cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genomic imprinting in humans.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses genomic imprinting in humans, which is a recently recognized phenomenon. It has already been implicated in a number of developmental and pathological processes. However, it is still unclear in terms of its functions in normal development, although there is evidence that some imprinted genes are important in growth. Imprinting shares a key property with mammalian X inactivation in that it results in the transcription of only one of two identical gene sequences in a given cell. Unlike eutherian X inactivation, it can be leaky and, on occasion, reactivated. Mendelian genetics is simple and straightforward, but it frequently does not adequately explain complicating factors such as variable expressivity and penetrance. Learning why mammals have genomic imprinting and learning the mechanisms of its regulation help to understand the pathogenesis of a number of birth defects, genetic diseases, and cancers.
Deep Dielectric Charging and Spacecraft Anomalies

Abstract This is an overview of deep dielectric charging on spacecraft. Spacecraft anomalies and failures may occur after exposure to energetic (MeVs) electron environments. These anomalies and failures typically occur with a delay time of days to weeks because it requires significant time for large charge density to accumulate on or in shielded spacecraft materials. This chapter discusses the relationship between deep dielectric charging and such spacecraft anomalies and failures. Deep dielectric charging and subsequent electrical discharging are not only related to severe space environment conditions in the vicinity of the spacecraft, but also depend on the spacecraft material properties which may change slowly in space as materials age from exposure to the space environment.
A comparison between robust information theoretic estimator and asymptotic maximum likelihood estimator for misspecified model

A robust information-theoretic estimator (RITE) is based on a non-homogeneous Poisson spectral representation. When an autoregressive (AR) Gaussian wide sense stationary (WSS) process is corrupted by noise, RITE is analyzed and shown by simulation to be more robust to noise than the asymptotic maximum likelihood estimator (MLE). The statistics of RITE and asymptotic MLE are analyzed for the misspecified model. For large data records, RITE and MLE are asymptotically normally distributed. MLE has lower variance, but RITE exhibits much less bias. Simulation examples of a noise corrupted AR process are provided to support the theoretical properties and show the advantage of RITE for low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR).
Quercetin inhibits glucose transport by binding to an exofacial site on GLUT1

Abstract Quercetin, a common dietary flavone, is a competitive inhibitor of glucose uptake and is also thought to be transported into cells by GLUT1. In this study, we confirm that quercetin is a competitive inhibitor of GLUT1 and also demonstrate that newly synthesized compounds, WZB-117 and BAY-876 are robust inhibitors of GLUT1 in L929 cells. To measure quercetin interaction with L929 cells, we develop a new fluorescent assay using flow cytometry. The binding of quercetin and its inhibitory effects on 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) uptake showed nearly identical dose dependent effects, with both having maximum effects between 50 and 100 μM and similar half maximum effects at 8.9 and 8.5 μM respectively. The interaction of quercetin was rapid with t1/2 of 54 s and the onset and loss of its inhibitory effects on 2DG uptake were equally fast. This suggests that either quercetin is simply binding to surface GLUT1 or its transport in and out of the cell reaches equilibrium very quickly. If quercetin is transported, the co-incubation of quercetin with other glucose inhibitors should block quercetin uptake. However, we observed that WZB-117, an exofacial binding inhibitor of GLUT1 reduced quercetin interaction, while cytochalasin B, an endofacial binding inhibitor, enhanced quercetin interaction, and BAY-876 had no effect on quercetin interaction. Taken together, these data are more consistent with quercetin simply binding to GLUT1, but not actually being transported into L929 cells via the glucose channel in GLUT1.
Sustained Bronchodilation with Isoproterenol Poly(Glycolide-co-Lactide) Microspheres

An animal study was carried out to evaluate the in vivo bronchodilator action of isoproterenol (Iso) from poly(glycolide-co-lactide) (PGL) microspheres. Microspheres with a mean diameter of 4.5 µm and a drug load of 7% were administered intratracheally to Long-Evans rats. The microspheres released about 70% of the incorporated drug in the instillation medium before administration, which provided immediate action, and the remaining 30% was available for sustained release. A total of 120 animals was anesthetized, paralyzed, artificially ventilated, and divided into 15 groups (n = 8): 3 groups each for saline, blank microspheres, free Iso, blank microspheres with free Iso, and microencapsulated Iso. All instillations were made in a volume of 1 ml/kg and the dose of all Iso preparations was 0.1 mg/kg. At 3, 6, or 12 hr after the intratracheal instillation, a serotonin challenge (40 µg/rat) was administered intravenously to constrict the airways. Airway function tests were performed at each time interval on one group of animals by a maximal expiratory flow-volume maneuver. The heart rate in animals receiving Iso formulations was similar to that in the saline control group, indicating minimal systemic effect of the dose administered. The systemic serum levels were below 2 ng/ml in all the groups. Animals receiving encapsulated Iso resisted the serotonin challenge for at least 12 hr after intratracheal instillation, indicating that the drug was still present over this period of time. On the other hand, the serotonin-induced airway constriction observed in the animals receiving blank microspheres, free Iso, or free Iso with blank microspheres was similar to that in saline controls at all time points. The results clearly show that only a small fraction of the free dose is required in sustained-release form for a prolonged pharmacological effect, resulting in a 50- to 100-fold reduction in the total dose administered.
Body-Prop Interaction: Augmented Open Discs and Egocentric Body-Based Interaction for Exploring Immersive Visualizations

Immersive Visualizations of 3-dimensional scientific data pose unique interaction challenges. One challenge is to be able to interact with the visual volumetric representations of data using direct manipulation in a way that facilitates exploration and discovery, yet maintains data relationships. In this paper, we present Body-Prop Interaction, a novel tangible multimodal interface for immersive visualizations. Our interaction technique combines multiple input and output modalities with 3D printed open discs that are tracked and augmented with virtual information. To demonstrate our technique, we implemented interactive tasks for a volume visualization of graphite billet data. While demonstrated for this type of data visualization, our novel interaction technique has the potential to be used to interact with other types of augmented and virtual reality.
Interface Band Gap and Charge Trapping in Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells

Bulk heterojunction devices were studied using Fourier Transform Photocurrent Spectroscopy and impedance spectroscopy. The photocurrent below the absorption edge reveals the charge transfer transition and we present experimental evidence confirming that it is due to the presence of the acceptor PCBM. The impedance spectra reveal additional polarization under illumination. We propose a model for photogenerated charges confined in isolated material regions which contribute to this additional polarization.
“Dreamers” or threat: Bilingual frame building of DACA immigrants:

This research analyzes Spanish- and English-language news discourses in the United States following the announcement of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. It identifies how ...
Deformation and Performance Measurements of MAV Flapping Wings

If bumblebees and hummingbirds could speak to us, could they tell us how they fly? Probably not. “How they fly” has been a fascinating question to biologists and aerodynamicists. Recently, attention is directed to micro air vehicle (MAV) research, which is aimed to develop sub 150 mm wingspan aircraft for reconnaissance and surveillance. The hummingbird poses as a perfect emulation target: they can dash like a jet fighter, hover like a helicopter, and they are on the MAV length scale. Warrick et al.1 examined the aerodynamics of hummingbird hovering with digital particle image correlation to capture the airflow structure. The authors found that the hummingbird’s upstroke and downstroke are not symmetrical in producing lift (thrust): the downstroke responsible for about 75% of the body weight and the upstroke about 25%. This is very different from insects, which have a more symmetrical load distribution. The differences are results of wing kinematics and structure. If a robotic hummingbird or insect is to be developed, understanding the causal relationship between kinematics, deformation and aerodynamics is essential. On the other hand, Tobalske et al.2 documented the kinematics of hummingbirds in forward flight at different speeds. The authors used a few parameters to described wing trajectories and angles. However such description may be considered insufficient for reconstructing the same kinematics. Therefore, in order to facilitate the research of flapping wing MAVs, an experimental method that can describe the complete wing kinematics and deformation, and correlate with aerodynamic loads, is called for. This paper presents an experimental technique for studying hummingbird-size flapping wings in MAV research. A sophisticated experimental setup featuring a customized digital image correlation system is described; several anisotropic flexible membranous wings are tested and post processed results are presented.
The Illustrated «Alexander» in French Verse: the Case of Italy

Abstract This paper considers three Italian manuscripts of the Alexandre in French verse in order to assess their contribution to the verse tradition in general. Concentrating on their decoration and illustration in a comparative context I present a detailed analysis of features that allow a more accurate placement of these manuscripts between Bologna and Padua in the thirteenth century. Key words Pen-flourishing – historiated initials – miniatures – Padua – Bologna
Brownian bridge

A Brownian bridge is a stochastic process derived from standard Brownian motion by requiring an extra constraint. This gives Brownian bridges unique mathematical properties, fascinating, itself, and useful in statistical and mathematical modeling. Here, we define a Brownian bridge and explain some of its unique mathematical properties. These properties make it useful as a mathematical model for real-world phenomena and as a tool for statistical analysis. We then give some examples of applications. We will see many mathematical ideas that touch Brownian bridges, such as differential equations, linear spaces, topology, metric spaces of functions, measure theory, stochastic integrals, estimation, and hypothesis testing. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The long-term implications of access complications during endovascular aneurysm repair.

Abstract Background Access issues are one of the most common complications of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, contemporary rates as well as risk factors for complications and the subsequent impact of access complications on mortality are poorly described. Methods We studied all EVAR for intact abdominal aortic aneurysms without prior aortic surgery in the Vascular Quality Initiative between 2011 and 2018. We studied factors associated with access complications (thrombosis, embolus, wound infection, hematoma, and conversion to cutdown), as well as the interaction with female sex and the impact on survival using multilevel logistic regression and propensity weighting. Multiple imputation was used for missing data. Results There were 33,951 EVAR during the study period (91% elective, 9% symptomatic); most cases (70%) involved an attempt at percutaneous access on at least one side, with 30% bilateral cutdowns and 0.1% iliac conduits. There were 1553 patients (4.6%) who experienced at least one access complication. Access complications were almost twice as common in female patients (7.5% vs 3.9%; P Conclusions Although access complications are infrequent in the current era, they are associated with both perioperative and long-term morbidity and mortality. Female patients in particular are at high risk of access complications, but may benefit from percutaneous access.
Risk-informed interference assessment: A quantitative basis for spectrum allocation decisions☆

•Deterministic and worst-case forecasts of new interference over-protect incumbents.•Risk-informed Interference Assessment (RIA) is a more thorough, probabilistic method.•RIA quantifies the likelihood and consequence of multiple interference hazards.•RIA is new to spectrum policy but builds on existing data and methods.•Action by regulators and legislators can foster the use of RIA.
Engineered resveratrol-loaded fibrous scaffolds promotes functional cardiac repair and regeneration through Thioredoxin-1 mediated VEGF pathway.

Abstract Despite recent advancements, mortality due to coronary heart disease (CHD) remains high. Recently, the use of tissue-engineered grafts and scaffolds has emerged as a candidate for supporting the myocardium after an ischemic event. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring plant-based non-flavonoid polyphenolic compound found in many natural foods, including grapes and red wine. We embedded resveratrol in a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold and evaluated the cardio-therapeutic effects in a murine model of myocardial infarction (MI), with animals being grouped into Sham (S), Myocardial Infarction (MI), MI + PCL, and MI + PCL-Resveratrol (MI + PCL-R). After 4 and 8 weeks, echocardiography was performed to assess ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS), which was followed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis at 8 weeks. The MI + PCL-R group showed a significant improvement in EF and FS compared with the MI + PCL group at 4 and 8-weeks post-surgery. PCL-R scaffolds treated hearts revealed decreased inflammatory cell infiltration, improved collagen extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion and blood vessel network formation following MI. The immunofluorescence analysis revealed resveratrol-loaded scaffolds promote increased expression of cTnT, Cx-43, Trx-1, and VEGF proteins. This study reports resveratrol-mediated rescue of ischemic myocardium when delivered through a biodegradable polymeric scaffold system after MI.
Efficient Algorithm for Multi-Constrained Opportunistic Wireless Scheduling

The onset of wireless networks globally has thrust researchers in academia and industry to solve problems related to this ever-growing field. In this paper, we study the multi-constrained opportunistic wireless scheduling problem in cognitive radio networks. Given a collection of secondary user communication links, the channel state of each link is unknown due to the unpredictable primary users’ activities, but can be estimated by exploring the channel state transitions and channel state feedback. A scheduling algorithm is used to decide a subset of links to transmit each time with both interference-free constraints and power budget constraints. The objective of this paper is to design a scheduling algorithm to optimize the average reward over a long time horizon. Current existing approaches cannot satisfyingly provide solutions for the wireless opportunistic scheduling problem when considering multiple constraints. In this work, we adopt the paradigm of the restless multi-armed bandit and propose a fast and simple approximation algorithm. The performance of the proposed algorithm is verified with a small approximation bound for the multi-constrained wireless opportunistic wireless scheduling problem.
New results from CERES

During the year 2000 the CERES experiment, upgraded with a radial drift TPC, took a large data sample of Pb on Au collisions at 158 AGeV triggered on the 8% most central collisions. A very detailed calibration of the radial drift TPC was since completed. Preliminary results on $e^+e^-$ pairs and $\phi$ mesons reconstructed in the $K^+K^-$ channel are presented.
Vancomycin area under the curves estimated with pharmacokinetic equations using trough-only data.

What is known and objective The revised vancomycin monitoring guidelines recommend targeting an area under the curve (AUC) of 400-600 mg*hr/L for serious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. An AUC can be measured by checking a peak and trough concentration at steady state; however, this requires obtaining an additional blood sample. The most practical way to perform AUC-guided dosing is by estimating an AUC from a steady-state trough. The purpose of this study was to compare AUCs estimated from trough-only data to AUCs calculated from peak and trough concentrations. Methods Steady-state peak and trough data were collected from an open-access clinical calculator VancoPK.com. Patients were included who had (1) peaks drawn ≥60 min after the end of infusion, (2) peak and trough levels drawn ≥4 h apart and (3) troughs drawn ≤4 h early or late. The population was randomized and divided into a model group and test group. A population equation for vancomycin volume of distribution (Vd) was derived and compared to other general adult Vd models. Accuracy and precision of estimated AUCs were measured with bias, root mean square error (RMSE) and Lin's concordance correlation. Results and discussion A total of 2,500 adult patients were included in the model group and 1,843 were included in the test group. The derived Vd equation, Vd (L) = 0.29(age) +0.33(total BW in kg) +11, produced accurate and precise AUC estimates from trough-only data. The mean actual AUC and estimated AUC were 504 and 503, respectively, with a correlation of 0.926. The RMSE between estimated and actual AUCs was 47.7, meaning that over 95% of estimated AUCs were within 100 points of actual AUCs with the study's Vd model. Other Vd models performed well for certain types of patients, depending on their body weight and age. What is new and conclusion There is limited evidence from large, robust populations regarding how to estimate Vd for general adult patients. Accuracy and precision of estimated AUCs depend on the applied population Vd model. The Vd model from the present study can be used for AUC-guided dosing with trough-only data which requires less blood work than peak-trough monitoring. AUC calculations are practical with the use of open-access websites.
Post-selection Inference

We discuss inference after data exploration, with a particular focus on inference after model or variable selection. We review three popular approaches to this problem: sample splitting, simultaneo...
New visualization method for vortex structure in turbulence by lambda2 and vortex filaments

Abstract In this paper, a new visualization method for vortex structure is presented. Several widely used techniques for local vortex visualization in turbulent flows are reviewed and compared. Among these techniques, lambda2 and Q method are the most prominent and they are considered to be the best methods in visualizing vortical structures. However, as we illustrate, there are some defects in those iso-surface based methods. They may cause fake vortex breakdown since they can only capture the strong rotation centers and may not reveal the true vortex structure, i.e., the λ 2 iso-surface may only represent rotation cores but not necessarily vortex tubes. To better illustrate the real vortical structures and distinguish the vortex, which has a rotation core but vorticity lines can penetrate, from the vortex tubes, which vorticity lines cannot penetrate, we present a new visualization method via a hybrid of lambda2 and vortex filaments. As shown in our examples, the new method enables us to find the accurate vortex structure and well capture the physics.
The Type and Motif Index of Finnish Belief Legends and Memorates

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Marjatta Jauhiainen Year: 1998 Pages: 362 Publisher: Academia Scientiarum Fennica/Suomalainen Tiedeakatemia
Taking Property Rights Seriously? The Supreme Court and the 'Poor Relation' of Constitutional Law

Over the last twenty-five years, the Supreme Court has expanded protection for constitutional property rights. After decades of neglect, the Court has begun to take property rights seriously. At the same time, however, protection for property rights still falls far short of that enjoyed by most other individual rights. In case after case, the Court has expressed support for property rights, but stopped short of providing them with more than minimal protection. Despite the Court's own rhetoric to the contrary, property rights are still the "poor relation" of the Constitution. Part I of this article analyzes the Court's recent property rights jurisprudence. It particularly focuses on the Court's decisions interpreting the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment. I examine key decisions on public use, regulatory takings, remedies for takings clause violations, and access to federal courts for citizens who claim that their property rights have been violated. In most of these fields, recent court decisions have modestly expanded protection for property owners. However, the Court's decisions in each area fall far short of giving property rights the same degree of protection as that extended to most other individual rights. Part II considers some of the standard rationales for denying judicial protection for property rights equal to that enjoyed by other constitutional rights. It addresses claims that property rights deserve little or no protection because they are already protected by the political process, because the courts lack expertise on economic issues, because judicial protection would benefit the rich at the expense of the poor, because the Courts should not enforce supposedly arbitrary common law property baselines, and because judicial protection for property rights might harm the environment. I suggest that each of these concerns is overstated, and that many apply with equal or greater force to the enforcement of other constitutional rights. Moreover, expanded judicial protection for property rights might actually benefit the poor more than the wealthy and may in some important cases promote environmental protection rather than diminish it. Finally, Part III briefly considers the future of constitutional property rights. In the long run, judicial protection for property rights can only be effective if it is embraced by jurists from a broad portion of the political spectrum. Property rights probably will not get much more judicial solicitude than they enjoy today if support for them remains confined to judicial conservatives and libertarians. Outside the Court, some liberal jurists and activists have shown an increasing willingness to reconsider traditional post-New Deal hostility to property rights. The strong left of center reaction against the Court's decision in Kelo v. City of New London may point the way forward to cross-ideological cooperation on these issues.
The family planning-nurse specialist: an evaluation.

Abstract A program for training nurses to become family planning specialists was developed at the University of California Medical Center. The program was administered via a collaboration of the School of Nursing and the University of California Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The curriculum was planned by and participants were provided from local agencies providing family planning services. The nurses' progress and evaluations are presented herein. They are currently employed in their new role and represent one option toward the relief of the health manpower shortage.
Modeling Word Forms Using Latent Underlying Morphs and Phonology

The observed pronunciations or spellings of words are often explained as arising from the "underlying forms" of their morphemes. These forms are latent strings that linguists try to reconstruct by hand. We propose to reconstruct them automatically at scale, enabling generalization to new words. Given some surface word types of a concatenative language along with the abstract morpheme sequences that they express, we show how to recover consistent underlying forms for these morphemes, together with the (stochastic) phonology that maps each concatenation of underlying forms to a surface form. Our technique involves loopy belief propagation in a natural directed graphical model whose variables are unknown strings and whose conditional distributions are encoded as finite-state machines with trainable weights. We define training and evaluation paradigms for the task of surface word prediction, and report results on subsets of 7 languages.
Surface ocean‐lower atmosphere interactions in the Northeast Pacific Ocean Gyre: Aerosols, iron, and the ecosystem response

[1] Here we report measurements of iron and aluminum in surface and subsurface waters during late March and late May of 2001 on transects between central California and Hawaii. A large cloud of Asian dust was detected during April 2001, and there was a clear signal in surface water iron due to aerosol deposition on the May transect. Iron and aluminum concentrations increased synchronously by 0.5 and 2 nM along the southern portion of the transect, which includes the Hawaii Ocean Time series (HOT) station, from background values in March (0.1 to 0.2 nM Fe). These changes occurred in a ratio that is close to the crustal abundance ratio of the metals, which indicates a soil aerosol source. A vertical profile of dissolved iron was also measured at the HOT station in late April and this profile also shows a large increase near the surface. Direct observations of aerosol iron concentration at Mauna Loa Observatory on Hawaii indicate that aerosol concentrations were significantly lower than climatological values during this period. Soil aerosol concentrations along the transect were estimated using the real-time Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System (NAAPS). The NAAPS results show a large meridional gradient with maximum concentrations in the boundary layer north of 30°N. However, the deposition of iron and aluminum to surface waters was highest south of 25°N, near Hawaii. There were only weak signals in the ecosystem response to the aerosol deposition.
Effects of cysteine and potassium on the ATP-dependent retention of sodium ions by erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract The ATP-dependent retention of Na + by a preparation of human erythrocyte membrane fragments required the presence of either cysteine or K + . The activation by cysteine was specific when compared with various cysteine analogues. The K + activation could be substituted by other alkali metal ions in the following order of efficiency: K + = Rb + > Cs + > Li + . Ouabain completely inhibited the K + -activated ATP-dependent retentio of Na + and partially inhibited the cysteine-activated retention. ATP-dependent Na + retention in intact ghosts and in membrane fragments was similar. Possible mechanisms for ATP-dependent Na + retention are discussed.
Impact behaviour of an oscillator with limiting stops, part I: A parametric study

The impact behaviour of a periodically forced oscillator with limiting stops is considered. Parametric studies are made to examine the influence of the various excitation and physical variables of the system on the frequency and intensity of contacts with the stops. The results of these studies and those of a companion paper can be utilized in related studies of noise and wear in mechanical systems with clearances.
Clinical, laboratory, and pacing predictors of CRT response.

A decade of research has established the role of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in medically refractory, moderate to severe systolic heart failure (HF) with intraventricular conduction delay. CRT is an electrical therapy instituted to reestablish ventricular synchronization in order to improve cardiac function and favorably modulate the neurohormonal system. CRT confers a mortality benefit, improved HF hospitalizations, and functional outcome in this population, but not all patients consistently demonstrate a positive CRT response. The nonresponder rate varies from 20% to 40%, depending on the defined response criteria. Efforts to improve response to CRT have focused on a number of fronts. Methods to optimize the correction of electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony, which is the primary target of CRT, has been the focus of research, in addition to improving patient selection and optimizing post-implant care. However, a major issue in dealing with improving nonresponse rates has been finding an accurate and generally accepted definition of “response” itself. The availability of a standard consensus definition of CRT response would enable the estimation of nonresponder burden accurately and permit the development of strategies to improve CRT response. In this review, we define various aspects of “response” to CRT and outline variability in the definition criteria and the problems with its inconsistencies. We describe clinical, laboratory, and pacing predictors that influence CRT response and outcome and how to optimize response.
Differences in low pH tolerance among closely related sunfish of the genus Enneacanthus

Three closely related sunfish in the genus Enneacanthus were examined to determine if differences existed in their tolerance to low pH that could explain their contrasting distributions. Na fluxes of E. obesus, E. gloriosus, and E. chaetodon were measured during 12 h exposure to pH 4.0 and 3.5 (all species), and 3.25 (former 2 species only). All experienced ionic disturbances upon acid exposure resulting from inhibition of active Na influx and stimulation of passive Na efflux, but E. gloriosus and E. chaetodon experienced greater disturbances than E. obesus at all pH's tested. Body and plasma Na concentrations of E. gloriosus were measured after one week of exposure to a range of pH's for comparison with previously published data from E. obesus. Exposure to pH 4.0 and below caused a depression in body and plasma Na concentration of E. gloriosus, and only two of 10 fish survived the one week test period at pH 3.5; none survived at pH 3.25. In contrast, exposure to pH 4.0 for five weeks had no effect on body Na concentration of E. obesus, all 10 fish survived exposure to pH 3.5 for two weeks. Growth of E. gloriosus and E. obesus were measured separately during 12 weeks of exposure to a range of pH's. E. gloriosus exposed to pH 4.25 and 4.0 grew at a lower rate than those at higher pH's (4.5, 5.0, and 5.8), and body Na concentrations of fish at pH's 4.25 and 4.0 were significantly less than the others. With declining pH E. obesus did not exhibit reduced growth until pH 3.75 was reached; no depression in body Na concentration occurred at this pH. These results show that there are marked differences in low pH tolerance among closely related species of Enneacanthus which could affect their distributions and competitive interactions.
Cleaning CJD-Contaminated Instruments

Nigel Williams (News of the Week, 4 Sept., p. [1422][1]) notes several critical concerns about the spread of epidemic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) involving surgery and infected peripheral tissues. In concluding, he cites potential transmissions from CJD-contaminated instruments, with the mandate that decontamination procedures for surgical instruments should be further assessed. Because of similar concerns, several years ago we identified a commercially available solution (with GdnSCN) that does not corrode fine stainless steel instruments. When instruments were exposed to this solution, CJD infectivity was reduced more than 100,000-fold in crude tissue ([1][2]), and none of the intracerebrally inoculated animals developed symptoms or lesions during 2 years of observation. This established procedure may be useful as a general and inexpensive method to reduce the inadvertent risk of CJD (or bovine spongiform encephalopathy abbatoire) transmission before test results from biopsy specimens can be analyzed. 1. [↵][3]1. L. Manuelidis , J. Neurovirol 3, 62 (1997). [OpenUrl][4][CrossRef][5][PubMed][6][Web of Science][7] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.281.5382.1422 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [4]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2Bneurovirology%26rft.stitle%253DJ%2BNeurovirol%26rft.aulast%253DManuelidis%26rft.auinit1%253DL.%26rft.volume%253D3%26rft.issue%253D1%26rft.spage%253D62%26rft.epage%253D65%26rft.atitle%253DDecontamination%2Bof%2BCreutzfeldt-Jakob%2Bdisease%2Band%2Bother%2Btransmissible%2Bagents.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.3109%252F13550289709015793%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F9147822%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [5]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.3109/13550289709015793&link_type=DOI [6]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=9147822&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fsci%2F281%2F5385%2F1961.3.atom [7]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=A1997WJ82000007&link_type=ISI
Novel ultramicrobacterial isolates from a deep Greenland ice core represent a proposed new species, Chryseobacterium greenlandense sp. nov.

Three novel orange, ultramicrobacterial isolates, UMB10, UMB14, and UMB34T were isolated from enrichment cultures inoculated with a melted 3,043 m deep Greenland ice core sample. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolates belonged to a single species within the genus Chryseobacterium. They were most closely related to Chryseobacterium aquaticum (99.3%), Chryseobacterium soli (97.1%), and Chryseobacterium soldanellicola (96.9%). Genomic hybridization showed low levels of relatedness between UMB34T and C. aquaticum and C. soldanellicola (19–30%) and C. soli and Chryseobacterium jejuense (45–56%). Comparative genomic fingerprinting analysis using the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) sequence showed nearly identical banding patterns for the three isolates and these patterns were distinct from those of C. aquaticum, C. soldanellicola, C. soli, and C. jejuense. The cells were short rods, lacked flagella, had cell volumes of <0.1 μm3, formed buds and smaller protrusions (blebs), produced copious extracellular material and a flexirubin type pigment. UMB34T produced acids from carbohydrates and utilized glucose and maltose although it did not assimilate mannose. The DNA G + C was 39.6–41.6 mol%. Based on the differences from validly named Chryseobacterium species, it was concluded that these isolates represent a new species for which the name, Chryseobacterium greenlandense is proposed. The type strain is UMB34T (=CIP 110007T = NRRL B-59357).
Green Chemistry: A design framework for sustainability

In this review we will highlight some of the science that exemplifies the principles of Green Chemistry, in particular the efficient use of materials and energy, development of renewable resources, and design for reduced hazard. Examples are drawn from a diverse range of research fields including catalysis, alternative solvents, analytical chemistry, polymer science, and toxicology. While it is impossible for us to be comprehensive, as the worldwide proliferation of Green Chemistry research, industrial application, conferences, networks, and journals has led to a wealth of innovation, the review will attempt to illustrate how progress has been made toward solving the sustainability goals of the 21st century by engaging at the molecular level.
151. Treatment of Experimental Schwannomas with HSV Recombinant and Amplicon Vectors

Although usually benign and focal, schwannomas associated with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) can severely compromise neural function leading to paralysis, deafness and death through compression of critical nerves. Our previous studies have shown that schwannoma cells are highly infectable with HSV-1 vectors. In the present studies we explored use of both the oncolytic HSV-1 vector, G47delta, and an HSV-1 amplicon vector expressing caspase-1 under a P0 Schwann cell-specific promoter to treat experimental tumors. The immortalized human schwannoma line, HEI193 (House Ear Institute, Hung et al., 2002) was implanted subcutaneously into nude mice and formed slow growing tumors. Tumors (400 |[ndash]| 600 mm3) were injected with the G47delta vector (deleted for gamma 34.5, ribonucleotide reductase (ICP6) and ICP47) twice on baseline day 0 and 5 with 2 |[times]| 107 pfu/injection. Tumors volumes were reduced by 64.33% +/-15.6% over the following period of 18 days. Long term studies are underway to determine if tumor growth recurs. To reduce the potential of any damage to nerves through replication of vectors in associated schwannoma, we have also genereated an amplicon vector in which a fusion protein consisting of the apoptotic protein, caspase-1 and LacZ (Friedlander et al., 1997) is placed under the P0 Schwann cell promoter (Brown and Lemke, 1997). Infection of schwannoma, neuroblastoma and fibroblast cells in culture with helper virus-free amplicon vectors revealed LacZ expression only in schwannoma cells with their consequent death. Injections of this amplicon vector are now being tested for therapeutic effect in this experimental schwannoma model. Both these HSV vector treatment regimes offer the chance to reduce the size of schwannoma tumors, which in itself would be therapeutic, without causing damage to neurons.
Studies in tantalum oxide crystal growth

Abstract : Crystals of beta-Ta2O5 and gamma-Nb2O5 have been grown from molten KPO3 and mixtures of KPO3 and KVO3. A search for additional polymorphs of beta-Ta2O5 in this system has instead revealed five not hitherto reported tantalum compounds containing potassium or phosphorus or both and, in one case, vanadium. (Author)
Gaussian wave packet dynamics and scattering in the interaction picture

Abstract The present work demonstrates that the number of scattering problems which can be handled accurately by the semiclassical (thawed) Gaussian method can be increased substantially if the calculations are done within the framework of the interaction picture. Examples for photodissociation of three atomic molecules are presented.
Mutations induced by monofunctional and bifunctional phosphoramide mustards in supF tRNA gene

Abstract The relative mutagenicity, nature of the mutations and the sequence specificity of mutations induced by the bifunctional alkylating agent, phosphoramide mustard (PM) and a monofunctional derivative, dechloroethyl phosphoramide mustard (dePM), were analyzed by the Ames test and by an in vitro shuttle vector mutagenesis assay. Both PM and dePM increased the mutation frequency above background in either assay. However, on an equimolar basis, dePM was less mutagenic than PM. In the in vitro shuttle vector mutagenesis assay, sequencing demonstrated that about 40% of the mutant plasmids contained more than one mutation in the supF tRNA gene segment of the plasmid. About 70% of the mutations observed in dePM-treated plasmids were single base substitutions with A:T and G:C base pairs being mutated at equivalent rates. In contrast, only about 50% of the mutations observed in PM-treated plasmids were single base substitutions, 80% of which involved G:C base pairs. Single base deletions and insertions were found in approximately equal proportions with both compounds; however, these lesions were in greater abundance in PM-treated plasmids. Putative hot-spots for mutation in the supF tRNA gene included base pairs at positions 102 and 110 for PM and positions 170 and 171 for dePM.
Retroviral vectors elevate coexpressed protein levels in trans through cap-dependent translation

Retroviruses cause immunodeficiency and cancer but also are used as vectors for the expression of heterologous genes. Nevertheless, optimal translation of introduced genes often is not achieved. Here we show that transfection into mammalian cells of lentiviral or gammaretroviral vectors, including those with specific shRNAs, increased expression of a cotransfected gene relative to standard plasmid vectors. Levels of most endogenous cellular proteins were unchanged. Transfer of lentiviral vector sequences into a standard plasmid conferred the ability to give increased expression of cotransfected genes (superinduction). Superinduction by the retroviral vector was not dependent on the cell type or species, the type of reporter gene, or the method of transfection. No differences were detected in the IFN, unfolded protein, or stress responses in the presence of retroviral vectors. RT-PCRs revealed that RNA levels of cotransfected genes were unchanged during superinduction, yet Western blotting, pulse labeling, and the use of bicistronic vectors showed increased cap-dependent translation of cointroduced genes. Expression of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase target 4E-BP1, but not the mTOR inhibitor Torin 1, preferentially inhibited superinduction relative to basal protein expression. Furthermore, transcription of lentiviral vector sequences from a doxycycline-inducible promoter eliminated superinduction, consistent with a DNA-triggered event. Thus, retroviral DNA increased translation of cointroduced genes in trans by an mTOR-independent signaling mechanism. Our experiments have broad applications for the design of retroviral vectors for transfections, DNA vaccines, and gene therapy.
Multidisciplinary Research in Photosynthesis: A Case History Based On the Green Alga Chlamydomonas

This article examines the contribution of a unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas to progress in photosynthetic research. The objective is to focus on the aspects of Chlamydomonas that have provided an advantage over other photosynthetic organisms in investigating photosynthesis. To do this we discuss several examples that demonstrate the progress from a genetic study to a multidisciplinary approach that probes higher levels of complexity within the organism. These examples include the function and molecular regulation of electron transport components between photosystem II and photosystem I, the molecular genetics of the herbicide binding protein of photosystem II, and several different studies that have derived from a search for rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) mutants in Chlamydomonas, including chloroplast ribosome function, the regulation of the large subunit of rubisco, and the interaction between photosynthetic electron transport and carbon metabolism.
Imprecision in Automated Volume Measurements of Pulmonary Nodules and Its Effect on the Level of Uncertainty in Volume Doubling Time Estimation

Background Detection of small indeterminate pulmonary nodules in clinical practice is increasing, largely because of increased utilization and improved imaging technology. Although there currently exists software for CT scan machines that automate nodule volume estimation, the imprecision associated with volume estimates is particularly poor for nodules ≤ 6 mm in diameter, with greater imprecision associated with increasing CT scan slice thickness. This study examined the effects of the volume estimation error associated with four CT scan slice thicknesses on estimates of volume doubling time for solid nodules of various sizes. Methods Data reflecting the accuracy of 1,624 automated volume estimations were obtained from experiments incorporating volume estimation software, performed on a commercially available lung phantom. These data informed mathematical simulations that were used to estimate imprecision around VDT estimates for hypothetical pairs of volume estimates for a given solid pulmonary nodule observed at different time points. Results The confidence intervals around the VDT estimates were extremely wide for 2.50- and 5.00-mm slice thicknesses, often encompassing values traditionally associated with both benignity and malignity for simulated 1- and 2-mm growths in diameter. Conclusions Because of the inaccuracy in automated volume estimation, the confidence a clinician should have in estimating VDT should be highly dependent on the degree of observed growth and on the CT scan slice thickness. The performance of CT scanners with slice thicknesses of ≥ 2.5 mm for assessing growth in pulmonary nodules is essentially inadequate for 1-mm changes in nodule diameter.
Perceptions of nonreciprocal touch in romantic relationships

College students attributed meaning on a questionnaire to 31 types of nonreciprocal touch occurring in opposite-sex romantic relationships. Subject sex and origin of touch (self vs. partner) had minor effects on attributed meanings. Subjects most often perceived these touches as expressing warmth/love, and rarely as expressing dominance/control.
Assessing Effects of Rate Parameter Changes on Ozone Models Using Sensitivity Analysis

Effects of recommended rate parameter changes in the NASA JPL-2000 evaluation from JPL-94 values on local ozone concentrations in a 2-D model are predicted using local sensitivity analysis results from the LLNL 2-D diurnally averaged model. Ozone decreases of 5% in the middle stratosphere and 10% increases near the tropopause and upper troposphere are indicated. Altered NOx kinetics are largely responsible for these changes, and increased model NOx levels and ozone depletion from stratospheric aircraft are also expected according to sensitivity analysis. Effects of specific changes, such as the nitric acid formation rate, are examined. New error bars on rate parameters in the evaluation are propagated by the sensitivity coefficients to derive revised kinetics uncertainties for the model ozone calculations at several altitudes, latitudes, and seasons. Middle-upper stratospheric ozone uncertainties of 12% from the catalytic photochemistry are indicated, increasing in the lower stratosphere.
Effective Intervention or Child's Play? A Review of Video Games for Diabetes Education

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study is (1) to identify diabetes education video games and pilot studies in the literature, (2) to review themes in diabetes video game design and evaluation, and (3) to evaluate the potential role of educational video games in diabetes self-management education. Methods: Studies were systematically identified for inclusion from Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, Psychinfo, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library. Features of each video game intervention were reviewed and coded based on an existing taxonomy of diabetes interventions framework. Results: Nine studies featuring 11 video games for diabetes care were identified. Video games for diabetes have typically targeted children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and used situation problem-solving methods to teach diet, exercise, self-monitored blood glucose, and medication adherence. Evaluations have shown positive outcomes in knowledge, disease management adherence, and clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Video game...
Emotions in the Moral Life

In his new volume, Robert C. Roberts discusses the relationship between two complex and subtle phenomena: emotion and virtue. This new volume presents a detailed picture of the various roles emotio...
SIGCUE (Paper Session)

A provocative session on computer-based learning and communication environments will be sponsored by SIGCUE. Presentations on innovative uses of computers in education will include: computer-based conferencing as a resource and medium (Karl Zinn, et al); a model for advanced applications of computing technology and an accompanying film (Thomas Dwyer); and a description of the use of graphics in elementary mathematics instruction (Harold Abelson).