cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micronuclear and Macronuclear Forms of β‐Tubulin Genes in the Ciliate Chilodonella uncinata Reveal Insights into Genome Processing and Protein Evolution

Chilodonella uncinata, like all ciliates, contains two distinct nuclei in every cell: a germline micronucleus and a somatic macronucleus. During development of the macronucleus from a zygotic nucleus, the genome is processed in several ways, including elimination of internal sequences. In this study, we analyze micronuclear and macronuclear copies of b-tubulin in C. uncinata and find at least four divergent paralogs of b-tubulin in the macronucleus. We characterize the micronuclear version of one paralog and compare its internally eliminated sequences (IESs) with previously described IESs in this species. These comparisons reveal the presence of a con- served sequence motif within IESs. In addition, we compare the sequences of b-tubulin from C. uncinata with other ciliates and to other alveolates in order to test the hypothesis that the mode of molecular evolution in ciliates obscures phylogenetic signal in protein-coding genes. We find that heterogeneous rates of substitution in b-tubulin across ciliates result in unstable genealogies that are inconsistent with phylogenies based on small subunit rDNA genes and on ultrastructure. We discuss the implications of our findings for genome processing and protein evolution in ciliates. ILIATES are microbial eukaryotes defined by the presence of two types of nuclei in every cell. The germline micronucleus is essentially transcriptionally inactive, whereas the macronuclear genome is transcriptionally active during vegetative growth. Both types of nuclei develop from zygotic nuclei following conjuga- tion. During development of the macronucleus, chromosomes are fragmented and amplified, and internal sequences are eliminated (reviewed in Jahn and Klobutcher 2002; Katz 2001; McGrath, Zufall, and Katz 2006; Prescott 1994; Yao, Duharcourt, and Chalker 2002). In some ciliates, genome fragmentation results in small chromosomes that often carry a single gene. Such exten- sive fragmentation is found in three classes of ciliates, Phyllo- pharyngea (including Chilodonella uncinata, the focus of this study), Armophorea, and Spirotrichea (Klobutcher and Herrick 1997; Prescott 1994; Riley and Katz 2001), and has arisen inde- pendently at least twice within ciliates (Katz 2001; Riley and Katz 2001).
Trichostatin A blocks TGF-β-induced collagen gene expression in skin fibroblasts: Involvement of Sp1

Transforming growth factor- beta (TGF-beta) stimulates Type I collagen synthesis by fibroblasts and is implicated in tissue fibrosis. Here, we demonstrate that histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA) suppresses the TGF-beta-induced Type I collagen synthesis but not induced PAI-1 synthesis suggesting the influence of TSA is gene specific. Results further reveal that there is no significant alteration in Smad activation and function in presence of TSA suggesting suppression of TGF-beta-induced collagen synthesis is not due to impaired Smad signaling. TGF-beta induces the levels of Sp1, an essential transcription factor of Smad-dependent stimulation of collagen synthesis. However, in presence of TSA, TGF-beta fails to induce Sp1 levels, its interaction with Smad complex and Sp1 binding site in COL1A2 promoter. Furthermore, overexpressed Sp1 reverses the TSA-mediated inhibition of TGF-beta-induced collagen gene expression. Collectively, these results suggest that TSA-mediated suppression of Smad-dependent TGF-beta-induced collagen synthesis is due to suppression of Sp1 activity in skin fibroblasts.
The Law of the Sea Convention: International obligations and stewardship responsibilities of coastal nations

Abstract This paper deals with the values to be enhanced by the stewardship responsibilities placed upon coastal States by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It first asks whether these values are the proper ones for ocean management, whether they are sufficient in scope, and whether the terms of the treaty are adequate to protect such values. The term ‘value’ has been used in its broadest sense. In addition to the obvious objective of enhancement of world peace and public order, the paper examines the following desirable objectives: (1) facilitation of international communication; (2) promotion of peaceful uses of the seas and the oceans; (3) the equitable and efficient uses of ocean resources; and (4) the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the value of ocean management as a model for international enhancement of commonly shared values.
In vitro conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone in human term placenta and fetal membranes before and after onset of labor

To determine the role of placental progesterone in the onset of labor, tissue progesterone concentrations and in vitro conversion of tritiated pregnenolone to progesterone were examined in the placentas, chorion, and amnion of 12 term pregnancies delivered by cesarean section with or without labor and vaginal delivery. In all instances, the placenta had significantly higher progesterone concentrations than the chorion or amnion. Progesterone concentrations in the chorion were significantly lower after the onset of labor than before. The placenta and chorion but not the amnion converted pregnenolone to progesterone; the placenta had a significantly greater conversion rate than the chorion in all instances. Placental conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone increased significantly after labor to reach a maximum with vaginal delivery. Chorionic conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone was significantly increased after vaginal delivery but was similar after cesarean section with or without labor. The reduced tissue progesterone in the chorion, together with enhanced placental and chorionic production of progesterone from its precursor, pregnenolone, suggest that rapid metabolism and increased binding of progesterone locally in the placenta and membranes may lead to the local withdrawal or decline of progesterone and onset of labor.
Ethics in Biomaterials Research

There have been rapid advances in biomaterials research in the past few decades, which have influenced almost all areas of medicine and dentistry. Many ethical concerns related to the use of biomaterials fabricated from artificial substances including metals, polymers, and ceramics have been raised in the past. Most of these include safety and potential harmful effects on the human body. The development of biomaterials that incorporate biological materials such as cells with more traditional, non-biological materials will likely mean that new ethical questions will arise. With significant advances in molecular and cell biology and nanotechnology, the need for safe and effective therapies will also create unique ethical situations in the future. The use of animals in biomedical research has generated opposition from animal rights groups, which has created new challenges to scientists and researchers that warrant further actions. Responsible research by biomaterial scientists in the future will necessitate the incorporation of many new rules and regulations to the existing code of ethics. These will be necessary if new-age materials from emerging areas of science and technology are going to be morally and ethically acceptable to the scientific community and to society.
Using evolution strategies and simulation to optimize a pull production system

Abstract Evolution strategies (ES) has proven to be a robust search technique for solving deterministic problems. An ES conducts its search by processing a population of solutions for an optimization problem based on principles from evolution. This paper describes the use of ES integrated with a simulation model, which includes stochastic processes of a manufacturing system, to solve the kanban sizing problem. The ES search heuristic determines the minimum number of kanbans and corresponding production trigger values required to meet demand. The procedure is illustrated with an applied problem from a leading appliance manufacturer consisting of 39 decision variables. Insights are provided on the effect of the population size (number of parents and offspring) on the fitness of the solutions. The solutions found by the ES search heuristic are compared to solutions obtained from using the Toyota kanban sizing equation. Results indicate that the ES search heuristic provides good solutions for large kanban sizing problems.
Phase II study of mitomycin-C, vincristine, and bleomycin in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Utilizing the stathmokinetic principle of timed vincristine and bleomycin, we combined these two agents with Mitomycin-C. The dose schedule included vincristine 0.5 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.) geginning on day 1 and repeated twice weekly for 12 weeks; each injection was followed in 6-12 hours by bleomycin 6 mg/m2 for 12 weeks. Mitomycin-C was administered as a 20 mg/m2 bolus beginning on day 2 and repeated at 6-week intervals. Thirty patients were entered into this study, 27 were fully available for response. Thirteen patients (48%) met criteria of response (greater than 50% reduction in volume of measurable tumor). Significant myelosuppression resulted from this therapy. Median leukopenia nadir was 3.8 X 10(3) cells/mm3 and median thrombocytopenia nadir was 116 X 10(3) cells/mm3. Additional toxic reactions included anemia, lassitude, anorexia, peripheral neuropath fever, and skin rash. Despite significant, but manageable, toxicity, this combination appears to represent an improvement in the chemotherapy of a traditionaly refractory solid tumor.
Eating Disorders: A Means for Seeking Approval?

Abstract This study explored the predictive relationship of specific eating disorder symptomology including drive for thinness, bulimia, body dissatisfaction, ineffectiveness, perfectionism, interpersonal distrust, low interoceptive awareness, and maturity fears with the need for approval. A total of 495 college students completed an 84-item questionnaire phus demographic information. The questionnaire consisted of the Revised Martin-Larsen Approval Motivation Scale (MLAM) and the Eating Disorder Inventory. Results indicated that scores on various Eating Disorder subscales had significant predictive effects on approval-motivation. Gender differences were also found to exist across the variables examined. Females were found to have a significant relationship to approval motivation in the area of bulimia and males showed a significant relationship in the areas of interpersonal distrust and perfectionism.
Tunable dielectrophoresis for sheathless 3D focusing

We report on a novel tunable insulator-based dielectrophoresis (TiDEP) for three-dimensional, sheathless, single-stream cell and bacteria focusing. For the first time, objects as small as sub-micron sized bacteria are continuously focused in the center of a channel without sheath flows. TiDEP is realized by sandwiching a 3D microfluidic channel with high aspect ratio sidewalls between two conductive, featureless indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates. The tunable electric field pattern is realized by deforming the channel's sidewalls to change its cross-sectional geometry. Compared to prior DEP works, this new TiDEP can provide a long DEP interaction distance to focus small objects into a single stream in the center of a channel in high-speed flows.
High School Extracurricular Activities: Closed Structures and Stratifying Patterns of Participation

Abstract Much existing research documents the benefits gained by students when they participate in high school extracurricular activities (Camp, 1990; Eidsmore, 1964; Haensly, Lupkowski, & Edlind, 1986; Holland & Andre, 1987; McNeal, 1995; Yarworth & Gauthier, 1978). However, we know little about the patterns of participation (i.e., who is more likely to participate in which activities?). A finding in this research was that extracurricular activities are not equitably participated in by various subgroups of the high school population. To some degree, members of various racial and ethnic minority groups have greater likelihood(s) of participating in all types of extracurricular activities studied (athletics, cheerleading, fine arts, academic organizations, newspaper/yearbook, student government/service organizations, and vocational activities). Girls have an increased likelihood of participating in all the activities except athletics, which are dominated by boys. Finally, evidence also supports the hypothe...
Clinical Utility and Safety of a Protocol for Noncardiac and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Patients With Permanent Pacemakers and Implantable-Cardioverter Defibrillators at 1.5 Tesla

Background— Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important diagnostic modality currently unavailable for millions of patients because of the presence of implantable cardiac devices. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic utility and safety of noncardiac and cardiac MRI at 1.5T using a protocol that incorporates device selection and programming and limits the estimated specific absorption rate of MRI sequences. Methods and Results— Patients with no imaging alternative and with devices shown to be MRI safe by in vitro phantom and in vivo animal testing were enrolled. Of 55 patients who underwent 68 MRI studies, 31 had a pacemaker, and 24 had an implantable defibrillator. Pacing mode was changed to “asynchronous” for pacemaker-dependent patients and to “demand” for others. Magnet response and tachyarrhythmia functions were disabled. Blood pressure, ECG, oximetry, and symptoms were monitored. Efforts were made to limit the system-estimated whole-body average specific absorption rate to 2.0 W/kg (successful in...
Proteomic analysis of the murine liver in response to a combined exposure to psychological stress and 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental carcinogens implicated to underlie development of several types of cancers. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes play key roles in the conversion of PAHs to highly potent carcinogens, namely diol epoxides. 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), a PAH, is highly carcinogenic, where in mouse models it is known to be responsible for initiating tumor formation in many organs including mammary tissues, ovaries, and skin. Psychological stress, via release of biochemical mediators, can greatly impact carcinogenesis. The present investigation examined the hypothesis that psychological stress modulates metabolism and carcinogenicity of DMBA through alteration of key drug metabolizing enzyme abundance levels in the liver utilizing mass spectrometry-based proteomics. To test this hypothesis, four groups of mice were treated as follows: nonstressed, stressed, nonstressed/DMBA-exposed, and stressed/DMBA-exposed, where the stressor was a well-accepted model of restrain...
The interaction between neuroticism and gender influences the perceived availability of social support

This study examined the degree to which neuroticism and gender interact to influence the perceived availability of social support. Three-hundred and sixty-six participants completed measures assessing perceived social support and personality. Correlation and hierarchical regression analyses showed that these two dimensions interacted to predict perceived support. That is, at low levels of neuroticism, females, relative to males, reported greater overall support, and greater appraisal support. However, as neuroticism levels increased, measures of perceived social support converged for females and males, such that at the highest levels of neuroticism, there were no gender differences in general perceived social support or appraisal support. These findings may help to address some of the inconsistencies that have been reported in the literature concerning the relationship between neuroticism and perceived availability of social support.
ARLOSS: a FORTRAN program for modeling the effects of initial 40 Ar losses on 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dating

Abstract A computer program is presented to model the effects of initial 40 Ar losses on 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age spectra. The model assumes steady-state argon diffusion in minerals for both radiogenic 40 Ar loss in geological heating events and laboratory degassing of 40 Ar or 39 Ar during 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age measurements. The program incorporates three widely used mineral geometries, namely sphere, cylinder, and plate, in order to model initial 40 Ar loss in various potassium-bearing minerals. The program also provides the choice of grain-size or domain distribution of a mineral interested. So far, uniform grain size, user-defined grain-size distribution, normal (Gaussian), and lognormal distribution may be used to account for grain-size variations or domain distribution of minerals actually used in routine 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dating practices, The results given from the modeling may be 40 Ar concentration distribution within uniform mineral grains and synthesized 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ratio or age spectra. The program provides the isotope geochemist with an easy way to estimate the relation between an initial radiogenic 40 Ar loss of a mineral and its corresponding 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age spectra.
Combining image processing and modeling to generate traces of beta-strands from cryo-EM density images of beta-barrels

Electron cryo-microscopy (Cryo-EM) technique produces 3-dimensional (3D) density images of proteins. When resolution of the images is not high enough to resolve the molecular details, it is challenging for image processing methods to enhance the molecular features. β-barrel is a particular structure feature that is formed by multiple β-strands in a barrel shape. There is no existing method to derive β-strands from the 3D image of a β-barrel at medium resolutions. We propose a new method, StrandRoller, to generate a small set of possible β-traces from the density images at medium resolutions of 5–10A. StrandRoller has been tested using eleven β-barrel images simulated to 10A resolution and one image isolated from the experimentally derived cryo-EM density image at 6.7A resolution. StrandRoller was able to detect 81.84% of the β-strands with an overall 1.5A 2-way distance between the detected and the observed β-traces, if the best of fifteen detections is considered. Our results suggest that it is possible to derive a small set of possible β-traces from the β-barrel cryo-EM image at medium resolutions even when no separation of the β-strands is visible in the images.
Bottom Stress in Wind-Driven Depth-Averaged Coastal Flows

Abstract The relationship between depth-averaged velocity and bottom stress for purely wind-driven flows in unstratified coastal waters is examined using a one-dimensional (vertically resolving) current model. Results indicate that conventional drag laws employed in depth-averaged coastal circulation models may produce large directional errors in bottom stress estimated. A drag tensor is suggested as an alternative to conventional drag coefficient formulations. The drag tensor allows for variation in direction between depth-averaged velocity and bottom stress. Two physically relevant cases are studied in order to quantify drag tensor variation as a function of water depth, wind stress and bottom roughness. The drag tensor allows for phenomena excluded by drag coefficient formulations. Results indicate that the drag tensor is a simple and physically pleasing alternative to dray coefficients.
Understanding and Managing the Risks to Health and Environment from Global Atmospheric Change: A Synthesis

The global atmosphere is changing. Anthropogenic activities are increasing the concentrations of greenhouse gases and releasing synthetic compounds that deplete stratospheric ozone and increase UV-B radiation. Changes of temperature in the Northern Hemisphere during the past century strongly suggest that we are now in a period of rapid global warming relative to the past millennium. Increased concentrations of greenhouse gases are absorbing outgoing infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere, warming the troposphere and cooling the lower stratosphere. Research is beginning to indicate that losses of stratospheric ozone and increases of greenhouse gases are interdependent. Increased greenhouse gases have been implicated in the observed strengthening of stratospheric wind vortices around both poles, in turn setting the stage for further depletion of ozone and increases in UV-B radiation. Although the uncertainties are still large enough to make it difficult to assess health and ecological risks, decisions m...
Quality initiatives and the power of the database: where we stand

Many efforts to improve the quality of care focus on information drawn from databases. Such information can be very useful; however, the acquisition and analysis of data must be undertaken with caution. Six issues related to quality of care and the acquisition and analysis of data that pose problems for thoracic surgeons are the limitations and dangers of the right to know, the inadequacy of current databases, outcomes analysis and whether they help or hurt us, increased scrutiny of our practices, practice guidelines and the standards of care, and credentialing. To maximize the benefits of databases, physicians must participate in the process of data acquisition and analysis and the formulation of practice guidelines. Speaking out against the misuse of incomplete or inaccurate data and supporting Society initiatives that address these concerns will help us as we strive to maintain a strong physician-patient relationship and to deliver optimal care to our patients.
Kinetics of the activation of skeletal muscle phosphorylase a by AMP and inorganic phosphate

Abstract Although the activation of phosphorylase by AMP was discovered more than 20 years ago by Cori and Cori, 1936 , Cori and Cori, 1937 , the mechanism of action of AMP has remained largely unexplored until recently ( Helmreich and Cori (1964) , Lowry, et. al. (1964) , Madsen (1964) ). While studying the kinetics of the activation of phosphorylase a , we have found that in the absence of AMP the reaction does not follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics when inorganic phosphate (Pi) is the variable substrate. In the presence of AMP, however, it does. We report in this paper some preliminary results concerning this phenomenon.
Crack arrest and stress dependence of laser-induced surface damage in fused-silica and borosilicate glass

Results of experiments on stress-inhibited laser-driven crack growth and stress-delayed laser-damage initiation thresholds in fused silica, borosilicate glass (BK-7), and cleaved bulk silica are presented. A numerical model is developed to explain the crack arrest in fused silica. Good agreement is obtained between the model and a finite-element code. The crack arrest is demonstrated to be the result of the breaking of a hoop-stress symmetry that is responsible for crack propagation in fused silica.
Simulation of Thermal Effects in Stationary and Sliding Electrical Contacts

Sliding electrical contacts are subject to surface damage and wear, which can be enhanced by the heating at the interface arising from electrical contact resistance. For example, in electromagnetic launcher (EML) technology, thermally assisted wear processes can result in unacceptable levels of material loss at the armature-rail interface. The control of the interface tribology in sliding electrical contacts requires an understanding of the Joule heating in the vicinity of the interface. In the current study, a multiphysics numerical simulation is conducted of transient heat conduction in both a stationary and a sliding electrical contact. The interface under investigation consists of a flat-ended aluminum cylindrical pin sliding against an aluminum rail. Electrical contact resistance is modeled by introducing a thin layer of high resistivity between the pin and the rail. Results show that shortly after sliding has commenced, (1) the maximum temperature rise occurs in the bulk of the pin rather than at the interface, (2) the bulk of the Joule heat goes into the rail, and (3) that sliding can have a significant effect on the temperature field, even when the speed is quite low.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Natural History of Rotator Cuff Disease and Implications on Management

Degenerative rotator cuff disease is commonly associated with ageing and is often asymptomatic. The factors related to tear progression and pain development are just now being defined through longitudinal natural history studies. Most studies that follow conservatively treated painful cuff tears or asymptomatic tears that are monitored at regular intervals show slow progression of tear enlargement and muscle degeneration over time. These studies have highlighted greater risks for disease progression for certain variables, such as the presence of a full-thickness tear and involvement of the anterior aspect supraspinatus tendon. Coupling the knowledge of the natural history of degenerative cuff tear progression with variables associated with greater likelihood of successful tendon healing following surgery will allow better refinement of surgical indications for rotator cuff disease. In addition, natural history studies may better define the risks of nonoperative treatment over time. This article reviews pertinent literature regarding degenerative rotator cuff disease with emphasis on variables important to defining appropriate initial treatments and refining surgical indications.
K-EMISSION SPECTRUM OF METALLIC LITHIUM

The emission spectrum of an evaporated lithium target has been investigated in the spectral region extending from 60 to 600 A. The intensity distribution of the characteristic $K$ emission band has been determined photometrically. Some features of the distribution $\frac{I(E)}{{\ensuremath{\nu}}^{2}}$ are as follows: the band has a maximum at 54.02 ev (229.50 A); the distribution drops to one-half of its maximum value on the high-energy side at 54.58 ev; and the decay in intensity from the peak to the high-energy limit of the band occurs in an energy interval of 1.18 ev. In agreement with the results of earlier investigators, the band does not show a sharp high-energy cutoff. A second band, similar in shape and having a maximum at 82.83 ev, has been observed and is presently identified as a $K$ satellite.
Synthesis and characterization of improved chloride-sensitive fluorescent indicators for biological applications.

Abstract A class of N-substituted quinoline compounds has been introduced recently for the fluorescence measurement of Cl concentration in biological preparations. The most Cl-sensitive compound was 6-methoxy-N-[3-sulfopropyl] quinolinium with peak excitation and emission wavelengths of 350 and 442 nm and a stern-Volmer constant for quenching by Cl of 118 m −1. Six water-soluble quinoline derivatives were synthesized and characterized for the purposes of increasing Cl sensitivity, adding ester functions for cell trapping, and red-shifting the fluorescence peak wavelengths. Acetic acid ester functions were added at the N-, 2-, and 6-positions of the quinoline ring. The best ester compound, N-(6-methoxyquinolyl)acetoethyl ester (MQAE), was water soluble (270 g/liter at 23°C; octanol:H2O partition coefficient of 0.009), had a high Cl sensitivity (Stern-Volmer constant 200 m −1), peak excitation and emission wavelengths of 355 and 460 nm, a fluorescence lifetime of 21.6 ns, and a molar absorbance of 4850 m −1 cm−1 (320 nm). MQAE fluorescence was not altered by the physiological anions HCO3, SO4, and PO4, by cations, or by pH. MQAE was used to measure chloride transport in liposome membranes and in cultured LLC-PK1 cells in monolayer; MQAE leaked out of cells
Identifying regulatory mechanisms using individual variation reveals key role for chromatin modification

Sequence polymorphisms affect gene expression by perturbing the complex network of regulatory interactions. We propose a probabilistic method, called Geronemo, which directly aims to identify the mechanism by which genetic changes perturb the regulatory network. Geronemo automatically constructs a set of coregulated genes (modules), whose regulation can involve both sequence variations and expression of regulators. By exploiting the modularity of genetic regulatory systems, Geronemo reveals regulatory relationships that are indiscernible when genes are considered in isolation, allowing the recovery of intricate combinatorial regulation. By incorporating both expression and genotype of regulators, Geronemo captures cases where the effect of sequence variation on its targets is indirect. We applied Geronemo to a data set from the progeny generated by a cross between laboratory BY4716 (BY) and wild RM11-1a (RM) isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Geronemo produced previously undescribed hypotheses regarding genetic perturbations in the yeast regulatory network, including transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, and chromatin modification. In particular, we find a large number of modules that have both chromosomal characteristics and are regulated by chromatin modification proteins. Indeed, a large fraction of the variance in the expression can be explained by a small number of markers associated with chromatin modifiers. Additional analysis reveals positive selection for sequence evolution of elements in the Swi/Snf chromatin remodeling complex. Overall, our results suggest that a significant part of individual expression variation in yeast arises from evolution of a small number of chromatin structure modifiers.
A sensitive and precise isotopic assay of ATPase activity.

Abstract A manual ATPase assay which measures the release of 32Pi from [γ-32P]ATP is described. Sodium dodecyl sulfate is used to terminate the enzyme reaction and extraction of the phophomolybdate complex into xylene: isobutanol is used to separate 32Pi from [γ-32P]ATP for quantitation by scintillation counting. The three-step assay is rapid (75–90 samples/h) and minimizes hydrolysis of ATP due to exposure to acidie conditions. The extraction procedure separates 10−15 to 10−7 mol of 32Pi from aqueous solution with an efficiency of 100,7 ± 0.62%. Less than 1% of unhydrolyzed [γ-32P]ATP is extracted. Extraction efficiency is not affected by protein or salts commonly present in enzyme incubation mixtures. Results obtained with this assay are precise, with an intraassay coefficient of variation of 0.6% and an interassay coefficient of variation of 1.8%. The results are comparable to results obtained with a spectrophotometric assay, with a correlation coefficient of 0,996, though assay performance and sensitivity are greatly improved with the isotopic assay.
Athletic foot and ankle injuries

It is my extreme pleasure to introduce this issue of the Clinics in Sports Medicine. I invited my friend, mentor, and esteemed colleague Dr. Shep Hurwitz to serve as the Guest Editor for this issue, and, true to form, he exceeded my lofty expectations. As difficult (and sometimes distasteful) as it may be for some of us, foot and ankle injuries are very common in athletes. In fact, ankle sprains are the most common injury in sports. Although most of them get better, some do not— which is why we need to read and understand this issue. Dr. Hurwitz has put together an impressive group of experts to discuss ankle sprains, subtalar injuries, tendinopathies, overuse injuries, plantar fasciitis, orthotics, arthroscopy, and a whole host of other sports-related foot and ankle problems. These are interesting and sometimes controversial topics, but here is the latest scoop—I am proud to ‘‘kick off’’ this issue of the Clinics in Sports Medicine.
α-Synuclein is a pathological link and therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injury

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects more than 1% of population over 65 and it is characterized by gradual loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and wide spread accumulation of α-synuclein. Collectively 30% of familial and 3–5% of sporadic form of PD are associated with genetic mutation. Compelling evidence implicates that in addition to inherited factors, acquired co-morbidities contribute to PD pathology. Here, we hypothesize that traumatic brain injury (TBI) exacerbates nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration by modulating PD-associated genes including α-synuclein, DJ-1, LRRK2, among others. Thus this article will present speculative arguments of a genetic component contributing to this TBI and PD pathological overlap.
SU-E-T-338: Ultrastable PRNA 3WJ Nanoparticles as Potential I-125 and C-131 Carriers for Targeted Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To study the feasibility of using the pRNA 3WJ nanoparticles to carry I-125 or Cs-131 to target and treat cancer. As the first step, we investigated the stabilities of pRNA 3WJ nanoparticles that are essential for cancer targeting and treatment in this study. Methods: The thermodynamic stability of assembled RNA 3WJ nanoparticles was studied using the TGGE system. The nanoparticles were irradiated with I-125 or Cs-131 radioactive sources that were immersed in the RNA nanoparticle/DNA structure sample liquid contained in a small vial. The irradiation of the RNA samples was performed for different time periods and doses. The purpose was to distinguish the effects of radiation on DNA and RNA structures. Unradiated samples were used as control. Results: RNA nanoparticles were formed by mixing three pieces of oligos, 3WJa, 3WJb, and 3WJc at 1:1:1 molar ratio. Figure 4 demonstrates that 2′-F modified 3WJ nanoparticles remained stable at temperatures as high as 66.8 ± 2°C, and exhibited melting temperatures of 71 ± 2°C. The radiation stability test was performed with I- 125 and Cs-131 irradiation. Several DNA structures including plasmids were included as control. The first test introduced I-125 and a low dose of 1 Gy to both RNA andmore » DNA samples, but no change was observed. When the dose was increased to 30 Gy, DNA was damaged while RNA remained unchanged. Three tests were also conducted with Cs-131 with 7 Gy, 21 Gy, 30 Gy, and 89 Gy, and the results were similar to those with I-125. Conclusion: pRNA 3WJ nanoparticles are able to form efficiently by onepot self-assembly. They remained stable at high temperatures and high therapeutic doses over a long time. These unique features suggest that RNA 3WJ nanoparticles have the potential to be used for targeted radiation therapy for cancer treatment.« less
Supersymmetry anomalies and some aspects of renormalization

Hiroshi ITOYAMA Physics Department, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA V.P. NAIR and Hai-cang REN Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA Received 1 May 1985 We show how the 5e-matrix elements avoid the problem of supersymmetry breaking by the gauge fixing and ghost terms for renormalization in the Wess-Zumino gauge. Possible origins of supersymmetry anomalies are discussed. Gauge and gravitational anomalies induce a supersym- metry anomaly which has two distinct terms, one of which is gauge invariant. We give the expression for the noninvariant term for 2n-dimensional spacetime and for the invariant part in four dimensions. This anomaly, although cohomologically nontrivial, is still consistent with the result that in superspace no supersymmetry anomaly is generated.
Adaptive clustering based on local neighborhood interactions

We propose a clustering algorithm that dynamically inserts and relocates cluster units based only on their interaction with neighboring clusters and data points. This leads to update and allocation procedures for centers locations based on local data distributions. These local data distributions can be uncovered by examining neighboring clusters or local interconnections between center locations. The consequence of only adapting nearest centers to a newly inserted cluster unit is a significant reduction in the necessary computational power for finding the center distribution that reduces the global distortion error. The proposed algorithm inserts new cluster units based on local distortion errors and utility measures, and uses a local LBG routine to integrate the new unit. Experiments have shown that it is not necessary to let the LBG routine converge in order to achieve integration of the new unit; the number of necessary iterations is instead determined by the center distribution in the neighborhood of new units. The algorithm thus offers a considerable speedup compared to conventional clustering algorithms that take the entire data set into account when inserting or relocating cluster units.
Sediment-transporting flows in headwater streams

The equilibrium alluvial stream channel has a geometry that allows it to pass the water and sediment supplied from the watershed. At the same time, the equilibrium alluvial channel is built and maintained by the flows and sediment delivered to it. A prerequisite for understanding the creation of the equilibrium channel is an understanding of the sediment conveyance and competence of the flows the channel receives. This study describes the bed-load transport regime as it is linked to hydrology and geomorphology in 23 headwater gravel-bed streams in snowmelt-dominated parts of central and northern Idaho. At sites, drainage areas range from 1.29 to 381 km 2 , stream gradients range from 0.0042 to 0.0747, and median bed surface particle sizes range from 4 to 207 mm. Stream architecture includes riffle-pool, planar, and step-pool beds. The bed load is much finer than the surface and subsurface material, suggesting selective transport of the finer sizes. Nonetheless, the majority of the load is sand at all flow discharges. Progressively coarser sediment was collected as flow discharge increased, and painted rock experiments documented the transport of coarser particles at higher discharges. The supply of sediment to the streams appears limited, as indicated by observed clockwise hysteresis in bed-load transport rates during each spring snowmelt and by the coarse surface armor observed at sites. Flows above bankfull discharge move 37% of the bed load, whereas flows between mean annual discharge and bankfull move 57% of the bed load. The bed-load effective discharge has a recurrence interval that averages 1.4 yr and the magnitude of effective discharge averages 80% of bankfull discharge. The recurrence interval of bankfull discharge averages 2.0 yr. The ratio of effective discharge to bankfull discharge is independent of basin size, grain size, and gradient, although the ratio increases with the relative magnitude of large infrequent events.
Structural Microfoundations of Innovation: The Role of Relational Stars

Conceptualizing new knowledge development as a process of search and recombination, we suggest that a focus on individual productivity alone presents an undersocialized view of human capital. Rather, we emphasize the importance of embedded relationships by individuals to effectively perform knowledge-generating activities. We rely on intraorganizational knowledge networks emerging through individual collaboration to identify actors who can positively influence their organization’s knowledge outcomes. We study two types of such relational stars: integrators (outliers in centrality) and connectors (outliers in bridging behavior). We test our ideas using the patenting portfolios of 106 pharmaceutical firms from 1974 to 1998 predicting the effect of relational stars on their firm’s quantity and quality of inventive output—proxies for the firm’s capacity to develop more and better new knowledge stocks. We find that the presence of relational stars results in firm-level knowledge advantages not only through the...
An iterative algorithm for the computation of the MVDR filter

Statistical conditional optimization criteria lead to the development of an iterative algorithm that starts from the matched filter (or constraint vector) and generates a sequence of filters that converges to the minimum-variance-distortionless-response (MVDR) solution for any positive definite input autocorrelation matrix. Computationally, the algorithm is a simple, noninvasive, recursive procedure that avoids any form of explicit autocorrelation matrix inversion, decomposition, or diagonalization. Theoretical analysis reveals basic properties of the algorithm and establishes formal convergence. When the input autocorrelation matrix is replaced by a conventional sample-average (positive definite) estimate, the algorithm effectively generates a sequence of MVDR filter estimators; the bias converges rapidly to zero and the covariance trace rises slowly and asymptotically to the covariance trace of the familiar sample-matrix-inversion (SMI) estimator. In fact, formal convergence of the estimator sequence to the SMI estimate is established. However, for short data records, it is the early, nonasymptotic elements of the generated sequence of estimators that offer favorable bias covariance balance and are seen to outperform in mean-square estimation error, constraint-LMS, RLS-type, orthogonal multistage decomposition, as well as plain and diagonally loaded SMI estimates. An illustrative interference suppression example is followed throughout this presentation.
Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes due to Heteroallelic Nonsense/Missense Mutations in the Acetylcholine Receptor ε Subunit Gene: Identification and Functional Characterization of Six New Mutations

We describe and functionally characterize six mutations of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) e subunit gene in three congenital myasthenic syndrome patients. Endplate studies demonstrated severe endplate AChR deficiency, dispersed endplate regions and well preserved junctional folds in all three patients. Electrophysiologic studies were consistent with expression of the fetal γ-AChR at the endplates in one patient, prolongation of some channel events in another and γ-AChR expression as well as some shorter than normal channel events in still another. Genetic analysis revealed two recessive and heteroallelic e subunit gene mutations in each patient. One mutation in each (eC190T [eR64X], e127ins5 and e553del7) generates a nonsense codon that predicts truncation of the e subunit in its N-terminal, extracellular domain; and one mutation in each generates a missense codon (eR147L, eP245L and eR311W). None of the mutations was detected in 100 controls. Expression studies in HEK cells indicate that the three nonsense mutations are null mutations and that surface expression of AChRs harboring the missense mutations is significantly reduced. Kinetic analysis of AChRs harboring the missense mutations show that eR147L is kinetically benign, eP245L prolongs burst open duration 2-fold by slowing the rate of channel closing and eR311W shortens burst duration 2-fold by slowing the rate of channel opening and speeding the rate of ACh dissociation. The modest changes in activation kinetics are probably overshadowed by reduced expression of the missense mutations. The consequences of the endplate AChR deficiency are mitigated by persistent expression of γ-AChR, changes in the release of transmitter quanta and appearance of multiple endplate regions on the muscle fiber.
An analysis of fault partitioning algorithms for fault partitioned ATPG

Generation of test vectors for the VLSI devices used in contemporary digital systems is becoming much more difficult as these devices increase in size and complexity. Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG) techniques are commonly used to generate these tests. Since ATPG is an NP complete problem with complexity exponential to circuit size, the application of parallel processing techniques to accelerate the process of generating test vectors is an promising area of research. The simplest approach to parallelization of the test generation process is to simply divide the processing of the fault list across multiple processors. Each individual processor then performs the normal rest generation process on its own portion of the fault list, typically without interaction with the other processors. The major drawback of this technique, called fault partitioning, is that the processors perform redundant work generating test vectors for faults covered by vectors generated on another processor. This problem has been solved with the introduction of dynamic load balancing and detected fault broadcasting. Previous research has indicated that algorithmic fault partitioning moderately improves the performance of fault partitioned ATPG without detected fault broadcasting by reducing redundant work. However algorithmic fault partitioning can add significant preprocessing time to the ATPG process. This paper presents results that show that algorithmic partitioning is unnecessary prior to fault partitioned parallel ATPG using detected fault broadcasting and dynamic load balancing. Considering preprocessing time, random fault partitioning is shown to be the most efficient technique for partitioning faults prior to fault partitioned ATPG.
What a Difference 2 Nucleotides Make: A Short Review of ABO Genetics

ABO is the most important blood group system for transfusion and solid organ transplantation, but it is only over the past 15 years that the techniques for studying its molecular basis became mainstream. Many of its common and rare alleles are now well characterized and by using various expression systems, their effects on the resulting glycosyltransferases are being appreciated. As progress has been made in genetics and glycobiology, so too do reagents used to routinely type red blood cells in the clinical laboratory evolve. Monoclonal reagents are now widely used. This has created difficulties in nomenclature to describe subtype phenotypes as the names of some of these uncommon phenotypes were based on the red blood cell agglutination pattern using polyclonal reagents. In this brief review a discussion of the wild-type ABO allele and the enzymes it encodes is followed by a description of a selection of unusual and fascinating alleles—some that encode enzymes that create both A and B antigens and others that result from hybridization events. A short section on the techniques of ABO allele investigation describes some of the current methodologies used in both research and clinical laboratories.
Exploring the Complex Relations between Achievement Emotions and Self-Regulated Learning Behaviors in Online Learning.

Abstract Online learning continues to grow, but there is limited empirical research on the personal factors that influence success in online contexts. This investigation addresses this research gap by exploring the relations between several discrete achievement-related emotions (boredom, frustration, and enjoyment) and self-regulated learning behaviors (elaboration and metacognition) in an online course. Results from a survey of 302 undergraduates participating in an online course indicated that enjoyment, a positive activating emotion, was a positive predictor of elaboration and metacognition. Moreover, consistent with previous findings from a similar sample, frustration, a negative activating emotion, emerged as a positive predictor of metacognition. Implications for the theory, research, and practice of online learning are discussed, as are theoretical implications for understanding students' achievement emotions and self-regulated learning behaviors.
Hexane Fraction of American Ginseng Suppresses Colitis and Colon Cancer—Letter

Studies by Poudyal and colleagues ([1][1]) reported that a hexane solvent fraction of American ginseng (AG) suppressed mouse colitis and associated colon cancer in a dextran sulfate sodium mouse model, posed via anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic mechanisms. Because these authors were unaware of our