cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microscope-Integrated OCT-Guided Volumetric Measurements of Subretinal Blebs Created by a Suprachoroidal Approach.

Purpose To investigate the use of imaging modalities in the volumetric measurement of the subretinal space and examine the volume of subretinal blebs created by a subretinal drug delivery device utilizing microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (MIOCT). Methods An MIOCT image-based volume measurement method was developed and assessed for accuracy and reproducibility by imaging ceramic spheres of known size that were surgically implanted into ex vivo porcine eyes. This method was then used to measure subretinal blebs created in 10 porcine eyes by injection of balanced salt solution utilizing a subretinal delivery device via a suprachoroidal cannula. Bleb volumes obtained from MIOCT were compared to the intended injection volume. Results Validation of image-based volume measurements of ceramic spheres showed accuracy to ±0.029 µL (5.6%) for objects imaged over the posterior pole and ±0.025 µL (4.8%) over peripheral retina. The mean expected injection volume from extraocular tests of the suprachoroidal cannula was 66.44 µL (σ = 2.4 µL). The mean injection volume as measured by the MIOCT imaging method was 54.8 µL (σ = 12.3 µL), or 82.48% of expected injection volume. Conclusions MIOCT can measure the volume of subretinal blebs with accuracy and precision. The novel suprachoroidal approach using a subretinal delivery device was able to deliver greater than 80% of expected injection volume into the subretinal space, as assessed by MIOCT. Translational relevance MIOCT provides a method for visualization, and analysis of images enables surgeons to quantify and evaluate the success of subretinal drug delivery via a suprachoroidal approach.
Jesus as Humble Servant

Servant leadership provides an important theological, social, and cultural model regarding ethical norms and principles in human interactions. Utilizing an exegetical analysis of John 13, this chapter explores how Jesus modeled service as the currency of Heaven and considered the practical implications for servant leadership in contemporary organizations such as: the role of leader humility in follower development, the relationship between a leader’s example and trust building, the legacy of service within the organizational context, and the transcendent nature of service in organizations.
Carr, Barnes, The Lenin Plot: The Untold Story of America’s Midnight War Against Russia

Barnes Carr, who worked for many years as a journalist with newspapers from Boston to New Orleans, has written a dramatic and colorful account of American overt and covert involvement in Russia fro...
Signs and symptoms of genetic conditions – A handbook

The book entitled “Signs and Symptoms of Genetic Conditions – A Handbook” by Louanne Hudgins, Helga V. Toriello, Gregory M. Enns, and H. Eugene Hoyme. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2014, ISBN 978-0-19-993097-5, first edition. The learning curve in the field of genetics is steep. There is so much to learn that knowing where to even begin can be overwhelming. My first goal upon entering the field was to find was a good text to guide me. In the months before starting my fellowship, I asked everyone for advice on what to purchase and ended up with a small collection of books – all of which were not quite as easy to digest as I had hoped. I picked up Signs and Symptoms of Genetic Conditions with the trepidation that I might not retain much, and was pleasantly surprised that the information was both easily understood and retained. The authors dive right into genetics with some descriptions of the lab tests often ordered by geneticists. It is quite straightforward, with many nuggets
Single-Particle Motions

What makes plasmas particularly difficult to analyze is the fact that the densities fall in an intermediate range. Fluids like water are so dense that the motions of individual molecules do not have to be considered. Collisions dominate, and the simple equations of ordinary fluid dynamics suffice. At the other extreme in very low-density devices like the alternating-gradient synchrotron, only single-particle trajectories need be considered; collective effects are often unimportant. Plasmas behave sometimes like fluids, and sometimes like a collection of individual particles. The first step in learning how to deal with this schizophrenic personality is to understand how single particles behave in electric and magnetic fields. This chapter differs from succeeding ones in that the E and B fields are assumed to be prescribed and not affected by the charged particles.
In vivo three dimensional MRI of GL261 syngeneic gliomas concurrently with analysis of CNS infiltrating tumor-specific killer T cell responses

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most lethal of cancers. Enhancing anti-tumor killer T cell responses via dendritic cell vaccines has correlated with a positive outcome in selected GBM patients. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which killer T cell responses to GBM are inhibited or enhanced remain poorly defined. We therefore developed the GL261 “Quad Cassette” glioma cell line that expresses model T cell epitopes in the immunocompetent C57BL/6 mouse. Tumor size and inflammatory profiles observed in these animals was then compared to C57BL/6 mice administered the parent GL261 glioma cell line. Resulting tumors present with a tumor mass surrounded by considerable edema visible by gadolinium enhanced T1 and T2 weighted MRI. Both edema and tumor mass visible by MRI were quantified using Analyze 10.0 software which enables 3D volumetric analysis of MRI images. C57BL/6 mice with GL261 “Quad Cassette”, but not parent GL261 gliomas, presented with smaller tumor mass and significant brain infiltrating tumor specific Kb:ova specific CD8 T cells. We therefore conclude that the GL261 Quag Cassette system is suitable for studying tumor epitope specific CD8 T cell responses using the vast genetic and immunologic resources available for the C57BL/6 mouse background. Furthermore, incorporation of the first true 3D volumetric analysis of GL261 glioma size with small animal MRI will enable investigation of immunotherapeutic treatments in vivo without euthanizing the animal.
Neue Rechnungslegungsnormen im Handelsrecht (New Accounting Standards in Commercial Law)

This book (published in 2001 in German language by Verlag Osterreich in Vienna) discusses the internationalization of financial accounting from a corporate and accounting law perspective.Chapter 1 discusses criticism of the traditional accounting systems in the German-speaking countries, and why policymakers were seeking to remedy these by transitioning to IAS (now IFRS) on the level of group accounts.Chapter 2 describes the accounting principles in existence at the time of writing, their legal character, and the standard setting process. Besides accounting law, this includes the “principles of proper bookkeeping” in Germany and Austria, EU principles such as the “true and fair view”, and pronouncements of professional bodies.Chapter 3 provides an international comparison by looking at the accounting standard setting process in the United States, the United Kingdom, and at the IASC (now IASB), and it also discusses the legal basis of the recently created German Accounting Standards Committee.Chapter 4 investigates potential problems the introduction of IAS (now IFRS) would have to face in a corporate law system such as the Austrian one, which is heavily based on the Second EU Company Law Directive and thus defines core legal concepts (e.g. “asset”) in a different way than IAS/IFRS or US GAAP do. The use of concepts such as fair value in individual accounts would therefore require, from the 2001 perspective, various changes to the legal capital system.Consequently, chapter 5 addresses the possibility of distinguishing between different sets of accounting standards within the legal system, i.e. between entity level and consolidated accounts, between different legal forms, between publicly traded and privately held firms, and between financial and tax accounting.Chapter 6 discusses whether and how an Austrian accounting standards board could be introduced, and what legal basis its pronouncements could have.
Practicum Experiences in an Educational Program for Teachers of the Gifted.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a practicum course in an educational program for teachers of the gifted. A total of 209 teachers served as subjects. Results indicated that the teachers found the practicum teaching, observations of their teaching, and papers they wrote effective learning experiences. Observer's ratings of the teachers indicated that a majority performed well in the practicum. The overall conclusion is that the practicum was effective in preparing teachers for work with the gifted.
PNEUMATIC ILEAL PERFORATION: AN UNUSUAL COMPLICATION OF COLONOSCOPY

Pneumatic perforation of the bowel is a rare complication of colonoscopy. Pneumatic ileal perforation complicating this procedure has not been reported. We describe a case of pneumatic ileal perforation during colonoscopy in an elderly lady who also had adhesions from previous abdominal surgery. A relative lack of symptomatology, the finding of a clean ileal perforation at surgery, and a benign postoperative period characterized her course. Possible etiological factors are discussed with reference to the literature dealing with intraluminal pressures in the bowel. Pressure much higher than the physiological pressure is likely to be reached during colonoscopy, with reflux of air across the ileocecal sphincter acting as a safety mechanism. Bursting pressures differ for different layers of the bowel and from segment to segment. This report calls attention to certain risk factors which might lead to a remote perforation during colonoscopy.
State funeral regulations: inside the black box

This study estimates the effects of state regulations affecting funeral markets. It accounts for multiple major categories of regulations and demand inducement as well as direct price effects. While concurring with prior studies that find ready-to-embalm regulations increase funeral costs and decrease the percentage of cremations, this study finds that several other state regulations are associated with significantly higher receipts per death. The regulation with the largest apparent effect on average funeral costs is the direct disposition license, which is associated with a $1250 reduction in receipts per death. Restrictive regulations affect the revenues of funeral homes and services to a much greater extent than they affect the revenues of cemeteries and crematories, and in some cases the regulations even increase funeral homes and services’ share of industry revenues. Thus, it appears that funeral homes receive most of the benefits of regulation.
Natural gradient based blind multi user detection in QPSK DS-CDMA system

Blind Multi User Detection (BMUD) is the process of simultaneously estimating multiple symbol sequences associated with all users in the downlink of a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication system using only the received data. We propose to apply Natural Gradient based online Blind Source Recovery (NGBSR) techniques using either the feedforward or the feedback symbol recovery structures to achieve the global task of BMUD for QPSK DS-CDMA systems. The quasi-orthogonality of the spreading codes and the inherent independence among the various transmitted user symbol sequences form the basis of the proposed BMUD methods. The application of these algorithms is justified since a slowly fading multipath CDMA environment is conveniently represented as a linear combination of convolved independent symbol sequences. The proposed structures and algorithms demonstrate promising results as compared to the conventional detection techniques comprised of matched filters (MF), RAKE, subspace LMMSE and LMMSE receivers. Illustrative simulation results compare the BER performance of the two proposed online BMUD structures to the conventional detectors.
Hydride-exchange reactions between NADH and NAD+ model compounds under non-steady-state conditions. Apparent and real kinetic isotope effects

The kinetics of the hydride exchange reaction between NADH model compound 10-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (MAH) and 1-benzyl-3-cyanoquinolinium (BQCN+) ion in acetonitrile were studied at temperatures ranging from 291 to 325 K. The extent of reaction–time profiles during the first half-lives are compared with theoretical data for the simple single-step mechanism and a 2-step mechanism involving initial donor/acceptor complex formation followed by unimolecular hydride transfer. The profiles for the reactions of MAH deviate significantly from those expected for the simple single-step mechanism with the deviation increasing with increasing temperature. The deviation from simple mechanism behavior is much less pronounced for the reactions of 10-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine-10,10-d2 (MAD) which gives rise to extent of reaction dependent apparent kinetic isotope effects (KIEapp). Excellent fits of the experimental extent of reaction–time profiles with theoretical data for the 2-step mechanism, in the pre-steady-state time period, were observed in all cases. Resolution of the kinetics of the hydride exchange reaction into the microscopic rate constants over the entire temperature range resulted in real kinetic isotope effects for the hydride transfer step ranging from 40 (291 K) to 8.2 (325 K). That the reaction involves significant hydride tunnelling was verified by the magnitudes of the Arrhenius parameters; EaD − EaH = 8.7 kcal mol−1 and AD/AH = 8 × 104. An electron donor acceptor complex (λmax = 526 nm) was observed to be a reaction intermediate. Theoretical extent of reaction–time profile data are discussed for the case where a reaction intermediate is formed in a non-productive side equilibrium as compared to the case where it is a real intermediate on the reaction coordinate between reactants and products. The common assumption that the two cases are kinetically indistinguishable is shown to be incorrect.
Bioadhesive N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide copolymers for colon-specific drug delivery

N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers were evaluated as colon-specific drug carriers. Their design was based on the concept of site-specific binding of carbohydrate moieties complementary to colonie mucosal lectins and on the concept of site-specific drug (5-aminosalicylic acid) release by the microbial azoreductase activity present in the colon. A new 5-aminosalicylic acid-containing monomer was synthesized and incorporated into the copolymer together with the fucosylamine (bioadhesive moiety )-containing comonomer by radical copolymerization. The in vitro release rate of 5-ASA from HPMA copolymers by azoreductase activity in guinea pig cecum was approx. 2.5 times lower than from a low molecular weight analog. The azoreductase activities in cecum contents of guinea pig, rat, and rabbit as well as in human feces were determined. The relative activities for rat:guinea pig:human:rabbit were 100:65:50:28. Both in vitro and in vivo HPMA copolymer-containing side-chains terminated in fucosylamine showed a higher adherence to guinea pig colon when compared to HPMA copolymer without fucosylamine moieties. The incorporation of 5-ASA-containing aromatic side-chains into HPMA copolymers further increased their adherence probably by combination of nonpecific hydrophobic binding with specific recognition.
Removal of Solubilized Solvent Extractants from Aqueous Waste Streams

(1981). Removal of Solubilized Solvent Extractants from Aqueous Waste Streams. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology: Vol. 18, No. 7, pp. 561-562.
Restoration and Economics: A Union Waiting to Happen?

In this article, our objective is to introduce economics as a tool for the planning, prioritization, and evaluation of restoration projects. Studies that develop economic estimates of public values for ecological restoration employ methods that may be unfamiliar to practitioners. We hope to address this knowledge gap by describing economic concepts in the context of ecological restoration. We have summarized the most common methods for estimating the costs and benefits of restoration projects as well as frameworks for decision analysis and prioritization. These methods are illustrated in a review of the literature as it applies to terrestrial restoration in the United States, with examples of applications of methods to projects. Our hope is that practitioners will consider collaborating with economists to help ensure that restoration costs and benefits are identified and understood.
Plant exudates trigger leaf-trenching by cabbage loopers, Trichoplusia ni (Noctuidae)

Cabbage loopers, Trichoplusia ni, cut a narrow trench across leaves of plants that release exudate, then feed distal to the trench in an area of reduced exudation. The larvae do not normally trench plant species such as plantain, Plantago lanceolata, that lack exudate. To determine what cues elicit trenching, I reared larvae to the final instar on plantain, then applied test solutions to their mouthparts during feeding. Loopers that received latex from Lactuca serriola (Asteraceae) or phloem exudate from watermelon, Citrullus vulgaris (Cucurbitaceae), often responded by cutting a trench in plantain, even though these larvae had not previously encountered exudate nor previously trenched. Loopers that were allowed to trench and feed on L. serriola for 1 day prior to the assay subsequently cut trenches in plantain more frequently and in response to more fluids, including a viscous solution of polyethylene glycol and latex from a non-host, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Subsequent bioassays with larvae reared entirely on plantain tested whether bitter cucurbitacins or gelation are essential cues for trenching. Sap from non-bitter cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus) caused larvae to trench, showing that cucurbitacins are not required to induce trenching. Loopers also trenched after receiving cucumber sap that did not gel due to the addition of mercaptoethanol. An extract of sap lacking the proteins that cause gelation likewise triggered trenching. Further fractionation revealed that cucumber sap and also butternut squash sap (Cucurbita moschata) contain trenching stimulants that are small (molecular weight < 3,000) water-soluble molecules.
Fourth order expansions of the luni-solar gravity perturbations along rotating axes for trajectory optimization

Abstract A fourth order extension of the analytic form of the accelerations due to the luni-solar gravity perturbations along rotating axes is presented. These derivations are carried out in order to increase the accuracy of the dynamic modeling of perturbed optimal low-thrust transfers between general elliptic orbits, and enhance the fidelity of trajectory optimization software used in simulations and mission analyses. A set of rotating axes attached to the thrusting spacecraft is used such that both the thrust and perturbation accelerations due to Earth's geopotential and the luni-solar gravity are mathematically resolved along these axes prior to numerical integration of the actual trajectory. This Gaussian form of the state as well as the adjoint differential equations form a set of equations that are readily integrated and an iterative process is used to achieve convergence to a desired transfer. This analysis further reveals that further extensions to higher orders, say to the fifth order and beyond, are not needed to extract even more accuracy in the solutions because the minimum-time transfer solutions become fully stabilized in the sense that they do not exhibit any differences beyond a fraction of a second, or at most a few seconds even in the more extreme cases of very large orbits with apogee heights around 100,000 km with strong lunar influence.
Can professional competence be measured

Assessment procedures can evaluate potential for competent practice, but cannot assure consistent and wise use of that potential.
An all oral antiemetic regimen for patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplant

The purpose of the study was to assess the toxicity and efficacy of an oral, combination antiemetic regimen including granisetron (Kytril; SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia, PA, USA) in the setting of highly emetogenic conditioning chemotherapy for stem cell transplantation. Antiemetic prophylaxis consisted of oral granisetron 2 mg once daily, oral prochlorperazine 10 mg q 6 h and oral dexamethasone 4 mg q 6 h, beginning 1 h prior to chemotherapy on each of the 4 days of chemotherapy and continuing until 24 h after the completion of high-dose chemotherapy (HDC). Patients received either CVP (cyclophosphamide 6 g/m2, VP-16 1800 mg/m2 and carboplatin 1200 mg/m2) or CTP (thiotepa 500 mg/m2 in place of VP-16) in four daily doses given over 4 h from days -4 to -1. Previously mobilized and cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) were reinfused on day +1. Evaluation of nausea, emetic episodes (EE), adverse events, and rescue medications were recorded on a daily patient diary. Thirty-six patients were entered. Fifty-three percent (95% CI = 37-75%) of patients achieved complete response for emesis (CR = 0 EE/24 h) and 75% (95% CI = 58-90%) had combined complete and major response (CR+MR = 0-3 EE/24 h) during all 5 of the treatment days. During the 5 study days, the average number of patient-days with no emesis was 3.7 (74%) and with 1-3 EE was 4.3 (86%). On days -4, -3, -2, -1 and 0, the combined CR+MR rate for emesis was 97, 92, 86, 78 and 75%, respectively. Nausea was absent or mild on all 5 study days in 57% (95% CI = 37-75%). Eight patients had severe late-onset emesis occurring on days +1 to +3 after reinfusion of stem cells. No clinically significant toxicities attributable to the antiemetic regimen were observed. An all oral antiemetic regimen of granisetron, prochlorperazine and dexamethasone appears to be safe and highly effective in patients receiving multiple, daily, high-dose chemotherapy regimens. This regimen offers the advantage of cost-savings, a low side-effect profile and ease of administration in the predominately outpatient setting of HDC with peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT).
Further studies of nerve membranes labeled with fluorescent probes.

By using the technique of intracellular perfusion combined with fluorescence measurements, the mode of binding of 6-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-2-sulfonate (2–6 TNS) in a squid giant axon was examined. The apparent dissociation constant for the binding sites in axons was found to be roughly 0.22mm. Out of approximately 5×1014 molecules/cm2 of 2–6 TNS bound to the sites in and near the axonal membrane, roughly 2×1010 molecules/cm2 are shown to contribute to a transient decrease in fluorescence during nerve excitation. By recording fluorescence signals with a polarizer and analyzer inserted in four different combinations of orientations, studies were made of the directions of the transition moments of various probe molecules relative to the longitudinal axis of the axon. Among hydrophobic probes examined, the polarization characteristics of the fluorescence signals obtained with 1–8 derivatives of aminonaphthalenesulfonate (1-8 ANS, 1-8 TNS and 1-8 AmNS) were found to be very different from those obtained with 2–6 derivatives (2-6 ANS, 2-6 TNS and 2-6 MANS). A tentative interpretation is proposed to account for this difference in physiological behavior between 1–8 and 2–6 derivatives. It is emphasized that measurements of fluorescence polarization yield significant information concerning the structure of the axonal membrane.
Ideal performance of cascade and noncascade intersubband and interband long-wavelength semiconductor lasers

The ideal performance of cascade and noncascade intersubband and interband laser active regions is directly compared in a cavity-insensitive way. For devices not limited by series resistance or series voltage (such as can in principle be accomplished by cascading) the relevant figure of merit is the net material gain per unit volumetric power dissipation density in the active region. This figure of merit is evaluated at 77 and 300 K for a variety of structures relying on interband and intersubband transitions, each of which may constitute the active region of a cascade or noncascade device. A design for an 11 μm laser active region is proposed whose ideal performance exceeds that of current intersubband lasers.
Structure of Mixed Solvent Electrolyte Solutions via Gibbs Ensemble Monte Carlo Simulation

Abstract Previously reported Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulations of vapor-liquid equilibrium in methanol-water and methanol-water-NaCl mixtures are extended to permit study of the microscopic structure of the liquid phases of these systems. The salt effect in a prototypical mixed solvent electrolyte solution (water-methanol-NaCl) is microscopically interpreted in terms of the structural changes undergone by the solvation shells of the ions in the liquid phase of water-methanol-NaCl systems in vapor-liquid equilibrium at constant pressure.
Glucose tolerance sums and glucose: Insulin ratios in children☆☆☆

Criteria employed for the diabetic or nondiabetic designation of oral glucose tolerance test results obtained in children are not uniform. The use of the venous blood glucose tolerance sum calculation, which is the sum of the blood glucose levels at 0, 12, 1, and 2 hr (GTS0–2 hr) or at 0, 1, 2, and 3 hr (GTS0–3 hr) of an oral glucose tolerance test (1.75 g/kg), simplifies the evaluation of test results. When the venous blood GTS0–2 hr value is 500 or less in children, the probability is 98% or better that the test does not meet the criteria of the World Health Organization, the United States Public Health Service, the British Diabetic Association, or those of Fajans and Conn for diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, venous blood GTS0–2 hr values of 701 or higher indicate that the test results meet each of these four sets of standards for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Venous blood GTS0–2 hr values between 501 and 700 indicate an equivocal glucose tolerance; the test results would be deemed to be nondiabetic by some of the criteria but not by others. The equivocal range of venous blood GTS0–3 hr values lies between 451 and 650. Three-hour glucose tolerance sums below 451 indicate that the results are nondiabetic by the four sets of criteria and those above 650 signify that the test would be classified as diabetic by these same four sets of standards. In children with unimpaired oral glucose tolerance with GTS0–2 hr value of 500 or less, the glucose: insulin ratios yield values of 1.0 or less. This is within the range established in healthy young adult nonoverweight females.
Alterations in membrane molecular dynamics in erythrocytes of patients with affective illness

Over the past twenty years, evidence has accumulated in support of membrane alterations in bipolar affective illness. In addition there is now substantial evidence that membrane phospholipid composition and molecular dynamics can alter the activity of membrane proteins such as receptors, channels and enzymes. The present study demonstrates distinct alterations in erythrocyte membrane molecular dynamics in medication free bipolar I patients but not in recurrent depressed patients. The findings are the same for bipolar I patients whether in the manic or depressed state (inpatients and outpatients), and do not correlate significantly with depression and mania scores or with the length of illness. It also is observed that medications can modify membrane molecular dynamics but cannot produce the alterations demonstrated. These findings suggest possible enzymatic defects which could be responsible for the molecular psychobiology of bipolar illness. Depression 1:88–100 (1993). © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The vibration-rotation spectrum and anharmonic potential of H3+

Abstract Some qualitative effects of anharmonicity on the spectra of H3+ and D3+ between low vibrational levels are described. Using large-basis vibration-rotation calculations with a Morse-based discrete variable representation for the vibrations and a symmetric-top basis for the rotations, new spectra of H3+ and D3+ have been assigned. This procedure was assisted by adjusting eight coefficients for H3+ and six coefficients for D3+ in the Meyer-Botschwina-Burton ab initio potential function, and eventually 621 new and old lines of H3+ to levels up to 3ν2 and 529 new and old lines of D3+ to levels up to 2ν2 have been fitted with standard deviations of 0.118 and 0.059 cm−1, respectively. An attempt is made to compare five different potential energy functions for the H3+ system, two ab initio and three adjusted to fit spectra of H3+ or D3+, by expanding them by the same procedure in the same variables. For extension of the present work to higher vibrational levels, more accurate boundary behaviour at linear configurations will be required, and some aspects of the use of hyperspherical coordinates are discussed.
Characterization of enzymatic properties of human ribonucleotide reductase holoenzyme reconstituted in vitro from hRRM1, hRRM2, and p53R2 subunits.

Abstract Ribonucleotide reductase (RR) is a highly regulated enzyme in the deoxyribonucleotide synthesis pathway. RR is responsible for the de novo conversion of ribonucleoside diphosphates to deoxyribonucleoside diphosphates, which are essential for DNA synthesis and repair. Besides two subunits, hRRM1 and hRRM2, p53R2 is a newly identified member of RR family that is induced by ultraviolet light in a p53-dependent manner. To understand the molecular interaction of RR subunits, we employed a eukaryotic expression system to express and purify all three subunits. After in vitro reconstitution, the results of [3H]CDP reduction assay showed that both eukaryotic recombinant hRRM2 and p53R2 proteins could interact with hRRM1 to form functional RR holoenzyme. The reconstituted RR activity was time-dependent and the reaction rate reached the plateau phase after 40 min incubation. No matter the concentration, RR holoenzyme reconstituted from p53R2 and hRRM1 could only achieve about 40–75% kinetic activity of that from hRRM2 and hRRM1. The synthetic C-terminal heptapeptide competition assays confirmed that hRRM2 and p53R2 share the same binding site on hRRM1, but the binding site on hRRM1 demonstrated higher affinity for hRRM2 than for p53R2. In allosteric regulation assay, the effect of activation or inhibition of hRRM1 with ATP or dATP suggested that these effectors could regulate RR activity independent of different RR small subunits. Taken together, the eukaryotic expression system RR holoenzyme will provide a very useful tool to understand the molecular mechanisms of RR activity and the interactions of its subunits.
HOST-PLANT-INDUCED ASSORTATIVE MATING IN ENCHENOPA TREEHOPPERS.

The hypothesis tested here is whether extrinsic host-plant-induced life-history timing and mating biology promote assortative mating along host-plant lines. In the arboreal, univoltine Enchenopa treehopper system, host plants mediate the timing and synchronization of egg hatch. The result is a uniform age structure with a restricted mating window during which females mate once. Enchenopa on host plants that differ in phenology have asynchronous life histories and mating windows, suggesting that temporal differences may promote assortative mating. To test this hypothesis, egg hatch of Enchenopa from the same host-plant species was manipulated to produce continuous adult age-classes. Under experimental conditions with no spatial barriers, mating occurred between individuals similar in age. The mechanism promoting this assortative mating is differential mortality in males and females, such that few males are still alive when females in successive age-classes mate. Such host-plant-induced assortative mating is viewed as an effective mechanism to protect the integrity of gene pools from migrants, permitting selection for host-plant-adapted genotypes and speciation.
Flash EPROM disturb mechanisms

Analyses have been performed on floating-gate avalanche-injection MOS transistor (FAMOS) devices which have been subjected to write/erase cycling, resulting in hole injection into the tunnel dielectric. Theoretical and experimental analysis of these devices have shown that the bits which exhibit fast erase due to these trapped holes are highly modulated by the field across the tunnel dielectric. Two distinct disturb mechanisms, one of which is heavily impacted by write/erase cycling, have been evaluated with regards to their field and temperature dependencies and empirical models have been developed for both mechanisms. >
The self diffusion of iron in Fe 2 SiO 4 and CaFeSiO 4 melts

The self diffusion of iron in Fe2SiO4 and CaFeSiO4 melts has been measured in the temperature range 1250° to 1540°C using Fe59 as the radio tracer and the capillary-liquid reservoir method of diffusion measurement. The results obtained are represented by $$log D_{Fe} = - \frac{{3800 \pm 500}}{T} - 2.74 \pm 0.29$$ for Fe2SiO4, and $$log D_{Fe} = - \frac{{5450 \pm 620}}{T} - 1.93 \pm 0.37$$ for CaFeSiO4. Excellent agreement is obtained with the self-diffusivity of iron calculated from the measured interdiffusivity of iron and oxygen in iron oxide melts.
Polymerized bovine hemoglobin (Oxyglobin Solution) administration in two river otters (Lutra canadensis).

Abstract Polymerized bovine hemoglobin (Oxyglobin Solution ® ) was successfully administered to two river otters ( Lutra canadensis ) that required general anesthesia and surgery for trap-related injuries. In both animals, blood oxygen content was maintained at presurgical levels despite a 47–70% decrease in their hematocrit. Otter 1 received a dose of 19 mL kg −1 , given at a rate of 29 mL kg −1 h −1 . Otter 2 received a dose of 20 mL kg −1 , given at a rate of 5 mL kg −1 h −1 . For many of the uncommon species, there are limited resources in the form of blood products to treat anemia, blood loss or hypovolemia. Successful use of polymerized bovine hemoglobin in these two otters suggests that it is useful for acute treatment of anemia and blood loss in such species.
Differential expression in glial cells derived from chick embryo cerebral hemispheres at an advanced stage of development

Recently, we have characterized glial cultures derived from very early neurogenesis (E3) and found them to consist largely of early glioblastic or astroblastic cells with the capacity to differentiate into astrocytes given sufficient time in culture or with advancing age, i.e., cell passage. This study examines and compares the characteristics of astrocyte-enriched cultures derived from advanced embryonic ages (E15) in the chick embryonic cerebral hemispheres. We report several remarkable findings. 1) Mature astrocytes (GFAP+, vimentin−) appear as early as 5 days in vitro (DIV) in primary culture (P0). 2) Also apparent in primary cultures were extensive populations of neurons (neurofilament+; NF+) growing atop or in close proximity to mature astrocytes. 3) NF+ neurons disappeared after the first cell passage, and GFAP+ astrocytes were greatly diminished within two cell passages thereafter. 3) High concentrations of NGF were expressed, presumably by glial cells, in primary cultures through 14 DIV, declining to a low plateau through 27 DIV and remaining low, but measurable in subsequent cell passages. 4) At later cell passages (>5) immature phenotypes of these same cell types continued to be expressed in E15CH cultures, i.e., positive staining for GFAP and vimentin and GFAP, GS, and NGF can all be detected on Western blots. We conclude from these findings that 1) mitotic multipotential neural cells are present within cerebral hemispheres even at late stages of development (E15); 2) neuroblasts and astroblasts have a reciprocal relationship requiring the presence of both cell types in order for mature expression of their phenotypes; 3) the NGF profile parallels the appearance and disappearance of neurons in E15 chick embryonic cerebral hemisphere primary cultures, strongly suggesting that this trophic factor may be involved in the mutually beneficial relationship between astrocytes and neurons. J. Neurosci. Res. 47: 322–331, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Creating a demand for bias analysis in epidemiological research

In 2005, Ross and colleagues found a protective association between maternal multivitamin supplementation during the periconceptual period and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia among children with Down’s syndrome (OR 0.51; CI 0.30 to 0.89).1 In their discussion they noted, “Maternal vitamin supplementation was collected by self-report, which is subject to…recall bias. However, a validation study…reported excellent agreement...” The validation study appears to imply that the bias from misclassification should be minimal. But given the number of false-positive published research findings,2 which are partly explained by issues of misclassification, the discussion of the potential misclassification raises more questions than it answers. First, we want to know what is the expected magnitude and direction of the bias. Second, given the potential bias, how we should interpret the 95% CI which is calculated assuming no bias?3 And how should we as readers integrate ideas about the magnitude and direction of the bias into our interpretation of the results. For example, if we believe the misclassification …
Orientational ordering of perfluoroalkyl-terminated amphiphiles at the air—water interface. A comparison between polymeric and monomeric monolayers

Abstract Monolayers of poly( N -( p -perfluorodecylsulfonylphenyl)-L-prolinol acrylate) and N -( p -perfluorodecylsulfonylphenyl)-L-prolinol at the air—water interface are compared. Both monolayers exhibit a liquid-like phase in which a polar orientational order — as probed by optical second-harmonic generation — increases with the surface density (pressure). However, a closer packing, as well as a higher polar orientational order, are achieved in the polymeric monolayer.
Studies in organosilicon chemistry: XLV. The addition of certain organosilicon compounds to ketene

Nine organosilicon compounds containing OH or NH have been found to add to ketene. Three carbon functional primary alcohols add to give acetates. Four primary amines and one secondary amine form N-substituted acetamides while butyl-trimethylsilyalmine yields N-butyltrimethylsilylacetamide.
Starch in prasinophycean algae

Reserve products isolated from three species of prasinophycean algae: Pyramimonas parkeae Norris and Pearson, Pyramimonas amylifera Conrad and Platymonas tetrathele West were compared. Three pieces of experimental evidence indicate that the reserve product of each of the species analyzed is a true starch. (I) There is no essential difference between the light absorption curve for the complex formed between corn starch and iodine and the corresponding curves for the algal products. (2) The β-amylase breakdown limit of these compounds is very close to that of corn starch. (3) The X-ray diffraction diagrams produced by the reserve material from Pyramimonas parkeae and Platymonas tetrathele is a so-called A-spectrum characteristic of cereal starches while the diagram produced by grains from Pyramimonas amylifera corresponds to the B-spectrum typical for tuber starches. The dissimilarity between the X-ray diagrams produced by the starches from the Pyramimonas species suggests that a re-examination of the taxonomy of these species is warranted.
Exact-Order Asymptotic Analysis for Closed Queueing Networks

In this paper we study the asymptotic behavior of a general class of product-form closed queueing networks as the population size grows large. We first characterize the asymptotic behavior of the normalization constant for the stationary distribution of the network in exact order. This result then enables us to establish the asymptotic behavior of the system performance metrics, which extends a number of well-known asymptotic results to exact order. We further derive new, computationally simple approximations for performance metrics that significantly improve upon existing approximations for large-scale networks. In addition to their direct use for the analysis of large networks, these new approximations are particularly useful for reformulating large-scale queueing network optimization problems into more easily solvable forms, which we demonstrate with an optimal capacity planning example.
Laser forming of silicon films using nanoparticle precursor

Polycrystalline silicon films containing cubic silicon crystallites of size 3–4 µm have been formed on nickel substrates by fusing and sintering silicon nanoparticle precursors using a laser. A mechanism for the fusion and sintering of these nanoparticles, resulting in reduced heat input and continuous film formation by surface and grain boundary diffusion, is discussed. Films were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energydispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Films were doped with n- as well as p-type dopants by using a laser doping technique and their current-voltage (I–V) characteristics were measured.
Impact of setup uncertainty in the dosimetry of prostate and surrounding tissues in prostate cancer patients treated with Peacock/IMRT

The purpose of this paper was to assess the effect of setup uncertainty on dosimetry of prostate, seminal vesicles, bladder, rectum, and colon in prostate cancer patients treated with Peacock intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Ten patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scans using the "prostate box" for external, and an "endorectal balloon" for target immobilization devices, and treatment plans were generated (T1). A maximum of +/-5-mm setup error was chosen to model dosimetric effects. Isodose lines from the T1 treatment plan were then superimposed on each patient's CT anatomy shifted by 5 mm toward the cephalad and caudal direction, generating 2 more dosimetric plans (H1 and H2, respectively). Average mean doses ranged from 74.5 to 74.92 Gy for prostate and 73.65 to 74.94 Gy for seminal vesicles. Average percent target volume below 70 Gy increased significantly for seminal vesicles, from 0.53% to 6.26%, but minimally for prostate, from 2.08% to 4.4%. Dose statistics adhered to prescription limits for normal tissues. Setup uncertainty had minimum impact on target dose escalation and normal tissue dosing. The impact of target dose inhomogeneity is currently evaluated in clinical studies.
Putative roles of neuropeptides in vagal afferent signaling

The vagus nerve is a major pathway by which information is communicated between the brain and peripheral organs. Sensory neurons of the vagus are located in the nodose ganglia. These vagal afferent neurons innervate the heart, the lung and the gastrointestinal tract, and convey information about peripheral signals to the brain important in the control of cardiovascular tone, respiratory tone, and satiation, respectively. Glutamate is thought to be the primary neurotransmitter involved in conveying all of this information to the brain. It remains unclear how a single neurotransmitter can regulate such an extensive list of physiological functions from a wide range of visceral sites. Many neurotransmitters have been identified in vagal afferent neurons and have been suggested to modulate the physiological functions of glutamate. Specifically, the anorectic peptide transmitters, cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) and the orexigenic peptide transmitters, melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) are differentially regulated in vagal afferent neurons and have opposing effects on food intake. Using these two peptides as a model, this review will discuss the potential role of peptide transmitters in providing a more precise and refined modulatory control of the broad physiological functions of glutamate, especially in relation to the control of feeding.
Effects of drinking water treatment on susceptibility of laying hens to Salmonella enteritidis during forced molt

Abstract Feed deprivation is used in the layer industry to induce molting and stimulate multiple egg-laying cycles in laying hens. Unfortunately, the stress involved increases susceptibility to Salmonella enteritidis (SE), the risk of SE-positive eggs, and incidence of SE in internal organs. Leghorn hens over 50 wk of age were divided into 4 treatment groups of 12 hens each in experiment 1 and 3 treatment groups of 12 hens in experiments 2 and 3; hens were placed in individual laying hen cages. Treatment groups were 1) nonmolted (NM) and received feed and distilled water for 9 d, 2) force molted by feed removal for 9 d and received distilled water, 3) force molted by feed removal for 9 d and received 0.5% lactic acid (LA) in distilled water. An additional group (4) in experiment 1 only was force molted by feed removal for 9 d and received 0.5% acetic acid in distilled water. Seven days before feed removal hens were exposed to an 8L:16D photoperiod, which was continued throughout the experiment. Individual hens among all treatments were challenged orally with 10(4) SE on d 4 of feed removal. When compared with the NM treatments, weight losses were significantly higher in the M treatments, regardless of water treatments. When compared with NM treatments, crop pH was significantly higher in the M treatment receiving distilled water. Crop pH was reduced to that of the NM controls by 0.5% acetic acid in the drinking water. No consistent significant changes were observed for volatile fatty acids. The number of hens positive for SE in crop and ceca after culture and the number of SE per crop and per gram of cecal contents were higher in the M treatments, when compared with the NM treatments, but there was no effect of addition of either of the acids to the drinking water. Additional research using different acid treatment regimens may provide a tool for reducing the incidence of SE in eggs and internal organs during and following molting of laying hens.
Inverse vs. classical calibration for small data sets

In classical calibration, the statistically uncertain variable y is regressed on the error-free variable x for a number of known samples, and the results are used to estimate the x value (x 0) for an unknown sample from its measured y value (y 0). It has long been known that inverse calibration – regression of x on y for the same data – is more efficient in its prediction of x 0 from y 0 than the seemingly more appropriate classical procedure, over large ranges of the controlled variable x. In the present work, theoretical expressions and Monte Carlo calculations are used to illustrate that the comparison favors the inverse procedure even more for small calibration data sets than for the large sets that have been emphasized in previous studies.
Gauss-Matuyama Polarity Transition

The Gauss-Matuyama (G-M) polarity transition has been identified in a 9 cm rotary-drilled core from Scaries Valley, California. The lithology, recovery and preservation of the sediments allow a detailed investigation of the transition. The transition is estimated to have lasted approximately 2000 years. About 2000 years earlier, a short reversal also occurred that lasted 2000 years. The relative field intensity decreased by at least 70 % both during this short reversal and the G-M transition. The virtual geomagnetic poles path for the G-M transition is restricted to a meridional band 20° wide in the Atlantic Ocean and closely matches the v.g.p. path for the Matuyama-Brunhes transition recorded at Lake Tecopa, California. On the other hand, the pole path for the G-M transition recorded in Russia (about 180° in longitude from Searles Valley) is nearly antipodal at low latitudes to the Learies Valley pole path. These data indicate that the transition field associated with the reversal was dominated by non-dipole components.