cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soft X-ray spectromicroscopy for in situ study of corrosion

Abstract Corrosion of filings from an ASTM Grade 60 steel reinforcing bar was examined in situ using the soft X-ray transmission microscope XM-1, operated by the Center for X-ray Optics and located at the Advanced Light Source at E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Iron distribution maps generated from X-ray images of a steel filing before and after the addition of water show the change in elemental iron distribution in the sample. The decreased presence of iron in the distribution map after the introduction of water indicates the oxidation of iron — the anodic reaction in steel corrosion. These results demonstrate the utility of transmission soft X-ray microscopy for in situ corrosion studies.
Satellite based retrieval of aerosol optical thickness: The effect of sun and satellite geometry

[1] The DOE research satellite instrument, the Multispectral Thermal Imager (MTI), has several spectral bands in the visible and near infrared part of the spectrum that can be used for AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth) retrieval. Small pixel size (5 m × 5 m in the visible and 20 m × 20 m in the infrared) eliminates most sub-pixel size cloud problems. We analyze 18 pairs of images, taken close to nadir and back along the track at a viewing angle around 60°, and compare results of a single view AOD retrieval algorithm with the AERONET measurements. We find that the single view AOD retrieval algorithm is more accurate at smaller scattering angles (at off-nadir view). The root mean square (RMS) error of the MTI AOD single view retrieval in this region is around 0.03 compared to 0.11 for larger scattering angles at near-nadir view.
Bigger is not always better: transmission and fitness burden of ∼1MB Pseudomonas syringae megaplasmid pMPPla107.

Abstract Background Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a widespread process that enables the acquisition of genes and metabolic pathways in single evolutionary steps. Previous reports have described fitness costs of HGT, but have largely focused on the acquisition of relatively small plasmids. We have previously shown that a Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans strain recently acquired a cryptic megaplasmid, pMPPla107. This extrachromosomal element contributes hundreds of new genes to P. syringae and increases total genomic content by approximately 18%. However, this early work did not directly explore transmissibility, stability, or fitness costs associated with acquisition of pMPPla107. Results Here, we show that pMPPla107 is self-transmissible across a variety of diverse pseudomonad strains, on both solid agar and within shaking liquid cultures, with conjugation dependent on a type IV secretion system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest self-transmissible megaplasmid known outside of Sinorhizobium. This megaplasmid can be lost from all novel hosts although the rate of loss depends on medium type and genomic background. However, in contrast, pMPPla107 is faithfully maintained within the original parent strain (Pla107) even under direct negative selection during laboratory assays. These results suggest that Pla107 specific stabilizing mutations have occurred either on this strain’s chromosome or within the megaplasmid. Lastly, we demonstrate that acquisition of pMPPla107 by strains other than Pla107 imparts severe (20%) fitness costs under competitive conditions in vitro. Conclusions We show that pMPPla107 is capable of transmitting and maintaining itself across multiple Pseudomonas species, rendering it one of the largest conjugative elements discovered to date. The relative stability of pMPPla107, coupled with extensive fitness costs, makes it a tractable model system for investigating evolutionary and genetic mechanisms of megaplasmid maintenance and a unique testing ground to explore evolutionary dynamics after HGT of large secondary elements.
PROXIMAL MUSCLE WEAKNESS RESPONDING TO SELENIUM THERAPY: A CASE REPORT

Van Rij reported proximal muscle weakness in a case of selenium (Se) deficiency in New Zealand in 1979. Since then cardiomyopathy, but not proximal muscle weakness, has been reported in the USA. A 33 y.o. white female was on home parenteral nutrition for 4½ years due to a duodenocecostomy secondary to a traumatic jejunoilectomy. During the first year she noted proximal muscle weakness which did not improve over the next 3½ years. She noted weakness with arm lifting and inability to rise from a squatting position. During a study of Se function, glutathione peroxidase levels were found to be profoundly low in plasma and blood cells. Plasma Se level initially was 32.5 ng.ml (nl=60-120). After 3-4 weeks of treatment with Se (400 μg/d IV) as selenous acid, the patient's muscle strength testing markedly improved as the GSHPx activities in plasma, platelets, granulocytes, & mononuclear cells became normal. Red cell GSHPx activity approached normal levels much more slowly, and may not be a sensitive reflection of whole body selenium status.
Conducting cognitive interviews to understand question-response limitations.

Objectives To illustrate how cognitive interviewing techniques can be used to identify question-response problems for poorer and less educated survey respondents and to describe how qualitative analyses of interviews can improve survey questionnaires. Methods A cognitive interviewing project testing a general health questionnaire was administered in southern rural Mississippi. Results Three themes of response difficulty were identified: 1) responding within a survey interaction, 2) making mathematical calculations, and 3) responding within another system of knowledge. Conclusion Understanding how sociocultural factors impact the response process is vital for survey research.
Nerve Regeneration Following Femtosecond Laser Nano-Axotomy

We demonstrate nanoscale surgery with femtosecond lasers in C. elegans, and for the first time, show nerve regeneration in such a tiny organism with morphological and behavioral studies. This technique opens up tremendous research potential.
The Effects of Whole Body Exercise on Choice-Reaction Time Performance

A study which investigates how cognitive performance is affected by simultaneous, physical exercise is reported. Whole body exercise on a bicycle ergometer at four work loads (30, 60, 120 and 180 w...
Sum frequency generation (SFG) – surface vibrational spectroscopy studies of buried interfaces: catalytic reaction intermediates on transition metal crystal surfaces at high reactant pressures; polymer surface structures at the solid–gas and solid–liquid interfaces

SFG spectra of polyethylene and polypropylene show monolayer sensitivity and reveal temperature-dependent changes of surface structure. For polymer blends, the hydrophobic component segregates to the solid–air interface, and the hydrophilic component segregates at the solid–water interface. Changes in SFG spectra of polymer blends as a function of bulk concentration correlate with changes of contact angle. SFG is an excellent probe of surface-structure and surface-composition changes as the polymer interface is altered.
Corneal Epithelium Expresses a Variant of P2X7 Receptor in Health and Disease

Improper wound repair of the corneal epithelium can alter refraction of light resulting in impaired vision. We have shown that ATP is released after injury, activates purinergic receptor signaling pathways and plays a major role in wound closure. In many cells or tissues, ATP activates P2X7 receptors leading to cation fluxes and cytotoxicity. The corneal epithelium is an excellent model to study the expression of both the full-length P2X7 form (defined as the canonical receptor) and its truncated forms. When Ca2+ mobilization is induced by BzATP, a P2X7 agonist, it is attenuated in the presence of extracellular Mg2+ or Zn2+, negligible in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, and inhibited by the competitive P2X7 receptor inhibitor, A438079. BzATP enhanced phosphorylation of ERK. Together these responses indicate the presence of a canonical or full-length P2X7 receptor. In addition BzATP enhanced epithelial cell migration, and transfection with siRNA to the P2X7 receptor reduced cell migration. Furthermore, sustained activation did not induce dye uptake indicating the presence of truncated or variant forms that lack the ability to form large pores. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis revealed a P2X7 splice variant. Western blots identified a full-length and truncated form, and the expression pattern changed as cultures progressed from monolayer to stratified. Cross-linking gels demonstrated the presence of homo- and heterotrimers. We examined epithelium from age matched diabetic and non-diabetic corneas patients and detected a 4-fold increase in P2X7 mRNA from diabetic corneal epithelium compared to non-diabetic controls and an increased trend in expression of P2X7variant mRNA. Taken together, these data indicate that corneal epithelial cells express full-length and truncated forms of P2X7, which ultimately allows P2X7 to function as a multifaceted receptor that can mediate cell proliferation and migration or cell death.
A method for extracting the fish target strength distribution from acoustic echoes

Fisheries biologists using acoustic stock assessment systems need a signal processor that will provide an estimate of the fish target strength density function. The estimated density function can be used by the biologist to determine the fish size distribution within the surveyed population and to Convert the output of an echo integrator into a density estimate. A method for extracting the target strength density function from the acoustic pulses reflected from the fish is described in this paper. The results of a Monte Carlo simulation of the technique are presented.
Plasticity of GABAergic Mechanisms Within the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract in Hypertension

Adaptive changes have long been recognized to occur in the heart and vasculature in response to chronic hypertension. What might be less well-appreciated is the fact that chronically increased blood pressure is also associated with adaptive changes in neurons within the central nervous system (CNS). Changes in the properties of ligand-gated and voltage-gated channels have been described in a variety of neurons in a variety of central nuclei and in a variety of models of hypertension. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in virtually every region in the adult brain. Microinjections of GABA and GABA receptor subtype-selective agonists and antagonists have been performed within various cardiovascular-related regions of the CNS. In every cardiovascular-related region of the CNS tested, activation of GABA receptors alters cardiovascular function. This is likely attributable to the ubiquitous role of GABA within the CNS. GABAergic inhibition can be mediated by activation of receptors located in presynaptic and postsynaptic loci. Two major subtypes of the GABA receptor exist: the GABAA receptor is a pentameric, chloride ionophore that primarily mediates postsynaptic inhibition,1 whereas the GABAB receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor that can induce reductions in calcium conductance to mediate presynaptic inhibition and increases in potassium conductance to mediate postsynaptic inhibition.2 GABAergic inhibition of central neurons can result in pressor or depressor responses depending on the central site being examined. Pressor responses are often assumed to be the result of GABAergic inhibition of neurons that reduce sympathetic discharge. Depending on the specific area being studied, GABA injections into the CNS can also alter vagal cardiac function and levels of vasoactive hormones such as vasopressin and angiotensin, in addition to changes in sympathetic outflow.3,4 In addition to microinjection studies, in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological analyses of functionally identified neurons in cardiovascular-related CNS …
Outbreeding depression in hybrids between spatially separated pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, populations: marine survival, homing ability, and variability in family size

Hybridization between distinct populations and introgression of nonnative genes can erode fitness of native populations through outbreeding depression, either by producing a phenotype intermediate to that of both contributing genomes (and maladapted in either populationi¯s environment) or by disrupting distinct coadapted complexes of epistatic genes. In salmon, fitness-related traits such as homing ability or family-size distribution may be eroded. We investigated geographically separated pink salmon populations in repeated trials in independent broodyears (odd and even). Hybrids were made between female Auke Creek (Southeast Alaska) pink salmon and Pillar Creek (Kodiak Island, ∼1 000 km away) males; hybrids and their offspring were compared to offspring of control crosses of the same females with Auke Creek males. Parentage assignment from microsatellite analysis was used to improve estimates of survival and straying and to examine variation of family size. Hybridization reduced return rates of adults (a proxy for survival at sea) in the F1 generation in the odd-year broodline (p < 0.0001) but not in the even-year broodline (p = 0.678). Hybridization reduced survival in both the odd- and even-broodyear F2 (p < 0.005 and p < 0.0001). Hybridization did not appear to impair homing ability; weekly surveys revealed similar straying rates (∼2%) by both hybrid and control fish into nearby (∼1 km) Waydelich Creek in both generations in both trials. Hybridization did not increase the index of variability (μ2 /μ;) in family size. Decreased survival in the hybrid F2 generation supports an epistatic model of outbreeding depression; nonepistatic effects may have contributed to reduced survival in the odd-broodyear F1 hybrid fish. Outbreeding depression in hybrids of geographically separated populations demonstrates that introgression of nonnative fish can erode fitness, and should be recognized as a potential detriment of both aquaculture and management practices.
The microdetermination of dissolved oxygen in water. I. the nature of the problem

Methods available for the determination of low concentrations (of the order of 0·01 p.p.m.) of dissolved oxygen in water are critically reviewed and methods of assessing their accuracy are discussed. The Winkler method with an amperometric finish for the iodimetric titration is advocated with amendments to avoid errors caused by the presence of interfering substances in the water sample and in the reagents used.
Role of salivary glands and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in gastric secretion and mucosal integrity in rats exposed to stress

EGF, produced mainly by salivary glands, inhibits gastric acid secretion, stimulates the proliferation of gastric mucosal cells and protects the mucosa against various ulcerogens, but its role in the pathogenesis of stress ulcerations is unknown. In this study, rats with intact or resected salivary glands were exposed to water immersion and restraint stress (WRS) without and with pretreatment with exogenous EGF or dimethyl PGE2 (dmPGE2) at doses which were shown previously to protect the mucosa against topical irritants. During 1.5-12 h of WRS, the formation of gastric ulcerations increased progressively with the duration of stress reaching peak after 6 h of stress and being significantly higher in rats with removed salivary glands than in intact animals. Gastric acid secretion and DNA synthesis in oxyntic mucosa declined with the duration of WRS, but after sialoadenectomy a significant increase in gastric acid secretion and a further decline in DNA synthesis were observed after WRS. EGF contents in the gastric lumen and the gastric mucosa were several times higher in rats subjected to stress than in control unstressed animals, indicating that stress causes an extensive release of EGF. Both exogenous EGF (17 nmol/kg/h) and dmPGE2 (143 nmol/kg) prevented, in part, the formation of gastric lesions, while inhibiting gastric acid secretion both in rats with intact or resected salivary glands. We conclude that water immersion and restraint stress is accompanied by an excessive release of EGF, which appears to attenuate gastric secretion, enhances the DNA synthesis and may limit the formation of stress-induced gastric ulcerations.
Infant‐care Behavior of Non‐reproductive Helpers in a Communal‐care Primate, the Cotton‐top Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus)

Infant-care behavior patterns of captive cotton-top tamarins were examined to assess factors defining participation by non-reproductive helpers. The time spent carrying infants and characteristics of infant transfers were examined for 47 helpers in a total of 18 groups. We predicted that age, previous experience, and carrying opportunity would all affect participation of non-reproductive helpers. Our results confirm that carrying by non-reproductive helpers was related to age, with older helpers carrying more often. However, this difference declined with increasing infant age, suggesting that body size of the carrier was not the only factor determining participation in carrying. When observations were classified relative to type of interaction with infants, older juveniles were found to both investigate and harass infants more often than subadults or younger juveniles. There was no effect of gender on carrying. The carrying behavior of subadults was not affected by their previous experience; that is, subadults with no previous exposure to infants carried as often as those with previous experience. Inter-individual variation among helpers was high; within 11 twin litters of helpers, one animal usually carried significantly more than the other.
Determinants of adult influenza and pneumonia immunization rates.

Objectives To determine national adult immunization rates for influenza and pneumonia and assess the effect of various predisposing factors on immunization status for both diseases. Design Retrospective, cross-sectional, random national sample data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Data extraction and analysis were conducted using SPSS and STATA, with adjustments made for weighted data. Participants Individuals aged 65years and older and individuals aged 50 to 64years (for influenza only). Results Immunization rates in the 65 and older age group were 66.7% for influenza and 53.8% for pneumonia; immunization rate for influenza in the 50 to 64 age group was 35.6%. Predisposing factors such as race (white) and education (high school and above) positively influenced immunization status. Enabling factors such as income, health insurance, and physician visits and need-related factors such as health status and comorbidities exhibited a strong relationship with influenza and pneumonia vaccination status in both study populations. Health care coverage (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76 for influenza and OR=1.66 for pneumonia in the 65years and older group; OR=1.80 for influenza in the 50 to 64years age group) and physician visit in the last year (OR = 2.00 for influenza and OR=1.87 for pneumonia for 65years and older group; OR=1.86 for influenza in the 50 to 64years age group) were strong positive predictors of vaccination status. Individuals with comorbidities and those who perceived their health as being poor had high vaccination rates. Conclusion Understanding the positive and negative influences on adult immunization status will allow pharmacists to better identify and target prospective recipients of immunization services.
Discontinuous dynamical systems

This article has presented an introductory tutorial on discontinuous dynamical systems. Various examples illustrate the pertinence of the continuity and Lipschitzness properties that guarantee the existence and uniqueness of classical solutions to ordinary differential equations. The lack of these properties in examples drawn from various disciplines motivates the need for more general notions than the classical one. First, we introduced notions of solution for discontinuous systems. Second, we reviewed the available tools from non- smooth analysis to study the gradient information of candidate Lyapunov functions. And, third, we presented nonsmooth stability tools to characterize the asymptotic behavior of solutions.
Effects of cross-links on motor-mediated filament organization

Cross-links and molecular motors play an important role in the organization of cytoskeletal filament networks. Here, we incorporate the effect of cross-links into our model of polar motor-filament organization (Aranson and Tsimring 2005 Phys. Rev. E 71 050901), through suppressing the relative sliding of filaments in the course of motor-mediated alignment. We show that this modification leads to a nontrivial macroscopic behavior, namely the oriented state exhibits a transverse instability in contrast to the isotropic instability that occurs without cross-links. This transverse instability leads to the formation of dense extended bundles of oriented filaments, similar to the recently observed structures in actomyosin. This model can be also applied to situations with two oppositely directed motor species or motors with different processing speeds.
mHealth for dual diagnosis: considering long-term implementation.

Over the last decade, we have witnessed impressive leaps in the penetration and technological sophistication of wireless technologies such as cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, and an array of ...
INPUT, NEGOTIATION, AND AGE DIFFERENCES IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION1

This paper examines input and negotiation in child and adolescent second language acquisition. Two hypotheses are tested: first that adult native speakers provide more simplified input to younger learners than to older learners; and second. that older learners use more conversational negotiation devices and techniques than younger learners. To test these hypotheses fourteen Spanish speakers oust beginning to acquire English). seven children and seven adolescents were paired with fourteen adult native English speakers in such a way that fourteen conversational dyads were formed lo provide baseline data an additional fourteen native English speakers were matched with each other. Each dyad was asked to participate in a block-building task Conversations during these tasks were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed. The analysis provides evidence which is consistent with the two research hypotheses presented above.
Mechanisms of Yin Yang 1 in oncogenesis: The importance of indirect effects

Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that performs numerous functions including transcriptional regulation, cell growth control, apoptosis, large-scale chromosomal dynamics, and X-chromosome inactivation. YY1 clearly is able to control cell functions, including proliferation, by acting as a transcription factor either to activate or repress specific genes. Based on its ability to regulate cell growth control genes, it has been argued that YY1 can function as an oncogene that initiates oncogenesis. Although this is an attractive hypothesis, no reports indicate that YY1 can acutely transform cells in culture or form tumors within animals when overexpressed. Thus, it remains unclear whether YY1 is a "classic" oncogene. However, YY1 controls many diverse cell functions, and these functions may provide clues to its role in oncogenesis. We propose that in many cases YY1 may function in oncogenesis and disease progression through "indirect" effects by virtue of its role in either recruiting Polycomb group proteins to DNA, regulating mutator protein accumulation, controlling large-scale chromosomal dynamics or genomic integrity. Disruption of these functions may causally initiate cancer or may contribute to disease progression. Targeting YY1 functions provides possible avenues for clinical intervention.
Symmetries in non-perturbative 2-d quantum gravity

Based on the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) hierarchy formulation of non-perturbative 2-d quantum gravity, we investigate the symmetries of the system. Particularly, it is shown that the recently found Virasoro constraints are due to the non-isospectral symmetries of KdV hierarchy, which can be interpreted as SL(2, C) invariance and the independence of the moduli of the auxiliary infinite genus hyperelliptic Riemann surfaces which appear in the Krichever construction of soliton solutions.
Effect of thermal radiation on the laminar free convection from a heated vertical plate

An analytical attempt is made to understand the non-equilibrium interaction between thermal radiation and laminar free convection in terms of a heated vertical plate in a stagnant radiating gas. The effect of radiation is taken into account in the integral formulation of the problem as a one-dimensional heat flux, evaluated by including the absorption in thin gas approximation and the wall effect in thick gas approximation. The local Nusselt numbers thus obtained help to interpret the gas domains from transparent to opaque and from cold to hot. The present thick gas model approximates the radiant flux as qR = −16σ3α1−1 −ϵw2exp (− 32αy)T3∂T∂y whose limit for large α and small but non-zero y is the Rosseland gas, qRRs = − (16σ3α) T3(∂T∂y), and that for y = 0 and large but finite α is qRw = − αw(8σ3α) T3w(∂T∂y)w.
Protein-based matrix interferences in ligand-binding assays

An adequate bioanalytical support for a typical biotherapeutic requires a number of assays, including those to measure drug concentration and to assess induction of specific immune responses. Ligand-binding assays are the most commonly used platform in bioanalysis of biotherapeutics. Ligand-binding assays are frequently designed to detect appropriate analytes in complex biological matrices with limited or no sample pretreatment steps. The complex composition of the test matrix is highly diverse and varies from normal to disease populations. Additional post-treatment changes are often observed, including induction of antidrug antibodies. Due to potential interaction of biological matrix components, for example, rheumatoid factors, heterophilic antibodies and human anti-animal antibodies, with the test analyte or assay reagents, ligand-binding assays are often subjected to various degrees of matrix interferences that lead to an erroneous under- or over-reporting of the analyte concentration. Impact of various matrix components and practical means designed to mitigate interferences are discussed in this Review.
Alterations of d-amphetamine sulfate lethality and body temperature in mice during acute altitude exposure.

Abstract Hyperthermia has been implicated as a contributing factor in the toxicity of amphetamine in aggregated mice. Acute exposure of mice to simulated altitude (ALT), an environmental stress which lowers body temperature, also increases amphetamine lethality. Thermal responses to amphetamine were obtained at ALT to determine whether elevated body temperatures would be similarly related to the lethal effects of this drug. Accordingly, rectal temperatures (Tr) after ip administration of d -amphetamine SO 4 were monitored continally for 4 hours in isolated mice at sea level (SL) and an ALT of 19,000 feet. At SL, all doses of amphetamine resulted in hyperthermia; lethality occurred only with 75, 100, and 125 mg/kg, with no fatalities at 10, 25, 40, and 60 mg/kg. At ALT, Tr of control mice were reduced 5°C within 1 hour. Increased lethality with amphetamine at ALT was apparent between 25 and 75 mg/kg, while hypothermia was present at all dose levels although not as marked as the controls. Hypothermia at ALT was least evident with 10 mg/kg (2.5°C in 1 hour), a dose which had minimal effects on lethality. It would appear, therefore, that the hyperthermic effects of amphetamine were not associated with the increased lethality at altitude.
Effects of additional double bonds on some olefinic moth sex attractants

Some diolefinic analogs of the moth sex attractant compound (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate were synthesized and field tested for ability to substitute for the monoolefin in sex pheromone mixtures. Target insects were the great dartEurois occulta, the dark-sided cutworm mothEuxoa messoria, and the clover cutworm mothScotogramma trifolii. In all cases theZ11,E14 analog was very attractive,Z11,15 less so. The analogsE6,Z11,E8,Z11, andZ11,E13 all showed little or no substitutive ability. The syntheses are described, and the significance of the field data is discussed.
Bilingual Therapeutics: Integrating the Complementary Perspectives and Practices of Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Informed by the practice of code-switching or style-switching in linguistics, “bilingual therapeutics” is proposed as the complementary integration of two evidence-based practices in psychotherapy: motivational interviewing (MI) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Unique features of MI and DBT are presented, current research of each practice is reviewed, and their similarities and distinctions are discussed. It is proposed that fluency in both “languages” of MI and DBT may usher in a new therapeutic perspective to enhance client case conceptualization, illuminate subtleties of the therapeutic process, and foster more intentional and deliberate practitioners. Specifically, MI and DBT code-switching may help recruit and retain clients in formal treatment (e.g.,”speaking” MI more prominently to prepare clients for 12-month standard DBT) and promote consultation among therapists. The complementary integration of MI and DBT also suggests the emergence of a linguistic “third space,” including “spirit as synthesis” and “improvisational dance.”
Modification of papillomavirus E2 proteins by the small ubiquitin-like modifier family members (SUMOs)

Papillomavirus E2 proteins are critical regulatory proteins that function in replication, genome segregation, and viral transcription, including control of expression of the viral oncogenes, E6 and E7. Sumoylation is a post-translational modification that has been shown to target and modulate the function of many transcription factors, and we now demonstrate that E2 proteins are sumoylated. Both bovine and human papillomavirus E2 proteins bind to the SUMO conjugation enzyme, Ubc9, and using in vitro and E. coli sumoylation systems, these E2 proteins were readily modified by SUMO proteins. In vivo experiments further confirmed that E2 can be sumoylated by SUMO1, SUMO2, or SUMO3. Mapping studies identified lysine 292 as the principal residue for covalent conjugation of SUMO to HPV16 E2, and a lysine 292 to arginine mutant showed defects for both transcriptional activation and repression. The expression levels, intracellular localization, and the DNA-binding activity of HPV16 E2 were unchanged by this K292R mutation, suggesting that the transcriptional defect reflects a functional contribution by sumoylation at this residue. This study provides evidence that sumoylation has a role in the regulation of papillomavirus E2, and identifies a new mechanism for the modulation of E2 function at the post-translational level.
Absorption and Metabolism of Ruelene by Arthropods

The absorption and metabolism of P32-labeled Ruelene® ( O -4- tert -butyl-2-chlorophenyl O -methyl methylphosphoramidate) was studied in 16 species of arthropods. The house fly, Musca domestica L.; stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.); yellow meal-worm, Tenebrio molitor L.; and American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.), absorbed greater than 80% of the topically applied dose by 24 hours after treatment, whereas the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman; Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum and brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille), absorbed less than 2.5% of the applied dose. In general, adult Diptera degraded Ruelene more completely than Lepidoptera larvae, adult Coleoptera, or adult Hemiptera. Most of the radioactivity in the acetone extract of insects had the same Rf as Ruelene. The metabolism of Ruelene by insects and ticks was less complex than in mammals. Selectivity was probably a function of absorption and detoxification rates in naturally tolerant and in susceptible arthropod species.
Ultra trace level mercury in the Everglades ecosystem, a multi-media canal pilot study

The Florida Everglades ecosystem is composed of the largest deposit (9600 km2) of near neutral peat in the world extending south of Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. The federal Central and South Florida Flood Control Project (C&SF) has sectioned the historic Everglades with a system of canals and levees to control water for urban and agricultural development, resulting in pronounced hydrologic modifications to the natural system. As a part of a comprehensive ecological risk assessment of mercury (Hg) contamination in the Everglades ecosystem, a pilot study of canals was initiated in September 1993 to determine the extent and magnitude of total (HgT) and methylmercury (MeHg) in water, sediment and fish. A probability-based random sampling grid was used to obtain consistent estimates of Hg contamination over this large geographic area. Two hundred canal sampling locations were selected as probability samples by associating grid points on the sampling frame with specific canal sections for independent sampling cycles. Of this number 50 locations were randomly selected for sampling in this pilot study. The selected canal points were sampled from north to south during a six day period. Cumulative distributions with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and used to determine a canal system median concentration for selected water, sediment and fish constituents. The percent exceedance of each median, by hydrologic subarea, was determined to demonstrate the existence and direction of spatial gradients in the system. North to south (high to low) gradients were apparent for total phosphorus (TP), sulfate (SO4), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), conductance, HgT and MeHg in water. However, the gradients were reversed from south to north for HgT in sediments and fish (Gambusia sp). The greatest Hg concentrations in Gambusia sp). occurred in the same canals where largemouth bass had previously been found to be most contaminated.
Aspirin enhances the sensitivity of human platelet 12-lipoxygenase to inhibition by 15-HETE, an endogenous regulator.

Abstract Human platelets metabolize arachidonic acid via cyclooxygenase (E.C. 1.14.99.1) to thromboxane A 2 and the 12-lipoxygenase to 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE). Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase while the neutrophil product 15-Hydroxyeieosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) is a selective inhibitor of platelet 12-lipoxygenase. The unexpected observation was made that the platelet 12-lipoxygenase of individuals who had ingested aspirin showed up to a twenty-fold increase in sensitivity to inhibition by 15-HETE. This observation was confirmed in platelets treated with aspirin in vitro . Aspirin pretreatment consistently resulted in a decrease in the I 50 for 15-HETE from an average of 21.5 μM to only 5.2 ± 1.5 μM, indicating a probable interaction between the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways.
The NN interaction in a quark model with quark-antiquark excitations

Quark-antiquark excitations inherent in the quark-gluon interaction have been incorporated into a quark model of the nucleon to study the effects of such excitations on the NN interaction within the framework of the resonating group method. The three-quark (3q) components of a single nucleon are augmented by (3q)(qq) excitations with the 24 possible spin, isospin, color combinations for the energetically lowest p-wave relative motion function. Quark exchange kernels are then calculated for the two-nucleon system described by these improved nucleon internal functions; and these exchange kernels are converted to phase-shift-equivalent effective NN potentials by the Wigner-transfo~ WKB technique. The off-shell qq pair-creation terms are derived from the one-gluon exchange diagrams in the Breit approximation in analogy with the derivation of the qq and qq potentials. The parameters of the interaction are chosen to be consistent with the experimental A-N mass difference, the nucleon-vector-meson coupling constants, and the nucleon magnetic moments. Within these constraints, the predicted amplitudes of the (3q)(qq) components of the nucleon internal functions have been shown to be insensitive to the precise values of the model parameters. In particular, they pass the crucial test of being insensitive to very large changes in the magnitude of the confinement potential constant which is a necessary ingredient of the model. The qij excitations lead to the following effects in the S-wave NN potentials: (i) The repulsive core heights of the simple 3q-3q model are greatly reduced but retain their strong essentially linear energy dependence, with numerical values very similar to those of the short-range phenomenological terms of the Paris potential. (ii) The effective potentials have acquired an attractive part in the 0.8-1.5 fm range. However, this attraction is too weak to bind the deuteron or fit the extreme low-energy S-wave phase shifts.
A variance algorithm for constrained minimization with linear constraints

Abstract This paper presents a quadratically convergent, rank one, variance algorithm for constrained minimization with linear constraints. The algorithm does not require a linear search for a local minimum in every iteration. Linear searches are made only when needed for stability and convergence.
Mutants in the S. cerevisiae PKC1 gene display a cell cycle-specific osmotic stability defect.

The PKC1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a homologue of the Ca(2+)-dependent isozymes of mammalian protein kinase C (Levin, D.cE., F. O. Fields, R. Kunisawa, J. M. Bishop, and J. Thorner. 1990. Cell. 62:213-224). Cells depleted of the PKC1 gene product display a uniform phenotype, a behavior indicating a defect in the cell division cycle (cdc). These cells arrest division after DNA replication, but before mitosis. Unlike most cdc mutants, which continue to grow in the absence of cell division, PKC1-depleted cells arrest growth with small buds. We created conditional alleles of PKC1 to explore the nature of this unusual cdc defect. In contrast to PKC1-depleted cells, all of the conditional pkc1 mutants isolated were suppressed by the addition of CaCl2 to the medium, suggesting that the mutant enzymes could be activated by Ca2+. Arrest of growth and cell division in the conditional mutants was accompanied by cessation of protein synthesis, rapid loss of viability, and release of cellular material into the medium, suggesting cell lysis. This conclusion was supported by the observation that a pkc1 deletion mutant was capable of proliferation in osmotically stabilized medium, but underwent rapid cell lysis when shifted to hypo-osmotic medium. We have incorporated these observations into a model to explain the cdc-specific arrest of pkc1 mutants.
Hypervitaminosis A Inducing Intra-hepatic Cholestasis—A Rare Case Report

The use of over-the-counter supplements is commonplace in today's health conscious society. We present an unusual case of intrahepatic cholestasis caused by vitamin A intoxication. The patient consumed one Herbalife shake with two multivitamin tablets of the same brand for 12 years. When calculated this equated to more than the recommended daily allowance for vitamin A consumption. Deranged liver function tests were consistent with a cholestatic process. Liver biopsy was obtained and revealed features pathognomonic of vitamin A toxicity, without the usual fibrosis. When the supplements were ceased, his jaundice and alkaline phosphatase completely normalized. This case highlights the importance of health care providers documenting non-prescribed dietary supplements and considering them in the etiology of cholestatic liver disease.
An intelligent differencing GPS algorithm and method for remote sensing

The idea behind differencing GPS (DIGPS), is not where in the world you are that matters, it is where you are with respect to a reference point; this is a variation of differential GPS (DGPS). With DGPS the user is more concerned with where they are in the world with respect to a latitude, longitude and height and they must be within a standard distance of DGPS base station. DIGPS uses two GPS receivers, like DGPS, and a system integration manager. The idea is for the user to know where they are in relationship to a reference GPS receiver set up by the user and navigate with respect to that reference receiver. With both GPS receivers seeing the same signal errors, and if the user is moving, using the Doppler method can be used for determining position and velocity. The inaccuracies normally associated with civilian GPS are nullified and the user is not tied to an area where they must be in range of a standard DGPS base station. This could be important tool in the area of remote sensing where sub-cm accuracy is needed with respect to a reference point. This paper examines an intelligent DIGPS system using neural networks and expert systems in conjunction with utilizing the Doppler effect of the carrier wave to build a system that quickly and accurately determines a moving user's position and speed in relation to a reference point.
Comparison of the results of determination of the carbonate system and the total alkalinity of seawater according to the data obtained by using different analytic methods

On the basis of the data of hydrochemical investigations of waters of the Sevastopol Bay, we discuss the results of the analysis of the carbonate system and the total alkalinity of seawater obtained by using two methods. By using the linear method of least squares, we compare the results of the analysis of the carbonate system according to pH values and the total alkalinity and according to pH values and dissolved inorganic carbon. It is shown that, within the investigated range of pH values, Alk, and TCO 2 , the mean relative deviations of values of the fugacity of CO2 and the concentrations of dissolved CO 2 and CO 3 2ions computed by using different input parameters are equal to 3.0, 1.0, and 9.6%, respectively.
Performance of a synchronous ALE system on several short range HF links

This paper details the design, simulation, implementation, and on-air testing of a prototype synchronous ALE system which has been developed at Harris Corporation. This ALE system utilizes extremely robust burst serial tone waveforms to perform all channel linking, frequency evaluation, and link termination functions. The prototype system has been used as a test-bed to both measure the robustness of the waveforms and to explore a number of different linking techniques. A number of linking techniques have been examined including a single channel 3-way link set up (LSU) as well as a number of different multi-channel techniques. The multi-channel techniques include calling on the next available frequency, calling on a specified frequency, calling on the best frequency (with implied channel sounding) and calling on the first frequency to provide a specified level of performance. The paper begins with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of synchronous ALE systems or networks. This is followed by an explanation on the methods utilized to generate the presented results, both software simulation and on-air testing. Next is a discussion of the burst serial tone waveform utilized by the prototype system, including simulated performance. This is followed by the presentation of a simple single frequency link-set-up (LSU) technique. Simulated and on-air performance data is presented for this technique. Next, the operation of the synchronous, multi-channel ALE system is presented, along with some on-air performance data. The paper concludes with a summation of the results.
Quality of Life with CNS Metastasis

Quality of life (QOL) is a concept that involves an individual’s general sense of well-being and satisfaction, and may include concerns regarding physical ability and comfort, mental health and sense of autonomy, and social situation (including relationship and economic factors). Given the generally poor prognosis and survival for persons with central nervous system (CNS) metastases, addressing concerns about and enhancing QOL for patients is vital, particularly as many patients report poor quality of life prior to engaging in treatment for the metastases. This chapter addresses important topics related to QOL for such patients, including common difficulties encountered in assessment of QOL, instruments used to ­evaluate QOL, predictors of better perceived quality of life (e.g., disease ­parameters, treatment, and psychological factors), and interventions to support QOL in ­individuals with CNS metastasis.
Adipose tissue as an endocrine organ: implications of its distribution on free fatty acid metabolism

Free fatty acids (FFAs) are the main circulating lipid fuel in the post-absorptive state. Elevated plasma FFA concentrations are associated with increased endogenous glucose production rates and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, whereas long-term exposure of pancreatic β-cells to elevated FFA impairs insulin secretion, with a consequently increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A range of adverse changes occur in the vascular endothelium in response to elevation of plasma FFA concentrations that are similar to key early steps in atherogenesis. These include reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and increased expression of adhesion molecules. We have found that the majority of systemic plasma FFAs originate from upper-body subcutaneous fat, with lesser contributions from leg fat and intra-abdominal adipocytes, even in persons with abdominal obesity. However, systemic FFA concentrations correlate positively with visceral fat, so that FFA release from visceral depots appears to serve as a marker of systemic insulin resistance. In addition, the secretion of a range of bioactive substances from intra-abdominal adipocytes (adipokines) is disturbed, with potentially deleterious consequences for metabolism and overall cardiometabolic risk. Interventions that reduce circulating FFA, either due to or independently of weight loss, are likely to improve insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, and cardiovascular risk. Weight loss in overweight or obese patients would have the additional benefit of reducing intra-abdominal adiposity and tending to correct the pathologically altered adipokine secretion associated with abdominal obesity.
Biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease: past, present and future

Epidemiological and molecular studies suggest that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has multiple etiologies including genetic mutations, genetic variations affecting susceptibility and environmental factors. These aspects can promote the formation and accumulation of insoluble amyloid-β and hyperphosphorylated tau. Since the disease is multifactorial and clinical diagnosis is highly exclusive, the need for a sensitive, specific and reliable biomarker is crucial. The concept of a biomarker implies sensitivity and specificity relative to the condition being considered. For clinical practice, AD diagnosis has been based on adherence to clinical criteria such as the NINCDS/ADRDA and DSM-IV. A more recent set of diagnostic criteria proposed incorporates imaging findings into the diagnosis of AD. In this article, we consider the most studied candidates or group of candidates for AD biomarkers, including pathological processes and proteins (amyloid-β, tau, oxidative stress, mitochondrial/metabolic changes and cell-cycle...