cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
95 – The Clinical Application of Gender-Based Databases for the Diagnosis of Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk Prediction

Both the genders experience a high risk for osteoporotic-related fractures as a function of increased longevity. Diagnostic criteria for men, although not strictly defined, seem comparable to that of women, as might risk for fracture at the same absolute bone mass density (BMD) or T-scores calculated from female reference population databases. However, until the issues of the effects of differential bone size between genders on fracture risk differences are defined, it seems more appropriate to calculate T-score in men from male databases, because the percentage of males defined as having low T-scores will be underestimated using a female reference population database, as might the lifetime risk for fracture. Bisphosphonates seem to be effective in men and should be considered in men 60 years of age and older, who are either hypogonadal, have fragility fractures, have secondary conditions such as steroids and celiac disease that can lead to bone loss, or have male-derived T-scores <-2.0. Low BMD in both genders is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Standardized BMD reporting and standardized databases are needed, from which physicians can calculate T-scores and interpret data for both prevalence (diagnosis) and fracture risk.
The potential for indirect negative effects of exotic insect species on a liverwort, Bazzania trilobata (Lepidoziaceae), mediated by the decline of a foundation tree species, Tsuga canadensis (Pinaceae)1

In many ecological communities, the effects of exotic species are likely to extend beyond their direct interactions with natives, due to indirect effects. This dynamic might be particularly consequential in cases where invasive insects or other exotic herbivores target foundation plant species in the communities they invade. In this study at a site in western Massachusetts, we used experimental transplants to gauge the potential effects of a decline in the evergreen conifer Tsuga canadensis due to ongoing spread of two exotic insect pests on a liverwort, Bazzania trilobata, whose distribution is closely linked to dense stands of this conifer in the northeastern USA. After 4 years, transplanted B. trilobata samples moved to forest areas with lower abundance of T. canadensis declined significantly, particularly on sites with higher solar radiation, as determined by local slope and aspect. In addition, samples manually cleared of deciduous leaf litter were ∼ 17% larger than those exposed to natural accumulation of leaf litter, indicating a direct negative effect of deciduous trees on the liverwort that might increase as these tree species replace T. canadensis lost to invasive pests. A parallel experiment documented high mortality of B. trilobata (55%) when subjected to open canopy conditions similar to those resulting from selective “salvage” logging of hemlock in the region. These results indicate that the spread of exotic insect pests targeting T. canadensis is likely to produce strong indirect negative effects on the liverwort B. trilobata, via diminished commensal interactions with the conifer and increased amensalistic effects from the deciduous tree species that commonly replace it.
Universal cancer screening: revolutionary, rational, and realizable

Cancer remains the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, and overall cancer-related deaths are increasing. Despite the survival benefit from early detection, screening has to date targeted only those few organs that harbor tumors of sufficient prevalence to show cost-effectiveness at population levels, leaving most cancer types unscreened. In this perspective overview, a case is made for universal cancer screening as a logical and more inclusive approach with potentially high impact. The centrally important conceptual drivers to universal screening are biological and epidemiological. The shared biology of tumor marker release into a common distant medium, like blood, can be exploited for multi-cancer detection from a single test. And, by aggregating prevalence rates, universal screening allows all cancers (including less common ones) to be included as targets, increases screening efficiency and integration across tumor types, and potentially improves cost-effectiveness over single-organ approaches. The identification of new tumor marker classes with both broad expression across tumor types and site-prediction, remarkable advances in assay technologies, and compelling early clinical data increase the likelihood of actualizing this new paradigm. Multi-organ screening could be achieved by targeting markers within or stemming from the circulation (including blood, urine, saliva, and expired breath) or those exfoliated into common excretory pathways (including the gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts). Rigorous clinical studies in intended use populations and collaborations between academia, industry, professional societies, and government will be required to bring this lofty vision to a population application.
Imagers for the magnetosphere, aurora, and plasmasphere (IMAP)

We propose a small Explorer (SMEX) IMAP mission to provide the first global magnetospheric images that will allow a systematic study of major regions of the magnetosphere, their dynamics and their interactions. The mission objective is to obtain simultaneous images of the inner magnetosphere (ring current and trapped particles), the plasmasphere, the aurora, and auroral upflowing ions. The four IMAP instruments are (1) a Low Energy Neutral Particle Imager (LENPI) for imaging H and O atoms, separately, in the energy range of approximately 1 - 30 keV, in several energy passbands, (2) an Energetic Neutral Particle Imager (ENPI) for imaging H atoms in the energy range approximately 15 keV - 200 keV and, separately, O atoms in the energy range approximately 60 keV - 200 keV, each in several energy passbands, (3) an Extreme-Ultraviolet Imager (EUVI) to obtain images of the plasmasphere (the distribution of cold He+) using He+ (30.4-nm) emissions; and (4) a Far-Ultraviolet Imaging Monochromator (FUVIM) to provide images of the aurora and the geocorona. All images will be obtained with time and spatial resolutions appropriate to the global and macroscale structures to be observed. The results expected from IMAP will provide the first large-scale visualization of the ring current, the trapped ion populations, the plasmasphere, and the upflowing auroral ion population.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of postmortem treatments on the tenderness of meat from Hereford, Brahman and Brahman-cross beef cattle.

The effect of postmortem aging (7, 14, 21 or 28 d), high-voltage electrical stimulation (stimulated or not stimulated) and blade tenderization (none or once; crossbreds only) on the sensory and cooking properties of meat from four beef breeds or breed-types (purebred Hereford, purebred Brahman, Hereford x Brahman and Brahman x Hereford) was determined. The meat from purebred Brahman cattle that was not electrically stimulated was less tender and more variable in tenderness than that from other breed-types, but electrical stimulation reduced these differences in tenderness. The Brahman crossbred steers produced meat that was not different in tenderness or variability in tenderness from that of purebred Hereford steers, although all were only judged “slightly tender.” Electrical stimulation reduced the length of postmortem aging needeed to reach a given level of tenderness regardless of breed or breed-type. Meat from crossbred animals that was bladetenderized was not different in tenderness from meat that was electrically stimulated. The results of this investigation indicate that purebred Brahman muscle was inherently less tender, but postmortem tenderization procedures produced meat that was similar in tenderness to that of the other breed-types used in this study.
Beyond Bad Apples: Analyzing the Role of Forensic Science in Wrongful Convictions

Examines the problem of wrongful convictions through the lens of organizational theory. Discusses details of the false conviction of Josiah Sutton as a case study of system failure.
Imaging invasive fungal growth and inflammation in NADPH oxidase-deficient zebrafish

Neutrophils are primary cells of the innate immune system that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mediate host defense. Deficient phagocyte NADPH oxidase (PHOX) function leads to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) that is characterized by invasive infections including those by the generally non-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus nidulans. The role of neutrophil ROS in this specific host-pathogen interaction remains unclear. Here, we exploit the optical transparency of zebrafish to image the effects of neutrophil ROS on invasive fungal growth and neutrophil behavior in response to Aspergillus nidulans. In a wild-type host, A. nidulans germinates rapidly and elicits a robust inflammatory response with efficient fungal clearance. PHOX-deficient larvae have increased susceptibility to invasive A. nidulans infection despite robust neutrophil infiltration. Expression of p22phox specifically in neutrophils does not affect fungal germination but instead limits the area of fungal growth and excessive neutrophil inflammation and is sufficient to restore host survival in p22phox-deficient larvae. These findings suggest that neutrophil ROS limits invasive fungal growth and has immunomodulatory activities that contribute to the specific susceptibility of PHOX-deficient hosts to invasive A. nidulans infection.
Revisiting the justification for an all-volunteer force

In 1968, President Nixon established the Commission on an All-Volunteer Armed Force, or the Gates Commission, which served as the impetus and justification for an All-Volunteer Force (AVF). At the ...
Classifying Malware Represented as Control Flow Graphs using Deep Graph Convolutional Neural Network

Malware have been one of the biggest cyber threats in the digital world for a long time. Existing machine learning based malware classification methods rely on handcrafted features extracted from raw binary files or disassembled code. The diversity of such features created has made it hard to build generic malware classification systems that work effectively across different operational environments. To strike a balance between generality and performance, we explore new machine learning techniques to classify malware programs represented as their control flow graphs (CFGs). To overcome the drawbacks of existing malware analysis methods using inefficient and nonadaptive graph matching techniques, in this work, we build a new system that uses deep graph convolutional neural network to embed structural information inherent in CFGs for effective yet efficient malware classification. We use two large independent datasets that contain more than 20K malware samples to evaluate our proposed system and the experimental results show that it can classify CFG-represented malware programs with performance comparable to those of the state-of-the-art methods applied on handcrafted malware features.
Arena: A 64-antenna SDR-based ceiling grid testing platform for sub-6 GHz 5G-and-Beyond radio spectrum research

Abstract Arena is an open-access wireless testing platform based on a grid of antennas mounted on the ceiling of a large office-space environment. Each antenna is connected to programmable software-defined radios (SDR) enabling sub-6 GHz 5G-and-beyond spectrum research. With 12 computational servers, 24 SDRs synchronized at the symbol level, and a total of 64 antennas, Arena provides the computational power and the scale to foster new technology development in some of the most crowded spectrum bands. Arena is based on a three-tier design, where the servers and the SDRs are housed in a double rack in a dedicated room, while the antennas are hung off the ceiling of a 2240 square feet office space and cabled to the radios through 100 ft-long cables. This ensures a reconfigurable, scalable, and repeatable real-time experimental evaluation in a real wireless indoor environment. In this paper, we introduce the architecture, capabilities, and system design choices of Arena, and provides details of the software and hardware implementation of various testbed components. Furthermore, we describe key capabilities by providing examples of published work that employed Arena for applications as diverse as synchronized MIMO transmission schemes, multi-hop ad hoc networking, multi-cell 5G networks, AI-powered Radio-Frequency fingerprinting, secure wireless communications, and spectrum sensing for cognitive radio.
A 65nm 16kb SRAM with 131.5pW Leakage at 0.9V for Wireless IoT Sensor Nodes

This paper presents a 16kb SRAM that achieves an ultra-low leakage of less than 132pW across its entire operational V DD range (0.3–0.9V). It is implemented using a new robust two-port bitcell with 614aW leakage, which, to the best of the authors' knowledge, is the lowest leakage bitcell reported to date. Additionally, new peripheral techniques enable 1000× reduction in bit-line (BL) leakage, up to 69% improvement in access speed at low V DD , and up to 63.6% reduction in peripheral circuitry area over state-of-the-art works. The SRAM achieves an array area efficiency of 67.87%, leakage power of 51.8pW to 131.5pW for V DD at 0.3V and 0.9V, and >6.5 MHz access frequency.
Relationship between selective laser trabeculoplasty and excisional goniotomy outcomes in glaucomatous eyes.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering success with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy in eyes with glaucoma. Design Retrospective chart review. Participants 30 eyes of 24 patients undergoing phacoemulsification combined with a KDB with 6 months follow-up and who had previously undergone SLT in the same eye. Methods Data collected from electronic health records included demographic and glaucoma status, IOP and IOP-lowering medication after SLT and KDB. SLT and KDB success were defined as IOP reduction ≥20% or medication reduction ≥1 at 2 and 6 months, respectively. Main outcome Association between SLT success and KDB success. Results Overall, SLT was successful in 17 of 30 eyes (56.7%) at 2 months, and KDB was successful in 18 of 30 eyes (60%) at 6 months. Nine of 17 eyes (52.9%) with prior successful SLT had successful subsequent KDB, whereas 9 of 13 (69.2%) with prior unsuccessful SLT had successful KDB. There was no significant relationship between SLT and KDB outcome in these 30 eyes (p = 0.465 by Fisher's exact test). Conclusion No relationship between success of SLT and subsequent KDB was observed. However, patients with history of failed SLT still benefited from subsequent KDB.
Should U Rly Be Txtng Ur S/O:

This paper examines the impact of phone-based communication and the language of texting on romantic relationships in the United States. Texting has become an integral aspect of romantic relationships for many young adults (Luo 2014), but expert opinion is divided on the subject. Certain studies have shown that texting may lead to “disconnect” and mixed signals, further amplified by the lack of “standardization in [emoji] deployment." Conversely, others have found that the similarity of mobile communication between partners may lead to “higher understanding” and greater relationship satisfaction, and emoji usage can be effective in cross-cultural engagement and as a signal of conversational and relational exclusivity. Through an analysis of research in media and relationships, the paper argues that the ambiguity presented by texting and phone-based communication can be dangerous, but can also contribute to powerful in-group and pro-social activity. If misused, the effect on romantic relationships can be adverse, so it is crucial that both partners are aware of the possible pitfalls to be able to navigate them with care.
Student Scholarship in Institutional Repositories

INTRODUCTION Research on institutional repositories (IR) has primarily focused on issues related to faculty scholarship. Thus far, little has been written on issues related to student scholarship. This lack is problematic for planners developing or extending their IR content who may be considering adding student scholarship. METHODS A 23-question survey of library professionals was conducted to explore size of institution, existence of an IR, IR software packages utilized, individuals involved in system management, levels of support for inclusion of student work in IRs, types of student work included, and workflow submission policies. RESULTS The findings present an environmental scan of the current state of student scholarship within IRs. Findings suggest that most libraries, regardless of size, are archiving a variety of student-generated content including honors projects, capstone papers, conference papers, multi-media projects, and student research papers. The survey results also indicate that libraries are spearheading the administration of IRs, but other campus departments may also be involved. Both undergraduate and graduate students were equally represented in IRs. Practical procedures for uploading student scholarship were also addressed in the survey and include submission processes, faculty involvement, and workflow logistics. DISCUSSION The inclusion of student scholarship in IRs is becoming the norm. Student-created content is expanding from the traditional, ETDs, to more varied materials including capstone projects, peer-reviewed articles, and multi-media projects. This situation underscores that IR administrators need to be prepared to create policies and procedures for diverse materials and students, especially related to embargoes and the actual submission process. To continue to ensure the quality of their IR, administrators should look to faculty to endorse student content. CONCLUSION IR administrators should consider including student scholarship along with faculty scholarship in their repositories.
Relative Abundance of Carsonella ruddii (Gamma Proteobacterium) in Females and Males of Cacopsylla pyricola (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae).

Psyllids (Hemiptera: Pyslloidea) are phloem-feeding insects comprising eight Hemipteran families (Burckhardt and Ouvrard 2012). Several psyllid species are major agricultural pests, including pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Forster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), and potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae). C. pyricola is a pest of cultivated pear, Pyrus communis L. (Rosaceae) because it produces abundant honeydew which causes fruit russetting, provides and medium for the growth of sooty mold and increases labor costs during harvest (Westigard and Zwick 1972). B. cockerelli is a pest of Solanaceous crops including potato and tomato and is the vector of “Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum,” the pathogen associated with zebra chip disease of potato (Munyaneza 2012). Both psyllids are primarily controlled using insecticides, but current research efforts seek to develop ecologically based strategies to manage these pests. All psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) have an obligate relationship with the bacterial endosymbiont, Carsonella ruddii (Gamma Proteobacterium) (Thao et al. 2000). Carsonella is transovarially transmitted and is housed within specialized host cells called bacteriocytes which form aggregates called bacteriomes (Chang and Musgrave 1969, Thao et al. 2000). This endosymbiont produces essential amino acids that are lacking in the insect’s diet, and elimination of this endosymbiont using antibiotics leads to death of the insect (Baumann 2005, Nakabachi et al. 2006). Because Carsonella is vital to the survival of psyllids, novel control strategies for psyllid pests including C. pyricola and B. cockerelli could be developed by targeting this endosymbiont (Rio et al. 2004, Douglas 2007, Crotti et al. 2012). Paramount to discovering ways to manipulate Carsonella is the ability to obtain accurate estimations of Carsonella populations. A recent study by Cooper and Horton (2014) indicated that bacteriomes of female psyllids were larger than those of males, suggesting that females may harbor more Carsonella or other bacteriome-associated endosymbionts than do males. If so, then insect sex represents an important source of biological variation that must be accounted for when estimating Carsonella populations in psyllids. The objectives of our study were to 1) develop methods using fluorescence in situ hybridization and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to estimate Carsonella populations in C. pyricola and B. cockerelli, 2) compare Carsonella populations between female and male C. pyricola of varying ages (fifth-instar nymph to 21-d-old adult), and 3) document in both psyllid species the presence of Carsonella in varying ages of oocytes.
Pathways of nucleotide metabolism in Schistosoma mansoni--VII. Inhibition of adenine and guanine nucleotide synthesis by purine analogs in intact worms.

Abstract Twelve analogs of adenosine or its related purines have been tested as single agents or in combinations as possible antischistosomal compounds. Measurements were made of the effect of these drugs on the anabolism and catabolism of [8- 14 C]adenosine by Schistosoma mansoni in vitro . Based on the degree of inhibition of biosynthesis of adenine and guanine nucleotides by intact worms. the best currently available purine analogs are 7-deaza-adenosine (tubercidin) and N 6 -phenyladenosine. These drugs reduced the total synthesis of nueleotides to 30 and 25 per cent, respectively, of controls. Blockade of the catabolic pathway (adenosine deaminase) by coformycin resulted in significantly increased synthesis of adenine nucleotides rather than the expected decrease. Thus, adenosine kinase must play a more prominent role in nucleotide synthesis than had been previously estimated. The implications of these findings in the development of new anti-schistosomal drugs are discussed.
Experimental localization of muscarinic receptor subtypes to cingulate cortical afferents and neurons

A technique was developed to evaluate the potency of ligand binding at M2 ACh receptors and to experimentally localize the M1 and M2 subtypes to specific neuronal processes. Normal and experimental material was prepared with tritiated ligand binding to cryostat-sectioned area 29c of posterior cingulate cortex in rat, coverslip autoradiography, and single-grain-counting techniques. Three fundamental issues were addressed. 1. A morphological criterion termed an index of heterogeneity was developed by which the specificity of M2 binding by different ligands could be assessed. The index was calculated by first determining the laminar distribution of pirenzepine (PZ) binding sites and then summing absolute laminar variations from this distribution for each ligand. According to this measure the most efficient protocol for assaying M2 sites was tritiated oxotremorine-M (OXO) coincubated in unlabeled PZ (5 x 10(-8) M). The classical muscarinic antagonist propylbenzilylcholine mustard (Pr-BCM), however, when coincubated in PZ, was almost as efficient as PZ-blocked OXO binding. 2. Terminal axons of neurons in the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) have M2 receptors based on the following observations. First, specific binding of the M1 ligand PZ was unaffected by ATN lesions. Second, tritiated OXO and PrBCM binding blocked with unlabeled PZ, conditions favoring M2 receptor binding, showed significant reductions in binding in layers la, lb, and IV following ATN ablations. Third, IC50 values as determined by competition of PZ for PrBCM binding sites were shifted to lower concentrations in superficial layers by ATN lesions but not in deep layers where the thalamus does not terminate. Finally, in contrast to PZ-blocked OXO and PrBCM binding, binding of PZ-blocked 3H-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) was reduced to homogeneity following ATN lesions. 3. Cortical pyramidal neurons have dendritic receptors that are primarily of the M1 subtype but may also include M2 sites. Thus, full depth ibotenic acid lesions reduced PZ binding by almost 70%. Neurotoxin lesions of neurons in layers II-IV or Vb-VI were followed by degeneration of the apical dendrites of pyramids in layer I and 78 and 15% reductions, respectively, in PZ binding. Also, full-depth neurotoxin lesions combined with ATN ablations completely abolished heterogeneities in PrBCM and PZ-blocked OXO binding. These data demonstrate that experimental techniques can be used in conjunction with normal material to make morphological assessments of the efficiency of binding of putative M2 ligands.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A conformational mechanism for formation of a dead-end complex by the sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase with thapsigargin.

Thapsigargin (TG), a plant sesquiterpene lactone extract, interacts tightly with the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ transport ATPase yielding a 1:1 stoichiometric complex. In addition to inhibiting steady state enzyme activity, TG can be shown to inhibit two individual partial reactions of the ATPase cycle (i.e. Ca2+ binding in the absence of ATP and enzyme phosphorylation by Pi in the absence of Ca2+) even when these reactions are studied separately without interdependence. As the two partial reactions occur at domains relatively distant from each other in the protein structure, it is apparent that the TG induced perturbation involves the entire enzyme. The rate of TG interaction with the ATPase, as estimated by the onset of functional inhibition and by the development of an intrinsic fluorescence signal, is relatively low in the presence of Ca2+. The interaction is much faster when Ca2+ is removed from the medium by the addition of EGTA or is dissociated from the enzyme by utilization of ATP. When the TG interaction with the ATPase is studied in the presence of Ca2+ as a function of temperature (15-35 degrees C) and pH (6.0-8.0), two distinct kinetic components are observed: a fast component which is prevalent at high temperature and low pH, and a slow component which is prevalent at low temperature and high pH. This pattern suggests that the enzyme resides in two states, whose relatively slow equilibration is temperature- and pH-dependent. As only one state is reactive to TG, the enzyme population residing in this state reacts immediately with TG. On the other hand, the enzyme population residing in the alternate state must undergo slow conversion to the reactive state before being affected by TG. It can be also demonstrated that in the presence of Ca2+ TG shifts the ATPase from a refractory state to a state which is able to form bidimensional crystalline arrays stabilized by decavanadate. It is concluded that TG reacts specifically with the ATPase conformation which is prevalent in the absence of Ca2+, thereby forming a catalytically inactive dead-end complex.
Effects of Habitat Fragmentation on Effective Dispersal of Florida Scrub‐Jays

Studies comparing dispersal in fragmented versus unfragmented landscapes show that habitat fragmentation alters the dispersal behavior of many species. We used two complementary approaches to explore Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) dispersal in relation to landscape fragmentation. First, we compared dispersal distances of color-marked individuals in intensively monitored continuous and fragmented landscapes. Second, we estimated effective dispersal relative to the degree of fragmentation (as inferred from two landscape indexes: proportion of study site covered with Florida Scrub-Jay habitat and mean distance to nearest habitat patch within each study site) by comparing genetic isolation-by-distance regressions among 13 study sites having a range of landscape structures. Among color-banded individuals, dispersal distances were greater in fragmented versus continuous landscapes, a result consistent with other studies. Nevertheless, genetic analyses revealed that effective dispersal decreases as the proportion of habitat in the landscape decreases. These results suggest that although individual Florida Scrub-Jays may disperse farther as fragmentation increases, those that do so are less successful as breeders than those that disperse short distances. Our study highlights the importance of combining observational data with genetic inferences when evaluating the complex biological and life-history implications of dispersal.
Intestinal hydrolysis of aspartylphenylalanine—The metabolic product of aspartame

Aspartame [Nutrasweet, Equal (Searle Consumer Products, Chicago, Ill.)] is the methyl ester of the dipeptide aspartylphenylalanine (Asp-Phe). After hydrolysis of the ester bond in the intestinal lumen, the dipeptide is apparently absorbed and digested in the same manner as dipeptides derived from protein digestion. We observed that Asp-Phe is hydrolyzed approximately equally well by three previously reported brush border dipeptidases. However, these enzymes have very low affinity for Asp-Phe, and a substantial amount of the dipeptide may be transported intact and hydrolyzed in the cytosol. Starch gel electrophoresis and ion-exchange chromatography of the cytosol of intestinal mucosa and of red blood cell lysate revealed only one peak with Asp-Phe hydrolase activity. This activity was distinct from the seven cytosolic peptidases that have been described previously. The reduction in Asp-Phe hydrolase activity in the brush border and cytosol of diseased intestinal mucosa was similar to the reduction in levels of other brush border and cytosol enzyme activities. If double-blind studies confirm that some people have symptoms caused by aspartame ingestion, it would be appropriate to test such individuals for deficiency of cytosolic Asp-Phe hydrolase activity.
Regulation of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase expression by phenolic antioxidants.

Abstract Dietary antioxidants protect laboratory animals against the induction of tumors by a variety of chemical carcinogens. Among possible mechanisms, protection against chemical carcinogenesis could be mediated via antioxidant-dependent induction of detoxifying enzymes. Therefore, we investigated the effects of two commonly used food preservatives, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), on the expression of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoforms in rat liver. Male Wistar rats were fed a control diet or diets containing BHA (0.75%) or BHT (0.5%) for 2 weeks. BHT and BHA increased UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activities in liver microsomes for p -nitrophenol (236 and 218%, respectively), 3-hydroxybenzo( a )pyrene (246 and 175%, respectively), and androsterone (269 and 152%, respectively). Immunoblots showed changes in the amounts of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoforms corresponding to the changes in enzyme activities. Northern blot analysis showed that the concentration of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase mRNA paralleled the concentration of enzyme proteins and their respective levels of enzyme activity. BHT, for example, caused about a 250% increase in mRNA using a probe that recognizes the common 3′-domain of bilirubin/phenol UDP-glucuronosyltransferase mRNAs. In addition to inducing hepatic enzyme activities, BHT and BHA increased the activity of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase in the small intestine and kidney.
A millimeter wave passive FET mixer with low 1/f noise

A millimeter-wave resistive (intermediate frequency) FET mixer design that provides down-conversion to low IF (intermediate frequency) frequencies with low 1/f noise is described. The single FET unbalanced mixer has a double sideband noise figure of 7.5 dB with a conversion loss of 9 dB at an LO (local oscillators) drive level of 9 dBm. An RF to LO isolation of 15 dB is achieved through the use of a resonant loop from drain to gate. The design allows downconversion to low IF frequencies using a FET-compatible process with a small chip size. A comparison of MESFET and HEMT (high electron mobility transistor) versions of the mixer shows that the 1/f noise level is higher in the HEMT mixer. >
An Efficient, General Synthesis of Alkylsulfinyltoluidides

Abstract Corey and Durst1 have demonstrated the utility of N,α-dilithioalkyl-sulfinamides (1) as reagents for the quasi-Wittig reaction with aldehydes and ketones, and a one-step preparation of ketones from esters. Despite this promise, these reagents have seen few applications, due in large part to the inconvenience of preparing the precursor sulfinamide (2) via the corresponding sulfinyl chloride.1,2
Technical Note-Dominance Conditions for the Three-Machine Flow-Shop Problem

This note examines the mathematical structure and applicability of a dominance condition of Gupta and Reddi for the three-machine flow-shop problem. It shows that this condition may eliminate fewer sequences than another dominance condition. A sequential procedure of the combined strength of the two conditions is presented. We also derive necessary conditions for the Gupta-Reddi condition.
Functionalization of carbon nanotubes with amines and enzymes

Abstract This Letter reports the first example of the functionalization of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with an enzyme via the formation of a covalent bond as shown particularly by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Functionalization with enzymes was achieved first by acylation of the nanotubes, and was then followed by amidation. Various primary and secondary achiral and chiral amines were also tethered to the SWNTs by this method. Covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes offers the architecture for a three-dimensional enzyme array for potential application in biosensor devices.
Do immunologically privileged sites require a functioning spleen

WHEN solid tissue allografts are transplanted orthotopically to alien hosts they are rejected with a characteristic tempo and vigour that depends primarily on the immunogenetic disparity between donor and host. There are, however, several anatomical sites in which prolonged graft survivals have been documented. These so-called immunologically privileged sites include the brain1,2, anterior chamber (AC) of the eye3–5, cheek pouch of the Syrian hamster6 and artificially created skin pedicle flaps in guinea pigs and rats7,8. There is considerable experimental evidence that these sites share at least one common feature—absence of a demonstrable lymphatic drainage7–9. As a consequence, it has been assumed that the putative immunological privilege of these diverse sites results from the anatomical aberration which interrupts the afferent limb of the immunological reflex arc (which is composed of an afferent limb, a central mechanism and an efferent limb). We have now found that allogeneic cells placed within the AC of the eye are not isolated from the immunological apparatus of the host, but instead induce a primary immune response within the spleen which alters the systemic immunological response of the intact animal.
Analysis of the 84K, 55K, and 48K proteins immunoprecipitable by SV40 T antibody from SV40-infected and -transformed cells by tryptic peptide mapping on cation-exchange columns

Abstract The 84K, 55K, and 48K proteins immunoprecipitable by SV40 T antibody from SV40-permissive and -transformed cells were analyzed by tryptic peptide mapping on cation-exchange columns. The 84K protein arises by proteolytic cleavage of large SV40 T antigen at its carboxy terminus. The 55K and 48K proteins are only slightly homologous, sharing at most only three methionine-containing tryptic peptides.
ACTION AT A DISTANCE FOR GLP REPRESSOR CONTROL OF GLPTQ TRANSCRIPTION IN ESCHERICHIA COLI K-12

The adjacent, divergently transcribed glpACB and glpTQ operons of Escherichia coli encode the anaerobic glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycerol 3-phosphate transporter/phosphodiesterase, respectively. These operons are negatively controlled by glp repressor binding to operators that overlap the glpA promoter elements. Using DNase I footprinting, three additional operators (OT1-3) were identified at positions +307 to +359 within the glpT coding region. To assess a potential regulatory role for these remote operators in vivo, a glpT-lacZ transcriptional fusion containing all of the glpA and glpT operators was constructed. The response of this fusion to the glp repressor was compared to fusion constructs in which OT1 and OT3 were inactivated, either by deletion or by site-directed mutagenesis. It was found that repression of glpT conferred by binding of glp repressor to glpA operators was increased about three- to fourfold upon introduction of the remote glpT operators. In addition, two integration host factor (IHF) binding sites were identified downstream of the glpT transcriptional start site at positions +15 to +51 and +193 to +227. A regulatory role for IHF was demonstrated by showing that repression of glpT mediated by GlpR was decreased about twofold in strains deficient in IHF and that mutations in IHF1 and/or IHF2 decreased repression about two- to threefold. The effect of IHF was apparent only when the remote operators were present. All of the results are consistent with a model of repression involving GlpR binding simultaneously to the glpA and remote glpT operators, with intervening DNA forming a loop.
Having it all.

I grew up in urban India in a middle-class family, the daughter of two hard-working professionals. They always encouraged me. They never objected when I did mostly what boys did, like be the only girl in astronomy camp. My closest friends were boys, and we formed study groups and competed for the
Dengue platelets meet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

In this issue of Blood , Hottz et al provide compelling evidence that dengue virus (DV) induces (1) platelet synthesis of interleukin-1β (IL-1β); (2) platelet-derived IL-1β–containing microvesicles (MVs) that increase vascular permeability; and (3) DV-triggered inflammasome activation in
Hemagglutinin Displayed Baculovirus Protects Against Highly Pathogenic Influenza

Baculovirus (BV) replicating in insect cells can express a foreign gene product as part of its genome. The influenza hemagglutinin (HA) can be expressed from BV and displayed on the surface of baculovirus (HA-DBV). In this study we first generated six recombinant baculoviruses that expressed chimeric HAs with segments of the BV glycoprotein (gp64). The signal peptide (SP) and cytoplasmic tail (CT) domains of gp64 can enhance the display of HA from A/PR8/34 on BV surface, while the transmembrane (TM) domain of gp64 impairs HA display. Different doses of either live or β-propiolactone (BPL)-inactivated HA-DBV were administered to BALB/c mice. Live HA-DBV elicited higher hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) titers than BPL-inactivated HA-DBV, and provided sterilizing protection. A second generation recombinant BV simultaneously displaying four HAs derived from four subclades of H5N1 influenza viruses was constructed. This tetravalent H5N1 HA-DBV vaccine elicited HAI titers against all four homologous H5N1 viruses, significantly decreasing viral lung titers of challenged mice and providing 100% protection against lethal doses of homologous H5N1 viruses. Moreover, mice vaccinated with HA-DBV had high levels of IFNγ-secreting and HA-specific CD8+ T cells. Taken together, this study demonstrates that HA-DBV can stimulate strong humoral, as well as cellular immune responses, and is an effective vaccine candidate for influenza.
Doppler sidebands in the cross-spectral density of narrow-band reverberation from a dynamic sea surface

Analytic methods are used to formulate the impact of a random dynamic sea surface on the space-frequency characteristics of bistatic reverberation. A narrow-band point source is positioned beneath the time-dependent surface of a range-independent ocean. The small-waveheight perturbative approximation is invoked, and attention is focused on the Doppler sideband contributions to the reverberation cross-spectral density for an arbitrarily placed receiver pair. The new expression that results is identified as an active scattering generalization of the van Cittert-Zernike theorem from classical partial coherence theory. This work is the first to explicitly predict the sideband structure in the cross-spectral density of the field scattered from a realistic moving sea surface. A numerical example is presented for a shallow source and shallow receivers in a homogeneous ocean.
The choices, choosing model of quality of life: description and rationale

Aim This introductory paper offers a critical review of current models and measures of quality of life, and describes a choices and choosing (c-c) process as a new model of quality of life. Method Criteria are proposed for judging the relative merits of models of quality of life with preference being given to explicit mechanisms, linkages to a science base, a means of identifying deficits amenable to rational restorative interventions, and with embedded values of the whole person. Result A conjectured model, based on the processes of gaining access to choices and choosing among them, matches the proposed criteria. The c-c process is an evolved adaptive mechanism dedicated to the pursuit of quality of life, driven by specific biological and psychological systems, and influenced by social and environmental forces. Conclusions This model strengthens the science base for the field of quality of life, unifies approaches to concept and measurement, and guides the evaluation of impairments of quality of life. Corresponding interventions can be aimed at relieving restrictions or distortions of the c-c process; thus helping people to preserve and improve their quality of life. RELATED WORK: Companion papers detail relevant aspects of the science base, present methods of identifying deficits and distortions of the c-c model so as to open opportunities for rational restorative interventions, and explore empirical analyses of the relationship between health imposed restrictions of c-c and conventional indicators of diminished quality of life. [corrected]
Modal testing for a multispan continuous segmental prestressed concrete bridge

Continuous segmental prestressed concrete bridges have been used extensively all over the world since the late 1960's. In this case the authors are investigating one such bridge in the state of Illinois. The bridge has developed extensive cracks on the webs of the segments. Yet, it is very difficult to assess the safety of this bridge. One of the possible ways of coming up with some quantification involves the estimation of the structural dynamic properties, such as modal frequencies and mode shapes. This approach is especially useful if a previous baseline has already been established for that structure. Such a baseline does exist for the structure. This paper is a summary of the ongoing of experimental investigations and Finite Element simulations that have been conducted on the bridge. In particular, three experimental modes have been identified using both forced vibration and ambient vibration excitation at two different seasons of the year and the results have been compared to results that were obtained by CTL twelve years ago.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Strength of materials and the Weibull distribution

Abstract This paper not only highlights the weakness in Weibull's original derivation of the probability distribution named for him, it also applies a novel new approach to derive Weibull probability density functions using the well-known von Mises criterion for strength of materials. This new approach, pioneered by Mendel, provides the framework in which probability distributions can be derived starting with a purely deterministic theory and then making an indifference judgement. Once an understanding of material strength theory in terms of distortion energy is achieved and an indifference judgement decided upon, the remaining portion of any derivation using this approach is simply mechanical.
Wasp Parasite (Nasonia vitripennis) Survival on Its House Fly Host (Musca domestica) Reared on Various Foods

A study was made of survival of the wasp parasite Nasonia vitripennis Walker on its house fly host, Musca domestica L., reared on different foods. Some of these foods included liver, soya, brewers' yeast, milk, goat and cow manure, CSMA (Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association) medium, and these used in various combinations. In addition, bactericides (penicillium, streptomycin, formalin, and hydrogen peroxide) were added to the larval host food to change, or at least modify, the microflora. The results demonstrated that host nutrition may cause changes of up to 4 times normal level in parasite reproduction, and that there are differential responses by parasite adults and parasite larvae to the same hosts.
On predicting chip morphology and phase transformation in hard machining

A finite element model is developed to predict the chip formation and phase transformation in orthogonal machining of hardened AISI 52100 steel (62HRC) using Polycristalline Cubic Boron Nitride (PCBN) tools. The model mainly includes a chip separation criterion based on critical equivalent plastic strain; a Coulomb’s law for the friction at the tool/chip interface; a material constitutive relation of velocity-modified temperature; a thermal analysis incorporating the heat dissipated from inelastic deformation energy and friction; and an annealing effect model, in which the work hardening effect may be lost or re-accumulate depending on material temperature. This fully coupled thermal-mechanical finite element analysis accurately simulates the formation of segmental chips and predicts the phase transformation on the chips, as verified by experiment. It is found that high temperatures around the secondary shear zone causes fast re-austenitization and martensite transformation, while other parts of the chips retain the original tempered martensitic structure.
Fish displaying and infants sucking: The operant side of the social behavior coin

We applaud Domjan et al. for providing an elegant account of Pavlovian feed-forward mechanisms in social behavior that eschews the pitfall of purposivism. However, they seem to imply that they have provided a complete account without provision for operant conditioning. We argue that operant conditioning plays a central role in social behavior, giving examples from fish and infant behavior.
Elongational viscosity of polymer melts: A lubricated skin-core flow approach

Previous work by this research group has shown that the use of a lubricated skin/core flow of polymer melts and a hyperbolic converging die results in an essentially pure elongational flow at a constant elongational strain rate in the core. The previous work was carried out on a laboratory-scale coextrusion system in a planar slit die; tracer particles and an image analysis system were used to confirm the predicted behavior. In this work, the technique was implemented first on the coextruder assembly, as a planar elongational rheometer, and then on a commercial capillary rheometer, as a uniaxial elongational rheometer for polymer melts. The later is achieved by replacing the standard capillary die with a hyperbolic axisymmetric die. A two-laycred billet is prepared for placement in the rheometer barrel by completely encapsulating the core polymer (the polymer to be analyzed) with a low-viscosity polyethylene skin. Commercial grades of polypropylenes, syndiotactic polystyrene, and nylon-66 were analyzed using this technique. Elongational viscosity at high extensional rates can be determined with this method; values in excess of 500 s−1 have already been achieved. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.