cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vibrational frequency patterns for hydrogen-substituted degradation products of the pesticide mirex

Abstract A complete vibrational study has been made of a number of the hydrogen-substituted derivatives of the pesticide mirex, C 10 Cl 12 . Although a complete vibrational assignment was not possible owing to the large number of allowed transitions and the small number of observed bands, peak patterns based on substitution were determined and identifications made based on these trends. The spectral data provided should make it possible to identify the various hydrogen-substituted derivatives.
Evidence to support the rigidly pinned vortex model for the peak effect

Data are presented on the peak effect of a Nb-Ti alloy. The temperature dependence of the critical current at a field equal to or higher than the peak field is shown to agree with a model of a rigidly pinned vortex lattice.
The Co-Production of Livelihoods and Land Use Change: Case Studies From South Africa and Ghana

Abstract Land use change and livelihood systems are often analyzed separately or with one “driving” the other. This “driver-feedback” relationship has been buttressed by approaches to social process that are often far too static. Actors are confronted with a bundle of choices that they must negotiate as they create pathways of change. These choices are always bound up in relations of power and the knowledges that are the conditions for and results of these relations. We suggest that land uses and livelihood are different manifestations of the social processes by which individuals and groups negotiate the everyday conditions that shape their lives. We propose a framework that extends current understandings of the relationship between land use change and livelihoods by treating social relations of power as the entry point into this complex relationship. We underpin our arguments with empirical examples from South Africa and Ghana that locate power/knowledge relations in the context of social change in both study areas.
Human male pair bonding and testosterone.

Previous research in North America has supported the view that male involvement in committed, romantic relationships is associated with lower testosterone (T) levels. Here, we test the prediction that undergraduate men involved in committed, romantic relationships (paired) will have lower T levels than men not involved in such relationships (unpaired). Further, we also test whether these differences are more apparent in samples collected later, rather than earlier, in the day. For this study, 107 undergraduate men filled out a questionnaire and collected one saliva sample (from which a subject’s T level was measured) at various times across the day. As in previous studies, men involved in committed, romantic relationships had lower salivary T levels, though only during later times of the day. Furthermore, additional analysis of the variation among unpaired subjects indicated that men without prior relationship experience had lower T levels than experienced men. Finally, while paired men as a group had lower T levels than unpaired men, those men at the earliest stage (less than six months) of a current relationship had higher T levels than unpaired men as well as men in longer-term relationships. These results suggest that variation in male testosterone levels may reflect differential behavioral allocation to mating effort.
The role of impurities in producing thermal instability in Ohmically heated plasmas

A plasma can become thermally unstable because of the temperature dependence of the heating and cooling functions. Such an instability can occur as a consequence of current diffusion into regions of high conductivity. The effect of impurities on this instability is considered.
Stepwise refinement and verification in box-structured systems

The author proposes that the formality of specifications and designs be developed together in box structures with many sponsor and user interfaces. Box structures of data abstractions allow the stepwise refinement and verification of hierarchical system designs from their specifications at formal and informal levels. He discusses the features and advantages of the approach. He used a navigation and weather buoy case study and gives a detailed, step-by-step application of the method. >
ELECTRICAL COUPLING BETWEEN EMBRYONIC CELLS BY WAY OF EXTRACELLULAR SPACE AND SPECIALIZED JUNCTIONS

The meroblastic egg of the teleost, Fundulus heteroclitus , was studied electrophysiologically from cleavage to mid-gastrula stages. The yolk is an intracellular inclusion surrounded by a membrane of high resistivity (50 kΩcm 2 ). This membrane generates a cytoplasm-negative resting potential in later stages. Cells of all stages studied are coupled electrically. In gastrulae, coupling is both by way of specialized junctions between cells and by way of intra-embryonic extracellular space, the segmentation cavity. The latter mode is present because the segmentation cavity is sealed off from the exterior by a high resistance barrier, and the outer membrane of surface cells is of high resistance (50–100 kΩcm 2 ) compared to the inner membrane. It can be inferred that clefts between surface cells are occluded by circumferential junctions. Isolated cells from late cleavage stages develop coupling in vitro, confirming the existence of coupling by way of intercellular junctions. Both modes of coupling could mediate communication between cells that is important in embryonic development.
Relationship Between Birth Order and Participation in Dangerous Sports

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between participation in potentially harmful sports and birth order. A review of the literature revealed that participation in dangerous sport is integrally related not only to birth order but also to the perceptual style of reducing-augmenting. Varsity athletes (N = 127) attending Ivy League universities were selected as subjects to ensure that personal enjoyment rather than financial expediency was influencing team membership. As hypothesized, birth order, rather than family size or socioeconomic background, was significantly related to dangerous sport participation. When the likelihood of dangerous sport participation was examined separately for first-, second-, and third-born males, it was observed that only among third borns was the difference significant. Additional investigation is needed to determine whether first borns avoid dangerous sports or whether later borns seek dangerous, exciting activities.
Mechanical properties and static friction behaviour of epoxy mixes at room temperature and at 77 K

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine static friction coefficients for various epoxy mixes slid against copper at room temperature and at 77 K. Several of the mixes' mechanical properties were also measured as an aid to interpreting the friction results. At room temperature, mixes which exhibit a strong tendency towards viscoelastic behaviour also demonstrate a considerable time dependence in their static friction coefficients. At 77 K all of the epoxy mixes are in the glassy state, and their static friction coefficients are noticeably reduced from their room temperature values. Several Teflon ® -powder-filled mixes were also tested to examine the consequences of incorporating a friction modifier into the epoxy. The mechanical properties of the Teflon-filled mixes are similar to those of the unfilled epoxies, with the exception that the particle-filled mixes are generally much more brittle. The use of the Teflon filler has the additional effect of reducing the friction coefficients for the epoxy mixes to values comparable to that of bulk Teflon.
Saul M Schanberg.

Saul M Schanberg, MD, an internationally renowned Duke neuroscientist and physician, died on 15 May 2009 at his Durham home after a long fight with cancer. Saul was a Life Fellow Emeritus of American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP). He was active in ACNP, serving on several committees and Council. Saul is globally recognized for his groundbreaking research on the importance of touch in normal growth and development, finding that specific types of touch led to better health and shorter hospital stays for premature infants. His discoveries changed the way hospitals and clinics all over the world care for premature infants. He later extended this research to other populations, including adolescents suffering from mental disorders, depressed pregnant women, and women battling breast cancer. For his work, Schanberg received numerous prestigious awards and honors, and he has authored more than 200 publications. Saul was also a distinguished educator who trained many neuroscientists, graduate, and medical students during his 31-year career at Duke. Schanberg also taught a key part of the first year medical pharmacology course for his entire career and directed the course for a decade. He served as Associate Dean for curriculum at the School of Medicine for 6 years. Saul completed bachelor's and master's degrees at the Clark University and PhD in pharmacology and medical degree at the Yale University. After an internship in pediatrics at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine, he worked for 2 years as a research associate in pharmacology and toxicology at the National Institute of Mental Health with Irwin Kopin. In 1967, he joined the Duke faculty as Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Neurology, later becoming Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, the position he held until retiring in November 2008. He was the Assistant Director of the Behavioral Medicine Research Program for several years and held a Career Scientist Award from the National Institute of Mental Health for much of his career. He served as chair of the Department of Pharmacology from 1988 to 1991. Schanberg is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Rachel Schanberg, retired founder and director of the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program, which was started in memory of his deceased daughter, Linda Schanberg Clark; and his daughter Laura Schanberg, MD, associate professor and co-chief of the Duke Division of Pediatric Rheumatology; two grandchildren; and a sister.
The Northern Sea Route, 1996

During 1996, Russia's Northern Sea Route (NSR) continued to attract international attention. While overall tonnage carried along the NSR declined to approximately two million tonnes, more operations in the Russian maritime Arctic involved foreign flag ships. Ships of Arctic Shipping Services, a Russian-Finnish joint venture company, delivered fuel supplies to ports along the length of the Russian Arctic coast. Twenty-four polar and sub-Arctic icebreakers remained in the Russian fleet as of 1 January 1996. Notable research results of the International NSR Programme, published in 1996during year three of this international effort, provided additional insights into the potential commercial aspects of the NSR as an international waterway. Demonstration projects were also conducted in the Russian Arctic during winter 1996, using satellite radar technology for sea-ice monitoring.
Structural dynamics of oligodendrocyte lysis by perforin in culture: relevance to multiple sclerosis.

The mechanism by which oligodendrocytes are depleted from active lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) is not clear but many reports implicate a cytolytic process. The most applied animal model for MS, chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), has been established in inbred strains of mice, especially SJL and PL. Studies on oligodendrocytes from these strains in vitro have been hampered to date by an inability to grow these cells from mouse CNS tissue. We report here a successful method to culture SJL mouse oligodendrocytes and have analyzed lysis of these cells in vitro mediated by the pore-forming protein, perforin, a candidate effector molecule in inflammatory demyelination. Cultures were exposed to murine perforin, 36–72 hemolytic U, for up to 2.5 hr and examined using the oligodendrocyte phenotypic markers O4, galactocerebroside and myelin basic protein (MBP), in addition to a membrane dye (DiI) and a marker of necrosis, propidium iodide, (PI). Cultures were imaged chronologically by phase contrast, immunofluorescence, digital, light and electron microscopy. Findings showed that the majority of oligodendrocytes were killed within 60–90 min via pore expansion and ultimately, membrane disruption. The structural features of the cellular damage comprised swelling of the cell body, fenestration and fragmentation of membranes and processes, cytoplasmic vacuolation and breakdown of the nuclear envelope. Astrocytes in the same system were relatively resistant to cell lysis. The above patterns of oligodendrocyte damage in SJL oligodendrocytes were reminiscent of patterns in the MS lesion, leaving us to conclude that perforin may play an important role in the human disease. J. Neurosci. Res. 64:380–391, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Real-space multigrid methods for large-scale electronic structure problems

We describe the development and applications of a new electronic structure method that uses a real-space grid as a basis. Multigrid techniques provide preconditioning and convergence acceleration at all length scales and therefore lead to particularly efficient algorithms. The salient points of our implementation include: (i) new compact discretization schemes in real space for systems with cubic, orthorhombic, and hexagonal symmetry and (ii) new multilevel algorithms for the iterative solution of Kohn–Sham and Poisson equations. The accuracy of the discretizations was tested by direct comparison with plane-wave calculations, when possible, and the results were in excellent agreement in all cases. These techniques are very suitable for use on massively parallel computers and in O(N) methods. Tests on the Cray-T3D have shown nearly linear scaling of the execution time up to the maximum number of processors (512). The above methodology was tested on a large number of systems, such as the C60 molecule, diamond, Si and GaN supercells, and quantum molecular dynamics simulations for Si. Large-scale applications include a simulation of surface melting of Si and investigations of electronic and structural properties of surfaces, interfaces, and biomolecules. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 65: 531–543, 1997
In sickness and in health

Health in the Headlines: The Stories Behind the Stories. By Stephen Klaid-man.. Oxford University Press: 1991. £19.50, $24.95.
Antiplatelet Therapy in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes

Acute coronary syndromes are a frequent cause of hospital admission for patients with coronary artery disease. The pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes often involves plaque rupture or fissure with platelet aggregation. Recognition of the importance of platelet aggregation resulted in several large randomized trials testing 3 types of platelet antagonists, aspirin, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and adenosine diphosphate inhibitors. A thorough understanding of the data, risks, and benefits of these therapies is important to optimize treatment of the patient with an acute coronary syndrome. Recognition that there is a great deal of interpatient variability in response to these antiplatelet therapies highlights the need for future research in this area.
Suspensions of prolate spheroids in Stokes flow. Part 2. Statistically homogeneous dispersions

The simulation method for prolate spheroids in Stokes flow introduced in a companion paper (Claeys & Brady 1993a) is extended to handle statistically homogeneous unbounded dispersions. The convergence difficulties associated with the slow decay of velocity disturbances at zero Reynolds number are overcome by applying O';Brien's renormalization procedure. The Ewald summation technique is employed to accelerate the evaluation of all mobility interactions. As a first application of this new method, the hydrodynamic transport properties of equilibrium hard-ellipsoid structures are calculated for aspect ratios ranging from 3 to 50. Calculated viscosities in the isotropic phase agree reasonably well with published experimental measurements.
Creating a defensible recapitalisation programme

Recapitalisation is the planned replacement of facility subsystems, such as roofs, utilities, heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Recapitalisation initiatives continually suffer from the abrupt blows of the CFO axe more than any other real estate and facilities worktype request. In many respects, this harsh treatment results from poor business‐case analysis and the lack of a universally accepted methodology for structuring recapitalisation programmes. This paper will provide methods for using standardised tools and analytical capability to create more defensible recapitalisation programmes. The paper will address several methods for forecasting recapitalisation; dispense with any notion that recapitalisation can be planned for and defended using a flat‐rate method or formulaic approach; and introduce life‐cycle systems analysis in conjunction with the well‐known facility condition index and other scales to create meaningful recapitalisation forecasts.
“She Posted It on Facebook”: Mexican American Adolescents’ Experiences With Technology and Romantic Relationship Conflict

We examined experiences with technology and dating conflict among Mexican American (MA) adolescents (ages 15-17 years) using mixed qualitative methodologies. Focus groups, divided by three levels o...
Analysis of Radiated EMI and Noise Propagation in Three-Phase Inverter System Operating Under Different Switching Patterns

In this paper, a numerical model using the finite-element (FE) method was used to predict the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by 325-V, 5-kW power inverter, supplying a variable three-phase load. A comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of different switching patterns on the radiated and conducted EMI levels. An experimental setup was arranged to validate the simulation results. The proposed approach is suitable for prediction of radiated and conducted EMI generated by power converters. This helps reduce the post prototype EMC testing cost by minimizing redesign and modifications of final converter product.
The Bio‐SANS instrument at the High Flux Isotope Reactor of Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a powerful tool for characterizing complex disordered materials, including biological materials. The Bio-SANS instrument of the High Flux Isotope Reactor of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a high-flux low-background SANS instrument that is, uniquely among SANS instruments, dedicated to serving the needs of the structural biology and biomaterials communities as an open-access user facility. Here, the technical specifications and performance of the Bio-SANS are presented. Sample environments developed to address the needs of the user program of the instrument are also presented. Further, the isotopic labeling and sample preparation capabilities available in the Bio-Deuteration Laboratory for users of the Bio-SANS and other neutron scattering instruments at ORNL are described. Finally, a brief survey of research performed using the Bio-SANS is presented, which demonstrates the breadth of the research that the instrument's user community engages in.
Protein Nanopatterns by Oxime Bond Formation

Patterning proteins on the nanoscale is important for applications in biology and medicine. As feature sizes are reduced, it is critical that immobilization strategies provide site-specific attachment of the biomolecules. In this study, oxime chemistry was exploited to conjugate proteins onto nanometer-sized features. Poly(Boc-aminooxy tetra(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) was synthesized by free radical polymerization. The polymer was patterned onto silicon wafers using an electron beam writer. Trifluoroacetic acid removal of the Boc groups provided the desired aminooxy functionality. In this manner, patterns of concentric squares and contiguous bowtie shapes were fabricated with 150−170-nm wide features. Ubiquitin modified at the N-terminus with an α-ketoamide group and Ne-levulinyl lysine-modified bovine serum albumin were subsequently conjugated to the polymer nanopatterns. Protein immobilization was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Control studies on protected surfaces and using proteins presatur...
On a class of Fredholm integral operators—asymptotic expansions of solutions and eigenfunctions

A class of Fredholm integral operators with a difference kernel is considered. Under suitable assumptions, the asymptotic expansion of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions is found. The asymptotic solution to the corresponding equation of the second kind is also given. As an example of these results, the scattering of high frequency, steady state, plane waves by a strip with an impedance boundary condition is considered. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions associated with a Bessel function kernel are also found.
Reduced brain serotonin transporter availability in major depression as measured by [123I]-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)tropane and single photon emission computed tomography

Abstract Background: Prior research has suggested reductions in the density of serotonin transporter (SERT) binding sites in blood platelets and post-mortem brain tissue of depressed patients. We sought to determine whether patients with unipolar major depression have diminished SERT availability as assessed by both brainstem [123I]β-CIT SPECT and platelet [3H]paroxetine binding. Methods: Drug-free depressed and healthy subjects were injected with 211 ± 22 MBq [123I]β-CIT and imaged 24 ± 2 h later under equilibrium conditions. A ratio of specific to nonspecific brain uptake (V3″ = (brainstem-occipital)/occipital), a measure proportional to the binding potential (Bmax/Kd), was used for all comparisons. Results: Results showed a statistically significant reduction in brainstem V3″ values in depressed as compared to healthy subjects (3.1 ± .9 vs. 3.8 ± .8, p = .02). Platelet [3H]paroxetine binding was not altered (Bmax = 2389 ± 484 vs. 2415 ± 538 fmol/mg protein, p = .91) and was not significantly correlated with brainstem [123I]β-CIT binding (r = −0.14, p = .48). Conclusions: These data are the first to suggest reductions in the density of brain SERT binding sites in living depressed patients. These findings provide further support for a preeminent role for alterations in serotonergic neurons in the pathophysiology of depression.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised among Overweight or Obese Adults.

Problem solving is a key component of weight loss programs. The Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R) has not been evaluated in weight loss studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometrics of the SPSI-R. Cronbach's alpha (.95 for total score; .67 - .92 for subscales) confirmed internal consistency reliability. The SPSI-R score was significantly associated (ps<.05) with decreased eating barriers and binge eating, increased self-efficacy in following a cholesterol-lowering diet, consumption of fewer calories and fat grams, more frequent exercise, lower psychological distress, and higher mental quality of life; all suggesting concurrent validity with other instruments used in weight loss studies. However, confirmatory factor analysis of the hypothesized 5-factor structure did not fit the data well (χ2=350, p<.001).
High performance quantum cascade lasers at λ ∼ 6 μm

Abstract This talk will focus on the recent efforts at the Center for Quantum Devices to deliver a high average power quantum cascade laser source at λ ∼6 μm. Strain-balancing is used to reduce leakage for these shorter wavelength quantum cascade lasers. Further, the effect of reducing the doping in the injector is explored relative to the threshold current density and maximum average output power. Lastly, to demonstrate more of the potential of these devices, epilayer down bonding is explored as a technique to significantly enhance device performance.
Statistical modeling, detection, and segmentation of stains in digitized fabric images

This paper will describe a novel and automated system based on a computer vision approach, for objective evaluation of stain release on cotton fabrics. Digitized color images of the stained fabrics are obtained, and the pixel values in the color and intensity planes of these images are probabilistically modeled as a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). Stain detection is posed as a decision theoretic problem, where the null hypothesis corresponds to absence of a stain. The null hypothesis and the alternate hypothesis mathematically translate into a first order GMM and a second order GMM respectively. The parameters of the GMM are estimated using a modified Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm. Minimum Description Length (MDL) is then used as the test statistic to decide the verity of the null hypothesis. The stain is then segmented by a decision rule based on the probability map generated by the EM algorithm. The proposed approach was tested on a dataset of 48 fabric images soiled with stains of ketchup, corn oil, mustard, ragu sauce, revlon makeup and grape juice. The decision theoretic part of the algorithm produced a correct detection rate (true positive) of 93% and a false alarm rate of 5% on these set of images.
Weak-heap sort

A data structure called aweak-heap is defined by relaxing the requirements for a heap. The structure can be implemented on a 1-dimensional array with one extra bit per data item and can be initialized withn items using exactlyn−1 data element compares. Theoretical analysis and empirical results indicate that it is a competitive structure for sorting. The worst case number of data element comparisons is strictly less than (n−1) logn+0.086013n and the expected number is conjectured to be approximately (n−0.5)logn−0.413n.
Thermodynamic properties and ordering in liquid NaK alloys

Abstract The thermodynamic activities of sodium and potassium were determined by vapour-phase absorption spectrophotometry of atomic resonance lines. Both components exhibit significant positive deviations from ideality. Excess Gibbs energies computed from the activity data were combined with available heat-of-mixing data to yield values for excess entropies. The entropy of mixing which was found to be ideal in the sodium-rich liquid alloys provides no support for the earlier speculations about the existence of Na2K molecules therein. The partial molar excess entropy of sodium in dilute solution in potassium was found to be surprisingly large and negative for a system of this type. A plausible model, involving sodium-sodium pairing, is proposed to account for the loss of configurational entropy.
Study of Thermal Decomposition of Li1‐x(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)0.9O2 Using In‐Situ High‐Energy X‐Ray Diffraction

Safety has been a major technological concern hindering the deployment of lithium-ion batteries for automobile applications. We investigated the decomposition mechanism of delithiated cathode materials at thermal abuse conditions using Li1.1[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]0.9O2 as a model cathode material. An in-situ high-energy X-ray diffraction technique was established as an alternative to conventional thermal analysis techniques like differential scanning calorimetry and accelerating rate calorimetry. The X-ray diffraction data revealed that the thermal decomposition pathway of delithiated Li1-x[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]0.9O2 strongly depended on the exposed chemical environment, like solvents and lithium salts. A phase transformation of dry delithiated Li1-x[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]0.9O2 was observed at about 278 °C, and its onset temperature was reduced to about 197°C with the presence of the electrolyte. It is suggested that the reduction in thermal stability is possibly related to proton intercalation into the delithiated material.
Synchrotron-based FTIR spectromicroscopy: Cytotoxicity and heating considerations

Synchrotron radiation-based Fouriertransform infrared (SR-FTIR)spectromicroscopy is a newly emergingbioanalytical and imaging tool. This uniquetechnique provides mid-infrared (IR)spectra, hence chemical information, withhigh signal-to-noise at spatial resolutionsas fine as 3 to 10 microns. Thus it enablesresearchers to locate, identify, and trackspecific chemical events within anindividual living mammalian cell. Mid-IRphotons are too low in energy (0.05–0.5eV) to either break bonds or to causeionization. In this review, we show thatthe synchrotron IR beam has no detectableeffects on the short- and long-termviability, reproductive integrity,cell-cycle progression, and mitochondrialmetabolism in living human cells, andproduces only minimal sample heating (<0.5°C). These studies haveestablished an important foundation forSR-FTIR spectromicroscopy in biological andbiomedical research.
Nuclear histone acetylases and deacetylases and transcriptional regulation: HATs off to HDACs

Reversible acetylation of lysines on the amino-terminal tails of nucleosomal histones is correlated with changes in chromatin structure and transcription. The recent characterization of enzymes directly responsible for regulating histone acetylation and deacetylation and the cloning of their encoding cDNAs have provided insights into the possible functional and regulatory mechanisms of these classes of molecules. Nuclear histone acetylases have been shown to be transcriptional coactivators and coactivator-associated proteins, while histone deacetylases have been identified as components of nuclear co-repressor complexes. These findings confirm previous studies linking histone acetylation and transcriptional regulation.
Optimizing threaded MPI execution on SMP clusters

Our previous work has shown that using threads to execute MPI programs can yield great performance gain on multiprogrammed shared-memory machines. This paper investigates the design and implementation of a thread-based MPI system on SMP clusters. Our study indicates that with a proper design for threaded MPI execution, both point-to-point and collective communication performance can be improved substantially, compared to a process-based MPI implementation in a cluster environment. Our contribution includes a hierarchy-aware and adaptive communication scheme for threaded MPI execution and a thread-safe network device abstraction that uses event-driven synchronization and provides separated collective and point-to-point communication channels. This paper describes the implementation of our design and illustrates its performance advantage on a Linux SMP cluster.
HTLV-I trans-activator protein, tax, is a trans-repressor of the human beta-polymerase gene

Human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) is the etiological agent for adult T cell leukemia (ATL). The HTLV-I trans-activator protein Tax can activate the expression of its own long terminal repeat (LTR) and many cellular and viral genes. Tax down-regulated the expression of human beta-polymerase (hu beta-pol), a cellular enzyme involved in host cell DNA repair. This finding suggests a possible correlation between HTLV-I infection and host chromosomal damage, which is often seen in ATL cells.
Polishing slurry induced surface haze on phosphate laser glasses

Abstract The effects of residual polishing slurry on the surface topology of highly polished, Nd-doped meta-phosphate laser glasses are reported. Glass samples were pitched polished using cerium oxide or zirconium oxide slurry at different pHs and then washed by different methods that allowed varying amounts of residual slurry to ‘dry’ on the surface. Upon rewashing with water, some of the samples showed surface haze (scatter), which scaled with the amount of residual slurry. Profilometry measurements showed that the haze is the result of shallow surface pits (100 nm–20 μm wide × ∼15 nm deep). Chemical analyses of material removed during rewashing, confirmed the removal of glass components as well as the preferential removal of modifier ions (e.g., K 1+ and Mg 2+ ). The surface pits appear to result from reaction of the glass with condensed liquid at the slurry particle–glass interface that produces water-soluble phosphate products that dissolves away with subsequent water contact. Aggressive washing, to remove residual slurry immediately following polishing, can minimize surface haze on phosphate glasses. It is desirable to eliminate haze from glass used in high-peak-power lasers, since it can cause scatter-induced optical modulation that can cause damage to downstream optics.
The contribution of olfaction to taste discrimination

To assess the contribution that odor makes to tasting, subjects made forced-choice discriminations of orange juice, vinegar, and chocolate syrup using taste and smell combined, taste alone, or smell alone. The taste-alone group performed more poorly than the taste-smell group on two of the three substances at low concentrations on the detection task. On vinegar the smell-alone group performed close to chance levels and the taste-only group was comparable to the taste-smell group. On the recognition task, all three groups discriminated poorly compared to detection performance except for the taste-smell group on chocolate syrup. It was concluded that the contribution of odor to tasting is related to the intensity of the odor.
Abstract B35: The effect of extracellular matrix proteins from lung on the migration of breast cancer cells

The lung is a frequent site of breast carcinoma metastasis, yet little is known about the mechanism of breast carcinoma metastasis to lung. The purpose of this study was to determine if extracellular matrix components from the pulmonary microenvironment had the potential to encourage metastasis by inducing motility in breast carcinoma cells. Previous studies provided evidence that products of conditioned media of pulmonary epithelial cell co-cultures were able to induce dose-dependent motility in breast carcinoma cells. The deposited material was analyzed by mass spectrometry, revealing extracellular matrix proteins, including thrombospondin 1 (TSP), tenascin C, transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein ig-h3 (βig-h3), and the α3 and β3 chains of laminin 332 (LN332). Motility assays using either recombinant preparations of TSP, βig-h3 or tenascin C, or purified LN332 revealed that LN332 induced greater motility at almost all concentrations of each protein tested. Since pulmonary cells grown on membranes at a liquid air interface more closely resemble the structure of lung tissue in vivo, cells grown in this manner were tested for their ability to produce LN332 and induce motility. After 7-8 days in culture, pulmonary epithelial cells provided a monolayer at the liquid air interface. Membranes with cells on the surface exposed to air were fixed in formalin, paraffin embedded and sectioned for hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the cells produced LN332, which was both cytoplasmic and in a layer on the membrane surface beneath the cells. Lung cells growing at the liquid air interface were removed from the membrane, and MCF-7 cells were added to the same membrane from which lung cells had been removed, or to membranes which had been incubated with pulmonary cell growth media but no lung cells. Whereas MCF-7 cells placed on membranes without prior lung cells grew in tight clusters, MCF-7 cells added to membranes on which lung cells had been removed showed scattering and pseudopodia formation. This response was blocked by antibodies to α3 and β1 integrins, which are receptors of LN332. Finally, western blots of human lung tissue revealed the presence of LN332. These experiments together showed that pulmonary LN332 is a likely motility factor for breast carcinoma cells. These findings provide a mechanism for the migration of metastatic tumor cells from their arrest in the pulmonary vasculature into the surrounding tissue, allowing their establishment as a metastatic colony. Citation Format: Philip M. Carpenter, Cally Xiao, Tuan Ngo, Paul D. Gershon. The effect of extracellular matrix proteins from lung on the migration of breast cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B35.
Coding of Cognitive Magnitude: Compressed Scaling of Numerical Information in the Primate Prefrontal Cortex

Whether cognitive representations are better conceived as language-based, symbolic representations or perceptually related, analog representations is a subject of debate. If cognitive processes parallel perceptual processes, then fundamental psychophysical laws should hold for each. To test this, we analyzed both behavioral and neuronal representations of numerosity in the prefrontal cortex of rhesus monkeys. The data were best described by a nonlinearly compressed scaling of numerical information, as postulated by the Weber-Fechner law or Stevens' law for psychophysical/sensory magnitudes. This nonlinear compression was observed on the neural level during the acquisition phase of the task and maintained through the memory phase with no further compression. These results suggest that certain cognitive and perceptual/sensory representations share the same fundamental mechanisms and neural coding schemes.
Influence of temperature upon crop and insect pest phenologies for field corn and the role of planting date upon their interrelationships

Abstract Extensive field observations from sites throughout Michigan during 1981–1985 are used to quantify the effects of temperature upon the growth stages of field corn and two of its major insect pests, the European corn borer and the corn rootworm complex (western and northern). Corn and insect phenologies are related to degree days (10°C) since planting and since 1 April, respectively. Probability density functions are constructed to explore the variability of selected growth stages with degree days. The interactions between crop and insect phenologies as a function of planting date are also considered, using the crop and insect density functions to produce probabilities for the occurrence of joint crop-insect events. The research serves to point out the importance of looking at crop production as an integrated whole, considering both crop and crop pest phenologies and the interplay between them due to planting date.
Development of sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers for the detection of Phyto. 5.2, a major QTL for resistance to Phytophthora capsici Leon. in pepper

Phytophthora capsici causes devastating disease on many crop species, including Capsicum. Resistance in Capsicum annuum is genetically and physiologically complex. A panel of Capsicum germplasm that included genotypes from both C. annuum and C. chinense showing highly resistant, highly susceptible and intermediate or tolerant responses to the pathogen, respectively, was screened with a series of randomly amplified polymorphic sequence primers to determine which genomic regions contribute to the highest level of resistance. One primer, OpD04, amplified a single band only in those C. annuum and C. chinense genotypes showing the highest level of resistance. The amplified product was cloned, sequenced and used to design longer primers in order to generate a sequence characterized amplified region marker which was then mapped in a reference mapping population and a screened population segregating for resistance to P. capsici. These primers were observed to define a locus on pepper chromosome 5 tightly linked to Phyto.5.2, one of six quantitative trait loci (QTL) previously reported to contribute to P. capsici resistance. These results indicate that the Phyto.5.2 QTL may be widely distributed in highly resistant germplasm and provide improved resolution for this QTL. This work also defines the first breeding tools for this system, allowing for the rapid selection of genotypes likely to be highly resistant to P. capsici.
Is there clinical utility to IL28B genotype testing in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Not long ago, we wrote with Ira Jacobson about a groundbreaking advancement in the field of hepatitis C treatment in the February 2010 issue of Pharmacogenomics, in Research Highlights dedicated to the pharmacogenetics of hepatitis C therapy. Therein, we reviewed the utilization of genome-wide association studies to study genetic variation as a predictor of outcome in patients treated for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We highlighted recent studies that demonstrated the remarkable association between SNPs near or within the region of the IL28B gene, which encodes IFN-l3, and response rates to the standard-of-care therapy at that time, pegylated interferon (PIFN)-based HCV treatment. We commented that ‘these results promised to lead to important mechanistic findings related to interferon responsiveness in this disease and will probably have major ramifications for individualized therapeutic decision-making’ [1]. Shortly after, we began utilizing the IL28B polymorphism (rs12979860) genotype test, which became commercially available for clinical use through LabCorp as of 2 July 2010, to aid in clinical decision-making related to treatment of our HCV-positive patients. This test involves either the collection of 3-ml whole blood or two buccal swabs for real-time PCR with allelespecific TaqMan probes used to detect a SNP rs12979860 C/T on chromosome 19q13. The SNP maps 3-kb upstream of the IL28B gene (OMIM607402) [101]. The CC genotype at this SNP, as reported by Ge et al., is associated with profoundly higher response rates (p = 1.37 × 10) across all HCV population groups treated with PIFN and ribavirin (RBV; 81, 53 and 77% sustained virologic response [SVR] rates for European–Americans, African–Americans and
Soluble hepatic lectin in regenerating liver

Similar activity of a soluble hepatic lectin was measured in regenerating rat liver 12 h following partial, hepatectomy or gentle manipulation. Lectin response seems to be related to trauma rather than cell proliferation.
The generation of gem-difluoroallyllithium by the transmetalation reaction

Abstract 3,3-Difluoroallyltrimethyltin was prepared by reaction of chlorodifluoromethane with the ylide reagent Ph3PCHCH2SnMe3 gem -Difluoroallyllithium, which was generated by the reaction of n -butyllithium with 3,3-difluoroallyltrimethyltin in THF at −95°, was of very limited stability at that temperature. However, in situ procedures and alternate incremental addition procedures allowed its application in the synthesis of 1,1-difluoroallylsilanes from chlorosilanes and of CH2CHCF2C(OH)-Et2 from 3-pentanone.
REACTIVITY OF MYOSIN TO ANTIBODIES IN CROSS-STRIATED CHICK MYOFIBRILS. I. MUSCLE AT REST LENGTH.

Abstract The amount of myosin which reacted in striated chick myofibrils at rest length with antibodies, prepared against myosin, light meromyosin, heavy meromyosin and actin was quantitatively determined. This was done by taking advantage of the relative insolubility of the antibody-antigen complex in a solvent which extracts myosin readily from the myofibril. Extraction of myosin was followed by measuring ATP phosphohydrolase (EC 3.6.1.3) activity in the soluble and insoluble fractions with and without antibody treatment, by making total protein balance, and by determining the antibody concentration from fluorescence measurements. Antibodies prepared against myosin, light and heavy meromyosin reacted extensively with myosin in the myofibril. Antibody prepared against actin fixed only small amounts of myosin. There are more antigenic sites against anti-myosin than against anti-light and less against anti-heavy, as determined from the amount of antibody bound by the myofibrils. The sum of the bound anti-light and anti-heavy exceeded the value of bound anti-myosin only by about 10–20%, indicating that these preparations contained antibodies which reacted at different sites. The experiments rule out the possibility that steric hindrance, or blocked antigenic sites significantly influence the results obtained when the myosin in a myofibril at rest length reacts with antibodies prepared against myosin, light and heavy meromyosin. The distribution of myosin in the A-band is discontinuous. At rest length a narrow central region does not react with anti-myosin or anti-light meromyosin. The changes in the sarcomere pattern in various conditions suggest that migration of myosin within the A-band is possible.
Possible evidence of amide bond formation between sinapinic acid and lysine-containing bacterial proteins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) at 355 nm.

We previously reported the apparent formation of matrix adducts of 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy-cinnamic acid (sinapinic acid or SA) via covalent attachment to disulfide bond-containing proteins (HdeA, Hde, and YbgS) from bacterial cell lysates ionized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (TOF-TOF-MS/MS) and post-source decay (PSD). We also reported the absence of adduct formation when using α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) matrix. Further mass spectrometric analysis of disulfide-intact and disulfide-reduced over-expressed HdeA and HdeB proteins from lysates of gene-inserted E. coli plasmids suggests covalent attachment of SA occurs not at cysteine residues but at lysine residues. In this revised hypothesis, the attachment of SA is preceded by formation of a solid phase ammonium carboxylate salt between SA and accessible lysine residues of the protein during sample preparation under acidic conditions. Laser irradiation at 355 nm of the dried sample spot results in equilibrium retrogradation followed by nucleophilic attack by the amine group of lysine at the carbonyl group of SA and subsequent amide bond formation and loss of water. The absence of CHCA adducts suggests that the electron-withdrawing effect of the α-cyano group of this matrix may inhibit salt formation and/or amide bond formation. This revised hypothesis is supported by dissociative loss of SA (−224 Da) and the amide-bound SA (−206 Da) from SA-adducted HdeA and HdeB ions by MS/MS (PSD). It is proposed that cleavage of the amide-bound SA from the lysine side-chain occurs via rearrangement involving a pentacyclic transition state followed by hydrogen abstraction/migration and loss of 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-ynal (−206 Da).
Plasma phenomena and the Solar System

Solar System Plasma Physics. Edited By Charles F. Kennel, Louis J. Lanzerotti and Eugene N. Parker. Three volumes. (North-Holland: Amsterdam and New York, 1979.) Vol. I. Solar and Solar Wind Plasma Physics, pp.340. Vol. II. Magnetospheres, pp.396. Vol. III. Solar System Plasma Processes, pp.373. Each volume Dfl.150, $73.25; three-volume set Dfl.382, $186.25.
Maternal superobesity and perinatal outcomes

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of maternal superobesity (body mass index [BMI],50 kg/m 2 ) compared withmorbidobesity(BMI,40-49.9kg/m 2 )orobesity(BMI,30-39.9kg/ m 2 ) on perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Weconductedaretrospectivecohortstudyofbirthrecords that were linked to hospital discharge data for all liveborn singletonterminfantswhowereborntoobeseMissouriresidentsfrom20002006. We excluded major congenital anomalies and women with diabetes mellitus or chronic hypertension. RESULTS: There were 64,272 births that met the study criteria, which included 1185 superobese mothers (1.8%). Superobese women were significantly more likely than obese women to have preeclampsia (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4‐2.1), macrosomia (aRR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3‐2.5), and cesarean delivery (aRR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5‐2.1). Almost one-half of all superobese women (49.1%) delivered by cesarean section, and 33.8% of superobese nulliparous women underwent scheduled primary cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: WomenwithaBMIof50kg/m 2 areatsignificantlyincreased risk for perinatal complications compared with obese women with a lower BMI.
Correlation of Diet and Serum Cholesterol Level with Serum Lipid Fatty Acid Composition.

SummaryThe findings suggest that the level of linoleic acid in the diet, age, and possibly other factors may influence the serum cholesterol level and fatty acid composition of the serum lipid fractions. The significance of these findings is discussed.