cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Socialization to the Academic Culture: a Framework of Inquiry

The purpose of this article is to provide a theoretical framework and methodology for the understanding and study of the academic culture. It is based on previous works on organizational culture with emphasis on sociological and cognitive perspectives and applicable to all types of organizations. In particular, this article describes the application of socialization and sensemaking perspectives to the formation and development of the organizational culture in academic departments with emphasis on how new faculty members socialize and engage in sensemaking as they gain full membership in their entering department. It also provides a specific methodology to systematically assess potential cultural shifts in academic departments as incoming faculty interact with faculty in the entering academic unit.
Effect of ethionine on the cortisone-evoked stimulation of tryptophan peroxidase-oxidase activity.

The activity of tryptophan peroxidase-oxidase was studied in rat liver following intraperitoneal injections of cortisone, ethionine, and methionine. Cortisone elicited the expected increase in activity, a dose of 50 mg. per kg. evoking a five-fold stimulation. Ethionine and methionine (0.77 mM.), on the other hand, did not alter the activity of this enzyme. Administration of ethionine with cortisone greatly reduced the stimulatory effect of the hormone. Coadministration of methionine with ethionine (both at a dosage of 0.77 mM.) restored the ability of cortisone to stimulate tryptophan peroxidase-oxidase activity. These results are taken to support the hypothesis that a de novo synthesis of this enzyme, believed to occur as a result of tryptophan administration, may also occur following the administration of cortisone.
Correlation of a Simplified Method for the Calculation of Areas Under Indicator-Dilution Curves

The area under 60 indicator-dilution curves obtained from 37 patients under different physiologic conditions and pharmacologic stimulation was calculated using semilogarithmic replotting and the Williams, O’Donovan and Wood equation. The cardiac outputs ranged from 3.05 L/min to 12.70 L/min. Comparison of results shows a correlation coefficient of 0.991 (r) and a r 2 of 0.981 with a P value of
Probing femtosecond dynamics in solution on a picosecond time scale. Cavity enhancement of spontaneous emission rates in microdroplets

Fluorescence decay rate enhancement of rhodamine 6G (R6G) in levitated ethylene glycol microdroplets (4–8 μm diam.) has been observed. This effect derives from an increase (relative to extended media) in electromagnetic mode density near resonance frequencies associated with the droplet. Unlike bulk solutions, fluorescence lifetimes (T1) in microcavities carry information on electronic polarization dephasing (T2) on a femtosecond time scale. Thus, femtosecond dynamics can be probed indirectly via fluorescence with a time resolution of several picoseconds. The value of T2 in ethylene glycol estimated from our measurements agrees well with values obtained from direct femtosecond probes.
FGF acts directly on the somitic tendon progenitors through the Ets transcription factors Pea3 and Erm to regulate scleraxis expression

During somite development, a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signal secreted from the myotome induces formation of a scleraxis (Scx)-expressing tendon progenitor population in the sclerotome, at the juncture between the future lineages of muscle and cartilage. While overexpression studies show that the entire sclerotome is competent to express Scx in response to FGF signaling, the normal Scx expression domain includes only the anterior and posterior dorsal sclerotome. To understand the molecular basis for this restriction, we examined the expression of a set of genes involved in FGF signaling and found that several members of the Fgf8 synexpression group are co-expressed with Scx in the dorsal sclerotome. Of particular interest were the Ets transcription factors Pea3 and Erm, which function as transcriptional effectors of FGF signaling. We show here that transcriptional activation by Pea3 and Erm in response to FGF signaling is both necessary and sufficient for Scx expression in the somite, and propose that the domain of the somitic tendon progenitors is regulated both by the restricted expression of Pea3 and Erm, and by the precise spatial relationship between these Ets transcription factors and the FGF signal originating in the myotome.
What Got Done in One Year at NSF's Stampede Supercomputer

Aaron Dubrow describes the National Science Foundation's Stampede supercomputer and how scientists are using it to tackle seven important research topics.
The effect of exclusion of the pancreatic secretion by evulsion of the pancreatic ducts on the reaction of the duodenal content.

Determinations of the reaction of the duodenal content of dogs were made before and after evulsion of the pancreatic ducts in the fasting state and after the ingestion of various standard test meals. The reaction of the duodenal content in the fasting state was usually alkaline, ranging from pH 7.00 to 7.81. After a meat meal, the pH varied between 6.40 and 3.50. Following a carbohydrate meal, the reaction ranged from 6.75 to 4.26. The fat meal caused fluctuations from 6.80 to 5.20. Thus the acidity of the duodenum after meals appeared to depend largely on the rate and amount of acid formation in the stomach.
Haemophilus ducreyi and chancroid: Practical aspects for the clinical microbiology laboratory

Abstract Most clinical microbiology laboratories can isolate H. ducreyi from clinical specimens. The essential factors include collecting the specimen properly in clinically appropriate situations; delivering the specimen to the laboratory quickly; rapidly inoculating it onto appropriate media such as enriched chocolate agar; incubation in a very high humidity with added CO 2 ; and recognizing the distinctive colony morphology after 48 h or more of incubation. Subsequently identification can be made readily by SPS disk susceptibility, the RapID-ANA system, and other routine tests.
Assessment of the anti-tumor potential of glutathione.

Abstract This study assesses the effect of reduced glutathione (GSH) on regenerating liver, 3′-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3′-MDAB) hepatocarcinogenesis, and normal and transformed hepatocytes in vitro. GSH administered intragastrically caused only a 30% reduction in thymidine incorporation into liver DNA at 24 h after partial hepatectomy; there was no apparent effect on RNA and protein synthesis. Furthermore, in 3′-MDAB induced hepatocarcinogenesis, all GSH-treated animals developed hepatocyte nodules, and serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were not reduced. In vitro, GSH was shown to be cytotoxic to both normal and transformed hepatocytes at serum concentrations under 10%. GSH inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation slightly in 2 transformed hepatocyte lines, but not in normal hepatocytes.
Magnetic relaxation of four-CuO2-layer TlBa2Ca3Cu4O11+δ single crystals

Abstract Flux creep properties were investigated in four-CuO 2 -layer TlBa 2 Ca 3 Cu 4 O 11+ δ crystals. The relaxation rates defined as dln M /dln t were studied as functions of temperature and magnetic field. A linear temperature dependence of the relaxation rate between 2 and about 30 K yielded a temperature-independent energy barrier. Above 30 K, a decrease of the relaxation rate with increasing temperature was found and the relaxation rate approached zero at the irreversibility line. Field-dependent relaxation rates indicated a linear field dependence for the sample in a partially-penetrated state and a logarithmic function of field in a fully-penetrated state. The relaxation data were compared with those of Bi 1.7 Pb 0.3 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 crystals.
The soviet union and UNCLOS III: Pragmatism and policy evolution

Abstract Between the First United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS I), in 1958, and UNCLOS III, which began in 1973, the position of the Soviet Union toward the law of the sea evolved noticeably in several areas. This evolution can be traced primarily to the USSR's emergence as a major civilian and military maritime power. But while developing strong capabilities to exploit distant waters, Soviet strategists remained concerned over protection of the USSR's own vast coastlines. As a result, a certain ambivalence underlay Soviet positions on several key issues at the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea. Four areas that dramatically illustrate trade‐offs between coastal and global interests, and between ideological and pragmatic concerns, are explored here: navigation in the territorial sea, transit passage through international straits, the nature of extended economic zones, and the regime for marine science. Soviet foreign relations at UNCLOS III, especially attempts at collaboration ...
Waning buoyancy in the crustal roots of old mountains

When mountains form through the collision of lithospheric plates, uplift of the Earth's surface is accompanied by thickening of the crust, and the buoyancy of these deep crustal roots (relative to the surrounding mantle) is thought to contribute to the support of mountain topography. Once active tectonism ceases, continuing erosion will progressively wear away surface relief. Here I provide new constraints on how crustal roots respond to erosional unloading over very long timescales. In old collisional mountain belts, ratios of surface relief to the thickness of the underlying crustal root are observed to be smaller than in young mountains. On the basis of gravity data, this trend is best explained by a decrease in the buoyancy of the crustal root with greater age since the most recent mountain-building episode—which is consistent with metamorphic reactions1,2 produced by long-term cooling. An approximate balance between mountain and root mass anomalies suggests that the continental lithosphere remains weak enough to permit exhumation of crustal roots in response to surface erosion for hundreds of millions of years. The amount of such uplift, however, appears to be significantly reduced by progressive loss of root buoyancy.
Research Methodology Computer-Intensive Methods in the Social Sciences

With the availability of powerful, inexpensive computer hardware and software, computer-intensive statistical methods are becoming more commonly applied in the social sciences. These methods freque...
Critical Appraisal of Fluvial Facies Models: ABSTRACT

Interpretation (and subsequent prediction) of the lithofacies geometry of ancient river-channel deposits requires full understanding of the formative processes. This is ideally gained by linking channel geometry and hydraulics with sediment erosion, transport, and deposition, using generalized (quantitative) physical models. Such models exist for high-stage deposition in single curved channels of simple planform: they are capable of approximating the three-dimensional variation of mean grain size and internal structure of point-bar deposits in channels with differing geometries and flow characteristics. However, such models cannot presently predict processes operating on point bar tops (e.g., sheet floods, chute channel and bar formation, scroll bars, flow separation zone ) or the nature of low-flow deposits. Lateral lithofacies variation due to meander-loop evolution and cutoff is also inadequately understood. Generalized physical models of braided and anastomosed river deposition are particularly poorly developed, and need urgent attention. Single-channel and braided rivers can be distinguished on the basis of their water discharge, slope, width/depth ratio, and sinuosity; quantitative analysis of ancient alluvium is required for reconstruction of these parameters. Although braided river deposits should typically have a high proportion of coarse-grained channel fills relative to lateral accretion deposits, coarse-grained channel fills are also common in sinuous rivers with cutoffs. It appears that presently available qualitative facies models do not adequately represent the range of lithofacies geometries expected from different kinds of rivers, and therefore do not allow thorough and uneq ivocal interpretation of paleochannel geometry, flow characteristics, and evolution. End_of_Article - Last_Page 429------------
Perceptual quality metric for digital video coding

A new perceptually significant block-edge impairment metric as a quantitative distortion measure for blocking artifacts in digital video coding is presented. This distortion metric does not require the original image sequence as a comparative reference, and is found to be consistent with subjective evaluation.
Entamoeba histolytica: Purification of cathepsin B

Abstract A cytotoxic cysteine proteinase with a molecular weight of 16,000 was isolated from axenically grown trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica. The enzyme was purified from frozen-thawed strain HM-1 by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, organomercurial agarose affinity chromatography, and size-exclusion chromatography. The purified enzyme had proteinase activity that could be demonstrated on azocasein (pH 5), hemoglobin (pH 5), or carbobenzoxy- l -arginyl- l -arginyl-7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin (Z-arg-arg-AFC), a substrate specific for cathepsin B. Enzyme activity was stable to high pH, but not to 40 C for 1 hr or 56 C for 0.5 hr. As typical of cysteine proteinases, inhibition of activity on Z-arg-arg-AFC by p-chloromercuribenzoate or mercury was reversed by free sulfhydryl groups. Both the proteinase and cytotoxic activities of the purified amoebal cathepsin B were inhibited by leupeptin and serum and activated by free sulfhydryl groups, supporting the hypothesis that both activities are characteristics of amoebal cathepsin B. Virulent strains of E. histolytica (HM-1 and Rahman) had significantly more cathepsin B activity per milligram protein than less virulent strains (HK-9, Laredo, and Huff). The correlation between higher levels of cathepsin B activity in strains with greater virulence could indicate a role for amoebal cathepsin B in the pathogenesis of amoebiasis.
Learning-induced control model to allocate managerial resources for production technology development

Abstract The paper explores the impact of manufacturing learning on the dynamics of production technology development. We consider two types of mechanism to develop production technology: endogenous (in-house; on-shop) and exogenous (subcontracting; off-shop) in relation to the ‘manufacturing process’. Endogenously developed technology is more firm-specific, conducive to in-line learning within manufacturing process, less uncertain in development success than exogenously developed technology. How to allocate managerial resources (also, attention/commitment) between on-shop and off-shop development efforts can be determined by the learning intention/propensity possessed by the managers. In the relatively early stage of decision time horizon, the managers participating in the development process form learning propensity for either on-shop technology or off-shop technology, and make decisions and behave accordingly to the formed propensity: learning is assumed to affect the implementation cost. Since in the early period the benefit from technological improvement outweighs the implementation cost, the learning impact seems minimal. As the terminal point of decision horizon approaches, the implementation cost becomes dominant over the benefit (since the benefit decreases more rapidly than the cost does). The firm may eventually face a time point at which the “learning-induced” bias to utilize the particular “chosen mechanism” to develop technology becomes so enormous that the firm cannot control its own dynamics with minor adjustment: the dynamics of the later period was already prophesied by the initial choice of learning propensity (freezing effect of learning intention; catastrophic effect of learning prophecy). Top management should understand the early formation of learning propensity by (middle) managers in order to optimally control the dynamics of production technology development.
Oscillators with quartic anharmonicity: Approximate energy levels

Abstract A variation-perturbation method is presented for obtaining approximate eigenvalues of quantum mechanical oscillators with the potential energy function V ( x ) = ax 4 + cx 2 . Numerical results show that solution of a cubic equation can often yield energy differences between the levels accurate to better than 0.001%. The method is accurate for both high and low quantum numbers.
The mothers' support group role in the health care system

Women have a need for one-to-one information and support from the health care system about breastfeeding and often they do not get it. Many experienced breastfeeding mothers have formed mothers' support groups to fill that need. As a necessity these groups train their members and ensure they are updated with scientific and other knowledge related to infant health and breastfeeding. In many places, these voluntary groups are working within health care systems and have proved an invaluable adjunct to the professional staff. They should have a role worldwide in counseling new mothers within health care, training health workers and mothers to be leaders and counselors, and helping in planning breastfeeding material and conferences.
The validity of emergency department triage blood pressure measurements.

OBJECTIVE Automated blood pressure (ABP) devices are ubiquitous at emergency department (ED) triage. Previous studies failed to evaluate ABP devices against accepted reference standards or demonstrate triage readings as accurate reflections of blood pressure (BP). This study evaluated ED triage measurements made using an ABP device and assessed agreement between triage BP and BP taken under recommended conditions. METHODS A prospective study was conducted at an urban teaching hospital. Patients were enrolled by convenience sampling. Simultaneous automated and manual triage BPs were obtained using one BP cuff with a Y-tube connector. Research assistants were certified in obtaining manual BP as described by the British Hypertension Society (BHS). Patients were placed in a quiet setting, and manual BP was repeated by American Heart Association (AHA) standards. Data analysis was performed using methods described by Bland and Altman. The ABP device was assessed using Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and BHS criteria. RESULTS One hundred seventy-one patients were enrolled. Systolic BP (sBP) range was 81 to 218 mm Hg; diastolic BP (dBP) range was 43 to 130 mm Hg. Automated vs. manual sBP difference was 3.8 +/- 11.2 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1 to 5.4); dBP difference was 6.6 +/- 9.0 mm Hg (95% CI = -7.9 to -5.2). Manual triage BP vs. AHA standard SBP difference was 11.6 +/- 12.8 mm Hg (95% CI = 9.1 to 14.1); dBP difference was 9.9 +/- 10.4 mm Hg (95% CI = 7.9 to 12.0). The ABP device failed to meet AAMI criteria and received a BHS rating of "D." Poor operator technique and extraneous patient and operator movement appeared to hamper accuracy. CONCLUSIONS ABP triage measurements show significant discrepancies from a reference standard. Repeat measurements following AHA standards demonstrate significant decreases in the measured blood pressures.
Stereospecificity of hydrogen transfer from NADPH by steroid Δ4-5α- and Δ4-5β-reductase

Abstract The saturation of the C-4,5 double bond of Δ 4 -3-ketosteroids catalyzed by Δ 4 -3-ketosteroid-5β-reductase has been shown to involve a hydride ion transfer from the A-position of NADPH to the 5β-position of the steroid while the reaction catalyzed by Δ 4 -3-ketosteroid-5α-reductase involves a hydride transfer from the B-position of NADPH to the 5α-position of the steroid. Thus, this study shows that Δ 4 -5β-reductase has A-stereospecificity while Δ 4 -5α-reductase has B-stereospecificity.
Singular asymptotics of integrals and the near-field radiated from nonuniformly moving dislocations

A new method is presented for obtaining asymptotic series expansions of integrals for which the pointwise asymptotic expansions are not valid. The series is used in obtaining the stress field radiated from a nonuniformly moving dislocation near the current position of the dislocation.
STUDIES ON OVARIAN DYSFUNCTION. III. THE MENOPAUSE1

Science rightly concluded many years ago that the phenomenon called the menopause is associated with a cessation of ovarian function. The structure of the ovary after the menopause, the atrophy of the uterus and vagina during the menopause, the close analogy between physiological menopause and artificial menopause were all evidence of this. But ovarian function, it is now known, may cease because the ovary per se ceases to function or because the stimulating hormone or hormones from the anterior pituitary cease to be furnished. With which of these possibilities is one confronted at the menopause? Evidence that ovary is primarily and not secondarily hypofunctioning at the menopause. In the previous paper of this series (1) it was pointed out how the determination of certain hormones in the urine could be used in differentiating between a hypogonadism of primary ovarian cause and one secondary to a hypofunction of the gonad-stimulating hormone or hormones of the anterior pituitary. Obviously in both instanc...
Genetic heterozygosity and production traits in natural and hatchery populations of bivalves

Abstract New data are presented and published data reviewed for several bivalve species regarding the correlations of electrophoretic phenotypes with performance characteristics such as growth and viability in natural and hatchery-reared populations. The relationship between allozyme phenotype and physiological traits depends strongly on the genetic structure of the population.
Analysis on GPL's dynamic gait for a gecko inspired climbing robot with a passive waist joint

To improve the efficiency of multi legged climbing robot, a dynamic climbing gait is proposed for a gecko inspired mechanism with a pendular waist and linear legs (GPL). Then, a mathematical model is built and the kinetics of the climbing gait is illustrated. Trajectory of the waist, identical to centroid of the GPL model, is also discussed in this paper. The forces at the feet of GPL are calculated, and the comparison between our result and gecko's experimental data is shown in our work, which reveals high similarity. In the end, the movement of a physical template is simulated by ADAMS, showing excellent stability and performance. The result of our research indicates high efficiency of a bionic robot, which would be developed in our next stage work.
The incidence of postoperative flare reaction and tissue complications in Dupuytren’s disease using tension-free immobilization

Purpose Open fasciectomy represents a standard treatment of Dupuytren’s disease. Although patients are commonly immobilized in extension to prevent postoperative contracture formation, immobilizing the extremity under tension may precipitate a flare reaction and scar-related complications. This study explores the incidence of flare reaction and other complications with postoperative tension-free splinting after fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture.
Domestic violence and group treatment for male batterers

This paper examines the violent behavior of male batterers toward their female partners. Three major theoretical perspectives addressing the etiology of the male batterer's abusive behavior are reviewed. These perspectives, along with an understanding of personality characteristics common among batterers, offer insight into intervention and treatment options. Group intervention has proven to be the most effective form of treatment for batterers. Outcome studies suggest a decline in batterers' abusive behavior as a result of group treatment.
Monetary policy, mortgage rates and the housing bubble

The article uses three alternative models and monthly data to investigate whether the Federal Funds Rate or the rate on standard 30 year mortgages in the US for the period 1987 to 2010 impacts an index of housing prices. The results indicate that positive shocks to the Federal Funds Rate are associated with housing price changes in the negative direction and the mortgage rate in the positive direction. Shocks to the mortgage rate have no statistically significant impact on housing prices except when the data are filtered with the Christiano and Fitzgerald (2003) procedure and a vector auto-regression model using 16 lags is estimated.
The zinc ionophore PCI-5002 radiosensitizes non-small cell lung cancer cells by enhancing autophagic cell death.

Introduction A major focus of cancer research is to identify compounds that sensitize resistant cancer cells to radiation treatment. Lung cancer cells, in particular, have high rates of radioresistance that lead to treatment failure. We have previously shown that the autophagy induced in the context of decreased apoptosis confers radiosensitivity to prostate and lung cancer cells. Zinc supplementation has antiapoptotic effects in cell culture. In addition, the accumulation of zinc in response to oxidative stress has been associated with increased autophagy in astrocyte and breast cancer cells. Methods In this study, we hypothesized that the zinc ionophore PCI-5002 radiosensitizes lung cancer cells by inducing autophagic cell death. To test this hypothesis, we used a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches, including clonogenic assays to test for radiosensitivity, biochemical analyses of apoptosis and autophagy, and a xenograft mouse model of tumor growth. Results We found that PCI-5002 reduced clonogenic survival in treated cells compared with untreated cells (0.03% versus 0.1% surviving fraction, p 3 tumor size). Conclusions PCI-5002 treatment sensitizes lung cancer cells to radiation, both in vitro and in vivo. This data suggest that PCI-5002 could potentially treat radioresistant/locally advanced lung cancer by amplifying the effects of radiotherapy.
Rapid clinical diagnosis of pulmonary abnormalities in HIV-seropositive patients by auscultatory percussion.

A prospective, blinded study of pulmonary findings in hospitalized patients with HIV infection compared auscultatory percussion (AusP) with conventional percussion (ConP) and conventional auscultation (ConA) using chest radiographs as the gold standard. Sixty-three patients had chest radiographs and were examined by one to three examiners. Seventy of the 126 lungs had radiographic abnormalities (55.6 percent). Auscultatory percussion proved to be the most sensitive of all techniques for each examiner (range, 51.0 to 69.6 percent) for detecting radiographic abnormalities and also had higher likelihood ratios for two of the three examiners; AusP also had the highest likelihood ratio pooled across examiners. Of the 166 abnormal results of lung examinations, the combination of AusP and ConA detected 31 more abnormalities than ConP and ConA combined, with 14 of these being diagnosed with Pneumocystis carimi pneumonia. No abnormalities were detected by ConP that were not detected by AusP. These findings suggest that AusP, a rapid clinical maneuver, is more sensitive and specific than ConA and ConP in determining pulmonary abnormalities in HIV-infected inpatients.
Young adolescents’ emotional and regulatory responses to positive life events: Investigating temperament, attachment, and event characteristics

Very little is known about what factors predict variations in responses to positive events among youth. Consequently, we examined young adolescents’ positive emotional reactions and their savoring and dampening responses to their most intense positive event across a four-day period. The investigated predictors were parent-reported adolescent temperament, adolescent-reported attachment security with mothers and fathers, and researcher-coded event characteristics. The sample was 56 youth (31 boys, 10–14 years of age). More support was found for temperament than attachment. Specifically, effortful control predicted more savoring and sustained positive affect (PA) about the events, whereas negative emotionality predicted more dampening. Adolescents’ reports of more secure attachment to fathers were marginally linked to more savoring of their positive event. Girls reported higher levels of initial PA yet endorsed more dampening responses than boys. Event type (interpersonal vs. not) was unrelated to responses ...
Non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease is common in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Summary Background Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous environmental organisms. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are susceptible to NTM, but data about NTM in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis are limited. Methods We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study at the University of Illinois Medical Center. All patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis (code 494) using the International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision (ICD-9), between 1999 and 2006, were identified. Clinical data including lung function, radiology studies, and presence of NTM in sputum were abstracted for those who met the study criteria. Results One hundred eighty-two patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: bronchiectasis with NTM isolates ( n = 68) and bronchiectasis without isolates ( n =114), and compared for clinical characteristics and underlying diseases. Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) was the most common isolate. Fifty-five patients (30%) met the American Thoracic Society criteria for diagnosis of NTM disease. Gram-negative rods were commonly co-isolated. The probability of NTM isolation was significantly higher in elderly female patients ( p = 0.04). Moreover, the probability of NTM isolation was significantly higher in the female group with low body mass index (BMI) ( p = 0.002). Conclusions NTM infections are common in non-CF bronchiectasis. MAC is the most frequently isolated NTM in these patients. There is also great variability in age and sex characteristics for NTM in non-CF bronchiectasis patients. Female patients with a low BMI are a high risk group for NTM infection in non-CF bronchiectasis. Routine screening for NTM is strongly recommended in this patient population.
The asymptotic distribution of maxima in bivariate samples

Abstract This article investigates the joint distribution, as n→ ∞, of the maxima in a sample of n independent observations of a bivariate random variable (X,Y). A method is presented for deriving the asymptotic distribution of the maxima provided that (1) X and Y possess asymptotic extreme-value distributions and (2) the probability element dF(x,y) has a canonical series expansion. Applied to the bivariate normal distribution, this method confirms the known fact that correlated normal maxima are asymptotically uncorrelated. Applied to the bivariate gamma and compound correlated bivariate Poisson distributions, the method establishes that maxima from these distributions are also asymptotically uncorrelated.
Solid-state non-isothermal kinetics of sulfonamide-ammonia adduct desolvation

Abstract A general differential technique is proposed for obtaining non-isothermal kinetic information from thermogravimetric data. This method uses a differential form of the general non-isothermal kinetic expression and fits desolvation data to rate laws corresponding to each of 11 solid-state mechanisms. The correct mechanism is determined to be the one the data fit most closely and the activation energy is calculated for this rate law. The method was used to evaluate the desolvation of six sulfonamide-ammonia adducts. A correlation was found between the calculated isothermal activation energies for a drug and its p K a . Sulfonamides with higher p K a values had lower desolvation activation energies and those with lower p K a values had higher desolvation activation energies.
Classification of breast masses and normal tissues in digital tomosynthesis mammography

Digital tomosynthesis mammography (DTM) can provide quasi-3D structural information of the breast by reconstructing the breast volume from projection views (PV) acquired in a limited angular range. Our purpose is to design an effective classifier to distinguish breast masses from normal tissues in DTMs. A data set of 100 DTM cases collected with a GE first generation prototype DTM system at the Massachusetts General Hospital was used. We reconstructed the DTMs using a simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART). Mass candidates were identified by 3D gradient field analysis. Three approaches to distinguish breast masses from normal tissues were evaluated. In the 3D approach, we extracted morphological and run-length statistics texture features from DTM slices as input to a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier. In the 2D approach, the raw input PVs were first preprocessed with a Laplacian pyramid multi-resolution enhancement scheme. A mass candidate was then forward-projected to the preprocessed PVs in order to determine the corresponding regions of interest (ROIs). Spatial gray-level dependence (SGLD) texture features were extracted from each ROI and averaged over 11 PVs. An LDA classifier was designed to distinguish the masses from normal tissues. In the combined approach, the LDA scores from the 3D and 2D approaches were averaged to generate a mass likelihood score for each candidate. The A z values were 0.87±0.02, 0.86±0.02, and 0.91±0.02 for the 3D, 2D, and combined approaches, respectively. The difference between the A z values of the 3D and 2D approaches did not achieve statistical significance. The performance of the combined approach was significantly (p<0.05) better than either the 3D or 2D approach alone. The combined classifier will be useful for false-positive reduction in computerized mass detection in DTM.
Tumor cell proliferation and cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitory compounds in Amaranthus tricolor.

Amaranthus tricolor is consumed as a vegetable in Asia. Bioassay-directed isolation of leaves and stems of A. tricolor yielded three galactosyl diacylglycerols (1−3) with potent cyclooxygenase and human tumor cell growth inhibitory activities. The purified compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. In addition, the fatty acid moieties in diacyl galactosyl glyerols were characterized by GC-MS analyses. The galactosyl diacylglycerols 1−3 inhibited the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme by 78, 63, and 93% and the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme by 87, 74, and 95%, respectively. These compounds were tested for antiproliferative activity using human AGS (gastric), CNS (central nervous system; SF-268), HCT-116 (colon), NCI-H460 (lung), and MCF-7 (breast) cancer cell lines. Compound 1 inhibited the growth of AGS, SF-268, HCT-116, NCI-H460, and MCF-7 tumor cell lines with IC50 values of 49.1, 71.8, 42.8, 62.5, and 39.2 μg/mL, respectively. For AGS, HCT-116, and MCF-7 tumor cell lines, the IC50 values of ...
Empirical Bayes estimation of the binomial parameter

SUMMARY A smooth empirical Bayes estimator for a binomial parameter is derived. The risk in using this estimator is compared by simulation with that of eight other binomial estimators. For those estimators not having a simple closed form risk, suitable regression equations on the simulation parameters are obtained. These equations are used to identify the regions of superiority of each of the estimators. A numerical example is provided.
The absence of an 8-desaturaseinratliver: A reevaluation of optional pathways for the metabolism of linoleic and linolenic acids

11-[3-14C] Octadecenoicacid, 11,14-[1-14C] nonadecadienoicacid, 11,14-[1-14C] eicosadienoicacid, 11,14-[1-14C]heneicosadienoic acid and 11,14,17-[3-14C]eicosatrienoicacid were fed and injected into tail veins of rats raised on balanced and fat-free diets. Analysis of the total liver lipids showed that 11–18:1 was not desaturated. In rats raised on a fat-free diet 11,14–19:2 was desaturated to 5,11,14–19:3; 11,14–20:2 was desaturated to 5,11,14–20:3; 11,14–21:2 was desaturated to 5,11,14–21:3 and 11,14,17–20:3 was desaturated to 5,11,14,17–20:4. In rats raised on balanced diets 11,14–19:2 and 11,14–21:2 were desaturated at very slow rates. The 11,1–20:2 and 11,14,17–20:3 were desaturated to 5,11,14–20:3 and 5,11,14,17–20:4 but not as rapidly as in rats raised on fat-free diets. These findings strongly suggest that rat liver does not have a desaturase capable of introducing a double bond in the 8-position during polyunsaturated fatty acids biosynthesis. From these studies it can be concluded that linoleate is only converted to arachidonate via the following pathway: 9,12–18:2 → 6,9,12–18:3 → 8,11,14→ 20:3–5,8,11,14 → 20:4. Linolenate is only metabolized as follows: 9,12,15–18:3 → 6,9,12,15–18:4 → 8,11,14,17–20:4 → 5,8,11,14,17–20:5 → 7,10,13,16,19–22:5 → 4,7,10,13,16,19 → 22:6. Optional pathways such as 9,12 → 18:2 → 11,14–20:2 → 8,11,14–20:3- etc. and 9,12,15–18:3 → 11,14,17–20:3 → 8,11,14,17–20:4 → etc. are inoperative because 11,14–20:2 and 11,14,17–20:3 are probably not produced in vivo and if produced may well be converted to 9,12–18:2 and 9,12,15–18:3, respectively, by retroconversion.
Comparison of the electron capture dissociation fragmentation behavior of doubly and triply protonated peptides from trypsin, Glu-C, and chymotrypsin digestion.

In bottom-up proteomics, proteolytically derived peptides from proteins of interest are analyzed to provide sequence information for protein identification and characterization. Electron capture dissociation (ECD), which provides more random cleavages compared to “slow heating” techniques such as collisional activation, can result in greater sequence coverage for peptides and proteins. Most bottom-up proteomics approaches rely on tryptic doubly protonated peptides for generating sequence information. However, the effectiveness, in terms of peptide sequence coverage, of tryptic doubly protonated peptides in ECD remains to be characterized. Herein, we examine the ECD fragmentation behavior of 64 doubly- and 64 triply protonated peptides (i.e., a total of 128 peptide ions) from trypsin, Glu-C, and chymotrypsin digestion in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Our findings indicate that when triply protonated peptides are fragmented in ECD, independent of which proteolytic enzyme was...
Leaf structural characteristics of 31 hardwood and conifer tree species in central Wisconsin: influence of light regime and shade-tolerance rank.

Abstract Leaf structural characteristics were examined in understory and open-growing individuals of 26 hardwood and five conifer tree species, representing a range of shade-tolerance classes, in central Wisconsin. Sun leaves of open-growing hardwoods generally had greater thickness, specific mass and stomatal density than shaded leaves in the understory. In contrast, the conifer species exhibited few consistent differences in sun-shade needle length and specific leaf mass. Guard-cell length was not consistently different between sun and shade leaves of the hardwood species. Oaks had greater leaf thickness and stomatal density but lower guard-cell lengths compared to other hardwoo. Shade-intolerant hardwood species generally had greater sun- and shade-leaf thickness, specific leaf mass and guard-cell length than more-tolerant species. These differences in hardwood leaves suggest that acclimation to light regime exists for species representing a broad range of tolerances, and that differences in sun-shade leaf structure among species may vary with shade tolerance.
Structure of the N-terminal calcium sensor domain of centrin reveals the biochemical basis for domain-specific function

Centrin is an essential component of microtubule-organizing centers in organisms ranging from algae and yeast to humans. It is an EF-hand calcium-binding protein with homology to calmodulin but distinct calcium binding properties. In a previously proposed model, the C-terminal domain of centrin serves as a constitutive anchor to target proteins, and the N-terminal domain serves as the sensor of calcium signals. The three-dimensional structure of the N-terminal domain of Chlamydomonas rheinhardtii centrin has been determined in the presence of calcium by solution NMR spectroscopy. The domain is found to occupy an open conformation typical of EF-hand calcium sensors. Comparison of the N- and C-terminal domains of centrin reveals a structural and biochemical basis for the domain specificity of interactions with its cellular targets and the distinct nature of centrin relative to other EF-hand proteins. An NMR titration of the centrin N-terminal domain with a fragment of the known centrin target Sfi1 reveals binding of the peptide to a discrete site on the protein, which supports the proposal that the N-terminal domain serves as a calcium sensor in centrin.
Econometric analysis of factors influencing crime on the campus

Abstract A statistical model is presented and described to test the hypothesis that crime on university campuses bears a systematic and statistically identifiable relationship to a number of independent variables. Of the independent variables tested, the proportion of students living in dormitories and proximity to urban areas with high unemployment seem to influence the amount of crime on campus.
Calcium intake in children with positive IgG RAST to cow's milk

Objective: This study was made to: (i) identify the prevalence of low calcium intakes in a paediatric population with loosely defined ‘milk allergy’; and (ii) assess long-term (mean 21 months later) changes in calcium intake following a single nutrition counselling session with those patients initially found to have a low intake. Methodology: Calcium intake was assessed in a cross-sectional study of 58 patients ages 5–16 years (mean 9.9 years) with IgG radioallergosorbent test (RAST) class II or higher for cow's milk protein. Those 31 patients found to have a low calcium intake were prospectively re-evaluated 12–30 months later following a single nutrition counselling session. Results: Calcium intake was < recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for 31 of 58 (53%) patients. The patient's perception of their intake was unreliable; 44% of those who rated their calcium intake fair or good did not meet their RDA. Taking a calcium supplement did not ensure adequate intake; 21% of those taking supplements still did not meet their RDA. Milk intake predicted calcium intake; 8% of those who did not drink milk vs 68% of those who did drink at least some milk met their RDA without supplementation. The 31 patients with low intakes received counselling and were re-evaluated at an average follow-up of nearly 2 years. Calcium intake was increased a mean of 360 mg/day and use of supplements increased from 10 to 52% of the group. Despite these positive changes, 48% still did not meet their RDA. Conclusion: Limited milk intake is likely to be associated with suboptimal calcium intake. Efforts should be made to educate the family about the importance of calcium and its non-dairy sources. With many families repeated discussions of this issue may be necessary to influence calcium intake.
Bioassay Labels Based on Apoferritin Nanovehicles

Here we report a nanoparticle label based on apoferritin nanovehicle loaded internally with markers for sensitive electrochemical DNA detection. The central cavity structure, the dissociation and reconstitute properties at different pHs of apoferritin provide a facile method to load and release markers. Hexacynoferrate(III) was used as model marker to load into the cavity of apoferritin protein cage. The loaded nanoparticle surface was functionalized with amino-modified DNA probe. Electrochemical DNA hybridization assay based on the hexacynoferrate loaded apoferritin nanovehicle could detect 23 atmol DNA targets in 50 ul sample solution. The concept could be readily extended to load other redox and fluorescence markers for bioassay applications. The new nanoparticle labels hold great promise for multi-target detection (in connection to nanoparticles loaded with different markers) and for enhancing the sensitivity of other bioassays.
Structural features of the cell-wall polysaccharides of the parchment layers of the pods of mature runner beans

Abstract Cell-wall material from parchment layers of mature runner-bean pods was delignified and the holocellulose was extracted in sequence with hot water, methyl sulphoxide at 20°, and 0.5 m , m , and 4 m at 20°, to yield the α-cellulose. The hemicelluloses solubilised by hot water and 0.5 m KOH were fractionally precipitated with alcohol, and some of the fractions were resolved further by anion-exchange chromatography. The acidic oligosaccharides released on partial acid hydrolysis of two of the xylans were reduced with NaBD4, methylated with deuterated iodomethane, and identified by g.l.c.-m.s. The polymers soluble in methyl sulfoxide, m KOH, and 4 m KOH, selected fractions from the graded precipitation with alcohol, and some fractions from anion-exchange chromatography were subjected to methylation analysis. The major hemicellulosic polymers were glucurono- and 4-O-Me-glucurono-xylans with d.p. 90–200 and a ratio of GlcpA to 4-Me-GlcpA of ∼1:5.4. The cell-wall xylans are acetylated, and 7 out of 10 xylose residues of the methyl sulfoxide-soluble xylan are acetylated. Evidence was obtained for the occurrence of small amounts of pectic polysaccharide, possibly in covalent association with some acidic xylans (d.p. ∼30) and lignin.
Foster parenting together: Assessing foster parent applicant couples

Abstract This study examined family and marital context, parenting knowledge and attitudes, and mental/emotional health in a sample of 99 heterosexual foster parent applicant couples to determine whether there were distinct sub-groups in the sample with regard to marital/family context, psychological symptoms, and parenting attitudes and knowledge; to describe those sub-groups; and to examine whether those sub-groups experienced different rates of approval to foster and placement of children in their homes. The sample included only applicant couples who completed all questionnaires and 30 h of MAPP training over 10 sessions. Due to sample size, we estimated one Latent Class model for marital/family context and psychological symptoms, and another for parenting attitudes and knowledge. Analysis revealed two distinct classes of applicant couples for marital/family context and psychological symptoms, designated as Problematic Family Context (PFC), 60% of the sample and Nonproblematic Family Context (NFP), 40%. Significantly more NFP were approved to foster and had children placed in their homes 14 months later. Latent Class Analysis also revealed Problematic (35%) and Non-problematic (65%) sub-classes for parenting attitudes and knowledge; however, both classes were about equally likely to be approved to foster and to have children placed in their homes. These findings underscore the importance of screening during foster parent training and suggest that the MAPP training was partially successful in selecting applicants with the most foster parenting potential.
Comus and Its Traditions

It is impossible that spirit in a living creature should ever be wholly freed from the body and from the world; for in its inwardness… it would either have been absorbed in the contemplation of pure Being and become virtually omniscient, or at least it would contemplate its special objects equably under the form of eternity, and not in the perspectives determined by the station of its body in time and place.—Santayana