cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motion graphics, description and control

Perhaps the single most important reason to investigate methods of motion graphics, description and control is that these modalities verify that a representation is adequate to describe motion phenomena. Whether designed for human or computer vision, a motion representation often only serves as a target for information extracted to accomplish a particular task, such as pattern recognition, classification, change detection, or shape description. Often this motion representation is selected by convenience and need only distinguish between phenomena of interest, possibly incorporating rather rudimentary notions of direction, velocity, and shape. Such representations may exhibit notable failings when they are asked to reconstruct what they purport to represent. Research in computer graphics, robotics, and expert systems is now confronting these representation questions directly by requiring the understanding and implementation of the semantics underlying a motion representation system. The representations can no longer be just instruments of convenience; rather they must be rich enough to simulate a reasonable slice of reality.
Contraceptive continuation in Hispanic women

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Hispanic ethnicity on the continuation and satisfaction of reversible contraceptive methods. Study Design We analyzed 12 months of data that were collected from 7913 participants in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate continuation, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of discontinuation. Results Hispanic women were more likely to choose a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method compared with non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white women (80%, 73%, and 75%, respectively; P Conclusion Hispanic women in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project experienced high continuation and satisfaction for LARC methods, similar to women of other ethnicities.
Uncertainty-aware localization solution for under-ice autonomous underwater vehicles

Localization underwater has been known to be challenging due to the limited accessibility of the Global Positioning System (GPS) to obtain absolute positions. This becomes more severe in the under-ice environment since the ocean surface is covered with ice, making it more difficult to access GPS or to deploy localization infrastructure. In this paper, a novel solution that minimizes localization uncertainty and communication overhead of under-ice Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) is proposed. Existing underwater localization solutions generally rely on reference nodes at ocean surface or on localization infrastructure to calculate positions, and they are not able to estimate the localization uncertainty, which may lead to the increase of localization error in under-ice environments. In contrast, using the notion of external uncertainty (i.e., the position uncertainty as seen by others), our solution can characterize an AUV's position with a probability model. This model is further used to estimate the uncertainty associated with our proposed Doppler-based localization technique — a novel one that can exploit ongoing communications for localization, as well as that associated with the standard distance-based localization. Based on this uncertainty estimate, we further propose algorithms to minimize localization uncertainty and communication overhead. Our solution is emulated and compared against existing solutions, showing improved performance.
A multi-shift vehicle routing problem with windows and cycle times

In many applications of the vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTW), goods must be picked up within desired time frames. In addition, they have some limitations on their arrival time to the central depot. In this paper, we present a new version of VRPTW that minimizes the total cycle time of the goods. In order to meet the time windows and also minimize the cycle time, the courier’s schedule is allowed to vary. An algorithm, named VeRSA, is proposed to solve this problem. VeRSA employs concepts of scheduling theorems and algorithms to determine feasible routes and schedules of the available couriers. We prove a theoretical lower bound that provides a useful bound on the optimality gap. We also conduct a set of numerical experiments. VeRSA obtains a feasible solution faster than solving the MIP. The optimality gap using our proposed lower bound is smaller than the gap found with the standard LP relaxation.
Reactions of [Me2SSMe]BF4 with organometallic complexes having metalmetal bonds

Abstract Reactions between [Me 2 SSMe]BF 4 and dinuclear organometallic complexes having metalmetal bonds have been studied. Insertion of an SMe + group into the metalmetal bond to give a thiolate-bridged bimetallic compound had previously been demonstrated; here, we have described two other types of reactions. Certain organometallic precursors are found to be oxidized by the sulfur reagent; for example, Fe 2 (CO) 2 (μ-dppm)(η-C 5 H 5 ) 2 is oxidized to a paramagnetic cation by [Me 2 SSMe]BF 4 . In addition, we have observed MM bond cleavage and formation of a Me 2 S complex (isolated) and MeS − complex. Subsequently, the latter complex reacts with additional [Me 2 SSMe]BF 4 to form complexes with a MeSSMe ligand, and when stable, these latter species can also be isolated. This second mode of reactivity is found for Mn 2 (CO) 10 , M 2 (CO) 8 (PPh 3 ) 2 (M  Mn, Re), Mn 2 (CO) 8 (μ-dppm), [M(CO) 3 (η-C 5 H 5 )] 2 (M  Mo, W) and (CO) 5 MnFe(CO) 2 (η-C 5 H 5 ); stable MeSSMe complexes of tungsten and iron were isolated from the appropriate reactions.
Quantitative studies in retinex theory a comparison between theoretical predictions and observer responses to the “color mondrian” experiments

Abstract Land's Color Mondrian experiments showed that a single wavelength-radiance distribution falling on a point on the retina can generate nearly any color sensation. In Part I we repeated that experiment, quantifying the color sensations for each of the many Mondrian areas. In Part II we show that each area's color sensation correlates with a triplet of reflectances measured with photodetectors having the same spectral sensitivities as the cone pigments in the eye. This result provides a description of what the visual system does, but it does not provide a mechanism for how the visual system can do it because the reflectance measurements required the use of a reflectance standard and unchanging illumination. In Part III we describe a model for color sensations that computes three reflectances from the wavelength-radiance distribution without reflectance or illumination standards: hence, it is able to predict the color sensations seen by the observer. The model is able to predict gray, red. yellow, green and blue sensations associated with areas that send identical wavelength-radiance distributions to the eye.
Stimulation with Estrogen and Progesterone of Luteinizing Hormone (LH)-Releasing Hormone Release from Perifused Adult Female Rat Hypothalami: Correlation with the LH Surge*

The effects of estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone (P) in vivo and P in vitro on LHRH release from perifused preoptic area-medial basal hypothalamus (POA-MBH) tissue fragments were assessed. In the first series of experiments, ovariectomized female rats were given either 10 or 30 μg EB on day 0, followed by either oil or 5 mg P at 1000 h on day 2. Rats were killed at 2-h intervals after P or oil injection, and the POAMBH from these rats were incubated in a perifusion system. LHRH release from the POA-MBH of rats primed with either 10 or 30 μg EB displayed similar patterns; from a basal rate at 1200 and 1400 h, LHRH secretion rose to significantly higher levels at 1600 and 1800 h. This increase in LHRH release in vitro was evident from the POA-MBH obtained just before and during the afternoon LH rise in vivo. On the other hand, the LHRH secretion pattern in vitro was different in two ways when rats were treated additionally with P. First, LHRH output was significantly higher at 1200 and 1400 h than th...
Pharmacological modification of the light-induced responses of Mu¨ller (glial) cells in the amphibian retina

Abstract The light-evoked responses of Mu¨ller (glial) cells were monitored by intracellular recording in the isolated, superfused retina of Xenopus laevis . Mu¨ller cells had dark resting potentials of −88.5±6.9 mV and small 1–2 mV light responses of variable waveform in normal Ringer's solution. Exposure to picrotoxin (0.5–1.0 mM) greatly enhanced the light response which then consisted of depolarizing transients (V max 5–15 mM) at stimulus onset and offset. GABA (5–10 mM) blocked selectively the ‘on’ transient. None of theses agents response, whereas 2-amino 4-phosphonobutyrate (0.10–0.15 mM) blocked selectively the ‘on’ transient. None of these agents appreciably modified the glial cells resting potential level. On the other hand, veratrine (6–9 μg/ml) depolarized the Mu¨ller cell by 4–13 mV and slowed and greatly reduced the light response. These effects were antagonized by tetrodotoxin (1–4 μM) which itself reduced the light response by 30–50% without altering its shape. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that alterations in the activity of the inner retinal neurons, i.e. amacrine and ganglion cells, are primarily responsible for the drug-induced changes in the membrane potential and light-evoked responses of the Mu¨ller cell.
The Functional Role of Astrocyte Calcium Signaling in Cortical Blood Flow Regulation

Blood vessels in the CNS dilate in response to neuronal activity, thus supplying active neurons with adequate energy in a phenomenon called functional hyperemia. The cellular mechanism underlying functional hyperemia, known as neurovascular coupling, becomes dysfunctional in many disease states,
Electrophysiological effects of a chemical defibrillatory agent, dibenzepin.

Study objective – The aim was to study the cellular cardiac electrophysiological effects of the antifib-rillatory drug, dibenzepin. Design – Standard microelectrode techniques were used to measure the effects of dibenzepin (3 μM, 9 μM) on conduction time, Vmax and input resistance in canine papillary muscles, in vitro, at three paced cycle lengths (1000, 400, 200 ms). Results were compared when adrenaline (0.5-5 μM) or propranolol(0.2 μM) were present. Experimental material – Papillary muscles (n = 25) from hearts of adult mongrel dogs, weight 13-18 kg, were used. Measurements and main results – Dibenzepin, at 3 μM, caused significant reduction of Vmax at cycle lengths ≤400 ms. Paradoxically, the conduction time decreased at all three cycle lengths when measured along the longitudinal axis of the fibre between two microelectrodes spaced 2 mm apart. Superfusion of dibenzepin (3 μM) and propranolol(0.2 μM) significantly reduced Vmax and lengthened conduction time at all cycle lengths. Dibenzepin reduced input resistance from 1.45 to 0.76 MΩ, thereby suggesting that improved coupling may occur between cells to account for the shortening of conduction time. Propranolol blocked these results. Conclusion – The defibrillatory action of dibenzepin may be related to a decreased intercellular resistance caused by increased catecholamine availability during fibrillation. This would result in improved conduction and, thereby, a decrease of the critical number of asynchronous re-entrant circuits necessary to maintain fibrillation.
Fertility of range beef cows and heifers after sequential injections of progesterone and estradiol-17β

Abstract Forty-four three-year-old first-calf heifers and 36 four-year-old second-calf purebred range Hereford cows were utilized to study the effects of single injections of progesterone and estradiol-17β on post-partum rebreeding efficiency. Animals were allotted to four single-sire breeding pastures with age groups equally distributed. Approximately half the females in each pasture served as controls (C) or received an intramuscular injection of 30 mg progesterone in sesame oil, followed in 48 hours by an intramuscular injection of 2 mg estradiol-17β in sesame oil (PE). Treatment was administered on April 15, 15 days prior to the start of the breeding season, at which time 93% of the cows and heifers were 30–78 days postpartum (avg = 48). Experienced bulls of proven fertility were placed in each pasture on April 30 and remained for 90 days. Ovarian activity, pregnancy rate, body weight and condition were monitored throughout the experiment. Ovarian activity as determined by palpation did not differ (P > .05) between C and PE treated heifers at treatment or 74 days post-treatment. Results indicated that 10% more PE treated animals conceived during the first two weeks of breeding, but this difference was not significant (P > .05). Treated females which conceived during this two-week period were heavier (P .05).
PREFERRED DIRECTIONS AND IMAGES FOR THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: A View from Inside

Both a sharpened sense of direction and promotion of specific institutional images seem necessary if the community college is to achieve a more distinct identity. Congruence between faculty and administrative preferences for possible directions and images seems vital if the direction and images are to be achieved. A randomly selected sample of full-time faculty and senior-level administrators in the State University of New York's thirty community colleges was surveyed to determine faculty and administrative preferences for four institutional directions and seven images for the community college. The results showed a surprising degree of congruence between faculty and administrators as to preferred direction and images. In addition, the relationship of certain demographic variables to preferences was examined, with limited correlations resulting. It was concluded that faculty and administrators were especially supportive of the institution's comprehensiveness since it provides a niche for everyone.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of Growth Regimes during Polycondensation of Silicic Acid: from Silica Nanoparticles to Porous Gels

Molecular dynamics simulations based on a reactive force field with charge transfer were used to model the sol−gel synthesis of nanoporous silica gels in an aqueous environment. Three distinct growth regimes emerge, depending on the solvent-to-silica ratio: compact nanoparticles, percolated silica networks, and branched clusters. These growth regimes can be identified on the basis of distinctive structural features. In the case of compact particles, the radial distribution functions exhibit a broad maximum that coincides with the radius of gyration of the aggregates, whereas in continuous networks the radial distribution function increases steadily beyond the near-range structural features. Furthermore, these growth regimes can be distinguished on the basis of the concentrations of structural defects, such as dangling bonds and residual OH groups. The growth kinetics of individual regimes are characterized by different relative contributions of atomic diffusion to the overall aggregation rate. Finally, t...
Rotational tomography for 3D reconstruction of the white-light and EUV corona in the post-SOHO era

Improving our understanding of the mechanisms that energize the solar wind and heat structures in the solar corona requires the development of empirical methods that can determine the three-dimensional (3D) temperature and density distributions with as much spatial and temporal resolution as possible. This paper reviews the solar rotational tomography (SRT) methods that will be used for 3D reconstruction of the solar corona from data obtained by the next generation of space-based missions such as the Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO), Solar-B and the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). In the next decade, SRT will undergo rapid advancement on several frontiers of 3D image reconstruction: Although the principles described apply to many different wavelength regimes, this paper concentrates on white-light and EUV data. Previous work on all of these subjects is reviewed, and major technical issues and future directions are discussed.
Kinetics of the deposition step in time multiplexed deep silicon etches

The time multiplexed deep silicon etch (TMDSE) process is the etch process of choice to make MEMS devices and through wafer vias. It has been used to produce deep trenches and vias at reasonable throughputs. Significant issues remain for the TMDSE process as well as room for improvement even though it has been both experimentally studied and modeled by a wide variety of researchers. This is because it is a highly complex process. Aspect ratio dependencies, selectivity, and the ability to use photoresist masks (instead of SiO2) are examples of remaining issues. The presently obtainable etch rates do not indicate efficient use of the etchant species. In this article, the authors focus on the deposition step in the TMDSE process. While prior research has generally assumed that the deposition step can be adequately modeled as being controlled by a reactive sticking coefficient, they have experimentally examined the deposition step of the process and found that the film growth is dominantly ion-enhanced. The results shown here were obtained in C4F8 plasmas but are also consistent with results found in CHF3 and C4F6 plasmas. As a result, the deposited film thickness can be larger at the bottom of a high aspect ratio feature than at the top sidewall, which is exactly the opposite of the desired profile. The very nature of the deposition mechanism leads to mask undercut at the same time as feature closing/etch stop.
Preservation of the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient during rat nephrotoxic serum nephritis by a specific leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist.

Abstract Leukotriene D4, a potent biologically active lipoxygenase derivative of arachidonic acid in activated leukocytes, depresses the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient (Kf) and contracts mesangial cells in culture. We therefore investigated its potential role in mediating the reduction in nephron filtration rate seen after induction of experimental nephrotoxic serum (NTS)-induced glomerulonephritis in the rat. Micropuncture measurements were performed in euvolemic Munich-Wistar rats 2 h after i.v. administration of 0.8 ml of rabbit serum (group 1, n = 6), 0.8 ml of rabbit anti-rat glomerular basement membrane antibody in the absence (group 2, n = 8), or presence (group 3, n = 7) of the new highly specific LTD4 receptor antagonist SK&F 104353. Quantitation of antibody binding and neutrophil infiltration revealed no differences between groups 2 and 3. Antagonism of endogenous LTD4 actions, however, was associated with prevention of the NTS-induced fall in SNGFR because of the abrogation of the fall in Kf which characterizes this form of experimental glomerulonephritis. Antagonism of endogenous LTD4 had no effect on the NTS-induced increases in pre- and postglomerular arteriolar resistances, and did not affect nephron plasma flow rate or net transcapillary hydraulic pressure difference. The observed highly localized protective action of the LTD4 antagonist on the glomerular capillary points to a possibly major functional role for intraglomerularly released LTD4, likely originating from infiltrating leukocytes, in the pathophysiology of this form of glomerulonephritis.
Partial reinforcement with a small number of trials: Two acquisition trials

Two groups of rats were run in a straight alley. One group (NR) was given one nonreinforced trial and one reinforced trial. Another group was given two reinforced trials. Based on goal times, Group NR was more resistant to extinction. This finding supports previous work using a small number of acquisition trials.
A Detailed 3D Seismic Interpretation of a Salt Dome And Its Caprock, a Case Study In the Northeastern Netherlands

In the northeastern Netherlands a 3D seismic interpretation of a Zechstein salt dome has been carried out in an area that is considerably disturbed by salt movement. The top of the dome reaches close to the surface and is mapped in detail for salt mining purposes. Two post-stack time-migrated 3D seismic surveys were used for the mapping: a standard industry type survey and a high-resolution survey that was shot in a later stage for the detailed imaging of the top of the dome. Windowed seismic amplitudes were used to try to establish the thickness and seismic character of the caprock. Various amplitude attribute maps of the caprock interval were created and compared with the caprock isochore map. The newly created depth map is compared with an older depth map of the top of the dome, which was interpreted on a 2D seismic survey.
Hydrogen enhances nickel tolerance in the purple sulfur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina.

A common microbial strategy for detoxifying metals involves redox transformation which often results in metal precipitation and/or immobilization. In the present study, the influence of ionic nickel [Ni(II)] on growth of the purple sulfur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina was investigated. The results suggest that Ni(II) in the bulk medium at micromolar concentrations results in growth inhibition, specifically an increase in the lag phase of growth, a decrease in the specific growth rate, and a decrease in total protein concentration when compared to growth controls containing no added Ni(II). The inhibitory effects of Ni(II) on the growth of T. roseopersicina could be partially overcome by the addition of hydrogen (H2) gas. However, the inhibitory effects of Ni(II) on the growth of T. roseopersicina were not alleviated by H2 in a strain containing deletions in all hydrogenase-encoding genes. Transmission electron micrographs of wild-type T. roseopersicina grown in the presence of Ni(II) and H2 revealed ...
Parents' Speech and Children's Stuttering: A Critique of the Literature.

The role of parents in relation to their children's stuttering has been of great interest to speech-language pathologists for more than 50 years. As part of treatment, speech-language pathologists frequently advise parents to modify their speech behaviors when talking with their children. For example, parents are often told to speak more slowly and to refrain from interrupting or questioning the child excessively. Given the commonness of this advice, it is important to examine the research upon which it is based. This article contains a critical review of the literature concerning the role of parents' speech behaviors (e.g., rate, interruptions, question-asking) in relation to their children's stuttering. Published studies are reported and analyzed in order to determine the extent to which parents may affect their children's stuttering through their own speech behaviors. The review indicates that there is little convincing evidence to support the view that parents of children who stutter differ from parents of children who do not stutter in the way they talk with their children. Similarly, there is little objective support for the argument that parents' speech behaviors contribute to children's stuttering or that modifying parents' speech behaviors facilitates children's fluency. Implications for treatment and for future research are discussed.
Thermal-wave imaging of corrosion and disbonds in aircraft structures

Pulse-Echo Thermal Wave IR techniques have been presented at recent SPIE Thermosense Conferences. A brief review is presented along with applications to the detection of adhesion disbonds and corrosion defects in bonded aluminum lap joints. Results for both test panel specimens and aircraft panels are presented. The feasibility of utilizing the technique for rapid, contactless, wide area field inspection of aircraft is discussed. Examples from a recent field test on a B737 aircraft are presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Unusual Pathogens in Narcotic-Associated Endocarditis

We report the cases of three adults with a history of intravenous drug abuse who developed endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium xerosis, Neisseria subflava, and Neisseria flavescens, respectively. No cases of endocarditis caused by C. xerosis or N. flavescens and only one case caused by N. subflava have previously been reported in association with narcotic addiction. The prominent clinical features in all patients included poor response to antibiotic therapy, persistent fever, and major embolic events. Stigmata of infection with human immunodeficiency virus, as manifested by oral candidiasis, cervical lymphadenopathy, and serologic evidence, were present in two of the three patients. At our institution, where Staphylococcus aureus remains the most frequent etiologic agent of narcotic-associated endocarditis, the occurrence of these three cases in a 9-month period is striking. We speculate that infection with human immunodeficiency virus may play a role in the pathogenesis of endocarditis caused by these unusual organisms.
The impact of postsynaptic calcium on synaptic transmission — its role in long-term potentiation

Recent studies have gone a long way to explain the steps involved in generating long-term potentiation (LTP). This review focuses on the triggering role of postsynaptic calcium, the sequence of events which might be initiated by calcium, and where the persistent change may ultimately occur during LTP.
Mechanics of the Mitral Annulus in Chronic Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Approximately one third of all patients undergoing open-heart surgery for repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation present with residual and recurrent mitral valve leakage upon follow up. A fundamental quantitative understanding of mitral valve remodeling following myocardial infarction may hold the key to improved medical devices and better treatment outcomes. Here we quantify mitral annular strains and curvature in nine sheep 5 ± 1 weeks after controlled inferior myocardial infarction of the left ventricle. We complement our marker-based mechanical analysis of the remodeling mitral valve by common clinical measures of annular geometry before and after the infarct. After 5 ± 1 weeks, the mitral annulus dilated in septal-lateral direction by 15.2% (p = 0.003) and in commissure-commissure direction by 14.2% (p < 0.001). The septal annulus dilated by 10.4% (p = 0.013) and the lateral annulus dilated by 18.4% (p < 0.001). Remarkably, in animals with large degree of mitral regurgitation and annular remodeling, the annulus dilated asymmetrically with larger distortions toward the lateral-posterior segment. Strain analysis revealed average tensile strains of 25% over most of the annulus with exception for the lateral-posterior segment, where tensile strains were 50% and higher. Annular dilation and peak strains were closely correlated to the degree of mitral regurgitation. A complementary relative curvature analysis revealed a homogenous curvature decrease associated with significant annular circularization. All curvature profiles displayed distinct points of peak curvature disturbing the overall homogenous pattern. These hinge points may be the mechanistic origin for the asymmetric annular deformation following inferior myocardial infarction. In the future, this new insight into the mechanism of asymmetric annular dilation may support improved device designs and possibly aid surgeons in reconstructing healthy annular geometry during mitral valve repair.
The Austrian theory of the firm: Retrospect and prospect

Using as a focusing device the famous arguments of Coase (Economica 4(16), 386–405 1937) and Hayek (The American Economic Review 35(4): 519–530 1945), I sketch in bold strokes what an Austrian theory of the firm would look like. Such a theory would pay serious attention to issues of knowledge, uncertainty, change, and complementarity. I describe a literature in which much of this theory has already been constructed; make connections to closely related literatures in economics and management; and suggest directions for future development.
PKS-2349-014: A Luminous quasar with thin wisps, a large off center nebulosity, and a close companion galaxy

Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images (WFC2) of PKS 2349-014 show that this luminous nearby quasar is interacting with diffuse (presumably galactic) material. Two thin wisps that have a total extent of about 20 kpc (for H0 = 100 km s(exp -1) and Omega0 = 1.0) are observed to approximately surround the quasar. One of the wisps appears to pass through a companion galaxy that is located at a projected distance of 3 kpc from the center of the quasar light. The companion galaxy, if located at the distance of PKS 2349-014, has an intrinsic size and luminosity similar to the Large Magellanic Cloud. A faint extended nebulosity, which is detected over a region of 35 kpc x 50 kpc and is centered about 5 kpc from the quasar nucleus, overlaps the wisps. The immediate environment of PKS 2349-014 is different from the environments of the other eight luminous quasars that we have studied previously with the HST. If the multiple light components of the HST images are fit to a single de Vaucouleurs profile, as was done in previous analyses of ground-based data, then the results obtained for the total luminosity of the model galaxy is in agreement with the earlier ground-based studies.
Regge analysis of electroproduction and photoproduction

Abstract We establish the analytic properties of the Regge residue functions in electroproduction and hypothesize that all Regge poles have scaling behavior. We fit the proton structure function with F P 2 (ϱ) = 0.11 + 0.48 ϱ − 1 2 and using photoproduction data predict F P 2 (ϱ) − F n 2 (ϱ) = 0.15 ϱ − 1 2 for ϱ v /− q 2 >4.
Jasmonate-responsive expression of paclitaxel biosynthesis genes in Taxus cuspidata cultured cells is negatively regulated by the bHLH transcription factors TcJAMYC1, TcJAMYC2, and TcJAMYC4

Taxus cell suspension culture is a sustainable technology for the industrial production of paclitaxel (Taxol®), a highly modified diterpene anti-cancer agent. The methyl jasmonate (MJ)-mediated paclitaxel biosynthetic pathway is not fully characterized, making metabolic engineering efforts difficult. Here, promoters of seven genes (TASY, T5αH, DBAT, DBBT, PAM, BAPT, and DBTNBT), encoding enzymes of the paclitaxel biosynthetic pathway were isolated and used to drive MJ-inducible expression of a GUS reporter construct in transiently transformed Taxus cells, showing that elicitation of paclitaxel production by MJ is regulated at least in part at the level of transcription. The paclitaxel biosynthetic pathway promoters contained a large number of E-box sites (CANNTG), similar to the binding sites for the key MJ-inducible transcription factor AtMYC2 from Arabidopsis thaliana. Three MJ-inducible MYC transcription factors similar to AtMYC2 (TcJAMYC1, TcJAMYC2, and TcJAMYC4) were identified in Taxus. Transcriptional regulation of paclitaxel biosynthetic pathway promoters by transient over expression of TcJAMYC transcription factors indicated a negative rather than positive regulatory role of TcJAMYCs on paclitaxel biosynthetic gene expression.
Correlates of divorce in the U.S.S.R.

The theoretical rationale of this study is that conditions associated with divorce reside outside the family within a broader social system where the family finds itself located. The absence of major differences in divorce law from one place to another within the Soviet Union makes it possible to explore this hypothesis by examining areal differentials in divorce rates. Crude divorce rates and crude marriage rates for 1960 have been published in Vestnik Statistiki for 109 political-administrative areas in the Soviet Union. Several indicators of modernization are available for the same areas from the 1959 U.S.S.R. Census of Population. About 80 per cent of the variation among areas with respect to the crude divorce rate is accounted for by six variables: the crude marriage rate, the percentage of urban population, and the employee-worker ratio in the labor force, each of which is positively associated with the divorce rate; and the proportion of poorly educated women, the ratio of children to adult males, and the mean household-family size, each of which is negatively associated with the divorce rate.
Relative plasticity, integration, temporality, and diversity in human development : A developmental contextual perspective about theory, process, and method

Current research about adolescent development often is associated with ideas stressing that dynamic individual–context relations provide the bases of behavior and developmental change. The power of these ideas is constituted by 4 assumptive components of contemporary developmental theories: systemat
Distinct roles of CTLA-4 and TGF-β in CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell function

Both CTLA-4 and TGF-beta have been implicated in suppression by CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg). In this study, the relationship between CTLA-4 and TGF-beta in Treg function was examined. Blocking CTLA-4 on wild-type Treg abrogated their suppressive activity in vitro, whereas neutralizing TGF-beta had no effect, supporting a TGF-beta-independent role for CTLA-4 in Treg-mediated suppression in vitro. In CTLA-4-deficient mice, Treg development and homeostasis was normal. Moreover, Treg from CTLA-4-deficient mice exhibited uncompromised suppressive activity in vitro. These CTLA-4-deficient Treg expressed increased levels of the suppressive cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta, and in vitro suppression mediated by CTLA-4(-/-) Treg was markedly reduced by neutralizing TGF-beta, suggesting that CTLA-4-deficient Treg develop a compensatory suppressive mechanism through CTLA-4-independent production of TGF-beta. Together, these data suggest that CTLA-4 regulates Treg function by two distinct mechanisms, one during functional development of Treg and the other during the effector phase, when the CTLA-4 signaling pathway is required for suppression. These results help explain contradictions in the literature and support the existence of functionally distinct Treg.
On the role of compression overloads in influencing crack closure and the threshold condition for fatigue crack growth in 7150 aluminum alloy

Abstract A study has been made of the effect of single compression cycles on near-threshold fatigue crack propagation in an I/M 7150 aluminum alloy. Based on experiments at a load ratio of R= 0.10 on cracks arrested at the fatigue threshold (δkth) in under-, peak and overaged microstructures, large compression overload cycles, of magnitude five times the peak tensile load, were found to cause immediate reinitiation of crack growth, even though the applied stress intensity range did not exceed ΔKth. Following an initial acceleration, subsequent crack advance was observed to take place at progressively decreasing growth rates until rearrest occurred. Such behavior is attributed to measured changes in crack closure which vary the effective near-tip driving force for crack extension (ΔKeff). Specifically, roughness-induced closure primarily is reduced by the application of compressive cycles via a mechanism involving crack surface abrasion which causes flattening and cracking of fracture surface asperities. Closure, however, is regenerated on subsequent propagation resulting in the rearrest. Such observations provide further confirmation that the existence of a fatigue threshold is controlled principally by the development of crack closure and are discussed in terms of the mechanisms of closure in precipitation hardened alloys.
Enzymatic incorporation of fucose into blood group H substance

Abstract The soluble blood group substances found in animal secretions are glycoproteins composed of approximately 85% carbohydrate and 15% protein. Their serological specificity is determined by oligosaccharide side chains covalently attached to a peptide backbone. This communication describes the enzymatic incorporation of fucose from guanosine diphosphate L-fucose (GDP-fucose) into microsomal-bound blood group H substance, catalyzed by a particulate preparation from hog gastric mucosa. As H specificity is determined by an α-L-fucosyl (1→2)-β-D galactosyl linkage ( Rege et al. , 1964 ; Lloyd et al. , 1966 ), this enzymatic reaction represents a terminal step in the biosynthesis of the H determinant.
Evaluation of a Permit Vehicle Model Using Weigh-in-Motion Truck Records

Permit truck models are used to consider local truck traffic in addition to national live load models in bridge design and rating practices. Weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems installed in the United States provide millions of truck records that can be used for evaluating such truck models. In this study, the standard permit vehicle in Wisconsin was evaluated by using six million WIM truck records collected in 2007. The evaluation was on the basis of statistical analyses of the maximum moments and shear in simply supported, 2-span, and 3-span continuous girders in the selected heaviest 5% of trucks in each vehicle class/group. The comparisons showed that 5-axle, short, single-unit trucks may cause larger moment/shear in bridge girders than the standard permit vehicle, and a 5-axle truck model was proposed to supplement the standard permit vehicle for possible use in bridge design and rating in Wisconsin.
Pathology and toxicology findings for search-and-rescue dogs deployed to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack sites: initial five-year surveillance

A long-term surveillance study was conducted on 95 search-and-rescue (SR an additional 55 nondeployed S&R dogs served as controls. After 5 years of surveillance, 32% of the deployed dogs have died and 24% of the nondeployed dogs. The mean age at the time of death in these 2 groups of dogs is not significantly different. Causes of death in both groups of dogs include inflammatory, degenerative, and proliferative conditions. No primary pulmonary tumors have been identified to date nor has any significant level of toxicant been found in the tissues from these dogs using assays for general organic compounds and metals or, specifically, for polychlorinated biphenyls. However, significant numbers of both deployed and nondeployed dogs have evidence of inhaled matter as demonstrated by the presence of anthracotic pigments or refractile particulate matter in pulmonary tissue. Although S&R activities in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks exposed dogs to a wide variety of potentially toxic compounds, to date, these dogs do not appear to suffer from higher mortality or increased pulmonary disease compared with nondeployed dogs. To the authors' knowledge, the current survey represents the first long-term and large-scale survey of the pathology and toxicology of S&R dogs deployed to a major disaster site.
Congenital anomalies of coronary artery origin in adults: 64-MDCT appearance.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the 64-MDCT appearance of congenital anomalies of the origins of the coronary arteries in adults.CONCLUSION. Increasing use of MDCT for cardiac imaging of adults requires familiarity with the cross-sectional appearance of congenital coronary artery anomalies visualized with noninvasive imaging techniques. Many of these anomalies are benign, but a small number are associated with myocardial ischemia and sudden death. Increasing use of MDCT in cardiac imaging may yield diagnostic information not obtained with coronary angiography. Axial, multiplanar, and 3D volume-rendered reconstructions should aid in detection and improve interpretation of such anomalies.
The Role of Listening Expertise, Attention, and Musical Style in the Perception of Clash of Keys

THIS EXPLORATIVE STUDY INVESTIGATES THE PERCEPTION of clash of keys in music. It is a replication and extension of an earlier study by Wolpert (2000) on the perception of a harmonic (bitonal) manipulation of a melody and accompaniment. We investigated (a) how reliable results were, (b) how results would change if listeners9 attention changed from nondirected (NDL) to directed listening (DL), and (c) whether the perception of clash of keys is influenced by the musical style of the particular composition. Participants included 101 expert listeners and 147 nonexpert listeners who evaluated music of four different styles in two versions each (original and with a pitch difference of 200 cents between melody and accompaniment). On the whole, expert listeners noticed the clash of keys significantly more often than did nonexperts (NDL: 49.30% vs. 9.30%; DL: 78.00% vs. 46.90%). For NDL, the perception of clash of keys differed between musical styles and decreased from classical to rock 9n9 roll and from pop to jazz. Differences in responses are mainly explained by acculturation effects (listening expertise, attention, musical style, and familiarity with the particular piece).
Abstract 481: Downregulation of MicroRNA-143 Induces Proximal Aorta Dilatation in C57BL6/J Mice

Background: Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) is a silent life-threatening condition which leads to death if not surgically treated. TAA development is secondary to the remodeling of the aortic wall structure due to pathological changes in both vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and extracellular components. The phenotypic switch of VSMC from a contractile to a pathological synthetic state by inducing excessive production of matrix components is associated with the aberrant remodeling of the aorta. MicroRNA (miR)-143 and -145 are critical in controlling VSMC phenotype and are highly expressed in the aorta. In investigating the molecular mechanisms controlling VSMC phenotype we found that accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) linearly correlates with synthetic VSMC accumulation as well as dilatation of the ascending aorta in humans. Furthermore ROS contribute to the onset of TAA in a murine model based on Angiotensin II (AngII) infusion. Interestingly we found that miR-143 is down regulated in patients with aneurysmal aorta. We hypothesized that miR-143 may be regulated by ROS and its down regulation could contribute to TAA development. Methods: MiR expression, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VSMC markers of phenotype (Vimentin, Elk-1, Myocardin) were tested in human isolated aortic VSMC treated with ROS. C57BL6/J mice were subjected to AngII for 28 days in the presence or absence of LNA-anti-miR-143. Two-dimensional M Mode echocardiography was performed to measure aortic diameter. Results: ROS treatment of human VSMC induces a dose dependent down regulation of miR-143 and -145 together with up regulation of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VSMC synthetic markers Vimentin and Elk-1. Both miR-143/145 are down regulated in the aneurysmal proximal aorta of C57BL6/J mice treated with AngII. Injection of LNA-anti-miR-143 alone induces dilatation of the proximal aorta but has no effect on AngII induced TAA development. Conclusion: ROS induced down regulation of miR-143 is involved in the pathological remodeling of the proximal aorta leading to TAA. Understanding the mechanism behind ROS-mediated regulation of miR-143 may unveil new targets for the development of therapeutic strategies against TAA.
Ecotoxicity of Ni in soil

Assessing metal contamination of soils has been a difficult task because the metal concentration in soil is not directly correlated to its potential effects. We review an approach, termed the Terrestrial Biotic Ligand Model (TBLM), in which partitioning of metal from soil to soil solution is modelled and the metal in solution interacts with an organism, the biotic ligand, to cause toxicity. The toxicity is modulated by other cations in the soil solution, principally H + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ . New results for the model using Ni as the toxic species and barley root elongation as the biological response are presented.
Family and Migration in Comparative Perspective: Reply to King*

In a previous article in Social Science Quarterly (Sana and Massey, 2005), we compared remittance receipt by households in four countries: Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, focusing especially on the first two. We argued that the new economics of labor migration (NELM) offered a useful theoretical rationale for understanding remittances to Mexico, but not to the other countries. The Mexican patriarchal family system coincidentally fulfills the expectations of NELM by making it very likely that male migrants will send money earned in the United States back home to their families. We found that remittance receipt in Mexico was associated with the migration of males more than of females and that remittances flowed disproportionately to communities that offered better opportunities for investment, suggesting their use for overcoming missing capital and credit markets. Moreover, whereas nuclear households were least likely to receive remittances in most countries, that disadvantage disappeared when Mexican households were considered alone.
Impact of cell fanout distributions on multicast ATM switch performance

For shared buffer multicast ATM switches, it is found that the highest cell loss ratio may be caused by the unicast plus broadcast traffic given the mean cell fanout, or roughly by the maximum coefficient of variation of cell fanout given the fanout distribution.
Piping Plover Habitat Selection and Nest Success on Natural, Managed, and Engineered Sandbars

ABSTRACT Loss of breeding habitat and nest predation have contributed to the decline of many shorebird species. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) initiated a piping plover (Charadrius melodus) habitat creation and augmentation program on the Missouri River in the summer of 2004. The USACE increased unvegetated sandbar habitat by depositing dredged material (engineered sandbars) and by clearing vegetation from existing sandbars (managed sandbars). We evaluated the effects of this increase in nesting and foraging habitat on habitat selection and nest daily survival rate (DSR) of piping plovers on Lewis and Clark Lake and the Gavins Point Reach of the Missouri River from 2005 to 2007 (n = 623 nests). Piping plovers selected engineered sandbars more often than expected based on area and selected natural and managed habitats less than expected based on area. Daily survival rate on engineered sandbars was significantly higher than on natural or managed sandbars (log odds: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.05–5.94...
Potential of Somatic Cell Concentration in Milk as a Sire Selection Criterion to Reduce Mastitis in Dairy Cattle

Abstract Lactation records for somatic cell counts in milk, bacteriological culture results, antibiotic treatment for mastitis, and production were formed for cows in 30 cooperating dairy herds in Virginia. A second data set, including somatic cell counts and production information for cows in approximatley 400 herds in Virginia (not including the original 30), was used to evaluate sires genetically for somatic cell count. Approximate genetic correlations between measures of cell count and measures of infection ranged from .36 to .67. These were highest (lowest) for frequency of infection by major (minor) pathogens. Corresponding phenotypic correlations were similar but slightly smaller. Neither somatic cell counts nor measures of infection were well correlated with treatment. Production traits generally had small, negative genetic and phenotypic relationships with cell counts, rates of infection, and measures of treatment. Correlations for evaluations of sires for cell count were positive with daughter averages for infection rates (.20 to .38) and treatment measures (.02 to .13). Largest (absolute value) correlations between evaluations of sires for cell count and production traits were for fat percentage (−.38) and fat yield (−.28). Evaluation and selection of sires for decreased somatic cell count may augment management and treatment programs in the reduction of mastitis incidence.