cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional up-regulation in cells mediated by a small molecule.

Activator artificial transcription factors, molecules that seek out specific genes and up-regulate their transcription, are desirable as mechanistic tools and as potential therapeutic agents. One challenge has been the identification of small molecule-based activator ATFs that function in cellular systems. Here we demonstrate that an amphipathic isoxazolidine activates transcription up to 80-fold in human cells when targeted to a specific promoter. Analogous to natural transcriptional activators, the function of the isoxazolidine appears to be independent of the DNA-targeting moiety, suggesting that the molecule will be effective in a variety of contexts. This is thus a critical step toward activator ATFs constructed from small molecule components.
Diet as an etiological factor in the development of cancers of the colon and rectum

Abstract This paper presents dietary data in relation to colorectal cancer. Results from an analysis of international food consumption patterns and from surveys of food consumption in the United States support findings from a case-control study. The evidence suggests that meat, particularly beef, is a food associated with the development of malignancies of the large bowel.
Root growth regulation and gravitropism in maize roots does not require the epidermis.

We have earlier published observations showing that endogenous alterations in growth rate during gravitropism in maize roots (Zea mays L.) are unaffected by the orientation of cuts which remove epidermal and cortical tissue in the growing zone (Bjorkman and Cleland, 1988, Planta 176, 513-518). We concluded that the epidermis and cortex are not essential for transporting a growth-regulating signal in gravitropism or straight growth, nor for regulating the rate of tissue expansion. This conclusion has been challenged by Yang et al. (1990, Planta 180, 530-536), who contend that a shallow girdle around the entire perimeter of the root blocks gravitropic curvature and that this inhibition is the result of a requirement for epidermal cells to transport the growth-regulating signal. In this paper we demonstrate that the entire epidermis can be removed without blocking gravitropic curvature and show that the position of narrow girdles does not affect the location of curvature. We therefore conclude that the epidermis is not required for transport of a growth-regulating substance from the root cap to the growing zone, nor does it regulate the growth rate of the elongating zone of roots.
Rescattering in meson photoproduction from few body systems

Exclusive reactions induced at high momentum transfer in few body systems provide us with an original way to study the production and propagation of hadrons in cold nuclear matter. In very well-defined parts of the phase space, the reaction amplitude develops a logarithmic singularity. It is on solid ground since it depends on only on-shell elementary amplitudes and on low momentum components of the nuclear wave function. This is the best window for studying the propagation of exotic configurations of hadrons such as the onset of color transparency. It may appear earlier in meson-photoproduction reactions, more particularly in the strange sector, than in the more classical quasi-elastic scattering of electrons. More generally, those reactions provide us with the best tool to determine the cross section of the scattering of various hadrons (strange particles, vector mesons) from the nucleon and to obtain the production of possible exotic states.
Curvilinear Bicubic Spline Fit Interpolation Scheme

Modification of the rectangular bicubic spline fit interpolation scheme so as to make it suitable for use with a polar grid pattern. In the proposed modified scheme the interpolation function is expressed in terms of the radial length and the arc length, and the shape of the patch, which is a wedge or a truncated wedge, is taken into account implicitly. Examples are presented in which the proposed interpolation scheme was used to reproduce the equations of a hemisphere.
Can tamoxifen cause a significant mammographic density change in breast parenchyma

To evaluate tamoxifen-induced glandular tissue density changes in women who are on an adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. We examined serial mammograms of 27 women (average age 67) who had surgery for unilateral breast carcinoma and were on tamoxifen for 5 years. Mammograms obtained at the beginning of treatment, within 2 or 3 years, at the end of 5 years and 1 year after cessation of tamoxifen treatment, were evaluated by two radiologists experienced in reading mammograms. Four 1-cm-diameter circular areas of the glandular tissue and retroglandular fat were sampled by a densitometer and a relative glandular density (glandular tissue/fat density) was used for comparison between serial mammograms. Most cases (79%) did not show tamoxifen-induced change in glandular density. Three patients (13%) showed an early and two (8%) a delayed mild reduction in glandular density as compared to baseline mammograms. No patient was found to have increased glandular density following the cessation of tamoxifen therapy (in subjective evaluation). Densitometer readings showed a mild reduction in glandular densities in 16 cases (60%) during treatment and a minimal increase in 13 cases (48%) following cessation of treatment. There was a slight decrease in breast density during treatment [relative density of 0.012+/-0.006 (standard error) per interval, P value:.06] and the difference between years 5 and 6 was nearly zero [relative density of 0.00042+/-0.01 (standard error), P value:.97]. Long-term use of tamoxifen may cause a mild reduction in breast glandular density, although this, in part, may be attributed to the age-related mammographic density change. Following cessation of tamoxifen, no significant increase in glandular density was observed. Therefore, any increase in mammographic density during or after tamoxifen treatment should be viewed with suspicion and further evaluated.
General intensity expression in molecular luminescence spectrometry

A general derivation of the luminescence flux reaching the detector in molecular luminescence spectrometry is given. The expression accounts for the pre-filter effect, the primary absorption effect, the re-absorption of fluorescence effect, and the post-filter effect. Also more than one absorbing species of primary excitation radiation and of fluorescence radiation is considered. The final expression may be used for explaining the shapes of luminescence analytical calibration curves in fluorimetry and phosphorimetry as well as to explain the mechanism of response of a positive-negative fluorescence detector.
A model of surround suppression through cortical feedback

Surround suppression occurs when a visual stimulus outside a neuron's classical receptive field causes a reduction in firing rate. It has become clear that several mechanisms are working together to induce center-surround effects such as surround suppression. While several models exist that rely on lateral connections within V1 to explain surround suppression, few have been proposed that show how cortical feedback might play a role. In this work, we propose a theory in which reductions in excitatory feedback contribute to a neuron's suppressed firing rate. We also provide a computational model that incorporates this idea.
Correlation between Diarrhea Severity and Oocyst Count via Quantitative PCR or Fluorescence Microscopy in Experimental Cryptosporidiosis in Calves

Abstract. Cryptosporidium is an important diarrhea-associated pathogen, however the correlation between parasite burden and diarrhea severity remains unclear. We studied this relationship in 10 experimentally infected calves using immunofluorescence microscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (N = 124 fecal samples). The qPCR data were corrected for extraction/amplification efficiency and gene copy number to generate parasite counts. The qPCR and microscopic oocyst quantities exhibited significant correlation (R2 = 0.33, P < 0.05), however qPCR had increased sensitivity. Upon comparison with diarrhea severity scores (from 0 to 3), a PCR-based count of ≥ 2.6 × 105 parasites or an immunofluorescence microscopy count of ≥ 4.5 × 104 oocysts were discriminatory predictors of moderate-to-severe diarrhea (versus no-to-mild diarrhea), with accuracies and predictive values of 72–82%. In summary, a quantitative approach for Cryptosporidium can refine predictive power for diarrhea and appears useful for distinguishing clinical cryptosporidiosis versus subclinical infection.
Role of Homeobox Genes in the Patterning, Specification, and Differentiation of Ectodermal Appendages in Mammals

Homeobox genes are an evolutionarily conserved class of transcription factors that are key regulators during developmental processes such as regional specification, patterning, and differentiation. In this review, we summarize the expression pattern, loss- and/or gain-of-function mouse models, and naturally occurring mouse and human mutations of known homeobox genes required for the development of ectodermal appendages.
MONUMENT AND MYTH

ABSTRACT The Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, which strategically and symbolically dominates the northern skyline of Paris, has a strange and tortured history. Conceived of in the course of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, its construction was seen by many as an act of penitence for the moral decadence of the Second Empire of Napoleon III as well as for the supposed excesses of the Paris Commune of 1871. The cult of the Sacred Heart and the movement to build a Basilica for its glorification drew much of its support from ultraconservative Catholics as well as from those espousing the cause of monarchist restoration. Legislation pushed through at the height of the political reaction which followed the Commune turned the construction of the Basilica into a national project. This legislation permitted those in command of the project to select the heights of Montmartre as a site for its construction. The Basilica was thus built upon the very spot where some of the most significant opening and closing events of the Paris Commune occurred. In the years that followed the laying of the foundation stone in 1875, the predominantly republican population of Paris sought to stop what they perceived as a manifestation of reactionary monarchism from being erected in their midst. They all but succeeded, in 1882, in emasculating the whole project. The Basilica, finally completed and consecrated in 1919, was for many years seen as a provocation to civil war and to this day is still interpreted as a political symbol.
Direct and integration methods of parameter estimation in groundwater transport systems

Abstract Two finite element based methods are developed to identify the spatial distribution of parameters that characterize contaminant transport in two-dimensional irrotational potential flow in the regions over which a concentration front has passed. The required input data are observations of the steady head or pressure distribution and the transient mass concentration distribution of the contaminant, together with a few transmissivity observations. To obtain the distribution of velocity, the transmissivity is first determined by inverting the groundwater flow equation. The velocity components are then computed on the basis of Darcy's law, assuming the porosity and thickness of the aquifer are known. The computed velocity components are used for estimating unknown aquifer dispersivities in two-dimensional transient groundwater transport. In order to avoid the difficulty that often occurs in direct solution an integration-based method is presented. This method performs well in both noise free and relatively high noise level environments. In addition, a method to evaluate the additional parameters of dispersivity and velocity components is presented for the cases where the head or pressure distribution is not available. The equations for the methods are derived for cases in which the dispersivity varies with position, although the methods have not been tested for spatially varying dispersivities in the two-dimensional case.
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Virulence Gene Regulation

Coordinated expression of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli virulence genes enables the bacterium to cause hemorrhagic colitis and the complication known as hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Horizontally acquired genes and those common to E. coli contribute to the disease process, and increased virulence gene expression is correlated with more severe disease in humans. Researchers have gained considerable knowledge about how the type III secretion system, secreted effectors, adhesin molecules, and the Shiga toxins are regulated by environmental signals and multiple genetic pathways. Also emergent from the data is an understanding of how enterohemorrhagic E. coli regulates response to acid stress, the role of flagellar motility, and how passage through the human host and bovine intestinal tract causes disease and supports carriage in the cattle reservoir, respectively. Particularly exciting areas of discovery include data suggesting how expression of the myriad effectors is coordinately regulated with their cognate type III secretion system and how virulence is correlated with bacterial metabolism and gut physiology.
An experimental basis for carcinogenic effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Several hypotheses to explain ultraviolet carcinogenesis have been advanced. One such theory contended that cholesterol was directly involved in actinic carcinogenesis. Although the hypothesis, in its original form, was generally abandoned by the scientific community, it has been revived and modified from time to time as structures and functions of steroid hormones become more clearly understood. In essence it suggests that carcinogenic substances, structurally related to steroid hormones might result from photochemical conversion of cholesterol. Although some compounds with such properties have been isolated under controlled chemical conditions, until recently the failure to find such compounds in biological systems had cast serious doubt upon the validity of this hypothesis. It has now been demonstrated that cholesterol-derived oxidation products are formed in human skin upon exposure to ultraviolet light. One of the products formed is known to possess carcinogenic properties when administered to experimental animals.
Mutagenic studies with calcium-45 and strontium-89 in maize and Lilium.

Abstract The frequency of losses of chromosome markers, attributable to calcium-45 or to strontium-89, was found to be nil in the endosperm of maize that develop from pollen labeled at the isotope levels employed and in the population sizes examined. For comparison, maize pollen was also labeled with radioactive sulfur or phosphorus, or treated with X-rays. Dominant lethality was investigated in Lilium longiflorum using pollen labeled with calcium-45, phosphorus-32 and sulfur-32. The experimental design permits one to utilize the naturally phased development of lily pollen in relation to the periods of DNA replication. If phosphorus-32 was present prior to replication, dominant lethals were produced, as detected by failure of embryo or endosperm development. Dominant lethality was less evident with calcium-45 or sulfur-35, probably due to lower amounts of isotopic incorporation into pollen. In general, the degree of response depended on the amount of isotope incorporated into the pollen (sperm). Dominant lethality was no higher than in controls when the isotope was administered after both DNA replications had been completed in maturing pollen.
Tiller: a tool for analyzing 4-D data

Tiller is a tool for the interactive analysis of four-dimensional data. It is based on a powerful yet simple interface consisting of two windows. One displays an image representing two data dimensions, the second presents a grid where the user can interactively select points. Selecting single points prompts Tiller to display individual images, allowing basic data browsing. Sequences of points may also be specified to rapidly produce custom animations. The ability to produce such animations quickly is an effective way to explore data where the interesting aspects and structure may not be known in advance. To date we have used Tiller primarily for the visualization of time series volumetric data. For each time step, we computer projections of the volume at different angles of rotation. Viewing the sequence of projections for one time step corresponds to visualizing the volume rotating around one axis. After computing the set of renderings for each time step, we use Tiller to view the data and to define animation sequences. The horizontal axis of the Tiller grid represents the rotation angle of the volume during rendering, the vertical axis represents time. Working with the grid, it is simple for the user to find interesting viewing angles and time intervals and to produce movies highlighting important aspects of the data. Currently we compute the volume renderings in advance and store them on disk. Our future plans are to utilize the same Tiller interface as the front-end to a real-time volume rendering application utilizing supercomputers such as the Connection Machine or the Cray.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Uniqueness implies existence and uniqueness conditions for nonlocal boundary value problems for nth order differential equations

Abstract For the nth order differential equation, y ( n ) = f ( x , y , y ′ , … , y ( n − 1 ) ) , we consider uniqueness implies existence results for solutions satisfying certain nonlocal ( k + 2 ) -point boundary conditions, 1 ⩽ k ⩽ n − 1 . Uniqueness of solutions when k = n − 1 is intimately related to uniqueness of solutions when 1 ⩽ k ⩽ n − 2 . These relationships are investigated as well.
Combined Routing and Node Replacement in Energy-Efficient Underwater Sensor Networks for Seismic Monitoring

Ocean-bottom seismic systems are emerging as superior information-acquisition methods in seismic monitoring of petroleum reservoirs beneath ocean beds. These systems use a large network of sensor nodes that are laid on the ocean floor to collectively gather and transmit seismic information. In particular, underwater wireless sensor networks are gaining prominence in continuous seismic monitoring of undersea oilfields. They are autonomous and use wireless acoustic transmission for transferring data. However, the deployment period of such networks extends well beyond the battery lifetimes of the nodes. Hence, to ensure continuous monitoring from all node locations, it is required to replace the energy-depleted nodes on the ocean floor. Replacing these nodes at remote undersea locations is very expensive, and hence, the total node replacement cost in large seismic node networks is extremely high. In this paper, we develop effective joint policies involving routing and node replacement decisions to minimize the replacement costs per unit time. Our routing approach is simple and suitable for this application, and it strives for energy efficiency at all times. We propose a few node-replacement policies and compare their performances when they are combined with our proposed routings.
Desorption and crystallization kinetics in nanoscale thin films of amorphous water ice

The amorphous to crystalline ice phase transition is studied by measuring the water desorption rate from nanoscale thin films of water vapor deposited on Au(111) and Ru(001) single crystal metallic substrates. The desorption kinetics are substrate dependent and suggest strongly that the film morphology is governed by the hydrophilicity of the substrate. The crystallization kinetics are independent of substrate but depend strongly on both temperature and film thickness and are consistent with a spatially random nucleation and isotropic growth model.
Analytical Equations for Nonlinear Phase Errors and Jitter in Ring Oscillators

In this paper, we present a simple analytical equation for capturing phase errors in 3-stage ring oscillators. The model, based on a simple but useful idealization of the ring oscillator, is provably exact for small noise perturbations. Despite its simplicity and purely analytical form, our model correctly captures the time- dependent sensitivity of oscillator phase to external perturbations. It is thus well suited for estimating both qualitative and quantitative features of ring oscillator phase response to internal noises, as well as to power, ground and substrate interference. The nonlinear nature of the model makes it suitable for predicting injection locking as well. Comparisons of the new model with existing phase models are provided, and its application for correct prediction of thermal jitter demonstrated. Requiring knowledge only of the amplitude and frequency of the oscillator, the model is ideally suited for early design exploration at the system and circuit levels.
Age-related changes in pancreatic islet cell gene expression☆

Previous studies have indicated that insulin secretion in response to glucose diminishes with age but insulin synthesis and gene transcription do not. To determine whether expression of genes other than those that encode insulin are subject to age-related changes that could alter pancreatic islet function, mRNAs for insulins I and II, amylin, glucose transporter 2 (GluT2), glucagon, and glucokinase were quantified in 2-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month-old Fischer 344 rats using species-specific ribonuclease (RNase) protection assays. There was only a modest (1.2- to 1.3-fold) increase in insulin I and insulin II mRNAs between ages 2 and 12 months. There were no statistically significant changes in levels of glucokinase mRNA with age. In contrast, the abundances of amylin, GluT2, and glucagon mRNAs all doubled during the same period. Variance in values from 24-month-old rats was too great to allow conclusions, except that the ratio of insulin II mRNA to insulin I mRNA increased with age. This change was not related to islet mass or total insulin mRNA abundance because it persisted at age 24 months, when total mRNA abundance had decreased. These results indicate that aging is associated with significant alterations in the relative proportion of expression of pancreatic islet cell genes implicated in insulin secretion and in intraislet glucose metabolism.
High-quality RNA, cDNA, and derived EST libraries from grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.)

The implementation and generation of unbiased results from RNA-based techniques in functional genomic studies requires the isolation of high-quality RNA. In grapevines, the yield and quality of RNA can be significantly reduced by contaminants such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, and proteins, which are abundant during different stages of berry and leaf development. We describe an optimized cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-based RNA extraction protocol that allows effective extraction of high-quality total RNA from a wide range of grapevine tissues, including difficult organs such as symptomatic, pathogen-infected leaves and mature berries. Total RNA extracted with this protocol was successfully used for cDNA library construction as well as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification. This protocol can also be easily scaled to accommodate different amounts of tissue.
Total reflection infrared spectroscopy of water-ice and frozen aqueous NaCl solutions

Liquid-like and liquid water at and near the surface of water-ice and frozen aqueous sodium chloride films were observed using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). The concentration of NaCl ranged from 0.0001 to 0.01 M and the temperature varied from the melting point of water down to 256 K. The amount of liquid brine at the interface of the frozen films with the germanium ATR crystal increased with salt concentration and temperature. Experimental spectra are compared to reflection spectra calculated for a simplified morphology of a uniform liquid layer between the germanium crystal and the frozen film. This morphology allows for the amount of liquid observed in an experimental spectrum to be converted to the thickness of a homogenous layer with an equivalent amount of liquid. These equivalent thickness ranges from a nanometer for water-ice at 260 K to 170 nm for 0.01 M NaCl close to the melting point. The amounts of brine observed are over an order of magnitude less than the total liquid predicted by equilibrium thermodynamic models, implying that the vast majority of the liquid fraction of frozen solutions may be found in internal inclusions, grain boundaries, and the like. Thus, the amount of liquid and the solutes dissolved in them that are available to react with atmospheric gases on the surfaces of snow and ice are not well described by thermodynamic equilibrium models which assume the liquid phase is located entirely at the surface.
Structures Technologies For The Precision Segmented Reflector (PSR)

The PSR program is a first step in the development and validation of increasingly more precise and larger size lightweight segmented reflector technology that might ultimately be used in space on projects such as the Large Deployable Reflector (LDR). The LDR is described, and objectives of the PSR are discussed. Requirements for the PSR, including structure dimensions and geometric constraints, mass characteristics, erectable and deployable concepts, truss surface precision, and thermal and dynamic characteristics are discussed along with gravity deflections, secondary support characteristics, and removable members. Analytical development and system- and component-level tests are outlined.
Moisture Sorption of Amorphous Sugar Products

Moisture sorption into sugar glasses led to significant changes in the physico-chemical properties. Increased moisture content reduced the glass transition temperature, Tg, although the effect was dependent on type of corn syrup. In general, higher corn syrup content and addition of a high-maltose corn syrup resulted in slightly higher Tg for a given moisture content. Higher corn syrup concentration increased hardness, but also resulted in increased stickiness. Stickiness increased as a function of moisture until a maximum was reached, whereupon further moisture sorption reduced stickiness. A maximum in stickiness occurred when Tg values were still above room temperature, indicating that surface moisture was considerably higher than bulk moisture content.
Another EPR fallacy

Abstract When two measurements (of different observables) are made in succession on the same system, the first may have no effect whatever on the system itself, yet vitiate the second by the effect of disturbances left in the surroundings. It is shown that this happens, in particular, when one attempts to measure two spin components by a method proposed by Bohm in 1951 and repeatedly discussed since in connexion with the so-called paradox of Einstein, Podolski and Rosen (EPR). Ballentine's recent construction (1970) of another EPR paradox is therefore fallacious. Quite generally, the postulates of EPR invite misapplications because they envisage only isolated “elements of reality”. If an obvious identification of “simultaneous elements of reality” is adopted, it becomes manifestly impossible to contrive an EPR paradox of the Ballentine type for any pair of non-commuting observables, not just for spin components.
CT abnormalities in right lower quadrant inflammatory disease: Review of findings in 26 adults

Abnormal abdominal computed tomographic (CT) examinations, performed on 26 adults who presented with clinical evidence of right lower quadrant inflammatory disease, were retrospectively studied. Final diagnoses, established surgically in each case, included complicated appendicitis (15 patients), diverticulitis of the ileum or right colon (4), previously undiagnosed Crohn's disease (3), perforated cecal neoplasm (2), right tuboovarian abscess (1), and paracolic abscess of unknown cause (1). The CT features in each diagnostic group are presented in detail. Solid or ring calcification within a pericecal inflammatory mass was specific for appendicitis, occurring in 40% of the 15 patients. Without calcification, the differentiation of complicated appendicitis from Crohn's disease or diverticulitis, based on CT features alone, may be difficult in some cases.
Soil‐pot tests with iron‐deficiency susceptible soybeans and other plants to determine effectiveness of iron chelates in plant nutrition

Abstract The Fe‐inefficient PI54619–5–1 soybean (Glycine max L.) is useful in the assessment of effectiveness of Fe‐containing chemicals for the correction of Fe deficiency in plants. For routine tests, germinated seedlings are transferred to 500‐g quantities of a calcareous soil and the Fe amendments are added in soluble form. Most information is obtained when soils of two different pH values are used such as pH 7.3 and 8.2 each ± 0.3. Nitrogen at 100 to 200 ppm of soil and as NH4 NO3 is also applied. Responses are apparent within 3 to 5 days and leaf analyses are made after about 2 weeks. The addition of 1/2% MgCO3 or less with thorough mixing into noncalcarcous soil has resulted in Fe deficiency not only for this soybean variety, but also for other plant species. An experiment of six replications × 2 soil pH × 7 treatments = 84 pots allows for reasonable statistical evaluations of yields and mineral composition of leaves. A visual comparison of leaf color is recorded and yields of shoots are determined...
The Magnetic Field Interference in Dual-Ingot Low Frequency Electromagnetic Continuous Casting

The magnetic field interference was studied by numerical simulation and experimental examination during dual-ingot low-frequency electromagnetic casting process. By using ANSYS software package to mesh and compute, the magnetic field distribution of semi-continuous casting mold region was simulated. The calculated results were verified with the experimental ones and the effects of current direction, shield, silicon sheet and the coil distance on the distribution of magnetic field and ingot were observed. The result indicated that: regardless of current direction, the magnetic field interference among coils appears and the magnetic flux density weakens in the neighbor part of coils. When the current direction of adjacent coils is opposite, the magnetic intensity in ingots is stronger than that of in the same direction. As the distance between coils increases, the magnetic field reduction generated by interference decreases. The magnetic field interference can be alleviated by setting silicon steel sheets or shield.
Induction of oxidative single- and double-strand breaks in DNA by ferric citrate.

Abstract The relative risk of primary hepatocellular carcinoma in genetic hemochromatosis (GH) is estimated at over 200 times as that of control populations. Recently, ferric ion chelated to citrate (Fe-citrate) was identified as the major non-transferrin-bound iron in the serum of GH patients. We investigated whether low concentration of Fe-citrate plus reductant could damage supercoiled plasmid DNA under physiological pH and ionic strength. Incubation of Fe-citrate with either H2O2, l -ascorbate, or l -cysteine induced single- and double-strand breaksin supercoiled plasmid pZ189 in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. DNA strand breaks produced by Fe-citrate plus H2O2 increased at reduced pH (≤ 6.9). Catalase and free radical scavengers inhibited the DNA breakage produced by Fe-citrate in combination with each reductant, suggesting that H2O2 and finally .OH are responsible DNA damaging species. The catalytic ability of Fe-citrate to induce DNA strand breaks, particularly double-strand breaks (DSBs), may contribute to the carcinogenic processes observed in GH.
Requirement of the RNA helicase-like protein PRP22 for release of messenger RNA from spliceosomes

The product of the yeast PRP22 gene acts late in the splicing of yeast pre-messenger RNA, mediating the release of the spliced mRNA from the spliceosome. The predicted PRP22 protein sequence shares extensive homology with that of PRP2 and PRP16 proteins, which are also involved in nuclear pre-mRNA splicing. The homologous region contains sequence elements characteristic of several demonstrated or putative ATP-dependent RNA helicases. A putative RNA-binding motif originally identified in bacterial ribosomal protein SI and Escherichia coli polynucleotide phosphorylase has also been found in PRP22.
Evaluating Personalized Risk Messages

An experiment was conducted (N = 766) to compare three different strategies for delivering radon test results to homeowners. The three strategies examined were a form letter, a personalized letter,...
Risk factors for child psychological abuse

We review the risk and protective factors for child emotional abuse. Two main directions can be derived from this review. First and foremost, definitional issues must be resolved. Second, some clues as to important future research directions emerged from the current risk factor literature. Distal historical variables (e.g., relationships with fathers perceived as less caring, and being yelled at daily as a child), current enduring personality factors (e.g., aggression and hostility, neuroticism), environmental stressors (e.g., very low income) and proximal variables (verbal and physical aggression between parents) all appear to be related to child psychological abuse. Once definitional issues are resolved, models beginning with these risk factors should be developed and tested.
The role of nitric oxide in oocyte meiotic maturation and ovulation: meiotic abnormalities of endothelial nitric oxide synthase knock-out mouse oocytes

Evidence supports the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in ovulation, steroidogenesis, and atresia-related apoptosis. This study was designed to investigate the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived NO in ovulation, oocyte meiotic maturation, and ovarian steroidogenesis using wild-type (WT) mice and mice in which the gene for eNOS had been deleted (eNOS knock-out). We observed that mature eNOS knock-out females have significantly fewer pups born in each litter and a higher mortality rate of pups than those born to heterozygote or WT females (P < 0.05). To determine the influence of eNOS deficiency on ovarian function, immature WT and eNOS knock-out mice were superovulated by injecting PMSG (5 IU) followed by an injection of hCG (5 IU, i.p.) 48 h later. To determine whether murine oocytes expressed eNOS before (0 and 8 h post-hCG) and after ovulation (16 h post-hCG). we performed immunofluorescent staining. Positive specific staining for eNOS was observed on the surface of ovarian and ovulated oocytes obtained from WT mice, but not on oocytes from eNOS knock-out mice. To determine the role of eNOS-derived NO in ovulation, ovulated oocytes were counted 16 h post-hCG. eNOS knock-out females showed a significant reduction (by 63%; P < 0.0001) in ovulatory efficiency compared with WT females. The reduction in the ovulation rate in eNOS-deficient mice compared with that in WT mice was also associated with a higher concentration of estradiol (P < 0.01) without significant changes in the plasma progesterone level. eNOS deficiency impaired not only ovulation, but also oocyte meiotic maturation. Ovulated oocytes were classified as being in one of the following stages of meiosis: metaphase I, metaphase II, or showing atypical (degenerative) morphology. We observed that fewer oocytes from eNOS knock-out mice had entered metaphase II of meiosis, and a greater percentage remained in metaphase I or were atypical (P < 0.002) relative to those in WT mice. Furthermore, many oocytes that showed either a delay in meiotic maturation or abnormal morphology were undergoing cell death. Our results support a role for NO in the ovulatory process. The ovarian defects observed in the eNOS knock-out mice suggest that eNOS-derived NO is a modulator of oocyte meiotic maturation.
On impulsively generated inviscid axisymmetric surface jets, waves and drops

The evolution of an unbounded inviscid free surface subjected to a velocity potential of Gaussian form and also to the influence of inertial, interfacial and gravitational forces is considered. This construct was motivated by the occurrence of lung haemorrhage resulting from ultrasonic imaging and pursues the notion that bursts of ultrasound act to expel droplets that puncture the soft air-filled sacs in the lung plural surface, allowing them to fill with blood. The tissue adjacent to the sacs is modelled as a liquid and the air-tissue interface in the sacs as a free surface. The evolution of the free surface is described by a boundary-integral formulation and, since the free surface evolves slowly relative to the bursts of ultrasound, they are realized as an impulse at the free surface, represented by the velocity potential. As the free surface evolves, it is seen to form axisymmetric surface jets, waves or droplets, depending upon the levels of gravity and surface tension. Moreover the droplets may be spherical and ejected away from the surface or an inverted tear shape and fall back to the surface. These conclusions are expressed in a phase diagram of inverse Froude number Fr -1 versus inverse Weber number We -1 . Specifically, while axisymmetric surface jets form in the absence of surface tension and gravity, gravity acts to bound their height, rendering them waves, although instability overrides the calculation prior to its reaching that bound. Surface tension acts to suppress the instability (provided that We -1 > 0.045) and to form drops; if sufficiently strong it can also damp the evolving wave, causing it to collapse. The pinchoff which effects spherical drops is of power-law type with exponent 2/3, and the universal constant that relates the necking radius to the time from pinchoff, thereby realizing a finite-time singularity, has the value K=0.45 ± 0.025. Finally, drops can occur once the mechanical index, a dimensional measure used in ultrasonography, exceeds 0.5.
On the existence of N‐connected graphs with prescribed degrees (n ≧ 2)

In this paper we provide a simple algorithm for constructing an n- (vertex) connected graph with no multiple edges or loops having degree sequence satisfying the conditions indicated below. We prove these to be necessary and sufficient for the existence of such a graph. Our algorithm consists of constructing the graph in stages. An explicit construction is given if all degrees are n or n+1. Otherwise we choose a vertex with either the largest or smallest degree and connect it with a set of the remaining vertices having largest degrees, leaving a residual degree sequence for the rest of the graph which later can then be constructed by iteration. We connect the vertex of smallest degree above if the residual degrees after its connection are all at least n. Otherwise we connect the vertex of largest degree. The conditions on the degree sequence are that it must be realizable by a graph, all degrees must be at least n, and the number of edges which can avoid touching the n-1 largest degree vertices are sufficient to form a tree among the other vertices.
HOT-ELECTRON TRANSPORT IN QUANTUM-DOT PHOTODETECTORS

Employing Monte-Carlo simulations we investigate effects of an electric field on electron kinetics and transport in quantum-dot structures with potential barriers created around dots via intentional or unintentional doping. Results of our simulations demonstrate that the photoelectron capture is substantially enhanced in strong electric fields and this process has an exponential character. Detailed analysis shows that effects of the electric field on electron capture in the structures with barriers are not sensitive to the redistribution of electrons between valleys and these effects are not related to an increase of drift velocity. Most data find adequate explanation in the model of hot-electron transport in the potential relief of quantum dots. Electron kinetics controllable by potential barriers and an electric field may provide significant improvements in the photoconductive gain, detectivity, and responsivity of photodetectors.
Deformation-Induced Nanocrystal Precipitation in Al-Base Metallic Glasses

Bending and uniaxial tensile tests for Al-base amorphous ribbons were performed at room temperature for a number of compositions. Al-nanocrystal precipitation was observed within vein protrusions on fracture surfaces and along crack propagation paths, as well as within shear bands resulting from bending. A composition dependence of crystallization upon bending was also observed. Effects of local adiabatic heating was observed on fracture surface.
Complete nucleotide sequence of brome mosaic virus RNA3.

Abstract A complementary DNA copy of the 3a cistron of dicistronic RNA3 from brome mosaic virus has been cloned and sequenced. Based on this and other data, the complete nucleotide sequence of brome mosaic virus RNA3 is presented. Following a 91 base 5′ non-coding region, the 909 base 3a cistron encodes a protein of predicted molecular weight 32,480. Between the 3a and coat protein cistrons is an approximately 250 base intercistronic non-coding region. Overlapping the intercistronic region by 9 bases, the last 876 bases of RNA3 encode the subgenomic coat protein messenger, RNA4, completely and without interruption. A third long open reading frame of possible evolutionary significance overlaps the 3a and coat protein cistrons. An internal poly(A) of heterogeneous length (16 to 22 bases) occurs in the intercistronic region just 20 bases 5′ to the start of RNA4 sequences. Averaging the poly(A) heterogeneity, the length of brome mosaic virus RNA3 is 2114 bases.
Measures of resilience: the response of coastal sage scrub to fire

Measures of four components of resilience are developed and used to quantify the response of coastal sage scrub to fire in southern California: (1) elasticity (rate of recovery following disturbance), (2) amplitude (threshold of disturbance beyond which recovery to the original state no longer occurs), (3) malleability (extent of alteration of the new stable-state from the original) and (4) damping (extent and duration of oscillation in an ecosystem parameter following disturbance). Vegetation and soil properties measured before fire, and for the first 5–6 yr after fire on four coastal (Venturan association) and four inland (Riversidian association) sites of coastal sage were used to follow changes. In addition, results from a simulation model of post-fire succession in Venturan coastal sage scrub (the FINICS model of Malanson) were used to examine resilience behavior over a 200 yr period. Resilience behavior of coastal sage scrub is critically influenced by the presence of a competitive mix of inherently strongly and weakly resprouting species. Sites dominated by weak resprouters exhibit lower elasticity and less damping of year-to-year fluctuations in composition in the early post-fire years. Sites with a mixture of weak and strong resprouters have a lower threshold of disturbance (amplitude) before species extirpation occurs, a result intensified by a higher frequency of disturbance. Malleability is also greater in these systems under higher disturbance frequency.
3D reconstruction of bat flight kinematics from sparse multiple views

In this paper we present a novel method to reconstruct the 3D posture of flying bats from sparse multiple view video. Specifically, we incorporate biomechanical and geometric knowledge about bats into an articulated model. We then estimate the bats time-varying pose by tracking a set of known markers using a Square Root Unscented Kalman filtering method augmented with video optical flow information. Our method scales easily to multiple views, elegantly handles missing and occluded markers, and has a versatility in the type and complexity of the tracking model. To demonstrate the performance of the reconstruction method, we apply our technique to estimate the parameters of a 52 degree of freedom articulated model of a bat from a real-world flight sequence. We further assess our algorithms performance by quantifying its ability to recover model parameters accurately for a realistic simulated flight sequence.
Ultrasonic traveling-wave parametric amplification

A simplified theory of traveling-wave ultrasonic non-linear interactions is presented, and experimental results obtained for the case of parametric amplification are given. A method of suppressing undesired parametric interactions through the use of ultrasonic magnetic resonance dispersion is described. The theory is also applied to amplification with incoherent pumping.
Effects of Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid on European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Survival, Fatty Acid Profile, and Fecundity

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is an unusual fatty acid produced by fermentative bacteria in the rumen of ruminant mammals. Positive biological effects, including anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, and immune enhancing effects, have been observed in mammals fed CLA-enriched diets. Little is known of the biological effects of dietary CLA on insects, and nothing is known of the dietary CLA effects on the fatty acid profile of an insect. In this study, we examined the effects of a CLA or safflower oil-enriched meridic diet at several concentrations on European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), survival, development, fatty acid profiles, and fecundity. The fatty acid profiles of pupal and adult tissues as well as eggs from adults fed CLA-enriched diets as larvae were studied. Control insects were fed the meridic diet with the solvent carrier added. We hypothesized a CLA-enriched diet, but not a safflower oil-enriched diet, would decrease survival, alter fatty acid profiles, and decrease fecundity. Larvae fed the CLA-enriched diet developed more slowly than did larvae fed the safflower oil-enriched diet or the control diet. Pupal mass was not affected by any of the treatments. Survival was decreased greatly in larvae fed the CLA-enriched diet. Saturated fatty acids increased proportionately, whereas polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids decreased proportionately in both pupal and adult tissues. Fecundity was not affected by any of the treatments.
Crystallization of the C-terminal domain of rabbit serum hemopexin.

Abstract The C-terminal domain of rabbit serum hemopexin, comprising residues 215 to 435, has been crystallized following removal of the attached carbohydrate using the endoglycosidase Endo F. The crystals, grown by vapour diffusion from solutions containing polyethylene glycol 1500, are orthorhombic, with cell dimensions a = 41·0 A, b = 64·2 A, c = 85·2 A, space group P 212121, and one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The crystals diffract to 2·4 A resolution and are suitable for X-ray structure analysis.
Transplantation immunity to individually unique antigens of chemically induced bladder tumors in mice.

We have previously shown that lymphocyte-mediated immunity to common bladder tumor antigens can be demonstrated in vitro. In this study we used two carcinomas and two sarcomas of the urinary bladder of BALB/c mice to immunize syngeneic animals against tumor-specific transplantation antigens (TSTA) in order to determine whether common and/or individually unique antigens could be detected by resistance of the mice to challenge with tumor cells. Strong transplantation resistance was induced against each individual tumor line by immunizing with the respective line. No evidence could be obtained for the presence of TSTA common to the two carcinomas or to the two sarcomas (or to all four tumors).
Design optimization for single-event upset robustness using simultaneous dual-VDD and sizing techniques

An optimization algorithm for the design of combinational circuits that are robust to single-event upsets (SEUs) is described. A simple, highly accurate model for the SEU robustness of a logic gate is developed. This model -- in posynomial form -- is integrated with performance and power constraints into an optimization framework based on geometric programming for design space exploration. Simulation results for design optimization using simultaneous dual- VDD and gate sizing techniques for the 70 nm process technology demonstrate the tradeoffs that can be achieved with this approach.