cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International trade in a system of floating exchange rates

Since the introduction of the system of floating exchange rates policy-makers have been troubled by uncertainties regarding the effects of this system on international trade. Do exchange rate changes affect trade flows? Can governments manipulate exchange rates? Have countries been “injured” by exchange rate changes? What are the real costs of international monetary instability? Answers to these key questions are given in the following article.
Contributions of Friends to Women's Fear of Success in College

In this study fear of success of 88 female college freshmen was examined in relation to their friends' interest in college. Subjects wrote stories to a cue designed to elicit fear of success imager...
Dynamic Traveling Salesman Problem: Value of Real-Time Traffic Information

We investigate the value of choosing the next stop to visit in a multistop trip based on current traffic conditions to minimize the expected total travel time of the tour. We model this problem as a Markov decision process. Numerical examples are presented that indicate that the value of using current traffic information for dynamic tour determination can be significant.
Research Methods to Investigate Significant Life Experiences: Review and Recommendations.

Summary This article reviews different research approaches to understanding the significant experiences that influence people's environmental concern and behavior, with an emphasis on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing studies. It also reviews relevant findings regarding the validity of autobiographical memory, as memory is the medium which selects and interprets the significant events reported to researchers. The review notes promising new directions in recent studies, but makes several concrete suggestions regarding how researchers in this field can refine existing methods and broaden their approaches.
Seismic wave attenuation studies using VSP data recorded in Germany`s continental ultradeep borehole

VSP data recorded in the German continental deep borehole (KTB) between 3 and 6 km have been used to study the attenuation of P-waves. The main lithologic unit in this depth range is amphibolite (a metamorphic rock formed at high temperatures and pressures) with various degrees of alteration, intercalated with gneisses. The method used to determine attenuation is based on the fit of a straight line to the logarithm of amplitude ratios for variable depth and fixed frequency, but inspection of the corresponding plots showed sharp discontinuities, which correlate with changes in the location of the seismic source. These changes were recorded by a monitor geophone buried near the source. To avoid the uncertainties introduced by changes in the source location, the analysis was restricted to the longest depth interval (3,576 to 4,538 m) for which the source was not moved. Even in this case, however, the monitor traces showed pronounced variations in their frequency content, although not much variation in their time-domain amplitudes. Therefore, the attenuation coefficients obtained for the actual data were corrected for source variations by subtraction of the attenuation coefficients determined from the analysis of synthetic VSP data computed using the monitor traces. After these corrections,more » the values of Q for P-waves for frequencies between 7.8 and 46.9 Hz are between 14 and 32. These values are quite low, but are probably related to the presence of fluids known to exist in the depth range under consideration. The variation of Q with frequency may be the result of processing artifacts.« less
The Free Energy Landscapes Governing Conformational Changes in a Glutamate Receptor Ligand-Binding Domain

Summary Ionotropic glutamate receptors are ligand-gated transmembrane ion channels activated by the binding of glutamate. The free energy landscapes governing the opening/closing of the GluR2 S1S2 ligand-binding domain in the apo, DNQX-, and glutamate-bound forms are computed by using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvent, in conjunction with an umbrella sampling strategy. The apo S1S2 easily accesses low-energy conformations that are more open than observed in X-ray crystal structures. A free energy of 9–12 kcal/mol becomes available upon glutamate binding for driving conformational changes in S1S2 associated with receptor activation. Small-angle X-ray scattering profiles calculated from computed ensemble averages agree better with experimental results than profiles calculated from static X-ray crystal structures. Water molecules in the cleft may contribute to stabilizing the apo S1S2 in open conformations. Free energy landscapes were also computed for the glutamate-bound T686A and T686S S1S2 mutants, and the results elaborate on findings from experimental functional studies.
COPD and Lung Cancer Among Women: An Equal Opportunity Risk?

in the development of COPD and lung cancer and in the metabolism of tobacco smoke constituents. They showed that certain cytochrome P450 enzymes, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A4 have increased expression in women and suggest that these differences may lead to gender-related differences in susceptibility to tobacco smoke (and presumably other smoke) toxins. They further suggested that these differences in enzyme expression may result in differential risk of lung cancer development. In this issue of the Journal Schwartz et al. present data from a case-control study of 562 women with non-small cell lung cancer to 564 control women. 14 Overall, 31.1% of women in the case group reported COPD (defined as a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, COPD or emphysema), compared with 14.4% of controls. They found an increased risk of lung cancer associated with a history of COPD among white women (Odds ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.21–1.81), but not among black women. This article differs from previous recent analyses that have examined the relation between COPD and lung cancer in that in this article the COPD was defined based on a clinical diagnosis whereas in other articles COPD was defined on the basis of impaired lung function. 8,10,12 This is an important distinction in COPD is, in general, underdiagnosed 1 and women are even more underdiagnosed, relative to men. 15 Thus, the 31.1% clinical diagnosis of COPD in the current study is lower than the 52.5% for women and 72.8% for men (based on lung function measurement) in a study of 294 lung cancer patients by Loganathan et al. 12 Another interesting finding in the analysis by Schwartz et al. was that the risk between COPD and lung cancer was not seen in never smokers (Odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.08 –1.51). Although COPD occurs in never smokers 4,16 it is likely that the risks factors for and outcomes related to COPD in never smokers are very different to that seen in current and former smokers. This study provides additional evidence linking the presence of COPD to lung cancer in women. The study suggests that this linkage may vary by race and age. Both COPD and lung cancer are important diseases among both men and women. Under
The effect of bile diversion on satiety and fat absorption from liquid and solid dietary sources

In previous studies, liquid fat has been used to determine the effect of bile diversion on fat absorption. Since protein digests, in addition to bile salts, are capable of solubilizing lipids, we hypothesized that fat incorporated in the protein-rich matrix of solid food would be less sensitive to bile diversion than fat ingested as an oil or liquid. Using (3H)glycerol triether as a nonabsorbable fat recovery marker, we determined how much (14C)triolein was absorbed from solid (chicken liver) and liquid (margarine) dietary sources. After a standard liquid/solid meal with either the chicken liver or margarine labeled, midintestinal chyme was collected for 6 hr, extracted, and counted for 14C and 3H activity. Zero, eighty, or one hundred percent of endogenous bile was diverted. Fat absorption from both chicken liver and margarine was nearly complete by midintestine with 0% diversion and was little affected by diversion of 80% of bile. Complete biliary diversion significantly decreased fat absorption from margarine (87.9 +/- 4.4 to 37.2 +/- 9.2%, P less than 0.05) but reduced (14C)triolein absorption from chicken liver less consistently and insignificantly (78.8 +/- 6.9 to 43.9 +/- 10.6%). These data indicate that fat absorption is not solely dependent on bile and supportmore » the hypothesis that fat ingested in a cellular matrix is less dependent on bile than liquid fat. Using these same animals but with the midintestinal cannulas plugged to expose the distal intestine to unabsorbed luminal nutrients, we also demonstrated that bile diversion of an initial meal reduced food consumption at a meal offered 3 hr later.« less
The Keck way: vision and reality of technical operations at Keck

We describe the goals, guiding principles, and implementation of the Keck Observatory technical operations model and how scientific success is critically dependent on the symbiotic connection with the overall strategy of the observatory. We examine management approaches, organization and staffing that result from this approach. We discuss the choices made at the observatory in balancing regular operations and new scientific and technical capabilities, and the tradeoffs and consequences of these choices. We then elaborate on our plans to evolve operations in the areas of people and processes over the next several years. Finally, we address the applicability of the Keck model to the next generation of telescopes.
The ROLE OF HYPOXIA AND P53 IN THE REGULATION OF ANGIOGENESIS IN BLADDER CANCER

Purpose: Our previous studies defined thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as the primary mediators of angiogenesis in the bladder and the loss of inhibitory TSP-1 as a key event in the transition to an angiogenic phenotype during bladder cancer development. We evaluated the role of p53, which is commonly inactivated in bladder cancer, and hypoxia in the regulation of angiogenesis in the bladder.Materials and Methods: The p53 status was modulated in normal urothelial and bladder cancer cells, and conditioned media was collected under normal oxygen or hypoxic (0.5% O2) conditions. Angiogenic activity was evaluated with the endothelial cell migration assay, and the levels of secreted TSP-1 and VEGF were determined by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.Results: Retroviral mediated expression of the E6 oncoprotein reduced wild-type p53 levels in normal urothelial cells by greater than 90% but did not significantly alter TSP-1 or VEGF lev...
The nucleotide sequence at the recombination/integration sites of the hybrid viruses Ad2+ND3 and Ad2+ND5.

Abstract The nucleotide sequence at the recombination/integration sites of the adenovirus 2-simian virus 40 hybrid viruses, Ad2 + ND3 and Ad2 + ND5, is reported. These viruses were obtained by passages through human cells and fail to express the SV40-related proteins. The lack of expression of SV40-related proteins has been explained on the basis of the nucleotide sequence at the recombination sites. Ad2 + ND3 has the entire reading frame for the SV40T antigen removed up to the translation termination codon. The recombination event in Ad2 + ND5 was found to occur in the leader region 11 nucleotides upstream from the splice junction, thus totally eliminating the naturally occurring splice site, which might have lead to defective processing of the mRNA. Alternatively, because of the large deletion, this virus is incapable of making similar hybrid proteins as in Ad2 + ND1, Ad2 + ND2, and Ad2 + ND4, which share the N-terminal sequence of the 16-kDa glycoprotein of the wild-type virus. Thus, either one or both of these events may explain the lack of synthesis of the SV40 T antigen specific protein. Ad2 + ND3 and Ad2 + ND5 share the sequences at the right junction which suggests their origin from a common precursor. Also, the recombination was found to result in the disruption of the poly (A) addition signal of the adenovirus 2 early region III transcripts. All of the junction sequences were found to be rich in A:T base pairs.
Nonconceptive sexual experience diminishes individuals’ latency to mate and increases maternal investment

Although the evolution of sex has proven a perennial topic in evolutionary biology, the function of nonconceptive sexual behaviour in animal societies is more enigmatic. Here we consider the function of nonconceptive sexual displays in the comb-footed spider, Anelosimus studiosus. In this species, mature males and juvenile females engage in iterative displays of courtship behaviour and pseudocopulatory posturing. We tested whether individuals with nonconceptive sexual experience mated more rapidly with established versus sexually naive partners, and whether the amount of individuals’ nonconceptive sexual experience was associated with pairs’ latency to engage in conceptive sexual encounters. We found that pairs with at least one sexually experienced individual mated more rapidly than pairs of purely inexperienced individuals. Furthermore, we found the more nonconceptive bouts experienced by an ‘experienced’ individual, the more rapidly the pair engaged in conceptive sex, regardless of partner fidelity. We also detected a positive association between the amount of nonconceptive sexual experience by females and their relative reproductive investment in their first egg cases. Our findings suggest nonconceptive sex serves both (1) as a kind of rehearsal behaviour, which helps hone individuals’ courtship and/or copulatory finesse, and (2) as a cue that affects females’ downstream reproductive decisions (i.e. maternal provisioning).
A Unified Framework for Defect Data Analysis Using the MBR Technique

Failures of mission-critical software systems can have catastrophic consequences and, hence, there is strong need for scientifically rigorous methods for assuring high system reliability. To reduce the V&V cost for achieving high confidence levels, quantitatively based software defect prediction techniques can be used to effectively estimate defects from prior data. Better prediction models facilitate better project planning and risk/cost estimation. Memory Based Reasoning (MBR) is one such classifier that quantitatively solves new cases by reusing knowledge gained from past experiences. However, it can have different configurations by varying its input parameters, giving potentially different predictions. To overcome this problem, we develop a framework that derives the optimal configuration of an MBR classifier for software defect data, by logical variation of its configuration parameters. We observe that this adaptive MBR technique provides a flexible and effective environment for accurate prediction of mission-critical software defect data.
Myospherulosis of the jaws

Two cases of myospherulosis are reported. The history, histopathology, and nature of this condition are discussed. The placement of antibiotic ointment with a petrolatum base in oral wounds may be of significance. Petrolatum may provoke an inflammatory reaction and remain in tissue for years.
Differential Response to Colors by the Lizard Uta palmeri (Reptilia: Iguanidae)

Many lizards have brightly colored body parts thought to be signals, but color perception in lizards has not been well studied. We present data documenting differential response to colors in an iguanid lizard. Free-living Uta palmeri differentially approached and bit at a red-colored object when simultaneously presented objects of four different colors (red, blue, yellow, black). This response to red was statistically significant for all three age-sex classes of lizards tested (adult males, adult females, juveniles). In addition, juveniles and adult females exhibited intermediate levels of responses (approaching and sniffing, and licking) to the yellow object but adult males did not. Seasonally important food items of this species are red (fish regurgitated by nesting seabirds) and yellow (yolk from broken seabird eggs), and response behavior (biting versus licking) was similar to that exhibited during feeding. Thus, as presented in our experimental paradigm, red and yellow elicited feeding responses. The spectral reflectance curves of the red and yellow stimuli were found to exhibit peaks at wavelengths of 630 nm (range 570–670), and at 600 nm (range 550–700), respectively. These values overlap with the spectral range of the gravid coloration of female U. palmeri (peak 615 nm, range 550–690) that is thought to be a signal to conspecifics. Furthermore, the reflectance curves are similar in shape and height (intensity). Thus, the similarities of the reflectance curves of the red paint and of the natural coloring suggest that palmeri can detect the female gravid coloration. Whether the response to red objects is due to discriminating differences in hue or in relative brightness remains to be examined.
Evaluation of the Differential in Vivo Toxic Effects of Ethanol and Acetaldehyde on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis Using 4-Methylpyrazole

4-Methylpyrarole (4-MP) blocks ethanol (ETOH) oxidation by inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Because ADH has been identified and shown to be active in the testes, we examined the effect of ETOH + 4-MP in the ETOH-fed rat model. Weanling rats were divided Into four groups of 15 rats each and fed a liquid diet: group I received ETOH (5% v/v) + 4-MP (1.34 mM); group II was pair-fed the diet containing only 4-MP and isocalorically matched to group I; group III received ETOH dlet; and group IV was pair-fed isocaiorically to match group III. Using two-way analysis of variance for nonorthogonal data, the results were analyzed to examine both ETOH and 4-MP as the main treatment and to test for interaction. Both ETOH and 4-MP produced significant main treatment effects with significant interaction on liver/body ratio, testes weight expressed as per cent of normal, and plasma luteiniring hormone levels, and without interaction on plasma testosterone concentrations.
Some issues associated with the use of moderated regression

Abstract In recent years, some degree of controversy has arisen over the methods that researchers should employ in the detection of moderating effects. More specifically, both M. R. Blood and G. M. Mullet (1977, Where have all the moderators gone?: The perils of type II error, Tech. Rep. No. 11, College of Industrial Management, Georgia Institute of Technology) and H. J. Arnold (1982, Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 29, 143–174) have challenged the use of “conventional” moderated regression (e.g., S. Zedeck (1971, Psychological Bulletin, 76, 295–310) as an appropriate method for the analysis of moderating effects. Blood and Mullet, for example, have argued that conventional moderated regression is an overly “conservative” technique that is generally incapable of detecting moderating effects—even in data bases “constructed” so as to have strong interaction components. To remedy this problem, they suggest a “backward entry” regression analysis in which the interaction term is the first variable entered into the regression. Also critical of conventional moderated regression, Arnold argues that the same analytic strategy is inappropriate in instances where the researcher's concern is to demonstrate differing “degrees” of correlation between two variables for moderator variable based “subgroups.” The purpose of the present paper is to show that both the arguments of Blood and Mullet and those of Arnold are incorrect. The difficulties associated with the backward entry procedure are demonstrated through the use of Monte Carlo simulation methods. Results of the simulations revealed that the moderated regression analytic procedure is well suited to the detection of statistical interactions (i.e., moderating effects)—even in data bases constructed so as to have (a) very strong main effects for both the independent variable and the moderator variable, (b) dependent variables having large error components, (c) independent and moderator variables having only modest reliability levels, and (d) partially redundant (multicollinear) independent and moderator variables. The errors inherent in the recent arguments of Arnold are shown to result from (a) an unduly restrictive definition of the “degree of relationship” concept, and (b) a seeming belief that differences in correlation coefficients have necessary implications for the accuracy with which scores on one variables can be predicted on the basis of knowledge of scores on another variable. Implications of the present study's analyses are offered.
Electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen at electrodes coated with a bimetallic cobalt(II)/platinum(II) porphyrin

Edge plane pyrolytic graphite (EPG) electrodes coated with 5-(4-pyridyl)-10,15,20-tris(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin and its Pt(II) and Co(II)/Pt(II) analogs undergo an electrochemical–chemical–electrochemical (ECE) reaction when anodically scanned in 1.0 M HClO4. The new redox couple formed from this anodic conditioning of the coated electrode is dependent on the pH of the solution. Roughened EPG electrodes coated with the Co(II)/Pt(II) bimetallic porphyrin show a catalytic shift of 500 mV for the reduction of O2 when compared to the reduction of O2 at a bare EPG electrode. An additional catalytic shift of ca. 100 mV is observed for O2 reduction at an EPG electrode coated with the Co(II)/Pt(II) porphyrin which has been oxidized in 1.0 M HClO4. In addition to the added electrocatalysis a significant percentage of O2 reduced at the oxidized Co(II)/Pt(II) EPG electrode is converted to H2O as determined by rotating disk electrode measurements.
Transformation Through Tourism: Harnessing Tourism as a Development Tool for Improved Livelihoods

The World Bank, with its commitment to poverty alleviation has focused on facilitating enabling environments for investment and job generation by working with governments to strengthen the private sector in markets around the globe. The purpose of this note is to highlight some examples of the Bank's recent work in tourism and explore possible approaches for the future. Current World Bank efforts key to supporting tourism which benefits the poor is: 1) public/private dialogue engaging the broadest spectrum possible of stakeholders; 2) facilitation of public/private partnerships to address bottlenecks; and 3) holistic development which strengthens the value chain. Growing demand from client governments across Africa generated the need to build capacity and knowledge in this sector. Extensive research, commissioned by the World Bank in 2008 and 2009, considered the role of tourism in economies throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Findings indicate that tourism with diversified products, can reach the poor while protecting natural assets and conserving cultural heritage.
DNA-damage-independent checkpoints: yeast and higher eukaryotes.

No Abstract AvailableKey Words Cell Cycle, Mitotic Checkpoints, Topoisomerase II, Anaphase, Mitotic Exit, Spindle Assembly
The dilemmas of citizenship: Limitations on canadian legal rights

Since the entrenchment of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian courts have been burdened with a disproportionate number of cases concerned with issues arising from the newly introduced legal rights. However, the transition from the Canadian crime-control model to the American-style due-process model is far from complete. The rights of the accused are consistently deemed to be secondary to the aim of reinforcing the legitimacy of the criminal justice system. Canadians' legal rights will in fact remain limited as long as judges continue to decide cases on the basis of harm done to the justice system, rather than individuals and groups.
Early adrenal response to ACTH; Plasma concentrations of pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone.

The peripheral venous plasma concentrations of pregnenolone (Δ5-P), 17-hydroxypregnenolone (Δ5-17-OHP), progesterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), and cortisol were measured in 5 normal men during a 3-hour infusion of ACTH. The concentrations of Δ5-P, Δ5-17-OHP reached levels 4 to 6 times those of control samples, whereas progesterone, 17-OHP, and cortisol concentrations had only doubled. We propose that ACTH causes preferential stimulation of the Δ5 pathway for cortisol biosynthesis.
DataUp: A tool to help researchers describe and share tabular data.

Scientific datasets have immeasurable value, but they lose their value over time without proper documentation, long-term storage, and easy discovery and access. Across disciplines as diverse as astronomy, demography, archeology, and ecology, large numbers of small heterogeneous datasets (i.e., the long tail of data) are especially at risk unless they are properly documented, saved, and shared. One unifying factor for many of these at-risk datasets is that they reside in spreadsheets. In response to this need, the California Digital Library (CDL) partnered with Microsoft Research Connections and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to create the DataUp data management tool for Microsoft Excel. Many researchers creating these small, heterogeneous datasets use Excel at some point in their data collection and analysis workflow, so we were interested in developing a data management tool that fits easily into those work flows and minimizes the learning curve for researchers. The DataUp project began in August 2011. We first formally assessed the needs of researchers by conducting surveys and interviews of our target research groups: earth, environmental, and ecological scientists. We found that, on average, researchers had very poor data management practices, were not aware of data centers or metadata standards, and did not understand the benefits of data management or sharing. Based on our survey results, we composed a list of desirable components and requirements and solicited feedback from the community to prioritize potential features of the DataUp tool. These requirements were then relayed to the software developers, and DataUp was successfully launched in October 2012.
Comparison study of ferrous ions in deoxygenated Hb-A and its isolated subunits.

The Mossbauer effect in 57Fe was used to probe the electronic structure of the ferrous ions in deoxy Hb-A and its isolated subunits, which are known to have characteristically different oxygen affinities. Within experimental error, the Mossbauer parameters obtained over the temperature range of 77°K to 200°K show no differences between these three proteins. Thus the difference in oxygen affinity between the deoxy Hb-A and its isolated subunits must not be a consequence of difference in the iron electronic structure.
The structure and function of progesterone receptors in breast cancer

This paper is a review of the clinical role of progesterone receptors (PR) in the management of breast cancer, and the use of synthetic progestins in treatment of the metastatic disease. Also reviewed are our basic molecular studies dealing with the structure of human breast cancer PR, focusing on the two hormone binding proteins (the A- and B-receptors) and the role of phosphorylation. A model for the structure of PR and their subcellular compartmentalization following hormone treatment is presented.
Effect of selection for resistance and susceptibility to viral diseases on concentrations of dopamine and immunological parameters in six-week-old chickens.

Abstract White Leghorn chickens were inbred respectively from their parent lines, which were diversely selected for resistance (line 63) or susceptibility (lines 72 and 15I5) to Marek’s disease and lymphoid leukosis. The differences in disease resistance may have been due to differential regulation of immune and neuroendocrine homeostasis. At 5 wk of age, chickens from the same line were randomly assigned to cages at 4 birds per cage. Blood samples were collected from the chickens at 6 wk of age (n = 10/line). Subsets of T lymphocytes (CD4+ and CD8+) and B cells were measured using flow cytometry. Concentrations of plasma IgG and dopamine were quantified with ELISA and HPLC assay, respectively. Line 63 chickens had a higher percentage of CD8+ cells but not CD4+ cells than the chickens of the lines 72 and 15I5 (P 15I5 > 63 (P
A frameworks for interaction (FINT) scale: Extensions and refinement in an industrial setting

Frameworks for interaction provide a basic context for communication within organizations, the underlying framework for surface manifestations of communication. Five basic frameworks for communication within organizations are commonly identified: formal, exchange, sentiments, normative, and negotiated order. This research replicates and refines a Frameworks for Interaction (FINT) Scale in a study of an industrial firm (n = 124). The results suggested that the scale had acceptable measurement properties and construct validity. This research stream suggests that frameworks for interaction provide a useful new approach for examining a number of interesting theoretic and pragmatic research questions relating to organizational communication.
Update on latex allergy among health care personnel.

ABSTRACT • Occupational exposure to natural rubber latex has sensitized 10% to 17% of health care personnel in Europe and the United States. The increased incidence of latex allergy is believed to be a direct result of the implementation of standard precautions. • The purpose of this literature review is to examine latex allergy studies and discuss the emerging problem of latex allergy in health care personnel. Latex composition, prevalence, clinical manifestations, and populations at risk also are discussed. AORNJ 78 (Sept 2003) 409–426.
Variability of chromophytic phytoplankton in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre

Abstract Eukaryotic phytoplankton play important roles in regulating productivity and material export in oligotrophic ocean ecosystems. In this study, we examined the vertical and temporal variability in planktonic Chromalveolate (hereafter chromophyte) assemblages over a 2-year period (2007–2009) at Station ALOHA (22°45′N, 158°W) in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, cloning, and sequencing of form ID rbcL genes from samples collected at nearly monthly intervals provided information on the diversity, abundances, and variability associated with chromophytic phytoplankton. Despite persistently oligotrophic conditions, the euphotic zone of this habitat supported a phylogenetically diverse assemblage of chromophytic algae, including representatives of various genera of diatoms, pelagophytes, prymnesiophytes, and dinoflagellates. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) amplification of diatom, prymnesiophyte, and pelagophyte rbcL phylotypes revealed that the population structure of these assemblages was highly variable in time, with gene abundances often varying more than an order of magnitude between successive months. Diatom rbcL genes were typically the most abundant in both the upper and lower regions of the euphotic zone, while rbcL gene abundances of the prymnesiophytes and pelagophytes were significantly greater (One-way ANOVA, P
Arthropathy as the Presenting Symptom in Hereditary Hemochromatosis

ABSTRACT: Hemochromatosis is characterized by excessive absorption and subsequent deposition of iron in various organs and is prevalent in 1 out of 20,000 hospitalized patients. Most patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC) become symptomatic between the ages of 50 and 60 years. Distinct forms of arthritis have been associated with HHC and may be the initial clinical manifestation in some patients. This is a case of a patient who had chronic hip and back pain and painless swelling over the knuckles. Radiographs revealed classical signs of HHC. Early recognition and prompt institution of phlebotomy can improve the outcome of patients with HHC.
Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The frequency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections continues to grow in hospital-associated settings and, more recently, in community settings in the United States and globally. The increase in the incidence of infections due to S. aureus is partially a consequence of advances in patient care and also of the pathogen's ability to adapt to a changing environment. Infection due to S. aureus imposes a high and increasing burden on health care resources. A growing concern is the emergence of MRSA infections in patients with no apparent risk factors. MRSA infection in community settings involves considerable morbidity and mortality, as does nosocomial MRSA infection. For community-associated MRSA, person-to-person transmission has been reported, and several factors have been shown to predict disease. We examine the trends in both nosocomial and community-associated MRSA infections and explore recent studies of the mechanisms that allow S. aureus to become resistant to currently available drugs.
Identifying genes that mediate anthracyline toxicity in immune cells.

The role of the immune system in response to chemotherapeutic agents remains elusive. The interpatient variability observed in immune and chemotherapeutic cytotoxic responses is likely, at least in part, due to complex genetic differences. Through the use of a panel of genetically diverse mouse inbred strains, we developed a drug screening platform aimed at identifying genes underlying these chemotherapeutic cytotoxic effects on immune cells. Using genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we identified four genome-wide significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) that contributed to the sensitivity of doxorubicin and idarubicin in immune cells. Of particular interest, a locus on chromosome 16 was significantly associated with cell viability following idarubicin administration (p = 5.01x10-8). Within this QTL lies App, which encodes amyloid beta precursor protein. Comparison of dose-response curves verified that T-cells in App knockout mice were more sensitive to idarubicin than those of C57BL/6J control mice (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the cellular screening approach coupled with GWAS led to the identification and subsequent validation of a gene involved in T-cell viability after idarubicin treatment. Previous studies have suggested a role for App in in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity to anticancer agents; the overexpression of App enhances resistance, while the knockdown of this gene is deleterious to cell viability. Thus, further investigations should include performing mechanistic studies, validating additional genes from the GWAS, including Ppfia1 and Ppfibp1, and ultimately translating the findings to in vivo and human studies.
Metal—double bond interactions : IV. A study of lithium—π-electron interactions in 3-butenyllithium by 7Li and 1H NMR spectroscopy

Abstract 3-Butenyllithium was prepared in an ether- and halide-free state by cleavage of di(3-butenyl)mercury with lithium metal. This product was shown to be hexameric in hydrocarbon solvents. A series of studies were carried out using 1 H and 7 Li NMR, infrared, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. The results of these studies indicate a perturbation of the π system of the butenyl moiety by the lithium aggregate, an interaction which also was supported by a calculation of the total energy of the system as a function of the conformation. This effect can be accounted for in terms of an intramolecular interaction. This direct observation of a lithium—olefin interaction in a non-dissociated lithium aggregate supports earlier postulations of a similar interaction based on kinetics for ethylenation reactions in ether. Also discussed are the role of aggregation states in accounting for differences in stereospecific addition in hydrocarbon vs. ether solvents.
Atomic force microscopy observations of the structural development during the uniaxial stretching of crosslinked low-density polyethylene in partial and fully molten states

The effect of uniaxial deformation in partially and fully molten states on the morphology of crosslinked low-density polyethylene has been investigated. At low temperatures, the morphology is predominantly fibrillar, with little kebabs appearing on the fibril surfaces. As the deformation temperature is increased into the melting range, the shish density decreases, and overgrowths of kebabs on the fibrils concurrently increase in length. This gives rise to added twisting of the kebabs reflected in the orientation factor analysis. This shish/twisted lamellar kebab texture is observed only in a partially molten state. Studies in a substantially molten state indicate the absence of shish, althugh short lamellae are observed that are oriented in the transverse direction. This morphology indicates a high chain orientation factor as a result of short lamellae that exhibit small twisting similar to Matsumura's rod model. The absence of shishes in the final films stretched isothermally in a substantially molten stage agrees with Schultz's model, in which imperfectly formed shishes dissolve if they are not stabilized by rapid cooling, as is the case in these studies. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2228–2237, 2004
Role of the surface sheath in the control of morphogenesis in Dictyostelium discoideum.

A gradient in the thickness of the surface sheath surrounding Pseudo-plasmodia of Dictyostelium seems to control polarity in this organism.
Fiber ring resonator with fringe shape stabilization

We describe a fringe shape stabilization scheme for a birefringent fiber ring resonator with power exchange between the birefringent axes. It is shown that this type of resonator provides an easy way of deriving an error signal in order to stabilize the fringe shape. The system uses piezoelectric control of the fiber birefringence along a short portion of the loop, which counteracts environmentally induced changes in the fringe shape. The system is suitable for use in sensing and spectrum analysis applications requiring high accuracy and scale factor stability. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Modulation of endotoxin-induced endothelial function by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase

Endothelial cells facilitate sepsis-induced neutrophil adherence through the production of adhesion molecules and proinflammatory cytokines. The production of these factors requires coordinated intracellular inflammatory signaling. Recently, patients prone to sepsis-induced complications have been shown to have derangements in intracellular calcium and potentially calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) activity, but the impact of these impairments is unknown. Human umbilical vein endothelial vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for various periods of time. Select HUVECs were pretreated with an inhibitor of CaMK II, KN62. Total cellular and nuclear proteins were extracted and analyzed for various components of the Toll-mediated signal cascade. Neutrophil adhesion was assayed fluorometrically using calcein-labeled neutrophils on treated HUVECs. LPS stimulation led to mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and translocation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB. CaMK blockade inhibited LPS induced ERK 1/2 and JNK but enhanced p38 activity. This selective MAPK inhibition was associated with a reduction in AP-1 activity, with no affect on NF-kappaB activity. Associated with this altered cell signaling was increased ICAM-1 production and enhanced neutrophil adhesion. Altered CaMK activity resulted in dysregulated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, demonstrated by reduced ERK 1/2 and JNK activity but enhanced p38 activity. This altered signaling is associated with reduced AP-1 activation and unaffected NF-kappaB activation. Neutrophil adhesion, however, is enhanced presumably through increased ICAM-1 production. Therefore, CaMK inhibition of endothelial cells, characteristic of sustained increases in intracellular calcium, appears to result in a dysregulated proadhesive phenotype.
Acquisition of a transcriptionally permissive state during the 1-cell stage of mouse embryogenesis.

Abstract Zygotic gene transcription initiates during the 2-cell stage of mouse embryogenesis. To learn more of the nature and timing of events leading up to transcriptional activation, we evaluated the ability of enucleated 1-cell-stage embryos to support transcription of the 2-cell-stage-specific gene(s) encoding the 70,000-Da transcription-requiring complex (TRC). Nuclei were transplanted from transcriptionally inhibited α-amanitin or N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesul-fonamide (H8)-treated 2-cell-stage embryos to either late or early enucleated 1-cell-stage recipients. Expression of the TRC gene(s) was much greater following transfer to late 1-cell than early 1-cell-stage recipients. In addition, treatment of early 1-cell-stage recipients with N6-monobutyryl cyclic AMP following transplantation of a nucleus from an H8-treated donor increased the rate of TRC synthesis to a value similar to that observed for late 1-cell-stage recipients. These results indicate that during the first cell cycle and prior to initiation of zygotic gene expression, the embryonic cytoplasm undergoes a transition from a transcriptionally nonpermissive to permissive state.
Prevention of venous thrombosis after coronary artery bypass surgery (a randomized trial comparing two mechanical prophylaxis strategies)

Although venous thrombosis may occur often after coronary artery bypass grafting, prophylaxis with low-dose heparin is rarely used due to the risk of bleeding. Therefore, we compared the efficacy of 2 mechanical regimens of prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass without concomitant valve surgery or coronary endarterectomy were randomized to either a more intensive regimen of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) plus graduated compression stockings (GCS) versus standard compression stockings alone. Of 611 patients screened, 184 were excluded due to peripheral vascular disease, postoperative intraaortic balloon support, or immediate postoperative anticoagulation. An additional 83 patients refused consent, leaving 172 in each prophylaxis group. The primary study end point was DVT diagnosed by a predischarge leg ultrasound examination performed on postoperative days 4 to 6. Of 344 patients enrolled, 330 (96%) underwent predischarge ultrasonography. DVT was detected in 19% of patients assigned to IPC plus stockings versus 22% assigned to GCS alone (95% confidence interval for the difference, -11% to 6%, p = 0.62). The addition of IPC did not add significant incremental benefit to GCS alone for DVT prophylaxis among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
Dynamic Terrain for Multiuser Real-Time Environments

Despite the pursuit for increased realism in VR training simulations and massively multiplayer online games, we find little deployed capability to modify terrain. Usually, terrain is stored in a static database and then preprocessed to support multiple levels of detail and to rectify features with the ground. Also, dynamic-terrain research has concentrated on graphics simulations for single users; we've found no research on systems that can support 500 or more user systems. Many obstacles to implementing large-scale dynamic-terrain simulations are hardware based such simulations need large amounts of memory and computing power. However, recent advances in computer hardware can help ameliorate these problems. In particular, high-performance computing clusters (HPCCs) offer an expandable set of computing elements, large amounts of memory and storage, and high-speed connections that remove many of the hardware limitations. Additionally, the industry's movement toward multi- or many-core machines indicates that research done today on high-performance computers (HPCs) could find its way into future commodity systems.
An Illumination-Based Model Of Stochastic Textures

It is now widely accepted that a certain class of naturally occurring textures are best modeled using the stochastic fractal methodologies proposed by Mandelbrot. Currently, most scene modeling techniques which appeal to the fractal paradigm construct their models by the successive application of perturbations to a primitive polygonally-based representation of the scene. While we concede the efficacy of this technique in rendering the model, we argue that the technique is inherently non-scale invariant, in that it requires that the perturbed model be recomputed whenever the viewpoint of the scene is altered. Rather than adopt this approach, we argue that a knowledge of the basic fractal statistics of the scene should be sufficient to construct a rendered model of the texture without requiring the intermediate computation of a perturbed polygonal structure. Our approach involves the application of fractal geometry to the illumination physics of the object; by this, we mean that a. basic (possibly polygonal) model of the object, along with its fractal statistics, will suffice to construct a rendered version of the object with a. fractal texture independent of scene viewpoint position. To accomplish this, we rely on local perturbations of illumination nornials at the time that the normal is evaluated from the basic model of the object. The extent and nature of this local perturbation is guided by both the fractal statistics of the object and the position of the scene viewpoint. Thus, we argue that the development of the stochastic texture be done in situ at the time that the illumination is developed, rather than performed as a preliminary step in the modeling of the scene. In this way, we substantially reduce the net computational complexity of the modeling process and its subsequent rendering, since the size of the ray-tree is determined by the complexity of the base object model and not the size of the perturbed and subdivided model.
An evaluation of sporocarp structure in the Triassic fungus Endochaetophora

Abstract Morphological and anatomical studies are made of three fossil fungi from silicified peat deposits of Triassic age from Antarctica. Structural features of sporocarps are evaluated and compared to those of the previously described Triassic fungus Endochaetophora antarctica. Features exhibited by these fossils suggests that they may be related to E. antarctica. Increasingly evidence is accumulating that this type of fossil fungus is not related to the Ascomycotina, but rather to an independent group, of which the extant Endogonaceae may be the sparse descendents.
Conformational adaptation of nuclear receptor ligand binding domains to agonists: potential for novel approaches to ligand design.

Abstract Ligands occupy the core of nuclear receptor (NR) ligand binding domains (LBDs) and modulate NR function. X-ray structures of NR LBDs reveal most NR agonists fill the enclosed pocket and promote packing of C-terminal helix 12 (H12), whereas the pockets of unliganded NR LBDs differ. Here, we review evidence that NR pockets rearrange to accommodate different agonists. Some thyroid hormone receptor (TR) ligands with 5′ extensions designed to perturb H12 act as antagonists, but many are agonists. One mode of adaptation is seen in a TR/thyroxine complex; the pocket expands to accommodate a 5′ iodine extension. Crystals of other NR LBDs reveal that the pocket can expand or contract and some agonists do not fill the pocket. A TRβ structure in complex with an isoform selective drug (GC-24) reveals another mode of adaptation; the LBD hydrophobic interior opens to accommodate a bulky 3′ benzyl extension. We suggest that placement of extensions on NR agonists will highlight unexpected areas of flexibility within LBDs that could accommodate extensions; thereby enhancing the selectivity of agonist binding to particular NRs. Finally, agonists that induce similar LBD structures differ in their activities and we discuss strategies to reveal subtle structural differences responsible for these effects.