cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcitonin gene-related peptide in pregnancy and its emerging receptor heterogeneity

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is the most potent vasodilator, and there is a growing body of evidence that this peptide might have multiple other functions. During pregnancy, circulating CGRP levels in rats increase up to the time of delivery, followed by a sharp decline at term and postpartum. In addition, the sensitivity of various vascular beds to CGRP in rats appears to increase with advancing pregnancy. This increased sensitivity might be involved in regulating uteroplacental blood flow, in addition to other vascular adaptations that occur during normal pregnancy. Furthermore, the uterine relaxation response to CGRP is elevated during pregnancy and decreased at term. Sex steroid hormones, estrogens and progesterone, regulate CGRP synthesis and its effects on both myometrial and uterine vascular tissues. These changes in smooth muscle relaxation sensitivity to CGRP appear to be a consequence of changes in CGRP-receptor levels in these tissues. There appear to be two receptors for CGRP: the CGRP-A receptor, a well-characterized receptor consisting of calcitonin receptor-like receptor and receptor activity modifying protein 1, and the CGRP-B receptor. The CGRP system might play a role in the maintenance of normal pregnancy, and a defect in this system might lead to complications.
Elba, a novel developmentally regulated chromatin boundary factor is a hetero-tripartite DNA binding complex

If all of the DNA in a human cell was stretched out, it would be about 2 m long. The nucleus of a human cell, on the other hand, has a diameter of just 6 μm, so the DNA molecules that carry all the genetic information in the cell need to be carefully folded to fit inside the nucleus. Cells meet this challenge by combining their DNA molecules with proteins to form a compact and highly organized structure called chromatin. Packaging DNA into chromatin also reduces damage to it. But what happens when the cell needs to express the genes carried by the DNA as proteins or other gene products? The answer is that the compact structure of chromatin relaxes and opens up, which allows the DNA to be transcribed into messenger RNA. Indeed, packing DNA into chromatin makes this process more reliable, thus ensuring that the cell only produces proteins and other gene products when it needs them. However, because cross-talk between neighboring genes could potentially disrupt or change gene expression patterns, cells evolved special elements called boundaries or insulators to stop this from happening. These elements subdivide eukaryotic chromosomes into functionally autonomous chromatin domains. Since the protein factors implicated in boundary function seemed to be active in all tissues and cell types, it was assumed for many years that these boundaries and the resulting chromatin domains were fixed. However, a number of recent studies have shown that boundary activity can be subject to regulation, and thus chromatin domains are dynamic structures that can be defined and redefined during development to alter patterns of gene expression. Aoki et al. report the isolation and characterization of a new fruit fly boundary factor that, unlike previously characterized factors, is active only during a specific stage of development. The Elba factor is also unusual in that it is made of three different proteins, known as Elba1, Elba2, and Elba3, and all three must be present for it to bind to DNA. While Elba2 is present during most stages of development, the other two Elba proteins are only present during early embryonic development, so the boundary factor is only active in early embryos. In addition to revealing a new mechanism for controlling boundary activity as an organism develops, the studies of Aoki et al. provide further evidence that chromatin domains can be dynamic.
Knee Pain Is the Malady—Not Osteoarthritis

Excerpt Osteoarthritis is a well-defined pathoanatomic entity readily demonstrable by modern imaging techniques. For a century, the pathology that is this disease has been ingrained in the mind of ...
Predictive control of parabolic PDEs with boundary control actuation

This work focuses on predictive control of linear parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) with boundary control actuation subject to input and state constraints. Under the assumption that measurements of the PDE state are available, various finite-dimensional and infinite-dimensional predictive control formulations are presented and their ability to enforce stability and constraint satisfaction in the infinite-dimensional closed-loop system is analyzed. A numerical example of a linear parabolic PDE with unstable steady state and flux boundary control subject to state and control constraints is used to demonstrate the implementation and effectiveness of the predictive controllers.
A crystal form of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase from Nicotiana tabacum in the activated state.

Abstract A new crystal form of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (EC4.1.1.39) from Nicotiana tabacum has been obtained at alkaline pH with polyethylene glycol 8000 in the presence of a non-ionic detergent, β-octyl glucoside. The crystals are grown at room temperature by the hanging-drop vapor diffusion technique from a protein solution containing enzyme complexed with CO2, Mg2+, and the transition state analog 2-C-carboxy- d -arabinitol-1,5-bisphosphate. The crystals belong to the the space group P3121 (or P3221) with the cell parameters a = 204.6 A , and c= 117.4 A (1 A = 0.1 nm ). The asymmetric unit contains half (L4S4: L, large subunit, 53,000 Mr; S, small subunit, 15,000 Mr) of a hexadecameric molecule (L8S8, 540,000 Mr). The crystals diffract to at least 2.6 A Bragg spacing and are suitable for X-ray structure determination.
Daylength and temperature effects on emergence and early growth of sericea lespedeza.

(...) A growth chamber study was undertaken to measure the effect of temperature on seedling emergence and the influence of temperature and daylength on early growth of several sericea lespedeza genotypes. Emergence was reduced by about 20% with each reduction of 3 °C in day/night temperature within the range of temperatures used. Height, shoot dry weight, leaf dry weight, and stem dry weight of all genotypes tested were very sensitive to both daylength and temperature (...)
Computational simulation of turbulent mixing with mass transfer

Abstract In this paper, we present a series of computational simulations of three-dimensional turbulent mixing with mass transfer for various pipe mixing arrangements. The simulations are carried out with the adina software, in which general-purpose finite element and finite volume formulations along with the k – ϵ turbulent model are used for incompressible Navier–Stokes flows with mass transfer. Based on the predicted pressure and velocity profiles and the standard deviation of tracer (or fiber) spatial distributions at certain distances downstream from the injection point, we compare the mixing performances of various transverse, concentric, and multijet mixers as well as four silo mixing units. In addition, we deduce certain design information pertaining to different mixing configurations.
Pulmonary Embolectomy After Single-Lung Transplantation

Single-lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension results in a significant ventilation/perfusion mismatch with dramatic shift of blood flow, but not ventilation, to the replacement organ. This raises concern that the patient may be precariously dependent on the function of the transplanted lung. We report the successful management of a massive central pulmonary embolus to the transplanted lung in a 43-year-old woman 4 years after single-lung transplantation for primary pulmonary hypertension.
DNA-binding site of lac repressor probed by dimethylsulfate methylation of lac operator.

Abstract In order to compare the structures of the DNA-binding sites on variants of the lac repressor, we have studied the influence of these variants on the dimethylsulfate methylation of the lac operator. Since a bound protein changes the availability of specific purines in the operator to this chemical attack, comparisons of the methylation patterns will show similarities or differences in the protein DNA contacts. We compared lac repressor, induced lac repressor (repressor bound to the gratuitous inducer isopropyl-β- d -thiogalactoside), mutant repressors having increased operator affinities (X86, I12 and the X86-I12 double mutant) and repressor peptides (long headpiece, residues 1 to 59 and short headpiece. residues 1 to 51). All of these repressors and repressor peptides exhibit the same general pattern of protection and enhancement in the operator; however, the short headpiece pattern differs most from that of the repressor while the induced repressor and the long headpiece show intermediate patterns that are strikingly similar to each other. The mutant repressors do not show an isopropyl-β- d -thiogalactoside effect but otherwise are almost indistinguishable from wild-type repressor. These results demonstrate that all molecules bind to the operator using basically the same protein-DNA contacts; they imply that (1) most and possibly all repressor contacts to operator lie within amino acids 1 to 51, (2) inducer weakens many contacts rather than totally disrupting one or even a few and (3) the tight-binding mutants do not make additional contacts to the DNA. These results are consistent with a model in which the amino-terminal portions of two repressor monomers make the DNA contacts. We show that one can understand the affinity of binding as related to the accuracy of the register of the two amino-terminal portions along the DNA. Furthermore, the action of inducer and the behaviour of the tight binding mutants can be accomodated within a two-state model in which the strongly or weakly binding states correspond to structures in which the amino-terminal regions are rigidly or loosely held with respect to each other.
Mechanics of smooth muscle in isolated single microvessels.

In vivo studies on frog mesenteric arterioles (4) indicate that segmental differences in the response of microvessels to physical and chemical stimuli can be explained simply in terms of the length-tension characteristics of vascular smooth muscle at different points along the vascular tree. Studies on single, isolated arterioles in vitro were initiated to examine more closely the validity of this explanation for regional response differences. This paper reports some of the results. First-, second-, and third-order arterioles (18-60 micron i.d.) were dissected from hamster cheek pouches. The vessels were cannulated with a modified Burg microperfusion system, and their mechanical properties studied using the methods described by Duling and Gore. Vessels were activated in four stages with K+ and norepinephrine. During activation, transmural pressures were adjusted to minimize vascular smooth-muscle shortening. Active pressure-diameter curves were recorded while adjusting transmural pressure through the range 5 to 400 cm H20 in 5-25 cm steps. Vessel dimensions were measured with a videomicrometer. Passive curves were obtained after equilibration overnight in Ca2+-free medium. The vessels were then fixed and prepared for histologic sectioning, and measurements of vessel-wall composition were made. The Laplace relationship was used to construct length-tension diagrams, and the histologic data were used to normalize the dimensional data to smooth-muscle lengths. Maximum active tension of second-order arterioles (1,170 dynes/cm) was two times previous values reported by Gore et al. This was due presumably to refinements in techniques and dissection procedures. Maximum active stress averaged 3.9 X 10(+6) dynes/cm2 for second-order arterioles. This number is identical to data obtained from hog carotid strips by Dillon et al.
SDN Management Layer: Design Requirements and Future Direction

Computer networks are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to manage. The research community has been expending a lot of efforts to come up with a general management paradigm that is able to hide the details of the physical infrastructure and enable flexible network management. Software Defined Networking (SDN) is such a paradigm that simplifies network management and enables network innovations. In this survey paper, by reviewing existing SDN management layers (platforms), we identify the general common management architecture for SDN networks, and further identify the design requirements of the management layer that is at the core of the architecture. We also point out open issues and weaknesses of existing SDN management layers. We conclude with a promising future direction for improving the SDN management layer.
Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma of Unknown Etiology: Case Report and Literature Review

Our objective is to emphasize the importance of recognizing and rapidly treating spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH). SSEH is a pathologic entity traditionally thought to be exceptionally rare but which, in the era of MR imaging, is becoming increasingly prevalent, and which if treated with sufficient rapidity can be completely curable. Our particular case presented with clumsiness, neck pain with radiation to both arms, and bilateral arm weakness. According to the literature surveyed, most patients present with severe back and/or neck pain, often with a radicular component, followed by motor and/or sensory deficits. C5-6 decompressive hemilaminectomy with evacuation of hematoma. As evidenced in the literature, outcome depends on time to operation and prognosis is impacted by age and preoperative deficit. Because of the high risk of poor outcome without treatment, SSEH should always be a diagnostic consideration in patients whose presentation is even slightly suggestive. Rapid, appropriate treatment of these patients can often lead to complete recovery of function, whereas any delay in appropriate treatment can be catastrophic.
Interferometric measurement of large thermal nonlinear index in MBBA.

A Twyman-Green interferometer is used to study a large optical nonlinearity, believed to be thermal in origin, in the nematic liquid crystal MBBA. Fringe shifts arising from laser-induced heating of the nematic layer are measured and compared to a solution of the heat equation. There is reasonable agreement between experiment and theory in the dependence of fringe shift on beam intensity and cell temperature.
Vortex Motion Law for the Schrödinger--Ginzburg--Landau Equations

In the Ginzburg--Landau model for superconductivity a large Ginzburg--Landau parameter $\kappa$ corresponds to the formation of tight, stable vortices. These vortices are located where an applied magnetic field pierces the superconducting bulk, and each vortex induces a quantized supercurrent about the vortex. The energy of large-$\kappa$ solutions blows up near each vortex, which brings about difficulties in analysis. Rigorous asymptotic static theory has previously established the existence of a finite number of the vortices, and these vortices are located precisely at the critical points of a renormalized energy. We consider the motion of such vortices in a dynamic model for superconductivity that couples a U(1) gauge-invariant Schrodinger-type Ginzburg--Landau equation to a Maxwell-type equation under the limit of large Ginzburg--Landau parameter $\kappa$. It is shown that under an almost-energy-minimizing condition each vortex moves in the direction of the net supercurrent located at the vortex posit...
ENHANCEMENT OF QUANTUM INTERFERENCE EFFECTS.

Abstract We present a method of excitation which enhances quantum beats of certain frequencies and diminishes those at other frequencies. This approach can even produce an effect when the original quantum beats appear to be washed out in large molecules because of the average over many pairs of interfering levels. The excitation of the system involves the absorption of a single photon from a coherent pair of pulses, leading to an additional interference effect with a nonzero quantum yield. The derivations are presented for the atomic-like few level systems, but the more general molecular cases are readily obtained by superposition of all pairs of interfering levels. The analysis incorporates the position and nature of the photon detector.
Seiberg-Witten description of the deconstructed 6D (0,2) theory

It has recently been suggested that, in a large N limit, a particular four dimensional gauge theory is indistinguishable from the six dimensional CFT with (0,2) supersymmetry compactified on a torus. We give further evidence for this correspondence by studying the Seiberg-Witten curve for the "deconstructed" theory and demonstrating that along the reduced Coulomb branch of moduli space (on the intersection of the Higgs and Coulomb branches) it describes the low energy physics on a stack of M5-branes on a torus, which is the (0,2) theory on a torus as claimed. The M-theory construction helps to clarify the enhancement of supersymmetry in the deconstructed theory at low energies, and demonstrates its stability to radiative and instanton corrections. We demonstrate the role of the theta vacuum in the deconstructed theory. We point out that by varying the theta parameters and gauge couplings in the deconstructed theory, the complex structure of the torus can be chosen arbitrarily, and the torus is not metrically S^1 x S^1 in general.
Basophils in human allergen-induced late-phase responses

Abstract Basophils (as well as eosinophils and mast cells) are important effector cells in human allergic diseases. They play a significant role in promoting allergic inflammation through the release of proinflammatory mediators including histamine, leukoterineC4, IL-4 and IL-13. Basophils are the least numerous of the circulating leukocytes, representing less than 1% of the typical blood differential count. Basophils are modestly increased in the peripheral blood of allergic patients, whereas their numbers are substantially increased in target organ tissues during natural allergen exposure and following experimental provocation of the skin, nose, and lung biopsies during late-phase responses.
The Effects of a Guided Training Experience on the Instructional Clarity of Preservice Teachers.

Abstract The present study sought to replicate an earlier, successful attempt to foster greater clarity in preservice teachers' instruction. Experimental group subjects participated in The Clarity Training Program incorporated into the regular course activities of a general educational methods course. At the conclusion of the term, trained subjects were found to use behaviors which facilitate clarity more frequently and more proficiently, to be rated by trained observers as generally more clear, and to use a broader repertoire of behaviors than untrained counterparts. Further, trained teachers facilitated significantly greater student learning than untrained teachers, however, no significant differences were found in learner satisfaction with the teaching.
Teacher Acceptability of Evidence-Based and Promising Treatments for Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

This study examined teachers’ acceptability of evidence-based and promising treatments for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Teachers (N = 156) from 11 elementary schools read a vignette describing a boy with symptoms typical of combined type ADHD. Using the Intervention Rating Profile-10, teachers rated the acceptability of three promising treatments (peer tutoring, self-reinforcement, and social skills) and three evidence-based treatments, both psychosocial (daily report card and time-out) and pharmacological (stimulant medication). Teacher factors, including teacher self-efficacy, were evaluated as predictors of treatment acceptability. The daily report card (DRC) received the highest mean acceptability rating among the treatments, and was rated significantly higher than 4 of 5 other treatments; the DRC was not rated significantly higher than the self-reinforcement strategy. Years of experience was predictive of acceptability in that more experienced teachers rated time-out as more acceptable than peer tutoring. Results replicate previous findings and uniquely indicate that promising treatments are considered as acceptable, and in some cases, more acceptable than evidence-based treatments for children with ADHD.
Theorizing Communication: A History

This is the first book to offer a detailed intellectual history of communication study over the last century. Schiller looks at the relationship between early communication theory and contextualizing social and economic changes, and finds that the evolving dualism between intellectual and manual labour became deeply embedded in the work of theorists, even into our own time. Close attention is paid to leading thinkers in the field, including John Dewey, C. Wright Mills, Raymond Williams, Stuart Hall, and Daniel Bell.
Transcription of cauliflower mosaic virus DNA. Detection of transcripts, properties, and location of the gene encoding the virus inclusion body protein

We have detected several cauliflower mosaic virus transcripts in infected turnip leaves by northern-blot hybridization. These RNAs ranged in size from 0.9 to about 8 kb. Two species, a heterogeneous 7-to 8-kb RNA and a 2.3-kb RNA, accumulated radioactivity when CaMV-infected leaves were labeled with [32P]orthophosphate 20 days postinoculation. An abundant 62,000 MW polypeptide was synthesized in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate programmed with RNA from infected plants, but this polypeptide was absent when RNA from noninfected plants was used to direct translation. The 62,000 MW polypeptide was also the major in vitro product specified by virus-specific poly(A)+RNA purified by hybridization with CaMV DNA immobilized on DBM paper. The in vitro-synthesised 62,000 MW polypeptide was shown to be very similar to the major protein component of virus inclusion bodies by peptide fingerprint analysis. The 2.3-kb transcript is the mRNA encoding the 62,000 MW inclusion body protein. Crossed-contact hybridization mapping of this messenger on cloned CaMV DNA revealed that it is transcribed from the contiguous EcoR1 fragments d and b. The 7- to 8-kb RNA hybridized to all EcoR1 fragments and is probably a full-length primary transcript of the alpha-DNA strand.
Estradiol stimulates synthesis of a major intracellular protein in a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7)

Previous studies have shown that synthesis of a 24,000 molecular weight (24k) protein (7) and the mRNA activity coding for a 24k protein (8) are selectively stimulated by estradiol in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Utilizing a double-label electrophoresis technique to measure the relative rates of specific protein synthesis, the present study relates further characterization of this estrogen response. The 24k protein was found to be stimulated by estradiol provided cells were preincubated with antiestrogen. Under these conditions, antiestrogens inhibit cell growth and addition of estradiol reverses growth inhibition (estrogen growth ‘rescue’). As a control experiment, specific protein synthesis was measured in another growth rescue model produced by withdrawing serum from the medium to inhibit growth and then stimulating cells by readdition of serum (serum growth ‘rescue’). This failed to stimulate synthesis of a 24k protein, implying that the effect observed following estrogen ‘rescue’ was not a non-specific result of growth stimulation. Increased 24k synthesis was found to be both time and estrogen-dose dependent and required specifically those steroid hormones which interact with the estrogen receptor. Moreover, the dose response curve for 24k stimulation paralleled closely the dose response for estrogen stimulation of nuclear estrogen receptor processing, an event correlated with another estrogenic response in MCF-7 cells, induction of progesterone receptor. These findings suggest that estradiol itself directly stimulates synthesis of the 24k protein through interaction with the estrogen receptor system. Further separation of double-label cytosols by two-dimensional electrophoresis resolved the 24k protein into two isoelectric species with pI's in the range of 6.7–6.9 and 6.4–6.7, the latter being the most abundant or rapidly labeling protein. Based on the percentage of total cytosol incorporation contained in individual two-dimensional gel spots, the major species of 24k represented in the fully stimulated cell (3H-counts) about 1.6% of newly synthesized protein. It also represented about 0.7% of newly synthesized protein in the unstimulated (14C-counts) cell, which indicates that 24k is synthesized constitutively. Because of its relative abundance, the 24k protein may be a suitable end product for investigating the mechanisms of estrogen action in human breast cancer.
A brief mindfulness intervention for college student binge drinkers: a pilot study

The current study sought to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a brief mindfulness intervention aimed to reduce rates and consequences of binge drinking among college students. Participants were 76 undergraduate students assigned to a mindfulness/cue exposure group (MG) or a control/cue exposure only group (CG). Assessments were administered at the beginning of the initial session (i.e., baseline), the end of the initial session (i.e., posttreatment) and weekly for the subsequent 4 weeks. During the initial session, participants engaged in a cue exposure protocol that differed by group. The MG participated in a 60-min individual mindfulness intervention composed of didactic and experiential activities during the initial session. They participated in a mindfulness practice during the Week 2 follow-up assessment and were asked to engage in 1 hr of out-of-session mindfulness meditation each week during the 4-week assessment period. Treatment outcome examined changes in frequency of binge episodes, consequences of alcohol use, readiness to change alcohol use, alcohol refusal self-efficacy, and dispositional mindfulness between groups over time. Group differences in readiness to change, self-efficacy, and dispositional mindfulness were not found from baseline to posttreatment. Four weeks after the initial intervention, the MG reported significantly less binge episodes, fewer consequences of alcohol use, higherself-efficacy and higher dispositional mindfulness than the CG. Feasibility and participant acceptability of the intervention was demonstrated by consistent attendance, low attrition and high satisfaction ratings by the MG. Results provide initial support for the efficacy of a brief, mindfulness-based intervention among college students who report binge drinking. (PsycINFO Database Record
DNA sequence repetition in the genome of the American oyster.

Abstract The genome of Crassostrea virginica, the American oyster, has been studied by reassociation kinetics in order to construct a profile of DNA sequence frequency components. Oyster DNA has been shown to contain at least 51% single copy DNA sequences and two classes of middle repetitive DNA. The major repetitive class contains sequences which are repeated on the average 20 times and comprise 28% of oyster DNA. The other class represents 10% of oyster DNA and contains sequences repeated approx. 3000 times. In addition the DNA of oyster contains at least 1% foldback sequences. The spectrum of DNA repetition components in the American oyster is similar to that found in the genomes of other mollusks.
Distinguishing among Distributions Using Data from Complex Sample Designs

Abstract This article presents the statistical methodology for estimating stratum cumulative distribution functions (cdf's) when the sample is drawn according to a complex design. Justification for the use of this methodology is offered, and examples are presented to demonstrate the expanded inference possible when estimated cdf's are used in addition to stratum means. The methods are applied to data from a survey of the patterns of care in radiation therapy facilities in the United States.
Study of the Effectiveness of Cement Kiln Dusts in Stabilizing Na-Montmorillonite Clay

The feasibility of using cement kiln dusts (CKDs) as potential stabilizing agents for Na-montmorillonite clay was investigated using a suite of four CKDs with different chemical and physical characteristics. The Atterberg limits, pH values, unconfined compressive strengths (UCSs), stiffnesses (stress-strain behavior), and stability of the CKDs-modified Na-montmorillonite clay were measured as functions of CKDs content and curing periods. These properties were compared with those of the untreated clay to determine the extent of enhancement, which was used as a measure of effectiveness of CKDs as stabilizers. All CKDs considerably decreased the plasticity index, thereby improving the workability of the clay, while they also considerably increased the initial pH value of clay, providing a favorable environment for further chemical (pozzolanic) reaction. The addition of CKDs and subsequent compaction substantially increased the UCS and the stiffness of the clay, thus improving its structural properties. The extent of improvement of the clay characteristics was found to be a function of the chemical composition of the particular CKD, specifically its free lime content. It was also found that the length of curing period after compaction had a major role in the stabilization process.
Alteration of kidney brush border membrane maltase in aging rats.

Abstract The specific activities of membrane-bound maltase (α- d -glucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.20) in renal cortex homogenates and isolated brush border membranes of senescent rats decreased about 30% compared to the specific activities of the enzyme from young adult animais. The decline was gradual and concomitant with the aging process. When the enzymes from rats of 25 and 6 months of age were solubilized and purified to homogeneity the same decrement with age was found, 32.5 and 46.1 units/mg of protein, respectively. This finding suggests that the decrease in maltase activity with age results from an aiteration in the enzyme per se, rather than from a change in the enzyme's membrane environment, which was reflected secondarily as a loss in activity. Recoveries of enzyme activity and protein and fold-purification were similar for young and old maitase, indicating that the age-related difference in specific activities of the pure enzymes was not due to the selective purification of an altered speciesof enzyme. The age-associated difference in activity was not attributable to the presence of proteolytic activity in the homogenate nor to the presence of an activator in the young or an inhibitor in the old kidney. The pure enzymes from young adult and aged animals did not differ in molecular weight, electrophoretic mobility, amino acid composition and Km value. Circular dichroism spectra revealed that both the young and old enzymes contained β-structure. However, the old enzyme had more helical structure than did the young enzyme, suggesting a conformational alteration with age.
Simulating the causal elements of urban heat islands

A comparison was made between the resultant surface temperatures and sensible heat fluxes of building interfaces calculated by steady-state and transient (implicit) methods. Both procedures used identical environmental (summer and winter) input. For exterior conditions, the results indicated that the correlation between the two methods is sufficiently large, enabling them to be used interchangeably for the spatial analysis of urban canopy layers of entire cities. Using a steady-state approach as a surrogate for unsteady conditions, computer resources can be saved up to a factor of ten. An urban energy budget model (URBAN 3) has been used to demonstrate that the distribution of sensible heat flux and net longwave radiation — the prime causes of urban heat-island generation — was far from the homogeneity assumed in many macroscopic models or even some street-level studies. The individual emanations of reradiation and sensible heat flux showed different diurnal and spatial patterns. Under the input scenarios used, daytime heat islands assumed a ‘doughnut’ shape in the inner city. It is believed that many of the lower boundary conditions used in macroscopic numerical models are inadequate in light of this study.
A simple composite phenotype scoring system for evaluating mouse models of cerebellar ataxia.

We describe a protocol for the rapid and sensitive quantification of disease severity in mouse models of cerebella ataxia. It is derived from previously published phenotype assessments in several disease models, including spinocerebellar ataxias, Huntington s disease and spinobulbar muscular atrophy. Measures include hind limb clasping, ledge test, gait and kyphosis. Each measure is recorded on a scale of 0-3, with a combined total of 0-12 for all four measures. The results effectively discriminate between affected and non-affected individuals, while also quantifying the temporal progression of neurodegenerative disease phenotypes. Measures may be analyzed individually or combined into a composite phenotype score for greater statistical power. The ideal combination of the four described measures will depend upon the disorder in question. We present an example of the protocol used to assess disease severity in a transgenic mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7). Albert R. La Spada and Gwenn A. Garden contributed to this manuscript equally.
Multi Objective Aerodynamic Shape Optimization of High Speed Train Nose Using Adaptive Surrogate Model

The objective of this work is to demonstrate the possibility of using adaptive surrogate models for optimization problems which require expensive computations. A hybrid GA PSO algorithm is combined with a kriging based surrogate model. The suggested method was used to nd the optimum shape of a two dimensional nose shape of a high speed train traveling at 350 Km/hr considering both the induced aerodynamic drag and the generated aerodynamic noise. Since the prediction of aerodynamic drag and aerodynamic noise requires computational uid dynamic simulations, to limit the number of computer simulations required for optimization, a surrogate model identical to the kriging model was used. The accuracy of the surrogate model is checked using the parameter EIV there by updating the surrogate model whenever necessary. The results show that the combined shape optimization algorithm requires a small number of simulations to identify the optimum shape compared with other methods. The suggested method not only requires a small number of simulations but is also robust. This makes the study on the eect of different weights on the optimum shape feasible without the need for additional simulations. The results show that the nose shape should be slightly short and pointed to get the best aerodynamic performance in terms of induced drag and the nose shape should be slightly long and little bit blunt for the least aerodynamic noise generated. The optimum nose shapes fall between these two shapes based upon the choice of the weights. Regarding the choice of the weights for the given two dimensional test geometry the best compromise would be to choose 50% drag and 50 % noise.
Malignant mixed tumors of salivary gland origin.

One hundred and thirty-four salivary gland tumors originally diagnosed as malignant mixed tumor at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and the Medical College of South Carolina were analyzed. These were reclassified and only 25 were found to possess specific histopathologic criteria necessary for the diagnosis of malignant mixed tumor. Where possible, the clinical behavior, therapy, and prognosis were correlated with the histopathology. The malignant mixed tumor was found primarily in the parotid gland and was observed more frequently in men. The median age of patients with this tumor was 38 years (60% occurred prior to age 40). Pain and fixation of the tumor could not be correlated with malignancy. Sixty-four percent of these tumors presented as primary malignant mixed tumors. Histologically proven metastases were observed in 71% of the cases, with lung, lymph node, central nervous system, and bone the most frequent sites. Certain histopathologic features of the malignant mixed tumor can be correlated with eventual metastases. Although the pathogenesis of the malignant mixed tumor remains undetermined, the results of this study indicate that this neoplasm is malignant from the onset and does not develop from malignant transformation of a preexisting “benign” mixed tumor.
Interference harmonics and rigorous EM spectrum analysis method for low-k1 CD Bossung tilt correction

This paper discusses the CD Bossung tilt phenomena in low-k1 lithography using interference harmonics and rigorous EM spectrum analysis. Interference harmonics analysis is introduced to explain the interaction of diffraction orders in the focal region leading to this abnormal CD behavior. This method decomposes the vector image formula into a superposition of cosine components to describe the interference of diffraction orders. The symmetry properties of components of an optical projection system were investigated to find out three potential sources for the asymmetric Bossung behavior, namely mask 3D (M3D) effect, lens aberration, and wafer reflectivity. Under good lens aberration and substrate reflectivity controls, the M3D effect accounts for most of the CD Bossung tilt. A rigorous EM mask spectral analysis was performed to reveal the impact of mask topography on the near-field intensity of mask transmission and the far-field image formation. From the analysis, the asymmetric phase distribution in the mask spectrum is the root cause for CD Bossung tilt. Using both the interference harmonics and the rigorous EM spectrum analysis, the effect of various resolution enhancement techniques (RET) to the Bossung tilt is also studied to find the best RET combination for M3D immunity. In addition, a pupil optimization algorithm based on these two analyses is proposed to generate the phase compensation map for M3D effect counteraction.
Parallel algorithm for the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a general matrix

ABSTRACT A new parallel Jacobi-like algorithm for computing the eigenvalues of a general complex matrix is presented.The asymptotic convergence rate of this algorithm is provably quadratic and this is also demonstrated in numericalexperiments. The algorithm promises to be suitable for real-time signal processing applications. In particular, thealgorithm can be implemented using n2/4 processors, taking O(n log2 n) time for random matrices.1. INTRODUCTIONMany signal processing applications involve computing the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices. Tradi-tionally, the Jacobi method has been popular for real-time applications involving the symmetric (or Hermitian)eigenvalue problem because its inherent parallelism (as opposed to the QR algorithm) which allows for its efficientimplementation on architectures such as systolic arrays. Sometimes however, the eigenvalues of non-symmetricmatrices are required, such as in the ESPRIT algorithm for high resolution beamforming [1].Many attempts have been made to extend the Jacobi method to the general case [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] and some ofthese are suited for parallel implementation {2, 4, 5, 7]. However, most of these parallel algorithms do not possessthe quadratic convergence property typical of the Jacobi method for hermitian matrices.In this paper we present a parallel Jacobi-like algorithm for general complex matrices based on a method firstintroduced by Eberlein [3] which can be proven to have a quadratic rate of convergence. It is also shown that thealgorithm may be implemented in parallel using n2/4 processors and can be expected to take O(n log2 n) time forrandom matrices.The rest of the paper is organized as follows. In we give a brief history of Jacobi-like methods for general
Stimulation of Elk1 Transcriptional Activity by Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases Is Negatively Regulated by Protein Phosphatase 2B (Calcineurin)

Cellular calcium (Ca2+) and the Ca2+-binding protein calmodulin (CaM) regulate the activities of Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinases and protein phosphatase 2B (calcineurin). Functional interactions between CaM kinases and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases were described. In this report, we describe cross-talk between calcineurin and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Calcineurin was found to specifically down-regulate the transcriptional activity of transcription factor Elk1, following stimulation of this activity by the ERK, Jun N-terminal kinase, or p38 MAP kinase pathways. Expression of constitutively activated calcineurin or activation of endogenous calcineurin by Ca2+ ionophore decreased the phosphorylation of Elk1 at sites that positively regulate its transcriptional activity. Calcineurin specifically dephosphorylates Elk1 at phosphoserine 383, a site whose phosphorylation by MAP kinases makes a critical contribution to the enhanced transcriptional activity of Elk1. The cross-talk between calcineurin and MAP kinases is of physiological significance as low doses of Ca2+ ionophore which by themselves are insufficient for c-fos induction can actually inhibit induction of c-fos expression by activators of MAP kinases. Thus through the effect of calcineurin on Elk1 phosphorylation, Ca2+ can have a negative effect on expression of Elk1 target genes. This mechanism explains why different levels of intracellular Ca2+ can result in very different effects on gene expression.
Extension of Drought Records for Central Asia Using Tree Rings: West-Central Mongolia*

Abstract Central Asian drought has had drastic impacts on vast regions over recent years. Longer records and insight into temporal drought patterns could aid greatly in anticipating extreme events and agrarian planning. Mongolia is representative of the central Asian region, and tree-ring resources are used herein to extend the climate record and test for solar influence and/or Pacific Ocean teleconnections. Absolutely dated tree-ring-width chronologies from five sampling sites in west-central Mongolia were used in precipitation models and an individual model was made using the longest of the five tree-ring records (1340–2002). The tree-ring sites are in or near the Selenge River basin, the largest river in Mongolia and a major input into Lake Baikal in Siberia. Regression models resulted in a reconstruction of streamflow that extends from 1637 to 1997 and explains 49% of the flow variation. Spectral analysis indicated significant variation in the frequencies common to Pacific Ocean variations [Pacific de...
Case report idiopathic acquired diffuse osteosclerosis in a young woman

We describe a young woman who acquired a painful, diffuse osteosclerosis of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, pelvis, and long bones of the legs as an adult. Bone densitometry showed a large increase in apparent bone density. Skeletal radiographs demonstrated progressive endosteal and periosteal thickening of the cortices. A bone scan showed increased uptake of radiolabel. The serum total alkaline phosphatase and 1,25-(OH)2D3 levels were substantially elevated and the immunoreactive PTH was mildly elevated. Bone biopsy showed increased bone turnover, especially on endocortical and intracortical surfaces, but the structural indices were normal. By 4 years after presentation the bone pain had remitted and the serum alkaline phosphatase, 1,25-(OH)2D3, and PTH were normal. No cause for the occurrence of osteosclerosis in this patient could be found.
Young children's understanding of displaced aggression

Abstract According to previous research, young children do not understand displaced aggression. The present study examines the early phases of the understanding of the causes of moderately and extremely displaced aggression. Preschool and kindergarten children (3 to 5 years of age) viewed eight videotaped episodes of displaced aggression. Their comprehension of this aggression was assessed by means of open ended questions and forced choice picture selections. By age 5 most children had some understanding of displaced aggression, but this understanding was not complete. The early understanding revealed in the present study may be due to the use of short, simple realistic videotaped episodes appropriate for the limited processing abilities of young children. Extreme displacement was not more difficult to understand than moderate displacement.
T1 effects in sequential dynamic susceptibility contrast experiments.

Abstract Residual effects of an initial bolus of gadolinium contrast agent have been previously demonstrated in sequential dynamic susceptibility contrast MR experiments. While these residual effects quickly reach a saturation steady state, their etiology is uncertain, and they can lead to spurious estimates of hemodynamic parameters in activation experiments. The possible influence of T 1 effects is now investigated with experiments in which T 1 weighting is varied as well as with serial regional T 1 measurements. Little evidence for significant residual T 1 effects is found, suggesting instead that susceptibility effects underlie these observations. An initial saturation dose of contrast agent minimizes this effect.
STM and AFM images of nucleosome DNA under water.

Abstract We have imaged DNA from the calf thymus nucleosome using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) operated in water. The fragments are deposited onto the interface between a buffer solution and an epitaxially grown gold surface using an electrochemical technique. Most of the fragments are fairly straight, and when individual polymers can be identified, their length is consistent with the expected 146 basepairs (∼ 500 A). The resolution is often adequate to show signs of the 36 A helical pitch. Some images show a structure which appears to have abrupt kinks of the sort predicted by Crick and Klug (Nature 255, 530–533,1975). In order to check that this shape is not a consequence of binding to underlying structure on the gold substrate, we have also made images of kinked structures using an atomic force microscope (AFM) with the DNA bound to glass.
Spin nomenclature for semiconductors and magnetic metals

Abstract The different conventions used in the semiconductor and magnetic metals communities can cause confusion in the context of spin polarization and transport in simple heterostructures. In semiconductors, terminology is based on the orientation of the electron spin, while in magnetic metals it is based on the orientation of the moment. In the rapidly expanding field of spintronics, where both semiconductors and magnetic metals are important, some commonly used terms (“spin-up”, “majority spin”) can have different meanings. Here, we clarify nomenclature relevant to spin transport and optical polarization by relating the common physical observables and “definitions” of spin polarization to the fundamental concept of conservation of angular momentum within a well-defined reference frame.