cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Glutaredoxin and Copper Activation Pathways on the Disulfide and Stability of Cu,Zn Superoxide Dismutase

Mutations in Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) can cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through mechanisms proposed to involve SOD1 misfolding, but the intracellular factors that modulate folding and stability of SOD1 are largely unknown. By using yeast and mammalian expression systems, we demonstrate here that SOD1 stability is governed by post-translational modification factors that target the SOD1 disulfide. Oxidation of the human SOD1 disulfide in vivo was found to involve both the copper chaperone for SOD1 (CCS) and the CCS-independent pathway for copper activation. When both copper pathways were blocked, wild type SOD1 stably accumulated in yeast cells with a reduced disulfide, whereas ALS SOD1 mutants A4V, G93A, and G37R were degraded. We describe here an unprecedented role for the thiol oxidoreductase glutaredoxin in reducing the SOD1 disulfide and destabilizing ALS mutants. Specifically, the major cytosolic glutaredoxin of yeast was seen to reduce the intramolecular disulfide of ALS SOD1 mutant A4V SOD1 in vivo and in vitro. By comparison, glutaredoxin was less reactive toward the disulfide of wild type SOD1. The apo-form of A4V SOD1 was highly reactive with glutaredoxin but not SOD1 containing both copper and zinc. Glutaredoxin therefore preferentially targets the immature form of ALS mutant SOD1 lacking metal co-factors. Overall, these studies implicate a critical balance between cellular reductants such as glutaredoxin and copper activation pathways in controlling the disulfide and stability of SOD1 in vivo.
A novel metalloenediyne coordination polymer: serpentine structure of [Cu(OAc) 4 (daed)] n

Abstract The preparation and structure of a unique coordination polymer containing Cu2(OAc)4 units bridged by 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)oct-4-ene-2,6-diyne (daed) ligands is described. The structure exhibits an intriguing extended lattice that weaves to the edge of the crystal.
Increased Expression of Cell Surface Markers on Endometrial γδ T‐Cell Receptor+ Intraepithelial Lymphocytes Induced by the Local Presence of the Sheep Conceptus

PROBLEM In sheep, gamma delta T-cell receptor (TCR)+ cells are a major lymphocyte subpopulation in the luminal epithelium of the uterine endometrium. During late pregnancy, this population of T cells increases in number and becomes more granulated. This study was performed to determine whether this apparent activation was induced by local effects of the conceptus or systemic effects of pregnancy. METHODS The unilaterally-pregnant ewe, in which the conceptus is surgically confined to one uterine horn, was used to distinguish between systemic and local effects of pregnancy on function of endometrial gamma delta TCR+ intraepithelial lymphocytes. Lymphocytes collected from peripheral blood, and from the endometrial luminal epithelium of cyclic and unilaterally-pregnant ewes (day 140 of gestation) were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS As compared to gamma delta TCR+ lymphocytes in peripheral blood, gamma delta TCR+ intraepithelial lymphocytes from non-pregnant ewes had lower percentage of cells staining positive for CD25, CD44, and L-selectin. There was no effect of pregnancy on the percentage of gamma delta TCR+ peripheral blood lymphocytes staining positive for CD25, CD44, CD29, or L-selectin. Similarly, the percentage of intraepithelial lymphocytes staining positive for these antigens was similar for cells collected from cyclic ewes and cells from the nonpregnant uterine horn of unilaterally-pregnant ewes. In contrast, there was a higher percentage of CD25, CD44, CD29, and L-selectin+ cells for gamma delta TCR+ intraepithelial lymphocytes from the conceptus-containing uterine horn of pregnant ewes than for gamma delta TCR+ intraepithelial lymphocytes from the endometrium of cyclic ewes or from the nonpregnant uterine horn of pregnant ewes. CONCLUSION The local presence of the conceptus causes changes in cell surface marker expression on endometrial gamma delta TCR+ intraepithelial lymphocytes during pregnancy. These changes may reflect conceptus-induced activation of this population of cells.
Kinetic and thermomechanical analysis of hydrophobic–hydrophilic copolymer thermosets synthesized via free‐radical polymerization

The synthesis of a crosslinked copolymer of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A vinyl ester (VE), and 2-acrylamido 2-methyl 1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) respectively, is discussed. A methodology for real-time monitoring of the copolymerization reaction using transmission mode near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was employed that resolves overlapping peaks associated with the reactive double bonds. The influence of solvent, monomer ratio, and initiator concentration on the kinetic behavior of the system was investigated. The method of Mayo and Lewis was used to provide a qualitative understanding of the microstructure being formed. At low conversions (<15%) and within the compositions of interest, greater VE homopolymerization as compared with AMPS homopolymerization was observed and the product of the reactivity ratios (rAMPS.rVE) was close to 0.5, suggesting the formation of a moderately random copolymer structure. Thermo-mechanical analysis shows large concentrations of AMPS had a plasticizing effect on the network structure. Solvent removal using supercritical carbon dioxide and thermal drying were compared, and the drying technique were shown to have an effect on the glass transition temperature (Tg), with the lowest Tg being 146°C for supercritically dried samples and 121°C for thermally dried systems. Gel permeation chromatography shows that there is a significant fraction of an unbound mobile phase within the network structure that might be acting as a plasticizing agent for the copolymer structure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effects Of Childhood Obesity On Hospital Care And Costs, 1999–2005

Childhood obesity is increasingly recognized as an epidemic, but the economic consequences have not been well quantified. We evaluated trends in obesity-associated hospitalizations, charges, and costs using 1999–2005 data from a nationally representative sample of admissions to U.S. hospitals. We detected a near-doubling in hospitalizations with a diagnosis of obesity between 1999 and 2005 and an increase in costs from $125.9 million to 237.6 million (in 2005 dollars) between 2001 and 2005. Medicaid appears to bear a large burden of hospitalizations for conditions that occur along with obesity, while private payers pay a greater portion of hospitalization costs to treat obesity itself.
The solid combustion synthesis of small REBa2Cu3Ox samples (RE Y, Er)

Abstract We critically assess the solid combustion synthesis (SCS) of small (about 23 g) REBa2Cu3Ox samples (RE  Y, Er) from mixtures of Cu, RE2O3 and BaO2 in an oxygen atmosphere. We examined the dynamics of the SCS process by means of temperature profile analysis and, for the first time on such a complex system, employed time-resolved X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation. We determined the phase composition, structure and magnetic properties of the resulting combustion product, which is a multiphase composite containing only about 30 wt.% of superconducting material. The superconducting phase exhibits transition temperatures of 80–90 K and oxygen transport and diffusion into the material appear to be sufficient. In contrast to results reported for large combustion samples, the absence of a sufficiently developed reaction zone seems to preclude complete formation of the superconducting phase in small combustion bodies. While combustion synthesis may have its advantages in technical-scale production of ceramic superconductors, it does not appear to be suitable for laboratory synthesis of small amounts of high-quality material.
Generation of plasma waves by thick-target electron beams, and the expected radiation signature

The production of plasma waves by a nonthermal beam of high-energy electrons injected into a background thermal plasma was investigated. The coupled kinetic equations for nonthermal electrons were solved, and the level of the plasma waves produced by the bump-on-tail instability arising as a result of the Coulomb collisions of nonthermal electrons with background plasma was estimated. In addition, the radiation signatures of these waves were examined. It is shown that the wave-particle interactions have a significant effect on the overall distribution of the electrons and that it is unlikely that such effects can be discerned in the observed bremsstrahlung or synchrotron radiation of the nonthermal electrons. However, a significant fraction of the energy lost by the beam is transferred to plasma waves and is then dissipated by the thermal plasma.
II. Theoretical Modeling: An Introduction

The major classes of models that have been applied and analyzed in the theoretical discussion of microemulsions are described. These include both continuum and lattice models, and models based on phenomenological free-energy densities as well as those based on microscopic Hamiltonians. Some of the issues addressed by such models are the progression of microemulsion phase equilibria, the interfacial tensions, the wetting or non-wetting of the interfaces, and the small-angle X-ray or neutron scattering from microemulsions. The ways in which the models address these issues are described and some characteristic results are quoted. Most of these matters are taken up later with more technical detail by other authors ; the present paper is intended only to provide an overview.
Personal semantic memory: Insights from neuropsychological research on amnesia

This paper provides insight into the cognitive and neural mechanisms of personal semantic memory, knowledge that is specific and unique to individuals, by reviewing neuropsychological research on stable amnesia secondary to medial temporal lobe damage. The results reveal that personal semantic memory does not depend on a unitary set of cognitive and neural mechanisms. Findings show that autobiographical fact knowledge reflects an experience-near type of personal semantic memory that relies on the medial temporal lobe for retrieval, albeit less so than personal episodic memory. Additional evidence demonstrates that new autobiographical fact learning likely relies on the medial temporal lobe, but the extent to which remains unclear. Other findings show that retrieval of personal traits/roles and new learning of personal traits/roles and thoughts/beliefs are independent of the medial temporal lobe and thus may represent highly conceptual types of personal semantic memory that are stored in the neocortex.
Simplified Removable Ground Test-Bed for Testing Turbofan Engine

Abstract A new simplified removable ground test-bed was designed for testing a certain turbofan engine. The facilities are 5. 5 m long, 1. 5 m wide, 2. 2 m high and not more than 4. 5 t of its empty weight. There are four rubber wheels that could be towed. There is an independent electrical measurement and control system to test the rotational speed of rotors, the gas pressure of the compressor, the exhaust gas temperature, etc . Cooperated with the oil truck and the electric power supply truck, the turbofan engine could be preserved on the ground and started to the idling regime. While running, the parameter of the engine could be recorded, disposed and displayed. In addition, the facilities were successfully applied to the plateau experiment in order to research how the atmosphere pressure affects the start of engines. Some data are given in the paper.
Who needs MBAs in HR? USC's strategic human resource management MBA concentration

This article describes the MBA concentration in Strategic Human Resource Management offered by the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. Very few MBA programs offer such a concentration. We discuss the genesis of USC's program, its rationale, and its components. Launched in 1996, the program's success derives in large part from its close industry links. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Control over interpersonal evaluation and alcohol consumption in male social drinkers

Abstract Studies testing the tension reduction hypothesis of alcohol drinking have found contradictory results. Marlatt proposes instead that social drinkers drink to gain control over stressful situations. To test this, 60 male heavy social drinkers were threatened with a social evaluation, then some were given some control over this threat by hearing that they could critique the evaluation and evaluate their evaluator (retaliate). This group was expected to drink less than a threatened group not given control, or a nonthreatened group, and heavy drinkers were expected to be affected more than light drinkers. Then, to determine if people do retaliate after an unfavorable evaluation, subjects received bogus evaluations or no evaluation, and then evaluated “their evaluator.” Those receiving favorable or unfavorable evaluations responded in kind, supporting the coping method provided in the evaluation-with-coping condition. However, although the group that was evaluated and given no control reported more anxiety and took fewer sips than the other groups, they did not differ in wine consumption. The results did not support either the tension reduction or the control hypothesis.
Hybrid Optical Pumping of Optically Dense Alkali-Metal Vapor without Quenching Gas

Optical pumping of an optically thick atomic vapor typically requires a quenching buffer gas, such as N2, to prevent radiation trapping of unpolarized photons which would depolarize the atoms. We show that optical pumping of a trace contamination of Rb present in K metal results in a 4.5 times higher polarization of K than direct optical pumping of K in the absence of N2. Such spin-exchange polarization transfer from optically thin species is useful in a variety of areas, including spin-polarized nuclear scattering targets and electron beams, quantum-nondemolition spin measurements, and ultrasensitive magnetometry.
The roles of ecological and behavioral observation in species recognition among primates

Closely related living mammal species present numerous difficulties of recognition and delineation, not least because populations as well as individual organisms fulfill both genetic and economic functions. However, since species are often distributed geographically across multiple ecosystems or environments, it is evident that species as wholes, except where coterminous with the local populations of which they are composed, cannot be said to play unitary ecological roles. Aspects of the economic activity of organisms thus may not be admitted as elements in species recognition. Those who study the behavior of mammals in their natural habitats must therefore focus upon behaviors which preserve the genetic integrity of species if they wish to contribute to the systematic question of species identification. «Isolation» concepts of species are not served by data of this kind, since they emphasize interspecies discontinuities; the «recognition» concept of species, however, specifically focuses upon behaviors of this kind as they contribute to the «Specific-Mate Recognition System». Among primates such behaviors are likely to involve signalling of various kinds; where this is visual it is reasonable to expect to find morphological or chromatic correlates; where such cues are auditory or, to a lesser extent, olfactory, it is less probable that such correlates will be found to exist.
Every 36-h gentamicin dosing in neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy receiving hypothermia

Every 36-h gentamicin dosing in neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy receiving hypothermia
Hyperalimentation in infants

Experiences gained in 150 newborns and infants receiving a complete parenteral nutrition are summarized. An infusion pattern for the complete parenteral nutrition of newborns is presented. Technical questions of parenteral nutrition are discussed. Finally the treatment of 2 newborns with inborn errors of the gastrointestinal tract is reported.
Intrathecal capsaicin depletes substance P in the rat spinal cord and produces prolonged thermal analgesia

A single intrathecal injection of capsaicin depletes substance P from primary sensory neurons and causes a prolonged increase in the thermal and chemical pain thresholds of the rat but no apparent change in responses to noxious mechanical stimuli.
Using the Case Method to Facilitate Learning

Case studies were applied in six courses to help students (1) understand complex and complicated issues and describe interrelated processes; (2) discuss policy- and decision-making ideologies that either are politically or socially charged; and (3) engage in informative and focused classroom discussion. Students' written comments and scaled responses suggest that the case method was an effective way to enhance student learning. Standardized student evaluations also suggest benefits in applying case studies specifically in criminal justice courses and more generally in other areas of social sciences and professional studies.
Etude morphodynamique et modélisation numérique de Sebastian Inlet, Floride, USA

Afin de restaurer les plages en aval de Sebastian Inlet, Floride, USA, des projets de rechargement ont ete menes depuis plus de 20 ans, le plus recent datant de 2007. Parallelement, le district a entrepris une campagne de suivi morphodynamique, comprenant des mesures hydrodynamiques et des releves bathymetriques biannuels. Ces elements ont permis a la fois l’analyse de l’evolution des stocks sableux et l’application de modeles numeriques couples du Coastal Modeling System (CMS). Les changements de bathymetrie et du trait de cote sont caracterises par une forte variabilite spatio-temporelle : une avancee du trait de cote et des depots sedimentaires concentres sur la partie superieure de la plage sous-marine au sud de la zone de rechargement, ainsi que sur le delta de jusant. Le modele morphodynamique a permis la reproduction de l’evolution bathymetrique sur l’annee 2007, la mise en evidence d’un transport cross-shore complexe au niveau des recifs ainsi qu’une inversion dans le transport longshore cree par la refraction de la houle sur le delta. Ce mecanisme serait a l’origine de l’engraissement du delta de jusant et des plages entre la jetee sud et les barres de swash, remettant en question la localisation des projets de rechargement. Translated version: Morphodynamic analysis and numerical modeling of Sebastian Inlet, Florida, USA In order to renourish the downdrift beaches at Sebastian Inlet, FL, USA, multiple fill projects have been undertaken over the past 2 decades, with the most recent one in 2007. Sebastian Inlet has undergone intense monitoring by the Sebastian Inlet District (SID) which includes hydrodynamic data (waves, water level, current), hydrographic surveys and aerial images. The data are used to calculate bathymetric and shoreline changes over various time scales, and to apply and calibrate a morphologic model of the Coastal Modeling System (CMS), developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Results indicate sand deposition and shoreline advancement south of the project location, and around the ebb shoal system. The model successfully reproduced sedimentation patterns over a year-long run, including a complex cross-shore sand transport along the reef lines. Simulations also demonstrated reversals in the longshore transport direction due to wave refraction around the ebb shoal, providing an explanation which could explain sand back-passing toward the inlet. Keywords: Tidal inlet; Ebb shoal; Beach fill; Numerical model.
Hiospira, a new genus of the Helicosporae

Hiospira, monotype H. hendrickxii (Hansf.) comb.nov. is erected for Helicosporium hendrickxii Hansford.
Asymptotics for polynomial spline regression under weak conditions

Abstract We derive rate of convergence for spline regression under weak conditions. The results improve upon those in Huang (Ann. Statist. 26 (1998a) 242) in two ways. Firstly, results are obtained under less stringent conditions on the growing rate of the number of knots. Secondly, L 2 approximation instead of L ∞ approximation by splines are used to bound the rate of convergence, this allows us to obtain results when the regression function or its components in ANOVA decomposition are in broader function classes.
Regulation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activity in response to reduced light intensity in C4 plants

The light-dependent regulation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity was studied in 16 species of C4 plants representing all three biochemical subtypes and a variety of taxonomic groups. Rubisco regulation was assessed by measuring (a) the ratio of initial to total Rubisco activity, which reflects primarily the carbamylation state of the enzyme, and (b) total Rubisco activity per mol of Rubisco catalytic sites, which declines when 2-carboxyarabinitol 1-phosphate (CA1P) binds to carbamylated Rubisco. In all species examined, the activity ratio of Rubisco declined with a reduction in light intensity, although substantial variation was apparent between species in the degree of Rubisco deactivation. No relationship existed between the degree of Rubisco deactivation and C4 subtype. Dicots generally deactivated Rubisco to a greater degree than monocots. The total activity of Rubisco per catalytic site was generally independent of light intensity, indicating that CA1P and other inhibitors are not major contributors to the light-dependent regulation of Rubisco activity in C4 plants. The light response of the activity ratio of Rubisco was measured in detail in Amaranthus retroflexus, Brachiaria texana, and Zea mays. In A. retroflexus and B. texana, the activity ratio declined dramatically below a light intensity of 400 to 500 [mu]mol of photons m-2 s-1. In Z. mays, the activity ratio of Rubisco was relatively insensitive to light intensity compared with the other species. In A. retroflexus, the pool size of ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) declined with reduced light intensity except between 50 and 500 [mu]mol m-2 s-1, when the activity ratio of Rubisco was light dependent. In Z. mays, by contrast, the pool size of RuBP was light dependent only below 350 [mu]mol m-2 s-1. These results indicate that, in response to changes in light intensity, most C4 species regulate Rubisco by reversible carbamylation of catalytic sites, as commonly observed in C3 plants. In a few species, notably Z. mays, Rubisco is not extensively regulated in response to changes in light intensity, possibly because the activity of the CO2 pump may become limiting for photosynthesis at subsaturating light intensity.
Variations in loess accumulation rates in the mid-continent, United States, as reflected by magnetic susceptibility

Detailed magnetic susceptibility records of late Wisconsin loess sequences in the southwest Indiana region show several distinct changes in magnitude that reflect variations in loess accumulation rate. The comparison of the magnetic susceptibility signal and sedimentary features within the loess reveal the following relations: (1) low magnetic susceptibility values correspond to incipient paleosols that record periods of low loess accumulation rates; (2) highly variable values within intermediate to high magnetic susceptibility zones correspond to stratified loess that represents periods of high loess accumulation rates; and (3) moderate to high magnetic susceptibility values correspond to massive loess that may reflect periods of moderate to high loess accumulation rates. We suspect that soil moisture controls the loess accumulation rate, and, if so, our work shows that soil moisture alternated about 24 times between 25 and 14 ka in the middle of North America.
Oriented Nanostructures from Single Molecules of a Semiconducting Polymer: Polarization Evidence for Highly Aligned Intramolecular Geometries

We report the observation of uniformly oriented transition moments perpendicular to the support substrate in single molecules of a conjugated polymer (MEH-PPV) isolated by ink-jet printing techniques. Fluorescence imaging combined with atomic force microscopy and polarization modulation studies, supported by molecular mechanics simulation, provides compelling evidence of polymer nanoparticle (single-molecule) structures with an extraordinary degree of intramolecular order. This is a general technique for preparing oriented nanostructures from structurally similar polymers.
Effect of Chain Stiffness on Polymer Phase Behavior

We have calculated vapor-liquid phase diagrams of a semiflexible chain model using Monte Carlo simulations and compared the results to these for a similar flexible model
CHI '00 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems

We wish you a warm welcome to CHI 2000! The CHI conference provides a forum for people to meet both formally and informally, to share and to learn. We trust that you will find here the intellectually exciting and personally rewarding experiences that bring people back to this conference year after year.The CHI conference is sponsored by ACM's Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI). SIGCHI is an international group of researchers, practitioners, educators, designers, students and others who share an interest in human-computer interaction. SIGCHI is committed to advancing the field of human-computer interaction and supporting the exchange of information within the HCI community. This conference will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about SIGCHI activities and to explore taking an active role in one or more such activities. You can do this by attending the Newcomer's Orientation at the conference, stopping by the SIGCHI booth, attending the SIGCHI Business Meeting or talking to any one of the Exectuvie Committee members who are identified by the EC ribbon on their badges.While the CHI conference is the largest and most visible activity of SIGCHI, we also support numerous other conferences. They include conferences on computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW), virtual reality software and technology (VRST), user interface software and technology (UIST), design of interactive systems (DIS), intelligent user interfaces (IUI), design of augmented reality environments (DARE), creativity and cognition (C&C) and universal usability (CUU). SIGCHI also distributes the quarterly SIGCHI Bulletin, a research journal, Transactions on Information Systems (TOCHI), and a magazine for practioners called Interactions.The SIGCHI Development Fund has been supporting HCI activities proposed by SIGCHI members for many years. If you have ideas for advancing our field or for communicating about our field to others, we encourage you to submit a proposal. Details about how to submit can be found on our SIGCHI website. The SIGCHI website also has many other useful pieces of information from descriptions of the many conferences and workshops we run to access to the HCI Bibliography. We urge you to visit it regularly to find out what is happening in the world of HCI - http://www.acm.org/sigchi/.
THE COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY OF THE CANELLACEAE. IV. FLORAL MORPHOLOGY AND CONCLUSIONS

The morphology and anatomy of 105 flowers representing 13 species and 6 genera of the Canellaceae are summarized. The flowers are borne in axillary or terminal racemes, cymes, or small groups, or solitary, in an axillary or terminal position. The flowers are characterized as follows: bisexual, hypogynous; sepals 3, thick and leathery; petals, 5-12, free or united into tube at base, rather thick, in 1 or 2 whorls and/or spirals; androecium of 6-12 stamens united by their filaments forming a tube, anthers with longitudinal extrorse dehisceince; gynoecium of 2-6 carpels fuLsed by their ventral margins; 2-6 placentae. There are 2 vascular bundles (rarely 3) to each sepal, 3 to each petal (some of the inner petals have only 1), 1 to each stamen and 1 trace to each carpel. The petal and stamen bundles have a common origin. All the data accumulated in this series on the Canellaceae indicate that the correct systematic placement of the Canellaceae is in the woody Ranales, perhaps in a complex with the Myristicaceae.
Large-scale screening of hypothetical metal-organic frameworks

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials constructed from modular molecular building blocks, typically metal clusters and organic linkers. These can, in principle, be assembled to form an almost unlimited number of MOFs, yet materials reported to date represent only a tiny fraction of the possible combinations. Here, we demonstrate a computational approach to generate all conceivable MOFs from a given chemical library of building blocks (based on the structures of known MOFs) and rapidly screen them to find the best candidates for a specific application. From a library of 102 building blocks we generated 137,953 hypothetical MOFs and for each one calculated the pore-size distribution, surface area and methane-storage capacity. We identified over 300 MOFs with a predicted methane-storage capacity better than that of any known material, and this approach also revealed structure–property relationships. Methylfunctionalized MOFs were frequently top performers, so we selected one such promising MOF and experimentally confirmed its predicted capacity.
Cell Cycle Progression in Monkey Cells Expressing Simian Virus 40 Small t Antigen from Adenovirus Vectors

The simian virus 40 small t antigen (small-t) is required for optimal viral replication and transformation, especially during the infection of nondividing cells, suggesting that the function of small-t is to promote cell cycle progression. The mechanism through which small-t promotes cell growth reflects, in part, its binding and inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). The use of recombinant adenoviruses allows small-t expression in a majority of cells in a population, thus providing a convenient source of cells for biochemical analyses. In monkey kidney CV1 cells, small-t expressed from these adenovirus vectors activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, induced JNK activity, and increased AP-1 DNA-binding activity, all in a PP2A-dependent manner. Expression of small-t also caused an increase in the phosphorylation of the Na + /H + antiporter, a mitogen-activated ion exchanger whose activity correlates with its phosphorylation. At least part of the antiporter phosphorylation induced by small-t reflected activation of the MAPK pathway, as suggested by results of assays using a chemical inhibitor of the MAPK-activating kinase, MEK. Finally, small-t expression from adenovirus vectors promoted efficient cell cycle progression by growth-arrested cells. These vectors should facilitate further analysis of effects of small-t on cell cycle mediators.
Early play may predict later dominance relationships in yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris)

Play has been defined as apparently functionless behaviour, yet since play is costly, models of adaptive evolution predict that it should have some beneficial function (or functions) that outweigh its costs. We provide strong evidence for a long-standing, but poorly supported hypothesis: that early social play is practice for later dominance relationships. We calculated the relative dominance rank by observing the directional outcome of playful interactions in juvenile and yearling yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) and found that these rank relationships were correlated with later dominance ranks calculated from agonistic interactions, however, the strength of this relationship attenuated over time. While play may have multiple functions, one of them may be to establish later dominance relationships in a minimally costly way.
Venom kinematics during prey capture in Conus: the biomechanics of a rapid injection system

SUMMARY Cone snails use an extensile, tubular proboscis as a conduit to deliver a potent cocktail of bioactive venom peptides into their prey. Previous studies have focused mainly on understanding the venom9s role in prey capture but successful prey capture requires both rapid physiological and biomechanical mechanisms. Conus catus , a fish-hunting species, uses a high-speed hydraulic mechanism to inject its hollow, spear-like radular tooth into prey. We take an integrated approach to investigating the biomechanics of this process by coupling kinematic studies with morphological analyses. Taking advantage of the opaque venom and translucent proboscis of a mollusc-hunting juvenile cone snail, Conus pennaceus , we have determined that a high-speed prey capture mechanism is not unique to cone species that hunt fish prey. Two morphological structures were found to play crucial roles in this process. A constriction of the lumen near the tip of the proboscis, composed of tall epithelial cells densely packed with microfilaments, impedes forward movement of the radular tooth prior to its propulsion. Proximal to the constriction, a muscular sphincter was found to regulate venom flow and pressurization in the proboscis. In C. pennaceus , the rapid appearance and flushing of venom within the proboscis during prey capture suggests a mechanism involving the delivery of a discrete quantity of venom. The interplay between these elements provides a unique and effective biomechanical injection system for the fast-acting cone snail venom peptides.
Estimating the number of sinusoids in non-Gaussian noise using cumulants

The problem of determining the dominant singular values of a cumulant matrix is considered. A criterion for rank determination which is quite general and can be used for any matrix is presented. The problem addressed is important due to the surge of new techniques in the cumulant domain, most of which require knowledge of the rank of the matrix. The criterion performs reasonably well under high and low signal-to-noise ratio conditions. >
A Pleckstrin Homology Domain Specific for Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) and Fused to Green Fluorescent Protein Identifies Plasma Membrane PtdIns-4,5-P2 as Being Important in Exocytosis *

Kinetically distinct steps can be distinguished in the secretory response from neuroendocrine cells with slow ATP-dependent priming steps preceding the triggering of exocytosis by Ca2+. One of these priming steps involves the maintenance of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) through lipid kinases and is responsible for at least 70% of the ATP-dependent secretion observed in digitonin-permeabilized chromaffin cells. PtdIns-4,5-P2is usually thought to reside on the plasma membrane. However, because phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase is an integral chromaffin granule membrane protein, PtdIns-4,5-P2 important in exocytosis may reside on the chromaffin granule membrane. In the present study we have investigated the localization of PtdIns-4,5-P2 that is involved in exocytosis by transiently expressing in chromaffin cells a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain that specifically binds PtdIns-4,5-P2 and is fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP). The PH-GFP protein predominantly associated with the plasma membrane in chromaffin cells without any detectable association with chromaffin granules. Rhodamine-neomycin, which also binds to PtdIns-4,5-P2, showed a similar subcellular localization. The transiently expressed PH-GFP inhibited exocytosis as measured by both biochemical and electrophysiological techniques. The results indicate that the inhibition was at a step after Ca2+ entry and suggest that plasma membrane PtdIns-4,5-P2 is important for exocytosis. Expression of PH-GFP also reduced calcium currents, raising the possibility that PtdIns-4,5-P2 in some manner alters calcium channel function in chromaffin cells.
Population viability of Pediocactus bradyi (Cactaceae) in a changing climate.

 Premise of the study: A key question concerns the vulnerability of desert species adapted to harsh, variable climates to future climate change. Evaluating this requires coupling long-term demographic models with information on past and projected future climates. We investigated climatic drivers of population growth using a 22-yr demographic model for Pediocactus bradyi , an endangered cactus in northern Arizona.  Methods: We used a matrix model to calculate stochastic population growth rates ( λ s ) and the relative infl uences of life-cycle transitions on population growth. Regression models linked population growth with climatic variability, while stochastic simulations were used to (1) understand how predicted increases in drought frequency and extreme precipitation would affect λ s , and (2) quantify variability in λ s based on temporal replication of data.  Key results: Overall λ s was below unity (0.961). Population growth was equally infl uenced by fecundity and survival and signifi cantly correlated with increased annual precipitation and higher winter temperatures. Stochastic simulations increasing the probability of drought and extreme precipitation reduced λ s , but less than simulations increasing the probability of drought alone. Simulations varying the temporal replication of data suggested 14 yr were required for accurate λ s estimates.  Conclusions: Pediocactus bradyi may be vulnerable to increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events, particularly drought. Biotic interactions resulting in low survival during drought years outweighed increased seedling establishment following heavy precipitation. Climatic extremes beyond historical ranges of variability may threaten rare desert species with low population growth rates and therefore high susceptibility to stochastic events.
MATERIAL AND GEOMETRY ASPECTS OF SPACE RADIATORS.

Thus, the remaining variable governing the magnitude of the radiator area is the specific radiator geometry and material. The radiator size and weight are each governed by External radiation heat transfer is a function primarily of the Recent tests of high temperature coatings in vacuum con- Similarly,
TIME-DOMAIN ANALYSIS OF WAVE EXCITING FORCES ON FLOATING BODIES AT ZERO FORWARD SPEED

The problem of determining the exciting forces acting on a rigid floating body due to uni-directional waves has been extensively studied. The problem is usually formulated in the frequency domain by assuming that the incident waves are sinusoidal and of fixed frequency. Results for more general wave systems may then be found using superposition and Fourier analysis. In this paper the problem will be formulated in the time domain. Numerical techniques are developed for bodies of arbitrary shape. The solutions in the time domain and frequency domain are related through the use of Fourier transforms.
Isometric Exercise for an Individual with Hemophilic Arthropathy

Several authors have described nonsurgical rehabilitative techniques for individuals with hemophilia who have single or recurrent hemarthroses. The effects of these low intensity exercise programs are not stated clearly in the literature. In this single-case experimental study, we investigated the effects of a training program of isometric exercise of at least two thirds of maximum voluntary contraction on the knee joint and surrounding muscles of a patient with hemophilia. A 12-year-old subject with severe factor-VIII deficiency and chronic knee arthroses was seen for baseline measurements, three weeks of treatment, and follow-up baseline measurements. The isometric exercise program safely increased right hamstring and quadriceps femoris muscle group strength 40% to 70% without adversely affecting knee range of motion, circumference, or skin temperature and without causing bleeding or discomfort. The use of isometric exercise programs during rehabilitation and maintenance is a promising treatment component for the total care of the individual with hemophilia.
Akt1 sequentially phosphorylates p27kip1 within a conserved but non-canonical region

Background p27kip1 (p27) is a multifunctional protein implicated in regulation of cell cycling, signal transduction, and adhesion. Its activity is controlled in part by Phosphatylinositol-3-Kinase (PI3K)/Akt1 signaling, and disruption of this regulatory connection has been identified in human breast cancers. The serine/threonine protein kinase Akt1 directly phosphorylates p27, so identifying the modified residue(s) is essential for understanding how it regulates p27 function. Various amino acids have been suggested as potential targets, but recent attention has focused on threonine 157 (T157) because it is located in a putative Akt1 consensus site. However, T157 is not evolutionarily conserved between mouse and human. We therefore re-evaluated Akt1 phosphorylation of p27 using purified proteins and in cells.
Canadian Crudes: A Comparative Study of SARA Fractions from a Modified HPLC Separation Technique

In recent years, a worldwide reduction in economically recoverable conventional petroleum reserves has led to an increase in exploration and production activity in heavier crude oils. In Canada, up-graders have been required to deal with more accessible, but difficult to process, heavy oils and bitumen from oil sands. In order to optimize plant operating conditions and assess their impact on the environment, a thorough knowledge of the molecular structure and behaviour of the source petroleum is needed. The problems associated with hydro-processing of fractions rich in nitrogen is of particular concern.The approach applied here involves separation of a series of diversified Canadian crude oils (oil sands bitumens plus heavy and conventional oils) into asphaltenes and maltenes, followed by further fractionation of the maltene components by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This approach differs from conventional SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins, asphaltenes) separation in that multiple fractions are easily separated on the basis of polarity differences thereby providing more detailed information on component class distribution. The separated fractions are subjected to characterization by various analytical methods, including: gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for number average molecular weight determination, molecular parameter calculation using CHNS analyses in combination with 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy and group analysis by peak deconvolution of X-ray photo-electron spectra (XPS). The bitumens comprise less saturates but more resins and asphaltenes than any of the other heavy oils tested. Conversely, the conventional crude is associated with the highest saturates content and the least amount of resins and asphaltenes. Yields of aromatic fractions from different sources all fall within a relatively narrow range. It is noteworthy that the SARA fractions from each oil produced relatively similar bulk property values. All of the resin fractions contained more than 40% of the total nitrogen, i.e., greater than the amounts contributed by the corresponding asphaltene fractions. For the resin sub-fractions relatively minor differences between molecular weights, atomic H/C ratios and aromaticity were observed. The substantial difference in the HPLC elution behaviour for these subfractions appears to be attributable to the asymmetric distribution of polar nitrogen compounds for material collected at longer elution times. This observation may allow selective removal of intractable nitrogen compounds, possibly leading to cost savings through improved catalyst utilization in a modified upgrading process.
Long-Term Reactions to Genetic Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations: Does Time Heal Women's Concerns?

Purpose Short-term reactions to BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) genetic test results have been described in several reports, but the long-terms effects of testing have not been examined extensively. Methods We conducted an observational study to characterize the long-term impact of genetic testing for BRCA1/2 mutations in 167 women who had received genetic test results at least 4 years ago. We also evaluated the relationship between genetic testing–specific reactions and breast and ovarian cancer screening to determine the behavioral significance of adverse reactions. Results Seventy-four percent of women were not experiencing any distress regarding their test result, 41% were not experiencing any uncertainty, and 51% had a score for positive experiences that was suggestive of low levels of adverse reactions in terms of family support and communication. Mutation carriers (odds ratio, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.44 to 10.89; P = .01) were most likely to experience distress. Only less time since disclosure was related signif...
ABIOTIC HABITAT CORRELATES OF GUNNISON'S PRAIRIE DOG IN ARIZONA

Abstract Prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) populations have been reduced by 98% compared to historical levels because of widespread poisoning, habitat loss, recreational shooting, and outbreaks of sylvatic plague (Yersinia pestis). Our objectives were to identify habitat correlates of Gunnison's prairie dog (C. gunnisoni) colonies and to develop a predictive logistic regression model to identify potential reintroduction sites for this species. During 2000 and 2001, we examined habitat features at 50 Gunnison's prairie dog colonies and 50 paired random sites in northern Arizona, USA. When compared to random sites, Gunnison's prairie dog colonies had deeper soils, less variability in slope, and less rock ground cover. Our results suggest the importance of deep soils for allowing Gunnison's prairie dogs to establish hibernacula below the frost line. Our model allows prediction of the probability of Gunnison's prairie dog presence at a site based on soil depth, standard deviation of slope, and surface rock cover, an...
Apigenin and Cancer Chemoprevention

Publisher Summary Epidemiological studies considerably support the notion that diets rich in plant flavones are associated with a number of health benefits, including a reduction of the risk of developing certain cancers. Apigenin is one of the most bioactive plant flavones and is widely distributed in common fruits, beverages, and vegetables. Apigenin in its natural form is present in foods mostly as glucoside conjugates and various acylated derivatives, which are more water-soluble than the parent compound and remain mostly unmodified by various cooking methods. The moiety with which apigenin is conjugated is an important determinant of its absorption and bioavailability, since these attributes may require enzymatic cleavage by mammalian or microbial glucosidases. Its intake in the most popular form is as herbal tea. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that apigenin possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Apigenin affects several critical pathways and targets, which are, associated with several health disorders, including cancer. Apigenin can also help improve cardiovascular conditions, stimulate the immune system, and provide some protection against cancer. Apigenin has gained particular interest over the years as a beneficial and health-promoting agent because of its low intrinsic toxicity and because of its striking effects on normal versus cancer cells, compared with other structurally related flavonoids.
Modeling of Sheet Metal Forming — A Status Report

Current computer capabilities have developed to the point where the modeling of sheet metal forming is feasible
A wavelet multiscale-homotopy method for the parameter identification problem of partial differential equations

By introducing the wavelet multiscale method and the homotopy method to the inversion process for the parameter identification problem of partial differential equations, a joint inversion method called the wavelet multiscale-homotopy method is proposed, which is globally convergent, computationally efficient, and has the anti-noise ability. As a practical problem, the parameter identification problem of the saturation equation in the fractional flow formulation of the two-phase porous media flow equations is solved. Numerical results validate the method's merits.