cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen's and progesterone's impact on gene expression in the mouse lacrimal gland.

Purpose The hypothesis tested in the study was that the effect of estrogen and progesterone on the lacrimal gland is mediated through specific receptors and that hormonal effects involve the regulation of gene expression and protein synthesis. Methods Lacrimal glands were collected from young adult, ovariectomized mice, that were treated with 17beta-estradiol, progesterone, 17beta-estradiol plus progesterone or vehicle for 2 weeks. Glands were pooled according to treatment, processed for the isolation of RNA, and evaluated for differentially expressed mRNAs by using gene microarrays. Bioarray data were analyzed with sophisticated bioinformatics and statistical programs. The expression of selected genes was verified by using gene chips and quantitative real-time PCR methods. Results The results demonstrate that 17beta-estradiol, progesterone, or both hormones together significantly influences the expression of hundreds of genes in the mouse lacrimal gland. Sex steroid treatment led to numerous alterations in gene activities related to transcriptional control, cell growth and/or maintenance, cell communication, signal transduction, enzyme catalysis, immune expression, and the binding and metabolism of nucleic acids and proteins. A number of the 17beta-estradiol, progesterone or 17beta-estradiol plus progesterone effects on gene expression were similar, but most were unique to each treatment. Of particular interest was the finding that these hormones seem to contribute little to the known sex-related differences in gene expression of the lacrimal gland. Conclusions These results support the hypothesis that estrogen's and progesterone's action on the lacrimal gland involves the regulation of numerous genes. However, these hormone effects do not appear to represent a major factor underlying the sexual dimorphism of gene expression in lacrimal tissue.
Evidence for shape selectivity in non-covalently imprinted polymers

Abstract The existence of shape selectivity in non-covalent molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) has been proven using molecular probes. Twelve secondary amines with different sized side chains were imprinted, and enantioselectivity evaluated by HPLC for each amine on each imprinted polymer. Trends in the quantitative structure–binding relationships (QSBR) revealed two major contributions of cavity structure on selectivity afforded by molecularly imprinted polymers. First, sterics play a dominant role in cases where a molecules structure is too big too fit into an imprinted site formed from a smaller template molecule; e.g. on MIPs made with small templates, large analytes give separation factors (α) close to 1.0 (no selectivity), while small analytes give α values of 1.4. Second, molecular structures that are equal to or smaller than those of the template molecule are selected by maximizing Van der Waals interactions within the MIP binding site. Thus, MIPs made with large analytes give α values up to 2.5, while small analytes on the same MIPs give α values closer to 1.1. Template structure also has an effect on MIP enantioselectivity; e.g. branched structures exhibit a 1.7-fold improvement in separation factors (α) by MIPs made for isopropyl versus propyl derivatives, and cyclohexyl versus hexyl derivatives. Full details of these trends are provided in the text.
Analytic solutions for neutrino momenta in decay of top quarks

Abstract We employ a geometric approach to analytically solve equations of constraint on the decay of top quarks involving leptons. The neutrino momentum is found as a function of the 4-vectors of the associated bottom quark and charged lepton, the masses of the top quark and W boson, and a single parameter, which constrains it to an ellipse. We show how the measured imbalance of momenta in the event reduces the solutions for neutrino momenta to a discrete set, in the cases of one or two top quarks decaying to leptons. The algorithms can be implemented concisely with common linear algebra routines.
Building Your Financial IQ

The Director's Forum series has been written and edited by Robert Weber and Michael Sanborn and is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and heal...
Urban sprawl and delayed ambulance arrival in the U.S.

Background Minimizing emergency medical service (EMS) response time is a central objective of prehospital care, yet the potential influence of built environment features such as urban sprawl on EMS system performance is often not considered. Purpose This study measures the association between urban sprawl and EMS response time to test the hypothesis that features of sprawling development increase the probability of delayed ambulance arrival. Methods In 2008, EMS response times for 43,424 motor-vehicle crashes were obtained from the Fatal Analysis Reporting System, a national census of crashes involving ≥1 fatality. Sprawl at each crash location was measured using a continuous county-level index previously developed by Ewing et al. The association between sprawl and the probability of a delayed ambulance arrival (≥8 minutes) was then measured using generalized linear mixed modeling to account for correlation among crashes from the same county. Results Urban sprawl is significantly associated with increased EMS response time and a higher probability of delayed ambulance arrival ( p =0.03). This probability increases quadratically as the severity of sprawl increases while controlling for nighttime crash occurrence, road conditions, and presence of construction. For example, in sprawling counties (e.g., Fayette County GA), the probability of a delayed ambulance arrival for daytime crashes in dry conditions without construction was 69% (95% CI=66%, 72%) compared with 31% (95% CI=28%, 35%) in counties with prominent smart-growth characteristics (e.g., Delaware County PA). Conclusions Urban sprawl is significantly associated with increased EMS response time and a higher probability of delayed ambulance arrival following motor-vehicle crashes in the U.S. The results of this study suggest that promotion of community design and development that follows smart-growth principles and regulates urban sprawl may improve EMS performance and reliability.
Analysis of the energy window for the quantum-state and angular scattering specificity in Ar+ charge transfer with N2

Abstract Previous kinematic analysis of the charge-transfer reaction of Ar+ with N2 has shown an energy window near 1 eV collision energy where quantum-specific and angular-specific scattering is observed. Reactant energy and angular distributions were used to determine the center-of-mass energy distribution from the nominal center-of-mass energies previously reported. The resultant distributions show that the maximum width of the energy “window” is 0.31 eV with a median collision energy of 0.91 eV rather than a width of 0.9 eV with a median energy near 1 eV as previously reported.
Correlation between inhibition of a cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase and relaxation of canine tracheal smooth muscle

Abstract Inhibition of partially purified cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity as well as pharmacologically induced relaxation of respiratory airways smooth muscle was examined to determine whether any correlation between these two effects could be found. The phosphodiesterase in extracts of canine tracheal smooth muscle was chromatographed on a DEAE Bio-Gel A column and eluted with a sodium chloride gradient. The peak I activity hydrolyzed cGMP at a higher rate than cAMP although the apparent K m values for these two cyclic nucleotides were relatively close. Comparison of the K i values for alkylxanthine inhibitors of peak I activity correlated remarkably well with the ec 50 values of the same compounds as relaxants of canine tracheal smooth muscle strips. It is concluded that inhibition of the peak I enzyme may cause accumulation of an intracellular pool of cyclic nucleotide and thus produce or contribute to the muscle relaxant effects that were observed.
Redox-dependent conformational changes of rabbit liver cytochrome P-450.

Abstract The ORD 5 of the cytochrome P-450 in submicrosomal particles containing no other heme compound, and the corresponding ORD of cytochrome P-420, have been determined. Oxidized cytochrome P-450 and the CO complex of reduced cytochrome P-450 showed extrinsic Cotton effects, whereas these were lacking in reduced cytochrome P-450, and in all states of cytochrome P-420 which we examined. It is concluded that cytochrome P-450 probably undergoes a functional conformational change during mixed function oxidation.
Childhood hearing impairment: auditory and linguistic interactions during multidimensional speech processing.

Children with mild-severe sensorineural hearing losses often use hearing aids and aural/oral language as their primary mode of communication, yet we know little about how speech is processed by the...
Adaptation of solid phase extraction to an automated column switching method for online sample cleanup as the basis of a facile and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for paclitaxel in human plasma

An improved method for assaying paclitaxel in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection at 227 nm has been developed by adapting previously reported sample preparation methods and chromatographic conditions to facilitate semi-automated sample cleanup using a column switching technique. Manual sample manipulations were limited to isolating the drug and internal standard from plasma (1.0 ml) by liquid-liquid extraction using tert-butyl methyl ether. The sample extract was initially loaded onto a short cartridge column containing a cyanopropyl stationary phase. During the predetermined time interval that the drug and internal standard eluted from the cartridge, 1.50-2.20 min, a fully automated 6-position switching valve was used to direct the effluent onto an octylsilica analytical column. The same mobile phase, composed of acetonitrile-methanol-ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5.0; 20 mM) (76:19:105, v/v/v) and delivered at flow rate of 1.0 ml/min, was used for both separations. The overall retention times of paclitaxel and the internal standard were 10.9 and 18.1 min, respectively. The analytical method was thoroughly validated for quantitating paclitaxel in plasma at concentrations ranging from 6 to 586 nM (5-500 ng/ml). The lowest concentration of paclitaxel measured with acceptable day-to-day accuracy (100.2%) and precision (RSD 11.7%, n = 21, 5 months) was 6 nM (5 ng/ml). The sensitivity and selectivity of the assay proved to be more than adequate for monitoring steady-state plasma concentrations of the drug when administered to cancer patients as a 96 h continuous intravenous infusion in combination with other anticancer agents, such as doxorubicin and topotecan. Moreover, the heart-cutting procedure prevented the problematic introduction of interfering nonpolar plasma components onto the analytical column, thereby enhancing sample throughput while decreasing the technical demands of the assay. The method was found to be extremely reproducible and robust during extended use for the routine analysis of plasma specimens acquired from several clinical trials.
Prestige Trade in the Santa Barbara Channel Region

(2012). Prestige Trade in the Santa Barbara Channel Region. California Archaeology: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 145-148.
Four height variables, boundary correlations, and dissipative defects in the Abelian sandpile model

We analyze the two-dimensional Abelian sandpile model, and demonstrate that the four height variables have different field identifications in the bulk, and along closed boundaries, but become identical, up to rescaling, along open boundaries. We consider two-point boundary correlations in detail, and discuss a number of complications that arise in the mapping from sandpile correlations to spanning tree correlations; the structure of our results suggests a conjecture that could greatly simplify future calculations. We find a number of three-point functions along closed boundaries, and propose closed boundary field identifications for the height variables. We analyze the effects of dissipative defect sites, at which the number of grains is not conserved, and show that dissipative defects along closed boundaries, and in the bulk, have no effect on any weakly allowed cluster variables, or on their correlations. Along open boundaries, we find a particularly simple field structure; we calculate all $n$-point correlations, for any combinations of height variables and dissipative defect sites, and find that all heights and defects are represented by the same field operator.
Ion-molecule reactions and ion energies in a CF 4 discharge

Absolute cross sections have been measured for reactants typically found in carbon tetrafluoride (CF(4)) discharges for collision energies below a few hundred electron volts. The reactions investigated include collision-induced dissociation and dissociative electron transfer reactions for CF(+)(3) and F(+) colliding with CF(4), and collisional electron detachment for F(-) colliding with CF4. Also presented are measurements of energies and relative intensities of ions generated in dc Townsend CF4 discharges with E/N values ranging from 4 x 10(-18) V m(2) to 25 x 10(-18) V m(2) [4 to 25 kTd]. Ion energy and ion intensity data for the Townsend discharges are analyzed in light of the measured cross sections.
Dr. Louis Pasteur

Abstract Considered one of the greatest biologists of the 19th century, Louis Pasteur began his important work as a humble French chemist. His scientific genius allowed him to debunk previously held theories such as that of the spontaneous generation of life, and to produce the most important discovery in medical history, the germ theory of disease. Although he did not make the initial discovery of microbes, he identified many microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci) and, even more important, determined the role of these microbes in causing disease. Pasteur’s scientific achievements have been cornerstones of modern medicine, and have laid the foundations for branches of science such as stereochemistry, microbiology, bacteriology, virology, immunology, and molecular biology. As a result of the practical application of his knowledge, Pasteur made some of the greatest contributions of any research scientist to the welfare of humanity.
Identification of apolipoprotein A1 in the human embryonic secretome

Objective To identify factors secreted by the human embryo and correlate levels with embryo morphology and pregnancy outcome. Design A laboratory-based study of human embryo protein synthesis and secretion and a retrospective analysis of spent embryo culture media as it relates to pregnancy outcome. Setting University-based academic IVF program. Patient(s) IVF patients who had donated cryopreserved human pronuclear-stage embryos. Patients undergoing fresh IVF cycles resulting in a blastocyst transfer who donated spent media drops. Intervention(s) In vitro embryo culture and collection of spent media. Main Outcome Measure(s) Protein analysis and identification by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, ApoA1 quantification by ELISA, and mRNA analysis by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Result(s) By protein gel electrophoresis, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) was increased in the culture media from good-quality blastocysts (n = 6 embryos) compared to either cleavage-arrested embryos (n = 6 embryos) or poor-quality blastocysts (n = 6 embryos) using spent media from culture days 4 and 5, respectively. Apolipoprotein A1 concentrations were 23.1% greater in day 5 spent culture media from good-grade blastocysts (n = 30) when compared to poor-grade embryos (n = 30). However, in a group of patients (n = 20) with transfer of two good-quality blastocysts, ApoA1 levels from day 5 spent media did not correlate with embryo implantation and pregnancy. Quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of ApoA1 mRNA transcripts in human blastocysts. Conclusion(s) Apolipoprotein A1 is produced by human preimplantation embryos, and increased levels are present in spent culture media containing blastocysts of higher morphologic grade. These results suggest a role for lipoproteins in early embryologic development.
An analysis of the curling phenomenon in viscoelastic bimaterial strips

Abstract A mathematical analysis is performed to obtain relations for the radius of curvature and flexural moments for initially stretched bimaterial strips in which at least one of the materials exhibits viscoelastic behavior. One practical application of this analysis is for pressure sensitive tapes. Consequently, the radius of curvature and flexural moment relations are obtained as functions of backing and adhesive thicknesses and moduli for typical pressure sensitive tapes. The analysis shows that the flexural moment decreases as the backing thickness and/or backing modulus increase. Furthermore, the flexural moment decreases as the adhesive thickness and/or adhesive modulus decreases.
Soluble Polyacetylene Derivatives by Chain-Growth Polymerization of Dienes

A new method for the fabrication of soluble polyacetylene derivatives was developed based on bromination–dehydrobromination of bicyclic diene polymers. High molecular weight polymer precursors were...
Applying a reservoir functional-zone paradigm to littoral bluegills: differences in length and catch frequency?

Reservoirs exhibit gradients in conditions and resources along the transition from lotic to lentic habitat that may be important to bluegill ecology. The lotic–lentic gradient can be partitioned into three functional zones: the riverine, transitional, and lacustrine zones. We measured catch frequency and length of bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) captured along the periphery of these areas (i.e., in the littoral zone of each functional zone) for four small reservoirs in Southeastern Ohio during the summer months of three years. Catch frequency differed between zones for two reservoirs, but these differences were not observed in other years. There was no relationship between reservoir zone and either standard length or catch frequency when the data for all reservoirs were pooled, but we did observe a bimodal length distribution in all reservoirs. A combination of ecological factors including inter and intraspecific competition, predation intensity, management practices, limnology, and assemblage complexity may be mitigating bluegill distribution and abundance in reservoirs. Therefore, a functional zone (categorical) approach to understanding bluegill ecology in reservoirs may not be appropriate.
Development of a Neural Network Simulator for Studying the Constitutive Behavior of Structural Composite Materials

This paper introduces a recent development and application of a noncommercial artificial neural network (ANN) simulator with graphical user interface (GUI) to assist in rapid data modeling and analysis in the engineering diffraction field. The real-time network training/simulation monitoring tool has been customized for the study of constitutive behavior of engineering materials, and it has improved data mining and forecasting capabilities of neural networks. This software has been used to train and simulate the finite element modeling (FEM) data for a fiber composite system, both forward and inverse. The forward neural network simulation precisely reduplicates FEM results several orders of magnitude faster than the slow original FEM. The inverse simulation is more challenging; yet, material parameters can be meaningfully determined with the aid of parameter sensitivity information. The simulator GUI also reveals that output node size for materials parameter and input normalization method for strain data are critical train conditions in inverse network. The successful use of ANN modeling and simulator GUI has been validated through engineering neutron diffraction experimental data by determining constitutive laws of the real fiber composite materials via a mathematically rigorous and physically meaningful parameter search process, once the networks are successfully trained from the FEM database.
Effects of fasting and insulin on hepatic phosphofructokinase (PFK).

Abstract Fasting of susceptible mice for 24 hr led to a sharp decrease of apparent hepatic PFK activity which was increased to near fed levels by incubation of cytosolic fractions with GSH. Incubation of the cytosols with GSSG reduced the PFK to a lower level-(GSSG insensitive activity). The action of insulin was to increase total PFK with a marked increase of the GSSG insensitive activity.
Induction of charge density waves by spin density waves in iron-based superconductors

We argue that spin density wave (SDW) phase in ferrous superconductors contains charge density wave (CDW) with the modulation momentum that is a double of characteristic momenta of SDW. We discuss symmetry constraints on allowed momenta of CDW generated by coupling to spin modulations. To be specific, we considered the CDW that could be realized in Fe-11 (e.g., FeTe) and Fe-122 (e.g., ${\text{BaFe}}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$) compounds. In case of commensurate SDW, the CDW modulation vector is at the Bragg-peak positions and could be revealed by local scanned probes. In case of incommensurate SDW, the CDW is incommensurate and can be seen also by x-ray and elastic neutron scattering. We also discuss observable charge modulation due to CDW formation near defects and twin boundaries.
Stellar coronagraph performance impact due to particulate contamination and scatter

The detection and characterization of earth-like exo-planets with space coronagraph instruments could be adversely affected by contamination of the many optical surfaces from the telescope primary mirror to the coronagraph mask. Particulate contamination that may accumulate even in clean room conditions over the period of integration, testing, and launch can cause performance degradation due to both coherent and incoherent scatter. While the coherent components can be compensated in broad-band light using a sequential deformable mirror architecture, incoherent scatter would remain. We show the challenges and effects of particulate contamination based on measurements and estimates, and discuss the requirements throughout the coronagraph system while accounting for the wavefront control system.
Anti-tumor × anti-lymphocyte heteroconjugates augment colon tumor cell lysis in vitro and prevent tumor growth in vivo

Cross-linking an anti-tumor antibody, specific for tumor cell surface antigens, and an anti-lymphocyte antibody, specific for the T lymphocyte receptor complex (TCR/ CD3), produces a heteroconjugate that can direct T cells to lyse tumor cells. We tested the ability of anti-tumor × anti-lymphocyte (CD3) heteroconjugates to redirect human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) to lyse human colon cancer cells in cytotoxicity assays and in a murine colon tumor model. We demonstratedin vitro,that cultured human PBLs alone produced low levels of tumor lysis, but PBLs treated with anti-tumor × anti-CD3 heteroconjugates produced significantly greater tumor cell lysis (P<0.0025). Similarly, nude mice injected with LS174T human colon cancer cells and treated with cultured human PBLs and anti-tumor × anti-CD3 heteroconjugates survived significantly longer than saline control mice (P<0.01), or mice treated with PBLs alone (P<0.01), or heteroconjugates alone (P<0.05). F(ab′)2heteroconjugates were equally as effective in prolonging animal survival, but irrelevant heteroconjugates and monoclonal anti-tumor antibodies showed no therapeutic benefit. Anti-tumor × anti-CD3 heteroconjugates may represent an effective approach to tumor-specific cellular immunotherapy.
Lack of effect on the sodium efflux of the microinjection of D-Ins(1,4,5)P3 into ouabain-poisoned barnacle muscle-fibers.

Abstract A study has been carried out using relatively intact mature fibers from the barnacle Balanus nubilus to see whether d - Ins (1,4,5)P 3 stimulates the ouabain-insensitive Na efflux following its microinjection and whether this is accompanied by a contraction of the fiber. Part of the impetus for a study of this type came from the on-going debate between Vergara, Rojas and co-workers and Lea and co-workers, the former group holding the view that skinned barnacle fibers and skeletal fibers in general are responsive to this isomer. The evidence brought forward indicates that the injection of d - Ins (1,4,5)P 3 in concentrations in the range of 10−2 M to 10−6 M into cannulated unskinned fibers pretreated with ouabain fails to increase the residual efflux, and additionally fails to elicit a contraction. A similar picture emerges with the use of non-hydrolyzable dl - Ins (1,4,5)P 3 [S] 3 analog following its injection in a concentration of 0.5 μM. Higher concentrations of the analog were unavailable for use. This work also involved verification of the idea that an effect might be obtainable in depolarized fibers. However, doubling or tripling K0+ and injection of the isomer or the analog simultaneously failed to support this idea. Since nothing is known as to whether d - Ins (1,4,5)P 3 influences the behavior of the Na+Ca2+ exchanger when operating in the reverse mode, experiments were done to check this possibility. ATPNa2 which is thought to activate Na+Ca2+ exchange was injected prior to the isomer or the analog but no significant results were obtained. A similar line of reasoning was followed, that of activating the L-type Ca2+ channel by injecting GTPNa2 which in addition is known to activate adenylate cyclase. Again, neither the isomer nor the analog were effective. Thus, the only conclusion possible is that in relatively intact, mature barnacle fibers there is no coupling between the phosphoinositide signalling pathway and two other keys systems, viz. the Na+Ca2+ exchanger when operating in the reverse mode and the L-type Ca2+ channel. Equally clear is that for some unknown reason the ouabain-insensitive Na efflux and the contractile apparatus are insensitive to d - Ins (1,4,5)P 3 [S] 3 .
A framework for the study of emerging network technology

Emerging networks are classified in a variety of ways in current literature. The proposed framework distinguishes between computer, communication, and information networks and indicates how these three network types can be used to augment each other.
The subcellular distribution and nucleotide specificities of Na+, K+-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase and [14C]adenosine diphosphate-adenosine triphosphate exchange reactions in rat brain.

— (1) The subcellular distributions of Na-K ATPase and [14C]ADP-ATP exchange activities were studied in rat brain. The data presented are not consistent with a discrete localization of these enzymes in any given fraction, but nerve endings and microsomes had similar specific activities. The supernatant fraction had the highest exchange and the lowest Na-K ATPase activities, measured at a concentration of 3 mm-MgCl2. (2) Nucleotide specificity of the Na-K ATPase was determined in all fractions, and this enzyme system showed an absolute requirement for ATP. The [14C]ADP-ATP exchange, measured at 3mm-MgCl2, possessed broader specificity and also was active toward ITP, UTP and GTP; this serves to differentiate it from the Na-K ATPase. (3) Treatment of nerve ending fractions with NaI medium removed the bulk of the [14C]ADP-ATP exchange activity without loss in Na-K ATPase activity. (4) The exchange activity in NaI-insoluble fractions was insensitive to NaCl in the presence of 3 mm-MgCl2, but it was stimulated 502-820 percent at low MgCl2 concentrations, a finding which may be consistent with the postulated role of this exchange reaction in the Na-K ATPase system.
THE IMPACT OF FINANCING SOURCES ON MULTINATIONAL PROJECTS

It is shown here that market imperfections, such as corporate taxes, are not a necessary condition for a firm to have a debt denomination preference. When the stochastic nature of project cash flows and exchange rates are explicitly considered, the risk of the project is affected by the source of borrowing used to finance the project. It is also shown that the existence of income taxes causes the expected net present value and risk of a foreign project to depend on the source of the firm's borrowing. The debt denomination preference in both cases depends on project- and country-specific variables.
Computation of scattering functions in second-order many-body theory

Abstract A noniterative method is discussed for solving the electron-atom scattering equation derived in second-order many-body theory. The incident electron energy is taken to lie above the first inelastic threshold of the target atom. The method is applied to electron-helium collisions and elastic phase shifts for s-, p- , and, d -wave scattering, computed in various models arising from the formalism, are tabulated.
Spirometric determination of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1):forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio is probably the most important spirometric parameter measured as it defines whether or not airway obstruction is present. An FEV1/FVC ratio below the lower limit of normal (LLN) is diagnostic of airway obstruction. However, there is controversy surrounding the use of a fixed ratio of 70% for discriminating between obstructed and non-obstructed patients, and significant differences in the diagnosis of obstruction can occur depending on whether an FEV1/FVC ratio of 70% or the LLN is used. Using an appropriate LLN for the FEV1/FVC ratio is extremely important in order to avoid false-positives in older healthy adults and false-negatives in younger adults who may have early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Interaction of oral contraceptive use with the effects of age, exercise habits and other cardiovascular risk modifiers on metabolic risk markers

An analysis was undertaken to determine whether combined oral contraceptive (OC) use interacts with the effects of potential cardiovascular risk modifiers (age, body mass index, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, exercise habit, family histories of heart disease or diabetes, number of pregnancies and duration of OC use) on blood pressure and lipid, lipoprotein, glucose and insulin risk markers for cardiovascular disease. Relationships between risk modifiers and risk markers were compared between non-users (n = 418) and users of low-estrogen dose OC (n = 925, categorised according to progestin content as monophasic levonorgestrel, triphasic levonorgestrel, norethindrone or desogestrel). OC use diminished the adverse effects of age on glucose tolerance. Aerobic exercise had a particularly beneficial effect on triglyceride levels and OGTT insulin response in OC users. The rise in HDL and HDL2 cholesterol concentrations with alcohol intake seen in non-users was diminished in OC users. Increasing duration of use of a desogestrel combination was associated with increasing HDL cholesterol concentrations. No adverse effects of risk modifiers on metabolic risk markers and blood pressure were augmented by OC use, and some were even diminished.
Local Dynamics in DNA by Temperature-Dependent Stokes Shifts of an Intercalated Dye

For the first time, the static and dynamic properties of the interior of DNA have been measured through their effects on the Stokes shift of an intercalated dye. Fluorescence excitation and emissio...
Ship-Based Observations of the Diurnal Cycle of Southeast Pacific Marine Stratocumulus Clouds and Precipitation

The diurnal cycle of marine stratocumulus in cloud-topped boundary layers is examined using shipbased meteorological data obtained duringthe2008Variability of American Monsoon Systems (VAMOS) Ocean‐Cloud‐Atmosphere‐Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx). The high temporal and spatial continuity of the ship data, as well as the 31-day sample size, allows the diurnal transition in degree of coupling of the stratocumulus-topped boundary layer to be resolved. The amplitude of diurnal variation was comparable to the magnitude of longitudinal differences between regions east and west of 808 Wf or most of the cloud, surface, and precipitation variables examined. The diurnal cycle of precipitation is examined in terms of areal coverage, number of drizzle cells, and estimated rain rate. East of 808W, the drizzle cell frequency and drizzle area peaks just prior to sunrise. West of 808W, total drizzle area peaks at 0300 local solar time (LST), 2‐3h before sunrise. Peak drizzle cell frequency is 3 times higher west of 808W comparedtoeastof 808W.Thewaningof drizzleseveralhourspriortotheramp upof shortwavefluxesmay be related to the higher peak drizzle frequencies in the west. The ensemble effect of localized subcloud evaporation of precipitation may make drizzle a self-limiting process where the areal density of drizzle cells is sufficiently high. The daytime reduction in vertical velocity variance in a less coupled boundary layer is accompanied by enhanced stratification of potential temperature and a buildup of moisture near the surface.
Large-scale mapping of human protein interactome using structural complexes

Although the identification of protein interactions by highthroughput (HTP) methods progresses at a fast pace, ‘interactome’ data sets still suffer from high rates of false positives and low coverage. To map the human protein interactome, we describe a new framework that uses experimental evidence on structural complexes, the atomic details of binding interfaces and evolutionary conservation. The structurally inferred interaction network is highly modular and more functionally coherent compared with experimental interaction networks derived from multiple literature citations. Moreover, structurally inferred and high-confidence HTP networks complement each other well, allowing us to construct a merged network to generate testable hypotheses and provide valuable experimental leads.
Babel: Using a Common Bridge Node to Deliver Multiple Keys in Wireless Sensor Networks

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), symmetric key schemes may be used to provide security. Recently, a class of random key pre-distribution techniques have been proposed and investigated. Such techniques only guarantee to establish keys for some pairs of physically connected sensors. In this work, we address the issue of delivering secret link keys to each of the source's neighbors in wireless sensor networks. We propose a scheme called Babel that finds a common bridge node to deliver one key to each of the to-be-connected neighbors. The novelty of our scheme is to deliver multiple keys through a common bridge node and regular paths instead of multi-hop secure paths. Since the delivered keys are only disclosed to one node, the common bridge node, key compromise probability of the Babel scheme is significantly lower compared to other delivery techniques.
Disease-bearing Insects in Samoa.

A short stay on the island of Upolu, German Samoa, during the summer of 1913, afforded an opportunity to make a few observations on mosquitos and flies, which I wish to record. As practically all my time was taken up with another problem, only fragmentary notes could be made on these insects.
Grasses of the Precambrian Shield region in eastern lowland Bolivia. I. Habitat preferences

The habitat distribution and relative abundance of 113 species of Gramineae were documented by releves in 82 stands near Concepcion, Santa Cruz, Bolivia. A factor analysis was used to compare the floristic similarity of stands situated in semideciduous forest, cerradio, cerrado, campo rupestre, valley-side campo, pantanal complex or on granite outcrops. Individual grass species usually had a preferred habitat and occurred with decreasing abundance in stands judged to be transitional by physiognornic, edaphic, and floristic criteria. Stands situated in cerrado vegetation were most similar to one another in grass species composition. Cerradio was transitional to semideciduous forest and cerrado but certain grasses were characteristic of this vegetation type. The floristic composition of the single campo rupestre locality was somewhat similar to cerrado; however, several of the more abundant grass species of this vegetation type did not occur in any nearby cerrado stand. Granite outcrops had a distinct grass flora and showed little similarity to other vegetation types. In savanna wetland communities, grass species distribution was influenced by water regime. Differcnces between stands on valley-side campo corresponded to topographic position on a gradient of increasing water surplus. Seasonally humid/dry stands on valley-side campo and pantanal complexes had a high degree of similarity. Stands lower on the catenary sequence of pantanal complexes and valley-side campos were increasingly dissimilar, a result of the different edaphic conditions of the seasonally flooded soils of pantanal complexes when compared with the permainently saturated (but never flooded) soils of valley-side campos. Pantanal complexes had the richest grass flora of all vegetation types because their microtopographic variability creates numerous micro-habitats with distinct water regimes, each supporting different grass species.
Efficient Measurement of Service Similarity

The authors define a formal model for information services that incorporates the concept of service similar ity. The model places services in metric spaces, and allows for services that have arbitrarily complex inputs and output domains. The authors then address the challenge of service substitution: finding the services most similar to a given service among a group, possibly large, of candidate services. To solve this nearest neighbor problem efficiently the authors embed the space of services into a vector space and search for the nearest neighbors in the target space. The authors report on an extensive experiment that validates both their formalization of similarity and their methods for finding service substitutions.
Extracting probable command and control signatures for detecting botnets

Botnets, which are networks of compromised machines under the control of a single malicious entity, are a serious threat to online security. The fact that botnets, by definition, receive their commands from a single entity can be leveraged to fight them. To this end, one requires techniques that can detect command and control (C&C) traffic, as well as the servers that host C&C services. Given the knowledge of a C&C server's IP address, one can use this information to detect all hosts that attempt to contact such a server, and subsequently disinfect, disable, or block the infected machines. This information can also be used by law enforcement to take down the C&C server. In this paper, we present a new botnet C&C signature extraction approach that can be used to find C&C communication in traffic generated by executing malware samples in a dynamic analysis system. This approach works in two steps. First, we extract all frequent strings seen in the network traffic. Second, we use a function that assigns a score to each string. This score represents the likelihood that the string is indicative of C&C traffic. This function allows us to rank strings and focus our attention on those that likely represent good C&C signatures. We apply our technique to almost 2.6 million network connections produced by running more than 1.4 million malware samples. Using our technique, we were able to automatically extract a set of signatures that are able to identify C&C traffic. Furthermore, we compared our signatures with those used by existing tools, such as Snort and BotHunter.
Effect of 2,4,6, Triamino-“S”-Triazine (TR), 2,4,6 “Tris” (Ethyleneimino)-“S”-Triazine (TEM) and N, N′, N″-Triethylenephosphoramide (TEPA) on Rat Litter in Utero.∗

Summary1. The effect of TR, TEM and TEPA on rat fetus and litter in utero was studied with 2 doses of the 5 LD50 on 4th and 5th, or 7th and 8th, or 11th and 12th days of gestation. 2. TR had no effect on the rat litter and can be regarded as a control series to TEM. 3. TEM had its maximum effect at the time of implantation, but failed to destroy the entire litters. An increase in dosage from .3 mg/kg to .5 mg/kg given at the time of implantation led to 100% litter destruction. 4. Progesterone administration protected 40% of the fetuses against otherwise lethal doses of TEM. 5. Rats treated with TEM displayed uniformly smaller placentas than normal. 6. TEM in combination with AZS given on the 15th and 16th days of gestation led to much stunting of the fetuses, to 32% of fetal death, but in no instance to complete litter destruction. 7. Freshly prepared TEPA destroyed all litters when given on the 7th and 8th, or 11th and 12th days of gestation. 8. The malformations observed with TEM and TEPA consisted of c...
Recurrent cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery: successful treatment with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Cystic Adventitial Disease (CAD) is a rare vascular condition that most commonly affects the popliteal artery. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is generally not considered a valid therapeutic option due to high recurrence rate. We report a case of CAD of the popliteal artery that recurred after surgical cyst enucleation that was successfully treated with PTA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of successful PTA for the treatment of recurrent CAD of the popliteal artery.
Algorithm for the frequency domain radiative transfer equation on block-structured grids

The frequency domain (FD) radiative transfer equation (RTE) for fluorescence excitation and emission is implemented on block-structured grids. The numerical grid is adaptively refined near boundaries to accurately represent tissue of arbitrary shape using only Cartesian-type grids of varying refinement. The algorithm for the FD-RTE on block-structured grids is tested on a homogeneous numerical phantom with tissue like optical properties.
Natural and experimental rhinovirus infections of the lower respiratory tract.

Rhinoviruses are the cause of the majority of common colds, but their role in lower respiratory disorders is less clear. Recent studies using the polymerase chain reaction to detect rhinoviruses have established respiratory viral infections as major factors in the induction of acute exacerbations of asthma in both adults and children, both in mild exacerbations and in more severe exacerbations leading to hospital admission. Rhinoviruses were the major virus type detected in these studies, accounting for two-thirds of viruses detected. It is not known whether rhinoviruses produce their effects by directly invading the lower airway or by indirect means. Previous clinical studies provide some evidence that rhinoviruses are capable of infecting the lower airway. However, the immunologic response, both in the upper and lower airways, remains poorly defined. Recent studies have provided evidence of increased cellular activation in peripheral blood and in bronchial biopsies in atopic subjects compared with norma...
Competing orders in thermally fluctuating superconductors in two dimensions

We extend recent low-temperature analyses of competing orders in the cuprate superconductors to the pseudogap regime where all orders are fluctuating. A universal continuum limit of a classical Ginzburg-Landau functional is used to characterize fluctuations of the superconducting order: this describes the crossover from Gaussian fluctuations at high temperatures to the vortex-binding physics near the onset of global phase coherence. These fluctuations induce affiliated corrections in the correlations of other orders, and in particular, in the different realizations of charge order. Implications for scanning tunneling spectroscopy and neutron-scattering experiments are noted: there may be a regime of temperatures near the onset of superconductivity where the charge order is enhanced with increasing temperatures.
Characterization of sorghum genotypes for traits related to drought tolerance

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a genetically diverse cereal crop grown in many semiarid regions of the world. Improving drought tolerance in sorghum is of prime importance. An association panel of about 300 sorghum genotypes from different races, representative of sorghum globally, was assembled for genetic studies. The objectives of this research were to (i) quantify the performance of the association panel under field conditions in Kansas, (ii) characterize the association panel for phenological, physiological and yield traits that might be associated with tolerance to limited moisture (drought), and (iii) identify genotypes with higher yield potential and stability under different environments that may be used in the sorghum breeding program. Results show large diversity for physiological and yield traits such as chlorophyll content, leaf temperature, grain numbers and grain weight per panicle, harvest index and yield. Significant differences were found for plant height, grain weight and numbers per panicle, harvest index, and grain yield among and within races. The US elite lines had the highest number of grains and grain weight per panicle while the guinea and bicolor races recorded the lowest. Harvest index and yield was highest for the US elite lines and the caudatum genotypes. Overall, there was a negative correlation between plant height and grain weight, grain numbers and yield. Harvest index and grain numbers were negatively affected by moisture limitation for all the races. Among the races, the caudatum genotypes were more stable in grain yield across the different environments. Overall, there was a wide variability within the association panel for physiological and yield traits that may prove to be useful for improving drought tolerance in sorghum.
Bone morphogenetic protein signalling activity distinguishes histological subsets of paediatric germ cell tumours.

Summary Germ cell tumours (GCTs) are cancers of the testis, ovary or extragonadal sites that occur in infants, children and adults. Testicular GCT is the most common cancer in young men aged 15–40 years. Abnormalities in developmental signalling pathways such as wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/BMP and Hedgehog have been described in many childhood tumours. To date, however, the status of BMP signalling in GCTs has not been described. Herein, we examine BMP-SMAD signalling in a set of clinically-annotated paediatric GCTs. We find that BMP signalling activity is absent in undifferentiated tumours such as seminomas and dysgerminomas, but robustly present in most yolk sac tumours, a differentiated tumour type. Gene expression profiling of TGF-β/BMP pathway genes in germinomas and yolk sac tumours reveals a set of genes that distinguish the two tumour types. There is significant intertumoural heterogeneity between tumours of the same histological subclass, implying that the BMP pathway can be differentially regulated in individual tumours. Finally, through miRNA expression profiling, we identify differential regulation of a set of miRNAs predicted to target the TGF-β/BMP pathway at multiple sites. Taken together, these results suggest that the BMP signalling pathway may represent a new therapeutical target for childhood GCTs.