cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and characterization of aldehyde dehydrogenase from rat liver mitochondrial matrix

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.3) has been purified to homogeneity from Sprague-Dawley rat liver mitochondrial matrix; its specific activity with propionaldehyde (1 mM at pH 9.0) is 1.4 μmol/min/mg. It has a native molecular weight of ca. 260,000 daltons, a subunit weight of 54,000 daltons and separates into two bands on isoelectric focusing (pI, 5.15 and 5.30); its extinction coefficient at 280 nm for 1 mg/ml solution is 1.2 and 280/260 nm ratio is 1.6. The enzyme prefers NAD over NADP as the coenzyme; the Km for NADP (67,000 μM) is three orders of magnitude greater than that for NAD (61 μM); the Km for acetaldehyde is 2 μM and for propionaldehyde is 0.8 μM at pH 7.0. The enzyme is reversibly inhibited by chloral (Ki = 3 μM) but is resistant to disulfiram inhibition. In addition another aldehyde dehydrogenase, first observed in the mitochondrial matrix during isoelectric focusing, has been partially purified. It has a Km for propionaldehyde of 0.7 mM and an isoelectric point of 6.4. Its activity with glutamic-γ-semialdehyde (Km=0.13 mM) is ca. 20 times higher than with propionaldehyde identifying the enzyme as glutamic-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.1.12).
Cyclic Subspace Regression

By use of cyclic subspaces, explicit connections between principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS) are established that shed light onto why one method works better than the other. These connections clearly identify how both methods make use of calibration data in prediction. Moreover, developments leading to these connections show that they are particular manifestations of a more general easily described and implemented regression/prediction process referred to as cyclic subspace regression (CSR). This process not only contains PCR, PLS, and LS (least squares) as special cases but, also a finite number of other related intermediate or transitional regression techniques. Moreover, CSR shows that PCR, PLS, LS, and the related intermediates can be implemented by the same general procedure and that they differ only in the amount of information used from calibration data matrices. In addition to setting out the CSR procedure, the paper also supplies a robust numerical algorithm for its implementation which is used to show how procedures contained within CSR perform on a chemical data set.
Nano-scale Cu6Sn5 anodes

Abstract Nano-scale ( 5 Sn 6 powders were prepared by a chemical method that used a NaBH 4 solution to reduce the metal ions. A significant improvement in capacity retention was obtained in the nano-scale Cu 6 Sn 5 alloy, compared to the alloy having micron-sized particles. The volumetric capacity of the nano-scale Cu 6 Sn 5 alloy at 100 cycles was almost twice the theoretical capacity of graphite.
Carrier-mediated stabilization of ferromagnetism in semiconductors: holes and electrons

Band structure models are proposed to help understand carrier-induced ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic semiconductors. We describe both hole- and electron-mediated ferromagnetism. For hole-mediated ferromagnetism, we show that there are two distinct mechanisms related to the stabilization of ferromagnetism. The difference between them is related to the position of the impurity d levels with respect to the valence band edge. If the impurity states are in the band gap, ferromagnetism can be explained by double exchange, which is related to the direct coupling between the impurity levels, whereas if the filled impurity states are below the VBM, ferromagnetism can be explained by the Zener model, which is related to the coupling between the impurity d levels and the host valence p states. In both cases, it is necessary to have holes, either free or localized, to stabilize the ferromagnetism. Our model successfully explains the ground state magnetic configuration of CdMnTe, GaMnAs, ZnMnO, and GaMnN. An extension of our model can also successfully explain the intriguing behavior of GaMnN. We show that at low Mn concentration, its ground state is FM, although AFM can be stabilized by increasing the Mn concentration, applying pressure, or by compensating the holes. For electron-mediated ferromagnetism, we point out that it is necessary first to increase the exchange splitting of the conduction band. This can be done by reducing the symmetry of the system, by quantum confinement, or by changing the magnetic impurities from transition metals to rare earths. Our results also clarify some issues related to experimental works, such as the negative exchange splitting of the conduction band in GaMnAs quantum wells and the stabilization of ferromagnetism in GaGdN.
Computed tomographic diagnosis of posttraumatic primary adrenal insufficiency

Acute, primary adrenal insufficiency in the posttrauma patient is a rare but lifethreatening condition that frequently is unrecognized. Abdominal computed tomographic imaging is useful in establishing its diagnosis.
Calcium pathway machinery at fertilization in echinoderms

Calcium signaling in cells directs diverse physiological processes. The calcium waves triggered by fertilization is a highly conserved calcium signaling event essential for egg activation, and has been documented in every egg tested. This activity is one of the few highly conserved events of egg activation through the course of evolution. Echinoderm eggs, as well as many other cell types, have three main intracellular Ca2+ mobilizing messengers – IP3, cADPR and NAADP. Both cADPR and NAADP were identified as Ca2+ mobilizing messengers using the sea urchin egg homogenate, and this experimental system, along with the intact urchin and starfish oocyte/egg, continues to be a vital tool for investigating the mechanism of action of calcium signals. While many of the major regulatory steps of the IP3 pathway are well resolved, both cADPR and NAADP remain understudied in terms of our understanding of the fundamental process of egg activation at fertilization. Recently, NAADP has been shown to trigger Ca2+ release from acidic vesicles, separately from the ER, and a new class of calcium channels, the two-pore channels (TPCs), was identified as the likely targets for this messenger. Moreover, it was found that both cADPR and NAADP can be synthesized by the same family of enzymes, the ADP-rybosyl cyclases (ARCs). In this context of increasing amount of information, the potential coupling and functional roles of different messengers, intracellular stores and channels in the formation of the fertilization calcium wave in echinoderms will be critically evaluated.
Role of transmembrane domain 10 for the function of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1

The liver-specific organic anion transporting polypeptides OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 are highly homologous and share numerous substrates. However, at low concentrations OATP1B1 shows substrate selectivity for estrone-3-sulfate. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism for this substrate selectivity of OATP1B1 by constructing OATP1B1/1B3 chimeric transporters and by site-directed mutagenesis. Functional studies of chimeras showed that transmembrane domain 10 is critical for the function of OATP1B1. We further identified four amino acid residues, namely L545, F546, L550, and S554 in TM10, whose simultaneous mutation caused almost complete loss of OATP1B1-mediated estrone-3-sulfate transport. Comparison of the kinetics of estrone-3-sulfate transport confirmed a biphasic pattern for OATP1B1, but showed a monophasic pattern for the quadruple mutant L545S/F546L/L550T/S554T. This mutant also showed reduced transport for other OATP1B1 substrates such as bromosulfophthalein and [d-penicillamine2,5]enkephalin. Helical wheel analysis and molecular modeling suggest that L545 is facing the substrate translocation pathway, whereas F546, L550, and S554 are located inside the protein. These results indicate that L545 might contribute to OATP1B1 function by interacting with substrates, whereas F546, L550, and S554 seem important for protein structure. In conclusion, our results show that TM10 is critical for the function of OATP1B1.
Neurobehavioral methods used in neurotoxicological research

Exposure to chemicals in the environment and workplace can have adverse effects on the nervous system. Behavioral endpoints are being used with greater frequency in the hazard identification phase of neurotoxicology risk assessment. One reason behavioral procedures are used in animal neurotoxicology studies is that they evaluate neurobiological functions known to be affected in humans exposed to neurotoxic agents, including alterations in sensory, motor, autonomic, and cognitive function. In hazard identification, behavioral tests are used in a tiered-testing context. Tests in the first tier are designed to determine the presence of neurotoxicity. Examples of first-tier behavioral tests include functional observational batteries and motor activity. Second-tier tests are used to characterize neurotoxicant-induced effects on sensory, motor, and cognitive function. Second-tier tests are usually more complex and costly to perform. Reliance on behavioral endpoints in neurotoxicology risk assessment will likely increase in the future.
Graph processing on GPUs: Where are the bottlenecks?

Large graph processing is now a critical component of many data analytics. Graph processing is used from social networking web sites that provide context-aware services from user connectivity data to medical informatics that diagnose a disease from a given set of symptoms. Graph processing has several inherently parallel computation steps interspersed with synchronization needs. Graphics processing units (GPUs) are being proposed as a power-efficient choice for exploiting the inherent parallelism. There have been several efforts to efficiently map graph applications to GPUs. However, there have not been many characterization studies that provide an in-depth understanding of the interaction between the GPGPU hardware components and graph applications that are mapped to execute on GPUs. In this study, we compiled 12 graph applications and collected the performance and utilization statistics of the core components of GPU while running the applications on both a cycle accurate simulator and a real GPU card. We present detailed application execution characteristics on GPUs. Then, we discuss and suggest several approaches to optimize GPU hardware for enhancing the graph application performance.
Some constituents of the lichen Ramalina siliquosa

Abstract Extraction of Ramalina siliquosa gave, in addition to (+)-usnic acid and D -(+)-arabitol, hypoprotocetraric acid, a depsidone previously known only in the laboratory. A trace of a mixture tentatively identified as atranorin and chloroatranorin was also isolated as well as a crude fraction resembling tetrahydroxy fatty acid mixtures known from other lichens. A microchemical survey of the principal phenolic constituents of 57 herbarium specimens revealed six distinct chemical races in the collective species R. siliquosa .
Ca2+ Pool Emptying Stimulates Ca2+ Entry Activated by S-Nitrosylation

The entry of Ca2+ following Ca2+ pool release is a major component of Ca2+ signals; yet despite intense study, how "store-operated" entry channels are activated is unresolved. Because S-nitrosylation has become recognized as an important regulatory modification of several key channel proteins, its role in Ca2+ entry was investigated. A novel class of lipophilic NO donors activated Ca2+ entry independent of the well defined NO target, guanylate cyclase. Strikingly similar entry of Ca2+ induced by cell permeant alkylators indicated that this Ca2+ entry process was activated through thiol modification. Significantly, Ca2+ entry activated by either NO donors or alkylators was highly stimulated by Ca2+ pool depletion, which increased both the rate of Ca2+ release and the sensitivity to thiol modifiers. The results indicate that S-nitrosylation underlies activation of an important store-operated Ca2+ entry mechanism.
ENERGY CONVERSIONS IN A DEVELOPING CYCLONE

Abstract A new Lagrangian method of determining energy conversion rates for individual cyclones is developed and applied to the rapidly deepening storm of Nov. 29–30, 1963. It is shown that 12-hr average conversion rates can be determined for arbitrary volumes of the atmosphere that move with the velocity of the mean wind. The method is straightforward, relatively easy to apply, and eliminates the necessity of evaluating boundary flux terms and other quantities that are difficult to measure accurately. The new Lagrangian method has the advantage of providing vertical profiles of the conversion rates that exhibit revealing temporal changes. It appears that the storm initially acquired kinetic energy in the lowest layers southwest of the center. Later, the largest kinetic energy increases occurred south of the center at intermediate levels. By the time the storm reached maturity, the largest increases were taking place at high levels northeast of the storm while kinetic energy decreases occurred below. Fina...
Friction and wear properties of WC-Co and Mo-Mo2C based functionally graded materials

Abstract Wear resistant coatings based on functionally graded materials (FGMs) applied on industrial machinery components can reduce weight, increase adhesion strength, decrease internal stresses and improve the resistance against propagation of surface defects. Macroscale FGMs offer a new method of surface engineering to produce tailored tribological properties. In order to fully exploit the FGM concepts, an efficient fabrication with advanced process control assuring the stability of the resulting properties is desirable. The fundamental understanding of wear damage modes of each layer, as well as the development of predictive models for through-thickness behavior can increase the industrial applicability of graded coatings. In the present study, two industrially relevant FGM coatings were investigated: high-velocity-oxygen-fuel (HVOF) deposited WC-Co/stainless steel and plasma sprayed Mo-Mo2C/stainless steel FGMs. For both deposition processes, high degree of automation was achieved and linearly graded coatings were successfully prepared. Sliding friction and abrasive wear responses were evaluated through thickness and damage mechanisms controlling the coefficient of friction and wear rates were described. A correlation between composition, microstructure characteristics and damage modes was established. The enhancement of Mo-Mo2C coating properties through FGM approach with stainless steel was reported.
Leadership and the Millennials: Transforming Today 's Technological Teens into Tomorrow 's Leaders

Although older and younger generations unfailingly tend to disagree on values and are inclined to perceive one another with a degree of skepticism and disapproval, it is an unmistakable reality that because of technology today’s youth are approaching life differently than previous generations. It is also clear that today’s Millennials are tomorrow’s leaders. How then do we help facilitate the leadership capacity of today’s youth? This article documents a year-long research study of university students’ perceptions of the factors that characterize effective teaching and learning, in general, and more specifically, leadership education. The data suggests that traditional approaches to teaching will likely be met with resistance. A leadership education model for the Millennials detailing the purposes and content, along with strategies for teaching and learning is presented.
Novel α-glucosidase from human gut microbiome: substrate specificities and their switch

The human intestine harbors a large number of microbes forming a complex microbial community that greatly affects the physiology and pathology of the host. In the human gut microbiome, the enrichment in certain protein gene families appears to be widespread. They include enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism such as glucoside hydrolases of dietary polysaccharides and glycoconjugates. We report the crystal structures (wild type, 2 mutants, and a mutant/substrate complex) and the enzymatic activity of a recombinant α-glucosidase from human gut bacterium Ruminococcus obeum. The first ever protein structures from this bacterium reveal a structural homologue to human intestinal maltase-glucoamylase with a highly conserved catalytic domain and reduced auxiliary domains. The α-glucosidase, a member of GH31 family, shows substrate preference for α(1–6) over α(1–4) glycosidic linkages and produces glucose from isomaltose as well as maltose. The preference can be switched by a single mutation at its active site, suggestive of widespread adaptation to utilization of a variety of polysaccharides by intestinal micro-organisms as energy resources.—Tan, K., Tesar, C., Wilton, R., Keigher, L., Babnigg, G., Joachimiak, A. Novel α-glucosidase from human gut microbiome: substrate specificities and their switch.
Dose-Response of Prolactin to Increasing Doses of the Dopamine Receptor Antagonist, Sulpiride, in Horses: Effect of Season in Mares and Stallions of Estradiol Pretreatment in Geldings

Abstract Two experiments were performed to determine whether dopaminergic input to the adenohypophysis (1) differs across seasons in mares and stallions proportionally with changes in prolactin secretion and (2) is altered by estradiol administration in geldings. In experiment 1, prolactin responses to increasing doses of l -sulpiride in eight mares and eight stallions in March, June, September, and December were used to estimate the theoretical dose equivalent to 50% of maximal response. Prolactin areas increased ( P P P l -sulpiride starting on day 6. Estradiol treatment increased ( P l -sulpiride at 0.41 μg/kg body weight and all higher doses ( P P > .1) between groups. We conclude that dopaminergic input to the adenohypophysis of mares and stallions varies with season and that the stimulatory effect of estradiol on prolactin secretion is not associated with a decrease in dopaminergic input to the adenohypophysis.
Digital transmitters for DVB and DTV

During the past year specifications for Digital Broadcasting in Europe and the USA have become mature. Field trials of both DTV used in the USA and DVB used in Europe have proven the worth of both systems. Each system, being digital, suffers from the brick wall effect, resulting in a very sharp change from a perfectly received signal to one that is totally unusable when signal levels drop. Managing this effect has brought about changes in traditional transmitter systems from those previously used for analogue transmission. Achieving the amplifier linearity required for digital transmission has also necessitated changes in transmitter design. This paper reviews these changes and discusses their effect on the design of a new solid state transmitter for digital applications.
Perceptions of contribution in software teams

Abstract In this paper, we report results of a survey of graduate students who worked in teams on software projects. The survey revealed that there is a statistically significant gap between how team members perceived their own contribution towards the goals of the project, and how that contribution was perceived by their teammates. The paper discusses this gap and its implication for the functioning of the teams.
Statistics of polarization dependant gain in Raman fiber amplifiers due to PMD

Summary form only given. With the recent availability of high power pump lasers, Raman amplification has become feasible for commercial DWDM fiber-optic communication systems. Raman fiber amplifiers are highly attractive for their low equivalent noise figure and wideband gain. However, the Raman gain coefficient is polarization sensitive and can be up to 10 times higher when the signal and pump polarization states are parallel rather than perpendicular. Previous studies of this polarization dependent gain (PDG) investigate its relationship with the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) of the fiber, and the degree of the polarization (DOP) of the pump laser. These studies show that when the average PMD of the fiber becomes high enough, or if the pump DOP is very low, then the PDG becomes negligible. But these studies do not investigate the statistical behavior of the polarization dependant gain. There are two ways of characterizing polarization sensitivity in Raman amplifiers. One is to measure the PDG at a given point in time, which is determined by varying either the pump or signal polarization and recording the difference between the maximum and minimum gains. Alternatively, one can monitor how the instantaneous gain varies over time due to both PMD induced variations and changes to the signal's input state of polarization (SOP). In the paper we investigate the statistical characteristics of both of these parameters theoretically and experimentally.
Asymmetry of Right Ventricular Enlargement in Response to Tricuspid Regurgitation

Background—Analysis of right ventricular adaptation to tricuspid regurgitation was studied in 10 heart transplant recipients following inadvertent endomyocardial biopsy disruption of the tricuspid apparatus. Methods and Results—Echocardiography demonstrated progressive diastolic right ventricular cavity enlargement (19.5±5.0 to 30.3±5.4 cm2, P<0.0002), with disproportionate elongation along the midminor axis (3.5±0.6 to 5.0±0.5 cm, P<0.001). As the right ventricle remodeled to more spherical (and less elliptical) proportions, the end-diastolic right ventricular midminor axis/long axis ratio increased significantly from 0.52±0.10 to 0.68±0.07, P<0.005. Conclusions—Ventricular enlargement due to right ventricular volume overload results in disproportionate dilation along the free wall to septum minor axis.
GAMBLERS PARADOX AND NOISE DRIVEN FLUX REVERSAL IN KINETIC CYCLES: RESPONSE TO THE PRECEDING PAPER BY PIOTROWSKI AND SLADKOWSKI

I give a simple analysis of the game that I previously published in Scientific American which shows the paradoxical behavior whereby two losing games randomly combine to form a winning game. The game, modeled on a random walk, requires only two states and is described by a first-order Markov process.
Conformal quantum mechanics as the CFT1 dual to AdS2

Abstract A ( 0 + 1 )-dimensional candidate theory for the CFT1 dual to AdS2 is discussed. The quantum mechanical system does not have a ground state that is invariant under the three generators of the conformal group. Nevertheless, we show that there are operators in the theory that are not primary, but whose “non-primary character” conspires with the “non-invariance of the vacuum” to give precisely the correlation functions in a conformally invariant theory.
On surviving cancer: psychological considerations.

Abstract There has been little systematic investigation of the long term psychological impact of having had cancer, although there is some suggestion in the literature that cancer victims undergo permanent psychological effects. 1,2 Previous studies focussed on the relatively immediate period after recovery noting issues such as the clinical course, psychiatric symptoms, level of disability and management. 1–7 The present effort endeavors to determine the extent and depth of any lasting psychological effects of surviving cancer.
DNA melting in small-molecule-DNA-hybrid dimer structures: experimental characterization and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations.

When DNA hybridization is used to link together nanoparticles or molecules, the melting transition of the resulting DNA-linked material often is very sharp. In this paper, we study a particularly simple version of this class of material based on a small-molecule−DNA-hybrid (SMDH) structure that has three DNA strands per 1,3,5-tris(phenylethynyl)benzene core. By varying the concentration of the SMDHs, it is possible to produce either SMDH dimers or bulk aggregates, with the former having highly packed duplex DNA while the latter has an extended network. Melting measurements that we present show that the dimers exhibit sharp melting while the extended aggregates show broad melting. To interpret these results, we have performed coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) studies of the dimer melting and also of isolated duplex melting using CGMD potentials that have either implicit or explicit ions. Details of the melting simulation technology demonstrate that the simulations properly describe equilibrium trans...
Coplanar stripline to microstrip transition

A new coplanar stripline to microstrip line transition is experimentally demonstrated and modelled using the finite difference time domain technique, The measured insertion loss and return loss for two back-to-back transitions with a short length of microstrip line in between are better than 2.4 and –10 dB, respectively, over the frequency range of 5.1 – 6.1 GHz. The bandwidth of the transition is ~18 % at a centre frequency of 5.55 GHz.
A subspace rotation approach to signal parameter estimation

A new approach to Estimation of Signal Parameters by Rotational Invariance Techniques (ESPRIT) is described in the context of direction-of-arrival estimation, but is also applicable to other problems. The method relies on finding the underlying rotation between the common subspaces associated with an array of pairwise-matched and codirectional sensor doublets. ESPRIT has several remarkable advantages over earlier techniques such as MUSIC, and also provides asymptotically unbiased and efficient estimates.
TPA Induces Transglutaminase C and Inhibits Cell Growth in the Colon Carcinoma Cell Line SW620

In contrast to most other systems, TPA induced TGc activity and protein in SW620 human colon carcinoma cells. This induction was accompanied by cell growth inhibition and increased apoptosis. The general protein kinase-C inhibitor GF-109203X blocked the induction of TGc by TPA, whereas the specific inhibitor of the PKC alpha isoform, the indocarbazole Go6976, reduced it by 40%. These PKC inhibitors had similar inhibitory effects on TPA increased apoptosis and inhibition of cell growth, suggesting that the observed actions of TPA are mediated by PKC, and a close connection between TGc activity, increased apoptosis and cell growth inhibition. We conclude that TPA may offer new approaches in the management of colon cancer cell growth.
Ultrasonic Evaluation of the Vitreous and Retina

Ultrasonic evaluation of the vitreous body augments and complements visual and clinical assessment in any condition in which some form of media opacity exists, eg, cornea, lens, hemorrhage, or subretinal mass. The appearance of the eye in hypotony, the presence of foreign material, the pattern of hemorrhage, and the presence of a detached retina or choroid are all identifiable and their diagnosis may be of critical importance to patient management. Patterns of diabetic retinopathy and ocular tumors are usually characteristic using conventional 10 MHz ultrasound. The use of Very High Frequency (VHF or UBM) ultrasound can identify ciliary body detachment or other retroiridal pathology, such as tumors and cysts.
Dynamics of laser-produced plasmas through time-resolved observations of the 2. omega. /sub 0/ and (3/2). omega. /sub 0/ harmonic light emissions

Time-resolved trajectories of the critical and quarter-critical densities were obtained through observation of plasma emissions at second and three-halves harmonics of the laser frequency. Characteristic behavior of the critical-density region is noted. Intensity histories of the plasma emissions were measured and compared to the incident pulse. The measurements were made during laser-fusion experiments where glass microballoon targets were irradiated with the 0.2-TW peak power output of a four-beam Nd:glass laser. (AIP)
Optical metrology of thin film solar cells from 0.2 to 30 µm

Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) from the ultraviolet (UV) to mid-infrared (IR) has been applied to analyze thin film solar cell structures deposited on transparent conducting oxide (TCO) coated glass substrates. Two structures were studied here, chosen from two different thin film photovoltaic (PV) technologies, a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) p-i-n and a CdS/CdTe heterojunction, both without back contact processing. The mid-IR capability was used to study TCO free carrier absorption in the actual solar cell device configuration, which was further analyzed to extract free carrier properties. In addition, network vibrational absorption bands due to the wagging and stretching modes of hydrides in a-Si:H were also measurable in the device configuration. These results can be used to characterize properties such as H content, its bonding configurations, and amorphous/crystalline content. By combining film side and glass side measurements in the UV-visible range, the ability to obtain structural parameters of multilayer devices can be enhanced. The associated optical property determinations yield insights into disorder in amorphous films and grain structure and strain in micro/polycrystalline films.
Congenital Nasal Pyriform Aperture (Bony Inlet) Stenosis

Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infants with nasal airway obstruction. It can occur as an isolated anomaly or it can be associated with other congenital anomalies. A history of cyclical respiratory distress and cyanosis often associated with feeding and relieved by crying is characteristic. On examination, the nasal airway is narrowed anteriorly. CT is the study of choice to make the diagnosis and rule out other causes of nasal obstruction. Conservative management is recommended, sometimes with the use of a McGovern nipple for feeding. Severe cases or those in which conservative management fails should be considered for surgery.
Immature lung problems: Can our nomenclature be more specific?

Since the advent of surfactant therapy for hyaline membrane disease, the problems associated with this condition have been greatly reduced in severity and morbidity. However, many premature infants who recover from the biochemical problem of surfactant deficiency still suffer from structural immaturity of the lungs. This aspect of lung immaturity centers primarily around pulmonary hypoplasia, for these infants, because they are immature, have fewer than normal alveoli and thus cannot accomplish adequate gas exchange. As a result, they are placed on long-term ventilator therapy, which renders them susceptible to problems associated with hypoxia, oxygen toxicity, and barotrauma. Over the last two decades, we have learned a great deal about the pathophysiology of these problems, and we believe that the terminology used to describe them may now be less than accurate. We suggest that the it be adjusted to more correctly reflect the problems seen in these infants.
Primary peritoneal psammocarcinoma : A case presenting with an upper abdominal mass and elevated CA-125

Primary peritoneal serous adenocarcinoma with predominating psammoma bodies, psammocarcinoma, is a very rare tumor with only seven cases documented in the English literature. Pathological classification of this entity was established in 1990 and clinical behavior of this tumor is uncertain. Based on limited data these tumors appear to behave similarly to low malignant potential tumors of the ovary. This case describes a 59-year-old woman who underwent exploratory laparotomy for a large upper abdominal cystic mass. Findings included a large tumor mass involving the gastrocolic omentum and dense small bowel adhesions. The patient had normal ovaries and was debulked to no macroscopic disease. Final pathologic diagnosis confirmed a stage IIIC primary peritoneal psammocarcinoma. The patient has received no adjunctive therapy and is without evidence of disease 2 years after surgery. Primary peritoneal psammocarcinoma is a neoplasm which can mimic serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary. In contrast, primary peritoneal psammocarcinoma appears to behave in an indolent fashion. Primary surgical debulking should be attempted, while the utility of postoperative chemotherapy remains unknown.
TH-C-I-609-02: Refill Curve Simulations of Rabbit Kidney and of Liver with VX2 Carcinoma

Purpose: A flow simulation model (Potdevin et al, 2004) has been adapted for use in vascular structures with varying transit characteristics. The highly structured nature of the kidney tissues were taken into account in the modified simulations and the resulting contrast transit modeled for the case of in‐plane destruction followed by imaging of contrast refill. In the liver, the systemic and portal systems are being modeled as well as potential RE uptake of contrast agent and pooling due to leakage of cancerous vasculature. Method and Materials: For initial comparisons, real‐time refill curves were acquired from rabbit kidneys using the contrast agent Definity (Bristol‐Myers Squibb Company,New York,NY). A similar study was then developed for rabbit livers in which VX2 carcinoma was implanted for a varying time of 7 to 22 days. Two tissue classification images were generated: one using the exponential fit method with a Bayesian discrimination, another using the simulated refill curves and a simple RMS error computation. Results: These initial investigations showed a good correlation between identified medullary and cortical tissues and automated segmentation based on simulations results. Furthermore, the simulations helped reveal information in the refill curves beyond the time constant of a simple exponential fit. Initial analysis of liverimages shows differences in transit time behavior at the location of implanted tumors.Conclusion: The tissue segmentation using either technique matches what is expected of a kidney, with a better discrimination between the medulla and the cortex observed when using the simulations that account for transit characteristics of vascular structures. We hope to determine whether normal and abnormal liver tissues will be classified using these techniques. The best results were obtained in later phase cancer.
Recent approaches to the treatment of sickle cell anemia

SELECTED CASE A 35-YEAR-OLD man whose sickle cell anemia was first diagnosed at the age of 3 years was referred to the Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Md, for evaluation and management of his disease. He had a history of frequent vaso-occlusive crises, skin ulcers, and recurrent bacterial pneumonias. He suffered a left hemispheric cerebrovascular accident at the age of 12 years and since then has had a residual seizure disorder. He regularly received transfusions every 3 months from ages 14 to 35 years and at the time of admission to the NIH had an estimated transfusion burden well in excess of 250 U. Other complications of his disease included proliferative sickle retinopathy and cardiomyopathy, which had led to worsening tolerance for exercise. His major complaint, however, was chronic pain in his knees, shins, back, elbows, and shoulders for which he required 4 mg of
Preparation variables for the GdBa2Cu3O6.5+δ superconductive ceramics

Abstract The thermal conditions for the preparation of GdBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.5+ δ ceramics from mixed oxides and carbonates have been investigated. XRD, SEM, and TEM studies together with resistivity data show a good correlation among the sintering temperature, the lattice parameters and T c and the resistivity values. The better properties obtained upon sintering at 930°–940° C fit a correlation between the barium shift, the ordering of the oxygen ions as expected by the rhombicity values and the T c .
Chemical interferences in atomic absorption spectrometric analysis of silicates in the fluoboric—Boric acids matrix

Abstract The atomic absorption spectrometric determinations of iron, calcium, and magnesium in the fluoboric-boric acids matrix are seriously interfered by the presence of silicon and aluminum. These interferences can be overcome by preparing the standard solutions of magnesium, calcium, and iron with silicon and aluminum concentrations matching those of the sample being analyzed.
Cues Used in Searching for Food By Red-Winged Blackbirds (Agelaius Phoeniceus)

Sixteen red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were given an opportunity on each of four consecutive days to search for food items partly hidden in a wooden "food maze". The birds were divided equally into four groups. Each group on Days 1 and 2 of the experiment hunted for one of two baits placed on one of two separate rows of holes in the food maze (either sunflower seed bits in the lower row or seeds in the upper row or mealworm halves in the lower row or mealworms in the upper row). On the second day of the experiment the birds' foraging efficiency had usually improved with the redwings requiring less time to find ten baits. This improvement was linked to the adoption of a long distance scanning strategy which replaced the birds' initial tendency to inspect each hole at close range. On the third day of the experiment the birds were offered the same food item as on Days 1 and 2 but this time equally distributed in the upper and lower rows instead of entirely in one or the other. The redwings' previous experience affected their searching pattern. Birds that had been hunting and finding food only in the upper row continued to concentrate their efforts there. Birds that had been offered food in the lower row of holes initially took several baits there before switching to the upper row baits. On the fourth day of the experiment birds were offered two baits instead of just one. Again previous experience biased the searching behavior of the birds. Redwings that had on earlier days been hunting solely for mealworms usually removed many larvae before finding their first sunflower seed bit. Birds that had been searching for seeds quickly took several before switching to mealworms. It appears likely that redwings are sensitive to both locational and visual cues associated with prey and learn to use them while foraging. These results were discussed in the context of L. TINBERGENS search image hypothesis.
Platelet-derived Growth Factor (PDGF)-induced Tyrosine Phosphorylation of the Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein (LRP) EVIDENCE FOR INTEGRATED CO-RECEPTOR FUNCTION BETWEEN LRP AND THE PDGF

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) functions in the catabolism of numerous ligands including proteinases, proteinase inhibitor complexes, and lipoproteins. In the current study we provide evidence indicating an expanded role for LRP in modulating cellular signaling events. Our results show that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB induces a transient tyrosine phosphorylation of the LRP cytoplasmic domain in a process dependent on PDGF receptor activation and c-Src family kinase activity. Other growth factors, including basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, were unable to mediate tyrosine phosphorylation of LRP. The basis for this selectivity may result from the ability of LRP to bind PDGFBB, because surface plasmon resonance experiments demonstrated that only PDGF, and not basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, or insulin-like growth factor-1, bound to purified LRP immobilized on a sensor chip. The use of LRP mini-receptor mutants as well as in vitro phosphorylation studies demonstrated that the tyrosine located within the second NPXY motif found in the LRP cytoplasmic domain is the primary site of tyrosine phosphorylation by Src and Src family kinases. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that PDGF-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of LRPs cytoplasmic domain results in increased association of the adaptor protein Shc with LRP and that Shc recognizes the second NPXY motif within LRPs cytoplasmic domain. In the accompanying paper, Boucher et al. (Boucher, P., Liu, P. V., Gotthardt, M., Hiesberger, T., Anderson, R. G. W., and Herz, J. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 15507–15513) reveal that LRP is found in caveolae along with the PDGF receptor. Together, these studies suggest that LRP functions as a co-receptor that modulates signal transduction pathways initiated by the PDGF receptor.
Technical efficiency of wheat growers in some selected sites of Dinajpur District of Bangladesh

The present study was undertaken to find out the technical efficiency and factors affecting inefficiency of wheat production in Dinajpur District of Bangladesh. The data were collected from 01 July to 30 September 2004. The range of technical efficiency varies from 40% to 99% and the average was 70.33%. Farmers with optimum sowing and optimum harvest were technically more efficient than the farmers with late sowing. In all farms technical efficiency was much higher for the farmers who use sandy loam soil for wheat production than the farmers who did not use sandy loam soil. There was a positive relationship between the educational level and technical efficiency of wheat practicing farmers. The farmers who contacted frequently with extension workers were technically more efficient than who contacted less with extension workers. Therefore, maintaining of optimum sowing and harvesting time, use of sandy loam soil, high level of farming experience and education are important factors for obtaining maximum achievable yield. Kew Words: Technical efficiency, wheat growers, optimum sowing and harvest.
Antiinflammatory therapy for dry eye.

Abstract Purpose To present evidence establishing the relationship between inflammation and dry eye and supporting the use of antiinflammatory therapy for dry eye. Design Analysis of literature. Methods Research studies that evaluated inflammation in dry eye pathogenesis and clinical trials of antiinflammatory therapies for dry eye were reviewed. Results There is increasing evidence that decreased tear secretion, decreased tear turnover, and desiccation promote inflammation on the ocular surface. An increase in soluble mediators (cytokines and proteases) in the tear fluid, adhesion molecule expression by the conjunctival epithelium, and T-cell infiltration of the conjunctiva have been observed in dry eye patients. This inflammation appears to have a role in the pathogenesis of the ocular surface epithelial disease, termed keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), that develops in dry eye. Clinical improvement of KCS has been observed after therapy with antiinflammatory agents including corticosteroids, cyclosporin and doxycycline. Cyclosporin A emulsion was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as therapy for dry eye. Randomized placebo-controlled FDA clinical trials showed that cyclosporine A was superior to vehicle in stimulating aqueous tear production, decreasing corneal punctuate fluorescein staining, reducing symptoms of blurred vision, and decreasing artificial tear use in patients with KCS. No ocular or systemic toxicity was observed from this medication. Conclusions Ocular surface and lacrimal gland inflammation has been identified in dry eye that plays a role in the pathogenesis of KCS. Antiinflammatory therapy has efficacy for treating KCS. Cyclosporin A is the first FDA approved therapy for this indication. It improved signs and symptoms of KCS, and it is safe for long-term use.
Measurement of DNA adducts using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Hazardous pollutants emitted from energy‐related technologies, chemical industries, or waste materials are of increasing public concern because of their potential adverse health effects. Many pollutants have chemical groups of toxicological importance that can be characterized and detected by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy, however, has not been widely used in trace organic detection, even though the information contained in a Raman spectrum is valuable for chemical identification. One limitation of conventional Raman spectroscopy is its low sensitivity, which often necessitates the use of powerful and costly laser sources for sample excitation. Raman spectroscopists have recently been able to analyze dilute biological samples as a result of enhancements in the Raman scattering cross section by factors up to 10'° when a compound is adsorbed on or near a special electron‐conducting surface. These spectacular enhancement factors of the normally weak Raman scattering process help overcome the low sen...
Spatial processing in binocular rivalry

In the presence of ambiguous visual stimuli, cortical neurons will exhibit rivalry, normalization or winner-take-all dynamics. Binocular rivalry describes the oscillation of image perception that occurs when a different image is presented to each eye simultaneously [1]. However, rivalry only occurs if the two images are spatially co-localized. If the images are spatially separated then the neural activity will exhibit normalization, where the activity of a neuron is a sub-linear sum of the activities when each image is presented separately. Population rate models can reproduce the these three phases [2] and phase transitions occur under changes in the mutual inhibition strength between neurons. Measured neuronal activity that is most strongly correlated with the observed percept is generally located in higher visual areas such as inferotemporal cortex. Hence, the mechanism that causes neurons to exhibit rivalry when images are spatially co-localized and normalization when they are not is not understood. Until recently, the recognition of an object by the inferotemporal cortex was considered to be an independent process from determining the object’s position in space. This assumption corresponded with the observation that object recognition does not change significantly when the object moves within the visual field. Evidence had been mounting against this assumption, beginning with the finding that IT neurons have receptive fields and are sensitive to changes in position [3]. Through neuroimaging of the cortex and behavioral testing, it was determined that object representation in the inferotemporal cortex does in fact depend on position [4]. This study creates a three dimensional model of binocular rivalry in which the neurons respond to specific two dimensional positions in space and a particular stimulus type. Past models of rivalry have included two-dimensional positions of neurons [5]. This model describes how the position of rivaling images can influence the strength and timing of binocular rivalry. By encoding spatial preferences into the neurons, this model is able to simulate binocular rivalry initiation through changes in object position in addition to changes in inhibition strength. Based on an image’s position, certain neurons may not be directly stimulated, but may spike anyway due to their connections with stimulated neurons, causing a transition into binocular rivalry from normalization. By encoding spatial preferences into the neurons, this model allows phase transitions to occur through changes in object position in addition to changes in inhibition strength.
Ordering for shift-in-mean of Gauss-Markov random fields with dependent observations

Previous work on ordered transmission approaches showed significant transmission savings but focused entirely on cases with statistically independent observations at a set of sensor nodes. Here we take the first steps toward applying ordering to cases with statistically dependent observations. While we focus on a particular signal detection problem, we choose one of the most well studied problems, detection of a shift-in-mean for a multivariate Gaussian distribution. We employ the well developed theory of decomposable graphical models, and focus on cases where the observations are taken at a set of sensor nodes which can be grouped into a set of cliques. We assume the nodes within a clique are physically close, so that inner-clique communications can be considered extremely inexpensive. We present the computation of the overall likelihood ratio as a new sum, distinctly different from the sum over a set of independent variables, which implies it is possible to employ ordering over the cliques in an attempt to limit the number of communications from each clique to the place where the clique data will be combined. We present results that imply we can often save a significant portion of these transmission, which is lower bounded by half of the number of cliques. We describe necessary conditions for the result to hold and provide numerical results indicating these conditions are satisfied in many cases of practical interest.