cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary dynamics of protein domain architecture in plants

Protein domains are the structural, functional and evolutionary units of the protein. Protein domain architectures are the linear arrangements of domain(s) in individual proteins. Although the evolutionary history of protein domain architecture has been extensively studied in microorganisms, the evolutionary dynamics of domain architecture in the plant kingdom remains largely undefined. To address this question, we analyzed the lineage-based protein domain architecture content in 14 completed green plant genomes. Our analyses show that all 14 plant genomes maintain similar distributions of species-specific, single-domain, and multi-domain architectures. Approximately 65% of plant domain architectures are universally present in all plant lineages, while the remaining architectures are lineage-specific. Clear examples are seen of both the loss and gain of specific protein architectures in higher plants. There has been a dynamic, lineage-wise expansion of domain architectures during plant evolution. The data suggest that this expansion can be largely explained by changes in nuclear ploidy resulting from rounds of whole genome duplications. Indeed, there has been a decrease in the number of unique domain architectures when the genomes were normalized into a presumed ancestral genome that has not undergone whole genome duplications. Our data show the conservation of universal domain architectures in all available plant genomes, indicating the presence of an evolutionarily conserved, core set of protein components. However, the occurrence of lineage-specific domain architectures indicates that domain architecture diversity has been maintained beyond these core components in plant genomes. Although several features of genome-wide domain architecture content are conserved in plants, the data clearly demonstrate lineage-wise, progressive changes and expansions of individual protein domain architectures, reinforcing the notion that plant genomes have undergone dynamic evolution.
Canali‐type channels on Venus: Some genetic constraints

Canali-type channels on Venus are unique because of their great lengths (up to 6800 km) and nearly constant channel cross sectional shapes along their paths. A simple model incorporating channel flow and radiative cooling suggests that common terrestrial-type tholeiite lava cannot sustain a superheated and turbulent state for the long distances required for thermal erosion of canali within allowable discharge rates. If canali formed mainly by constructional processes, laminar tholeiitic flow of relatively high, sustained discharge rates might travel the observed distances, but the absence of levees would need to be explained. An exotic low temperature, low viscosity lava like carbonatite or sulfur seems to be required for the erosional genesis of canali.
Composition, Structure and Absorption of Milk Lipids: A Source of Energy, Fat-Soluble Nutrients and Bioactive Molecules

Milkfat is a remarkable source of energy, fat-soluble nutrients and bioactive lipids for mammals. The composition and content of lipids in milkfat vary widely among mammalian species. Milkfat is not only a source of bioactive lipid components, it also serves as an important delivery medium for nutrients, including the fat-soluble vitamins. Bioactive lipids in milk include triacylglycerides, diacylglycerides, saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phospholipids. Beneficial activities of milk lipids include anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppression properties. The major mammalian milk that is consumed by humans as a food commodity is that from bovine whose milkfat composition is distinct due to their diet and the presence of a rumen. As a result of these factors bovine milkfat is lower in polyunsaturated fatty acids and higher in saturated fatty acids than human milk, and the consequences of these differences are still being researched. The physical properties of bovine milkfat that result from its composition including its plasticity, make it a highly desirable commodity (butter) and food ingredient. Among the 12 major milk fatty acids, only three (lauric, myristic, and palmitic) have been associated with raising total cholesterol levels in plasma, but their individual effects are variable-both towards raising low-density lipoproteins and raising the level of beneficial high-density lipoproteins. The cholesterol-modifying response of individuals to consuming saturated fats is also variable, and therefore the composition, functions and biological properties of milkfat will need to be re-evaluated as the food marketplace moves increasingly towards more personalized diets.
Evolving trends and future directions in echocardiography.

The foundation for echocardiography was laid many years ago. From its beginning, the story of echocardiography is replete with translation of creative concepts to reality, that have found wide clinical application. This is eloquently borne out by the events of the last decade, a golden decade that has seen cardiovascular ultrasound blossom as an art and science, and find a clinical niche of its own. Echocardiography combines low-cost with high-technology and easy portability, all attributes that are unmatched by other noninvasive techniques and essential in today's medical world. Newer concepts and evolving advances could only make echocardiography stronger, while we continue to use it to serve the ultimate objective, that is, aiding someone who is ailing. The world of echocardiography has changed and continues to change; the brave new world of echocardiography beckons ...
Pavement Deterioration, Rate of Dynamic Force, and Ride Quality

Pavement serviceability or ride quality indices have been widely applied to monitor pavement performance and deterioration for pavement rehabilitation, design, and other purposes. It is known that the ride quality or serviceability index of roads can be explained mainly by the vertical jerk experienced by raters sitting in a moving vehicle. However, it is not known to what extent that the indices have to do with some external traffic loading variables (e.g., the rate of dynamic forces or the dynamic forces exerted on a pavement surface by an axle load). Employing some actual road profiles and a half-axle load model, both the dynamic forces and the rate of dynamic forces exerted on a pavement surface are estimated using a spectral density method and a finite difference method, respectively. A very good correlation exists between these physical variables and the ride quality index or the serviceability index, indicating that the deterioration of pavement structures is closely related to the rate of dynamic forces.
Charge-transfer character of halogen bonding: Molecular structures and electronic spectroscopy of carbon tetrabromide and bromoform complexes with organic σ- and π-donors

Carbon tetrabromide and bromoform are employed as prototypical electron acceptors to demonstrate the charge-transfer nature of various intermolecular complexes with three different structural types of electron donors represented by (1) halide and pseudohalide anions, (2) aromatic (π-bonding) hydrocarbons, and (3) aromatics with (n-bonding) oxygen or nitrogen centers. UV–Vis spectroscopy identifies the electronic transition inherent to such [1:1] complexes; and their Mulliken correlation with the donor/acceptor strength verifies the relevant charge-transfer character. X-ray crystallography of CBr4/HCBr3 complexes with different types of donors establishes the principal structural features of halogen bonding. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 17:449–459, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20264
Expression of the fast twitch troponin complex, fTnT, fTnI and fTnC, in vascular smooth muscle

It is generally believed that proteins of the troponin complex are not expressed in smooth muscle. We have directly assayed for expression of troponin transcripts in mouse vascular smooth muscle and found that troponin sequences normally associated with fast twitch skeletal muscle (fTnT, fTnI, fTnC) were present at significant levels in the thoracic aorta. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrated that fTnT, fTnI and fTnC transcripts were expressed in the smooth muscle layer of mouse blood vessels of all sizes. Protein blot analysis using rat tissue showed that at least two members of the troponin complex, Troponin T and Troponin I, were translated in vascular smooth muscle of the aorta. Finally, immuno-fluorescence microscopy of rat aortic smooth muscle revealed that TnT and TnI are localized in a unique pattern, coincident with the distribution of tropomyosin. It seems likely therefore, that a complete troponin complex is expressed in vascular smooth muscle and is associated with the contractile machinery of the cell. These observations raise the possibility that troponins play a role in regulation of smooth muscle function.
The pathogenic implication of abnormal interaction between apolipoprotein E isoforms, amyloid-beta peptides, and sulfatides in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the aging population. Prior work has shown that the e4 allele of apolipoprotein E (apoE4) is a major risk factor for “sporadic” AD, which accounts for >99% of AD cases without a defined underlying mechanism. Recently, we have demonstrated that sulfatides are substantially and specifically depleted at the very early stage of AD. To identify the mechanism(s) of sulfatide loss concurrent with AD onset, we have found that: (1) sulfatides are specifically associated with apoE-associated particles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); (2) apoE modulates cellular sulfatide levels; and (3) the modulation of sulfatide content is apoE isoform dependent. These findings not only lead to identification of the potential mechanisms underlying sulfatide depletion at the earliest stages of AD but also serve as mechanistic links to explain the genetic association of apoE4 with AD. Moreover, our recent studies further demonstrated that (1) apoE mediates sulfatide depletion in amyloid-β precursor protein transgenic mice; (2) sulfatides enhance amyloid β (Aβ) peptides binding to apoE-associated particles; (3) Aβ42 content notably correlates with sulfatide content in CSF; (4) sulfatides markedly enhance the uptake of Aβ peptides; and (5) abnormal sulfatide-facilitated Aβ uptake results in the accumulation of Aβ in lysosomes. Collectively, our studies clearly provide a link between apoE, Aβ, and sulfatides in AD and establish a foundation for the development of effective therapeutic interventions for AD.
Does ICT in schools affect residential adoption and adult utilization outside schools

Policymakers around the world are considering whether to invest in putting information and communication technology (ICT) in schools, and how. While educational impact is likely to be the primary objective, such investments can also affect residential adoption and adult utilization of ICT in the communities, thereby reducing the digital divide. Using a census survey of Thailand for a time when ICT was available in roughly half of the nation's schools, this study employs logistic regression and propensity score matching (PSM) to show that placing ICT in schools does have significant spill-over effects outside schools. This effect is larger for ICT in primary schools than secondary schools, and larger in schools with both Internet and computers than schools with just computers. The effects are observed in households of all incomes and educational levels. Considering these spill-over effects when allocating resources should lead to greater welfare gains for the amount of resources spent. The study also finds that there is a sizable portion of the adult population that chooses not to use ICT even after adopting this ICT in their households for their children, thereby eliminating any barriers to use related to cost and convenience. For this group, policy-makers should seek ways to decrease other impediments to ICT use, such as increasing ICT literacy through training.
Disparity manipulation for stereo images and video

We develop a general framework for disparity manipulation and morphing for stereo images and video. The framework consists of three parts: disparity map generation, disparity map manipulating/editing, and stereo image synthesis. We first discuss disparity map generation techniques for different original input data types, including monoscopic images, monoscopic video, stereo image pairs, and stereo video. Then, we describe three methods for user manipulation of the disparity map. In the first, the user employs an interactive object-selecting tool by inputting seed points near the desired object boundary. Given the selected objects, the user defines input-output disparity mapping curves for each object. In the second method, the user arbitrary manipulates a 3D disparity surface and our system calculates the new 3D surface after the user editing. A third method provides conversions between the two common stereo camera capture setups: "toein" and "off-axis" (we present their mathematical description). We show several morphed disparity map examples for each disparity manipulation method. Finally, we describe disparity-based image rendering to synthesize new stereo image pairs from given original stereo image pairs based on a morphed disparity map. The synthesis method includes image warping, data-filling and disparity map smoothing procedures.
Melanocortinergic modulation of food intake in the medulla: Evidence for presynaptic MC4-receptors on vagal afferents.

The dorsal vagal complex in the caudal medulla is considered an important integrative area in the distributed neural network controlling food intake with melanocortin receptor-4 (MC4R) signaling playing a crucial role. Here, we used patch-clamp whole cell recording from NTS neurons to investigate the effects of MC4R ligands that have previously been shown to powerfully modulate meal structure and total food intake. Thirty-nine percent (25/64) of NTS neurons responded to perfusion with MTII or alpha-MSH, 28% with an increase and 11% with a decrease in the frequency of spontaneous EPSPs, without affecting their amplitude. MTII-induced effects in the frequency of EPSPs were unaffected by TTX, but all effects were abolished by the MC3/4R antagonist SCHU9119. To test whether the mediating MC4-receptors are located on vagal afferent terminals, we also recorded NTS neurons from rats that had undergone vagal afferent rhizotomies 4 days before slice preparation. Only 1 out of 10 neurons from such rats responded with an increase in the frequency of spontaneous EPSCs following MTII. Together with earlier observations, these results suggest that alpha-MSH released from hypothalamic and local POMC neurons acts on presynaptic MC4-receptors on vagal afferent terminals to predominantly increase glutamate transmission to NTS neurons, but that in a minority of cases the effect can also be inhibitory. Such a mechanism is consistent with the notion that descending melanocortinergic projections from leptin-sensitive areas in the basomedial hypothalamus can suppress food intake by changing the capacity of vagal hindbrain mechanisms of satiation. Supported by NIDDK 47348.
Linguistic Violence, Insecurity, and Work: Language Ideologies of Latina/o Bilingual Teacher Candidates in Texas

Drawing from a larger qualitative study, this article examines the narratives of bilingual Latina/o teacher candidates in South Texas. The findings reveal that bilingual teacher candidates are linguistically subordinated by the marginalized status of Spanish in the United States and by deficit perspectives of Spanish of the Southwest. Their educational experiences are replete with linguistic violence that shapes and influences their own linguistic ideologies. Teacher candidates’ narratives reveal the “linguistic motherwork” that Latina mothers perform to raise the status of Spanish and to maintain their children's heritage language. However, although our Latina/o bilingual candidates (and their mothers) may view “good,” “proper,” or “academic” Spanish in a positive light, they may have negative attitudes toward their own or others’ nonstandard Spanish dialects, including the varieties that are spoken in Texas.
Benchmark problem for model abstraction techniques

Modeling of real systems relies on the arduous task of describing the physical phenomena in terms of mathematical models, which often require excessive amounts of computation time in their execution. In the last few years there has been a growing acceptance of model abstraction whose emphasis rests on the development of more manageable models. Abstraction refers to the intelligent capture of the essence of the behavior of a model, without all the details. In the past, metamodels have been generated from complex models, such as the Tactical Electronic Reconnaissance Simulation Model (TERSM). The scope of this paper is to explore the ability of previously developed TERSM metamodels to accurately simulate the benchmark model using both limited subsets of the original data, and data subsets whose values are interpolated or extrapolated from the original data set used to generate and fit the model. This paper establishes a baseline from which additional metamodels can be compared and analyzed.
Sociopathy and sociobiology: Biological units and behavioral units

Behavioral biologists have long sought to link behavioral units (e.g., aggression, depression, sociopathy) with biological units (e.g., genes, neurotransmitters, hormones, neuroanatomical loci). These units, originally contrived for descriptive purposes, often lead to misunderstandings when they are reified for purposes of causal analysis. This genetic and biochemical explanation for sociopathy reflects such problems.
Disseminating self-help: positive psychology exercises in an online trial.

Background: The recent growth of positive psychology has led to a proliferation in exercises to increase positive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Preliminary evidence suggests that these exercises hold promise as an approach for reducing depressive symptoms. These exercises are typically researched in isolation as single exercises. The current study examined the acceptability of several multi-exercise packages using online dissemination. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate methods of dissemination that could increase the acceptability and effectiveness of positive psychology exercises. To achieve this goal, we compared the use of positive psychology exercises when delivered in packages of 2, 4, or 6 exercises. Methods: Self-help–seeking participants enrolled in this study by visiting an online research portal. Consenting participants were randomly assigned to receive 2, 4, or 6 positive psychology exercises (or assessments only) over a 6-week period. These exercises drew from the content of group positive psychotherapy. Participants visited an automated website that distributed exercise instructions, provided email reminders, and contained the baseline and follow-up assessments. Following each exercise, participants rated their enjoyment of the exercise, answered how often they had used each technique, and completed outcome measures. Results: In total, 1364 individuals consented to participate. Attrition rates across the 2-, 4-, and 6-exercise conditions were similar at 55.5% (181/326), 55.8% (203/364), and 52.7% (168/319) respectively but were significantly greater than the attrition rate of 42.5% (151/355) for the control condition (χ 2 3 = 16.40, P < .001). Participants in the 6-exercise condition were significant more likely than participants in the 4-exercise condition to use both the third (F 1,312 = 5.61, P = .02) and fourth (F 1,313 = 6.03, P = .02) exercises. For 5 of the 6 exercises, enjoyment was related to continued use of the exercise at 6-week follow-up (r’s = .12 to .39). All conditions produced significant reductions in depressive symptoms (F1,656 = 94.71, P < .001); however, a significant condition by time interaction (F 3,656 = 4.77, P = .003) indicated that this reduction was larger in the groups that received 2 or 4 exercises compared with the 6-exercise or control condition. Conclusion: Increasing the number of exercises presented to participants increased the use of the techniques and did not increase dropout. Participants may be more likely to use these skills when presented with a variety of options. Increasing the number of exercises delivered to participants produced a curvilinear relationship with those in the 2- and 4-exercise conditions reporting larger decreases in depressive symptoms than participants in the 6-exercise or control conditions. Although research generally offers a single exercise to test isolate effects, this study supports that studying variability in dissemination can produce important findings.
Genetic polymorphism of cytochrome P450 as a biomarker of susceptibility to environmental toxicity.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are responsible for the metabolism of numerous xenobiotics and endogenous compounds, including the metabolic activation of most environmental toxic chemicals and carci...
Growth of Ca3Fe2Ge3O12 and Ca3Fe(Al, Cr) Ge3O12 garnets in molten bismuth germanate glasses

Abstract Additions of Fe2O3 to CaO·Bi2O3·2 GeO2 cause Ca3Fe2Ge3O12 garnets to precipitate from the resultant melt at 1250°C. Garnets with the composition Ca3Fe(Al, Cr) Ge3O12 are also precipitated by adding either Al 2 O 3 Fe 2 O 3 or Cr 2 O 3 Fe 2 O 3 mixtures. The well-formed crystals range from several to 100 μm in size and are obtained in 50 to 70% yields at Fe Bi = 0.4 . Additions of Fe2O3 (up to Fe Bi = 1.0 ) to compositions containing ZnO, CdO, SrO, and BaO yield only dark glasses. The physical properties of these glasses suggest that Fe(III), in contrast to AL(III) & Ga(III), prefers octahedral coordination.
Possibility of Non-Octet Axial-Vector Currents

Three models of axial-vector currents which contain both octet and non-octet components are examined. The first model is based upon the $\ensuremath{\Delta}U=\frac{1}{2}$ rule, and it forbids decays with $\ensuremath{\Delta}S=\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Delta}Q$ and $\ensuremath{\Delta}S=2$. The second model conserves a "weak hypercharge," and introduces $\ensuremath{\Delta}S=\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Delta}Q$ and $\ensuremath{\Delta}S=2$ terms in a specific way. The third model assumes that the usual $\ensuremath{\Delta}T=1$ and $\ensuremath{\Delta}T=\frac{1}{2}$ rules are valid even when the octet rule is not. Although present data on semileptonic hyperon decay are not accurate enough to determine the precise admixture of non-octet components, they seem to indicate that such currents are restricted to the 27 representation, and that they may form about 10% of the total current. Throughout the discussion the conserved-vector-current hypothesis is assumed to hold. Some of the general theoretical consequences that would follow from the existence of non-octet axial-vector currents are also considered.
Evaluation of heart rate variability indices using a real-time handheld remote ECG monitor.

A wireless handheld ECG was analyzed by distant software for early and prognostically important changes in heart rate variability. The bearer of the device could be alerted to potentially critical future events relative to cardiac arrhythmias.
Engineering considerations for growth of bacteria at temperatures around 100°C

Laboratory results from studies of three extremely thermophilic sulfur-dependent archaebacteria (Pyrodictium occultum, Pyrodictium brockii, andPyrococcus furiosus) are used to illustrate both metabolic characteristics and engineering challenges associated with bacteria growing around 100°C. Low biomass yields, production of large amounts of hydrogen sulfide, and, in one instance, metabolic formation of a growth-inhibiting product are among the many characteristics that complicate the development of bioreactors and protocols for culturing these microorganisms. Engineering considerations related to the metabolic features of the sulfur-dependent archaebacteria are also discussed
Pushing and pulling carts and two-wheeled hand trucks

Abstract As a simple solution to alleviate problems associated with manual material handling, manual vehicles, such as carts, trucks, wheelbarrows, etc., are often provided to operators. This review was initiated by concern for the effects of design, task, environment, and operator factors on the usability of manual vehicles. The previous studies are summarized and then ergonomic recommendations are made for each factor. Most studies have been performed on four-wheeled carts and focused on wheel design, handle height, load weight, moving direction, motion phase, and floor type. Biomechanics, psychophysics, and work physiology have been used to help understand usability. For future research, the systematic classification of manual vehicles is necessary to make specific ergonomic recommendations for special-purpose manual vehicles. Relevance to industry Workers use manual vehicles to reduce physical stresses during manual material handling without the awareness of their factor effects on usability. This review paper would be useful for a manufacturer and ergonomist to design and select general manual vehicles.
Carbon fibers from dry-spinning of acetylated softwood kraft lignin

Abstract An acetylated softwood kraft lignin was dry-spun into precursor fibers and successfully processed into carbon fibers with a tensile strength exceeding most values reported in prior studies on lignin-based carbon fibers. Limited acetylation of lignin hydroxyl groups enabled dry-spinning of the precursor using acetone (solvent) followed by thermo-oxidative stabilization. Resulting carbon fibers (∼7 μm diameter) displayed a tensile modulus, strength, and strain-to-failure values of 52 ± 2 GPa, 1.04 ± 0.10 GPa, and 2.0 ± 0.2%, respectively. Because of solvent diffusion during dry-spinning, fibers displayed a crenulated surface that can provide a larger specific interfacial area for enhanced fiber/matrix bonding in composite applications.
Sleeping with Cake: and other affairs of the heart

These recent works by a Canadian performance artist, reflect Borsato's interest in engaging the nonvisual senses as well as using everyday materials and activities to find love and comfort.
Factors governing survival of black willow (Salix nigra) cuttings in a streambank restoration project

A field study was conducted at Little Topashaw Creek in northern Mississippi, aimed at expanding the limited database on the survivorship of Salix nigra (black willow) cuttings planted on riparian restoration sites. We tested the hypothesis that sediment moisture availability (deficit, excess) as mediated by sediment texture and depth to the prevailing water table is a major factor governing black willow survival during the initial stage of establishment following transplanting. Replicated plots were established across elevational gradients and a range of soil texture. Each plot contained 16 planted cuttings (2.5 cm diameter × 2.5 m length). Plot depth to water table, soil texture, and soil redox potential were measured. Plant gas exchange, leaf chlorophyll content, growth, and survival were monitored periodically over two growing seasons. Survival was best at low elevation compared to cuttings planted at mid- and high elevations. Poor survival and growth were noted for cuttings that encountered sediment moisture deficits in plots with coarse texture while the best cutting survival was recorded for intermediate sand content plots. Results indicated that plot location on the bank and soil texture are two important factors that influence riverbank restoration success. Therefore, any riparian restoration plan should include careful assessment of these factors prior to undertaking such efforts.
“We All Look the Same to Me”: Positive Emotions Eliminate the Own-Race Bias in Face Recognition

Extrapolating from the broaden-and-build theory, we hypothesized that positive emotion may reduce the own-race bias in facial recognition. In Experiments 1 and 2, Caucasian participants (N = 89) viewed Black and White faces for a recognition task. They viewed videos eliciting joy, fear, or neutrality before the learning (Experiment 1) or testing (Experiment 2) stages of the task. Results reliably supported the hypothesis. Relative to fear or a neutral state, joy experienced before either stage improved recognition of Black faces and significantly reduced the own-race bias. Discussion centers on possible mechanisms for this reduction of the own-race bias, including improvements in holistic processing and promotion of a common in-group identity due to positive emotions.
Use of a metal-oxide varistor with a series spark gap across the mains

Protection of electronic equipment from damage and upset by transient overvoltages on the AC supply mains is an important problem in electromagnetic compatibility; metal oxide varistors are commonly used for this purpose. To obtain the lowest clamping voltage during a surge, varistors with a nominal conduction current of 1 mA DC at 200 V are being used on mains with a nominal voltage of 120 V RMS. The author discusses the use of a series spark gap with a metal oxide varistor to achieve both a small clamping voltage and a long life time for the surge-protective circuit. A metal oxide varistor with a nominal conduction current of 1 mA DC at 100 V, in series with a 250 V DC spark gap, may be suitable for connection to the mains with a nominal voltage of 120 V RMS. Extinguishing follow current in the gap and attenuating the remnant that propagates downstream prior to the conduction of the spark gap are discussed in detail. >
FORMAzol as an RNA storage medium: a cautionary note when performing RT-PCR.

The labile nature of RNA demands careful procedures for its extraction, purification, and storage. Generally, RNA is solubilized in aqueous buffers or organic solvents, or precipitated with alcohol and then kept at 20 8C or colder. A commercially available product for RNA storage is FORMAzolR (Molecular Research Center). We began using FORMAzol because the Application Notes from the Product Description sheet claims that reverse-transcription (RT) is not inhibited so long as FORMAzol does not exceed 5% (v/v) in the reaction mix. This is ostensibly more convenient than having to precipitate RNA, resolubilizing it in water or buffer, and then proceeding with RTPCR. However, amplicon yields for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were poor when using RNA directly from FORMAzol, even though its final concentration was typically much less than 5%. By contrast, satisfactory RT-PCR products were obtained with RNA stored frozen in water or that had been resolubilized from alcohol precipitates. When RT-PCR was then performed on ethanol-precipitated and resolubilized RNA from FORMAzol, yields of GAPDH amplicons were acceptable. Although a revision to the FORMAzol Product Description sheet is now available at the manufacturer’s website (http://www.mrcgene.com/formazol.htm), if users of the product implicitly follow the directions found in the package insert sheet—not being aware of the inhibitory effects of formamide (the denaturant in FORMAzol)—unsatisfactory results may be
Life-long reduction in MnSOD activity results in increased DNA damage and higher incidence of cancer but does not accelerate aging

Mice heterozygous for the Sod2 gene (Sod2+/− mice) have been used to study the phenotype of life-long reduced Mn-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity. The Sod2+/− mice have reduced MnSOD activity ...
The Constants of Aircraft Trailing Antennas

This paper constitutes a report on the results of the measurement of the trailing antenna constants on several types of aircraft including the dirigible Los Angeles. A brief description of the apparatus and method is given. Curves for a typical airplane and dirigible are presented and from these curves conclusions are drawn as to the center of radiation and the relation between antenna resistance and the center of radiation. The uniformilty of antenna constants of heavier-than-air craft is noted, also the negligible effect of structural differences, speed, and weight on antenna characteristics.
DESIGN, ANALYSIS, AND EVALUATION OF THE UC-BERKELEY WAVE-ENERGY EXTRACTOR

This paper evaluates the technical feasibility and performance characteristics of an ocean-wave energy to electrical energy conversion device that is based on a moving linear generator. The UC-Berkeley design consists of a cylindrical floater, acting as a rotor, which drives a stator consisting of two banks of wound coils. The performance of such a device in waves depends on the hydrodynamics of the floater, the motion of which is strongly coupled to the electromagnetic properties of the generator. Mathematical models are developed to reveal the critical hurdles that can affect the efficiency of the design. A working physical unit is also constructed. The linear generator is first tested in a dry environment to quantify its performance. The complete physical floater and generator system is then tested in a wave tank with a computer-controlled wavemaker. Measurements are compared with theoretical predictions to allow an assessment of the viability of the design and future directions for improvements.
Weighted random oblivious routing on torus networks

Torus, mesh, and flattened butterfly networks have all been considered as candidate architectures for on-chip interconnection networks. In this paper, we study the problem of optimal oblivious routing for one of these architecture classes, namely, the torus network. We introduce a new closed-form oblivious routing algorithm called W2TURN that is worst-case throughput optimal for 2D-torus networks. W2TURN is based on a weighted random selection of paths that contain at most two turns. Restricting the maximum number of turns in routing paths to just two results in a simple deadlock-free implementation of W2TURN. In terms of average hop count, W2TURN outperforms the best previously known closed-form worst-case throughput optimal routing algorithm called IVAL [14]. We also provide another routing algorithm based on the weighted random selection of paths with at most two turns called I2TURN and show that it is equivalent to IVAL. However, I2TURN eliminates the need for loop removal at runtime and provides a closed-form analytical expression for evaluating the average hop count. The latter enables us to demonstrate analytically that W2TURN strictly outperforms IVAL (and I2TURN) in average hop count. Finally, we present a new optimal weighted random routing algorithm for rings called WRD (Weighted Random Direction). WRD provides a closed form expression for the the optimal distribution of traffic along the minimal and non-minimal directions in a ring topology to achieve minimum average hop count under maximum worst-case throughput.
Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle-Dependent Regulation of Staphylococcus epidermidis Polysaccharide Intercellular Adhesin Synthesis

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a major nosocomial pathogen primarily infecting immunocompromised individuals or those with implanted biomaterials (e.g., catheters). Biomaterial-associated infections often involve the formation of a biofilm on the surface of the medical device. In S. epidermidis, polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) is an important mediator of biofilm formation and pathogenesis. Synthesis of PIA is regulated by at least three DNA binding proteins (IcaR, SarA, and sigma(B)) and several environmental and nutritional conditions. Previously, we observed the environmental conditions that increased PIA synthesis decreased tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity. In this study, S. epidermidis TCA cycle mutants were constructed, and the function of central metabolism in PIA biosynthesis was examined. TCA cycle inactivation altered the metabolic status of S. epidermidis, resulting in a massive derepression of PIA biosynthetic genes and a redirection of carbon from growth into PIA biosynthesis. These data demonstrate that the bacterial metabolic status is a critical regulatory determinant of PIA synthesis. In addition, these data lead us to propose that the TCA cycle acts as a signal transduction pathway to translate external environmental cues into intracellular metabolic signals that modulate the activity of transcriptional regulators.
Integrated Implicit Particle-In-Cell (PIC) Simulations of PetaWatt Laser Heating of Compressed Cores for Fast Ignition

There has been much interest in the fast heating of compressed matter by short pulse petawatt lasers [1]. Some time ago, we studied the heating process as applied to the GEKKO/PW experiments at Osaka [2] with a 3D hybrid electromagnetic implicit PIC code [3]. One limitation of our analysis was that we legislated the distribution of hot electrons entering the high density region. While the ansantz for the hot electron energy and angular distribution was consistent with experimental data, it clearly lacked rigor. We have now removed that limitation and will present integrated simulations which include the self-consistent laser plasma interaction with the blowoff plasma, as well as the electron transport through the pedestal and deposition in the core. For GEKKO/PW and FIREX [4] phase I scale experiments, the scaling of core temperature with increasing laser energy is nearly linear, and does not appear to have any saturation up to the highest we have considered, a laser energy of 2kJ. The heating profiles in the core show localized heating on the density gradient. Higher laser intensity does create higher energy electrons in the simulations, in agreement with ponderomotive scaling, but this higher mean energy does not appear to directly impact the location of the heating zone at the core edge. From the integrated results of these simulations, a method for igniting a half-moon shaped shell of material and subsequently the entire core is suggested.
Biphasic influence of Miz1 on neural crest development by regulating cell survival and apical adhesion complex formation in the developing neural tube

Myc interacting zinc finger protein-1 (Miz1) is a transcription factor known to regulate cell cycle– and cell adhesion–related genes in cancer. Here we show that Miz1 also plays a critical role in neural crest development. In the chick, Miz1 is expressed throughout the neural plate and closing neural tube. Its morpholino-mediated knockdown affects neural crest precursor survival, leading to reduction of neural plate border and neural crest specifier genes Msx-1, Pax7, FoxD3, and Sox10. Of interest, Miz1 loss also causes marked reduction of adhesion molecules (N-cadherin, cadherin6B, and α1-catenin) with a concomitant increase of E-cadherin in the neural folds, likely leading to delayed and decreased neural crest emigration. Conversely, Miz1 overexpression results in up-regulation of cadherin6B and FoxD3 expression in the neural folds/neural tube, leading to premature neural crest emigration and increased number of migratory crest cells. Although Miz1 loss effects cell survival and proliferation throughout the neural plate, the neural progenitor marker Sox2 was unaffected, suggesting a neural crest–selective effect. The results suggest that Miz1 is important not only for survival of neural crest precursors, but also for maintenance of integrity of the neural folds and tube, via correct formation of the apical adhesion complex therein.
Approaches and applications of audio diarization

Audio diarization is the process of annotating an input audio channel with information that attributes (possibly overlapping) temporal regions of signal energy to their specific sources. These sources can include particular speakers, music, background noise sources, and other signal source/channel characteristics. Diarization has utility in making automatic transcripts more readable and in searching and indexing audio archives. In this paper, we provide an overview of current audio diarization approaches and discuss performance and potential applications. We outline the general framework of diarization systems and present the performance of current systems as measured in the DARPA EARS Rich Transcription Fall 2004 (RT-04F) speaker diarization evaluation. Lastly, we look at future challenges and directions for diarization research.
Tectonic consequences of Martian dichotomy modification by lower-crustal flow and erosion

The Martian hemispheric dichotomy shows compressional features a few hundred kilometers south of the dichotomy boundary, and contemporaneous extensional features along the boundary. Two processes that may have contributed to the observed deformation are lateral lower-crustal flow and erosion. Crustal flow causes a decrease in crustal thickness in the south, and an increase in the north. The result is compressional surface stresses in the highlands and extensional stresses around the dichotomy boundary. The magnitude, location, and timing of the predicted stresses are consistent with the observed tectonic features and strongly suggest that moderate lateral flow occurred. For the nominal heat flux and rheology, sufficient lateral flow is generated for a mean crustal thickness of 70 km. Erosion generates extension in the south and compression in the north, opposite to what is observed. Either erosion only resulted in local, as opposed to regional, distribution of highland material, or the rigidity of the lithosphere was sufficiently high at the time of erosion that significant stresses did not develop.
Ayresian Technology, Schumpeterian Innovation, and the Bayh-Dole Act

A main implication of C.E. Ayres tool-combination principle is that the goal of technical progress is best served by a non-proprietary, open science public policy. Joseph Schumpeter claimed that new combinations are consequential only when they have been successfully commercialized. The capacity to privatize knowledge is, moreover, a powerful stimulus to innovation. This paper reexamines the Ayresian and Schumpeterian positions using evidence from the Bayh Dole experiment. The Bayh Dole Act, which gave universities title to inventions resulting from federally-sponsored research, created a laboratory wherein the trade-offs between diminution of the appropriable knowledge fund (due to patenting) and incentives to commercialization can be appraised.
A Good Man Is Hard to Find: Overseas migration and the decentered family in the Tongan Islands

L'A. etudie l'impact de la migration outremer sur les relations de parente, et les relations homme-femme a Tonga. Elle etudie les raisons structurelles qui poussent a migrer, qui migre parmi les familles nucleaires et les groupes domestiques, la stabilite maritale et la migration, la relation frere-soeur, les versements d'argent, l'impact de de la migration sur l'ideologie de la famille et sur les obligations.
Acute renal failure with glomerular thrombosis in a patient with chronic scleroderma.

A 48-year-old woman with a 20-year history of scleroderma presented with malignant hypertension, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. Renal biopsy demonstrated vascular changes consistent with scleroderma and glomerular thrombi. Her clinical course was consistent with hemolytic uremic syndromelthrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (HUS/TTP)-like syndrome. Plasma exchange therapy was associated with an improvement in renal function and rise in platelet count. This case suggests that acute renal failure in patients with scleroderma can be associated with glomerular thrombi and may improve with plasma exchange therapy.
The mixing layer: deterministic models of a turbulent flow. Part 2. The origin of the three-dimensional motion

Experimental evidence suggests that in the turbulent mixing layer the fundamental mechanism of growth is two-dimensional and little affected by the presence of vigorous three-dimensional motion. To quantify this apparent property and study the growth of streamwise vorticity, we write for the velocity field \[ {\boldmath V}(x, t) = {\boldmath U}(x, z, t) + {\boldmath u}(x, y, z, t), \] where U is two-dimensional and u is three-dimensional. In a first version of the problem U is independent of u, while in the second U is the spanwise average of V. In both cases the equation for u is linearized around U. The equations for U and u are solved simultaneously by a finite-difference calculation starting with a slightly disturbed parallel shear layer.The solutions provide a detailed description of the growth of the three-dimensional motion. They show that its characteristics are dictated by the distribution of spanwise vorticity which results from roll-up and pairing. Pairing inhibits its growth. The solutions also demonstrate that even when the three-dimensional flow attains large amplitudes it has a negligible effect on the interaction of spanwise vortices and thus on the growth of the layer.
Long-term follow-up of vulvar cancer patients evaluated with sentinel lymph node biopsy alone.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to examine SLN evaluation alone in women with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva and evaluate the inguinal recurrence and complication rates. Methods An IRB approved prospective study enrolled patients with SCC of the vulva. Peritumoral injection of Tc-99 sulfur colloid and blue dye was used to identify SLNs intraoperatively. Patients with negative SLN for metastasis were followed clinically without further treatment. Patients with metastasis to a SLN underwent full groin node dissection followed by standard treatment protocols. Results A total of 73 women were enrolled onto protocol with 69 patients undergoing SLN dissection. Mean age was 66.9years (range: 29–91) with 47 stage I, 12 stage II, 9 stage III, 2 stage IV and 3 unstaged patients. SLN dissections were successful in 63 patients. Of the 111 groins evaluated with a SLN dissection 93% had a SLN identified with an average of 2 SLN per groin. There were 92 groins with negative SLN and 11 groins with positive SLN. 57 patients had negative SLN and underwent conservative management with the median follow-up of 58.3months. Three patients experienced groin recurrences (2 unilateral, 1 bilateral) for a recurrence rate of 5.2% (3/57). The complication rate for the inguinal incisions was 17.5% (1 cellulitis, 1 abscess, 2 lymphoceles, 5 lymphedema and leg pain). Conclusions Isolated SLN dissection alone has a low inguinal recurrence rate with decreased complications and should be considered as an option for women with SCC of the vulva.