cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MICROBIAL COLONIZATION ON NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL MACROPHYTES IN A PHOSPHORUS‐LIMITED, HARDWATER LAKE1

Epiphyte communities in a phosphorus-limited hardwater lake were compared over a 14-week period from Potamogeton illinoensis and structurally similar artificial plants of different leaf ages. Artificial plants were serially incubated in the lake to simulate the age of natural leaves. The physiognomy of loosely attached epiphytes appeared similar on the two substrata. Algal cell number and biovolume were 15-fold and 17-fold higher, respectively, on artificial leaves early in the growing season, but total algal density gradually became similar on natural and artificial plants. In contrast, the taxonomic composition of loosely attached algae became increasingly distinct, and mean cell biovolume on natural leaves was twice that on artificial leaves. Adnate epiphytes on both substrata developed from sparse populations of bacteria on new leaves to a community of diatoms, blue-green algae and numerous bacteria on mature and senescent leaves. Adnate community succession on natural leaves in late senescence/death differed from that on artificial leaves colonized for comparable periods in having (1) a marked increase in filamentous blue-green algae, (2) a subsequent decrease in all algae, and (3) a final fungi-dominated stage. The trends in colonization indicate that macrophytes in this oligotrophic lake provided a distinct habitat from that of artificial substrate formore » epiphytes throughout the growing season.« less
Some chemical and physical properties of thermostable glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Bacillus stearothermophilus.

Abstract 1. 1. Data concerning pH optima, pH inactivation curves, general enzyme kinetics and optimal temperature for assay are presented for crystalline glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase ( d -glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate: DPN+ oxido-reductase (phosphorylating), EC 1.2.1.12) from Bacillus stearothermophilus and from rabbit muscle. 2. 2. Using column density-gradient procedures, the partial specific volume was found to be 0.754 ml/g. The molecular weight for the thermophilic enzyme was calculated as 130 000 by the approach to equilibrium method. 3. 3. Sulfhydryl titration of the thermophilic enzyme revealed 2–3 titratable groups in contrast to 13–14 for the muscle enzyme. p-Hydroxymecuribenzoate inhibition of the thermophilic enzyme was completely reversible by cystein, whereas the muscle enzyme showed only partial reversibility. 4. 4. When dissolved in 8.0 M urea, the thermophilic enzyme showed no change in optical rotation from the native state and under the assay conditions used, there was only a slight loss of enzymic activity; in contrast, the muscle enzyme showed a large negative increase in optical rotation and complete loss of enzymic activity. 5. 5. The thermophilic enzyme is extensively inactivated by DPNH; incubation with DPNH at 60° is necessary to attain the extensive inactivation obtained with the muscle enzyme at 37°.
Diel and Seasonal Variation in Food Habits of Atlantic Salmon Parr in a Small Stream

ABSTRACT The diel and seasonal food habits of young-of-year (YOY) and post-young-of-year (PYOY) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr were assayed over the course of 11 months in the West Brook, Massachusetts USA. Gut fullness of YOY salmon did not vary significantly among months. PYOY salmon exhibited significant seasonal differences in gut fullness, with peak fullness occurring in the spring and late fall. Significant diel differences in PYOY gut fullness occurred in June and April, with peak fullness always occurring at dawn. Prey composition varied substantially among months. Dominant prey items of PYOY salmon were baetid mayflies in June, July, and August, limnephilid caddisflies in October and November, and ephemerellid mayflies in February and April. Few differences in prey composition between PYOY and YOY salmon were observed. Fish growth was unrelated to prey availability, but gut fullness explained up to 97% of growth variation across seasons. Results suggest that spring and fall are critical perio...
E2F4 loss suppresses tumorigenesis in Rb mutant mice.

Abstract The E2F transcription factors mediate the activation or repression of key cell cycle regulatory genes under the control of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) tumor suppressor and its relatives, p107 and p130. Here we investigate how E2F4, the major "repressive" E2F, contributes to pRB's tumor-suppressive properties. Remarkably, E2F4 loss suppresses the development of both pituitary and thyroid tumors in Rb +/− mice. Importantly, E2F4 loss also suppresses the inappropriate gene expression and proliferation of pRB-deficient cells. Biochemical analyses suggest that this tumor suppression occurs via a novel mechanism: E2F4 loss allows p107 and p130 to regulate the pRB-specific, activator E2Fs. We also detect these novel E2F complexes in pRB-deficient cells, suggesting that they play a significant role in the regulation of tumorigenesis in vivo.
Duality among Optimal Design Problems for Torsional Vibration

ABSTRACT Four types of mass and frequency optimization problems are stated for free torsional vibration of thin-walled cylinders subject to constraints on wall thickness and frequencies of vibration. It is shown, using Pontryagin's method, that the mathematical structure of all four problems is similar and leads to identical classes of optimal thickness distributions. These duality relations are used in an example to construct an optimal frequency solution from the solutions for both maximum and minimum mass problems. General relations among the governing parameters for the four problems are stated. The results of Grinev and Filippov and of Thermann for the abnormal optimization problems are verfied as a specific limiting example of the general results.
Towards a neural implementation of causal inference in cue combination

Causal inference in sensory cue combination is the process of determining whether multiple sensory cues have the same cause or different causes. Psychophysical evidence indicates that humans closely follow the predictions of a Bayesian causal inference model. Here, we explore how Bayesian causal inference could be implemented using probabilistic population coding and plausible neural operations, but conclude that the resulting architecture is unrealistic.
Ionic state preparation of O+2 via the 3dδ 1,3Φg Rydberg states of O2

Abstract Photoelectron spectra resulting from the two-photon resonant, three-photon ionization of O 2 via the newly observed 3dδ 1,3 Φ g Rydberg states are reported for ν= 0 to 3 vibrational levels. The preparation of vibrationally state-selected O + 2 ion is quite remarkable, yielding &>; 98% pure ν + = ν ionic states.
Hypertrophied Non-Failing Rat Heart: PARTIAL BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION

Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in rats by constructing an arteriovenous fistula. Heart weights approximately doubled in 7.5 weeks. The levels of activity, expressed per gram of heart, of a variety of enzymes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and of the citric acid cycle, as well as the concentrations of cytochrome c and of mitochondrial protein, were the same in the hypertrophied and control hearts. Similarly, the capacity of whole heart homogenate to oxidize pyruvate was unaltered in hypertrophy. There was also no change in the levels of activity of cytochrome oxidase and malate dehydrogenase, or in the concentration of cytochrome c in early hypertrophy (3 to 10 days after construction of an A-V fistula). These results suggest that cardiac mitochondria increase in parallel with the other components of the myocardial cell. The levels of activity, per gram of heart, of creatine phosphokinase and adenylate kinase, and of the rate-limiting enzymes of glycolysis and glycogenolysis, were the same in the ...
A Gummel-Poon model for abrupt and graded heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs)

Abstract A Gummel-Poon model for abrupt and graded GaAlAs/GaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) is developed. The effect of carrier recombination at the emitter-base heterojunction, space charge region (SCR) width modulation effect, and base-widening effect at large collector currents have been considered. Results from this model are compared with numerical results, experimental results, and results from the most recent analytical models. The results show that the common-emitter current gain behavior in the low collector current region can be predicted more accurately by this model, and that interface and surface recombination affect the current gain more dominantly than the other recombination processes. Dependence of cutoff frequency on collector current obtained from the present model agrees well with the experimental results. This model can also predict both current gain and cutoff frequency falloffs at large collector current. This model can be easily implemented in the SPICE program.
Postmaneuver restrictions in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: an individual patient data meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective Treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) with the Epley and Semont maneuvers has been used with and without postmaneuver postural restrictions. Studies examining these restrictions have yielded differing results. This study sought to examine the studies for a more uniform conclusion. Data Sources Controlled studies with objective identification of unilateral posterior semicircular canal BPPV and symptom resolution were analyzed. A PubMed search identified six studies totaling 523 patients meeting all inclusion criteria. Review Methods Cohorts treated with and without restrictions were compared. Individual patient pooled analyses in a one-stage comparison were used for the meta-analysis. Results Pooled results of all restriction types showed no advantage over no restriction. Studies including each individual restriction were examined against the pooled population to look for technique differences. No restriction was found to be statistically significant. Conclusions The restrictions examined in controlled trials did not differ significantly in clinical outcomes, which suggests that restrictions do not appear to significantly affect the efficacy of BPPV maneuvers.
Estimation of fracture orientation and relative intensity using azimuthal variation of P-wave AVO responses and oriented core data in the Tacata Field, Venezuela.

Summary At present, several methods can be used to describe and analyze natural fractures in the subsurface. One method uses cores as direct geological samples of fractures. Microfractures are imaged and describe with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and cathodoluminescence detectors. However, the most conductive fractures typically are larger than core and too sparse to be adequately sampled with core, so indirect methods such as azimuthally dependent 3D P-wave amplitude responses can be used to identify fracture orientation and relative intensity. For this study, a fractured Tertiary, sandstone reservoir located in the northeastern part of Maturin Basin in Venezuela was chosen. From the 3D P-wave AVOA seismic analysis, a fracture orientation map shows that the main set of fractures have a strike of 101o, and a secondary set strikes 41°, at the position of Well 5. The fracture intensity map shows several NW-SE trends of relatively high fracture intensity, separated by areas of intermediate to low intensity. These results were verified at the target level from micro- and macrofracture analyses, which detected two sets of fractures: (1) the main set of open fractures with a strike at 103o, and (2) a second set strikes at 40o, interpreted as mineral filled.
The antiquity of rheumatoid arthritis

The antiquity of rheumatoid arthritis, first clearly set off as an entity by Landre-Beauvais in 1800, is of more than historic interest. If the disease is actually of relatively recent origin, an environmental cause becomes likely. It is reasonably certain that it was identified by Sydenham in 1676. But studies in human palaeopathology, while revealing unmistakable examples of ankylosing spondylitis dating back to prehistoric times, have as yet failed to provide convincing evidence of the existence of rheumatoid arthritis prior to Sydenham's description.
Observations of High Ground Flash Densities of Positive Lightning in Summertime Thunderstorms

Abstract Observations of summertime thunderstorms indicate that positive polarity cloud-to-ground lightning activity can occur with rates as high as 67 flashes in 5 min and spatial densities up to 0.60 flashes per square kilometer per hour. All ground flashes in a storm may be positive for substantial periods. Using data from a nationwide network of magnetic direction finders, 24 storms with high ground flash densities of positive lightning were found on 11 days in June and July 1989 in the Great Plains of the United States. The periods of high-density positive lightning persisted an average of 4 h, longer than the lifetime of a typical single thunderstorm cell. In most cases, they occurred at or near the beginning of the storms' cloud-to-ground lightning activity. Supporting data suggest that the production of high rate and high percentage of positive ground flashes may be associated with exceptionally tall storms that exhibit a stage of early, rapid increase in radar echo-top height and product large hail.
Indirect Ultraviolet Visualization and Quantitation of Methenamine with Reversed Phase Ion Pairing Liquid Chromatography

Abstract This study reports for the first time, the successful indirect ultraviolet visualization of a polycyclic polyamine, methenamine, a urinary antibacterial agent. The ability to detect a non-UV active compound quantitatively using a UV monitor is demonstrated and the optimized experimental conditions are discussed. The calibration curve obtained was linear for over two orders of magnitude extending down to a detection limit of 250 picomoles.
SU-E-CAMPUS-T-06: Initial Experience of Patient-Specific QA Using a Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy System

Purpose: To illustrate patient QA results for the first 10 patients treated at Scripps Proton Center by comparing point dose measurement using an ion chamber and in-house developed secondary MU program, and the measurement of 2D dose distribution using an ion chamber array. Methods: At the time of writing, 10 patient plans were approved for treatment using Varian ProBeam pencil beam scanning system and Eclipse treatment planning software. We used the IBA CC04 0.04 cm3 ion chamber and PTW Unidos E electrometer for point dose measurement in a small water tank (Sun Nuclear 1D scanner). We developed independent MU check software based on measured pencil beam dose profiles for various energies. We used PTW Octavius 729 XDR array to evaluate 2D planar dose distribution. The 3D gamma at 3%/3 mm local dose was used to compare a 3D calculated dose plan with a 2D measured dose distribution using PTW Verisoft software. All fields were exported to a verification phantom plan and delivered at 0 degrees for simplicity. Results: Comparisons between the CC04 ion chamber measurement and calculated dose agree well within 1%. The PTW Octavius 729 XDR array exhibited some dose rate dependence in high dose rate pencil beam delivery.more » Nevertheless, the results, used as a relative measurement, passed the gamma criteria of 3%/3mm for greater than 90% of area in all patient fields. Visual inspection showed good agreement between ion chamber dose profile and the calculated plan. The in-house secondary check for MU agreed very well with the plan dose and measurement. The results will be updated with more patients treated. Conclusion: The initial patient specific QA results are encouraging for a new pencil beam scanning only proton therapy system.« less
Cosmic blackbody radiation and isotropic gamma rays - A contradiction?

IN his article on the isotropic gamma ray background, Cheng1 presents instructive calculations of the production and propagation of inverse Compton gamma rays in an expanding universe. The latter part of the paper, however, includes a rather arbitrary application of these resultts which leaves the impression that there is some conflict between the observed X-ray and gamma ray background and the popular blackbody (3° K) interpretation of the observed microwave background. The purpose of this communication is to reassure big bang theorists that this is emphatically not the case.
Twelve-year experience with the long intestinal tube

A number of surgical methods, including use of the long intestinal tube, have been designed to decrease the incidence of recurrent small bowel obstruction. The aim of the present study was to review the indications, morbidity, and long-term results of the long intestinal tube at the Mayo Clinic. During the 12-year period 1981–1992, 47 patients had such tubes placed. The patients formed a complex surgical group: 46 patients had previously undergone at least one laparotomy (median 4, range 1–10); 41 patients had been hospitalized at least once for small bowel obstruction (median 3, range 1–15); and all 41 of these patients had undergone at least one previous laparotomy for obstruction (median 2, range 1–7). Eleven patients had a history of inflammatory bowel disease, and eight had a history of irradiation. In addition to dense adhesions in 46 patients, operative findings included large bowel tumors in six patients, intraperitoneal carcinomatosis in four, intraabdominal abscess in four, and small bowel stricture in three. Twenty patients required either a small bowel or large bowel resection, and three had a stoma fashioned. Only one case of morbidity (tube retraction) was related to tube placement. Among the 36 patients with complete follow-up, nine patients developed episodes of recurrent adhesional small bowel obstruction after a mean follow-up of 48 months, although only one required laparotomy. Of the remaining 11 patients it is known that two developed small bowel obstruction, one of whom required laparotomy. Use of the long intestinal tube has generally been reserved for surgically complex cases. In light of the diverse and complicated nature of the patients in this series, the long-term reoperation rate for adhesional small bowel obstruction appears to be low.
Angle-resolved photoemission study of the high-performance low-temperature thermoelectric material CsBi 4 Te 6

We report a study of the valence-band electronic structure of the newly discovered thermoelectric material, ${\mathrm{CsBi}}_{4}{\mathrm{Te}}_{6},$ using angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. This material exhibits quasi-one-dimensional behavior, which is related to its unique crystal structure. The highly anisotropic band dispersions might explain the large value of the figure of merit, $ZT,$ observed in the hole-doped systems. Our experimental results are compared with a recent theoretical band-structure calculation.
Characterization of reaction products from the enzyme catalyzed oxidation of phenolic pollutants

Abstract Phenol oxidizing enzymes such as peroxidases, laccases and polyphenol oxidases (tyrosinases) have been proposed for use in wastewater treatment. Few of the previous studies with these enzymes have focused on characteristics of reaction products relevant to waste treatment objectives, which must be known if enzyme technology is to be developed as a viable treatment process. In addition, little attention has been paid to the potential differences among different phenol oxidizing enzymes with respect to product characteristics and other factors of importance for full-scale applications. Work in this study focused on chromatographic and acute toxicity (by Microtox assay) analysis of reaction products from the enzyme catalyzed oxidation of several regulated phenolic compounds, using the enzymes chloroperoxidase, horseradish peroxidase, lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and mushroom polyphenol oxidase. The nature and distribution of reaction products from a given target phenol depended on the enzyme used and on reaction pH for otherwise constant reaction conditions. In some cases, differences in product characteristics (as judged through chromatography) corresponded to differences in toxicity as well. The compounds 4-chlorophenol, p -cresol and pentachlorophenol were detoxified by at least one of the enzymes tested, whereas enzymatic oxidation of 2-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol, 2-chlorophenol, o -cresol and phenol either increased the toxicity or had a negligible effect.
Unknown primary Merkel cell carcinoma: 23 new cases and a review

Background Knowledge is limited regarding unknown primary Merkel cell carcinoma (UPMCC). Objective We sought to document the characteristics and behavior of UPMCC, and determine the most appropriate treatment. Methods A multicenter, retrospective, consecutive study reviewing patients given a diagnosis of UPMCC between 1981 and 2008 was completed. In addition, a literature review of cases of UPMCC was performed. Results In all, 23 patients with UPMCC are described and 34 cases from previous reports are compiled. Among the 23 new cases of UPMCC, the average age at diagnosis was 66.0 years; the majority of patients were male (87%) and Caucasian (100% of those reported). One patient was immunosuppressed, and 39% had a history of other cancer. After the initial biopsy, 16 patients had further evaluation of the involved lymph node basin. Half of these had additional positive nodes (8 of 16). The majority of patients had lymph node basin involvement only (78%), whereas 22% had lymph node basin and distant metastasis. The most common lymph node basin involved was inguinal. The median size of the involved lymph node at diagnosis was 5.0 cm. At 2 years, the overall survival of stage IIIB UPMCC was significantly improved versus stage IIIB known primary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC): 76.9% to 36.4%. Limitations Limited number of cases and retrospective review are limitations. Conclusion Our data demonstrate improved overall survival in patients with stage IIIB UPMCC versus those with stage IIIB known primary MCC. Because of the unpredictable natural history of UPMCC, we recommend individualization of care based on the details of each patient's clinical presentation.
The stability and performance of amorphous-InZnO within CIGS devices

NREL CIGS devices with up to 20% efficiency are prepared using a three-stage process for the CIGS layer with the last step of an intrinsic ZnO and conductive ZnO:Al bilayer. This work outlines the efficiency and performance parameters for these CIGs devices when this bilayer is replaced with indium zinc oxide (a-InZnO), an amorphous metal oxide. It is well known that metal oxides can serve a variety of important functions in thin film photovoltaics such as transparent electrical contacts (TCO's), antireflection coatings and chemical barriers. In the case of a-InZnO, we have reported on the determination of the relative roles of metals and oxygen stoichiometries on the opto-electronic properties of a-InZnO thin films as well as the stability of those films in damp heat. Since InZO has a tunable conductivity based on the amount of oxygen introduced during deposition, it can be used as both the intrinsic and TCO layers. We were able to establish preliminary metrics for an all InZnO bilayer whose performance was comparable to a common CIGs device.
A new fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) subchronic toxicity test

The most commonly used test for evaluating the toxicity of effluents to fish and invertebrates has been the acute lethality test. However, effluents frequently are not acutely toxic, and so assessing the sublethal effects on fish and invertebrates is important. Described herein is a rapid method to estimate the chronic toxicity of effluents to the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Tests are initiated using newly hatched minnow larvae and are run for 7 d under static-renewal conditions. It is a cost-effective, simple, short-term toxicity test, and survival and growth are the measures of effects. Approximately 70 tests using this technique have been run with various types of effluents. Included in this article are results from representative effluent tests and also from tests conducted using Dursban, zinc and copper. The results indicate that this subchronic toxicity test gives a good estimate of chronic toxicity.
Estrogen reduces total food and carbohydrate intake, but not protein intake, in female rats

Abstract Female rats were given simultaneous access to two isocaloric, isocarbohydrate diets that contained 5% or 45% protein. During four consecutive estrous cycles, rats reduced their total food and carbohydrate intake at estrus but maintained protein intake at levels found during the other stages of the estrous cycle. Administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) to ovariectomized rats given the same 5% or 45% protein diet choices also reduced total food and carbohydrate consumption while maintaining protein consumption. By contrast, administration of EB to ovariectomized rats given isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets containing 25% or 70% carbohydrate significantly reduced both total food and carbohydrate intake. The effects of estrogen on food and protein intake reported here are similar to those previously found after administration of drugs that enhance serotoninergic neurotransmission. Thus, the effects of estrogen on nutrient selection may depend, in part, on activation of a serotoninergic mechanism.
Nucleotide Sequence of Complementary DNA and Derived Amino Acid Sequence of Murine Complement Protein C3

The nucleotide sequences coding for murine complement component C3 have been determined from a cloned genomic DNA fragment and several overlapping cloned complementary DNA fragments. The amino acid sequence of the protein was deduced. The mature beta and alpha subunits contain 642 and 993 amino acids respectively. Including a 24 amino acid signal peptide and four arginines in the beta-alpha transition region, which are probably not contained in the mature protein, the unglycosylated single chain precursor protein preproC3 would have a molecular mass of 186 484 Da and consist of 1663 amino acid residues. The C3 messenger RNA would be composed of a 56 +/- 2 nucleotide long 5' non-translated region, 4992 nucleotides of coding sequence, and a 3' non-translated region of 39 nucleotides, excluding the poly A tail. The beta chain contains only three cysteine residues, the alpha chain 24, ten of which are clustered in the carboxy terminal stretch of 175 amino acids. Two potential carbohydrate attachment sites are predicted for the alpha chain, none for the beta chain. From a comparison with human C3 cDNA sequence (of which over 80% has been determined) an extensive overall sequence homology was observed. Human and murine preproC3 would be of very similar length and share several noteworthy properties: the same order of the subunits in the precursor, the same basic residue multiplet in the beta-alpha transition region, and a glutamine residue in the thioester region. The equivalent position of the known factor I cleavage sites in human C3 alpha could be located in the murine C3 alpha chain and the size and sequence of the resulting peptide were deduced. A comparison of the amino acid sequences of murine C3 and human alpha 2-macroglobulin is given. Several areas of strong sequence homology are observed, and we conclude that the two genes must have evolved from a common ancestor.
Fourier domain mode-locked lasers for swept source OCT imaging at up to 290 kHz scan rates

A new type of laser operation, Fourier Domain Mode Locking (FDML), is demonstrated for high performance, frequency swept light sources. FDML achieves superior sweep speeds, coherence lengths and bandwidths compared to standard bulk or fiber lasers. At 1300 nm a sweep range up to 145 nm, up to 4 cm delay length, and sweep rates up to 290 kHz were achieved. This light source is demonstrated for swept source OCT imaging.
Dynamic Modeling of Constrained Flexible Robot Arms for Controller Design

The modeling for controller design of a constrained rigid-flexible robot arm is considered. The mathematical model is obtained as a set of nonlinear hybrid ordinary-partial differential equations and an algebraic constraint equation. Galerkin's method is employed to discretize the partial differential equations. Because of the constrained environment of the robot arm, the choice of approximating functions in the spatial discretization is crucial for obtaining accurate simulation results from a low order model. Several candidate approximating functions are evaluated through convergence and accuracy studies. This work also in vestigates the effects of coupling between rigid- and flexible-body motion, and the effects of axial force (due to the contact force) on bending vibrations through axial shortening
Innovations in Public Health Education: Promoting Professional Development and a Culture of Health.

As the field of public health advances toward addressing complex, systemic problems, future public health professionals must be equipped with leadership and interprofessional skills that support collaboration and a culture of health. The University of Memphis School of Public Health has infused innovative strategies into graduate education via experiential learning opportunities to enhance leadership, collaboration, and professional development. Novel training programs such as Day One, Public Health Interdisciplinary Case Competition, and Memphis Healthy U support Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health cross-cutting competencies and prepare Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration graduates to function effectively at the outset of their careers and become catalysts for creating a culture of health.
Ho¨lder classes of vector-valued functions and convergence of the best predictor

The Holder classes Λa of vector-valued functions are defined. The functions in each space Λa are completely characterized by conditions concerning the decay of their Fourier coefficients, their smoothness, and their approximability by polynomials. It is shown that, in some sense, Λa is closed under multiplication, inversion, and factorization. These ideas are applied to a prediction problem for multivariate stationary processes. Specifically, spectral criteria are derived for the convergence rate of the series representation for the best linear predictor.
Error analysis of a specialized numerical method for mathematical models from neuroscience

Abstract The exponential Euler method is a nonstandard approximation scheme that was developed specifically for the Hodgkin–Huxley differential equation models that arise in neuroscience and was one of the discretization schemes used in the neural systems package called GENESIS. In this article, we show the scheme is first order accurate, develop a second order accurate extension, and suggest ways the method can be used to compute approximations to certain time-dependent partial differential equations. We also apply the scheme to an integro-differential equation model of neuronal activity and furnish sample computations that illustrate our theoretical results.
Management of an ameloblastoma in a patient with Sanfilippo's syndrome

Detection and subsequent surgical management of an acanthomatous ameloblastoma is described in a patient with Sanfilippo's syndrome, type A. The literature does not support a correlation of ameloblastoma to the presence of Sanfilippo's syndrome.
Novel tyrosine mutant recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) transduction of dendritic cells (DCs) as a step towards therapeutic vaccination in multiple myeloma (MM)

INTRODUCTION: Chemo-resistant MM due to residual tumor cells remains a significant clinical problem, and first-generation DC vaccines with tumor peptides, lysates, and idiotype protein have met with limited success. rAAV vectors have been shown to efficiently transduce DCs with an excellent safety profile but with poor transgene expression due to degradation in the cytosol. The goal of this work was to clone the MM-specific tumor gene MAGE-A3 using a novel, degradation-resistant, capsid mutant rAAV vector in order to generate an efficient DC vaccine.
Survival rates of birds of tropical and temperate forests: will the dogma survive?

Survival rates of tropical forest birds are widely assumed to be high relative to the survival rates of temperate forest birds. Much life-history theory is based on this assumption despite the lack of empirical data to support it. We provide the first detailed comparison of survival rates of tropical and temperate forest birds based on extensive data bases and modern capture-recapture models. We find no support for the conventional wisdom. Because clutch size is only one component of reproductive rate, the frequently assumed, simple association between clutch size and adult survival rates should not necessarily be expected. Our results emphasize the need to consider components of fecundity in addition to clutch size when comparing the life histories of tropical and temperate birds and suggest similar considerations in the development of vertebrate life-history theory.
An amino acid dependent exchange between 32P labeled inorganic pyrophosphate and ATP in microbial extracts.

Abstract An enzyme system which catalyzes a rapid, amino acid dependent exchange between inorganic pyrophosphate and ATP has been found to be ubiquitously distributed in microorganisms. The reaction is dependent upon the presence of amino acids. Only leucine, isoleucine, valine, tryptophan, tyrosine, histidine, phenylalanine, and methionine are active in the system. The reaction is specific for the l -form of the amino acids and for ATP; all other nucleotide triphosphates tested being inactive. The reaction mechanism appears to involve the intermediate formation of aminoacyl-AMP, which appears to have a low order of dissociation from the enzyme surface. In the presence of excess hydroxylamine the intermediate is trapped with the corresponding formation of amino acid hydroxamate, indicating carboxyl activation. The rate of the exchange reaction is 20 to 50 times faster than the reaction with hydroxylamine. Leucyl-AMP has been chemically synthesized and shown to participate as an intermediate in the exchange reaction. The possible significance of this reaction to protein synthesis is discussed.
A Single Amino Acid Change in the L-Polymerase Protein of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Completely Abolishes Viral mRNA Cap Methylation

The vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) RNA polymerase synthesizes viral mRNAs with 5'-cap structures methylated at the guanine-N7 and 2'-O-adenosine positions (7mGpppA(m)). Previously, our laboratory showed that a VSV host range (hr) and temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant, hr1, had a complete defect in mRNA cap methylation and that the wild-type L protein could complement the hr1 defect in vitro. Here, we sequenced the L, P, and N genes of mutant hr1 and found only two amino acid substitutions, both residing in the L-polymerase protein, which differentiate hr1 from its wild-type parent. These mutations (N505D and D1671V) were introduced separately and together into the L gene, and their effects on VSV in vitro transcription and in vivo chloramphenicol acetyltransferase minigenome replication were studied under conditions that are permissive and nonpermissive for hr1. Neither L mutation significantly affected viral RNA synthesis at 34 degrees C in permissive (BHK) and nonpermissive (HEp-2) cells, but D1671V reduced in vitro transcription and genome replication by about 50% at 40 degrees C in both cell lines. Recombinant VSV bearing each mutation were isolated, and the hr and ts phenotypes in infected cells were the result of a single D1671V substitution in the L protein. While the mutations did not significantly affect mRNA synthesis by purified viruses, 5'-cap analyses of product mRNAs clearly demonstrated that the D1671V mutation abrogated all methyltransferase activity. Sequence analysis suggests that an aspartic acid at amino acid 1671 is a critical residue within a putative conserved S-adenosyl-l-methionine-binding domain of the L protein.
Dual energy CT using slow kVp switching acquisition and prior image constrained compressed sensing

Dual energy computed tomography (DECT) is currently a subject of extensive investigation. DECT is currently implemented using either a dual source scanner with high and low kVp data acquired from separate sources or a single source scanner with both high and low kVp data acquired in an alternating manner. Both methods require dedicated hardware to enable data acquisition and image reconstruction for DECT. In this paper, we present a method to enable DECT using a single x-ray source with a slow kVp switching data acquisition. The enabling reconstruction technique allowing for the reduction in slew rate is the prior image constrained compressed sensing (PICCS) algorithm. When a slow kVp switching data acquisition method is used, the projection data with high and low kVp values are undersampled and the conventional filtered backprojection (FBP) image reconstruction does not enable streaking artifact-free images for material decomposition in DECT. In this paper, all of the acquired high and low kVp projection data were used to generate a prior image using the conventional FBP method. The PICCS algorithm was then used to reconstruct both high and low kVp images to enable material decomposition in the image domain. Both numerical simulations and physical phantom experimental studies were conducted to validate the proposed DECT scheme. The results demonstrate that a slew rate corresponding to 123 views at high and low kVp (high and low kVp values used for dual energy decomposition) is sufficient for the PICCS-based DECT method. In contrast, the slew rate should be high enough to obtain over 500 projections at each kVp for artifact-free reconstruction using an FBP-based DECT method.
Stressful life events and EEG sleep in depressed and normal control adolescents.

EEG sleep measures in 35 depressed and 33 normal control adolescents were examined in relation to stressful life events occurring in the year before sleep studies. There was a significant interaction between stressful life events and diagnostic status for REM latency and total REM time. In the normal controls, the presence of stressful life events was significantly associated with reduced REM latency and increased total REM time. Among the depressed adolescents, there were no significant effects of stressful life events on REM latency or total REM time. The depressed adolescents with no stressful life events (n = 9) had significantly lower REM latency values compared to normal control adolescents with no stressful life events (n = 13) (61.7 ± 50.0 vs. 132.1 ± 79.0, p ≤ .01). It appears that stressful life events influence at least some measures of adolescent sleep and should be considered in future controlled studies aimed at understanding sleep changes in adolescent depression.
Consequences of misfilling contemporary vaporizers with desflurane

Desflurane is a volatile anaesthetic that combines low blood gas solubility (blood/gas partition coefficient =0.42 at 37° C), moderate potency (MAC = 6–7%), and high volatility (vapour pressure =681 mmHg at 20° C, boiling point = 23.5° C). The volatility and potency of desflurane prevent its safe use in vaporizers of traditional design. We present a mathematical model which demonstrates the potential for desflurane overdose if contemporary vaporizers are misfilled with desflurane. The most hazardous filling error occurs if an enflurane vaporizer is misfilled with desflurane. The calculated desflurane output of a misfilled enflurane vaporizer at a dial setting of 1% and a temperature of 22° C is 57.8%, or 9.6 MAC. For misfilled enflurane, isoflurane, and halothane vaporizers at dial settings equivalent to one MAC at 22° C, the calculated desflurane output is 14.0, 10.2, and 7.8 MAC, respectively. We conclude that the safe delivery of desflurane will require engineering safeguards, additional monitoring, and education of the anesthesia community.
Organoleptic Properties and Gas Chromatography Patterns of Steam Distillates from Fresh and Stale Milk Fat

Abstract We have examined the chromatographic patterns as well as the flavor characteristics of steam distillates of milk fat to obtain a more objective procedure than that given solely by taste panel evaluation for following the development of stale flavor during the storage of fat-containing dairy products. Both fresh and stale milk fats were steam deodorized at 50 and 75 C at 1 mm. Stale milk fat was also steam deodorized at 100 (1 mm) and at 50 C (3 mm). One-millimeter pressure is preferable to higher pressures. Distillation at 75 C or higher produces artifacts, volatile compounds generated from precursors, undesirable for following the formation of stale-flavor compounds during storage. Volatiles are recovered less completely at 50 C than at higher temperatures, but artifact generation is low. Moreover, the flavor of volatiles recovered at 50 C is characteristic of stale fat, and the chromatographie patterns of the 11 most prominent peaks correlate well with the flavor intensity and with the expected relative concentrations of the pertinent off-flavor compounds produced by storage of fats at various temperatures.
Integrated Power Management of Data Centers and Electric Vehicles for Energy and Regulation Market Participation

Large scale data centers and Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) are valuable assets that can be used to balance power grid frequency by adjusting their power consumption. This paper considers the joint power management of a data center and the PEVs of its employees for frequency regulation. The problem involves designing a real-time power control strategy for the integrated assets to collectively track the assigned frequency regulation signal, as well as developing a market planning strategy that determines the best baseload and capacity (regulation up/down) values over a multi-hour operating period to minimize energy cost and maximize regulation service revenue. A two-layer hierarchical power management framework is proposed, which enables a systematic design of both the tracking control and market planning problems. The proposed framework is evaluated based on real workload, regulation signal, and market data. The simulation results indicate that the regulation signal can be accurately tracked, and our scheme outperforms other designs that manage different regulation assets separately.
Phosphorylation-dependent activation of the Ras-GRF/CDC25 Mm exchange factor by muscarinic receptors and G-protein βγ subunits

MUSCARINIC receptors activate Ras through a pathway distinct1,2 from that mediated through translocation of the exchange factor mSos1 by receptor tyrosine kinases3,4. Here we report that muscarinic receptors can activate another Ras exchange factor, CDC25Mm, or p140Ras-GRF (refs 5,6). In NIH-3T3 cells expressing subtype 1 human muscarinic receptors (hml), the agonist carbachol selectively increased the specific activity and phosphorylation state of epitope-tagged Ras-GRF. This stimulation was reversed by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), and prevented by transducin α-subunits. Carbachol treatment of neonatal rat brain explants increased Ras exchange factor activity and the phosphorylation state of endogenous Ras-GRF. In COS-7 cells, cotransfection of hml or hm2 receptors with Ras-GRF conferred carbachol-dependent increases in exchange-factor activity, whereas cotransfection with G-protein βγ subunits caused a constitutive activation that was sensitive to PP1. These results demonstrate a G-protein-coupled mechanism for Ras activation, mediated by p140Ras-GRF.
Protein Hydrogen Exchange Measured by Mass Spectrometry

Newly advanced hydrogen exchange - mass spectrometry technology provides a uniquely powerful method for the study of protein properties - structure, change, interactions, dynamics, and energetics, at amino acid resolution, and how this limited biophysical repertoire is used to produce myriad protein functions. This talk will present an introduction to the method with examples of recent applications.
Flexible modelling of correlated operation times with application in product-reuse facilities

For each job (product instance) to be serviced in a product-reuse production system, multiple operations are often scheduled. Typically, there is high variability in the same operation times required by different jobs; and for each individual job, there is often significant probabilistic dependence (correlation) between many of the job's required operation times. Well-conditioned jobs require fewer operations with shorter durations. Poorly conditioned jobs require more operations with longer durations. Accurate and rapid methods for representing the uncertainty of operation necessity and duration are required to use simulation effectively as a schedule evaluation tool. This paper develops such methods using an alternative to the conventional multivariate extension of the Johnson system of univariate probability distributions. The alternative methods match the first three, and often four, marginal moments of the random vector of operation times for a given job as well as all pairwise correlations between t...
The predatory behavior of wintering Accipiter hawks: temporal patterns in activity of predators and prey.

Studies focused on how prey trade-off predation and starvation risk are prevalent in behavioral ecology. However, our current understanding of these trade-offs is limited in one key respect: we know little about the behavior of predators. In this study, we provide some of the first detailed information on temporal patterns in the daily hunting behavior of bird-eating Accipiter hawks and relate that to their prey. During the winters of 1999–2004, twenty-one sharp-shinned hawks (A. striatus) and ten Cooper’s hawks (A. cooperii) were intensively radio tracked in rural and urban habitats in western Indiana, USA. Cooper’s hawks left roost before sunrise and usually returned to roost around sunset, while sharp-shinned hawks left roost at sunrise or later and returned to roost well before sunset. An overall measure of Cooper’s-hawk-induced risk (a composite variable of attack rate and activity patterns) generally reflected the timing of prey activity, with peaks occurring around sunrise and sunset. In contrast, risk induced by the smaller sharp-shinned hawk did not strongly reflect the activity of their prey. Specifically, an early morning peak in prey activity did not correspond to a period with intense hawk activity. The lack of early morning hunting by sharp-shinned hawks may reflect the high risk of owl-induced predation experienced by these hawks. The net effect of this intraguild predation may be to “free” small birds from much hawk-induced predation risk prior to sunrise. This realization presents an alternative to energetics as an explanation for the early morning peak in small bird activity during the winter.
Configuration of auroral radiation in space

Abstract The spatial configuration of the energetic particles that cause the aurora is described, based on an “open tail” model of the magnetosphere. The magnetic flux originating poleward of the auroral zones fills the open tail, which stretches out away from the Earth in the anti-Sun direction. It is expected that auroral radiation extends down the length of the magnetospheric tail for at least 102 Earth radii. Relatively near the Earth (∼20–60 RE) the radiation should form a pattern rather like a Greek theta (θ) in cross section with the center line of the theta, on the average, in the ecliptic plane and the circular portion having a diameter about 40–70 RE. Farther away from the Earth (beyond about 102RE) the radiation pattern should change into two cylinders with a figure 8 cross section. In arriving at this description, we have postulated that the auroral radiation is energized at the magnetopause along the extended tail for a distance of more than 102 Earth radii where the solar and magnetospheric plasmas are in relative motion. This postulate enables us to define auroral zones and to account for both daytime and night-time auroral particle precipitation.