cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of HaloTag Technology to Expression and Purification of Cannabinoid Receptor CB2

Expression of milligram quantities of functional, stable G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) for high-resolution structural studies remains a challenging task. The goal of this work was to evaluate the usefulness of the HaloTag system (Promega) for expression and purification of the human cannabinoid receptor CB(2), an important target for development of drugs for treatment of immune disorders, inflammation, and pain. Here we investigated expression in Escherichia coli cells of the integral membrane receptor CB(2) as a fusion with the 34 kDa HaloTag at N- or C-terminal location, either in the presence or in the absence of the N-terminal maltose-binding protein (MBP). The CB(2) was flanked at both ends by the tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease cleavage sites to allow for subsequent removal of expression partners. Expression by induction with either IPTG (in E. coli BL21(DE3) cell cultures) or by auto-induction (in E. coli KRX cells) were compared. While the N-terminal location of the HaloTag resulted in high levels of expression of the fusion CB(2), the recombinant receptor was not functional. However, when the HaloTag was placed in the C-terminal location, a fully active receptor was produced irrespective of induction method or bacterial strain used. For purification, the fusion protein was captured onto HaloLink resin in the presence of detergents. Treatment with specific TEV protease released the CB(2) upon washing. To our knowledge, this study represents the first example of expression, surface immobilization and purification of a functional GPCR using HaloTag technology.
Multivariate θ-generalized normal distributions

Abstract A new family of continuous multivariate distributions is introduced, generalizing the canonical form of the multivariate normal distribution. The well-known univariate version of this family, as developed by Box, Tiao and Lund, among others, has proven a valuable tool in Bayesian analysis and robustness studies, as well as serving as a unified model for least θ's and maximum likelihood estimates. The purpose of the family introduced here is to extend, to a degree of generality which will permit practical applications, the useful role played by the univariate family to a multidimensional setting.
Interaction and Wall Corrections for the Slow Motion of Two Fluid or Solid Particles Parallel to the Axis of a Circular Cylinder through a Viscous Fluid

Numerical values are provided which enable the drag force on the reference spherical fluid or solid particle, and the torque on the reference spherical solid particle, to be computed for the particular case when two spherical particles move in a direction parallel to their line of centres parallel to the axis of a circular cylinder. Results for this motion are also expressed in terms of the ratio of drag forces experienced by (1) the particle of arbitrary shape in a bounded, two particle system, and the particle in an unbounded, two particle system, and (2) the particle in a bounded, two particle system, and the particle moving alone with the same speed and orientation in the same, but unbounded, fluid. The computation furnishes the interaction and wall corrections correctly to the first-order in the ratios of characteristic particle dimension to characteristic distance of the particle from both another particle and from the cylinder wall.The axisymmetric problem was extended to the more general case wher...
Environmental and Genotypic Effects on the Respiration Associated with Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Peas

Estimated values for the respiration associated with symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Pisum sativum L. were independent of irradiance, temperature, plant age, and CO2 concentration, despite large variation in the total rates of C2H2 reduction and root + nodule respiration. Similar values were also found in Phaseolus vulgaris L., Vicia faba L. and Glycine max (L.) Merr. Among all combinations of four Pisum cultivars with four Rhizobium leguminosarum inoculants only the plant genotype significantly affected the fixation-linked respiration, although both plant and bacterial types significantly influenced the total rate of C2H2 reduction. On the basis of measured rates of H2 evolution and C2H2 reduction, or total nitrogen gain in the same system, the least respiration per unit of ammonia produced symbiotically was estimated as 4.8 to 6.9 moles CO2 (mole NH3)−1 in Laxton9s Progress and the greatest as 9.3 to 13.3 moles CO2 (mole NH3)−1 in an Indian cultivar, as compared to a theoretical minimum respiration requirement of 4.7 moles CO2 (mole NH3)−1 in peas.
Evolution of activity patterns and chromatic vision in primates: morphometrics, genetics and cladistics

Abstract Hypotheses for the adaptive origin of primates have reconstructed nocturnality as the primitive activity pattern for the entire order based on functional/adaptive interpretations of the relative size and orientation of the orbits, body size and dietary reconstruction. Based on comparative data from extant taxa this reconstruction implies that basal primates were also solitary, faunivorous, and arboreal. Recently, primates have been hypothesized to be primitively diurnal, based in part on the distribution of color-sensitive photoreceptor opsin genes and active trichromatic color vision in several extant strepsirrhines, as well as anthropoid primates (Tan & Li, 1999 Nature 402, 36; Li, 2000 Am. J. phys. Anthrop. Supple. 30, 318). If diurnality is primitive for all primates then the functional and adaptive significance of aspects of strepsirrhine retinal morphology and other adaptations of the primate visual system such as high acuity stereopsis, have been misinterpreted for decades. This hypothesis also implies that nocturnality evolved numerous times in primates. However, the hypothesis that primates are primitively diurnal has not been analyzed in a phylogenetic context, nor have the activity patterns of several fossil primates been considered. This study investigated the evolution of activity patterns and trichromacy in primates using a new method for reconstructing activity patterns in fragmentary fossils and by reconstructing visual system character evolution at key ancestral nodes of primate higher taxa. Results support previous studies that reconstruct omomyiform primates as nocturnal. The larger body sizes of adapiform primates confound inferences regarding activity pattern evolution in this group. The hypothesis of diurnality and trichromacy as primitive for primates is not supported by the phylogenetic data. On the contrary, nocturnality and dichromatic vision are not only primitive for all primates, but also for extant strepsirrhines. Diurnality, and possibly X-linked polymorphic trichromacy, evolved at least in the stem lineage of Anthropoidea, or the stem lineage of all haplorhines.
Function choice, resiliency and growth in genetic programming

In this paper we examine how the choice of functions in a genetic program (GP) affects the rate of code growth and the development of resilient individuals. We find that functions or combination of functions that produce the most resilient individuals often, but not always, produce the most growth. Finally, the results confirm that there is a high correlation between the resiliency of parent individuals and the fitness of their offspring.
The discovery of two new infrared electronic transitions of C2: B1Δg-A1Πu and B′1Σg+-A1Πu

Abstract Two new infrared electronic transitions of C2, B1Δg-A1Πu and B′1Σg+-A1Πu, were observed by Fourier transform emission spectroscopy of hydrocarbon discharges. A set of spectroscopic constants were derived for each vibrational level and then reduced to equilibrium constants, including T e ( cm −1 ) ω e ( cm −1 ) r e ( A ) B 1 Δ g 12 082.3360(40) 1407.4653(13) 1.38548 B′ 1 Σ g + 15 409.1390(39) 1424.1189 1.37735 RKR curves and Franck-Condon factors were calculated from the equilibrium constants.
Information management and visualization

As the electricity industry becomes increasingly competitive, knowledge concerning the capacity, constraints and reliability of the electric system will become a commodity of great value. Electricity markets can be fast changing; understanding the implications of these changes before others can give an important competitive advantage. Power systems, however, are characterized by extremely large sets of data that cover spatial, temporal and contingent dimensions. Therefore the focus of this mini-track is on the management and visualization of the information associated with power markets and power systems. This year there were four accepted papers. The first paper, “Visualization for Shipboard Power Systems” addresses power system visualization as applied to naval ships. The relatively smaller size of the ship power system, as compared to large land-based grids, allows for a detailed and geographical display of the individual power system components, such as generators, cables, switchboards, circuit-breakers, bus transfer switches, and loads. Geographical information provided for these components could be quite useful to assess the impact of faults due to either battle damage or material casualties. The paper presents the details of the visualization and information retrieval tools needed to provide this display. The second paper, “Animation and Visualization of Spot Prices via Quadratized Power Flow Analysis,” moves from displaying detailed device information for a small system to providing techniques for visualizing information about the prices in a large power system. The paper presents a new model for efficient calculation of spot prices, and then presents techniques for the animation and visualization of spot price evolution as the system operating point is changing. The computational method is based on the quadratized power flow approach, which casts the power flow problem as a set of quadratic equations. Once the power flow problem is solved to determine the operating point the spot prices are computed by a linear programming approach. The results are then visualized in a three-dimensional OpenGL display. The third paper in the mini-track, “Displaying Aggregate Data, Interrelated Quantities, and Data Trends in Electric Power Systems,” presents visualization techniques that have actually been implemented in the Tennessee Valley Authority control center to display SCADA information. The paper describes how advanced visualization techniques such as historical trend animations and three-dimensional displays can be used to clarify the complex relationships, aggregate subsystem characteristics, and emerging trends that describe the current state of the TVA system and help predict its future evolution. The last paper in the mini-track, “Data
The genetics of ageing

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans ages and dies in a few weeks, but humans can live for 100 years or more. Assuming that the ancestor we share with nematodes aged rapidly, this means that over evolutionary time mutations have increased lifespan more than 2,000-fold. Which genes can extend lifespan? Can we augment their activities and live even longer? After centuries of wistful poetry and wild imagination, we are now getting answers, often unexpected ones, to these fundamental questions.
Workshop — Writing Noyce proposals to meet NSF expectations

The Robert E. Noyce program was established by Congress to enhance pre-college mathematics and science teaching and learning. During 2009, the program funding was significantly increased to broaden its impact on a national scale. The purpose of this workshop is to introduce engineering faculty to the Noyce program and to inform faculty about desirable aspects of a Noyce proposal.
Chemicals from coal.

Only those persons very well versed in methods of technological change realize how short the time is that remains before the world must make a major shift from oil to coal for its industrial energy needs. The return to coal must provide for clean combustion and conversion to clean industrial fuels. The quickest way to capture significant supplies of new gas and oil is to convert existing boilers and furnaces to burn clean fuels from coal. The following processes that could be realized the soonest are discussed: gasification with steam and oxygen; partial conversion of coal; flash pyrolysis; partial gasification by steam; flash hydrogenation; supercritical gas extraction; chemicals from coal tar; and coal liquefaction. Work has been in progress for many years on rapid pyrolysis of coal in a plasma arc at temperatures beyond 1400/sup 0/C to make acetylene. It is believed the process has the potential of making acetylene competitive with ethylene, but acetylene can only substitute for ethylene in about 17 percent of its uses. 47 references. (MCW)
Immunocompetence and spontaneous regression of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Spontaneous remission of pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma was correlated with a positive response to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). When first seen, the patient was DNCB negative and a chest radiograph showed nodular densities in the right lung and left midlung. Six months after sensitization, the patient had a positive response to DNCB and no evidence of lung metastases. Three mo later, the patient developed brain metastases although X-ray examination showed no pulmonary nodules. A diminished response to DNCB was noted over the next several months and chest X ray verified the return of pulmonary metastases.
Highly efficient differentiation of neural precursors from human embryonic stem cells and benefits of transplantation after ischemic stroke in mice.

Introduction Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, but treatment options are severely limited. Cell therapy offers an attractive strategy for regenerating lost tissues and enhancing the endogenous healing process. In this study, we investigated the use of human embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursors as a cell therapy in a murine stroke model.
Morphology, classification, and distribution of the projection neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the rat.

The morphology of confirmed projection neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the rat was examined by filling these cells retrogradely with biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) injected into the visual cortex. BDA-labeled projection neurons varied widely in the shape and size of their cell somas, with mean cross-sectional areas ranging from 60–340 µm2. Labeled projection neurons supported 7–55 dendrites that spanned up to 300 µm in length and formed dendritic arbors with cross-sectional areas of up to 7.0×104 µm2. Primary dendrites emerged from cell somas in three broad patterns. In some dLGN projection neurons, primary dendrites arise from the cell soma at two poles spaced approximately 180° apart. In other projection neurons, dendrites emerge principally from one side of the cell soma, while in a third group of projection neurons primary dendrites emerge from the entire perimeter of the cell soma. Based on these three distinct patterns in the distribution of primary dendrites from cell somas, we have grouped dLGN projection neurons into three classes: bipolar cells, basket cells and radial cells, respectively. The appendages seen on dendrites also can be grouped into three classes according to differences in their structure. Short “tufted” appendages arise mainly from the distal branches of dendrites; “spine-like” appendages, fine stalks with ovoid heads, typically are seen along the middle segments of dendrites; and “grape-like” appendages, short stalks that terminate in a cluster of ovoid bulbs, appear most often along the proximal segments of secondary dendrites of neurons with medium or large cell somas. While morphologically diverse dLGN projection neurons are intermingled uniformly throughout the nucleus, the caudal pole of the dLGN contains more small projection neurons of all classes than the rostral pole.
Ethanol-induced depression of aggression in mice antagonized by hyperbaric exposure

Abstract The present study investigated the effect of hyperbaric exposure on ethanol-induced depression of aggressive behavior measured by resident-intruder confrontations. Adult male CFW mice (residents) were paired with females and housed together for 26 days. Then, resident mice were intubated with either ethanol (2 g/kg) or water (20 ml/kg) and were exposed to 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA) air, 1 ATA helium oxygen (heliox) or 12 ATA heliox using a within-subjects counterbalanced desing. Thirty minutes after intubation an intruder was introduced. Ethanol significantly decreased aggressive behaviors (attack latency, attack bites, sideways threats, tail rattles and pursuit) in 1 ATA-treated animals. Pressure completely antagonized the depression of aggression induced by ethanol. Ethanol alone and pressure alone did not significantly affect nonaggressive behaviors. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in blood ethanol concentrations 50 minutes after intubation. These results suggest that ethanol's effects on aggressive behavior result from the same membrane actions leading to loss of righting reflex, depression of locomotor activity, tolerance and dependence.
Failure of single electron descriptions of molecular orbital collision processes

Inner-shell excitation occurring in low and moderate (keV range) energy collisions between light atomic and ionic systems is frequently describable in terms of molecular promotion mechanisms, which have been extensively explored both theoretically and experimentally. The bulk of such studies have concentrated on processes understandable through the use of single- and independent-electron models. Nonetheless, it is possible to find cases of inner-shell excitation in relatively simple collision systems which involve nearly simultaneous multiple-electron transitions and transitions induced by inherently two-electron interactions. Evidence for these many- and non-independent-electron phenomena in inner-shell excitation processes and the importance of considering such effects in the interpetation of collisionally induced excitation spectra is discussed.
Efficacy of pneumococcal vaccine.

Excerpt To the editor: In your January issue, Bolan and coworkers (1) argue for the efficacy of pneumococcal vaccine, continuing work first reported 4 years ago (2). They describe current difficult...
cAMP Stimulates Osteoblast-like Differentiation of Calcifying Vascular Cells POTENTIAL SIGNALING PATHWAY FOR VASCULAR CALCIFICATION

The role of the cAMP signaling pathway in vascular calcification was investigated using calcifying vascular cells (CVC) derived from primary aortic medial cell cultures. We previously showed that CVC have fibroblastic morphology and express several osteoblastic differentiation markers. After confluency, they aggregate into cellular condensations, which later mature into nodules where mineralization is localized. Here, we investigated the effects of cAMP on CVC differentiation because it plays a role in both osteoblastic differentiation and vascular disease. Dibutyryl-cAMP or forskolin treatment of CVC for 3 days induced osteoblast-like "cuboidal" morphology, inhibited proliferation, and enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, all early markers of osteoblastic differentiation. Isobutylmethylxanthine and cholera toxin had the same effects. Treatment of CVC with pertussis toxin, however, did not induce the morphological change or increase alkaline phosphatase activity, although it inhibited CVC proliferation to a similar extent. cAMP also increased type I procollagen production and gene expression of matrix gamma-carboxyglutamic acid protein, recently shown to play a role in in vivo vascular calcification. cAMP inhibited the expression of osteopontin but did not affect the expression of osteocalcin and core binding factor. Prolonged cAMP treatment enhanced matrix calcium-mineral incorporation but inhibited the condensations resulting in diffuse mineralization throughout the monolayer of cells. Treatment of CVC with a protein kinase A-specific inhibitor, KT5720, inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization during spontaneous CVC differentiation. These results suggest that the cAMP pathway promotes in vitro vascular calcification by enhancing osteoblast-like differentiation of CVC.
Picosecond processes studied using time-resolved spectroscopic techniques and a pulsed free-electron laser

ABSTRACT The Stanford Free Electron Laser (FEL) is a source of high peak-power, short-pulsed radiation tunable throughout themid- and far-infrared. This light source is ideal for the study of nonlinear spectroscopic processes such as the characterizationof the vibrational dynamics of molecules or the nonlinear optical response of engineered quantum well structures. We havedeveloped a flexible experimental apparatus for conducting these nonlinear experiments. We present here three examples ofpublished work done at the Stanford EEL Center which relied heavily on the unique and flexible characteristics of the StanfordFEL: pump-probe measurements of the SD stretch mode relaxation in amorphous As2S3, photon echo measurements of CO inthree systems, and measurements of second harmonic generation in InGaAs/A1As quantum wells. These examples areindicative of the quality and variety of experiments performed at the Stanford EEL Center in collaboration with outside users.Keywords: free electron lasers, nonlinear spectroscopy, pump-probe spectroscopy, photon echo spectroscopy, secondharmonic generation, vibrational dynamics, ultrafast dynamics, quantum wells, intersubband transitions
Nonrespiratory Sleep Disorders Found in ICU Patients

Intensive care subjects the critically ill patient to a multitude of stressors caused by the severity of illness and the use of invasive treatment modalities and medications. The ICU environment contributes significant stress of its own related to noise, light, 24-hour patient care, and other factors that disturb sleep. Consequently, various sleep pathologies may emerge or worsen in the ICU patient. Some sleep disorder symptomatology may be confused with serious neurologic complications of critical illness and lead to inappropriate testing or treatment, particularly in the patient who has narcolepsy. Given the high prevalence of sleep disorders in the general population, it is essential that the ICU practitioner attain an adequate knowledge of sleep and its disorders.
Free fatty acids decouple oxidative phosphorylation by dissipating intramembranal protons without inhibiting ATP synthesis driven by the proton electrochemical gradient

Free fatty acids (FFA) uncouple oxidative phosphorylation and reverse electron transport and inhibit ATP-Pi exchange in beef heart submitochondrial particles. In this, they resemble classical uncouplers and ionophores. However, in contrast to the latter agents, FFA do not collapse the substrate generated proton electrochemical potential and do not inhibit ATP synthesis when the latter is driven by artificially imposed μ~H. These results lend further support to the suggestion that oxidative phosphorylation depends, in part, on direct intramembranal proton transfer - a process which is specifically uncoupled by FFA and other membrane perturbing agents (e.g. general anesthetics).
Overlapping Motifs (PTAP and PPEY) within the Ebola Virus VP40 Protein Function Independently as Late Budding Domains: Involvement of Host Proteins TSG101 and VPS-4

The VP40 protein of Ebola virus can bud from mammalian cells in the form of lipid-bound, virus-like particles (VLPs), and late budding domains (L-domains) are conserved motifs (PTAP, PPxY, or YxxL; where "x" is any amino acid) that facilitate the budding of VP40-containing VLPs. VP40 is unique in that potential overlapping L-domains with the sequences PTAP and PPEY are present at amino acids 7 to 13 of VP40 (PTAPPEY). L-domains are thought to function by interacting with specific cellular proteins, such as the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4, and a component of the vacuolar protein sorting (vps) pathway, tsg101. Mutational analysis of the PTAPPEY sequence of VP40 was performed to understand further the contribution of each individual motif in promoting VP40 budding. In addition, the contribution of tsg101 and a second member of the vps pathway, vps4, in facilitating budding was addressed. Our results indicate that (i) both the PTAP and PPEY motifs contribute to efficient budding of VP40-containing VLPs; (ii) PTAP and PPEY can function as L-domains when separated and moved from the N terminus (amino acid position 7) to the C terminus (amino acid position 316) of full-length VP40; (iii) A VP40-PTAP/tsg101 interaction recruits tsg101 into budding VLPs; (iv) a VP40-PTAP/tsg101 interaction recruits VP40 into lipid raft microdomains; and (v) a dominant-negative mutant of vps4 (E228Q), but not wild-type vps4, significantly inhibited the budding of Ebola virus (Zaire). These results provide important insights into the complex interplay between viral and host proteins during the late stages of Ebola virus budding.
LINGUISTICS: AN INTRODUCTION. Andrew Radford, Martin Atkinson, David Britain, Harald Clahsen, and Andrew Spencer. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1999. Pp. xvi + 438. $22.95 paper.

The authors begin this introductory text by posing four major questions for the study of language: what is the nature of language, how do we acquire it, how do we use it in speech production and comprehension, and how is it represented in the brain? These questions also define the orientation of the book, which aims to introduce the reader to the study of linguistics through four interrelated subfields: linguistics proper, developmental linguistics, psycholinguistics, and neurolinguistics. Conspicuously absent from the list, of course, is a fifth fundamental question about language: what is the relationship between language use and social structure? Sociolinguistics is only briefly defined and introduced, and discussion of sociolinguistics throughout the text is limited to the relationship between social structure and language variation and change.
Influence of natural dissolved organic matter (DOM) on acute and chronic toxicity of the pesticides chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos and fipronil on the meiobenthic estuarine copepod Amphiascus tenuiremis

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) represents an important carbon phase in coastal environments and influences the partitioning of organic contaminants. In this study, we evaluated the role of salt-marsh sediment-derived DOM vs. DOM-free seawater on the acute and chronic toxicity of three pesticides (chlorothalonil—CHTH, chlorpyrifos—CHPYand fipronil—FIP) to the meiobenthic copepod Amphiascus tenuiremis. Acute toxicity was evaluated via standard 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50), while chronic toxicity was evaluated for 16 days using a 96-well microplate life-cycle bioassay. DOM significantly reduced (pb0.05) acute toxicity of CHTH and CHPY to male and female copepods relative to copepods exposed in DOM-free seawater. In contrast, DOM elevated the acute toxicity of FIP to male copepods. In chronic exposures with/without DOM, CHTH and CHPY did not significantly affect copepodite-to-adult development. In these treatments, plus controls, the majority (95%) of copepodites developed into adults by 8 days. Individuals exposed to FIP in the presence of DOM showed a slower development rate than FIP individuals in DOM-free seawater. Overall, FIP exposed copepodites developed into adult copepods 4 days later than controls. CHTH, CHPY and FIP significantly reduced reproductive success by 33%, 31% and 89%, respectively. DOM, however, mitigated 30% (p=0.006) and 20% (p=0.05) of the reproductive failure attributed to CHTH and CHPY. FIP-induced reproductive failure was high (~80%) in all exposures regardless of DOM presence/absence. An exponential growth model predicted that exposure to CHTH, CHPY and FIP in the absence of DOM significantly reduced (z38%) projected naupliar production relative to DOM-free controls. In the presence of DOM, naupliar production under CHTH and CHPYexposures was not significantly different (pN0.05) from control projections. These results indicate that DOM generally reduced the acute and chronic toxicity of CHTH and CHPY to A. tenuiremis, while certain compound-specific pesticide (FIP): organic associations may enhance acute toxicity of FIP, particularly to male copepods. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Combining structural and functional neuroimaging data for studying brain connectivity: A review

Different brain areas are thought to be integrated into large-scale networks to support cognitive function. Recent approaches for investigating structural organization and functional coordination within these networks involve measures of connectivity among brain areas. We review studies combining in vivo structural and functional brain connectivity data, where (a) structural connectivity analysis, mostly based on diffusion tensor imaging is paired with voxel-wise analysis of functional neuroimaging data or (b) the measurement of functional connectivity based on covariance analysis is guided/aided by structural connectivity data. These studies provide insights into the relationships between brain structure and function. Promising trends involve (a) studies where both functional and anatomical connectivity data are collected using high-resolution neuroimaging methods and (b) the development of advanced quantitative models of integration.
A 300nW near-threshold 187.5–500 kHz programmable clock generator for ultra low power SoCs

We present a 187kHz to 500kHz ADPLL-based clock generator that consumes 300nW from a 0.5V VDD, has a jitter <0.1% and was implemented in a 0.13μm CMOS process. The entire ADPLL was implemented using standard digital design flows and automatic place and route (APR). Moreover, an integrated crystal oscillator (31.25 kHz) is included and serves as the reference for the PLL. Therefore, this is a complete clocking solution for ultra-low power near-threshold SoCs.
The Termination of Related and Unrelated Joint Ventures:A Contingency Approach

Previous research has investigated various factors that influence joint venture (JV) termination. Yet the majority of studies do not distinguish between different types of JVs, particularly whether a JV is related or unrelated to the parent firm. Due to their inherent differences, related and unrelated JVs are likely to evolve distinctly, and their tendency to terminate may also differ under various conditions. This study takes a contingency approach and argues the impact of various factors on JV termination depends upon relatedness. An event history analysis finds increases in environmental uncertainty and higher resource complementarity reduce the likelihood that a firm will terminate unrelated JVs as compared to related JVs. Conversely parent firm performance and wider JV scope increase the likelihood that the firm will terminate unrelated JVs as compared to related JVs. The findings suggest the need to consider JV relatedness in understanding of JV evolution and termination.
Planform: an application and database of graph-encoded planarian regenerative experiments.

Summary: Understanding the mechanisms governing the regeneration capabilities of many organisms is a fundamental interest in biology and medicine. An ever-increasing number of manipulation and molecular experiments are attempting to discover a comprehensive model for regeneration, with the planarian flatworm being one of the most important model species. Despite much effort, no comprehensive, constructive, mechanistic models exist yet, and it is now clear that computational tools are needed to mine this huge dataset. However, until now, there is no database of regenerative experiments, and the current genotype–phenotype ontologies and databases are based on textual descriptions, which are not understandable by computers. To overcome these difficulties, we present here Planform (Planarian formalization), a manually curated database and software tool for planarian regenerative experiments, based on a mathematical graph formalism. The database contains more than a thousand experiments from the main publications in the planarian literature. The software tool provides the user with a graphical interface to easily interact with and mine the database. The presented system is a valuable resource for the regeneration community and, more importantly, will pave the way for the application of novel artificial intelligence tools to extract knowledge from this dataset. Availability: The database and software tool are freely available at http://planform.daniel-lobo.com. Contact: ude.stfut@nivel.leahcim
Sequential metabolic studies of pancreas allograft function in type 1 diabetic recipients

We have previously shown that the loss of acute first phase insulin secretion precedes pancreas allograft rejection and development of glucose intolerance in Type 1 diabetic patients. In order to examine whether there is a progressive loss of phases of insulin secretion and beta-cell function in technically successful pancreas transplants during the first year, we measured glucose, insulin, and C-peptide responses to physiological (mixed meal) and pharmacological (IV glucose and IV glucagon) stimulation in 27 glucose-tolerant, insulin-independent allograft recipients at 3, 6, and 12 months. Mean +/- SE fasting serum glucose levels were normalized throughout the study period. Postprandial serum glucose profiles tended to increase by 12 months compared to 3 and 6 months, although peak glucose levels were not statistically different. Following pancreas transplantation, basal serum insulin levels were high at 3 months (163 +/- 17 pM), 6 months (165 +/- 22 pM), and 12 months (248 +/- 54 pM, p = NS) in the Type 1 diabetic pancreas allograft recipients when compared to normal (25 +/- 3 pM). We observed slight elevations in postprandial insulin and C-peptide profiles at 12 months compared to 3 and 6 months. Following IV glucose and glucagon stimulation, serum insulin and C-peptide levels as well as phases of insulin release did not differ over the 12-month study period. Similarly, the glucose decay constant (KG) was nearly identical at 3, 6, and 12 months. In summary, 1 year following successful whole cadaveric, heterotopic pancreas transplantation in Type 1 diabetic recipients, fasting serum glucose remains normalized, while postprandial glucose tends to rise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Hyperspectral Image Compression Using Three-Dimensional Wavelet Coding

A Hyperspectral image is a sequence of images generated by collecting contiguously spaced spectral bands of data. One can view such an image sequence as a three-dimensional array of intensity values (pixels) within a rectangular prism. We present a Three-Dimensional Set Partitioned Embedded bloCK (3DSPECK) algorithm based on the observation that hyperspectral images are contiguous in the spectrum axis (this implies large inter-band correlations) and there is no motion between bands. Therefore, the three-dimensional discrete wavelet transform can fully exploit the inter-band correlations. A SPECK partitioning algorithm extended to three-dimensions is used to sort significant pixels. Rate distortion (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) vs. bit rate) performances were plotted by comparing 3DSPECK against 3DSPIHT on several sets of hyperspectral images. Results show that 3DSPECK is comparable to 3DSPIHT in hyperspectral image compression. 3DSPECK can achieve compression ratios in the approximate range of 16 to 27 while providing very high quality reconstructed images. It guarantees over 3 dB PSNR improvement at all rates or rate saving at least a factor of 2 over 2D coding of separate spectral bands without axial transformation.
Diagnostic Characterization of a Feral Swine Herd Enzootically Infected with Brucella

Eighty feral swine were trapped from a herd that had been documented to be seropositive for Brucella and which had been used for Brucella abortus RB51 vaccine trials on a 7,100-hectare tract of land in South Carolina. The animals were euthanized and complete necropsies were performed. Samples were taken for histopathology, Brucella culture, and Brucella serology. Brucella was cultured from 62 (77.5%) animals. Brucella suis was isolated from 55 animals (68.8%), and all isolates were biovar 1. Brucella abortus was isolated from 28 animals (35.0%), and isolates included field strain biovar 1 (21 animals; 26.3%), vaccine strain Brucella abortus S19 (8 animals, 10.0%), and vaccine strain Brucella abortus RB51 (6 animals, 7.5%). Males were significantly more likely to be culture positive than females (92.9% vs. 60.6%). Thirty-nine animals (48.8%) were seropositive. Males also had a significantly higher seropositivity rate than females (61.9% vs. 34.2%). The relative sensitivity rates were significantly higher for the standard tube test (44.6%) and fluorescence polarization assay (42.6%) than the card agglutination test (13.1%). Lesions consistent with Brucella infection were commonly found in the animals surveyed and included inflammatory lesions of the lymph nodes, liver, kidney, and male reproductive organs, which ranged from lymphoplasmacytic to pyogranulomatous with necrosis. This is the first report of an apparent enzootic Brucella abortus infection in a feral swine herd suggesting that feral swine may serve as a reservoir of infection for Brucella abortus as well as Brucella suis for domestic livestock.
Inhibition of tissue factor-activated platelets by low-molecular-weight heparins and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist.

Thrombotic disorders can lead to vascular distress and platelet activation eventually resulting in the rupture of the lesions where a sizable amount of tissue factor (TF) is generated during the pathogenesis of arterial diseases. Since low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors are clinically used for the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), studies were taken to determine the effects of these agents on TF-mediated activation of platelets. Freshly drawn native whole blood (WB) from normal healthy volunteers (n = 6) supplemented with a predetermined amount of TF was incubated with equivalent anti-Xa adjusted amounts of various LMWHs at 0.01-1.0 U/ml and tirofiban from 10 to 100 ng/ml. Platelet activation was assessed by measuring the expression of P-selectin (CD62) and the generation of platelet aggregates. At 0.01 U/ml, enoxaparin exhibited a stronger inhibition of TF-induced platelet activation compared to ardeparin and dalteparin. At 0.1 U/ml, these LMWHs produced a comparable inhibition of total P-selectin expression, and at 1.0 U/ml, a marked inhibition was noted. Since enoxaparin produced the best concentration-dependent inhibition of P-selectin expression (saline: 76 +/- 10% vs. 1.0 U/ml enoxaparin: 18 +/- 7%; P 70%; whereas tirofiban failed to produce such concentration-dependent inhibition. This suggests that the simultaneous administration of GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist with LMWH may not have any added benefit in the clinical management of patients with ACS.
A pQCD-based approach to parton production and equilibration in high-energy nuclear collisions☆

Abstract A pQCD-based model for parton production and equilibration in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions is reviewed. The model combines pQCD processes including initial and final state radiations together with string phenomenology for nonperturbative soft processes. Nuclear effects on the initial parton production, such as multiple parton scattering and nuclear shadowing of parton distribution functions are considered. Comparisons with existing data are made and further tests of the model to constrain model parameters are proposed. With the obtained space-time history of the parton production, evolution of the minijet gas toward a fully equilibrated parton plasma is studied. Direct probes of the early parton dynamics, such as pre-equilibrium photon and dilepton production, open charm production, J ψ suppression and jet quenching are also reviewed.
Subunit Isoform Selectivity in Assembly of Na,K-ATPase α-β Heterodimers

Background: The Na,K-ATPase consists of one α (four isoforms) and one β (three isoforms) subunits. Results: The α1 preferentially assembles with β1, whereas α2 preferentially binds to β2 isoform. Conclusion: Assembly of α-β complexes is isoform-selective. Significance: This selectivity is crucial for cell- and tissue-specific functions of the Na,K-ATPase.
Automated classification of renal cell carcinoma subtypes using scale invariant feature transform

The task of analyzing tissue biopsies performed by a pathologist is challenging and time consuming. It suffers from intra- and inter-user variability. Computer assisted diagnosis (CAD) helps to reduce such variations and speed up the diagnostic process. In this paper, we propose an automatic computer assisted diagnostic system for renal cell carcinoma subtype classification using scale invariant features. We capture the morphological distinctness of various subtypes and we have used them to classify a heterogeneous data set of renal cell carcinoma biopsy images. Our technique does not require color segmentation and minimizes human intervention. We circumvent user subjectivity using automated analysis and cater for intra-class heterogeneities using multiple class templates. We achieve a classification accuracy of 83% using a Bayesian classifier.
An educational training program for the care at the site of injury of trauma to the central nervous system

Abstract The treatment of head and spinal cord injuries must be directed towards prevention of secondary insults which will increase the extent of permanent disability. Improved extrication techniques at the scene of the accident, earlier recognition and treatment of complications and improved transfer management have all reduced the acute morbidity and mortality of injuries to the central nervous system. At the University of Virginia we have implemented a comprehensive training program in the acute care of the head and spinal cord injured patient for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), nurses, community referring physicians, and house staff within the medical center. A booklet, prepared for care at the site of injury, outlines the assessment, care and intervention with the head and spinal injury patient for the EMT. Another booklet provides guidelines for care of the patient in the emergency department. Included here are instructions in respiratory care, adequate circulation and spinal splinting. The greatest emphasis is placed on the history and physical examinations, with documentation of the extent of neurologic deficit, including the Glasgow coma scale. Data on 900 pre-hospital calls by volunteer EMTs demonstrate a 90% compliance in basic life support skills outlined in the educational program. A similar compliance has been achieved with referring physicians and house staff in the medical center, in the acute management of the CNS injured patient, due primarily to this educational program and increase in the optimal care of these patients has resulted.
Dual-drive force/velocity control: implementation and experimental results

The authors present the dual-drive control concept, which is a form of hybrid force/velocity control in which the constraint frame is automatically determined from feedback information. This allows compliant tasks to be conveniently specified in terms of a desired (normal) force and a desired (tangential) velocity. The proposed control algorithm is appropriate for compliant tasks that require motion orthogonal to the contact force; for example, turning a crank or tracking a surface. These basic tasks can be performed without the continuous involvement and corresponding overhead of a high-level planner. This is accomplished by the definition of a plane on which compliant motion is to occur and a point with which force and velocity directions are determined. The dual drive controller has been implemented on the SIERA system and is being used to control an IBM 7565 robot. Experimental results for crank-turning and surface-tracking problems are provided to illustrate the algorithm. >
Mother-teen communication about weight management.

Although research shows family members can influence each other's diet and exercise behaviors, the specific strategies that most effectively motivate individuals to enact healthy behaviors have not been revealed. Toward this goal, this study employed confirmation theory to assess how the quality of weight management (WM) communication between 107 mother–teen dyads was related to their diet and exercise behaviors as well as their subjective perceptions of the productivity of WM conversations. Confirmation theory proposes two components of confirmation: acceptance and challenge. Analyses revealed that accepting and challenging communication were both positively related to the perceived productivity of WM conversations. However, more complex associations emerged for diet and exercise. Acceptance was more helpful in motivating better eating habits for mothers with low health motivation and teens with high health motivation. For exercise, challenge was helpful in motivating teens with higher sensitivity about ...
The Impact of Duplicate Orders on Demand Estimation and Capacity Investment

Motivated by a $2.2 billion inventory write-off by Cisco Systems, we investigate how duplicate orders can lead a manufacturer to err in estimating the demand rate and customers' sensitivity to delay, and to make faulty decisions about capacity investment. We consider a manufacturer that sells through two distributors. If a customer finds that his distributor is out of stock, then he will sometimes seek to make a purchase from the other distributor; if the latter is also out of stock, the customer will order from both distributors. When his order is filled by one of the distributors, the customer cancels any duplicate orders. Furthermore, the customer cancels all of his outstanding orders after a random period of time. Assuming that the manufacturer is unaware of duplicate orders, we prove that she will overestimate both the demand rate and the cancellation rate. Surprisingly, failure to account for duplicate orders can cause short-term underinvestment in capacity. However, in long-term equilibrium under stable demand conditions the manufacturer overinvests in capacity. Our results suggest that Cisco's write-off was caused by estimation errors and cannot be blamed entirely on the economic downturn. Finally, we provide some guidance on estimation in the presence of double orders.
Ring furrows: Inversion of topography in Martian highland terrains

Viking Orbiter images showing ring furrows (as defined by De Hon, 1984) and related structures on the Martian highlands are presented and analyzed. It is pointed out that ring furrows occur only on modified or dissected plains and plains within hilly or cratered terrain, that all ring furrows are breached in some way, and that they appear to arise at the same time as nearby valley systems (although they do not contain small valleys themselves). A number of features with some similarities to ring furrows are discussed, and it is suggested that the furrows arise as a result of a sequence of processes including crater formation on a plains surface, partial burial by plains-forming materials, and preferential water/ice erosion of the exposed rim. The presence of significant ground-water/ice storage systems near ring furrows is inferred.
Tunable diode laser spectroscopy for isotope analysis-detection of isotopic carbon monoxide in exhaled breath

A high resolution tunable infrared diode laser spectroscopy system was developed for isotope analysis with sensitivity at parts per billion levels. Such a system is ideally suited for detection and measurement of minute amounts of infrared active compounds present in a huge noninfrared active background such as air. The operation and capabilities of the system were demonstrated by measuring physiological levels of isotopic carbon monoxide, /sup 12/C/sup 16/O and /sup 13/C/sup 16/O, naturally present in exhaled human breath with essentially no sample preparation. The simplicity in obtaining such data suggests that fundamental physiological information may be derived from noninvasive measurements. This makes the system potentially useful for many biomedical applications. >