cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of CHT7 Complexes during Light/Dark- and Nitrogen-Mediated Life Cycle Transitions of Chlamydomonas

The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Compromised Hydrolysis of Triacylglycerols7 (CHT7) protein has been previously implicated in the regulation of DNA metabolism and cell-cycle-related gene expression during nitrogen (N) deprivation, and its predicted protein interaction domains are necessary for function. Here, we examined impacts of the cht7 mutation during the cell division cycle under nutrient deficiency in light-dark synchronized cultures. We explored the potential mechanisms affecting CHT7 complex activities during the cell cycle and N starvation, with a focus on the possible interaction between CHT7 and the C. reinhardtii retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (RB) protein homolog MAT3. Notably, the absence of CHT7 did not negatively impact the synchrony of cell division and cell cycle progression during diel growth. Although the majority of CHT7 and MAT3/RB proteins were observed in separate complexes by blue native-PAGE, the two proteins coimmunoprecipitated both during synchronized growth and following N deprivation, suggesting the presence of low abundance subcomplexes containing CHT7 and MAT3/RB. Furthermore, we observed several phosphorylated isoforms of CHT7 under these conditions. To test the potential role of phosphorylation on the structure and function of CHT7, we performed site-directed mutagenesis of previously identified phosphorylated amino acids within CHT7. These phosphorylated residues were dispensable for CHT7 function, but phosphorylated variants of CHT7 persisted, indicating that yet-unidentified residues within CHT7 are also likely phosphorylated. Based on the interaction of CHT7 and MAT3/RB, we postulate the presence of a low-abundance or transient regulatory complex in C. reinhardtii that may be similar to DREAM-like complexes in other organisms.
Use of endpoints in multiple myeloma randomized controlled trials over the last 15 years: A systematic review.

Surrogate endpoints are being used more frequently in randomized controlled trials, even though they do not consistently corelate with patient outcomes. We systemically evaluated the use of surrogate endpoints in multiple myeloma randomized controlled trials over the past 15 years. We searched three databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane) for multiple myeloma randomized controlled trials from January 1, 2005 to December 30, 2019. The primary outcome of our study was the proportion of randomized controlled trials that used overall survival as their primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes included the use of surrogate endpoints, and trends over time, and whether they differed based on study sponsorship. We included 151 randomized controlled trials in our analysis. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) in 17 (11.3%) of studies, progression free survival (PFS) or event-defined endpoints in 91 studies (60.3%) and response-based endpoints in 44 studies (29.1%). Quality of life was a primary endpoint in only three studies (2%). The use of OS as a primary endpoint decreased from 28.5% of trials from 2005 to 2009 to 5.5% from 2015 to 2019. There has been a decrease in the clinically meaningful endpoint of OS over the past 15 years in multiple myeloma randomized controlled trials. Use of quality of life as a primary endpoint remains exceedingly low. It remains paramount to recognize that the use of surrogate endpoints is imperfect, and care based upon them requires constant physician and patient re-analysis.
Design of the SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine antigen improves neutralizing antibody response

The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is the primary target of neutralizing antibodies and is a component of almost all vaccine candidates. Here, RBD immunogens were created with stabilizing amino acid changes that improve the neutralizing antibody response, as well as characteristics for production, storage, and distribution. A computational design and in vitro screening platform identified three improved immunogens, each with approximately nine amino acid changes relative to the native RBD sequence and four key changes conserved between immunogens. The changes are adaptable to all vaccine platforms, are compatible with established changes in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and are compatible with mutations in emerging variants of concern. The immunogens elicit higher levels of neutralizing antibodies than native RBD, focus the immune response to structured neutralizing epitopes, and have increased production yields and thermostability. Incorporating these variant-independent amino acid changes in next-generation vaccines may enhance the neutralizing antibody response and lead to pan-SARS-CoV-2 protection.
Mitochondrial nanomedicine: Subcellular organelle-specific delivery of molecular medicines.

Abstract As mitochondria network together to act as the master sensors and effectors of apoptosis, ATP production, reactive oxygen species management, mitophagy/autophagy, and homeostasis; this organelle is an ideal target for pharmaceutical manipulation. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to many diseases, for example, β-amyloid has been shown to interfere with mitochondrial protein import and induce apoptosis in Alzheimer's Disease while some forms of Parkinson's Disease are associated with dysfunctional mitochondrial PINK1 and Parkin proteins. Mitochondrial medicine has applications in the treatment of an array of pathologies from cancer to cardiovascular disease. A challenge of mitochondrial medicine is directing therapies to a subcellular target. Nanotechnology based approaches combined with mitochondrial targeting strategies can greatly improve the clinical translation and effectiveness of mitochondrial medicine. This review discusses mitochondrial drug delivery approaches and applications of mitochondrial nanomedicines. Nanomedicine approaches have the potential to drive the success of mitochondrial therapies into the clinic.
Fetal e-cigarette exposure programs a neonatal brain hypoxic-ischemic sensitive phenotype via altering DNA methylation patterns and autophagy signaling pathway.

Maternal e-cigarette (e-cig) exposure is a pressing perinatal health concern. Emerging evidence reveals its potential adverse impacts on brain development in offspring, yet the underlying mechanism...
Kant's use of travel reports in theorizing about race - A case study of how testimony features in natural philosophy.

Abstract A testimony is somebody else's reported experience of what has happened. It is an indispensable source of knowledge. It only gives us historical cognition, however, which stands in a complex relation to rational or philosophical cognition: while the latter presupposes historical cognition as its matter, one needs the architectonic “eye of a philosopher” to select, interpret, and organize historical cognition. Kant develops this rationalist theory of testimony. He also practices it in his own work, especially while theorizing about race as a subject of natural philosophy. In three dedicated essays on this subject, he treats race from the standpoint of a philosophical investigator of nature (Naturforscher), who (as Kant puts it in the first Critique) learns from nature “like an appointed judge who compels witnesses to answer the questions he puts to them.” This view underwrites Kant's use of travel reports (a type of testimony) in developing and defending his theory of race.
Testing General Relativity Using Quantum Interference

The general theory of relativity is a geometrical theory of gravity which predicts on the one hand how matter modifies the geometry of space-time and on the other hand how the geometry of space-time influences the motion of matter. In order to test general relativity, it is therefore necessary to probe the geometry of space-time. This must be done very accurately if the results of this theory are to be distinguished from those of Newtonian gravity. To determine which class of experiments would provide the most accurate test of general relativity, it may therefore be advantageous to consider the general question of measuring the geometry of space-time.
Rapid Full‐Length Cloning of Nonpolyadenylated RNA Virus Genomes

Access to a full-length infectious clone of a viral genome is a virtual necessity for research aimed at understanding virus replication and gene expression mechanisms. While construction of a full-length clone may be straightforward, obtaining one that is infectious is by no means routine. Here the authors describe methods to maximize the likelihood of obtaining a full-length infectious clone. These include protocols to (1) sequence the ends of nonpolyadenylated RNA genomes, (2) obtain a full-length PCR product in a single reaction directly from viral RNA, and (3) efficiently clone the PCR product into a vector that allows in vitro transcription of viral RNA containing perfect or near-perfect termini. Given the traditional difficulty of obtaining infectious clones of RNA genomes (especially of nonpolyadenylated RNA viruses), this unit should be valuable to all virologists working with nonpolyadenylated as well as polyadenylated viruses of plants and animals.
Contemporary Art: A 'Global' and Local Perspective via New York's Chelsea District

Chelsea’s art gallery district on Manhattan’s Far West Side is now probably the most important location worldwide for sales of new works of Contemporary Art, so understanding Chelsea is crucial for the goal of mapping key cultural enterprises worldwide. We first view Chelsea in the context of the international Contemporary Art market, looking especially at art fairs and auctions. We then discuss detailed material from Chelsea. Our central finding is the major (though not total) irreducibility between two central spheres, on the one hand the economic markets in which the art is traded, and on the other hand the content of the art and its meaning for the audience as they view it displayed in the galleries Although the market is crucial in all kinds of ways, the content of the art that is traded and its meaning for the audience cannot typically be reduced to economics, or usefully be analyzed primarily in economic terms. This is not to argue for the ‘autonomy of aesthetics’ but it is to argue that the aesthetic domain here is in many ways shaped by, and responds to, a different set of dynamics than the market domain. Both spheres are important for understanding the world of Contemporary Art and modern society and to study one but not the other gives a misleadingly one-sided view.
The Psychology of Reading and the Victorian Novel

This article examines a growing body of work on the psychology of novel reading in the Victorian period by focusing on how three related fields have recently, simultaneously, turned their attention to readers’ minds: the history of reading; studies of psychology and literature; and, more surprisingly, studies of Victorian sociability. Across these fields, critics have found that Victorian readers were not always expected to pay attention: 19th-century psychologists and observers of literary culture thought that many layers and vagaries of the reader’s consciousness and unconscious mind were at work in the reading process. Newly accessible, first-hand accounts of reading experiences have also underscored that Victorian readers used books in unpredictable ways, often as a prompt for their own associations or to turn inward and reflect on social practice. Partly in response to the Foucauldian emphasis on the coerciveness of novel reading that long monopolized literary studies, critics have been redrawing 19th-century reading history to include not reading, or perhaps not only reading, but also the ways novel reading afforded unique forms of self-knowledge amidst the pressures and worries of the modern Victorian world.
Flow Reactor Studies of the Paired Electro‐Oxidation and Electroreduction of Glucose

The electrochemical oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid and reduction of glucose to sorbitol hav been paired in an undivided packed-bed electrode flow reactor. A Raney Ni powder electrocatalyst significantly improved the current efficiency for sorbitol production, as compared to a high hydrogen overpotential Zn(Hg) cathode. The optimum operating conditions for the paired syntheses are activity W-2 Raney Ni powder cathode, graphite chip anode, a 1.6M glucose and 0.4M CaBr/sub 2/ initial solution composition, pH 5-7, 60/sup 0/C solution temperature, an applied current of 250-500 mA per 10g of nickel powder cathode and a solution volumetric flow rate of 100 ml-min/sup -1/. Under these conditions, the sorbitol current efficiencies are 80-100%, the gluconic acid efficiencies are 100%, and the product yields are very high.
Adaptive MRAM-based CGRAs

In this paper, we describe the use of magnetic RAM (MRAM) in coarse-grained reconfigurable arrays (CGRAs) as a configuration cache to allow for bulk low-energy storage and rapid device reconfiguration. If an energy-saving configuration update for an application is needed, a new configuration can be quickly swapped into compute blocks and interconnect switchboxes to minimize system down time. The determination of when to configure and an analysis of the CGRA architectural impact of MRAM is evaluated via system-level emulation. Our experiments show that the use of MRAM reduces overall application energy consumption by nearly 30% when dynamic reconfiguration is used.
A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model of alvespimycin in mice and extrapolation to rats and humans

Background and Purpose Alvespimycin, a new generation of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor in clinical trial, is a promising therapeutic agent for cancer. Pharmacokinetic models of alvespimycin would help in the understanding of drug disposition, predicting drug exposure and interpreting dose–response relationship. In the present study we aimed to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of alvespimycin in mice and evaluate the utility of the model for predicting alvespimycin disposition in other species. Experimental Approach A literature search was performed to collect pharmacokinetic data for alvespimycin. A PBPK model was initially constructed to demonstrate the disposition of alvespimycin in mice, and then extrapolated to rats and humans by taking into account the interspecies differences in physiological- and chemical-specific parameters. Key Results A PBPK model, employing a permeability-limited model structure and saturable tissue binding, was built in mice. It successfully characterized the time course of the disposition of alvespimycin in mice. After extrapolation to rats, the model simulated the alvespimycin concentration-time profiles in rat tissues with acceptable accuracies. Likewise, a reasonable match was found between the observed and simulated human plasma pharmacokinetics of alvespimycin. Conclusions and Implications The PBPK model described here is beneficial to the understanding and prediction of the effects of alvespimycin in different species. It also provides a good basis for further development, which necessitates additional studies, especially those needed to clarify the in-depth mechanism of alvespimycin elimination. A refined PBPK model would benefit the understanding of dose–response relationships and optimization of dosing regimens.
Observing the Final Moments of Massive Black Hole Mergers with LISA.

Mergers of binary black hole systems are one of the strongest sources of gravitational radiation expected to be observed by LISA. Recent advances in modeling the final merger and ringdown of comparable-mass systems, particularly via numerical relativity simulations, are dramatically expanding our understanding of these systems and the radiation they generate. We summarize recent modeling results, highlighting the work of Goddard s numerical relativity group, and apply this emerging knowledge to the problem of observing the final moments of binary black hole mergers with LISA.
Do anti-TNF agents have equal efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists have dramatically improved the outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Three agents currently available in the USA – infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab – have been designed to modify the biologic effects of TNF. Infliximab and adalimumab are monoclonal antibodies, and etanercept is a soluble protein. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of each differs significantly from those of the others. All three agents are effective and safe, and can improve the quality of life in patients with RA. Although no direct comparisons are available, clinical trials provide evidence that can be used to evaluate the comparative efficacy of these agents. Infliximab, in combination with methotrexate, has been shown to relieve the signs and symptoms of RA, decrease total joint score progression, prevent joint erosions and joint-space narrowing, and improve physical function for up to 2 years. Etanercept has been shown to relieve the signs and symptoms of RA, decrease total joint score progression, and slow the rate of joint destruction, and might improve physical function. Etanercept is approved with and without methotrexate for patients who have demonstrated an incomplete response to therapy with methotrexate and other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), as well as for first-line therapy in early RA, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile RA. Adalimumab relieves the signs and symptoms of RA with and without methotrexate and other DMARDs, decreases total joint score progression, prevents joint erosions and joint-space narrowing in combination with methotrexate, and might improve physical function. When selecting a TNF antagonist, rheumatologists should weigh evidence and experience with specific agents before a decision is made for use in therapy.
Processing Tangerine Tomatoes: Effects on Lycopene‐Isomer Concentrations and Profile

Because lycopene is a powerful biological antioxidant, its delivery to humans is of major concern. cis-Lycopene isomers are more bioavailable than the all-trans isomers and thus more efficiently absorbed. Tangerine tomatoes, whose lycopene isomeric content is almost all tetra-cis, provide a useful food source for comparing cis- and trans-isomer absorption. Tangerine tomatoes were processed into sauce in the Univ. of California, Davis Pilot Plant for subsequent use in a human feeding study described in another publication. Samples were taken at several stages during processing and carotenoids extracted and analyzed for carotenoid-isomer profiles and concentrations. Analyses showed that total lycopene concentration decreased considerably during the 1st step of processing, which included heating and juicing operations. Processing resulted in a large decrease in tetra-cis lycopene concentration accompanied by increases in trans- and other cis-lycopene isomers.
X-ray Ca K edge of calcium adenosine triphosphate system and of simple Ca compunds

Abstract Using synchrotron radiation the X-ray Ca K-absorption edges have been measured with high resolution. The Ca binding site in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been studied. The K edges of simple Ca model compounds CaHPO 3 , CaCO 3 , and Ca(C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2 have been measured, for comparison with the K edge of CaATP. The calcium site in ATP is similar to Ca site in calcium hydrogen phosphate.
Absolute spectrophotometry of Neptune: 3390 to 7800 Å

Comparisons are undertaken of the results of Neptune absolute spectrophotometry from 3390 to 7800 A (having 10-A resolution over 3390-6055 A and 20-A resolution over 6055-7800 A) with both filter photometry and synthetic spectra computed on the basis of a parameterization proposed by Podolak and Danielson (1977) for aerosol scattering and absorption. A CH4/O2 ratio of between 0.01 and 0.1 is derived for the convectively mixed portion of the Neptune atmosphere, which constrains the optical properties of hypothetical aerosol layers.
The effects of video game realism on attention, retention and aggressive outcomes

This study used a between subjects, post-test only design to test the effects of video game realism (Doom 1 vs. Doom 3) and a control condition on attention, retention and aggressive outcomes. Overall, those who played Doom 3 perceived it as significantly more realistic than those who played Doom 1, thus providing validity for the manipulation. Next, those who played Doom 3 were significantly more attentive and experienced more presence than those who played Doom 1. Furthermore, playing either Doom game resulted in more aggression than playing no game and physically aggressive intentions were higher among those who played Doom 3 as compared to those who played Doom 1. Lastly, we tested for any possible interaction between realism and the attention and retention subfunctions on production and we found that, compared to the other players, those who experienced greater identification among those playing Doom 3 had higher verbal aggression. For physical aggression, those who played Doom 3 and experienced more attention and greater identification had higher aggression scores than those in the other conditions.
Structure-activity relationships in PCBs: Use of principal components analysis to predict inducers of mixed-function oxidase activity

Of the 209 PCB congeners, over 50 are known or suspected inducers of mixed-function oxidase activities in mammalian liver. These include inducers of cytochromes P-448 (MC-type inducers), P-450 (PB-type inducers), both P-448 and P-450 (mixed-type inducers), and one “novel” inducer. To elucidate structure-activity relationships with respect to these inducers, a statistical approach was taken using principal components analysis. Ten principal components (PCs) were extracted from variables coded for the positions of chlorines on the biphenyl. Three of these PCs, including an “ortho” component and a “para” component, were used to graph a three-dimensional space in which patterns of inducers can be clearly recognized. These patterns include five groups of congeners dominated, respectively, by weak PB-type inducers, MC-type inducers, mixed-type inducers, PB-type inducers, and suspected PB-type inducers. The remaining spatial configuration is a large, heterogeneous group composed of inactive congeners and a few “outlier” PB-type inducers. Re-evaluation of these outliers may indicate that inducer activity is less than previously thought. Conversely, congeners not currently known to be inducers, but falling within the spatial boundaries of the five inducer groups, may also turn out to be inducers. The congeners of the suspected PB-type inducer group are predicted to be weak PB-type inducers, and certain congeners having PC configurations similar to the one novel inducer may possibly also be novel inducers.
Southeastern U.S. Daily Temperature Ranges Associated with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation

AbstractThe daily temperature range (DTR; daily maximum temperature minus daily minimum temperature) at 290 southeastern U.S. stations is examined with respect to the warm and cold phases of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) for the period of 1948–2009. A comparison of El Nino and La Nina DTR distributions during 3-month seasons is conducted using various metrics. Histograms show each station’s particular distribution. To compare directly the normalized distributions of El Nino and La Nina, a new metric (herein called conditional ratio) is produced and results are evaluated for significance at 95% confidence with a bootstrapping technique. Results show that during 3-month winter, spring, and autumn seasons DTRs above 29°F (16.1°C) are significantly more frequent during La Nina events and that DTRs below 15°F (8.3°C) are significantly more frequent during El Nino events. It is hypothesized that these results are associated spatially with cloud cover and storm tracks during each season and ENSO phase....
The digital flood: the diffusion of information technology across the U.S., Europe, and Asia

This is an ambitious and truly impressive work that charts the spread of information technology (IT) across North America, Europe, and most of Asia, comparing and contrasting the various national e...
The structure of dynamic programing models

This paper discusses the structure and formulation of dynamic programing models. R. Bellman's “Principle of Optimality” is reexamined for deterministic models. A formulation of the general stochastic dynamic programing model ie given and applied to an inventory model.
Minimum information estimation of allocation models

Abstract A promising method of estimating the parameters of allocation models is that which minimizes the average information inaccuracy. Simulation experiments for two different models indicate that this method is superior to maximum likelihood when the contemporaneous covariance matrix of the error terms is unknown.
The graph of multiplication is equivalent to counting

Counting is AC0-reducible to the graph of multiplication. Hence the graph of multiplication is equivalent under AC0 reductions to majority and to the function form of multiplication.
Inner ear: Ca2+n you feel the noise?

Abstract The death of hair cells in the inner ear as a result of exposure to loud noise can lead to irreversible deafness. New work shows that the mammalian cochlea can sense noxious sounds and use Ca 2+ waves to rapidly propagate hair cell damage signals.
Academic health centers--can they afford to relax?

DURING the last years, the leadership of the nation's medical schools and their principal teaching hospitals has been fighting a rearguard action to prevent Congress and the Administration from undermining their financial position as a result of radical changes in reimbursement for Medicare beneficiaries (diagnosis related groups [DRGs]) and payment for graduate medical education (GME); failure to take sufficient account of the intensity of care that they provide and their disproportionate load of partial- and no-pay patients; and proposed revisions in the treatment of capital costs. Similarly, these leaders have waged an annual battle to maintain—if possible, to expand—the National Institutes of Health budget for biomedical research. 1 The concerns of the academic health center (AHC) leadership have been intensified by its assessment of unfavorable developments in the external environment. These include the leveling off and decline in hospital utilization; the perception that the physician shortage is turning into a
Mass distribution in thermal-neutron-induced fission of long-lived 236Np☆

The yields of forty-fission products were determined for the fission of the long-lived 236Np isomer with thermal neutrons. Fission product activities were measured by Ge(Li) γ-ray spectrometry of catcher foils which had been placed in intimate contact with the 236Np target and by chemical separation of the fission product elements followed by β counting. The resulting mass distribution is asymmetric. Average masses of the light and heavy mass groups are 96.3 and 137.9, respectively. The ratio of the 140Ba-to-111Ag yields is 153. There is evidence for a fine structure peak at mass 134. The mass distribution is compared with that of its isotonic neighbour 235U. The fission cross section for 236Np is evaluated to be (2.54±0.46) × 103 barns.
The effect of vaccination with DNA encoding murine T-cell epitopes on the Der p 1 and 2 induced immunoglobulin E synthesis.

Background: Immunization with naked plasmid DNA leads to strong and persistent cell-mediated and humoral immune response to plasmid encoded antigen. Vaccination of DNA encoded whole allergen has been tried, but little information is currently available on the efficacy of DNA encoding T-cell epitopes in allergic disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the vaccination of naked plasmid DNA encoding only T-cell epitopes suppresses the allergic reaction as effectively as naked DNA encoding whole segments of allergen. Methods: We immunized mice with a mixed naked plasmid DNA encoding the five classes of murine T-cell epitopes on Der p 1 and Der p 2 three times at weekly intervals via an intramuscular injection of BALB/c mice. Control mice were injected with the pcDNA 3.1 blank vector. After 3 weeks, the mice were actively sensitized twice and allowed to inhale the Der p extracts intranasally six times at weekly intervals. Results: The vaccinated mice showed a significant attenuated induction of Der p-specific immunoglobulin E synthesis compared to controls. In terms of the Der p-specific IgG2a antibody response, the vaccinated mice showed more prominent responses than the control mice group. In addition, analysis of the cytokine profile after Der p stimulation of the lymph-node cells revealed that the level of the mRNA expression of the interferon-γ gene was higher in the vaccinated mice than in the controls. Histologic studies showed a much reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissue of the gene-vaccinated mice in comparison with the controls. Conclusions: These results suggest that vaccination with DNA encoding T-cell epitopes effectively inhibits allergen-induced IgE synthesis and reduces cell infiltration in lung tissue. Thus, gene therapy using T-cell epitope-encoding DNA presents an ideal way of combating allergic disease in the future.
Comparison of large-insert, small-insert and pyrosequencing libraries for metagenomic analysis

The development of DNA sequencing methods for characterizing microbial communities has evolved rapidly over the past decades. To evaluate more traditional, as well as newer methodologies for DNA library preparation and sequencing, we compared fosmid, short-insert shotgun and 454 pyrosequencing libraries prepared from the same metagenomic DNA samples. GC content was elevated in all fosmid libraries, compared with shotgun and 454 libraries. Taxonomic composition of the different libraries suggested that this was caused by a relative underrepresentation of dominant taxonomic groups with low GC content, notably Prochlorales and the SAR11 cluster, in fosmid libraries. While these abundant taxa had a large impact on library representation, we also observed a positive correlation between taxon GC content and fosmid library representation in other low-GC taxa, suggesting a general trend. Analysis of gene category representation in different libraries indicated that the functional composition of a library was largely a reflection of its taxonomic composition, and no additional systematic biases against particular functional categories were detected at the level of sequencing depth in our samples. Another important but less predictable factor influencing the apparent taxonomic and functional library composition was the read length afforded by the different sequencing technologies. Our comparisons and analyses provide a detailed perspective on the influence of library type on the recovery of microbial taxa in metagenomic libraries and underscore the different uses and utilities of more traditional, as well as contemporary ‘next-generation' DNA library construction and sequencing technologies for exploring the genomics of the natural microbial world.
Radiation-induced stimulation of pollen-tube elongation in Douglas-Fir

Livingston G.K. and Stettler R.F. Radiation-induced stimulation of pollen-tube elongation in Douglas-fir. Radiation Botany 13, 65–72, 1973.-Mature pollen of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) was subjected to gamma radiation from a 60 Co source at exposures of 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 kR and incubated on an agar medium in vitro . Whereas germination per cents remained constant regardless of treatment, pollen-tube lengths at 48 hr of incubation were positively correlated with radiation dose. The same results were found with X rays. Irradiation seemed to both speed up germination and increase the rate of elongation. Oxygen uptake, as measured by a respirometer, increased proportionately to dose up to 64 kR but declined at higher doses. At the microscopic level, the two highest doses caused an exfoliation of the outer layers of the inline at the time of germination. It is suggested that the observed stimulation of pollen-tube elongation is brought about by an enhanced metabolism at the lower doses; but by a physical change in cell-wall properties at the higher doses.
Contextual SVM Using Hilbert Space Embedding for Hyperspectral Classification

In this letter, a kernel-based contextual classification approach built on the principle of a newly introduced mapping technique, called Hilbert space embedding, is proposed. The proposed technique, called contextual support vector machine (SVM), is aimed at jointly exploiting both local spectral and spatial information in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) by collectively embedding a set of spectral signatures within a confined local region into a single point in the RKHS that can uniquely represent the corresponding local hyperspectral pixels. Embedding is conducted by calculating the weighted empirical mean of the mapped points in the RKHS to exploit the similarities and variations in the local spectral and spatial information. The weights are adaptively estimated based on the distance between the mapped point in consideration and its neighbors in the RKHS. An SVM separating hyperplane is built to maximize the margin between classes formed by weighted empirical means. The proposed technique showed significant improvement over the composite kernel-based SVM on several hyperspectral images.
Evidence for nuclear shell symmetries

Abstract Empirical evidence is presented for SO(8) and Sp(6) fermion dynamical symmetries in nuclei. As predicted by the fermion dynamical symmetry model, actinide nuclei possess Sp(6) symmetry; nuclei with 36 Z N
Evolution of the redox function in mammalian apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease.

Abstract Human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (hApe1) encodes two important functional activities: an essential base excision repair (BER) activity and a redox activity that regulates expression of a number of genes through reduction of their transcription factors, AP-1, NFκB, HIF-1α, CREB, p53 and others. The BER function is highly conserved from prokaryotes ( E. coli exonuclease III) to humans (hApe1). Here, we provide evidence supporting a redox function unique to mammalian Apes. An evolutionary analysis of Ape sequences reveals that, of the 7 Cys residues, Cys 93, 99, 208, 296, and 310 are conserved in both mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrate Apes, while Cys 65 is unique to mammalian Apes. In the zebrafish Ape (zApe), selected as the vertebrate sequence most distant from human, the residue equivalent to Cys 65 is Thr 58. The wild-type zApe enzyme was tested for redox activity in both in vitro EMSA and transactivation assays and found to be inactive, similar to C65A hApe1. Substitution of Thr 58 with Cys in zApe, however, resulted in a redox active enzyme, suggesting that a Cys residue in this position is indeed critical for redox function. In order to further probe differences between redox active and inactive enzymes, we have determined the crystal structures of vertebrate redox inactive enzymes, the C65A human Ape1 enzyme and the zApe enzyme at 1.9 and 2.3 A, respectively. Our results provide new insights on the redox function and highlight a dramatic gain-of-function activity for Ape1 in mammals not found in non-mammalian vertebrates or lower organisms.
Aberrations of Diffracted Wave Fields: Distortion

Near-field diffraction patterns are merely aberrated Fraunhofer diffraction patterns. These aberrations, inherent to the diffraction process, provide insight and understanding into wide-angle diffraction phenomena. Nonparaxial patterns of diffracted orders produced by a laser beam passing through a grating and projected upon a plane screen exhibit severe distortion (W311). This distortion is an artifact of the configuration chosen to observe diffraction patterns. Grating behavior expressed in terms of the direction cosines of the propagation vectors of the incident and diffracted orders exhibits no distortion. Use of a simple direction cosine diagram provides an elegant way to deal with nonparaxial diffraction patterns, particularly when large obliquely incident beams produce conical diffraction.
The Economic Lot Sizes in Multistage Production Systems

Abstract This article develops a model for a single-product multistage production-inventory system with static deterministic demand, where the product moves between the stages in a serial fashion. In this model, it is assumed that the unfilled demand of the finished product is backlogged. Overproduction (with limitation) is allowed at the different stages so that each stage t may produce ki batches once every ki cycles. The decision variables for each stage i are the number of batches per run ki the batch size Qi , and the shortage quantity of the finished product Qs . These are determined by minimizing the total cost per unit time which includes the inventory holding cost, the shortage cost, and the setup cost. The problem is also considered for the case with storage constraints at the different stages.
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD PARASITISM ON ENDANGERED SPECIES: RELATIONSHIPS WITH NEIGHBORING AVIAN SPECIES

Loss of reproductive productivity in hosts of the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), a nest para- site, may limit the success of conservation and recovery efforts that focus on restoring avian habitat. We investigated the relationships between parasitism frequency of 2 vireos—the endangered Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapillus) and the White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus)—and characteristics of the neighboring avian assemblage. Our objective was to iden- tify assemblage characteristics that are useful for predicting parasitism frequency. We hypothesized that parasitism fre- quency of the vireos would decrease with increasing alternate host abundance and increase with increasing abundance of cowbirds. All Black-capped Vireo nests (n = 20) and 81% of White-eyed Vireo nests (n = 27) were parasitized. Para- sitism frequency of White-eyed Vireos was positively correlated with the number of cowbirds detected (r = 0.84, df = 4, P = 0.018). Parasitism frequency of White-eyed Vireos was negatively correlated with abundance of the Black-and- white Warbler (Mniotilta varia; r = 0.891, df = 4, P = 0.009) but was not correlated with abundance of other cowbird hosts. The relationship between Black-and-white Warbler abundance and parasitism frequency may be due to chance, given the small sample size and narrow range of parasitism frequencies, but the relationship may also reflect an interac- tion (requiring further investigation) between parasitism and the vegetation characteristics associated with Black-and- white Warblers. Our results imply that reducing cowbird abundance will reduce parasitism frequency of Black-capped Vireos. When the number of cowbirds in an area predicts parasitism, land managers would benefit from identifying a target cowbird abundance based on the levels of parasitism the host population can tolerate while still meeting produc- tivity and population objectives for the species.
Epitope mapping of the 52-kD Ro/SSA autoantigen.

Autoantibodies to Ro/SSA are commonly found in sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjogren's syndrome. The presence of these antibodies is related to lymphopenia, photosensitive dermatitis, and pulmonary and renal disease, suggesting that they have an immunopathologic role [1-6]. We previously isolated a cDNA clone which encodes the 52-kD human Ro/SSA protein. In this study we have determined the number and location of epitopes recognized by SLE sera using recombinant proteins encoded by the full-length or overlapping subclones of this cDNA. An immunodominant epitope was detected using Western blots and ELISA on the NH2-terminal side of this protein's putative leucine zipper. The data suggest that 11 amino acids are critical for the recognition of this molecule by these autoantibodies. Although the titres of anti-52-kD Ro/SSA antibodies vary between different patient sera, no heterogeneity in the location of antigenic epitopes to which their autoantibodies bound was detected. This homogeneous pattern of reactivity to a single rather than multiple regions of this protein is unusual for lupus autoantigens which have been identified, and suggests that these antibodies may have arisen as by a cross-reaction to an epitope on another molecule.
Individual and Structural Opportunities: A Cross-National Assessment of Females’ Physical and Sexual Assault Victimization

Opportunity theories are suited to cross-national research on victimization that incorporates a multilevel approach. Comparative research on non-lethal victimization often combines several types of...
Energy Crime, Harm, and Problematic State Response in Colorado: A Case of the Fox Guarding the Hen House?

Crime related to energy extraction is an emerging area of interest among green and critical criminologists. This paper contributes to that developing work by examining the political economy of harm and crime associated with the oil and natural gas industry in rural Colorado. Specifically, we examine problematic state regulatory response to citizens' complaints regarding a range of harms caused by private industry (e.g., water pollution, adverse human health consequences, and domestic livestock death). In this paper, we draw on content analysis of formal complaints filed by citizens to the state, ethnographic work, and intensive interviews with citizens seeking relief from problematic or abusive industry practices. Our analysis illuminates how the state documents these practices, how citizens experience them, and how the state dilutes and deflects the externalities of energy extraction to produce additional harm.
Development of novel entry inhibitors targeting emerging viruses

Emerging viral diseases pose a unique risk to public health, and thus there is a need to develop therapies. A current focus of funding agencies, and hence research, is the development of broad-spectrum antivirals, and in particular, those targeting common cellular pathways. The scope of this article is to review screening strategies and recent advances in this area, with a particular emphasis on antivirals targeting the step of viral entry for emerging lipid-enveloped viruses such as Ebola virus and SARS-coronavirus.
Bayesian Models for Multiple Outcomes in Domains with Application to the Seychelles Child Development Study.

The Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) examines the effects of prenatal exposure to methylmercury on the functioning of the central nervous system. The SCDS data include 20 outcomes measured on 9-year-old children that can be classified broadly in four outcome classes or “domains”: cognition, memory, motor, and social behavior. Previous analyses and scientific theory suggest that these outcomes may belong to more than one of these domains, rather than only a single domain as is frequently assumed for modeling. We present a framework for examining the effects of exposure and other covariates when the outcomes may each belong to more than one domain and where we also want to learn about the assignment of outcomes to domains. Each domain is defined by a sentinel outcome, which is preassigned to that domain only. All other outcomes can belong to multiple domains and are not preassigned. Our model allows exposure and covariate effects to differ across domains and across outcomes within domains, and incl...
Routes of administration and uptake of tritiated nucleotides.

The uptake, incorporation and distribution of tritiated thymidine and uridine into visceral organs of immature female and male rats was studied. Radioautographs of various organs were prepared 5, 15 and 30 min after intraperitoneal administration. The distribution of the radioactivity was compared with sections obtained 30 min after intravenous injection of the same amount of nucleotides.
Intrinsic neuromuscular defects in the neurogenic bladder: X. Value and limitations of neurohistochemistry

Histochemical changes in bladder innervation have been described in various types of clinical and experimental neurogenic voiding dysfunction. Recent studies in the cat have shown that both decentralization and postganglionic “denervation” lead to ultrastructural changes in muscular innervation of the bladder base. The present study was conducted to find out whether these changes can be detected histochemically. Decentralization of the bladder by unilateral sacral ventral rhizotomy, bilateral sacral ventral rhizotomy, or unilateral pelvic neurectomy was performed in 25, and postganglionic “denervation” by unilateral pelvic plexus neurectomy in 9, adult male cats. Specimens of the bladder body and bladder base were collected 2–4 and 8–10 weeks after decentralization, and 2–4 weeks and 10 weeks after “denervation.” The specimens were processed by histochemical methods to demonstrate cholinergic and adrenergic nerves. No recognizable differences from the norm were observed in cholinergic muscular innervation of either the body or base specimens of the decentralized bladder. While adrenergic muscular innervation of both regions was similar to normal in short-term samples of the same specimens, there was an obvious adrenergic hyperinnervation of both in the long-term samples. By contrast, there was an obvious, early-developing, and persistent hypoinnervation by both cholinergic and adrenergic nerves in both the body and base regions after postganglionic “denervation.” It is concluded that histochemistry (1) has no value in detecting either short- or long-term changes in cholinergic muscular innervation of the decentralized bladder and (2) is useful for revealing both short- and long-term cholinergic and adrenergic hypoinnervation of the “denervated,” as well as long-term adrenergic hyperinnervation of the decentralized vesical muscularis.
Predicting achievement, distress, and retention among lower-income Latino youth

Abstract This study used structural equation modeling to evaluate whether a combination of social cognitive and self-determination theories [Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall; Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1987). The support of autonomy and the control of behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53, 1024–1037] would effectively predict high school students’ distress, achievement, and retention. Participants were 427 predominately Latino youth from an inner-city low-income high school. Results indicated that students who reported feeling connected to teachers and their school reported higher levels of autonomous motivation for attending school. Students reporting higher levels of autonomous motivation for attending school reported more confidence (i.e., self-efficacy) in their academic ability, and performed better academically. In addition, students who reported higher self-efficacy beliefs reported less physical and psychological distress and reported higher levels of achievement. Retention in school was predicted by a combination of achievement and the absence of physical/psychological distress. Implications for practice and further research on urban high school students’ academic development are described.