, further dose optimization of ATG is required to achieve a balance between GVHD and disease relapse.
Vegetation controls on soil organic carbon dynamics in an arid, hyperthermic ecosystem

Abstract The large land area occupied by arid lands, roughly 36% to 40% globally, underscores the importance for understanding how these ecosystems function in the global carbon cycle. Few studies have directly examined soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and the effect of vegetation on SOC and microbial community structure in arid ecosystems. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of vegetation type on SOC dynamics in an arid, hyperthermic Sonoran Desert ecosystem. We specifically examined the influence of Prosopis velutina (mesquite), Larrea tridentata (creosote), and a combination of Bouteloua barbata , Bouteloua aristidoides , Aristida adscensionis , and Cynodon dactylon (mixed grass) vegetation types on SOC dynamics by quantifying: (i) local scale SOC stocks; (ii) soil aggregate stability; (iii) SOC turnover; and (iv) soil microbial community composition. There was significantly greater SOC in mesquite A-horizons relative to creosote and grass sites with values of 46.7, 30.4, and 24.4 g m − 2 , respectively. Subsurface SOC content did not vary significantly between vegetation types. Aggregate stability determined using an ultrasonic dispersion technique was found to be similar among vegetation types. The only significant difference noted was greater energy required to disperse stable aggregates in mesquite relative to grass soils, 1500 and 735 J g − 1 soil, respectively. Laboratory incubations were performed to determine SOC dynamics, pool sizes, and active pool mean residence times (MRT) for each vegetation type. Incubation results indicated significant variation in the cumulative respired CO 2 under mesquite, creosote, and grasses with 151, 186, and 207 mg C g − 1 soil C respired from each respective vegetation type. The incubation data indicated that 7–11% of total SOC was highly labile across all vegetation types with modeled active pool SOC MRT averaging 17 days. Bacterial community analysis by Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (TRFLP) indicated significant differences in microbial community structure among vegetation types. Microbial composition was highly correlated with soil pH and electrical conductivity. Furthermore, community composition was correlated with cumulative respired CO 2 , suggesting an interaction among vegetation type, soil properties and microbial community control SOC dynamics in this ecosystem. The combined results indicated significant variation in SOC dynamics within a specific ecosystem by vegetation type. Understanding local-scale vegetation controls of soil carbon cycling may improve efforts to model regional carbon dynamics in arid environments.
Changes in taste receptor cell [Ca2+]i modulate chorda tympani responses to bitter, sweet, and umami taste stimuli

The relationship between taste receptor cell (TRC) intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and rat chorda tympani (CT) nerve responses to bitter (quinine and denatonium), sweet (sucrose, glycine, and erythrit...
Effects of extensive training on object reversal by frontal monkeys.

Abstract Five normal and five lesioned rhesus monkeys were trained to criterion on 120 successive reversals of an object discrimination in an automated apparatus. Lesions were inflicted by bilateral aspirative removal of dorsolateral frontal neocortex including the principal, but not the arcuate, sulcus. Frontal animals showed initial impairment but eventually improved to the level of normal performance on measures which included all intraproblem training. However, restriction of consideration to only the early post-reversal trials revealed a frontal impairment persisting throughout all reversals. This deficit seemed related to a relative in-ability for lesioned animals to consistently reselect a rewarded alternative.
Influence of climate change on productivity of American white pelicans, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos.

In the past decade, severe weather and West Nile virus were major causes of chick mortality at American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) colonies in the northern plains of North America. At one of these colonies, Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota, spring arrival by pelicans has advanced approximately 16 days over a period of 44 years (1965–2008). We examined phenology patterns of pelicans and timing of inclement weather through the 44-year period, and evaluated the consequence of earlier breeding relative to weather-related chick mortality. We found severe weather patterns to be random through time, rather than concurrently shifting with the advanced arrival of pelicans. In recent years, if nest initiations had followed the phenology patterns of 1965 (i.e., nesting initiated 16 days later), fewer chicks likely would have died from weather-related causes. That is, there would be fewer chicks exposed to severe weather during a vulnerable transition period that occurs between the stage when chicks are being brooded by adults and the stage when chicks from multiple nests become part of a thermally protective creche.
Some Observations on the Freezing Points of Various Cheeses

Inquiries have reached this bureau relative to the freezing point of cheese, which, aside from its scientific importance, is of practical interest, particularly with regard to the storage and transportation of cheese in commerce. A search of the literature has revealed no information on this subject; consequently, some measurements have been made in this laboratory, the results of which are given below. Since the time available for this work was limited, only a small number of observations were possible, but it is thought that they are accurate and comprehensive enough to be of practical value, hq[t may be said that the freezing point will vary with different specimens of the same kind of cheese, depending upon the moisture content and degree of ripening. Stiles (1) and Carrick (2) have discussed the theory of freezing and the potentiometric determination of the freezing point of various foods.
Evaluation of preterm births and birth defects in liveborn infants of US military women who received smallpox vaccine.

Background Women serving in the US military have some unique occupational exposures, including exposure to vaccinations that are rarely required in civilian professions. When vaccinations are inadvertently given during pregnancy, such exposures raise special concerns. These analyses address health outcomes, particularly preterm births and birth defects, among infants who appear to have been exposed to maternal smallpox vaccination in pregnancy. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 31,420 infants born to active-duty military women during 2003-2004. We used Department of Defense databases to define maternal vaccination and infant health outcomes. Multivariable regression models were developed to describe associations between maternal smallpox vaccination and preterm births and birth defects in liveborn infants. Results There were 7,735 infants identified as born to women ever vaccinated against smallpox, and 672 infants born to women vaccinated in the first trimester of pregnancy. In multivariable modeling, maternal smallpox vaccination in pregnancy was not associated with preterm or extreme preterm delivery. Maternal smallpox vaccination in the first trimester of pregnancy was not significantly associated with overall birth defects (OR 1.40; 95% CI: 0.94, 2.07), or any of seven specific defects individually modeled. Conclusions Results may be reassuring that smallpox vaccine, when inadvertently administered to pregnant women, is not associated with preterm delivery or birth defects in liveborn infants.
Exploiting sparse representations in very high-dimensional feature spaces obtained from patch-based processing

Use of high-dimensional feature spaces in a system has standard problems that must be addressed such as the high calculation costs, storage demands, and training requirements. To partially circumvent this problem, we propose the conjunction of the very high-dimensional feature space and image patches. This union allows for the image patches to be efficiently represented as sparse vectors while taking advantage of the high-dimensional properties. The key to making the system perform efficiently is the use of a sparse histogram representation for the color space which makes the calculations largely independent of the feature space dimension. The system can operate under multiple L p norms or mixed metrics which allows for optimized metrics for the feature vector. An optimal tree structure is also introduced for the approximate nearest neighbor tree to aid in patch classification. It is shown that the system can be applied to various applications and used effectively.
Expression of yeast INM1 encoding inositol monophosphatase is regulated by inositol, carbon source and growth stage and is decreased by lithium and valproate

Inositol monophosphatase plays a vital role in the de novo biosynthesis of inositol and in the phosphoinositide second messenger signalling pathway. We cloned the Saccharomyces cerevisiae open reading frame (ORF) YHR046c (termed INM1), which encodes inositol monophosphatase, characterized the protein Inm1p and analysed expression of the INM1 gene. INM1 was expressed in bacteria under the control of the lacZ promoter. The purified protein has inositol monophosphatase activity that is inhibited by the antibipolar drug lithium, but not valproate. In the inm1Delta:URA3 null mutant, inositol monophosphatase activity was reduced but not eliminated. The disruption had little effect on growth in the presence of lithium or valproate and no effect on growth in the absence of inositol. To characterize the regulation of INM1, we examined the effects of inositol, carbon source, growth phase, and the antibipolar drugs lithium and valproate on INM1 expression using an INM1-lacZ reporter gene. Unlike all other phospholipid biosynthetic enzyme-encoding genes studied, which contain the UASINO regulatory element, INM1 expression is increased in the presence of inositol. In addition, INM1 expression was repressed during growth in glycerol and derepressed as glucose-grown cells entered stationary. Both lithium and valproate, which cause a decrease in intracellular inositol, effect a decrease in INM1 expression. A model is presented to account for regulation of INM1 expression.
Development of the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Gynecologic Applicators for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer: Historical Analysis

Purpose To provide historical background on the development and initial studies of the gynecological (gyn) applicators developed by Dr. Gilbert H. Fletcher, a radiation oncologist and chairperson from 1948 to 1981 of the department at the M.D. Anderson Hospital (MDAH) for Cancer Research in Houston, TX, and to acknowledge the previously unrecognized contribution that Dr. Leonard G. Grimmett, a radiation physicist and chairperson from 1949 to 1951 of the physics department at MDAH, made to the development of the gynecological applicators. Methods and Materials We reviewed archival materials from the Historical Resource Center and from the Department of Radiation Physics at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, as well as contemporary published papers, to trace the history of the applicators. Conclusions Dr. Fletcher’s work was influenced by the work on gynecologic applicators in the 1940s in Europe, especially work done at the Royal Cancer Hospital in London. Those efforts influenced not only Dr. Fletcher’s approach to the design of the applicators but also the methods used to perform in vivo measurements and determine the dose distribution. Much of the initial development of the dosimetry techniques and measurements at MDAH were carried out by Dr. Grimmett.
Rapid growth of polymer brushes from immobilized initiators.

This report describes the remarkably rapid synthesis of polymer brushes under mild conditions (50 °C) using surface-initiated polymerization. The highly active atom transfer radical polymerization catalyst Cu(I)−1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane allows synthesis of 100 nm thick poly(tert-butyl acrylate) brushes from initiator-modified Au surfaces in just 5 min. Using the same catalyst, polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate yielded 100 nm thick films in 10 and 60 min, respectively. Such growth rates are an order of magnitude greater than those for traditional free-radical polymerizations initiated from surfaces. These polymerizations also retain some features of controlled radical polymerizations, such as the ability to form block copolymer brushes.
Synthesis of complex alkoxyamines using a polymer-supported N-hydroxyphthalimide

The synthesis of a polymer-supported N-hydroxyphthalimide is described. The polystyrene-bound N-hydroxyphthalimide resin 1 has been used to prepare complex alkoxyamines exhibiting both stereochemical and positional diversity. Methods for efficient condensation of complex alkoxyamines with aldehydes and ketones are also outlined.
The Effect of Interferon and Interferon Inducers on Avian Influenza

The effects of interferon and interferon inducers on infection due to avian influenza virus in six-week-old chickens was studied after intratracheal administration of virus. Influenza A, avian type 5 T/ONT/6828 was shown to be as sensitive as bovine vesicular stomatitis virus to the antiviral activity of chicken interferon, polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C), and statolon when tested in cell cultures of chick-embryo fibroblasts. In vivo, only systemic statolon was an effective inducer of interferon, and only with this drug was a protective effect observed. In contrast, bis-DEAE-fluorenone and poly I:C did not produce circulating interferon, nor did they protect the chickens from challenge with the influenza virus. Similarly, intratracheal administration of the interferon inducers was not protective. Results of treatment with exogenous interferon suggests that the protective effects observed with the systemic statolon are likely to be mediated by its interferon-inducing capacity.
Venerating the veronica: varieties of passion piety in the later middle ages

This article examines a particular devotional image in late medieval piety: the Veronica or “portrait” of Jesus said to have been created when Jesus wiped his face on Veronica's cloth on the way to...