cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Domain-specific recruitment of amide amino acids for protein synthesis

The formation of aminoacyl-transfer RNA is a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy of protein synthesis. Despite the central importance of this process in all living organisms, it remains unknown how archaea and some bacteria synthesize Asn-tRNA and Gln-tRNA. These amide aminoacyl-tRNAs can be formed by the direct acylation of tRNA, catalysed by asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase, respectively. A separate, indirect pathway involves the formation of mis-acylated Asp-tRNAAsn or Glu-tRNAGln, and the subsequent amidation of these amino acids while they are bound to tRNA, which is catalysed by amidotransferases1,2. Here we show that all archaea possess an archaea-specific heterodimeric amidotransferase (encoded by gatD and gatE) for Gln-tRNA formation. However, Asn-tRNA synthesis in archaea is divergent: some archaea use asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase, whereas others use a heterotrimeric amidotransferase (encoded by the gatA, gatB and gatC genes). Because bacteria primarily use transamidation3, and the eukaryal cytoplasm uses glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase, it appears that the three domains use different mechanisms for Gln-tRNA synthesis; as such, this is the only known step in protein synthesis where all three domains have diverged. Closer inspection of the two amidotransferases reveals that each of them recruited a metabolic enzyme to aid its function; this provides direct evidence for a relationship between amino-acid metabolism and protein biosynthesis.
Convergence of the calculation of the innovation process

The calculation of the innovation process plays a significant role in the solution of the nonlinear filtering problem. Convergence of an approximate calculation of the innovation process is proved, and then illustrated. >
Transient reduction of metabolic rate by food restriction

It is widely held that restriction of food intake leads to a decrease in metabolic rate, and this effect has been implicated as the mechanism by which food restriction retards aging in laboratory r...
Measurement of diffuse ventricular fibrosis with myocardial T1 in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with cardiac fibrosis, which can now be measured noninvasively using T1-mapping with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). This study aimed to assess the impact of AF on ventricular T1 at the time of CMRI.
Accurate and simple time domain model of interconnects modeled as transmission line networks

In this paper, we present a new time domain model of interconnects modeled as transmission line networks. Each element of the characteristics of a transmission line is modeled by a principal part and a remainder. The principal part consists of an impulse and an exponential function, whose Laplace transform matches the original function at infinity frequency with order 1 and at zero frequency with order 0. The remainder consists of a cubic polynomial for a single line and a piecewise cubic polynomial for coupled lines. The model is stable, accurate, simple and efficient to use.
A fast accurate method for midterm transient stability simulation of voltage collapse in power systems

The effects that are modeled in recently developed midterm stability programs are described. A tool that can screen large numbers of contingencies and operative condition changes to determine which need more careful study by full midterm stability simulation has been developed. The screening tool, which covers all of the effects modeled by the program, provides a series of snapshots of the effects of various controls over time. The snapshots are obtained by appropriately modifying the input data to a conventional Newton-Raphson load flow. The modeling performed and the modifications of a conventional load flow to provide each snapshot are discussed. >
Scholarly publishing in the Internet age: a citation analysis of computer science literature

Abstract The Web is revolutionizing the entire scholarly communication process and changing the way that researchers exchange information. In this paper, we analyze two views of information production and use in computer-related research based on citation analysis of PDF and Postcript formatted publications on the Web using autonomous citation indexing (ACI), and a parallel citation analysis of the journal literature indexed by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) in SCISEARCH. Our goal is to establish a baseline profile of computer science “literature” as it appears in the published journals and as it appears on the publicly available Web. From this starting point, we hope to identify additional research areas dealing with information dissemination and citation practices in computer science and the utility of autonomous citation indexing on the Web as an adjunct to commercial indexing
Multiple perceptions of children's aggression: Differences across neighborhood, age, gender, and perceiver

We investigated how overtly aggressive behavior was differentially perceived by two types of perceivers, teachers and peers, as a function of student neighborhood, gender, and grade level. Participants (N= 765) were predominantly African American students in grades 3-5 recruited from two urban public schools in southern California. The neighborhoods surrounding the two schools differed in levels of identified violent crime and economic levels. Teachers in the community experiencing more violence perceived student behavior to be relatively less aggressive and more similar across genders than did teachers in the less violent community. Peers in the community experiencing more violent crime perceived both boys and girls to be somewhat aggressive, whereas in the less violent community, boys were perceived as aggressive more so than were girls. In general, agreement between teacher and peer perceptions was stronger for boys than for girls. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Poly(benzobisthiazole) with a Substituted Biphenyl Moiety in the Main Chain

Poly(benzobisthiazole)s containing an ortho-tetrasubstituted biphenyl moiety were synthesized via the polymerization of 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzenedithiol dihydrochloride with 2,2‘-dinitro-6,6‘-dimethylbiphenyl-4,4‘-dicarboxylic acid. Sulfolane was used as a cosolvent with poly(phosphoric acid) (PPA), owing to the insolubility of the ortho-tetrasubstituted biphenyl monomer in PPA. The intrinsic viscosities of the poly(benzobisthiazole)s in methanesulfonic acid at 30 °C were in the range of 0.5−2.3 dL/g. Copolymerizations of 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzenedithiol dihydrochloride with terephthalic acid and 2,2‘-dinitro-6,6‘-dimethylbiphenyl-4,4‘-dicarboxylic acid were carried out as well by varying the ratio of the two dicarboxylic acid monomers in the reaction mixture. Intrinsic viscosities of up to 9.93 dL/g were achieved for the copolymers. Thermal stability of the copolymers was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The stability for the copolymers was found to decrease with increased amount of the substit...
Alterations of Glucocorticoid Actions by Other Drugs and Disease States

Glucocorticoids are used in physiological and pharmacological amounts in the management of a variety of clinical conditions. Concomitant utilisation of other drugs or the presence of some diseases may affect the physiological action of the steroid in the tissues. Phenytoin, phenobarbitone, ephedrine and rifampicin accelerate the metabolism of glucocorticoids thereby decreasing their biological activity. A similar phenomenon occurs in patients with hyperthyroidism. In contrast, glucocorticoid action is enhanced in hypothyroid patients and in those with hepatic damage as the result of a defect in the clearance of the hormone from blood. In turn, glucocorticoids antagonise the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors and ganglion blocking agents. The above mentioned effects should be kept in mind whenever glucocorticoids are utilised in the diagnosis and management of endocrine or non-endocrine conditions.
Effect of Caffeine on UVB‐induced Carcinogenesis, Apoptosis, and the Elimination of UVB‐induced Patches of p53 Mutant Epidermal Cells in SKH‐1 Mice†

Oral administration of green tea or caffeine to SKH-1 mice during UVB irradiation for several months inhibited the formation of skin cancer. Similar effects were observed when green tea or caffeine was given to tumor-free UVB-initiated mice with a high risk of developing skin tumors in the absence of further UVB irradiation (high risk mice). Mechanistic studies indicated that topical application of caffeine stimulated UVB-induced apoptosis as well as apoptosis in UVB-induced focal hyperplasia and tumors in tumor-bearing mice. Oral or topical administration of caffeine enhanced the removal of patches of epidermal cells with a mutant form of p53 protein that appeared early during the course of UVB-induced carcinogenesis, and oral administration of caffeine altered the profile of p53 mutations in the patches. In additional studies, topical application of caffeine was shown to have a sunscreen effect, and topical application of caffeine sodium benzoate was more active than caffeine as a sunscreen and for stimulating UVB-induced apoptosis. Caffeine sodium benzoate was also highly active in inhibiting carcinogenesis in UVB-pretreated high risk mice. Our studies indicate that caffeine and caffeine sodium benzoate may be useful as novel inhibitors of sunlight-induced skin cancer.
Genetic homogeneity between childhood-onset and adult-onset autosomal recessive spinal muscular atrophy

Molecular diagnosis of childhood proximal spinal muscular atrophy has been enhanced by the discovery of the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene, which is absent or truncated in 98.6% of patients. To determine whether deletion analysis of the SMN gene may also be diagnostic for adult-onset disease, we studied six patients and found deletions in all. This finding will facilitate the diagnosis of adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy, and provides evidence for genetic homogeneity between the clinically diverse adult and childhood forms of the disease.
Analysis of expression and function of topoisomerase I and II during meiosis in male mice.

Topoisomerases are nuclear enzymes that remove torsional stress in DNA. Their function is important for replication, transcription, chromosome condensation, and chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. The goal of this work is to analyze both expression and function of topoisomerases during the meiotic stages of mammalian spermatogenesis. The patterns of expression of topoisomerase I and topoisomerase IIα genes were followed on Northern blots of RNA from testes of mice of different ages and from specific germ cell populations. The transcript of the topoisomerase I gene was highest in somatic cells of the testis and in the mitotically proliferating spermatogonia and meiotic prophase spermatocytes, with the level of transcript decreasing dramatically in postmeiotic spermatids. In contrast, the levels of topoisomerase IIα transcript were negligible in germcell free testes and highest in late meiotic prophase cells and round spermatids. Enzyme activity for both topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II was detected in both pachytene spermatocytes and in round spermatids; topoisomerase II exhibited a higher level of activity in meiotic spermatocytes than in round spermatids. In cultured cells, camptothecin, an inhibitor of topoisomerase I, caused some abnormalities of paired meiotic homologs, but did not inhibit the transition to metaphase. In contrast, teniposide and ICRF-193, inhibitors of topoisomerase II, dramatically inhibited the formation of metaphase chromosomes in cells induced to progress from prophase to metaphase. However, the disassembly of the synaptonemal complex was not inhibited, indicating that this process could be uncoupled from condensation of chromatin to form chromosomes. These studies constitute evidence for a functional requirement for topoisomerase II activity in the transition from meiotic prophase to meiotic metaphase I in mammalian spermatocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 46:489–498, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Clinical Presentation and Therapy of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

SUMMARYThe idiopathic inflammatory myopathies [IIM] are a group of systemic immune-mediated disorders characterized by chronic muscle weakness and inflammation. The most common forms are polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis; however, dividing the IIM into serologic groups is also useful for assessing and managing these syndromes. Although pathogeneses are unknown, evidence suggests that these acquired diseases result from environmental exposures in genetically susceptible individuals.Clinical presentations are quite diverse and range from slowly progressive nearly asymptomatic syndromes to acute life-threatening disorders. Signs and symptoms vary widely and often change over the course of the illness. Common signs and symptoms include: fatigue, muscle pain and atrophy, arthralgia and arthritis, rashes of many types, shortness of breath, dysphagia, edema, Raynaud's phenomenon, subcutaneous nodules and calcifications, dysphonia, fever, gastrointestinal pain, and weight loss.Therapy has...
Mountain Torques in the Global Angular Momentum Balance.

Abstract Based on recently published mean maps, the torques upon the atmosphere owing to pressure differences between the west and east faces of mountain ranges are computed for the whole earth, for four midseason months. Considering the year as a whole, mountain torques are eastward in high and low latitudes, and westward in middle latitudes. Individual mountain complexes have mixed effects; the greatest drain of momentum is by the relatively low mountains of eastern Siberia while the average effect of the Himalayas is small. The momentum drain by the Andes is greatest in summer, while in winter their influence is overcome by the eastward torque of Africa. Seasonal variations are greatest near latitudes 15°, where in the winter of each hemisphere there is an eastward pressure torque that reverses to westward in summer. Relative to frictional torques, mountain torques are greatest in middle northern latitudes in April and July, when they approach the same magnitude.
Toward a new ultraviolet diode laser: luminescence and p-n junctions in ZnO films

In order to develop electroluminescent and laser devices based on the ultraviolet exciton emission of ZnO, it will be important to fabricate good p-n junctions. As-grown ZnO is normally of n-type because of oxygen vacancies and zinc interstitials acting as donors. Making p-type ZnO has been more difficult, believed due to self-compensation by intrinsic defects such as the donors Vo and Zni, or possibly by hydrogen as an unintentional extrinsic donor. In this work, we demonstrate that reactively sputtered, vacuum- annealed ZnO films can be changed from n-type to moderate p- type by adjusting the oxygen/argon ratio in the sputtering plasma. We report the properties of p-n homojunctions fabricated in this way and characterize transport in the films by Hall measurements. Ohmic contacts were formed by deposition of Au/Al. Our finding of p-type conductivity in apparently intrinsic ZnO formed by reactive sputtering is not inconsistent with calculated defect formation enthalpies if account is taken of the higher chemical potential of the atomic (ionic) oxygen reservoir represented by the sputter plasma, compared to the molecular oxygen reservoir assumed in the calculation of formation enthalpies. Photoluminescence of the sputtered and annealed films is characterized mainly by the 3.27 eV exciton peak at room temperature.
A novel asymmetric synthesis of cis-3-hydroxy-4-aryl azetidin-2-ones

Abstract Optically pure 3-keto-4-aryl azetidin-2-ones were prepared in high yield via the Staudinger reaction of an oxazolidone substituted ketene. Subsequent reduction with sodium borohydride quantitatively provided chiral cis -3-hydroxy-4-aryl azetidin-2-ones.
The Surgical Approach to Multifocal Renal Cancers: Hereditary Syndromes, Ipsilateral Multifocality, and Bilateral Tumors

Although the management of sporadic renal tumors is challenging enough, dealing with those with bilateral, multifocal, and hereditary kidney cancer adds an additional level of complexity. A clinician managing this patient population must understand the hereditary syndromes and the genetic testing available. Treating physicians must be familiar with enucleative surgery, complex or multiple tumor partial nephrectomy, complex renal reconstruction, re-operative renal surgery, and active surveillance strategies. With proper management, most patients affected with bilateral, multifocal, or hereditary RCC can have a long life expectancy while maintaining adequate renal function.
A growth-management strategy for the Auckland region of New Zealand: pursuit of sustainability or mere growth accommodation?

Growth management as practised in the United States has demonstrated a decidedly pro-growth bias. The American management movement's historical focus on continued growth accommodation and its suggested form for future growth are portrayed as a backdrop to the consideration of the nature of a growth-management strategy adopted for the Auckland region of New Zealand. This article reveals that this principal, growth-management strategy adopted to date in New Zealand replicates the accommodative, growth-management model in the United States in spite of significant national, regional, and local initiatives intended to advance sustainability in New Zealand during the last decade.
Accuracy of creatinine clearance in measuring glomerular filtration rate in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without clinical evidence of renal disease.

We sought to determine whether creatinine clearance (C cr ) gives an accurate measurement of the glomerular filtration rate in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with no clinical evidence of renal disease. Eighteen such SLE patients underwent measurement of C cr and 99m technetium-DTPA clearance (C DTPA ). The mean ±SD C cr :C DTPA ratio was 1.12±0.15 (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.20). These results indicate that C cr gives an accurate measurement of the glomerular filtration rate in the majority of SLE patients who do not have clinical evidence of renal disease
Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a comprehensive review.

Sarah M. Lindback, MD, MPH, Charles Gabbert, MD, Benjamin L. Johnson, MEd, Emmanuil Smorodinsky, MD, Claude B. Sirlin, MD, Natalie Garcia, MD, Perrie E. Pardee, BS, Kristin D. Kistler, PhD, Jeffrey B. Schwimmer, MD* Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103-8450, USA Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92093-0671, USA Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 200 West Arbor Drive San Diego, CA 92103, USA Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, 3020 Children’sWay MC 5030 San Diego, CA 92123, USA
Cell Cycle-Dependent Phosphorylation of Mammalian Protein Phosphatase 1 by cdc2 Kinase

Protein phosphatase 1 (PP-1) is known to be a critical component of eukaryotic cell cycle progression. In vitro, our previous studies showed that cdc2 kinase phosphorylates Thr-320 (T320) in PP-1, and that this leads to inhibition of enzyme activity. To examine directly the phosphorylation of PP-1 in intact mammalian cells, an antibody has been prepared that specifically recognizes PP-1Cα phosphorylated at T320. Cell synchronization studies revealed in a variety of cell types that T320 of PP-1 was phosphorylated to high levels only during early to mid-mitosis. The phosphorylation of T320 of PP-1 was reduced by the cyclin-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, olomoucine, and increased by the PP-1/PP-2A inhibitor, calyculin A. Immunofluorescence microscopy using phospho-T320 antibody indicated that in NIH 3T3 cells the phosphorylation of PP-1 began to increase from basal levels in prophase and to peak at metaphase. Immunostaining indicated that phospho-PP-1 was localized exclusively to nonchromosomal regions. Furthermore, in cell fractionation studies of mitotic cells, phospho-PP-1 was detectable only in the soluble fraction. These observations suggest that phosphorylation by cdc2 kinase in early to mid-mitosis and inhibition of PP-1 activity is likely to contribute to the increased state of phosphorylation of proteins that is critical to the initiation of normal cell division.
The interleukin-6--174 single nucleotide polymorphism: cervical protein production and the risk of preterm delivery.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between preterm delivery (PTD), cervical fluid interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration, and the single nucleotide polymorphism at position −174 in the IL-6 gene. Study design Cervical fluid samples were obtained from women 23 to 32 weeks' gestation with symptoms of preterm labor. Concentrations of IL-6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-6 genotyping was performed using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Results One hundred thirty-seven women were enrolled, and complete information was available for 126. Cervical fluid IL-6 concentrations were not elevated in women destined to have a spontaneous PTD (P = .86). IL-6 −174 genotype was not associated with PTD (P = .62) or cervical fluid IL-6 concentration (P = .36). Neonatal IL-6-174 genotype was not associated with PTD or IL-6 concentration. Conclusion Cervical fluid concentrations of IL-6 were not elevated in symptomatic women destined to have a spontaneous PTD. The presence of maternal IL-6 −174C was not associated with cervical fluid concentration of IL-6 or risk of PTD.
Numerical studies of the superfluid Shapiro effect

Abstract Although simple theoretical descriptions of the Shapiro effect focus on a voltage biased superconducting Josephson junction, experimental measurements are predominantly made using current biased systems. In an analogous superfluid 3 He system, a Josephson weak link can be predominantly pressure biased in accordance with the simple theory. Here, we use numerical methods to reproduce new features found in the observed “superfluid Shapiro effect”. We find the proper characteristics for a pressure biased system with new additional structure resulting from a non-zero source resistance.
A reconstruction algorithm for a spatially resolved plasma optical emission spectroscopy sensor

Abstract The reconstruction algorithm used for a new spatially resolved plasma optical emission spectroscopy sensor is described. The sensor has a wedge shaped field of view which is rotated horizontally across the plasma. The resulting signal as a function of angle defines an ill-posed linear problem that must be solved to determine the emissivity as a function of radius in the plasma. This problem is solved by modified Tikhonov regularization using a finite difference regularizer which discourages rapid variation in the reconstructed emission. The optimal regularization parameter is determined by minimizing the product of the norm of the residual and the norm of this regularizer. The robustness of the algorithm against noise introduced into idealized data is demonstrated, both for a standard Abel inversion problem and for test data based on the sensor model. The algorithm is used to reconstruct emitted power density profiles and to perform actinometry in a Lam TCP 9400 plasma processing tool; these reconstructions show qualitatively correct behaviors.
Impact of echocardiographic left ventricular mass on mechanistic implications of exercise testing parameters

Electrocardiographic left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy has long been known to be associated with an abnormal ST-segment response to exercise; this association has been considered to represent a false-positive finding. There is a paucity of data relating echocardiographic LV mass to exercise ST-segment responses and other exercise parameters. As part of a routine evaluation, 1,408 men and 1,618 women from the Framingham Heart Study who were free of clinical cardiac disease underwent echocardiography and exercise treadmill testing according to the Bruce protocol at the same clinic visit. Abnormal ST-segment responses were defined both by standard criteria and the delta ST/heart rate index. LV mass was calculated from M-mode echocardiography. Echocardiographic LV hypertrophy was associated with an abnormal delta ST/heart rate index (in men, odds ratio [OR] 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05 to 3.01, p = 0.03; in women, OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.44, p = 0.002) but not with an abnormal response according to standard criteria. Echocardiographic LV hypertrophy was also associated with a lower likelihood of achieving an age-predicted target heart rate (in men, OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.65, p < 0.001; in women, OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.76, p < 0.001) and with a lower exercise capacity. Despite these associations, echocardiographic LV hypertrophy was associated with a higher peak heart rate-systolic blood pressure double product. In conclusion, echocardiographic LV hypertrophy is associated with an abnormal ST-segment response, a lower likelihood of achieving target heart rate, decreased exercise capacity, and an increased double product, which is a reflection of myocardial oxygen demand.
Mouse half embryos: viability and allocation of cells in the blastocyst.

We have investigted the developmental capacity of mouse embryos in which one blastomere was destroyed by lysis at the 2-cell stage. The allocation of cells to the trophectoderm and inner cell mass (ICM) was documented by differential cell counts on single embryos after 2 days under different culture conditions. Viability and further developmental potential were tested by embryo transfer to foster mothers. The conditions used were: (1) in vitro culture in modified BMOC-2 medium, (2) in vivo oviduct transfer to immature (prepuberal) females, and (3) in vivo oviduct transfer to pseudopregnant females. Half embryos almost always fared less well for all parameters of development than control embryos developing under the same conditions. Lower total cell numbers in half embryos were accounted for by decreases in both ICM and trophectoderm with a disproportionate decrease in ICM in smaller embryos. In both half and control embryos, the growth conditions affected the rate of morphological development, the total cell number, and embryo viability. Unlike the effect of halving embryos, the growth condition effects on total cell number can be accounted for primarily by differences in ICM cell number, with trophectoderm cell number remaining constant. These results provide new information on the ability of the mouse embryo to differentially regulate ICM and trophectoderm cell number under different conditions, and confirm our previous work showing the advantage of short-term development in vivo over short-term in vitro culture (Papaioannou and Ebert [1986] J. Reprod. Fertil. 76:603–608). They also clearly document that lower total cell number and a lower proportion of ICM is correlated with compromised development.
Nephrocalcinosis and renal cysts associated with apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome.

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) syndrome is a rare inherited disorder caused by 11β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-HSD 2) isozyme deficiency in the kidney. This enzyme is responsible for oxidizing cortisol to its inactive metabolite cortisone. An elevated tetrahydrocortisol (THF) and allotetrahydrocortisol (aTHF) to tetrahydrocortisone (THE) ratio in the urine is pathognomonic of AME syndrome. Clinical features include hypertension, hypokalemia, alkalosis, reduced plasma renin activity (PRA), low aldosterone levels, and occasionally nephrocalcinosis. Here we describe a 13-year-old boy who presented with severe hypertension, hypokalemia, low PRA and aldosterone levels, and elevated THF plus aTHF/THE ratio in the urine consistent with a diagnosis of AME syndrome. On ultrasound examination, he had severe nephrocalcinosis, and bilateral renal cysts. Renal cysts have not been previously reported in AME syndrome. The development of nephrocalcinosis and renal cysts may be associated with chron-ic long-standing hypokalemia. An early diagnosis and treatment of AME syndrome could help to prevent these sequelae, and to preserve renal function.
Who You Tink You, Talkin Propah? Hawaiian Pidgin Demarginalised

Abstract Communication accommodation, ethnolinguistic vitality and markedness model assumptions are applied to language ideologies and practices among Standard English and Hawai‘i Creole English (Pidgin) speakers in Hawai‘i. Respondents reported that Standard English should be spoken in most employment or scholastic interactions with tourists, teachers or mainlanders (‘Haoles’). However, Pidgin maintains widespread covert prestige and has resisted marginalisation in social, workplace and educational exchanges. Narrative accounts verified that language enhances group solidarity and shapes routine interactions, providing further support for the models that frame this research.
Protection against hypoxia-induced increase in blood-brain barrier permeability: role of tight junction proteins and NFκB

Co-culture with glial cells and glia-conditioned media can induce blood-brain barrier properties in microvessel endothelial cells and protect against hypoxia-induced blood-brain barrier breakdown. We examined the effect of two types of glia-conditioned media on brain microvessel endothelial cell permeability and tight junction protein expression, and studied potential mechanisms of action. We found that C6-glioma-conditioned media, but not rat astrocyte-conditioned media, protected against an increase in permeability induced by exposure to 1% oxygen for 24 hours. This hypoxic stress caused an increase in the expression of tight junction proteins claudin-1 and actin, particularly in cells treated with C6-conditioned media. We found that C6-conditioned media has a significantly higher level of both basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Treatment with C6-conditioned media for 1 or 3 days protects against hypoxia-induced permeability increases, and this protective effect may be mediated by signal transduction pathways terminating at the transcription factor NFkappaB.
Numerical Weather Prediction

Abstract This article is addressed to the layman with a science education. It is thus not addressed specifically to the meteorologist, but it contains certain information about the weather services, and the impact of numerical weather prediction on them, that I believe will interest those in the meteorological community who have not had close associations with the service side of our house. The weather services are principally concerned with weather and river forecasting and serve virtually all of the general public and the entire economy of our nation. Numerical weather prediction is at the core of the complex set of forecast services, and more accurate forecasts depend on progress in numerical weather prediction more than on anything else. This is as true now as it has been during the 20-odd years since operational numerical weather prediction began. Progress has been, and still is, paced by advances in computer power. Numerical weather prediction has seen a succession of four generations of computer ha...
Controlled chain reaction as a regulatory technique

This paper discusses a regulatory technique that consists of the use of a controlled chain reaction to influence social and economic processes. It claims that this method was employed by Hungarian control agencies to further centralize the farm sector in the 1970s. Section I of the paper presents three versions of this technique. Section II shows how the institutional structure of Hungarian agriculture made the application of this technique possible.
Producing “Silent Brewmasters”: Deaf Workers and Added Value in India's Coffee Cafés

This article ethnographically explores how and why deaf workers are hired in new Indian coffee shop chains. Arguing that such workers produce added value for the corporations that hire them, hearing coworkers, and customers who frequent these outlets, this article also explores the ambivalence that deaf workers feel about such employment “opportunities.” As a result of the decline in public-sector employment, the private sector has become a new site of disability employment, and nongovernmental organizations and vocational training centers have been created to train and place disabled workers in the private sector. In the process of such training and placement, these institutions create “workers with disabilities” as a category. Through participant observation, interviews, and literature review, this article explores how this category is produced and what its effects and affects are.
U.S. EPA's Pollution Prevention RD&D Results: “Practical Tools for the Trade”

Waste minimization/pollution prevention has become the strategic approach to waste management in the 90s and the hope for environmental management as we enter the third millenium. Nearly a decade ago, EPA9s Office of Research and Development began a focused Waste Minimization Research Program to identify and demonstrate technology for reducing the generation of wastes and shifted the Agency9s priority from end-of-pipe controls to the prevention of waste generation. The purpose of this presentation is to share a number of the results from several years of researching engineering solutions to multi-media problems, building a sound scientific foundation to support pollution prevention (P2) principles, and developing and demonstrating pollution prevention technologies, tools, and techniques. The “tools of the trade” for pollution prevention are the research reports that provide results of technology development, the case studies and demonstrations of P2 technologies, and the technical guides and manuals for conducting P2 activities. Technology Development - Tools resulting from technology development include the numerous research reports and briefs from: 1) the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Program, 2) Pollution Prevention Measurement Projects, and 3) the Innovative Clean Technologies Program. Technology Demonstration - Tools resulting from technology demonstration include the research reports and summaries from: 1) the Waste Reduction Innovative Technology Evaluation (WRITE) Program, 2) the Waste Reduction Evaluation At Federal Sites (WREAFS) Program, 3) the New Jersey/EPA Waste Minimization Assessment Project, and 4) Small Generator Waste Minimization Assessment Program. Technical Guides and Manuals - These tools include: 1) Facility Pollution Prevention Guide. 2) 16 industry specific guides to pollution prevention, 3) Background Document on Clean Products Research and Implementation, and 4) Industrial Pollution Prevention Opportunities for the 1990s. Much of the EPA9s Pollution Prevention RD&D Program has focused on the development and demonstration of practical tools to encourage the development and adoption of processing technologies mid products that will lead to reducing the aggregate generation rates for pollutants entering various environmental media. The strategic direction for pollution prevention RD&D through the 1990s is: 1) to study high risk environmental problems where P2 offers a cost-effective solution for reducing the risks, 2) to conduct cross-cutting research such as measurement, modelling, and LCA that can be applied to multiple problems, and 3) to establish joint global P2 RD&D ventures where products and processes know no waste generating boundaries.
Translational regulation of ornithine decarboxylase and other enzymes of the polyamine pathway

Abstract It has long been known that polyamines play an essential role in the proliferation of mammalian cells, and the polyamine biosynthetic pathway may provide an important target for the development of agents that inhibit carcinogenesis and tumor growth. The rate-limiting enzymes of the polyamine pathway, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and S -adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC), are highly regulated in the cell, and much of this regulation occurs at the level of translation. Although the 5′ leader sequences of ODC and AdoMetDC are both highly structured and contain small internal open reading frames (ORFs), the regulation of their translation appears to be quite different. The translational regulation of ODC is more dependent on secondary structure, and therefore responds to the intracellular availability of active eIF-4E, the cap-binding subunit of the eIF-4F complex, which mediates translation initiation. Cell-specific translation of AdoMetDC appears to be regulated exclusively through the internal ORF, which causes ribosome stalling that is independent of eIF-4E levels and decreases the efficiency with which the downstream ORF encoding AdoMetDC protein is translated. The translation of both ODC and AdoMetDC is negatively regulated by intracellular changes in the polyamines spermidine and spermine. Thus, when polyamine levels are low, the synthesis of both ODC and AdoMetDC is increased, and an increase in polyamine content causes a corresponding decrease in protein synthesis. However, an increase in active eIF-4E may allow for the synthesis of ODC even in the presence of polyamine levels that repress ODC translation in cells with lower levels of the initiation factor. In contrast, the amino acid sequence that is encoded by the upstream ORF is critical for polyamine regulation of AdoMetDC synthesis, and polyamines may affect synthesis by interaction with the putative peptide, MAGDIS.
On the Limits of Lagrange Projectors

This article addresses a question of Carl de Boor (In: Constructive theory of functions, Varna 2005, pp. 51–63, Marin Drinov Academic, Sofia, [2006]): What ideal projectors are the limits of Lagrange projectors? The results of this paper answer the question in the sense that for every ideal projector P, we prescribe finitely many computations that determine whether the projector P is a limit of Lagrange projectors.
Scalable molecular dynamics for large biomolecular systems

We present an optimized parallelization scheme for molecular dynamics simulations of large biomolecular systems, implemented in the production-quality molecular dynamics program NAMD. With an object-based hybrid force and spatial decomposition scheme, and an aggressive measurement-based predictive load balancing framework, we have attained speeds and speedups that are much higher than any reported in literature so far. The paper first summarizes the broad methodology we are pursuing, and the basic parallelization scheme we used. It then describes the optimizations that were instrumental in increasing performance, and presents performance results on benchmark simulations.
Ultrasonic flow rate measurement of low speed non-isothermal flows

Abstract In this study, a performance evaluation of a non-intrusive ultrasonic flowmeter is carried out for slow, non-isothermal flows. The purpose of the study is to investigate the adequacy of the above meter for flow rate measurements in thermal convection loops. The flowmeter is found to be useful only for part of the range of interest.
Contaminant Plume Analysis Using the Hydrodynamic Dispersion Stream Function (HDSF) Concept

The hydrodynamic dispersion stream function (HDSF) concept has been applied to contaminant plume analysis in aquifers. First, the governing equations for the HDSF are summarized both for uniform and nonuniform seepage velocity fields. Application of the methodology is shown with the HDSF developed for a strip contaminant source in a uniform seepage velocity field under steady-state water flow and solute transport conditions in aquifers. With this solution, it is shown how to determine the hydrodynamic dispersion stream lines (HDSLs) and the hydrodynamic dispersion bounding stream lines (HDBSLs) for a given uniform ground-water flow field. Applications of the methodology are shown for saturated and unsaturated zones under some idealized conditions. The results of the model may be used for the specification of the boundaries of a contaminant plume and the path lines of contaminant particles under equilibrium conditions.
Similarity of the signatures of the initial stages of phase separation in metastable and unstable polymer blends.

Time-resolved small angle neutron scattering was used to probe the initial stages of liquid-liquid phase separation in both critical and off-critical binary polymer blends, and the critical (${q}_{c}$) and most probable (${q}_{m}$) wave vectors were identified for several quench depths. For the critical blend, the Cahn-Hilliard-Cook theory provides a framework for analyzing the data and explains the observed decrease in ${q}_{m}$ with time. For the off-critical blend, ${q}_{m}$ is independent of quench time, regardless of whether the quench is metastable or unstable.
Changes in heat transfer from turbulent boundary layers interacting with shock waves and expansion waves

Heat transfer from turbulent boundary layer interacting with shock and expansion waves in supersonic flow
Mineralogy of Iron Microbial Mats from Loihi Seamount

Extensive mats of Fe oxyhydroxides and associated Fe-oxidizing microbial organisms form in diverse geochemical settings – freshwater seeps to deep-sea vents – where ever opposing Fe(II)-oxygen gradients prevail. The mineralogy, reactivity, and structural transformations of Fe oxyhydroxides precipitated from submarine hydrothermal fluids within microbial mats remains elusive in active and fossil systems. In response, a study of Fe microbial mat formation at the Loihi Seamount was conducted to describe the physical and chemical characteristics of Fe-phases using extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, synchrotron radiation X-ray total scattering, low-temperature magnetic measurements, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Particle sizes of 3.5-4.6 nm were estimated from magnetism data, and coherent scattering domain sizes as small as 1.6 nm are indicated by pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. Disorder in the nanostructured Fe-bearing phases results in limited intermediate-range structural order: less than that of standard 2-line ferrihydrite (Fh), except for the Pohaku site. The short-range ordered natural Fh (FhSRO) phases were stable at 4 °C in the presence of oxygen for at least 1 year and during 400 oC treatment. The observed stability of the FhSRO is consistent with magnetic observations that point to non-interacting nanoparticles. PDF analyses of total scattering data provide further evidence for FhSRO particles with a poorly ordered silica coating. The presence of coated particles explains the small coherent scattering domain for the mat minerals, as well as the stability of the minerals over time and against heating. The mineral properties observed here provide a starting point from which progressively older and more extensively altered iron deposits may be examined, with the ultimate goal of improved interpretation of past biogeochemical conditions and diagenetic processes.
Multiple swallows and piecemeal deglutition; Observations from normal adults and patients with head and neck cancer

The incidence of multiple swallows for liquid and paste, and the time delay between multiple swallows, was determined from videofluoroscopic records of modified barium swallow tests. In a comparison of liquid and paste, the overall incidence of multiple swallows did not differ, for either patients with head and neck cancer or normal controls. However, for liquid swallows the incidence in patients with cancer was abnormally high, predominantly in patients with pharyngeal cancer.
Altimeter-derived variability of surface velocities in the California Current System: 2. Seasonal circulation and eddy statistics

Abstract Satellite surface height and temperature fields are used to examine the seasonal surface circulation in the California Current System. In spring and summer, an equatorward jet develops next to the coast, with an initial latitudinal structure that responds to the latitudinal distribution of equatorward alongshore winds. This jet moves offshore from spring to fall and develops meanders and closed eddies that contribute eddy kinetic energy and water mass properties to the nearby deep ocean. Higher EKE appears first in spring near the coast and moves offshore with the seasonal jet. Along altimeter tracks parallel to the coastline 200 and 400 km offshore, the greatest EKE is found in summer and fall, respectively, with wavelengths of approximately 300 km. These are the wavelengths of the largest meanders and the distance between the largest eddies visible in altimeter “snapshots” of the jet. At 600–800 km offshore, the wavelengths are generally smaller (100–150 km), similar to eddy sizes reported by others for the quiescent northeast Pacific. Some energy with longer wavelengths arrives at the track 600 km offshore in winter and 800 km offshore in spring, which we interpret as the most offshore extension of the EKE generated by the jet and eddy system closer to the coast in the previous spring and summer. A sequence of snapshots from October 1992 to October 1993 shows details of the evolution of the jet and eddy system over one complete annual cycle.
Estradiol stimulates expression of two human prolactin receptor isoforms with alternative exons-1 in T47D breast cancer cells.

Abstract Human prolactin receptor (hPRLR) expression is regulated by estradiol-17β (E 2 ) in vivo in animal tissues, and in vitro in normal human endometrial cells and in MCF7 human breast cancer cells. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of E 2 on the expression of two recently described hPRLR isoforms with distinct exons-1, hE1 3 and hE1 N1 that are transcribed from the generic hPIII promoter, also present in the rat and mouse, and the human-specific promoter hP N1 , respectively. Also, to determine the effect of estradiol on the hPIII promoter activity in cancer cells. T47D breast cancer cells were examined using quantitative competitive RT-PCR for the level of expression of two alternative non-coding exon-1 transcripts, hE1 3 and hE1 N1 following incubation with E 2 in presence or absence of the E 2 receptor antagonist ICI 182,780. The effects of estradiol were also evaluated in cells transiently transfected with constructs of hPIII promoter luciferase reporter gene. E 2 significantly increased the expression of both hPRLR mRNA transcripts, hE1 3 and hE1 N1 . In transfection studies E 2 activated the hPIII promoter. This effect of estradiol was markedly inhibited by coincubation with the E 2 receptor antagonist. Our results demonstrate a stimulatory effect of estradiol on the expression of hPRLR mRNA species with alternative exons-1, hE1 3 and hE1 N1 possibly through activation of their corresponding promoters. The lack of a formal ERE in these promoters suggested that the effect of estradiol is mediated through association of the activated ER with relevant DNA binding transfactor(s). These findings support the role of E 2 in the regulation of hPRLR expression in human breast cancer cell lines.
Ursodeoxycholic acid for the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Objective : To report our experience in managing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy with ursodeoxycholic acid. Methods : All cases of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy that were diagnosed at Bridgeport Hospital from January 1997 to August 1999 were identified. Information was abstracted on demographics, medical and obstetric history, symptoms, laboratory data, therapy and pregnancy outcome. Statistical analysis was primarily descriptive; continuous variables were analyzed with t tests. Results : A total of 20 cases of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy were identified (0.32% of live births). All patients presented with pruritus. The mean gestational age at onset of symptoms was 31.1 weeks (range 13-38.4, median 32.4). Bile acids were measured in 18 cases and were elevated in all. The mean gestational age at delivery was 36.4 weeks (32.3-39.9). Eight patients were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (600-1200 mg). All eight patients experienced subjective improvement in pruritus after initiation of...