cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of antigenic sites on the Na+/K+-ATPase β-subunit: their sequences and the effects of thiol reduction upon their structure

Abstract In contrast to the catalytic (α) subunit of the Na+/K+-ATPase holoenzyme, the glycoprotein (β) subunit has proven to be a poor antigen for monoclonal antibody (Mab) production. However, in this work six Mabs directed against the β-subunit of the lamb kidney holoenzyme have been isolated. These Mabs all recognize the holoenzyme, but their ‘in solution’ binding affinities for deglycosylated enzyme or isolated β are generally at least 10-fold higher. Species specificity mapping, antibody patterns of binding to β-fragments and competition binding studies indicated that there were only three distinct epitopes, with two antibodies binding in the NH2-terminal half (epitopes I and Il) and 4 Mabs binding at the same or overlapping site (III) in the -COOH terminal half of β. DNA sequence analysis of isolated collections of bacteriophage Ml3 that contain a 15 amino-acid ‘epitope library’ insert in the pIII protein, which enables them to bind to the antibodies, revealed the residues KYRDS amino acids 111–115) and LETYP (amino acids 197–201) to be the deduced sequences for the epitopes of Mabs M19-P7-E5 (II) and M17-P5-Fll (III), respectively. The epitope I site was not, however, identified. Further studies showed that antibody binding to these three determinant sites had no affect on the Na+/K+-ATPase and K+-stimulated p-nitrophenylphosphatase (pNPPase) activities of either holoenzyme or deglycosylated enzyme, nor any affect on the cation- (Na+, K+ or Mg2+) and ouabain-induced conformational changes monitored with FITC-labeled deglycosylated enzyme. Interestingly, anti-β Mab access to the three epitopes was increased following β-mercaptoethanol inactivation of the holoenzyme, but this thiol reduction abolished the binding of two conformation-sensitive anti-α Mabs to the enzyme. These results are consistent with the previous suggestion of Kirley ((1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 4227–4232) that the β-disulfide linkages not only maintain β-structure but they are critical for maintaining α-conformation and holoenzyme activity.
When sleeve gastrectomy fails: adding a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band to increase restriction

The use of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a procedure for morbid obesity has recently increased. The LSG procedure is used most often as a part of a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPDDS) or as a first stage that can be converted to a BPDDS or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) [1, 2]. However, the surgical indications for LSG have rapidly expanded, and some centers use the sleeve as the primary operation for morbid obesity [3, 4]. The utility of LSG as a primary procedure is controversial, with consensus lacking in the literature. Whether the etiology of failed sufficient weight loss is the result of an inadequate sleeve or attributable to dilation or hypertrophy of the sleeve, the incidence of failed sleeve gastrectomies may be significant. In the treatment of a patient with a failed LSG, the options typically include creation of a tighter sleeve or conversion to biliopancreatic diversion or RYGB [5]. These procedures, however, are complex and can carry significant morbidity. The authors report a case of a morbidly obese 42-year-old man who failed to lose sufficient weight after an LSG. Because the patient was dependent on several oral antipsychotic medications, he refused any malabsorptive procedure, and a decision was made to proceed with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The case proceeded successfully, and at this writing, 9 months after surgery, the patient has achieved a 57% excess weight loss from an original weight of 390 lb. The insertion of an LAGB into its normal anatomic position is feasible after a sleeve gastrectomy, and its use can induce sufficient restriction and weight loss results equivalent to those of a sleeve or band alone and possibly better.
Perception and recall of aesthetic quality in a familiar environment

Two experiments were conducted to investigate judgments of aesthetic quality in a familiar environment. In Experiment 1 students toured a college campus and the adjacent commercial district and made magnitude estimates of the composite, visual, and auditory aesthetic quality at various locations. Subjects in Experiment 2 made the same set of judgments from memory; i.e., using brief descriptions of the locations as stimuli. Results from the two experiments were highly correlated, suggesting that subjects have detailed mental representations of their immediate aesthetic environment. In both experiments the relative ratings of locations were stable across the seasons of the year. Composite and visual ratings were practically identical, whereas auditory ratings tended to be lower.
Chronic exposure of rabbits to 0.5 and 5 mW/cm2 2450-MHz CW microwave radiation.

Two groups of 16 male New Zealand rabbits were exposed to 2450-MHz continuous wave microwave fields in two experiments of 90 days each. The incident power densities of the first and second experiment were 0.5 and 5 mW/cm2, respectively. During each study, 16 animals were adapted to a miniature anechoic chamber exposure system for at least 2 weeks, then 8 of them were exposed for 7 h daily, 5 days a week for 13 weeks, and the other 8 animals were sham exposed. The rabbits were placed in acrylic cages, and each was exposed from the top in an individual miniature anechoic chamber. Thermography showed a maximum specific absorption rate of 5.5 W/kg in the head and 7 W/kg in the back at 5-mW/cm2 incident power density. After each 7-h exposure session, the animals were returned to their home cages. Food consumption in the exposure chamber and body mass were measured daily. Blood samples were taken before exposure and monthly thereafter for hematological, morphological, chemical, protein electrophoresis, and lymphocyte blast transformation studies. Eyes were examined for cataract formation. Finally, pathological examinations of 28 specimens of organs and tissues of each rabbit were performed. Statistically, there was a significant (P less than .01) decrease only of food consumption during the 5-mW/cm2 exposure; other variables were not significantly different between exposed and control groups.
Exact Consequences of Broken O(4) Symmetry for Regge Trajectories. I. M=0

We obtain the complete set of constraints imposed by broken $O(4)$ symmetry on Regge daughter sequences having $M=0$. The constraints determine the $p\mathrm{th}$ derivative of all the daughters in terms of a finite number of constants. Similar results are obtained for daughter residues.
The Poorest of the Poor: Composition and Wealth of Older Person Households in Sub-Saharan Africa

Linking household composition of older persons and material well-being is an important step toward understanding quality of life among elders in less developed settings. The association is particularly important in sub-Saharan Africa, given the poverty in the region. Ordinary least square regressions using data from 23 countries examine how age composition among all households and presence of offspring and grandchildren among older person households associates with a wealth index that is based on ownership of resources and housing characteristics, and whether the association is consistent across countries. Results indicate older-person-only households, and older persons with youth, have, generally, less wealth than households with other age compositions. Among older person households, those without offspring or grandchildren and skip-generation households fare worst in most countries. Findings highlight the importance of considering older persons households when assessing material well-being and chances of living in poverty in poor regions of the world.
Synthesis and structure of a cobalt dicyanamide chain coordination polymer incorporating a long-spanning hydrogen-bonding capable diimine with a novel binodal (4,6)-connected supramolecular topology

Abstract The 1D chain coordination polymer [Co(dca)2(4-bpmp)2(H2O)2]n (1, dca = dicyanamide, 4-bpmp = bis(4-pyridylmethyl)piperazine) has been prepared by a solution phase method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR and elemental analysis. The dca ligand adopts a relatively uncommon monodentate binding mode. Interchain hydrogen-bonding mechanisms between the unligated nitrogen atoms of the pendant dca ligands and aqua ligands promote formation of a sawtooth (4,4) supramolecular layer. In turn, hydrogen-bonding interactions between aqua ligands and piperazinyl nitrogen atoms within the 4-bpmp tethers result in a simple yet unique (4,6)-connected supramolecular network with (425262)(42566473) topology.
Identification and Characterization of Data Sources for Logger Injuries and Fatalities

Logging, both as an industry and as an occupation, has long been recognized as one of the most dangerous areas in which to work, yet there is no comprehensive epidemiological analysis of the risk f...
Effect of glass dissolution products on the detection of proteins by silver staining.

The influence of glass dissolution on the silver staining of proteins was investigated by reacting glass microspheres of varying chemical durability in boiling Laemmli sample buffer (LSB) for up to 5 min. All three of the investigated glass compositions leached Na+ ions to varying degrees during boiling in LSB, thereby causing an increase in the pH of the sample buffer. The LSB supernatant from the dissolution tests was mixed with unreacted LSB containing human serum albumin (HSA) and standard one-dimensional SDS-PAGE was performed. Silver staining was then used to visualize protein bands within the gel. The 30 Na2O·70 SiO2 glass exhibited pronounced degradation as shown by scanning electron microscopy. Further experiments employing solutions of neat LSB and reacted LSB (i.e., LSB containing glass dissolution products) mixed at varying ratios demonstrated the apparent significance of sample pH in affecting the inhibition of silver staining. The cause of this behavior may be due to an interference with the fixation stage of the staining protocol, thereby resulting in the loss of protein in subsequent rinsing stages. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2005
Semiclassical approach to collision-induced emission in the presence of intense laser radiation: An aspect in the study of cooperative chemical and optical pumping

Abstract Collion-induced emission in molecular systems in an intense laser field is studied using the semiclassical approach, with a view towards cooperative chemical and optical pumping in laser production. The formalism is developed with the electronic-field representation, which treats collision and radiative interaction on the same footing. Electronic-field surfaces can be regarded as forming spectra for spontaneous emission; and particular emission events can be accounted for by propagating classical trajectories on emission electronic-field surfaces. Pre-emission loss from the excited state is dealt with by propagating classical trajectories on a loss surface along a complex contour of emission branch points. This loss surface is derived on the basis of localized radiative couplings between electronic-field states and provides a framework to treat the general problem of discrete state-continuum interactions. The formalism is applied to a two-state, collinear exponential model to compute S -matrix elements and transition probabilities between asymptotic states.
In situ measurement of activity and mass transfer effects in enzyme immobilized electrodes

Enzyme catalyzed biofuel cells have been proposed as an alternative to transition metal catalysts for power generation as they oxidize alcohols at relatively low overpotential without the production of detrimental carbon monoxide, and are capable of operation at lower temperatures [Palmore GT, Bertschy H, Bergens SH, Whitesides GM. A methanol/dioxygen biofuel cell that uses NAD()-dependent dehydrogenase as catalysts: application of an electro-enzymatic method to regenerate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide at low overpotentials. J Electroanal Chem 1998;443:155-61]. Additionally, the immobilization procedure prevents internal leakage or cross-contamination of electron mediators. However, full realization of the membrane-less biofuel cell as a power source requires a three-dimensional boundary structure which balances the overall effective surface area against porosity, thus ensuring the maximum number of catalyst sites are available without suffering the blockage of fuel transport, which occurs if the pore size is too small. In this work, a simple and in situ method using a simplified diffusion model is presented to estimate the total activity immobilized enzyme in the absence of mass transfer effects. The method, which also calculates a combined mass transfer parameter including an effective diffusion coefficient, models the reactant concentration at the enzyme surface using bulk concentrations which then can be measured in situ by spectrophotometric detection or ex situ by HPLC analysis. The method was then applied to evaluate two methods of alcohol dehydrogenase electrode fabrication: direct adsorption to carbon felt and entrapment within the conductive polymer polypyrrole. Results showed that direct adsorption provided 26 times the activity versus the method of direct entrapment and better mass transfer characteristics. Correlation of these results to scanning electron micrographs suggested that the polypyrrole entrapment method lacked the expected diffusive pathways and most likely expelled enzyme during growth of the film. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
A note on Baire spaces and continuous lattices

We prove a Baire category theorem for continuous lattices and derive category theorems for non-Hausdorff spaces which imply a category theorem of Isbell's and have applications to the spectral theory of C* -algebras. The same lattice theoretical methods yield a proof of de Groot's category theorem for regular subcompact spaces.
Genotyping by Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA is Influenced by the Method of DNA Preparation

Abstract Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on DNA templates prepared from thirty veterinary Salmonella typhimurium isolates. The templates were isolated by four different methods, each differing in their level of purity as determined by 260 nm/280 nm ratios. Dendrogram analysis of RAPD-PCR amplification patterns resulted in the organisms being placed into a range of 26-12 discrete groupings dependent on the DNA template isolation method used. Thus, DNA purity plays an important role in amplification patterns obtained by RAPD-PCR and investigators must consider this variable before making judgements on the genetic relatedness of a group of organisms.
Anxiety in anorexia nervosa and its management using family‐based treatment

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by its similarity to anxiety disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Family-based treatment (FBT) has shown promising initial results for treatment of AN in adolescents, yet the precise mechanisms of action are unknown. We present a theoretical argument and model, suggesting that FBT may work via exposure (and habituation) to food and its consumption. First, we review the evidence for pathological anxiety in AN, and suggest a framework for identifying specific anxious triggers, emotions (fear and worry) and avoidance strategies. Second, we briefly review evidence indicating that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and specifically exposure in its various forms is most effective for treating anxiety disorders in youth. Third, we consider distinct approaches to exposure therapy based on the pattern of triggers, anxious emotions and avoidance. We conclude that the interventions utilized in FBT share clear similarities to exposure with response prevention, a type of exposure therapy commonly used with OCD, and may work via facilitating habituation to food and eating in one's natural environment. We also highlight how parents facilitate this process in between sessions by effectively coaching their children and facilitating naturalistic exposure to food and related triggers. Options for future research are considered.
Octreotide scintigraphy in the head and neck.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue that, when coupled to a radioisotope, produces a scintigraphic image of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) expressing somatostatin type 2 receptors (SSR 2). Octreotide scintigraphy (OS) may be useful in confirming the preoperative diagnosis of certain head and neck NET. Paragangliomas (PG), like many NET, have been found to have a high density of SSR 2 on the cell surfaces. Other NET of the head and neck include merkel cell carcinomas (MCC), medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC), and esthesioneuroblastomas. Study Design: A retrospective study that compared the results of OS with the histopathologic diagnosis in 74 patients with head and neck NET. Results: Of the 60 patients undergoing evaluation for suspected paraganglioma, OS was correctly positive in 36 of the 37 patients with PG. OS was correctly negative in 19 of the 23 patients that did not exhibit PG. For PG, this yielded a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 82%. There were 14 patients in the nonparaganglioma group. OS detected or diagnosed all metastases in three patients with MTC, locoregional recurrences in two patients with esthesioneuroblastoma, an extrapituitary adenoma in one patient, and metastasis in two patients with MCC. It failed to detect a paraspinal metastasis in the third patient with MCC. Conclusion: On the basis of this series of patients, OS appears to be a reliable test to detect PG and may be helpful in detecting primary and metastatic disease for NET.
Obstetrical anesthetic implications of successful assisted reproductive technologies

sisted reproductive technologies (ART) include: in-vitro fertilization (IVF), gamate intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and IVF with oocyte donation. Women undergoing these procedures are exposed to a range of interventions, which have potential to cause adverse effects to themselves and their fetuses. Poor pregnancy outcomes including abortion, ectopic and hete~'otopic pregnancies are more common in women with ART pregnancies than in the general population. In those women in whom pregnancy is maintained, a higher rate of complications of pregnancy and birth also occur. Reports from the Society for Assisted Reproduc• . • 9.5 tlve Technologtes-" show that approximately 75% of all ART deliveries resulted from GIFT or IVF. Of these, approximately 35% were multiple deliveries, with 0.5% higher order pregnancies (-> 4 gestations). Multifetal pregnancies are known to be associated with an increased incidence of preeclampsia, placenta previa, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, and cesarean delivery. 6 As we will discuss, these complications may also lead to greater morbidity in the parturient. Singleton pregnancies resulting from ART have been shown in several studies to also be associated with an increased incidence of complicated pregnancies. 1"7 Finally, the use of ART has allowed women to delay childbearing into their 30s, 40s and even 50s, thus the complications associated with elderly parturients must also be considered when reviewing the impact of ART on the course of pregnancy.
Editorial: Journal of Interaction Science

Dear Readers, Welcome to the Journal of Interaction Science (JoIS)! It’s taken us a little over 2 years from the idea to the launch and you can imagine there are lots of stories and anecdotes to fill many pages. However, being a responsible editor in chief, I’ll spare you the reminiscences. At the same time, (you have guessed my agenda) I hope that a brief editorial has a better chance of being read. Why did we start this journal? The Journal of Interaction Science is a necessity that grew out of frustration. If you walk into a room with some of the many experimental, cognitive psychologists at a Human Computer Interaction (HCI) conference, you can hear them complaining passionately. In fact, they untiringly bemoan their observation that research on HCI lacks methodological rigor. “These studies could advance our knowledge of human cognition and of the unquestionable impact of technology on cognition and behavior, if only, if only, they were done right!” This point of view seems disconcertingly arrogant. However, it is the nature of radical positions to energize new ways of thinking and change. This is what gave JoIS its impetus. Dr. Ray Adams, then professor at Middlesex University, London, developed the JoIS idea. I am like Ray, a cognitive, experimental psychologist, who similar to our colleagues likes to complain now and then but inevitably stops and works to solve the problem. Therefore, I helped Ray during the process but it is to Ray’s credit that Springer decided to take on our radical and new Journal. Their help has been invaluable in getting JoIS launched: I must thank two people especially: the incredibly resourceful Rachel Roberts and the utterly amazing Bev Ford! What makes JoIS radical and new? Our world is replete with interactive devices. It is evident that humans are prolific and always ready to invent, build and buy the next break-through, interactive device. At the point that I am writing this editorial, over 10 million preorders for the Galaxy S4 smart phone (complete
Basic data on tissue-equivalent compensators for 4-mv x-rays

Abstract The compensator technique to correct for irregular and sloping body surfaces was examined for 4 MV X-rays. Thickness ratios for tissue-equivalent compensators were determined from central axis depth dose measurements and ratios were obtained for various compensator-to-surface distances. Use of a single thickness ratio to compensate over a range of field sizes, at different depths and for various deficit thicknesses was examined; agreement within ±4% was achieved between central axis depth doses of the compensated and normally incident beams. Similar agreement down to a depth of 20 cm. was obtained between isodose distributions of a normally incident beam and an obliquely incident beam that was compensated for a non-uniform thickness of missing material. Errors in depth doses caused by a failure to correct for the reduced compensator thickness were also assessed.
Bounds on the complex bulk modulus of a two-phase viscoelastic composite with arbitrary volume fractions of the components

Abstract The complex bulk modulus of an isotropic two phase composite material is analyzed in terms of the complex moduli of its phases. Bounds are developed for the complex bulk modulus κ ∗ = κ ∗ ′ + i κ ∗ ″ of the composite with arbitrary volume fractions of phases. These bounds enclose a region in the complex plane ( κ ∗ ′ , κ ∗ ″ ) or in a stiffness loss map ( |κ ∗ |, κ ∗ ″ /κ ∗ ′ = tan δ ). The frequency range is assumed to be well below frequencies associated with the inertial terms; the acoustic wavelength is much larger than the inhomogeneities. The bounds are obtained from the bulk modulus bounds by Gibiansky and Milton (1993, Proc. R. Soc. London A440, 163–188) for the two phase composites with fixed volume fractions of phases. The composite bulk modulus is shown to be constrained to a lens shaped region of the complex ( κ ∗ ′ , κ ∗ ″ ) plane by the outermost pair of several circular arcs, which depend on the component material properties. The bounds are investigated numerically to explore conditions which give rise to high loss combined with high stiffness. Composite microstructures corresponding to various points on the circular arcs are identified.
Hox genes require homothorax and extradenticle for body wall identity specification but not for appendage identity specification during metamorphosis of Tribolium castaneum

The establishment of segment identity is a key developmental process that allows for divergence along the anteroposterior body axis in arthropods. In Drosophila, the identity of a segment is determined by the complement of Hox genes it expresses. In many contexts, Hox transcription factors require the protein products of extradenticle (exd) and homothorax (hth) as cofactors to perform their identity specification functions. In holometabolous insects, segment identity may be specified twice, during embryogenesis and metamorphosis. To glean insight into the relationship between embryonic and metamorphic segmental identity specification, we have compared these processes in the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, which develops ventral appendages during embryogenesis that later metamorphose into adult appendages with distinct morphologies. At metamorphosis, comparisons of RNAi phenotypes indicate that Hox genes function jointly with Tc-hth and Tc-exd to specify several region-specific aspects of the adult body wall. On the other hand, Hox genes specify appendage identities along the anteroposterior axis independently of Tc-hth/Tc-exd and Tc-hth/Tc-exd specify proximal vs. distal identity within appendages independently of Hox genes during this stage. During embryogenesis, Tc-hth and Tc-exd play a broad role in the segmentation process and are required for specification of body wall identities in the thorax; however, contrasting with results from other species, we did not obtain homeotic transformations of embryonic appendages in response to Tc-hth or Tc-exd RNAi. In general, the homeotic effects of interference with the function of Hox genes and Tc-hth/Tc-exd during metamorphosis did not match predictions based on embryonic roles of these genes. Comparing metamorphic patterning in T. castaneum to embryonic and post-embryonic development in hemimetabolous insects suggests that holometabolous metamorphosis combines patterning processes of both late embryogenesis and metamorphosis of the hemimetabolous life cycle.
Role of Water in Mediating the Assembly of Alzheimer Amyloid-β Aβ16−22 Protofilaments

The role of water in promoting the formation of protofilaments (the basic building blocks of amyloid fibrils) is investigated using fully atomic molecular dynamics simulations. Our model protofilament consists of two parallel β-sheets of Alzheimer Amyloid-β 16−22 peptides (Ac-K16-L17-V18-F19-F20-A21-E22-NH2). Each sheet presents a distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic face and together self-assemble to a stable protofilament with a core consisting of purely hydrophobic residues (L17, F19, A21), with the two charged residues (K16, E22) pointing to the solvent. Our simulations reveal a subtle interplay between a water mediated assembly and one driven by favorable energetic interactions between specific residues forming the interior of the protofilament. A dewetting transition, in which water expulsion precedes hydrophobic collapse, is observed for some, but not all molecular dynamics trajectories. In the trajectories in which no dewetting is observed, water expulsion and hydrophobic collapse occur simultaneo...
Assessing the impact of reducing demand variance through improved planning on the performance of a dual resource constrained job shop

This paper examines the role that both the planning and shop floor control systems play in the operation and performance of a dual resource constrained (DRC) job shop. Using causal analysis, the results show an effective planning system, as it accounts for the largest gain in shop performance. Generating and releasing smoothed schedules (work loads) allows the use of simplified shop floor control procedures such as Order Review/Release (ORR), job dispatching and labour assignment rules without adversely affecting performance. This study uses the results to resolve the current paradox surrounding ORR systems and shows that the ORR rules' performance is strongly dependent on the planning system, and that ORR rules can be considered moderating variables. Further, the study develops a variance control framework that indicates the necessary managerial actions to improve shop performance. This paper demonstrates that the planning system, not the shop floor control system, is the major determinant of shop perfor...
Taurine supplementation to alternative dietary proteins used in fish meal replacement enhances growth of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

Two separate 8 week feeding trials were conducted to examine the impacts of fish meal replacement with an organically certifiable yeast-based protein source with and without supplementation of methionine, tryptophan, and taurine to diets for juvenile cobia. In the first trial, diets were formulated to contain 41% crude protein and 13% lipid, and a yeast-based protein replaced fish meal at 50 and 75% of dietary protein with and without supplemental taurine at 0.5 g/100 g dry diet. The control diet contained 100% herring fish meal. Methionine and tryptophan were added to all diets except the control to resemble the amino acid profile of fish meal. Results from this study indicated that fish fed diets supplemented with taurine exhibited significantly higher weight gain and better feed efficiencies than all other fish. Diet significantly impacted biological indices such as muscle ratio (MR), visceral somatic index (VSI), and hepatosomatic index (HSI). The 75% yeast-based protein diet without taurine returned the lowest MR values and the highest VSI and HSI values. In the second trial, diets were formulated to contain 43% crude protein and 11% lipid, with the control diet containing 100% herring fish meal and the same yeast-based protein replacing fish meal at 50, 75, and 100% of dietary protein. All diets except the control were supplemented with taurine at 0.5 g/100 g dry diet. Results from this study indicated that increasing amount of yeast-based protein led to decreased weight gains and feed efficiencies regardless of taurine supplementation. However, weight gain and feed efficiencies did increase when compared to a previous study [Lunger, A.N., McLean, E., Craig, S.R., 2007. The effects of organic protein supplementation upon growth, feed conversion and texture quality parameters in juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum). Aquaculture 264, 342–352] using identical diet formulations except for taurine supplementation. MR values tended to decrease while VSI and HSI values tended to increase with increasing fish meal replacement. It is obvious from the results from both of the present studies that taurine supplementation does have a significant impact on growth and feed efficiency of juvenile cobia when they are fed diets containing high levels of plant-based proteins as
Almost-whole-program compilation

This paper presents a strategy, called em almost-whole-program compilation, for extending the benefits of whole-program optimization to large collections of Java components that are packaged as a group after the development phase. This strategy has been implemented in a framework that uses Java visibility and scoping rules to transform a collection of classes into a package that is amenable to whole-program optimizations, without precluding extensions to the optimized and compiled code. Thus, it enables the Java developer to balance performance against flexibility of the program after the development phase, without compromising the design process. The transformation is shown to incur only modest performance penalties, which are more than compensated for by the interprocedural optimizations it enables. The paper concludes with experimental results showing the benefits that can be achieved using this approach.
Structural alterations in neurons of aged canine neocortex: a Golgi study.

Abstract Golgi impregnation techniques were used to evaluate the morphologic changes in the pyramidal cells of the frontal cortex of six aged dogs of various breeds (13 to 18 years old) in comparison with three young mongrels (2 to 4 years old). These studies reveal characteristic alterations which are in good agreement with changes described previously in aged human cortex. These alterations, which, if regarded as a dynamic histopathologic sequence of neuronal deterioration in response to aging, include distortion of neuronal soma, loss of dendritic spines often concommitant with zones of dendritic varicosities, and shrinkage of the vertical and, particularly, the horizontal dendritic branches. Apical dendrites with tortuous ascending paths as well as apparent proliferation of new dendritic spines are also described. The aged canine cortex seems to demonstrate many of the important characteristics associated with the constellation of pathologic changes found in the senescent human brain. These changes are often only minimally present in the rodent. The aged dog, which in addition exhibits typical senile plaques, may therefore be a valuable animal model for the aging human brain.
The oxidation state of Pr in PrBa2Cu3O7

Abstract PrBa2Cu3O7 is isostructural with YBa2Cu3O7, yet it is not a superconductor. We have performed a variety of experiments to determine the valence of Pr in this material. We report on the results of synthetic trend studies, powder neutron diffraction, X-ray absorption spectra, and magnetic susceptibility experiments and offer our analysis of the contribution that each makes to the overall understanding of the electronic behavior of Pr in this compound. Since Pr4+ is relatively stable, and since Pr is known to form mixed-valent alloys, the suggestion had been made that Pr4+ might be inhibiting superconductivity through an in situ oxidation reduction reaction with the CuO bands. We conclude that Pr is essentially trivalent in PrBa2Cu3O7.
Magnetohydrodynamic flow for a non-Newtonian power-law fluid having a pressure gradient and fluid injection

The nonlinear partial differential equation of motion for an incompressible, non-Newtonian power-law fluid flowing over flat plate under the influence of a magnetic field and a pressure gradient, and with or without fluid injection or ejection, is transformed to a nonlinear third-order ordinary differential equation by using a stream function and a similarity transformation. The necessary boundary conditions are developed for flow with and without fluid injection (or ejection), and a solution for four different power-law fluids, including a Newtonian fluid, is presented. The controlling equation includes, as special cases, the Falkner-Skan equation and the Blasius equation.
More watchful (less waiting?) for mismatch repair in prostate cancer.

No Abstract AvailableCommentary to:Title: Clinicopathologic Implications of hMSH2 Gene Expression and Microsatellite Instability in Prostate CancerPage Numbers: 362-367
On the consistency and features of image similarity

Image indexing and retrieval systems mostly rely on the computation of similarity measures between images. This notion is ill-defined, generally based on simplistic assumptions that do not fit the actual context of use of image retrieval systems. This paper addresses two fundamental issues related to image similarity: checking whether the degree of similarity between two images is perceived consistently by different users and establishing the elements of the images on which users base their similarity judgment. A study is set up, in which human subjects have been asked to assess the degree of the pairwise similarity of images and describe the features on which they base their judgments. The quantitative analysis of the similarity scores reported by the subjects shows that users reach a certain consensus on similarity assessment. From the qualitative analysis of the transcripts of the records of the experiments, a list of the features used by the subjects to assess image similarity is built. From this, a new model of image description emerges. As compared to existing models, it is more realistic, free of preconceptions and more suited to the task of similarity computation. These results are discussed from the perspectives of psychology and computer science.
Inhibition of Growth but not Differentiation of Normal and Leukemic Myeloid Cells by Methylthioadenosine

Methylthioadenosine (MTA), a coproduct of polyamine biosynthesis, is known to inhibit proliferation in a variety of cell culture systems. In this paper, we show that while MTA inhibits the growth of the human promyelocytic cell line HL-60, it does not interfere with retinoic acid-induced granulocytic or phorbol ester-induced monocytic differentiation of these cells. MTA also inhibits proliferation induced by colony stimulating activity of normal human granulocytic precursor cells grown in suspension culture but does not suppress terminal differentiation of these cells. In contrast to the lack of effect of MTA on granulocytic differentiation which we report here, others have shown that MTA prevents terminal differentiation of murine erythroleukemia cells. That MTA is a normal cellular constituent which inhibits proliferation but not differentiation of normal granulopoietic cells and may have opposing effects on immature cells of erythroid lineage suggests a possible role for this compound in the regulation of hematopoiesis. In addition, MTA may be useful for studying the process of differentiation in the absence of cell proliferation in granulopoietic cells.
State Capital Taxes and the Location of Investment: Empirical Lessons from Theoretical Models of Tax Competition

Applying insights from theoretical tax competition models, this study of manufacturing investment and taxes in U.S. states makes four contributions to the empirical tax competition literature. First, while the existing empirical literature has assumed exogenous tax rates, the theoretical model, which endogenizes state tax rate choices, demonstrates that tax rates and investment decisions are determined by the same set of jurisdiction characteristics. The endogeneity corrected estimates, which rely on instruments motivated by the theoretical model, suggest stronger responses to tax rates than the uncorrected estimates in both this paper and the existing literature. The second insight involves the appropriate unit of observation. The empirical literature has conducted both aggregate analyses, in which jurisdictions are the unit of observation, and discrete choice analyses, in which manufacturing plants are the unit of observation. While the tax competition model demonstrates the violation of a key assumption in discrete choice analyses, the estimating equation in this paper, an aggregate analysis, can be derived directly from the model. Third, the theoretical model sheds light on the appropriateness of previously employed measures of tax burdens. The effective tax rate is shown to be superior to the after-tax rate of return, which is both invariant across jurisdictions and dependent on the distribution of investment. Fourth, this paper provides estimates of the degree of undertaxation of capital, which has been the focus of the theoretical tax competition literature but has yet to be addressed empirically. These estimates suggest that the efficient revenues may be as much as two times the size of actual revenues.
Dynamic response equations for various reactor models

Transient equations based on impulse, step, ramp, parabolic and sinusoidal inputs for reactors of various flow models are presented. The flows accompanied by the first order irreversible chemical reaction are considered. The response expressions are useful for the selection of a proper model and for the evaluation of the residence time distributions in a given reactor. On preesente les equations transitoires pour divers modeles d'ecoulement dans des reacteurs selon des inputs varies tels que: en escalier, a variation constante, par impulsion, sinusoidal et parabolique. On considere les ecoulements accompagnes d'une reaction chimique irreversible du premier ordre. Les expressions sont utiles pour l'evaluation des distributions de temps de residence dans un reacteur donne.
Microbiology of indwelling central intravascular catheters

Indwelling central-line catheters (n = 502) from 362 patients in intensive care units were analyzed prospectively. The skin site, 6-cm-distal and -proximal subcutaneous segments of the catheter, exudates, and blood were cultured. Semiqualitative roll plate cultures of the catheter segments were followed by broth cultures and examined for 72 h. All isolates were identified, and susceptibilities were determined. Line infections, defined clinically, yielded 22 different microbial species; 10 different species were recovered from colonized lines. Of the Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates recovered, 39% occurred singly and 21% occurred in combination with other microorganisms; Enterococcus faecalis, S. hominis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were next in frequency of isolation. Line infections also yielded other staphylococci, viridans group streptococci, several members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, acinetobacters, anaerobic bacteria, Candida spp., and Aspergillus fumigatus. While S. epidermidis was also the most frequent isolate among the line colonizers, different species and different frequencies of isolation were found among this group. The study showed that the distal catheter segment broth culture was the best predictor of clinical line infections; in addition, gram-negative bacteria were isolated only from the catheters of patients with overt infections.
Optimization of Image Fusion using Genetic Algorithms and Discrete Wavelet Transform

Image fusion is the process of combining the most relevant information from multiple source images to obtain an accurate fused image. In this paper, we want to fuse visual and thermal satellite images. In order to provide enhanced information, we have investigated techniques of image fusion to obtain the most accurate information. This paper presents a technique which will produce an accurate fused image using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for feature extraction and using Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to get the more optimized combined image. The performance of the proposed image fusion scheme is evaluated with mutual information (MI), root mean square error (RMSE), and it is also compared to the fused image that is generated by using Pixel Level GA based Image Fusion (PLGA_IF) and Discrete Wavelet Transform based Image Fusion (DWT_IF) techniques. Simulation results conducted with DWT and GA show that the proposed method outperforms the existing image fusion algorithms.
Democracy, Interdependence, and the Sources of the Liberal Peace

Can the world be made more peaceful through commerce? Empirical studies of the impact of trade on military conflict have yielded conflicting results depending on the specific measures and empirical domains that scholars select for their studies. The article suggests that these varying results may be due to inadequate specification of the conditions under which trade will prevent conflict. In particular, previous research suggests that democratic leaders rely on public policy successes, such as economic growth, to maintain their political viability to a greater degree than do autocratic leaders. Since trade can help promote growth, the authors argue that democratic leaders should be more averse than autocratic leaders to initiating military conflicts with trading partners, for such conflicts might damage commercial ties and hamper politically important economic growth. The authors find support for this expectation in their analysis of trade integration and international conflict initiation by democratic and autocratic states between 1950 and 1992. The results are robust across different data sources on trade and conflict, suggesting that the conditional impact of trade on conflict may explain the variance in previous results. However, these results have sobering implications for the view that trade dependence by itself can be a mechanism for preventing autocratic states from using military force.
Semisolid die forging process, microstructures and properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy mobile telephone shells

A semisolid slurry of AZ31 magnesium alloy was prepared by vibrating wavelike sloping plate process, and the semisolid die forging process, microstructures, and properties of the magnesium alloy mobile telephone shell were investigated. The semisolid forging process was performed on a YA32-315 four-column universal hydraulic press. The microstructures were observed by optical microscopy, the hardness was analyzed with a model 450SVD Vickers hardometer, the mechanical properties was measured with a CMT5105 tensile test machine, and the fractograph of elongated specimens was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results reveal that with the increase of die forging force, the microstructures of the product become fine and dense. A lower preheating temperature and a longer dwell time are favorable to the formation of fine and dense microstructures. The optimum process conditions of preparing mobile telephone shells with excellent surface quality and microstructures are a die forging force of 2000 kN, a die preheating temperature of 250°C, and a dwell time of 240 s. After solution treatment at 430°C and aging at 220°C for 8 h, the Vickers hardness is 61.7 and the ultimate tensile strength of the product is 193 MPa. Tensile fractographs show the mixing mechanisms of quasi-cleavage fracture and ductile fracture.
Growth and modelling of spherical crystalline morphologies of molecular materials

Crystalline, yet smooth, sphere-like morphologies of small molecular compounds are desirable in a wide range of applications but are very challenging to obtain using common growth techniques, where either amorphous films or faceted crystallites are the norm. Here we show solvent-free, guard flow-assisted organic vapour jet printing of non-faceted, crystalline microspheroids of archetypal small molecular materials used in organic electronic applications. We demonstrate how process parameters control the size distribution of the spheroids and propose an analytical model and a phase diagram predicting the surface morphology evolution of different molecules based on processing conditions, coupled with the thermophysical and mechanical properties of the molecules. This experimental approach opens a path for exciting applications of small molecular organic compounds in optical coatings, textured surfaces with controlled wettability, pharmaceutical and food substance printing and others, where thick organic films and particles with high surface area are needed.
Oronasopharyngeal suction versus wiping of the mouth and nose at birth: a randomised equivalency trial

Summary Background Wiping of the mouth and nose at birth is an alternative method to oronasopharyngeal suction in delivery-room management of neonates, but whether these methods have equivalent effectiveness is unclear. Methods For this randomised equivalency trial, neonates delivered at 35 weeks' gestation or later at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, Birmingham, AL, USA, between October, 2010, and November, 2011, were eligible. Before birth, neonates were randomly assigned gentle wiping of the face, mouth (implemented by the paediatric or obstetric resident), and nose with a towel (wipe group) or suction with a bulb syringe of the mouth and nostrils (suction group). The primary outcome was the respiratory rate in the first 24 h after birth. We hypothesised that respiratory rates would differ by fewer than 4 breaths per min between groups. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01197807. Findings 506 neonates born at a median of 39 weeks' gestation (IQR 38–40) were randomised. Three parents withdrew consent and 15 non-vigorous neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid were excluded. Among the 488 treated neonates, the mean respiratory rates in the first 24 h were 51 (SD 8) breaths per min in the wipe group and 50 (6) breaths per min in the suction group (difference of means 1 breath per min, 95% CI −2 to 0, p Interpretation Wiping the nose and mouth has equivalent efficacy to routine use of oronasopharyngeal suction in neonates born at or beyond 35 weeks' gestation. Funding None.