cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Essential components of the mini-exon gene promoter in the trypanosomatid Leptomonas seymouri

In members of the Trypanosomatidae family of parasitic protozoa, the mini-exon (MX) genes encode the mini-exon donor RNA (medRNA) that contributes a small, 39-nt exon to all pre-mRNAs during mRNA maturation. Previously we have shown that a single copy of a MX gene can be expressed continuously from a stable episome transfected into the monogenetic trypanosomatid Leptomonas seymouri. We now identify components of the MX gene promoter. A series of 10-bp block substitution mutations in a tagged MX gene were transfected into Leptomonas on an episomal vector. Expression of tagged and endogenous medRNA was assessed in stably transformed clonal cell populations. Results show that less than half of the 757-bp MX gene is necessary for medRNA transcription and that the key components of the MX gene promoter lie within the proximal 70-bp sequence upstream from the transcription initiation site. Transcription requires several sequence-specific blocks within this 70-bp region. Leptomonas cell extracts contain protein(s) that appear to interact with a subset of these sequences in gel mobility shift assays. All trypanosomatid MX genes contain an AT-rich region at the +10 to +20 position within the transcribed region of the MX gene. Mutagenesis of this region within an episomal copy of the MX gene did not block tagged medRNA synthesis but did cause a 10-fold increase in the steady-state amount of endogenous medRNA.
Contributions of I h to feature selectivity in layer II stellate cells of the entorhinal cortex

Stellate cells (SCs) of the entorhinal cortex gen- erate prominent subthreshold oscillations that are believed to be important contributors to the hippocampal theta rhythm. The slow inward rectifier Ih is expressed prominently in SCs and has been suggested to be a dominant factor in their inte- grative properties. We studied the input-output relationships in stellate cells (SCs) of the entorhinal cortex, both in control conditions and in the presence of the Ih antagonist ZD7288. Our results show that Ih is responsible for SCs' subthreshold resonance, and contributes to enhanced spiking reliability to theta-rich stimuli. However, SCs still exhibit other traits of rhythmicity, such as subthreshold oscillations, under Ih blockade. To clarify the effects of Ih on SC spiking, we used a generalized form of principal component analysis to show that SCs select particular features with relevant tempo- ral signatures from stimuli. The spike-selected mix of those features varies with the frequency content of the stimulus, emphasizing the inherent nonlinearity of SC responses. A number of controls confirmed that this selectivity represents a stimulus-induced change in the cellular input-output re-
Stream processing approach for computational electromagnetics on graphics processing units

Summary form only given. One often needs to perform repetitive numerical simulations of systems with only one of the parameters being modified, e.g. electromagnetic design optimization or finite temperature modeling of magnetic memories for calculating an ensemble of magnetization state realizations. Computing the realizations is typically done by multiple runs on a single or multiple computing devices. However, such simulations have an overhead of preprocessing, various matrix operations, and excessive data storage.
Teleradiology: Another revolution in radiology?

Teleradiology systems are rapidly being deployed by an increasing number of radiological services. Many articles have already been published on the technological developments of teleradiology but little attention has been given to its expected impact on the delivery of health care. This review article will therefore outline the historical and current technological developments of teleradiology and its potential future implementation into mainstream radiology.
Environmental impoverishment, social isolation and changes in brain chemistry and anatomy

A series of experiments, employing a littermate control design, was performed with rats of the Berkeley S1 strain to answer three questions: (a) What brain effects will be produced by more stringent impoverishment than was employed in former experiments? (b) Will housing animals in pairs in an impoverished environment protect them from the usual cerebral consequences of isolation in an impoverished environment? (c) Is an impoverished environment, with or without isolation, a stressor? Two hundred and sixty-five animals were assigned among four conditions: Environmental complexity and training, social control, isolated in extreme impoverishment, or paired in extreme impoverishment. Some of the largest differences among groups occurred in the ratio of cholinesterase to acetylcholinesterase activity in the cortex. The results demonstrate that (a) the more restricted is the environment, the greater the changes in brain chemistry and anatomy, (b) pairing animals did not protect them from developing cerebral changes similar to those of animals isolated in impoverishment, and (c) there were no indications that isolation or impoverishment are stressors.
Screening for Alcoholism

To the Editor.— We congratulate Drs Cyr and Wartman1for defining a more effective clinical approach to screen for alcoholism in ambulatory care settings. We do, however, question their premise that "early detection and treatment of alcoholism may substantially reduce alcohol-related morbidity and mortality" and thus their recommendation that "all patients should be screened for alcoholism regardless of their reason for seeking care." Readily accepted screening criteria for any disease require (1) the disease to be common, to be detectable in the presymptomatic stage, and to have important morbidity; (2) the screening test to be both sensitive and specific, safe, inexpensive, and available; and (3) the therapy in the presymptomatic state to be effective in reducing morbidity and mortality compared with treatment after symptoms develop. Screening for alcoholism passes the first two criteria but fails the third. Unfortunately, there is no uniformly effective therapy for presymptomatic or symptomatic alcoholism.
Determination of the binding specificity of the SH2 domains of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 through the screening of a combinatorial phosphotyrosyl peptide library.

A method for the rapid identification of high-affinity ligands to Src homology-2 (SH2) domains is reported. A phosphotyrosyl (pY) peptide library containing completely randomized residues at positions −2 to +3 relative to the pY was synthesized on TentaGel resin, with a unique peptide sequence on each resin bead (total 2.5 × 106 different sequences). The library was screened against the biotinylated N- and C-terminal SH2 domains of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, and the beads that carry high-affinity ligands of the SH2 domains were identified using an enzyme-linked assay involving a streptavidin−alkaline phosphatase conjugate. Peptide ladder sequencing of the selected beads using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry revealed consensus sequences for both SH2 domains. The N-terminal SH2 domain strongly selects for peptides with a leucine at the −2 position; at the C-terminal side of the pY residue, it can recognize two distinct classes of peptides with consensus sequences of LX...
Localization of an immunodominant 64 kDa lipoprotein (LP 64) in the membrane of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and its role in cytadherence.

Summary A64kDa lipoprotein (LP 64) haemagglutinin (pI 4.9–5.0) was isolated from the membrane of Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Triton X-114 phase partitioning has demonstrated that the hydrophobic nature of this haemagglutinin is due to a lipid portion of the molecule. Autoradiography of [3H]-palmitate-labelled M. gallisepticum revealed the presence of several additional lipoproteins. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated the localization of LP 64 to the base of the terminal structure. Densitometric scans of stained polyacrylamide gels of M. gallisepticum showed that LP 64 constitutes 1.7% of the total protein. Scans of immunoblots of M. gallisepticum indicate that LP 64 is highly immunogenic in chickens, accounting for 7.4% of the total serum IgG response at four weeks post-infection. A quantitative value for the IgG response to LP 64, relative to the percentage of total protein (the Relative Immunogenicity Index) was 4.4. LP 64 is conserved among several strains of M. gallisepticum, but its presence could not be detected in Mycoplasma synoviae. Antiserum raised to electroeluted LP 64 reacted specifically with this lipoprotein when assessed on either one-or two-dimensional immunoblots of M. gallisepticum. This antiserum, as well as Fab fragments, inhibited haemagglutination of chicken erythrocytes and inhibited the attachment of 14Clabelled M. gallisepticum to chicken tracheal epithelium in vitro by 62%.
The inequality implications of highly selective promotion practices

Abstract Faced with the evident impossibility of providing free or significantly subsidized secondary and higher education to all, many poor and middle income countries choose to educate only those students who are most promising, using public examinations as means of distributing scarce resources. This paper investigates the inequality implications of highly selective education systems, using data from Tunisia. It explores the determinants of progression from primary to junior secondary school and what primary school dropouts do after they leave school. The results indicate that school characteristics play a key role in determining a student’s successful completion of primary school. The typical definition of “dropouts” is argued to be too general to be useful in this context, and the distinction is made between the dropouts who were asked to leave and the ones who were allowed to stay in school as repeaters. This analysis shows that the importance of the influence of family characteristics on children’s human capital changes significantly (and within and across family inequalities become more visible) when one takes into consideration not only the successful completion of primary school but also the status of dropouts after they leave school.
Combined Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamic Measurements Downstream of a Backward-Facing Step

Combined heat transfer and fluid dynamic measurements in a separated and reattaching boundary layer, with emphasis on the near-wall region, are presented. A constant heat-flux surface behind a single-sided sudden expansion is used to obtain Stanton number profiles as a function of Reynolds number and boundary-layer thickness at separation. Fluctuating skin-friction and temperature profiles demonstrate the importance of the near-wall region in controlling the heat transfer rate. The fluctuating skin friction controls the heat transfer rate near reattachment, while the conventional Reynolds analogy applies in the redeveloping boundary layer beginning two or three step heights downstream of reattachment.
Joint inhibition of TOR and JNK pathways interacts to extend the lifespan of Brachionus manjavacas (Rotifera)

The TOR kinase pathway is central in modulating aging in a variety of animal models. The target of rapamycin (TOR) integrates a complex network of signals from growth conditions, nutrient availability, energy status, and physiological stresses and matches an organism's growth rate to the resource environment. Important remaining problems are the identification of the pathways that interact with TOR and their characterization as additive or synergistic. One of the most versatile stress sensors in metazoans is the Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. JNK is an evolutionarily conserved stress-activated protein kinase that is induced by a range of stressors, including UV irradiation, reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, heat, and bacterial antigens. JNK is thought to interact with the TOR pathway, but its effects on TOR are poorly understood. We used the rotifer Brachionus manjavacas as a model animal to probe the regulation of TOR and JNK pathways and explore their interaction. The effect of various chemical inhibitors was examined in life table and stressor challenge experiments. A survey of 12 inhibitors revealed two, rapamycin and JNK inhibitor, that significantly extended lifespan of B. manjavacas. At 1 μM concentration, exposure to rapamycin or JNK inhibitor extended mean rotifer lifespan by 35% and maximum lifespan by 37%. Exposure to both rapamycin and JNK inhibitor simultaneously extended mean rotifer lifespan by 65% more than either alone. Exposure to a combination of rapamycin and JNK inhibitors conveyed greater protection to starvation, UV and osmotic stress than either inhibitor alone. RNAi knockdown of TOR and JNK gene expression was investigated for its ability to extend rotifer lifespan. RNAi knockdown of the TOR gene resulted in 29% extension of the mean lifespan compared to control and knockdown of the JNK gene resulted in 51% mean lifespan extension. In addition to the lifespan, we quantified mitochondria activity using the fluorescent marker MitoTracker and lysosome activity using LysoTracker. Treatment of rotifers with JNK inhibitor enhanced mitochondria activity nearly 3-fold, whereas rapamycin treatment had no significant effect. Treatment of rotifers with rapamycin or JNK inhibitor reduced lysosome activity in 1, 3 and 8 day old animals, but treatment with both inhibitors did not produce any additive effect. We conclude that inhibition of TOR and JNK pathways significantly extends the lifespan of B. manjavacas. These pathways interact so that inhibition of both simultaneously acts additively to extend rotifer lifespan more than the inhibition of either alone.
Peptide binding domains determined through chemical modification of the side-chain functional groups

A clear understanding of the specific secondary structure and binding domain resulting from the interactions of proteins and peptides with lipid surfaces will provide insight into the specific functions of biologically active molecules. We have shown in earlier studies that the stationary phases used in reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography represent a model artificial lipid surface for the study of induced conformational states of peptides on lipid interaction. We have now used reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the binding domains of peptides and, by extension, of proteins to a lipid surface. This approach consists of performing chemical modifications of specific amino acid side-chain functionalities after the interaction of the peptides with the reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography C18 groups. The susceptibility to oxidation was also studied after binding of the same peptides to liposomes. Oxidation of a single methionine residue "walked" through an amphipathic alpha-helical 18-mer peptide was selected to illustrate this approach. The extent of oxidation was found to be clearly dictated by the accessibility of the methionine residue to the aqueous mobile phase. The binding domain found for the peptide in its lipid-induced conformational state was unequivocally the entire hydrophobic face of the amphipathic alpha-helix.
Structuring a sharded image retrieval database

In previous work we described an approach to localization based in image retrieval. Specifically, we assume coarse localization based on GPS or cell tower and refine it by matching a user generated image query to a geotagged image database. We partition the image dataset into overlapping cells, each of which contains its own approximate nearest-neighbors search structure. By combining search results from multiple cells as specified by coarse localization, we have demonstrated superior retrieval accuracy on a large image database covering downtown Berkeley. In this paper, we investigate how to select the parameters of such a system e.g. size and spacing of the cells, and show how the combination of many cells outperforms a single search structure over a large region.
Human factors in the adoption and performance of advanced manufacturing technology in unionized firms

Some researchers have found that unionized firms are less likely to pursue automation because high wage demands deprive them of the necessary capital required to invest in advanced manufacturing technology (AMT). It has also been suggested that stringent work rules and technology agreements can make the substitution of new technology for union labor too expensive. Others have found, however, that the pursuit of high wage policies and the resultant requirement for improved worker and machine productivity can create a positive environment for technological change. This exploratory study examines the relationships between firm‐level union status and the adoption and performance of AMT in the discrete parts durable‐goods manufacturing industry. Analyses of our sample, which included Chi‐square tests, t‐tests, correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses, revealed a union effect on the adoption of just‐in‐time technology and a moderately positive union effect on performance. Results of analyses of the impact of union status, firm size and several human factor variables on firm performance are also presented and discussed.
Galangin and its emerging anti-neoplastic effects

To the Editor: I read with great interest the recent article by Zhang et al. (2012a). Interestingly recent data suggest that galangin may influence carcinogenesis in a number of systemic tumors besides melanomas. For instance, galangin activates the caspase 8/t-Bid mitochondrial pathway in hepatocellular carcinomas (Zhang et al. 2012b). Simultaneously there is an increase in Bid disintegration resulting in increased tBid. Simultaneously, galangin administration results in increased release of cytochrome-c into the cytoplasm by virtue of enhanced translocation of Bax to mitochondria in the neoplastic cells (Zhang et al. 2010). As a result, galangin results in accentuated apoptosis in these tumors. This enhanced galangin mediated apoptosis is inhibited by up regulation of Bcl-2. Similarly, galangin modulates glutathione S-transferase P function. As a consequence, it enhances apoptosis in gastric malignancies. Simultaneously, it also affects ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase isozyme function thus further accentuating apoptosis in gastric neoplastic cells (Kim et al. 2012). Modulation of the above enzymes results in accentuated expression of JNK as well as ERK 1/2. Simultaneously, there is an increase in the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Similar, when administered to imatinib sensitive leukemias, galangin increases the sensitivities of these hematological malignancies. It also helps overcome imatinib resistance in imatinib resistant Bcr-Abl expressing leukemias (Tolomeo et al. 2008). A decline in Bcl-2 level is seen following galangin administration. Similarly, a decline in cdk1 and cdk4 levels accompanies galangin administration. As a result of this enhanced sensitivity there is an increase in G0/G1 phase cells. Similarly, tumor growth is attenuated in animal models with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma following the administration of galangin (Jaiswal et al. 2012). The above examples clearly illustrate the significant role of galangin in the need for oncology and further studies in this regard.
On algorithms for asynchronous Track-to-Track Fusion

This paper discusses three algorithms for the problem of asynchronous Track-to-Track Fusion (AT2TF) with track delays, where the information configuration of T2TF with partial information feedback (AT2TFpf) is used. This is the most practical configuration for AT2TF with time delays, since communication delays make full information feedback very complicated. The first algorithm is the optimal memoryless AT2TF under the Linear Gaussian (LG) assumption (denoted as AT2TFpfwoMopt), which is also the linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) fuser without the Gaussian assumption. The second is the Information Matrix Fusion for asynchronous T2TF (denoted as AT2TFpfIMF), which is an extension of the synchronous IMF algorithm. Both algorithms are novel. The third is an approximate AT2TF algorithm proposed by Novoselsky (denoted as AT2TFpfAppr). Among the three algorithms, only the first one theoretically guarantees the consistency of the fuser. The latter two algorithms involve certain degrees of heuristics. Simulation results show that, for the scenarios considered, AT2TFpfIMF is also consistent and has similar level of tracking accuracy as AT2TFpfwoMopt. On the other hand, AT2TFpfAppr has consistency problems. Further more, due to the simplicity of AT2TFpfIMF compared to AT2TFpfwoMopt, it is an appealing candidate for practical applications.
Arabidopsis ACCELERATED CELL DEATH2 Modulates Programmed Cell Death

The Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplast protein ACCELERATED CELL DEATH2 (ACD2) modulates the amount of programmed cell death (PCD) triggered by Pseudomonas syringae and protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) treatment. In vitro, ACD2 can reduce red chlorophyll catabolite, a chlorophyll derivative. We find that ACD2 shields root protoplasts that lack chlorophyll from light- and PPIX-induced PCD. Thus, chlorophyll catabolism is not obligatory for ACD2 anti-PCD function. Upon P. syringae infection, ACD2 levels and localization change in cells undergoing PCD and in their close neighbors. Thus, ACD2 shifts from being largely in chloroplasts to partitioning to chloroplasts, mitochondria, and, to a small extent, cytosol. ACD2 protects cells from PCD that requires the early mitochondrial oxidative burst. Later, the chloroplasts of dying cells generate NO, which only slightly affects cell viability. Finally, the mitochondria in dying cells have dramatically altered movements and cellular distribution. Overproduction of both ACD2 (localized to mitochondria and chloroplasts) and ascorbate peroxidase (localized to chloroplasts) greatly reduces P. syringae–induced PCD, suggesting a pro-PCD role for mitochondrial and chloroplast events. During infection, ACD2 may bind to and/or reduce PCD-inducing porphyrin-related molecules in mitochondria and possibly chloroplasts that generate reactive oxygen species, cause altered organelle behavior, and activate a cascade of PCD-inducing events.
Tigecycline suppresses toxin A and B production and sporulation in Clostridium difficile

BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is mediated by potent extracellular toxins and is spread largely via bacterial spores. We and others have shown that some antibiotics stimulate C. difficile toxin production in a strain-specific manner; however, the effects of newer anti-C. difficile antibiotics on this process remain to be investigated. METHODS The effects of the protein synthesis inhibitor tigecycline on sporulation and toxin A and toxin B production were compared in historical (strain 9689) and hypervirulent BI/NAP1/027 (strain 5325) isolates of C. difficile in vitro. RESULTS Tigecycline at 1/4× MIC stimulated an increased and earlier toxin A and/or B gene expression in both the historical and the hypervirulent strains, although a commensurate increase in toxin protein production was observed only in the 9689 strain. In fact, in the hypervirulent 5325 strain, toxin production was dramatically suppressed. By comparison, subinhibitory concentrations of vancomycin and metronidazole also stimulated increased protein toxin production by the historical, but not the hypervirulent, strain. In addition, tigecycline dose-dependently reduced viable spore production by both the 9689 and 5325 strains. Vancomycin treatment also suppressed spore formation in both C. difficile strains; however, metronidazole, while reducing spore formation in the 9689 strain, stimulated a near 2 log increase in spore production by the 5325 isolate. CONCLUSIONS In summary, these findings suggest that the treatment of CDI patients with tigecycline could effectively both control disease progression and limit its spread by disrupting sporulation.
Ocean climate research

A recently published report, An Ocean Climate Research Strategy [Webster, 1984] reviews ocean research that will lead to or support an ability to predict year-to-year natural variations in climate one season in advance. The study was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and is intended to guide NSF in its lead role for ocean climate research. This article summarizes that study. As with the original report, I here give my personal conclusions derived from the review. Copies of An Ocean Climate Research Strategy are available from the Board of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, 2101 Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20418. Oceanographers and meteorologists have proposed research programs to enhance our understanding of climate variability [Committee on Climatic Changes and the Oceans], 1983a; Board on Ocean Science and Policy, 1983]. Parts of these programs are already underway. The report reviews proposals for two largescale research programs: the Interannual Variability of the Tropical Ocean and the Global Atmosphere (TOGA) and the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE). In addition, it reviews plans for large-scale ocean heat flux experiments, ocean climate monitoring, and ocean climate research that are not explicitly included in the existing proposals for large-scale experiments. The report offers advice on strategies for use by NSF.
Controllable Particle Adhesion with a Magnetically Actuated Synthetic Gecko Adhesive

Particle capture and release using controllable adhesion is of growing interest in many fields including reusable adhesives, solar panel cleaning, micro-manipulation and robot locomotion where current methods of particle management are not sufficient. Here controllable adhesion to glass spheres with a new magnetically actuated synthetic gecko adhesive made from a magnetoelastomer composite is demonstrated. Adhesion is controlled by changing the effective elastic modulus of the surface through actuation of micro surface features with an external magnetic field. A compliant mechanics and magnetic torque analysis explains this general principle and generalizes the results for various geometries. Results show sphere pull-off forces can be increased 10-fold by changing the ridge orientation via the external magnetic field, and that the effective elastic modulus can be changed from 65 kPa to 1.5 MPa. Particle transport and release of 500- and 1000-micrometer glass spheres is also demonstrated.
Comparative analysis of gene transcripts for cell signaling receptors in bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell and mesenchymal stromal cell populations

Knowing the repertoire of cell signaling receptors would provide pivotal insight into the developmental and regenerative capabilities of bone marrow cell (BMC)-derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs). Murine HSPCs were enriched from fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-sorted Lin–c-Kit+Sca-1+ BMCs isolated from the tibia and femoral marrow compartments. Purified BMMSCs (CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and CD45–, CD34–, CD31–, c-Kit–) with extensive self-renewal potential and multilineage differentiation capacity (into different mesodermal cell lineages including osteocytes, chrondrocytes, adipocytes) were derived from adherent BMC cultures after CD45+ cell depletion. Adherent colony-forming cells were passaged two to three times and FACS analysis was used to assess cell purity and validate cell-specific surface marker phenotype prior to experimentation. Gene transcripts for a number of cell signaling molecules were assessed using a custom quantitative real-time RT-PCR low-density microarray (94 genes; TaqMan® technology). We identified 16 mRNA transcripts that were specifically expressed in BMC-derived HSPC (including Ptprc, c-Kit, Csf3r, Csf2rb2, Ccr4, Cxcr3 and Tie-1), and 14 transcripts specifically expressed in BMMSCs (including Pdgfra, Ddr2, Ngfr, Mst1r, Fgfr2, Epha3, and Ephb3). We also identified 27 transcripts that were specifically upregulated (≥2-fold expression) in BMMSCs relative to HSPCs (Axl, Bmpr1a, Met, Pdgfrb, Fgfr1, Mertk, Cmkor1, Egfr, Epha7, and Ephb4), and 19 transcripts that were specifically upregulated in HSPCs relative to BMMSCs (Ccr1, Csf1r, Csf2ra, Epor, IL6ra, and IL7r). Eleven transcripts were equally expressed (<2-fold upregulation) in HSPCs and BMMSCs (Flt1, Insr, Kdr, Jak1, Agtrl1, Ccr3, Ednrb, Il3ra, Hoxb4, Tnfrsf1a, and Abcb1b), whilst another seven transcripts (Epha6, Epha8, Musk, Ntrk2, Ros1, Srms, and Tnk1) were not expressed in either cell population. We demonstrate that besides their unique immunophenotype and functional differences, BMC-derived HSPCs and BMMSCs have different molecular receptor signaling transcript profiles linked to cell survival, growth, cell differentiation status, growth factor/cytokine production and genes involved in cell migration/trafficking/adhesion that may be critical to maintain their pluripotency, plasticity, and stem cell function.
Best practices in the care of type 2 diabetes: integrating clinical needs with medical policy and practice.

An estimated 1 in 4 Americans either has diabetes or is at increased risk of developing it in their lifetime. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in America and can often lead to other major medical issues, including heart disease and blindness. Furthering the diabetes dilemma is that almost half of all diabetes patients’ glycosylated hemoglobin levels are not controlled properly. There are, however, several programs that have been instituted to help deal with uncontrolled diabetes. It is most likely that a combination of 2 or more of these programs will be necessary for patients to become successful in managing their diabetes in a cost-effective manner. In the short term, costs may rise due to an increase in medications and physician visits, but in the long term these program regimens should offer financial relief from further diabetes complications and hospital visits.
The transition to microbial photosynthesis in hot spring ecosystems

Abstract Even casual observations of continental hot springs reveal that photosynthesis has its limits. In an effort to explore the transition to photosynthesis, field measurements of temperature and pH were made at 996 hot spring locations at Yellowstone National Park ranging from 14° to 94 °C and pH from 0.8 to 9.7. In addition, sulfide measurements were made in 426 of these locations showing concentrations up to 8820 μg L − 1 total sulfide. These data indicate that the previously established upper temperature (73–75 °C) for the transition to photosynthesis is reached in many basic hot springs, but that the transition occurs at lower temperature with decreasing pH below ~ 6.5. As an example, no strong evidence for photosynthesis was found above 45 °C at pH ~ 2. In several locations, photosynthesis appears to be suppressed despite temperatures and pH values that permit photosynthesis elsewhere. Sulfide concentrations may be responsible for the suppression of photosynthesis at these sites. Total sulfide concentrations were observed to decrease downstream in hot spring outflow channels. Abiotic processes (degassing, oxidation, mineral precipitation, etc.) are too slow to account for these decreases, suggesting an explanation from microbial sulfide oxidation that is supported by field experiments. Microbial sulfide oxidation may determine the ultimate suitability of some hot springs for microbial photosynthesis.
Foraging Behavior of Heteromyid Rodents: Field Evidence of Resource Partitioning

Nocturnal, above-ground movement patterns of three desert heteromyid rodents, Dipodomys merriami, Perognathus formosus , and Perognathus longimembris , were studied in a Mohave desert-scrub habitat. Dipodomys merriami moved long distances between stops, remained stationary for long periods of time and collected a low diversity of seeds when compared to the Perognathus . In contrast, both Perognathus moved short distances between stops, spent little time stationary, and collected a wide range of seed types. These differences are consistent with the hypothesis that Dipodomys forage for rich seed clumps, whereas Perognathus forage for more dispersed seed resources. That Dipodomys and Perognathus show differences in the diversity of seeds collected is additional evidence that intergeneric modes of foraging may differ. Differential foraging behaviors leading to the exploitation of seed resources may be one of the mechanisms which facilitates the coexistence of desert rodents.
On the Radial Variation of Spiral Angle in the Cotton Fiber

Two current models of fibrillar orientation in the cotton fiber were examined in light of x-ray orientation measurements on six cultivars at four different stages of maturity. Neither the constant-spiral-angle nor the constant-gyre-length models for S2 secondary-wall fibrillar orientation satisfactorily explains the observations. A rapid decrease in spiral angle in the outermost diurnal layers, after which constancy in spiral angle is approached, explains the observations best.
Nutrient Limitation of Periphyton and Phytoplankton in Cape Cod Coastal Plain Ponds

Abstract We investigated nutrient limitation of periphyton and phytoplankton in Cape Cod, MA coastal plain freshwater ponds. We assayed periphyton growth response to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in situ, assessed phytoplankton growth in growth chambers, and measured ratios of dissolved N and P in surface waters to determine if nutrient ratios were accurate predictors of nutrient limitation. In ponds receiving low groundwater nutrient inputs, periphyton responded weakly to addition of N or P alone, but responded strongly to addition of N+P. In these ponds, increases in both N and P were also required to increase phytoplankton growth. In ponds receiving high groundwater nutrient inputs, increased N+P were also required to increase phytoplankton growth. We found no indication that high nutrient inputs shifted pond phytoplankton to P limitation. There was no consistent correlation between dissolved N:P and whether periphyton was limited by either N or P or co-limited by N and P. Strong and widespread co-li...
Filter evaluation and selection in wavelet image compression

Choice of filter bank in wavelet compression is a critical issue that affects image quality as well as system design. Although regularity is sometimes used in filter evaluation, its success at predicting compression performance is only partial. A more reliable evaluation can be obtained by considering an L-level synthesis/analysis system as a single-input, single-output, linear shift-variant system with a response that varies according to the input location modulo (2/sup L/, 2/sup L/). By characterizing a filter bank according to its impulse response and step response in addition to regularity, the authors obtain reliable and relevant (for image coding) filter evaluation metrics. Using this approach, they have evaluated all possible reasonably short (less than 34 taps in the synthesis/analysis pair) minimum order biorthogonal wavelet filter banks. Of this group of over 4300 candidate filter banks, they have selected and presented the filters best suited to image compression. While some of these filters have been published previously, others are new and have properties that make them attractive in system design. >
Digital Simulation Analysis of Biophysical Systems

In the study of biophysical systems, the need for simulation often arises because a system may be better defined by assuming that the simulation model characterizes certain properties of the real system. Techniques of digital simulation and dynamic analogies, which offer much greater possibilities for quantitative analysis and synthesis of complex biological and physical systems, have become important and versatile tools. The advent and development of problem-oriented computer languages have made the simulation analysis a convenient and powerful method of problem solving and design in the diversified fields of biological engineering. Practical guides to the idealization, simplification, formulation, and analysis of biophysical systems, as well as application of computer-simulation models and routines, are discussed.
Description of the First Old World Peploglyptus Leconte (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Onthophilinae)

Abstract A new species of Peploglyptus LeConte (Peploglyptus mulu Caterino), previously known only from the Americas, is described from Malaysia. Like the New World species, P. mulu possesses pronotal and prosternal trichomes, indicative of myrmecophilous associations.
Zinc Modules in Nuclear Hormone Receptors

Nuclear hormone receptors are a family of transcription factors that modulate the transcription of target genes in response to their respective hormones. By activating expression of gene networks, they coordinate complex events involving development, differentiation, and response to diverse stimuli. Most receptors function as homo- or heterodimers and activate the target genes by binding selectively to regulatory sequences called DNA response elements (DRE) in the promoter region of the gene. The majority of members in this family recognize slight variations of the same consensus hexameric sequence – AGGTCA, through their DNA binding domains (DBD). The DREs contain the core hexameric sequence in various extended and bipartite configurations. The DBD consists of two zinc binding modules that fold onto each other to form a scaffold that is responsible for DNA binding and recognition. A series of three-dimensional structures obtained from NMR and X-ray crystallography have allowed the visualization of the DBDs alone and in their functional assemblies on the corresponding DREs. This chapter describes in detail the molecular and structural characteristics of the DBDs including their C-terminal extensions as well as the topology of the various DREs that these receptors bind to. These features illustrate how a superfamily of receptors with highly conserved DNA binding domains can distinguish between closely related response elements. The structures described also indicate how cooperation between receptors enhances their joint affinity and selectivity for correctly configured sites. 3D Structure Keywords: transcription factor; nuclear hormone receptor; zinc finger; zinc module; nucleic acid binding protein; steroid receptor; non-steroid receptor; orphan nuclear receptor; DNA response element; DNA binding domain; ligand binding domain; hinge region; activation function; core hexad motif; nuclear receptor dimer; DNA recognition; direct repeats; palindromic repeats; inverted repeats; protein-DNA complex; X-ray diffraction; crystal structure; NMR structure; DBD; LBD; CTE; AF-I; AF-II; DR; IR; GR; ER; RAR; RXR; TR; RevErb; NGFI-B; VDR
The use of gallium scanning and determination of human chorionic gonadotropin to evaluate resorption of an abdominal placenta

If there is minimal cardiac involvement and an aortic root diameter less than 4 em, the risk of dissection is considered small. Any woman found to have cardiac decompensation of any degree or aortic root dilation more than 4 em is counseled against pregnancy. The patient described in this report underwent serial echocardiographic evaluation of the aortic root during pregnancy. Despite normal results of this testing, she had a dissection of the distal thoracic aorta during the thirty-sixth week of gestation. This type of dissection is the least common variety observed in Marfan's syndrome. Nevertheless, we feel that this experience indicates that normal aortic root measurements during pregnancy do not always assure an uncomplicated course. We believe that this measurement alone cannot be used as the sole determinant for the safest mode of management of these pregnancies.
Self-compression of ultrafast optical pulses using molecular phase modulation

Ultrafast optical pulses are useful for a range of scientific applications from spectroscopy to surface science. Since ultrafast lasers are limited in pulse duration to 5–7fs,1 and high-energy laser amplifiers are limited to ~15fs,2 shorter pulses must be created through external pulse compression techniques. The most common configuration is to use self-phase modulation to broaden the pulse spectrum, followed by a negative dispersion element to compress the pulse.3,4 However, these techniques are limited in obtainable pulse duration, particularly at short-wavelengths, by high-order dispersion aberrations. In recent years, molecular modulation of light has been considered as an alternative source of phase modulation.5, 6 In this work, we demonstrate a new technique that uses the time-dependent index modulation of quantum revivals of molecular rotational wave packets in a molecular gas (CO2). This technique has an inherent advantage over SPM techniques in that the spectral broadening can be induced with a negative chirp, allowing for simple pulse compression by propagating through a dispersive medium. This technique differs from Raman techniques previously demonstrated in that a wavepacket consisting of many rotational levels is used to obtain a single, self-compressed, pulse.
Biosynthesis of serine proteases in Lutzomyia anthophora (Diptera: Psychodidae).

Changes in the biosynthesis of serine proteases in adult Lutzomyia anthophora Addis were followed and compared with the larval and pupal stages. More chymotrypsinlike than trypsinlike enzyme was synthesized by 2-d-old and 3-d-old sugar-fed females and females that were fed blood 72 h earlier. A small increase in the amount of chymotrypsinlike enzyme occurred within the first 48 h after blood feeding, whereas trypsinlike enzyme activity increased rapidly after the blood meal and peaked at 72 h. [1,3- 3 H]DIP trypsinlike and chymotrypsinlike derivatives of sugar-fed and blood-fed females were compared using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
Radiologic diagnosis of metabolic bone disease.

SUMMARY Osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and hyperparathyroidism are the traditional examples of metabolic bone disease. These diseases are characterized radiographically by decreased bone density and in many cases are roentgenologically indistinguishable. Although metabolic bone diseases often show similar roentgenographic features, growing bones usually have distinctive characteristics (rickets, scurvy, osteogenesis imperfecta congenita). Pseudofractures are virtually pathognomonic of osteomalacia. Subperiosteal resorption of bone is the hallmark of hyperparathyroidism. Cystic lesions or osteosclerosis may also be seen in hyperparathyroidism. Bone density is usually assessed by visual inspection of radiographs, but more accurate methods of measurement of bone density are in use (densitometry, photon energy absorption).
Interpretation of functional brain imaging results using quantitative analysis; definition of abnormality must be defined with caution when comparing subjects to a normal database.

1861 Objectives A normal functional imaging brain scan database comprised of multiple normal individuals can be beneficial for statistical analysis. Most analytical techniques create an average mapping of subjects to a preformed atlas, then perform statistical comparison of a subject to the average composite. Normal variation in brain metabolism is natural, especially in the aging population. Comparison of a single subject with the average composite in theory may result in variations greater than 2 standard deviations (SD) for any voxel. This standard deviation may be interpreted as an abnormal finding, suggesting brain injury. The purpose of this IRB approved study was to statistically determine the extent of normal variation in the human brain using an accepted quantitative software based analytical approach. Methods Normal FDG-PET brain scans were obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative2 (ADNI). These subjects were declared cognitive normal by the ADNI team and showed no signs of depression, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. FDG-PET brain scans were acquired at an ADNI approved facility using a standardized protocol. 26 clinically normal individual scans were selected at random with an average age of 75. All subjects had a mini-mental state examination (MMSE) greater than 27 (average 29). A normal database was created using an established quantitative software approach. Each individual normal scan was compared to the normal ADNI database, removing that individual from the database. Computer maps were created examining the standard deviations (SD) from 2 - 7 above and below the average voxel for each subject. Results When examining hypometabolism in subjects, there was a false positive rate of 100% at 2 standard deviations. Findings of focal areas of relative reduction diminished between 4 and 5 deviations from the norm as expected. Relative increases using quantitative analysis displayed a false positive rate of 92% up to 4 standard deviations and diminished to 8% at a standard deviation of 6. No normal subjects displayed a recognizable pattern for any known dementia or major vascular event. Conclusions Discussion: More than statistically expected false positive findings may be due to combination of non-normal distribution of data points and limited number of subjects in the normal database. Caution must be followed in quantitative interpretation of functional brain imaging studies when no recognizable pattern of disease is present. Conclusions: It would be important to consider the amount of variations in normals while performing statistical analysis of functional brain imaging. Quantitative analysis is helpful in identifying recognizable patterns of cerebral dysfunction. Although caution should be exercised when making a diagnosis based upon random focal areas of either relative hypometabolism or hypermetabolism which fail to exceed normal variation.
Sertraline Reduces Risk of Depression in Adults After Traumatic Brain Injury

This study found that sertraline is more effective than placebo (number needed to treat = 6) in preventing the onset of a major depressive disorder in adults following a TBI. This study included patients with mild, moderate, and severe TBI.
Selection of indigenous indicator micro-organisms for validating desiccation-adapted Salmonella reduction in physically heat-treated poultry litter.

Aims The thermal resistance of desiccation-adapted Salmonella Senftenberg 775/W was compared with those of indigenous enterococci and total aerobic bacteria in poultry litter. Methods and results Aged broiler litter and composted turkey litter with 20, 30, 40 and 50% moisture contents were inoculated with desiccation-adapted Salm. Senftenberg 775/W, and then heat-treated at 75 and 85°C. Compared to total aerobic bacteria, there were better correlations between mean log reductions of desiccation-adapted Salm. Senftenberg 775/W and indigenous enterococci in broiler litter samples with 20, 30, 40 and 50% moisture contents at 75°C (R2 > 0·91), and 20, 30 and 40% moisture contents at 85°C (R2 > 0·87). The mean log reductions of Salm. Senftenberg 775/W were better correlated with those of indigenous enterococci in turkey litter samples with 20, 30, 40 and 50% moisture contents at 75°C (R2 > 0·88), and 20 and 30% moisture contents at 85°C (R2 = 0·83) than those of total aerobic bacteria, which had a better correlation in turkey litter sample with 40% (R2 = 0·98) moisture content at 85°C. Conclusion Indigenous enterococci may be used to validate the thermal processing of poultry litter, as it predicts the survival behaviour of Salmonella under some treatment conditions. Significance and the impact of the study This study provides some scientific data for poultry litter processors when validating the effectiveness of thermal processing.