cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insights from the architecture of the bacterial transcription apparatus

We provide a portrait of the bacterial transcription apparatus in light of the data emerging from structural studies, sequence analysis and comparative genomics to bring out important but underappreciated features. We first describe the key structural highlights and evolutionary implications emerging from comparison of the cellular RNA polymerase subunits with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase involved in RNAi in eukaryotes and their homologs from newly identified bacterial selfish elements. We describe some previously unnoticed domains and the possible evolutionary stages leading to the RNA polymerases of extant life forms. We then present the case for the ancient orthology of the basal transcription factors, the sigma factor and TFIIB, in the bacterial and the archaeo-eukaryotic lineages. We also present a synopsis of the structural and architectural taxonomy of specific transcription factors and their genome-scale demography. In this context, we present certain notable deviations from the otherwise invariant proteome-wide trends in transcription factor distribution and use it to predict the presence of an unusual lineage-specifically expanded signaling system in certain firmicutes like Paenibacillus. We then discuss the intersection between functional properties of transcription factors and the organization of transcriptional networks. Finally, we present some of the interesting evolutionary conundrums posed by our newly gained understanding of the bacterial transcription apparatus and potential areas for future explorations.
Lidocaine prophylaxis for fatal ventricular arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of a 40-hour lidocaine infusion after completion of a 8-hour open-label infusion for prophylaxis of primary ventricular fibrillation in patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction. Methods This was a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial held in the coronary care unit of a large nonprofit hospital. We studied 200 patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction in Killip class I or II who came to the hospital within 6 hours of onset of symptoms and 22 patients who had ventricular fibrillation before the start of the study. Intervention consisted of an 8-hour lidocaine infusion followed by placebo or lidocaine for an additional 40 hours. The infusion rate was adjusted in patients ≥70 years old and in those <50 kg or ≥90 kg. Measurements recorded were baseline demographic characteristics, incidence of ventricular arrhythmias, adverse reactions, and death. Results New congestive heart failure developed during the randomized phase in 9% of patients receiving lidocaine and in 2% of patients receiving placebo (p = 0.03). Ventricular fibrillation did not occur during the treatment period, and sustained ventricular tachycardia developed in one patient receiving placebo. The in-hospital mortality rate was comparable in both groups (4% versus 2%; p = 0.68) but was much higher (13.6%) in patients with initial ventricular fibrillation not included in the randomized study. Conclusions A 40-hour age- and weight-adjusted lidocaine infusion administered after an initial 8-hour infusion provoked more congestive heart failure than placebo. In view of the absence of ventricular fibrillation episodes with both infusions, caution should be used when lidocaine is administered for longer than 8 hours in patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1995) 57, 471–478; doi:
Cellular Immunity in Aging

Our study of the aging process in human beings and in mice is complicated by our need to know whether we are observing diseases of aging or natural nondisease state processes. Results from studies on inbred strains of mice and retrospective studies on HLA types in aging human populations suggest that genetic effects play a significant role in predetermining the life span of an individual. It is clear that in such mouse strains genetic defects that affect cell regulatory mechanisms result in the production of autoimmune reactivity, tumor development, and a shortened life span. In human beings, although results are less clear-cut, strong associations exist between some disease states and the HLA type. Also, the disappearance of HLA-B8 from older women suggests that this HLA type does not confer longevity. Cellular immune reactivity declines with age in all populations studied to date, and cell cooperative or regulatory mechanisms function less well. We need to characterize the specific nature of the cells directly responsible for these alterations and to attempt to correct deficiencies by dietary manipulation or transfer techniques.
Public perceptions of biotechnology

The very term 'Biotechnology' elicits a range of emotions, from wonder and awe to downright fear and hostility. This is especially true among non-scientists, particularly in respect of agricultural and food biotechnology. These emotions indicate just how poorly understood agricultural biotechnology is and the need for accurate, dispassionate information in the public sphere to allow a rational public debate on the actual, as opposed to the perceived, risks and benefits of agricultural biotechnology. This review considers first the current state of public knowledge on agricultural biotechnology, and then explores some of the popular misperceptions and logical inconsistencies in both Europe and North America. I then consider the problem of widespread scientific illiteracy, and the role of the popular media in instilling and perpetuating misperceptions. The impact of inappropriate efforts to provide 'balance' in a news story, and of belief systems and faith also impinges on public scientific illiteracy. Getting away from the abstract, we explore a more concrete example of the contrasting approach to agricultural biotechnology adoption between Europe and North America, in considering divergent approaches to enabling coexistence in farming practices. I then question who benefits from agricultural biotechnology. Is it only the big companies, or is it society at large--and the environment--also deriving some benefit? Finally, a crucial aspect in such a technologically complex issue, ordinary and intelligent non-scientifically trained consumers cannot be expected to learn the intricacies of the technology to enable a personal choice to support or reject biotechnology products. The only reasonable and pragmatic alternative is to place trust in someone to provide honest advice. But who, working in the public interest, is best suited to provide informed and accessible, but objective, advice to wary consumers?
Immunofluorescent localization of a novel progesterone receptor(s) in a T47D-Y breast cancer cell line lacking genomic progesterone receptor expression.

To identify a novel nongenomic progesterone receptor (PR), PR-M, in T47D-Y breast cancer cells lacking genomic PR expression. Immunofluorescent staining of T47D and T47D- Y breast cancer cells with selective anti-PR antibodies and ligand binding. Transient transfection of breast cancer cells with a cDNA expressing PR-M with a carboxy terminal green fluorescent protein. In the T47D-Y cell line, lacking expression of genomic PR, plasma membrane-bound and intracellular PR(s) are identified with anti-PR antibodies directed to the hormone-binding domain but not with an antibody directed to the amino terminus. A plasma membrane PR is also evident by immunofluorescent ligand binding. Expression of a novel truncated PR (PR-M) tagged with green fluorescent protein showed intracellular localization. These studies support the expression of a novel, truncated PR (PR-M) in a breast cancer cell line known to lack expression of genomic PR. This observation raises the possibility of progesterone action in breast cancer cells classically considered nonresponsive due to lack of genomic PR expression.
Synergism of chlorpyrifos against the German cockroach, Blattella germanica.

. Of fifteen compounds tested as synergists for chlorpyrifos against susceptible and resistant strains of Blattella germanica, the German cockroach, eleven were active against the resistant strain but only seven were synergistic against the susceptible strain. Overall, the most effective synergist was S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) followed by phenyl saligenin cyclic phos-phonate (PSCP) and two substituted N,7V-dimethylcarbamates: SK-102 and SK-37. The most effective synergist for overcoming chlorpyrifos resistance was SK-37 which reduced the resistance ratio by 3.2-fold. Four other synergists which reduced chlorpyrifos resistance, in order of their effectiveness, were: SK-102 > PSCP > DEF > tridiphane. The potential usefulness of these synergists for German cockroach control is discussed.
Global Analysis of Protein Damage by the Lipid Electrophile 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal

Lipid peroxidation yields a variety of electrophiles, which are thought to contribute to the molecular pathogenesis of diseases involving oxidative stress, yet little is known of the scope of protein damage caused by lipid electrophiles. We identified protein targets of the prototypical lipid electrophile 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) in RKO cells treated with 50 or 100 mum HNE. HNE Michael adducts were biotinylated by reaction with biotinamidohexanoic acid hydrazide, captured with streptavidin, and the captured proteins were resolved by one dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, digested with trypsin, and identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Of the 1500+ proteins identified, 417 displayed a statistically significant increase in adduction with increasing HNE exposure concentration. We further identified 18 biotin hydrazide-modified, HNE-adducted peptides by specific capture using anti-biotin antibody and analysis by high resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A subset of the identified HNE targets were validated with a streptavidin capture and immunoblotting approach, which enabled detection of adducts at HNE exposures as low as 1 mum. Protein interaction network analysis indicated several subsystems impacted by endogenous electrophiles in oxidative stress, including the 26 S proteasomal and chaperonin containing TCP-1 (CCT) systems involved in protein-folding and degradation, as well as the COP9 signalosome, translation initiation complex, and a large network of ribonucleoproteins. Global analyses of protein lipid electrophile adducts provide a systems-level perspective on the mechanisms of diseases involving oxidative stress.
The Center for Collegiate Mental Health: Studying College Student Mental Health Through an Innovative Research Infrastructure That Brings Science and Practice Together

Available information about college student mental health has largely been anecdotal or based on information drawn from a single institution. This review examines ten studies published within the past 20 years that focused on college student mental health using data collected from multisite college or university counseling center clients or staff. This subset of research on college student mental health is important in view of the increased demands on counseling centers and the increased emphasis on evidence-based practice. Collectively, these studies suggest that the presenting concerns of college students are changing, that those in treatment are more distressed than those who are not, that clients who identify as ethnic minorities appear to evidence slightly more distress than their white counterparts, that matching client and counselors relative to ethnicity does not appear to improve outcome, and that counseling services seem to improve outcome. While each study makes a unique contribution to the lit...
Inelastic surface scattering of non-penetrating particles

Abstract This paper is an extension of the authors' earlier work to include a treatment of onephonon inelastic scattering of particles which do not penetrate appreciably into the crystal. A full quantum-mechanical treatment of the lattice vibrations is used throughout, and the results are not restricted to small scattered intensities. Calculations are presented for the scattering of helium atoms by a simplified model of the crystal surface.
Formation of tropical storms in an atmospheric general circulation model

The formation of tropical storms in a low-resolution Atmospheric General Circulation model is studied over the western North Pacific region during the June‐October season. The model simulates the mean annual cycle of storm number in this basin quite well. Time-dependent composites of the storms are formed and analyzed, with a focus on the temporal evolution of quantities averaged in space around the storm centers. Day zero of each composite corresponds to the time at which the disturbance passes criteria for detection. The composites depict the model storms as convectively coupled, synoptic-scale vortices whose degree of coupling to convection increases at some point, leading to intensification. Variables related to disturbance intensity have significant anomalies at day −7, indicating a finite amplitude disturbance prior to “genesis”. Many of these variables show similar temporal evolution, with a local minimum two or three days before day zero, and a strong increase after that for several days, followed by an eventual decrease. The precipitation reaches its maximum on day 2, the net moist static energy forcing (surface fluxes minus net tropospheric radiative cooling, each of which has an anomaly of 20‐30 W m −2 in the sense of warming the atmosphere) a day later, and dynamical variables such as vorticity and temperature still later, with broad plateaus centered around day 4 or 5. The vorticity increases at the surface at the same time as at midlevels, unlike in observed storms. The mean composite environmental vertical wind shear has a maximum amplitude on day −2 and then decreases. This could indicate a causal role of shear in limiting development, but would also be consistent with a coincidental storm motion to regions of lower shear, with development controlled by other factors. A signal in the skewness of the lower-level relative humidity distribution over the ensemble suggests that a dry lower troposphere can prevent development of a model tropical disturbance.
The accumulation of zinc by O-group plaice, Pleuronectes platessa (L.), from high concentrations in sea water and food

The uptake of zinc by young O-group plaice, Pleuronectes platessa was investigated at levels of high input from sea water and food (Artemia nauplii). Zinc concentrations in the fish were strongly weight-specific and accumulation effects were distinguished by regression analysis. Sea water was estimated to contribute >10% of the total input up to levels corresponding to high environmental concentrations (c. 0.1 μg Zn ml−1) and food was the major source of zinc up to sea water concentrations of c. 0.6 μg Zn ml−1. A high degree of regulation obtained along the food pathway to the fish although, in the system studied, most of this regulation was effected by the food organism. Regulation of food input explained the lack of variation in zinc levels previously observed in wild populations.
Gastric emptying in infants with gastroesophageal reflux. Measurement with a technetium-99m-labeled semisolid meal.

It is well established that liquid emptying occurs in the absence of motor activity of the stomach. In contrast, solid-phase emptying is controlled in part by antral peristalsis and is, therefore, a more precise indicator of gastric motility. We developed a semisolid, radionuclide gastric emptying test using rice cereal and technetium-99m-sulfur colloid to assess antral physiology in infants with vomiting. Computer-programmed mathematical models were used to determine the shape of a line that best fit our emptying data points. Linear, simple exponential [ f=2−(t/t1/2)], and power exponential $$\left[ {f = 2^{(t/t1/2)^\beta } } \right]$$ patterns of emptying were calculated, wheref is the fraction of the meal remaining in the stomach at time t,and t1/2 is the time when 50% of the meal has emptied and is a determinant of the shape of the curve. In infants with simple regurgitation (chalasia) and those with vomiting and failure to gain weight, we made statistical comparisons between gastric emptying patterns after analysis of the mean percentage of retained radionuclide at 120 min, calculated t1/2, and area under the curve. The coefficient of determination, R2,was calculated as an index of whether a curve provided goodness of fit to the data. Differences between groups of patients were statistically significant for all parameters of each mathematical model. However, higher coefficients of determination were noted in the power exponential model. The data suggest that the power exponential mathematical model provides the best analysis of the gastric emptying patterns for infants with chalasia and those with vomiting and failure to gain weight. We conclude that testing for significant differences between groups of infants by using exponential mathematical descriptions of gastric emptying curves would be most accurately accomplished by determining the area under the curve and the percentage of residual of a semisolid meal at 120 min.
Obesity is associated with breast cancer in African-American women but not Hispanic women in South Los Angeles.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is considered a risk factor for breast cancer. Modifying life styles that reduce obesity offers the potential for prevention and improved outcomes from cancer. The effects of obesity and breast cancer among African-American women and Hispanic women have been explored in a limited number of studies. The objective of the current study was to investigate the association of obesity with breast cancer in a minority cohort. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 471 African-American and Hispanic women with and without breast cancer in South Los Angeles. Data regarding body mass index (BMI) and clinical factors were obtained by medical record abstraction. Data were assessed using logistic regression with multivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess disease-free survival. RESULTS: Women with breast cancer were more likely to be obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) than women without breast cancer (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; P = .01). There was a significant association of being overweight or obese and breast cancer among postmenopausal women (OR, 2.3 [P = .03] and 2.9 [P < .01], respectively). The association between obesity and breast cancer was significant only among African-American women (OR, 2.70; P < .01) and was especially significant among postmenopausal African-American women (OR, 4.8; P < .01). There was a borderline significant association between obesity and later disease stage at diagnosis (P = .06). An association also was observed between higher BMI (for cutoff points of both 30 kg/m2 and 28 kg/m2) and poorer disease-free survival (P = .045 and P = .019, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The current data suggested an association between obesity and breast cancer, especially among postmenopausal women and most significantly in the African-American cohort. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Engineered temperature compensation in a synthetic genetic clock

Synthetic biology promises to revolutionize biotechnology by providing the means to reengineer and reprogram cellular regulatory mechanisms. However, synthetic gene circuits are often unreliable, as changes to environmental conditions can fundamentally alter a circuit’s behavior. One way to improve robustness is to use intrinsic properties of transcription factors within the circuit to buffer against intra- and extracellular variability. Here, we describe the design and construction of a synthetic gene oscillator in Escherichia coli that maintains a constant period over a range of temperatures. We started with a previously described synthetic dual-feedback oscillator with a temperature-dependent period. Computational modeling predicted and subsequent experiments confirmed that a single amino acid mutation to the core transcriptional repressor of the circuit results in temperature compensation. Specifically, we used a temperature-sensitive lactose repressor mutant that loses the ability to repress its target promoter at high temperatures. In the oscillator, this thermoinduction of the repressor leads to an increase in period at high temperatures that compensates for the decrease in period due to Arrhenius scaling of the reaction rates. The result is a transcriptional oscillator with a nearly constant period of 48 min for temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 41 °C. In contrast, in the absence of the mutation the period of the oscillator drops from 60 to 30 min over the same temperature range. This work demonstrates that synthetic gene circuits can be engineered to be robust to extracellular conditions through protein-level modifications.
Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy

Renal transplantation is acknowledged as the preferred method of renal replacement therapy, offering significant advantages for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as compared to dialysis. In addition to improved overall survival and quality of life, renal transplantation remains the most cost-effective treatment; in fact, it remains one of the most cost-effective therapies in health care (1). Due to the aging population, increasing frequency of predisposing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension as well as improved life-expectancy resulting from enhanced medical management of patients with ESRD, the incidence and prevalence of ESRD have increased dramatically. As a result, the growing number of patients with ESRD who would benefit from transplantation has overwhelmed the supply of cadaveric donor kidneys. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) estimate that the number of patients awaiting transplantation in the United States will increase by approximately 3,000 per year (2,3). Thus, the gap between supply and demand for renal allografts continues to grow such that 72,942 candidates are currently on the waiting list for a kidney and 48,176 (66%) have been on the list for over a year (3). Though expanded criteria for cadaveric organs including using extremes of age and double kidney donation has increased supply, it still falls short of the continually increasing demand.
A New Method for Creating the Bladder Flap

Background: Bladder flaps are commonly created during routine cesarean deliveries and often require multiple steps that increase operating time and expose the surgeon to inadvertent injury. Objective: We report a simple method of creating a bladder flap that eliminates the need for multiple instrument handoffs and repositioning. Conclusion: The simplicity of this method allows the surgeon decreased operative entry time while decreasing exposure to injuries from multiple instrument handoffs during bladder flap development.
Model for excess noise in voltage-biased superconducting bolometers.

We are developing superconducting transition-edge bolometers for far-infrared and millimeter wavelengths. The bolometers described here are suspended by thin legs of silicon nitride for thermal isolation. At frequencies between 200 mHz and 10–50 Hz these devices show white noise at their thermal fluctuation limit (NEP ≈ 10-17 W/Hz). At higher frequencies a broad peak appears in the noise spectrum, which we attribute to a combination of thermal fluctuations in complex thermal circuits and electrothermal feedback. Detailed noise calculations fit the noise measured in three different devices that were specifically designed to test the model. We discuss how changes in bolometer materials can shift the noise peak above the frequency range of interest for most applications.
Studies on the mode of action of azaserine.

Abstract 1. 1. Azaserine-induced inhibition of E. coli was significantly prevented by (a) 4-amino-5-imidazolecarboxamide (AIC), adenine, guanine, hypoxanthine, or xanthine; (b) methionine; and (c) glutamine; and, as has already been observed by others, by phenylalanine, tyrosine, or tryptophan. 2. 2. In studies carried out on the effect of azaserine on purine synthesis in the tumors, intestines, livers, and spleens of mice bearing Sarcoma 180, it was found that azaserine inhibited utilization of formate-C14 and glycine-1-C14 for purine synthesis, failed to affect utilization of C14-labeled adenine, AIC, and hypoxanthine, and failed to affect utilization of formate for thymine biosynthesis. Azaserine also inhibited utilization of formate-C14 and glycine-1-C14 for purine synthesis by heterologous implants of a human sarcoma growing in the rat. 3. 3. The results indicate that azaserine inhibits purine synthesis in the intact animal at a stage prior to the formation of 5-amino-4-imidazole-carboxamide ribotide.
Coherent propagation of spin helices in a quantum-well confined electron gas.

We use phase-resolved transient grating spectroscopy to measure the propagation of spin helices in a high mobility $n\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}\mathrm{GaAs}/\mathrm{AlGaAs}$ quantum well with an applied in-plane electric field. At relatively low fields helical modes crossover from overdamped excitations where the spin-precession period exceeds the spin lifetime, to a regime of coherent propagation where several spin-precession periods can be observed. We demonstrate that the envelope of a spin polarization packet reaches a current-driven velocity of ${10}^{7}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{cm}\text{ }{\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ in an applied field of $70\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{V}\text{ }{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
VLSI CMOS technology for low power sensor applications

Abstract VLSI CMOS technology is well suited for sensor applications because of its low power dissipation, high speed, and tight packing density. Technology trends, including materials, feature sizes, and sensor applications are discussed. Device physics of MOS transistors is considered in the context of ionic sensor applications.
The computerized tomographic appearance of frontal lobotomy

Abstract “Frontal lobotomy’ or “leucotomy” is a rarely-performed neurosurgical operation today because of the adverse side effects and the development of alternative psychotropic drug therapy. In the past, however, many patients received lobotomies and occasionally these patients may today have a computed tomography (CT) scan. If frontal lobotomy is not thought of the diagnosis on scan can be elusive. The following is a report of the CT findings in three patients who had frontal lobotomies. The correlation of these findings will be compared with the pathological findings in a fourth patient who came to postmortem examination. A differential diagnosis of CT findings is also reviewed.
Effects of Thiazolium Counter Anion and Reaction Media on the Activity of Immobilized Thiazolium Catalyst

We quantitatively studied the effects of counter anions and solvents on the catalytic activity of thiazolium due to the completion of the formose reaction using the highly active immobilized catalyst. The relation between counter anions and the catalytic activity of thiazolium was represented very well by the electron donor constant and the basic constant of the anions. The solvent effect was represented by the individual solvent parameter. In this study, it was given an important information about the effects of the counter anion and the solvent on the reaction using an immobilized thiazolium catalyst.
Temperature programmed desorption studies of hydrogen on Zn(0001) surfaces

Abstract We report for the first time temperature programmed desorption (TPD) spectra of H 2 from Zn(0001) surfaces. Hydrogen is adsorbed in its atomic state, as evidenced by the fact that adsorption must be performed using pre-dissociated hydrogen. However, the observed TPD spectra do not show second-order kinetics, as would be expected for recombinative desorption. Instead, the peak shapes and the coverage dependence of peak temperatures both appear to obey half-order kinetics, with a desorption energy of 11.1 ± 0.3 kcal/mol. The kinetic order strongly suggests that island formation occurs, due to attractive interactions between neighboring adsorbed H atoms. An explanation for the attractive interactions is proposed, based on the bonding mechanism in diatomic ZnH and an elementary description of the band structure of Zn metal.
Fault diagnosis system for a multilevel inverter using a neural network

In this paper, a fault diagnosis system in a multilevel-inverter using a neural network is developed. It is difficult to diagnose a multilevel-inverter drive (MLID) system using a mathematical model because MLID systems consist of many switching devices and their system complexity has a nonlinear factor. Therefore, a neural network classification is applied to the fault diagnosis of a MLID system. Five multilayer perceptron (MLP) networks are used to identify the type and location of occurring faults. The neural network design process is clearly described. The classification performance of the proposed network between normal and abnormal condition is about 90 %, and the classification performance among fault features is about 85 %. Thus, by utilizing the proposed neural network fault diagnosis system, a better understanding about fault behaviors, diagnostics, and detections of a multilevel inverter drive system can be accomplished. The results of this analysis are identified in percentage tabular form of faults and switch locations.
Cloning and characterization of microRNAs from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Their expression during early embryonic development

Current literature and our previous results on expression patterns of oocyte-specific genes and transcription factors suggest a global but highly regulated maternal mRNA degradation at the time of embryonic genome activation (EGA). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding regulatory RNAs (19–23 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression by guiding target mRNA cleavage or translational inhibition. These regulatory RNAs are potentially involved in the degradation of maternally inherited mRNAs during early embryogenesis. To identify miRNAs that might be important for early embryogenesis in rainbow trout, we constructed a miRNA library from a pool of unfertilized eggs and early stage embryos. Sequence analysis of random clones from the library identified 14 miRNAs, 4 of which are novel to rainbow trout. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of all cloned miRNAs during embryonic development. Four distinct expression patterns were observed and some miRNAs showed up-regulated expression during EGA. Analysis of tissue distribution of these miRNAs showed that some are present ubiquitously, while others are differentially expressed among different tissues. We also analyzed the expression patterns of Dicer, the enzyme required for the processing of miRNAs and Stat3, a transcription factor involved in activating the transcription of miR-21. Dicer is abundantly expressed during EGA and Stat3 is up-regulated before the onset of EGA. This study led to the discovery of 14 rainbow trout miRNAs. Our data support the notion that Dicer processes miRNAs and Stat3 induces expression of miR-21 and possibly other miRNAs during EGA. These miRNAs in turn guide maternal mRNAs for degradation, which is required for normal embryonic development.
Sources of Age-Related Individual Differences in Block Design Tests.

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to investigate the possibility that adult age differences on block design tasks originate at least in part because of a reduced efficiency with increased age in the cognitive processes associated with block manipulation. Young and older performed a computer-implemented block design task constructed in such a way that design segmentation and motor dexterity factors were minimized. The older adults, compared to the young adults, were substantially slower and less efficient (in terms of a lower frequency of selecting the optimum sequence of block manipulations to match the target pattern). It was concluded that important sources of age-related individual differences on block design tasks are the speed of carrying out relevant processes, and one's knowledge about the relationship of the patterns on the block's faces to one another.
Differential effect of carbon sources on nitrogen transformation in Hawaiian soils

Mineralization of native N was curtailed by addition of carbon sources in all soils tested. A readily available energy source, sucrose, accelerated and increased the immobilization of native as well as added N more than a slowly available energy source, sugar cane bagasse. Addition of N as ammonium sulfate increased CO2 production in only one out of five soils when no energy source was added. With energy source addition, N addition enhanced CO2 production in most soils. Without any treatment, the immobilization of added N was related to the C:N ratio of the soil; maximum immobilization occurred in the soil with the widest C:N ratio.
Mechanistic Studies of Ethylene and α-Olefin Co-oligomerization Catalyzed by Chromium-PNP Complexes

To explore the possibility of producing a narrow distribution of mid- to long-chain hydrocarbons from ethylene as a chemical feedstock, co-oligomerization of ethylene and linear α-olefins (LAOs) was investigated, using a previously reported chromium complex, [CrCl_3(PNP^(OMe))] (1, where PNP^(OMe) = N,N-bis(bis(o-methoxyphenyl)- phosphino)methylamine). Activation of 1 by treatment with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) in the presence of ethylene and 1-hexene afforded mostly C_6 and C_(10) alkene products. The identities of the C_(10) isomers, assigned by detailed gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses, strongly support a mechanism that involves five- and seven-membered metallacyclic intermediates comprised of ethylene and LAO units. Using 1-heptene as a mechanistic probe, it was established that 1-hexene formation from ethylene is competitive with formation of ethylene/LAO cotrimers and that cotrimers derived from one ethylene and two LAO molecules are also generated. Complex 1/MMAO is also capable of converting 1-hexene to C_(12) dimers and C_(18) trimers, albeit with poor efficiency. The mechanistic implications of these studies are discussed and compared to previous reports of olefin cotrimerization.
The calorimetric criterion for a two‐state process revisited

The "calorimetric criterion" is one of the important experimental approaches for determining whether protein folding is an "all-or-none" two-state transition (i.e., whether intermediates are present at equilibrium). The calorimetric criterion states that the equivalence of the "measured" calorimetric enthalpy change and the effective two-state van't Hoff enthalpy change demonstrates that there is a two-state transition. This paper addresses the essential question of whether the calorimetric criterion is a necessary and sufficient condition for a two-state process and shows that it is necessary but not sufficient by means of specific examples. Analysis of simple models indicates that the heat capacity curve, regardless of whether it originates from a two-state process or not, can always be decomposed in such a way that the calorimetric criterion is satisfied. Exact results for a three-state model and a homopolymer tetramer demonstrate that the deviation from the calorimetric criterion is not simply related to the population of intermediate states. Analysis of a three-helix bundle protein model, which has a two-state folding from a random coil to ordered (molten) globule, shows that the calorimetric criterion may not be satisfied if the standard linear interpolation of baselines (weighted or unweighted) is employed. A specific example also suggests that the more recently introduced deconvolution method is not necessarily better than the simple calorimetric criterion for distinguishing a two-state transition from a three-state transition. Although the calorimetric criterion is not a sufficient condition for a two-state process, it is likely to continue to be of practical utility, particularly when its results are shown to be consistent with those from other experimental methods.
Biological studies and potential therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies and small molecules reactive with theneu/c-erbB-2 protein

The overexpression of the growth factor receptor p185neu/c-erbB-2 has been observed in a number of human adenocarcinomas and is mechanistically linked to neoplastic growth. Monoclonal antibodies raised against extracellular domains of the p185neu/c-erbB-2 receptor oncoprotein have been utilized to inhibit the pathway ofneu-induced tumor development. Our laboratory has demonstrated a direct effect of anti-p185neu/c-erbB2 antibodies which requires receptor ligation. This induced aggregation causes the downmodulation of cell-surface expression and eventual degradation of p185neu/c-erbB-2 protein. In cells transformed by theneu oncogene, the result of antibody-induced p185neu/c-erbB-2 receptor modulation is the reversion of the malignant pheno-type. We are exploiting the direct efficacy of this monoclonal antibody by developing small molecules (peptides and organic mimietics) based on anti-p185neu/c-erbB-2 antibody structure that can mediate similar receptor binding and biological effects.
Bridging the interval: theory and neurobiology of trace conditioning.

An early finding in the behavioral analysis of learning was that conditioned responding weakens as the conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US) are separated in time. This “trace” conditioning effect has been the focus of years of research in associative learning. Theoretical accounts of trace conditioning have focused on mechanisms that allow associative learning to occur across long intervals between the CS and US. These accounts have emphasized degraded contingency effects, timing mechanisms, and inhibitory learning. More recently, study of the neurobiology of trace conditioning has shown that even a short interval between the CS and US alters the circuitry recruited for learning. Here, we review some of the theoretical and neurobiological mechanisms underlying trace conditioning with an emphasis on recent studies of trace fear conditioning. Findings across many studies have implications not just for how we think about time and conditioning, but also for how we conceptualize fear conditioning in general, suggesting that circuitry beyond the usual suspects needs to be incorporated into current thinking about fear, learning, and anxiety.
Comparison of Local Recurrence With Conventional and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Primary Soft-Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremity

Purpose The use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremity is increasing, but no large-scale direct comparison has been reported between conventional external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and IMRT. Methods Between January 1996 and December 2010, 319 consecutive adult patients with primary nonmetastatic extremity STS were treated with limb-sparing surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) at a single institution. Conventional EBRT was used in 154 patients and IMRT in 165 with similar dosing schedules. Median follow-up time for the cohort was 58 months. Results Treatment groups were comparable in terms of tumor location, histology, tumor size, depth, and use of chemotherapy. Patients treated with IMRT were older (P = .08), had more high-grade lesions (P = .05), close (< 1 mm) or positive margins (P = .04), preoperative radiation (P < .001), and nerve manipulation (P = .04). Median follow-up was 90 months for patients treated with conventional...
On the Role of Values in Program Evaluation.

When participants with varied background and interests join in a collaborative activity, their different viewpoints may make the evaluation of the activity more difficult. The emphasis placed on different kinds of success may differ greatly among project partici pants, causing them to disagree over the worth of components of the program, irrespective of the technical merits of the evaluation of these components. Our experience as evalu ators in a multidisciplinary biomedical research center indicates the need to augment conventional evaluative techniques with ones that explicitly recognize the influence of values on program evaluation.
The change in the CD rate–target federal funds rate linkage during the financial crisis

This study examines the target federal funds rate-Certificate of Deposit (CD) rate link over two time periods. The first period is 16 May 2000 to 31 July 2007 and the second is 1 August 2007 to 31 July 2009. August 2007 begins the initial stages of the financial crisis. A time-series analysis compares the two time periods. The results reveal a breakdown in the typical target–CD rate linkage in August 2007. For the 2-year period after August 2007 banks remained resilient to lower CD rates. This resiliency confirms the noted tightening of credit and bank uncertainty. During the 2-year period banks maintained firm CD rates as a way to attract funds in a period of growing uncertainty even with the target and other short-term rates falling.
Another use of the Lin-Narendra error model: HARF

The hyperstable adaptive recursive filter (HARF), which is a slightly modified version of Landan's output error identifier, is reparameterized to fit the new Lin-Narendra error model. This detailed reformulation and its connection to other convergence evaluation techniques provide another bridge between hyperstability and Lyapunov-stability-based adaptive algorithms and allow immediate statement of several HARF characteristics.
Blood supply of the flexor pollicis longus tendon.

The blood supply of the flexor pollicis longus tendon was investigated by arterial injections of india ink—latex-barium-solution in 15 fresh, adult cadaver upper extremities. In the digital area vascularity was by way of two vincula (V 1 and V 2 ). V 1 , located just proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint and the A 1 pulley, originated either from both digital arteries or from the princeps pollicis artery alone. V 2 , located at the interphalangeal joint level under the A 2 pulley, originated from both digital arteries. In the predigital area branches of the median nerve artery supplied the area from the base of the thumb to the musculotendinous junction; in addition, the microvascular network of the mesotendon contributed to this area. Intratendinous vascularization was more abundant in the predigital area.
Developing Sampling Plans for the Invasive Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) in Soybean

Since its discovery in the southeastern United States, the invasive plataspid Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) has infested soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) fields in often very high numbers. To optimize sampling plans, sweep-net and beat-cloth sampling was conducted in soybean fields in South Carolina during 2012 and 2013. Across all fields, densities averaged 7.2 ± 0.5 (SEM) adults and 4.5 ± 0.4 nymphs per 20 sweeps and 5.5 ± 0.3 adults and 4.5 ± 0.3 nymphs per 1.83 m of row. Coefficients of Taylor's power law were used to generate sampling plans for population estimates and sequential sampling plans for pest management decision making. At an economic threshold of one nymph per sweep, optimum sample sizes were 184, 48, and 22 within 10, 20, and 30% of the mean with the sweep-net method. At the corresponding threshold for the beat cloth (24.7 nymphs per 1.83 m of row), optimum sample sizes were 239, 62, and 29 within 10, 20 and 30% of the mean, respectively. At all adult and nymph densities, fewer sweep-net samples were required for population estimations compared with the number of beat-cloth samples. Sequential sampling reduced the sample size required to reach a management decision for the sweep net and beat cloth compared with a fixed sampling plan. The sweep-net method was more cost reliable for population estimation at low densities of both life stages, with the beat cloth becoming more cost reliable as populations increased. The beat-cloth method was more cost reliable than sweep-net sampling across all densities and life stages for pest management practices. These results may be used by researchers, county Extension agents, consultants, and farm managers to both facilitate sampling and improve reliability of M. cribraria estimates for research purposes and for pest management.
Cultural Beliefs and Service Utilization by Battered Arab Immigrant Women

This study examines the relationship between cultural beliefs and the utilization of services among Arab immigrant women. All participants (N = 67) reported at least one act of partner abuse resulting in a consultation with various formal services. Significant correlations were found between the holding of traditional attitudes toward gender in general and wife battering in particular by the women and the utilization of formal mental (r = .32, p = < .001), social (r = .29, p < .05), and legal (r = .38, p = < .001) services. The study's limitations, policy implications, and the impacts of 9/11 on the Arab immigrant community and on their use of services are discussed.
Unsustainable: A Strategy for Making Public Schooling More Productive, Effective, and Affordable by Tim R. McDonald

In Unsustainable: A Strategy for Making Public Schooling More Productive, Effective, and Affordable, McDonald presents readers with a thoroughly outlined explanation of procedures involved with fun...
Relationship of leptin, resting metabolic rate, and body composition in premenopausal hispanic and non-Hispanic White women.

Objective. The purpose was to evaluate the relationships between fasting serum leptin, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and body composition in premenopausal Hispanic and non-Hispanic White (White) women. Methods. Participants were 67 Hispanic and 43 White women who arrived at the laboratory in a fasted state for measurement of RMR by indirect calorimetry, bone mineral content measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and body density measured by hydrodensitometry. Serum leptin levels were determined by EIA. Results. Multiple regression analysis revealed that body mass and lean body mass were the best predictors of RMR. Leptin was not a significant predictor of RMR. Conclusion. Further research needs to be done to examine the role of leptin on metabolism, especially in ethnic groups predisposed to development of obesity and related disorders.
Balanced multipoint displacement encoding for DENSE MRI.

Displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE) is a quantitative imaging technique that encodes tissue displacement in the phase of the acquired signal. Various DENSE sequences have encoded displacement using methods analogous to the simple multi-point methods of phase contrast (PC) MRI. We developed general n-dimension balanced multi-point encoding for DENSE. Using these methods, phase noise variance decreased experimentally by 73.7%, 65.6%, and 61.9% compared to simple methods, which closely matched the theoretical decreases of 75%, 66.7%, and 62.5% for 1D, 2D, and 3D encoding, respectively. Phase noise covariances decreased by 99.2% and 99.3% for balanced 2D and 3D encoding, consistent with the zero-covariance prediction. The direction bias inherent to the simple methods was decreased to almost zero using balanced methods. Reduced phase noise and improved displacement and strain maps using balanced methods were visually observed in phantom and volunteer images. Balanced multi-point encoding can also be applied to PC MRI.
Efficient realizations of analysis and synthesis filters based on the 2-D discrete wavelet transform

This paper presents folded architectures and scheduling algorithms for computing the 2-D DWT for analysis and synthesis filters. The folded architectures consist of two parallel computation units (one for computations along the rows and the other for computations along the columns) and two storage units to store the intermediate outputs that are generated by the two units. The scheduling algorithms range from those that try to minimise the latency to those that try to minimise the control unit complexity and keep the data flow regular. A comparison of the scheduling algorithms has been included to aid the designer in choosing an algorithm that is best suited for a particular application.