cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The HopQ1 Effector’s Nucleoside Hydrolase-Like Domain Is Required for Bacterial Virulence in Arabidopsis and Tomato, but Not Host Recognition in Tobacco

Bacterial pathogens deliver multiple effector proteins into host cells to facilitate bacterial growth. HopQ1 is an effector from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 that is conserved across multiple bacterial pathogens which infect plants. HopQ1’s central region possesses some homology to nucleoside hydrolases, but possesses an alternative aspartate motif not found in characterized enzymes. A structural model was generated for HopQ1 based on the E. coli RihB nucleoside hydrolase and the role of HopQ1’s potential catalytic residues for promoting bacterial virulence and recognition in Nicotiana tabacum was investigated. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing HopQ1 exhibit enhanced disease susceptibility to DC3000. HopQ1 can also promote bacterial virulence on tomato when naturally delivered from DC3000. HopQ1’s nucleoside hydrolase-like domain alone is sufficient to promote bacterial virulence, and putative catalytic residues are required for virulence promotion during bacterial infection of tomato and in transgenic Arabidopsis lines. HopQ1 is recognized and elicits cell death when transiently expressed in N. tabacum. Residues required to promote bacterial virulence were dispensable for HopQ1’s cell death promoting activities in N. tabacum. Although HopQ1 has some homology to nucleoside hydrolases, we were unable to detect HopQ1 enzymatic activity or nucleoside binding capability using standard substrates. Thus, it is likely that HopQ1 promotes pathogen virulence by hydrolyzing alternative ribose-containing substrates in planta.
Recent geothermal investigations in Honduras: An overview

Abstract Since 1985, the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey have worked with the Empresa Nacional de Energia Electrica of Honduras to perform a geothermal assessment of six areas in Honduras. A combination of reconnaissance and detailed techniques was used to eliminate from consideration the sites of lower potential. Detailed geophysical investigations were performed at two high-potential sites and three geothermal gradient coreholes were drilled at the highest potential site, Platanares. High-temperature fluids were encountered in two of these coreholes, while one hole was non-flowing. Evaluation of all the data collected suggests that there are two levels to the geothermal reservoir at Platanares. A shallow ( 1.2 km) reservoir at a temperature of 225° is indicated by fluid geothermometers.
Vertical and outboard migration: a progress report

The primary method for gaining performance improvement on a fixed-hardware architecture is to tailor the soft components, i.e. the application program, the operating system, or the firmware, to the performance requirements. This paper deals with two specific forms of performance tuning called vertical and outboard migration. These terms refer respectively to migrating (pieces of) functions from higher levels to lower levels in a software/firmware/hardware hierarchy and to migrating such functionality to auxiliary processors such as I/O processors which can run in parallel with the CPU to offload it. The performance gains in vertical migration result from the elimination of CPU overhead, while those in outboard migration result from the ability to offload the CPU and have separate (special-purpose) processors execute the migrated code asynchronously and in parallel with CPU execution.
Differential thermal studies of polymethyl methacrylate-impregnated cement pastes

Abstract Differential thermal curves have been obtained for two polymethyl methacrylate-impregnated cement pastes prepared at a water/cement ratio of 0.37 and 0.70. Complex thermal effects, including a substantial decrease in the endothermal peak for Ca(OH)2 decomposition, were observed in samples heated in air. These effects originate in the portland cement paste, in the polymer, and from interactions between the polymer and the hydrated cement during heating. Less complex effects resulted when DTA was carried out in N2. There was no evidence of a reaction between the hydrated cement and PMMA during impregnation.
Allocating development assistance for health

Abstract Background In the past decade, development assistance for health (DAH) distributed to developing countries grew at an annual rate of 11·6%, to a total of US$31·3 billion in 2013. Although this substantial rise in DAH is well documented, little has been done to quantify the determinants of its allocation. Methods We derived estimates of total DAH received by recipient country during 5 year intervals from 1990–2010 from data published in the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's Financing Global Health 2012 report. Disease burden information during the same period was available from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. Other country-level characteristics that might affect the allocation of aid, such as gross domestic product and quality of governance, were also included. We use linear regression to identify patterns that typify how DAH is allocated across countries and time. Findings Income is associated with the allocation of DAH across countries but not across time, meaning that donors provide more health aid for low-income countries than for high-income countries, but an increase in a country's wealth with time does not mean it will receive less aid. Countries that are democratic and have civil or political rights receive more aid. Regarding disease burden, countries with a larger disease burden receive more DAH. A 10% increase in disease burden is associated with a 6% increase in DAH. Unlike gross domestic product, changes in disease burden within a country, over time, do affect DAH allocation; this is especially true for transparent and democratic countries. In these countries, a 10% increase in burden (which might be caused by disease epidemic or rising population) would result in up to a 30% increase in DAH. Lastly, DAH allocation is especially responsive to a recipient country's burden of HIV/AIDS. Interpretation This analysis provides evidence that donors give less to high-income countries and more to democracies with increased disease burdens. However, when disease burden is examined in greater detail, the emergence of HIV/AIDS as a primary driver of aid allocation is interesting in view of the diverse set of priorities within the global health agenda. With the growth of DAH slowing due to the economic crisis and an increasing number of non-state organisations operating in global health, knowledge of which factors affect resource allocation at the aggregate level can inform discussions about whether resources are being distributed appropriately. Funding The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stochastic models for an open biochemical system

Abstract This paper uses the theory of Markov processes to derive stochastic models for a single open biochemical system at stȩady state under 3 sets of assumptions. The system is a one substrate, one product reaction. Each set of assumptions results in a separate solution for the probability functions. A system of linear equations in the probability function as well as an equivalent differential equation in its generating function are derived. The assumption of no flux leads to the first (exact) solution of the linear equations. The form agrees with that of the closed systems. Making assumptions that simplify the system to model active transport results in the second (exact) solution to the linear equations. Assuming the presence of a large number of molecules in the system facilitates obtaining the third (approximate) solution to the differential equations.
Efficient general asymmetric syntheses of 3-substituted 1(3H)-isobenzofuranones in very high enantiomeric excess

Abstract The intermolecular asymmetric reduction of methyl o-(1-oxoalkyl)benzoates with B-chlorodiisopinocampheylborane provides, after workup, 3-alkylphthalides in ≥97% ee. Unfortunately, this procedure is not as efficient for the preparation of 3-arylphthalides. However, an intramolecular reduction of B-(o-benzoylbenzoyloxy)diisopinocampheylborane, readily prepared by the treatment of o-benzoyl benzoic acid with diisopinocampheylborane, provides 3-phenylphthalide in ≥96% ee.
Carbon budget studies of symbiotic cnidarian anemones-evidence in support of some assumptions

Abstract Current models of carbon flux in symbiotic cnidarians are based on a number of parameters which are particularly difficult to measure directly. One of these is the duration of cytokinesis ( t d ), which in turn affects calculations of the algal-specific growth rate ( μ z ) and the carbon used for growth of the whole algal population ( C μ ). Conventionally a single t d value of 11 h, published from work on symbiotic algae in a tropical jellyfish, has been used even for the algae in Anthopleura elegantissima (Brandt), a temperate zone intertidal anemone. A model testing the effect of varying t d on carbon budget calculations reveals the significance of the choice of t d . Additionally we present evidence for the equivalence of nighttime and daytime respiration rates in A. elegantissima . Finally, the metabolic activity of the insoluble mesogleal matrix of the anemone is shown to be insignificant, and can be ignored without compromising carbon budget calculations.
347 Brain Tissue Oxygenation in Very Low Birth Weigth Infants |[lpar]|VLBWI|[rpar]| Immediately After Delivery During Resuscitation Using Sustained Inflations

Background: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to study cerebral oxygenation during various conditions in the NICU. However, essentially no information is available on brain tissue oxygenation in VLBWI immediately after delivery. Objective: To study the timely relationship of brain tissue oxygenation (Sto2) as measured by NIRS in VLBWI immediately after delivery. Methods: A Foresight laser diod NIRS device was attached to the head of 14 VLBWI (GA 28.2±3.1 wks, BW 907±301 g) immediately after delivery. Preductal arterial oxygenation (Spo2) was measured using pulse oxymetry and infants were exposed to CPAP 5 cmH2o, an initial Fio2 = 0.40 and a sustained inflation (15 s) with a pressure of 20 cmH2o. Depending on the response of the heart rate and Spo2 a second inflation with 25 cmH2o and a third inflation with 30 cmH2o was allowed. Fio2 was adjusted according to pulse oximetry readings and was increased to 1.0 if heart rate did not increase within one minute. Thereafter, infants were supported with nasal IMV. Results: Heart rate, preductal Spo2, Sto2 during the first 6 minutes of life are given in the graph (medians, lower and upper quartiles). Figure Conclusions: Sto2 monitoring is feasible in VLBWI immediately after delivery. Sto2 values are lower immediately after delivery as compared to reference values obtained from healthy full-term newborn infants (Fauchere et al. J. Pediatr 2010) and remain low for the first minute of life to raise slowly with increasing heart rate.
Transcriptome Sequencing of a Large Human Family Identifies the Impact of Rare Noncoding Variants

Recent and rapid human population growth has led to an excess of rare genetic variants that are expected to contribute to an individual’s genetic burden of disease risk. To date, much of the focus has been on rare protein-coding variants, for which potential impact can be estimated from the genetic code, but determining the impact of rare noncoding variants has been more challenging. To improve our understanding of such variants, we combined high-quality genome sequencing and RNA sequencing data from a 17-individual, three-generation family to contrast expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTLs) within this family to eQTLs and sQTLs within a population sample. Using this design, we found that eQTLs and sQTLs with large effects in the family were enriched with rare regulatory and splicing variants (minor allele frequency < 0.01). They were also more likely to influence essential genes and genes involved in complex disease. In addition, we tested the capacity of diverse noncoding annotation to predict the impact of rare noncoding variants. We found that distance to the transcription start site, evolutionary constraint, and epigenetic annotation were considerably more informative for predicting the impact of rare variants than for predicting the impact of common variants. These results highlight that rare noncoding variants are important contributors to individual gene-expression profiles and further demonstrate a significant capability for genomic annotation to predict the impact of rare noncoding variants.
Endogenous immune response to early- and intermediate-stage melanoma is correlated with outcomes and is independent of locoregional relapse and standard prognostic factors.

Abstract Background Standard prognostic factors, including precise staging of the regional lymph nodes, cannot accurately determine which early-stage melanomas will metastasize. The immune response to a 90-kd tumor-associated antigen correlates with occult nodal disease and survival of patients receiving vaccine therapy for melanoma. We hypothesized that this response might have prognostic significance independent of standard prognostic features. Study design Patients with primary melanomas 1.01 to 2.00 mm and tumor-negative regional lymph nodes were identified. Group 1 comprised 50 patients who died of metastases within 7 years after complete surgical treatment; group 2 comprised 50 patients who were matched with group 1 for six standard prognostic features but who lived at least 10 years without recurrence. Postoperative sera were analyzed for an immune complex to TA90 and for immunoglobulin-G and immunoglobulin-M antibodies against TA90. Results Median thickness of the primary melanoma was 1.40 ± 0.31 mm and 1.42 ± 0.32 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively; median Clark's level of invasion was III in both groups, and 26 patients in each group had ulcerated primaries. Median TA90-IC level and rate of TA90-IC positivity (optical density greater than 0.410) were 0.557 ± 0.43 and 82%, respectively, in group 1 and 0.305 ± 0.15 and 18%, respectively, in group 2 (p Conclusions A positive TA90-IC level and absence of an anti-TA90 IgM response correlate with distant metastasis when melanoma is low risk or intermediate risk by standard prognostic factors.
A regional strategy for geothermal exploration with emphasis on gravity and magnetotellurics

Abstract As part of the resource evaluation and exploration program conducted by Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory for the national Hot Dry Rock (HDR) Geothermal Program, a regional magnetotelluric (MT) survey of New Mexico and Arizona is being performed. The MT lines are being located in areas where the results of analysis of residual gravity anomaly maps of Arizona and New Mexico, integrated with other geologic and geophysical studies indicate the greatest potential for HDR resources. The residual gravity anomalies are derived by applying the concept of predicting gravity anomalies from topography. This can be accomplished by employing reductions similar to those used in some isostatic investigations, in which a regional topographic surface is used as the Bouguer reduction datum. The datum is derived by comparison of various harmonics of Bouguer anomalies and elevations of stations. Topography can be used to predict Bouguer anomalies because of isostatic compensation; the resultant anomalies can be considered high frequency residual anomalies or isostatic anomalies corrected for regional compensation. Such maps have been produced for Arizona, New Mexico, west Texas, and Chihuahua, Mexico. The main objective of the MT project is to produce a regional geoelectric contour map of the pervasive deep electrical conductor within the crust and/or upper mantle beneath the Colorado Plateau and the adjacent Basin and Range Province and Rio Grande Rift. The MT survey consists of 200 sites along several long profiles with site spacing of 15–20 km. Pre-existing available MT data are being integrated with the new data. After the data are processed, a one-dimensional inversion is applied to the sounding curve and used as a starting point for 2-D modeling. Such a project and ultimate map will be of major value in studying the regional geophysics and tectonics of the southwest United States as they now apply to HDR resources in particular and geothermal resources in general. Electrical conductivity anomalies of large areal extent are of particular interest in geothermal exploration. Correlation analysis of large conductive anomalies with other geophysical, geological, and geotectonic data is being performed. Preliminary analysis of the data has suggested several major regions of anomalously shallow high electrical conductivity. Among these is the Aquarius area of northwest Arizona which is the site of a longwavelength residual anomaly low, which when modeled and correlated with other geophysical data can be shown to be possibly related to low density and high temperature in the crust at depths of 20 km or less. Preliminary analysis of MT data indicates the possible existence of a mid-crustal high electrical conductivity anomaly in this same region.
Accessorizing the human mitochondrial transcription machinery

The human genome comprises large chromosomes in the nucleus and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) housed in the dynamic mitochondrial network. Human cells contain up to thousands of copies of the double-stranded, circular mtDNA molecule that encodes essential subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes and the rRNAs and tRNAs needed to translate these in the organelle matrix. Transcription of human mtDNA is directed by a single-subunit RNA polymerase, POLRMT, which requires two primary transcription factors, TFB2M (transcription factor B2, mitochondrial) and TFAM (transcription factor A, mitochondrial), to achieve basal regulation of the system. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the structure and function of the primary human transcription machinery and the other factors that facilitate steps in transcription beyond initiation and provide more intricate control over the system.
Control of the nanoscale crystallinity in mesoporous TiO2 shells for enhanced photocatalytic activity

Mesoporous hollow TiO2 shells with controllable crystallinity have been successfully synthesized by using a novel partial etching and re-calcination process. This method involves several sequential preparation steps as follows: 1) Synthesis of SiO2@TiO2@SiO2 colloidal composites through sol–gel processes and crystallization by calcination, 2) partial etching to preferentially remove portions of the SiO2 layers contacting the TiO2 surface, and 3) re-calcination to crystallize the TiO2 and finally etching of the inner and outer SiO2 to produce mesoporous anatase TiO2 shells. The partial etching step produces a small gap between SiO2 and TiO2 layers which allows space for the TiO2 to further grow into large crystal grains. The re-calcination process leads to well developed crystalline TiO2 which maintains the mesoporous shell structure due to the protection of the partially etched outer silica layer. When used as photocatalysts for the degradation of Rhodamine B under UV irradiation, the as-prepared mesoporous TiO2 shells show significantly enhanced catalytic activity. In particular, TiO2 shells synthesized with optimal crystallinity by using this approach show higher performance than commercial P25 TiO2.
Relationship of Dm and VC to pulmonary diffusing capacity during exercise

Abstract Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (D lco ) single breath method was determined at rest and at different grades of exercise. Membrane diffusing capacity (D m ) and pulmonary capillary blood volume (V c ) were computed. Blood volume increased as severity of exercise increased but Dm remained essentially unchanged. Exercise in the supine position failed to increase D m over the values observed in the erect position. The data suggest that the increase in D l with exercise stems primarily from an increase in capillary volume with minor alteration in exchange area. A change in capillary shape from an elliptical to a circular configuration is postulated to explain these results. Such a geometric change would provide an increase in volume without an increase in surface area.
Collective hadronic Higgs production in heavy-ion collisions

Abstract We study collective and subthreshold Higgs production due to the formation of high energy density matter (QGP) associated with a rapid change of the scalar density 〈 π π〉 . The rapidity spectra of Higgs particles are discussed in the Bjorken collision scenario and for a spherically expanding fireball. We briefly consider options for experiments.
Patterns of brain activation in people at risk for Alzheimer's disease

Background The e4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is the chief known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia late in life. To determine the relation between brain responses to tasks requiring memory and the genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease, we performed APOE genotyping and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain in older persons with intact cognition. Methods We studied 30 subjects (age, 47 to 82 years) who were neurologically normal, of whom 16 were carriers of the APOE e4 allele and 14 were homozygous for the APOE e3 allele. The mean age and level of education were similar in the two groups. Patterns of brain activation during functional MRI scanning were determined while subjects memorized and recalled unrelated pairs of words and while subjects rested between such periods. Memory was reassessed in 14 subjects two years later. Results Both the magnitude and the extent of brain activation during memory-activation tasks in regions affe...
Bivalvia – a look at the Branches

Systematic research on bivalved molluscs (Mollusca: Bivalvia = Pelecypoda) is briefly reviewed in an introduction to a series of papers focusing on seven of the larger branches of the bivalve tree. These are presented in an attempt to summarize current knowledge, to stimulate new research and to highlight needs for future research focus. A revised classification of extant bivalve families (with synonyms and included subfamilies) is presented, based on information compiled from the latest palaeontological, morphological and molecular data. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 148, 223–235.
Association of cytosolic lipids with fatty acid synthase from lactating mammary gland

Abstract 1. 1. Membrane-free cytosol contained over 4% of both the total lipids and phospholipids present in homogenates of lactating rat mammary gland, and much of this lipid was associated with a high molecular weight complex isolated from cytosol by gel exclusion chromatography or by density gradient centrifugation. 2. 2. This complex principally consisted of polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 220 and 116kDa. Lipids associated with this complex were transferred to endoplasmic reticulum and to intracellular lipid droplet precursors of milk lipid globules upon incubation in a cell-free system. 3. 3. This lipoprotein complex was abundant in cytosol from lactating mammary gland, but was diminished in amount in cytosol from involuted mammary glands. The 220 kDa constituent of this complex was identified as the monomer of fatty acid synthase. 4. 4. These results suggest that fatty acid synthase complex in lactating mammary gland may function in transfer of lipids necessary for formation or growth of lipid droplet precursors of milk lipid globules.
Nephrotoxicity: A comparison in humans of gentamicin and gentamicin C1 administration

Abstract The relative nephrotoxicities of the gentamicin complex (Garamycin) and gentamicin C 1 were studied using “acute” (intravenous infusion, five normal renal function subjects) and 3-day (multiple injections for 3 days, five normal renal function subjects) administration of the drug. Inulin, creatinine, and para -aminohippurate (PAH) clearances, renal concentrating capacity, urinary alkaline phosphatase, N -acetyl-β- d -glucosaminidase and β-glucuronidase enzyme excretions, and quantitative urinary sediment counts were measured before and during treatment. Although transient elevations of urinary enzymes occurred with both drugs, these were judged neither excessive nor abnormal. Renal function indicators showed no change after drug administration and there were no significant differences between drugs. Also, urinary sediment showed no changes from normal, and the gentamicin C 1 administration was not significantly different from results after gentamicin complex administration. By the presently rather imprecise criteria defining the lower limits of nephrotoxicity, neither drug when administered by the present recommendations for the upper dose limits for therapy with gentamicin complex was shown to be toxic. The 3-day multiple-dosing schemes for both drugs results in a total dose comparable to chronic dosing for 7–10 days at more usual doses and were judged to be comparable.
Online temporal calibration for camera-IMU systems

When fusing visual and inertial measurements for motion estimation, each measurement's sampling time must be precisely known. This requires knowledge of the time offset that inevitably exists between the two sensors' data streams. The first contribution of this work is an online approach for estimating this time offset, by treating it as an additional state variable to be estimated along with all other variables of interest inertial measurement unit IMU pose and velocity, biases, camera-to-IMU transformation, feature positions. We show that this approach can be employed in pose-tracking with mapped features, in simultaneous localization and mapping, and in visual-inertial odometry. The second main contribution of this paper is an analysis of the identifiability of the time offset between the visual and inertial sensors. We show that the offset is locally identifiable, except in a small number of degenerate motion cases, which we characterize in detail. These degenerate cases are either i cases known to cause loss of observability even when no time offset exists, or ii cases that are unlikely to occur in practice. Our simulation and experimental results validate these theoretical findings, and demonstrate that the proposed approach yields high-precision, consistent estimates, in scenarios involving either known or unknown features, with both constant and time-varying offsets.
An investigation of the effect of online consumer trust on expectation, satisfaction, and post-expectation

This study proposes a framework regarding the relationship between consumer trust, satisfaction, expectation, and post-expectation in the context of electronic commerce. In particular, the framework draws together from three theories: social exchange theory, expectation-confirmation theory, and post-acceptance model of IS continuance. Following the longitudinal pre-purchase and post-purchase stages, this study provides a theoretical framework combining trust, expectation, satisfaction, and post-expectation (i.e., perceived usefulness) and tests the proposed model empirically using Internet consumer behavior data collected via two rounds of Web surveys. The empirical findings suggest that both consumer's trust and expectation have positive influences on consumer's satisfaction; a significant and positive relationship is detected between consumer's trust and expectation; customer's satisfaction and perceived usefulness as post-expectation belief are important predictors of repurchase intention. In consequence, the study provides a framework explaining the subsequent relationships of trust, expectation, confirmation, satisfaction, post-expectation, and repurchase intention (i.e., consumer trust ? expectation ? confirmation ? satisfaction ? post-expectation ? repurchase intention) across pre-purchase and post-purchase stages. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Uncalculated impacts of unsustainable aquifer yield including evidence of subsurface interbasin flow.

ABSTRACT: Unsustainable withdrawals from regional aquifers have resulted in adverse impacts considerable distances from the point locations of supply wells. In one area of the southeastern (SE) Coastal Plain, conservative estimates for repair/replacement of some residential wells damaged or destroyed by unsustainable yield from the Floridan aquifer system exceeded $4 million. However, a comprehensive assessment of damage/economic loss to private property and public resources due to unsustainable yield from that regional karst aquifer has not been made. Uncalculated direct costs to home-owners from damage attributed to those withdrawals are associated with destruction of homes from increased sinkhole formation, devalued waterfront property, and removal of diseased and dead trees. Examples of other uncalculated economic burdens resulting from unsustainable aquifer yield in the SE Coastal Plain include: (1) irreversible damage to the aquifer matrix and concomitant increased potential for groundwater contamination, (2) large-scale wildfires with subsequent degradation of air quality, debilitation of transportation corridors, and destruction of timber, wildlife habitat and property, and (3) destruction of “protected” natural areas. This paper provides a general background of the regional Floridan aquifer system's karst characteristics, examples of known impacts resulting from ground water mining in the SE Coastal Plain, and examples of additional damage that may be related to unsustainable yield from the Upper Floridan aquifer. Costs of these impacts have not been calculated and are not reflected in the price users pay for ground water. Evidence suggests that the classic watershed management approach must be revised in areas with mined regional karst aquifers to include impacts of induced recharge from the surficial aquifer, and subsurface inter-basin flow. Likewise, associated impacts to surface water and interrelated systems must be calculated. The true cost of groundwater mining to this and future generations should be determined using a multidisciplinary approach.
Effects of NaF on amylase in mung bean seedlings

Abstract Extracts obtained from mung bean ( Vigna radiata ) seedlings treated with NaF at 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 5.0 mM for 48 and 72 hours have been studied for amylase activity. NaF at concentrations as low as 1.0 mM was found to inhibit the enzyme. The inhibitory effect of fluoride was markedly diminished in the presence of added CaCl2. These data suggest that the F--induced inhibition of amylase in mung bean seedlings may be due to the interaction of F- with Ca2+, which is required for enzyme activity.
Thinned charged-coupled devices with flat focal planes for UV imaging

A versatile post-fabrication process to produce thinned, flat, back-illuminated charge-coupled devices (CCDs) has been developed at Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Microdevices Laboratory. This technique is compatible with many ultraviolet enhancement treatments and has been demonstrated with the delta doping process. The significance of this demonstration is that thinned, robust, and flat CCDs are produced without the use of epoxies or waxes using temperatures and materials that are compatible with standard CCD fabrication and delta doping processes. In our approach, the CCD is attached by thermocompression bonding to a specially-designed silicon substrate using gold-gold diffusion bonding prior to thinning. CCDs with optically flat membranes (10 - 20 micrometers ) were produced with excellent yield. These flat CCDs have been successfully delta doped. We will discuss the process of producing thinned flat CCDs, their delta doping, and our results to date.
Citrus Juice Modulates Antioxidant Enzymes and Lipid Profiles in Orchidectomized Rats

Oxidative stress and hypogonadism are two factors linked to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in males. Eating fruits and vegetables is known to reduce the incidences of oxidative stress. The objective of this research was to delineate whether drinking daily squeezed orange juice (OJ) or grapefruit juice (GJ) modulates oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes while impacting cardiovascular risk factors in hypogonad male rats. In the present study, 36 1-year-old male rats were equally divided among the following four treatments: sham (control), orchidectomized (ORX), ORX + OJ, and ORX + GJ. After 60 days of drinking OJ or GJ, antioxidant capacity, cholesterol, and triglycerides in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), cholesterol, and triglycerides in liver were evaluated. Serum antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities decreased (P < .05), while serum cholesterol and liver triglycerides increased (P < .05) in the ORX group compared with the sham group. In contrast to the ORX group, drinking OJ was ineffective while drinking GJ decreased (P < .05) cholesterol concentration in liver and in serum. Nevertheless, OJ and GJ decreased (P < .05) triglyceride concentration in liver and increased (P < .05) serum antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities compared with the ORX group. In conclusion, drinking OJ or GJ prevented oxidative stress by enhancing total antioxidant capacity and elevating liver antioxidant enzymes while modulating cardiovascular risk factors.
MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES AND SEASONAL MEAN REVERSION IN STOCK RETURNS

In this paper I investigate whether seasonal mean reversion in stock portfolio returns is related to common macroeconomic risk factors. I decompose excess returns into explained and unexplained returns using a multifactor pricing model. The explained excess returns exhibit January mean reversion; the unexplained excess returns do not. The mean reversion can be attributed to the components of return related to unexpected inflation, bond default premium, and market risk. The results do not depend on the time-series properties of the portfolio betas. Bond default premia and excess market returns are mean reverting in January.
Phenol and Catechol Biodegradation by the Haloalkaliphile Halomonas campisalis: Influence of pH and Salinity

Removal of aromatic compounds from alkaline and/or saline industrial wastewater is an environmental concern for industry. In addition, aromatics may be accumulating in soda lakes, unique natural sy...
Optical flow based volumetric spatio-temporal interpolation

Acquisition of three-dimensional medical images with excellent spatial resolution is achieved almost always at the cost-dictating expense of increased acquisition time. This can be mitigated using shape-respecting inter-slice interpolation of sparsely acquired datasets. Existing shape and registration based interpolation techniques are suboptimal. This paper proposes a new optical flow based approach to interpolate between sparse data. The Horn and Schunck technique is used to estimate the pixel-wise flow vectors across the slices; intermediate data planes can be reconstructed from these flow vectors. The proposed technique is accurate and computationally fast. Coupled with anatomy aware sparse acquisitions, the proposed technique shows promise of judiciously managing the patient-specific acquisition.
Effect of ADP on binding of skeletal S1 to F-actin.

The proximity of skeletal myosin subfragment-1 (S1) to actin, and its orientation with respect to thin filaments of single muscle fibers, were compared in the presence and in the absence of ADP. The proximity was assessed by the efficiency of carbodiimide-induced cross-linking and the orientation by polarization of fluorescence of probes attached to the essential light chains. ADP made no difference in proximity or orientation when the molar ratio of S1 to actin was low or high. However, at the intermediate ratios, ADP made a significant difference. Strong dissociating agents, AMP-PNP and PPi, made significant differences at all ratios. To explain this behavior, it is unnecessary to invoke the ADP-induced "swinging" of the tail of S1. Rather, it is simply explained by the "two-state" model which we proposed earlier, in which S1 binds to one or to two actin protomers, depending on the saturation of the filaments with S1s. The dissociation induced by the ADP shifts the equilibrium between the two bound states. At high and low degrees of saturation, ADP is unable to significantly decrease the amount of S1 bound to F-actin. However, at intermediate saturation levels, ADP causes significantly more S1s to bind to two actins. These results suggest that the ADP-induced changes seen at the intermediate molar ratios are due to the dissociation-induced reorientation of S1. It has been suggested that the conformational change associated with the power stroke of a cross-bridge occurs in the "tail" region of myosin subfragment-1 (S1) 1 (1). Support for this hypothesis has been obtained from the electric birefringence experiments (2) which showed that changes in the hydrodynamic radius of S1 upon hydrolysis of ATP could be explained by the changes occurring in the tail region. Small-angle synchrotron X-ray scattering experiments showed that conformational change occurred in the tail of S1 during the hydrolysis of ATP (3) and upon the binding of different ATP analogues (4). Similarly, recent studies have suggested that structural (5) and chemical (6) differences between the complexes of S1‚Mg‚ADP carrying different phosphate analogues occur near the COOH terminus of the motor domain. Also, the light chain region of myosin is capable of motions independent of the catalytic domain (7). In view of these findings, it is reasonable to expect that part of the muscle power stroke arises from the rotational motion of the tail. Recently, such rotational motion has been observed in the regulatory light chain of smooth S1 and brush border myosin I bound to skeletal actin (8, 9). The rotation was caused by the desorption of ADP. However, it has been reported that ADP had no effect on the orientation of S1 from skeletal muscle (10, 11). Since the mode of binding of skeletal
Entry of Burkholderia organisms into respiratory epithelium: CFTR, microfilament and microtubule dependence.

Background The pathogenesis of infection with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) organisms may be linked to its capacity to invade respiratory epithelium.
Personality differences in inclusive behavior.

Summary.-Inclusive behavior on a word-inclusion test differed significantly in psychiatric clinic out-patients between 17 males with passive personality profiles and 19 males with active personalicy profiles as gauged by the MillonIllinois Self-report Inventory. When asked to select only those words absolutely necessary to a key word, actives chose significantly fewer words than passives. The effect of personality differences on perceptual and cognitive style can be studied best in a psychiatric population in which rigidity of coping strategies tends to perpetuate extreme styles which are found in a lesser degree in a normal population. Variations in inclusive behavior of psychiatric patients support the current skepticism about certain nosological labels, such as "schizophrenia," defining a cohesive group sharing the same symptoms. Furthermore, at the present time there are many conflicting theories about the cause and significance of inclusive behavior. Thus, if a relationship can be shown between personality and inclusive behavior, benefits that might result are ( 1) the development of a greater appreciation of personality in the selection of subjects for perceptual and cognitive research, (2) potential improvement in differential diagnoses of psychiatric syndromes and understanding of behavior classified as "normal," and (3) possible clarification of conflicting theories about what causes inclusiveness. In this study, subjects were classified as having active or passive personality profiles on the basis of their scores on the Millon-Illinois Self-report Inventory (Millon, 1975), an instrument which measures the style with which different personalities cope with various behavioral, cognitive and perceptual tasks. In line with Millon's theory of personality (1969), the active profiles of the type selected for this study would tend to be suspicious, selective, testy, and obstructive while the passives would be complacent, compliant, respectful, and ingratiating. A word-inclusion paper-and-pencil test similar to that used by Epstein ( 1953) and Sturm ( 1965 ) was administered to the active and passive groups. The test used in this study was shorter in length and simpler in vocabulary. It was more appropriate for this patient population and less likely to involve correlation with intelligence and verbal knowledge, a problem with the
American Society of Clinical Oncology 2008 Clinical Practice Guideline Update: Use of Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Protectants

Purpose To update a clinical practice guideline on the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy protectants for patients with cancer. Methods An update committee reviewed literature published since the last guideline update in 2002. Results Thirty-nine reports met the inclusion criteria: palifermin and dexrazoxane, three reports (two studies) each; amifostine, 33 reports (31 studies); and mesna, no published randomized trials identified since 2002.
Ethanol‐related cytotoxicity catalyzed by CYP2E1‐dependent generation of reactive oxygen intermediates in transduced HepG2 cells

To establish direct linkage between the ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450, CYP2E1, ethanol hepatotoxicity, and lipid peroxidation, a HepG2 cell line which expresses human CYP2E1 was established by retroviral infection. Ethanol produced a time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells expressing the CYP2E1 but not to control cells. The ethanol toxicity was prevented by inhibitors of CYP2E1 and antioxidants. In a similar manner, addition of a polyunsaturated fatty acid such as arachidonic acid produced toxicity to the cells expressing CYP2E1 but not the control cells. Toxicity was associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation and was prevented by antioxidants. The ethanol and arachidonic acid toxicity was apoptotic in nature and was associated with activation of Caspases I and III. The toxicity and apoptosis could be prevented by peptide inhibitors of ICE and by transfection with a plasmid containing the cDNA for human Bcl-2. These results show that this HepG2 cell model can be used to establish a CYP2E1-dependent ethanol hepatotoxicity system, and that induction of a state oxidative stress appears to play a central role in the CYP2E1-dependent apoptosis and cytotoxicity.
Prevalence of sperm in the post-ejaculatory urine of fertile and subfertile men.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of sperm within post-ejaculatory urine in both fertile and infertile men. METHODS Fifteen men of proven fertility and 66 non-azoospermic men being evaluated for infertility were recruited in two academic centers. Laboratory studies included a semen analysis and the examination of post-ejaculate urine for the presence and concentration of sperm. RESULTS The median total urine sperm count for the fertile group (26.6 million) was not significantly greater than the infertile group (8.3 million, P = 0.63). The median percentage of total sperm (urine plus semen) present in urine for the fertile group (14.8%) was not different from that in the infertile group (15.3%, P = 0.36). Sperm were found in the urine of 73% of fertile and 65% of infertile patients (P = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of sperm in the post-ejaculatory urine in the fertile population is similar to that in infertile patients, which suggests that a great deal more information is needed to interpret this test in the management of these patients.
Pattern identification in dynamical systems via symbolic time series analysis

This paper presents symbolic time series analysis (STSA) of multi-dimensional measurement data for pattern identification in dynamical systems. The proposed methodology is built upon concepts derived from Information Theory and Automata Theory. The objective is not merely to classify the time series patterns but also to identify the variations therein. To achieve this goal, a symbol alphabet is constructed from raw data through partitioning of the data space. The maximum entropy method of partitioning is extended to multi-dimensional space. The resulting symbol sequences, generated from time series data, are used to model the dynamical information as finite state automata and the patterns are represented by the stationary state probability distributions. A novel procedure for determining the structure of the finite state automata, based on entropy rate, is introduced. The diversity among the observed patterns is quantified by a suitable measure. The efficacy of the STSA technique for pattern identification is demonstrated via laboratory experimentation on nonlinear systems.
Complications associated with retained foreign bodies from infected penile implants: proposal for the use of an implant-specific checklist at the time of device removal.

Abstract Introduction Infection of a penile prosthesis requires that all device hardware and associated foreign materials are removed, irrespective of whether a salvage procedure will be performed. Failure to remove all foreign bodies from the operative field may result in persistent infection, necessitating surgical intervention. Aim To review our experience with complications arising from retained foreign bodies following removal of an infected penile prosthesis. We highlight the clinical features that should raise suspicion of retained device‐associated materials, and also the role of imaging in evaluating these patients. Finally, a rational approach to prevent these occurrences is proposed with the implementation of an implant‐specific checklist. Methods Medical records and imaging studies of patients presenting to our center with retained foreign bodies following removal of an infected penile prosthesis were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures Clinical and radiologic details of each of these cases were abstracted, including patient demographics, presenting symptoms, characteristics of retained materials, bacterial cultures, treatment, and follow‐up. Results Presenting symptoms included: (i) persistent and relapsing drainage from cutaneous fistulae; (ii) cellulitis overlying an infected reservoir; (iii) persistent penile pain; and (iv) an asymptomatic individual requesting elective placement of a second implant. Infected foreign materials retrieved included: two rear‐tip extenders, a tubing connector, two infected reservoirs, and nonabsorbable mesh. Preoperative computerized tomography scan confirmed the presence and the location of all of these materials. Using this data, we propose using an implant‐specific checklist to insure removal of all device‐related foreign bodies when explanting an infected penile prosthesis. Conclusions A number of adverse sequelae may result from inadvertently leaving behind device‐related materials when an infected implant is removed. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the surgeon removing an infected implant to insure that all device components and associated materials are removed. We believe that implementing a two‐step implant‐specific checklist is a rational prevention strategy.
Innovation and collaboration in traditional food chain networks

This paper aims to explore innovations implemented by SMEs in the traditional food sector and how chain network members are contributing to this process. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with suppliers, food manufacturers and customers in three European countries with different cultural backgrounds (Italy, Hungary and Belgium). The results show that the members of traditional food chain networks focus mainly on product innovation and least on organisational innovation. Collaboration between the chain network members is an important factor for enhancing the innovation competence of the firms. However, the collaboration intensity depends on the position of the members in the chain network. Further studies could focus on quantitative research to determine whether a higher level of collaboration among all chain network members leads to a higher level of innovation competence in SMEs. Moreover, the direction of the relationship between innovation competence and collaboration should be explored.