cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interferon-γ-mediated inhibition of cyclin A gene transcription is independent of Individual cis-acting elements in the cyclin a promoter

Interferons (IFNs) affect cellular functions by altering gene expression. The eukaryotic cell cycle is governed in part by the periodic transcription of cyclin genes, whose protein products associate with and positively regulate the cyclin-dependent kinases. To understand better the growth inhibitory effect of IFN-γ on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), we compared the expression and activity of G1 and S phase cyclins in control and IFN-γ-treated VSMCs. IFN-γ treatment did not inhibit the G1 cyclins but did decrease cyclin A protein, mRNA, and associated kinase activity by 85, 90, and 90%, respectively. Nuclear run-on and mRNA stability determinations indicated that this decrease was the result of transcriptional inhibition. To investigate the molecular basis of this inhibition, we examined protein-DNA interactions involving the cyclin A promoter. Electromobility shift assays showed little change with IFN-γ treatment in the binding of nuclear proteins to isolated ATF, NF-Y, and CDE elements. In vivo genomic footprinting indicated that IFN-γ treatment changed the occupancy of chromosomal NF-Y and CDE sites slightly and did not affect occupancy of the ATF site. In a previous study of transforming growth factor-β1-mediated inhibition of the cyclin A promoter, we mapped the inhibitory effect to the ATF site; in the present study of IFN-γ treatment, functional analysis by transient transfection showed that inhibition of the cyclin A promoter persisted despite mutation of the ATF, NF-Y, or CDE elements. We hypothesize that IFN-γ inhibits cyclin A transcription by modifying co-activators or general transcription factors within the complex that drives transcription of the cyclin A gene.
Effect of a thin transition layer at a Si-SiO2 interface on electron mobility and energy levels

Abstract If the Si-SiO 2 interface has a graded composition in a transition layer of order 0.5 nm, as suggested by work of Raider and Flitsch and of Pantelides and Long, then electrons in the lowest subband for a (001) interface are found to have up to 1% of their charge within the transition layer at large interface electric fields. Scatterers in the transition layer can account for interface scattering which has generally been attributed to surface roughness. Penetration of the wave functions into the transition layer also lowers the energy levels associated with the four-fold degenerate subband ladder significantly relative to those of the lowest, two-fold degenerate, ladder.
Audience Activity and Soap Opera Involvement: A Uses and Effects Investigation.

This investigation examined the role of motives, attitudes, and audience activity in explaining the affective, cognitive, and behavioral involvement of 328 daytime soap opera viewers. Because inter correlations were found among motives, attitudes, activities, and involvement variables, canonical correlation analysis was used. There were two multivariate patterns. First, except for viewing to pass time, more salient viewing motivations (especially exciting entertainment and social utility), perceived realism, viewing intention, and attention were related to parasocial interaction, post viewing cognition, and post viewing discussion. Second, viewing for social utility, but not for voyeurism, and the lack of realism were related to post viewing discussion, but not to parasocial interaction. These audience orientations and the role of involvement in media uses and effects were discussed.
Expanding the study of U.S. religion: Reflections on the state of a subfield

Abstract The study of U.S. religion, which dates from the 19th century, expanded its sources, methods, and scope during the last quarter of the 20th century, as specialists offered more inclusive historical narratives. That methodological expansion never went far enough, however, and the impulse toward narrative inclusiveness has been restrained in recent years. The subfield, I argue, now faces a number of challenges that also confront other specializations in the study of religiondcontraction, overspecialization, fragmentation, and parochialism. After a focused overview of the subfield's history, I discuss those challenges. Proposing a tentative response, I suggest that specialists celebrate methodological diversity and theoretical sophistication, encourage comparative and translocative studies, and increase collaboration across disciplinary boundaries and national borders. Finally, I suggest that we expand the subfield's temporal span and geographical scope and reframe the study of U.S. religion in term...
A rapid screening technique to combine resistance to halo blight and bean common mosaic virus in Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Seven bean lines (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with differential resistance or susceptibility to race 2 of halo blight (Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola) and a necrosis-inducing isolate of bean common mosaic virus were inoculated with one or both pathogens in combination, to determine the feasibility of dual screening to identify resistance to both pathogens simultaneously. Dual screening yielded the same results as separate screenings. Neither pathogen affected the disease expression of the other. Simultaneously screening for resistance to both pathogens will shorten the recurrent screening-selection cycle of hybridization programs, and accelerate development of resistant cultivars.
Effects of total inanition on the submaxillary gland of the rat

Abstract Fifty-four adult male rats were divided into nine groups of six animals each and starved for the following periods of time: 0, 3, 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, 168 and 216 hr. The following series of statements summarizes the effect of starvation on the submaxillary gland of these rats: (1) The glands lost weight in proportion to the loss of body weight. (2) This loss in weight was mainly due to the shrinkage in size of the tubular and acinar cells. (3) The reduction in the cell size of the tubules and acini progressed with increasing duration of starvation. (4) The diameter of the convoluted tubules likewise decreased with the duration of starvation and was related to the decreased size of the tubular cells. (5) The lines of regression for the increase in tubular and acinar cell density plotted as a function of the periods of starvation had the same slopes indicating that both cell types decreased in size at the same rate. (6) Acinar cells demonstrated more profound pathological changes than did tubular cells for equal periods of inanition. (7) The nuclei of tubular cells were more elongated than those of the acinar cells and starvation seemed to have no effect on the shape and size of the nuclei. (8) The value of pre-experimental fasting for the purpose of inducing synchronization of the secretory cells is questioned.
Italian marine Gastrotricha: I. Six new and one redescribed species of Chaetonotida

Abstract The species Chaetonotus lacunosus Mock, 1979 is redescribed and refigured from specimens collected in littoral and shallow sublit‐toral sediments along the entire Italian coastline of the Mediterranean Sea and its adjacent waters. Six species new to science are described and figured: Chaetonotus apechochaetus, C. apolemmus, C. siciliensis, Halichaetonotus etrolomus, H. margaretae, and H. thalassopais. The proper nomenclature for Halichaetonotus decipiens (Remane, 1929) is noted, and a new combination is given: Musellifer delamarei (Renaud‐Mornant, 1968) n. comb.
Inactivation of metalloenzymes by food constituents.

Phenylethylaminoalanine (PEAA), derived from biogenic phenylethylamine and dehydroalanine, inhibited the enzymatic activity of the metalloenzyme, carboxypeptidase A (CPA). The inhibition was maximal at pH 7.0 in the pH range 7–8.5. The extent of inhibition increased with time of treatment and PEAA concentration. N-AcetylPEAA did not inhibit the enzyme, suggesting that the free α-NH2 group is required for inhibition. PEAA also inactivated the copper enzyme, polyphenol oxidase (tyrosinase). Comparative studies with three other inhibitors, lysinoalanine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and sodium phytate, suggest that the potency of PEAA as an inhibitor of CPA is similar to that of sodium phytate. Of these four inhibitors and three thiol compounds also tested, PEAA was the least and cysteine the most effective against tyrosinase. The pattern of observations in these studies suggests differences in the mechanisms of action of the inhibitors studied. The formation of PEAA, lysinoalanine and sodium phytate in foods is of possible nutritional and toxicological significance.
The effects of thiamine inhibition on ruminal fermentation: a preliminary study

Inhibition of methanogenesis in ruminal cultures was attempted by hindering thiamine availability through its degradation by 'polyphenols' and competition for active sites on enzymes and transporters using thiamine structural analogs. Effects on fermentation were small and not consistently reversed by adding thiamine. Lack of major effects of the compounds evaluated could be due to intracellular synthesis of thiamine covering most requirements.
Psychosocial correlates and outcomes of yoga or walking among older adults.

Few researchers have compared psychological correlates and outcomes of yoga with more traditional forms of exercise. The authors' primary aim was to compare changes in the psychosocial outcomes of mood and state anxiety produced by an acute bout of yoga or walking among older adults. The secondary aim was to compare selected psychosocial correlates of activity. Participants were 51 adults who were 50 years of age or older who walked for exercise or participated in a yoga class. Results revealed that yoga participants had significantly greater levels of depression and perceived barriers to exercise, and lower quality of life than did walkers. With control for these differences, yoga practitioners had improved levels of fatigue pre- to postsession, compared with walkers. With control for differences in demographic variables, these changes were no longer significant. It is possible that yoga practitioners seek out mindful-based exercise to cope with greater levels of depression and lower levels of quality of...
Noncovalently functionalized graphitic mesoporous carbon as a stable support of Pt nanoparticles for oxygen reduction

We report the facile synthesis of an extremely durable electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction with highly graphitized mesoporous carbon (GMPC) as support (Pt/GMPC). GMPC is prepared through graphitizing the self-assembled soft-template mesoporous carbon (MPC) under high temperature. Most of the mesoporous structures and the specific surface area of MPC are retained even after 2800 °C heat-treatment, and the graphitization degree is greatly improved. GMPC is then noncovalently functionalized with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and then coated with Pt nanoparticles with ethylene glycol reduction method. Pt nanoparticles of ~3.0 nm in diameter are uniformly dispersed on GMPC. Pt/GMPC exhibits a higher activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) than Pt nanoparticles supported on Vulcan XC-72 carbon (Pt/XC-72). The durability of Pt/GMPC is improved by a factor of ~2 compared with Pt/XC-72. The enhanced activity and durability of Pt/GMPC are attributed to the graphitic structure of GMPC which makes GMPC more resistant to corrosion and the interaction between Pt nanoparticles and GMPC stronger. GMPC is promising as catalyst support. This provides a facile, eco-friendly promising strategy, avoiding the usually used chemical functionalization of carbon support with oxidizing strong acid, to synthesize electrocatalysts with high durability and activity for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. This strategymore » can be widely applied in synthesizing metal nanoparticles on hydrophobic support materials.« less
A Sweet Path to Insulin Resistance Through PGC-1β

Fructose is a highly lipogenic dietary nutrient that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. In this issue, Nagai et al. (2009) provide in vivo evidence that pinpoints transcriptional coactivator PGC-1beta as a key factor in mediating the metabolic response to fructose intake.
Integration of Microcircuitry Into Microassemblies

The necessity to hybridize newer microcircuitry techniques with existing design capabilities to achieve efficient equipment designs is established. An analysis is presented of the net size and weight advantages calculated for several components of a typical weapons system, as first the micromodule and then, progressively, thin-film and solid-circuit techniques are integrated into the system design. The diminishing returns on the introduction of microcircuitry into many areas of the system emphasize the need for high efficiency in the integration of newer techniques. The potential capabilities of an advanced type micromodule, which still retains the standardized microelement dimensions and assembly procedures, are explored. A further advanced modular interconnection of microcircuitry wafers into a projected microassembly is then described. 0.002 × 0.010-inch copper ribbon conductors are welded to the metallized edge terminations of stacked substrate wafers by an electron beam technique. Interconnection requirement is 1600 terminations per square inch. Sample illustrated showed 2000 terminations per square inch, or 80,000 terminations per cubic inch. Termination capability is increased three times, and effective useful module volume is doubled compared to existing micromodule. Details of materials and processes for the microconnections are described together with a summary of the statistical reliability evaluation. The latter confirms the high reliability objective for this connection.
An exploratory study of Chinese own brand strategy in the grocery sector

The purpose of this study is to explore the Chinese own brand strategy in the grocery sector by applying two competitive advantage theories. The theories are Porter’s Generic Strategies model and Hunt’s Resource-Advantage theory. Three sets of Chinese own brand strategies are reviewed. A preferred Chinese own brand strategy combining cost leadership and differentiation simultaneously is identified. A qualitative methodology is utilised to examine some of the many facets of own brand development in China. The main data for this study are drawn from semi-structured interviews and selected store observations in Shanghai, China. The implications, limitations and directions of the study are discussed.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is a disorder of elevated intracranial pressure of unknown cause. It is a common condition with significant morbidity and huge economic impact. Despite this, it remains largely misunderstood with multiple proposed etiologies and several treatment options. In this review the authors focus on its etiology, current management options and future directions of treatment.
Measurement of the solar rotation, 1978, from recurrent and non-recurrent sunspots

Results are presented for the solar rotation, 1978, as derived from sunspots by two different methods. Using recurrent spots only, the latitude dependence of the sidereal rotation rate was calculated to be ξ=(14.41±0.05)−(3.13±0.26) sin2 φ. Using recognizable spots, both recurrent and non-recurrent, average rotation rates were obtained for 5-degree intervals of latitude. The results from these two approaches were found to be in agreement with observations made between 1878 and 1951, suggesting that the solar rotation has not changed in the past 100 years.
Effect of molecular weight distribution on the shear dependence of viscosity in polymer systems

The viscosity of concentrated solutions of polystyrene were measured in steady shearing flow with a Weissenberg rheogoniometer. The polymers ranged in weight average molecular weight Mw from 97,000 to 3,370,000 and in distribution breadth Mw/Mn from 1.05 to 3.1. The solvent was n-butylbenzene, and the solutions ranged in concentration from 0.20 to 0.55 g./cc. These data were supplemented by measurements on bulk polystyrenes and polyethylenes with distribution breadths as high as Mw/Mn = 20. Master curves of reduced viscosity vs. reduced shear rate were calculated theoretically for each molecular weight distribution. The experimental viscosity data superimposed satisfactorily on these curves and furnished the viscosity at zero shear rate τ0 and an experimental time constant τ0 for each solution. The time constant paralleled closely the Rouse relaxation time τR in all systems. Residual variations in the ratio τ0/τR with molecular weight and concentration correlated uniquely with the product cMw. These results indicate that the viscosity behavior of a polymer can be predicted with reasonable accuracy from data on its molecular weight distribution.
Risk management in suspected acute appendicitis.

Abstract Acute appendicitis is a disease in which the essential elements for timely diagnosis are available. These elements are a careful history and thorough physical examination, the latter repeated as necessary until clinical judgment indicates that exploratory surgery should be performed or the patient safely discharged. The hospital that does not provide its staff with facilities to do so invites a potentially successful malpractice claim. In the absence of properly documented care, such a claim could include allegations of improper or inadequate evaluation of a person presenting for medical care, negligent medical care based on failure to properly use referral and consultant sources, and failure to provide adequate follow-up (including hospital admission). Such allegations would describe the foreseeable and significant consequences of the adverse event, be it premature discharge or negative exploration. Risk management includes education of hospital administration about the importance of an adequate observation period in this diagnosis, and education of the professional staff about the need for thorough documentation of the serial examinations when surgery is deferred. This article has presented fact, references, and opinion, which should help hospital risk managers to assess the documentation of appendicitis cases now being seen in their hospital, to plan educational interventions with the administration and professional staff, and to assist the hospital collections personnel if payers contest admissions that did not result in surgery.
Fungal keratitis and contact lenses: an old enemy unrecognized or a new nemesis on the block?

Purpose. To review studies of fungal keratitis related to contact lenses and determine whether the recent insurgence is a new phenomenon or an exacerbation of an ongoing trend. Methods. A review of the recent literature on contact lens–related fungal ulcers and a comparison to older studies. Results. The incidence of fungal keratitis associated with contact lenses increased from 5% in the 1980s to between 10% and 25% in the 1990s and was noted to be 44% in Florida at the turn of the century. The most recent study from Florida showed that the incidence had increased from 29% in the late 1990s to 52% in the early 2000s, even before the Fusarium keratitis epidemic in 2004 and 2005. This increase mainly represented an increase in the number related to nontherapeutic contact lenses. Conclusions. Contact lens–related fungal keratitis was relatively rare 20 years ago. However, the incidence has progressively increased since then. Contact lens–related fungal ulcers had become more common even before the recent Fusarium keratitis epidemic. This change may be related to changing contact lens care habits and younger patients being fitted with contact lenses.
Orientation gradients at polymer surfaces. I. Description of methods

A method capable of quantitative predictions of orientation gradients at the surface of polymers is proposed. It is based on the transformation of variable-angle attenuated total reflected infrared intensities to absorption coefficients versus depth from the surface. Two alternate approaches have been used to demonstrate the viability of the method: computer simulation and sample analysis. Exact reflected intensities from anisotropic layered systems have been calculated with Fresnel coefficients. The exact intensities are used to reextract the orientation gradient with data transformation. This analysis demonstrates the conditions under which the variable-angle method is expected to optimally perform. Simulation results clearly indicate high accuracy near the interface and low accuracy at remote distances. Thin films of isotropic and uniaxially drawn isotactic polypropylene are prepared and used as layered systems. Step functions in orientation can be accurately predicted only when some information is known prior to the gradient calculation. In uniaxially oriented thick films of polypropylene, the analysis indicates that the crystal phase is highly oriented at the surface and in the bulk. Within the first 2 microns from the surface, both the amorphous and crystal phases show negligibly small gradients in orientation. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Human monoclonal antibodies as probes to study autoimmune and allergic disorders

The ability to generate monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) of defined antigenic specificity has revolutionized modern medicine. Although the technology for the generation of human monoclonal antibodies is clearly still behind that available in rodent systems, several techniques have been devised. The following is a brief review of the methods used to generate human Mabs, and an overview of some of the uses of these reagents in clinical situations, with an emphasis on autoimmune and allergic disorders.
Membrane localization of scaffold proteins promotes graded signaling in the yeast MAP kinase cascade.

Summary Background Signaling through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade pathways can show various input-output behaviors, including either switch-like or graded responses to increasing levels of stimulus. Prior studies suggest that switch-like behavior is promoted by positive feedback loops and nonprocessive phosphorylation reactions, but it is unclear whether graded signaling is a default behavior or whether it must be enforced by separate mechanisms. It has been hypothesized that scaffold proteins promote graded behavior. Results Here, we experimentally probe the determinants of graded signaling in the yeast mating MAPK pathway. We find that graded behavior is robust in that it resists perturbation by loss of several negative-feedback regulators. However, the pathway becomes switch-like when activated by a crosstalk stimulus that bypasses multiple upstream components. To dissect the contributing factors, we developed a method for gradually varying the signal input at different pathway steps in vivo. Input at the beginning of the kinase cascade produced a sharp, threshold-like response. Surprisingly, the scaffold protein Ste5 increased this threshold behavior when limited to the cytosol. However, signaling remained graded whenever Ste5 was allowed to function at the plasma membrane. Conclusions The results suggest that the MAPK cascade module is inherently ultrasensitive but is converted to a graded system by the pathway-specific activation mechanism. Scaffold-mediated assembly of signaling complexes at the plasma membrane allows faithful propagation of weak signals, which consequently reduces pathway ultrasensitivity. These properties help shape the input-output properties of the system to fit the physiological context.
Radiative corrections to vector boson masses for heavy Higgs bosons

Abstract Radiative corrections to the masses M of the vector bosons W and Z increase in perturbation theory with increasing Higgs mass m. Since these masses will be experimentally determined to an accuracy on the order of 0.1%, these measurements may offer one of the best tests of the detailed dynamics of the standard model. In particular, they would seem to place an upper limit on the Higgs mass m (or, since m2 ∼ λ, the maximum strength of the scalar self-coupling λ). Performing a 1 N expansion in SU(N) × U(1) through order 1 N but all orders in the scalar coupling λN, it is demonstrated that the radiative corrections δM2 to the vector boson masses are of the form δM 2 m 2 = ( g 2 N 16 π 2 ) [F1 (θw) + N−1 F2 (λN, θw) + O(N−2)], where g2N is the SU(N) gauge coupling constant and θw the weak mixing angle. The function F2 remains finite even in the limit of infinite self-coupling constant. Thus, no matter how large the perturbative Higgs mass m is, the vector boson mass shifts may remain small, on the order of the anticipated experimental accuracy.
Louder than Words: A Content Analysis of Presidential Candidates' Televised Nonverbal Communication

This probability sampled content analysis of 1159 televised shots examined the TV news media's visual representation of the candidates in the 2000 presidential election. The purpose was to see whether it conveyed nonverbal messages that helped or hindered the candidates. Two dimensions of visual communication that convey affective information were examined—the facial expressions, appearance, and nonverbal behavior of the candidates, and the structural features of television edited into news stories by journalists such as camera angle, distance, and movement. Overall, we found fairly balanced coverage of the two candidates in the visuals that are under the control of journalists. There was not a consistent liberal bias or incumbent bias; in fact, there was slightly more evidence of the visuals favoring the Republican rather than the Democrat. There were significantly more stories about the Republicans, significantly more visual shots of Bush than of Gore, and the number of shots of Bush in the second half ...
Simple games with many effective voters

Abstract The strategic behavior of legislators depends on the information available before and during the legislation process. It is well established in the literature that interested parties such as voters and agenda setters can influence the outcomes of the process through strategic manipulation when they are sufficiently informed. When only partial information on the individual and collective preference is revealed the question of manipulability boils down to how much information must be revealed before a learner is able to use it strategically? This paper applies a model of single agent learning to address this question. Our results show that learning collective preferences in this setting is possible but hard, giving explicit bounds on the amount of information required. The proofs use a Ramsey type theorem for simple games showing that games with many effective voters embed games from at least one of three well-characterized families.
Calmodulin in endocrine cells and its multiple roles in hormone action.

Abstract Some of the major cellular functions regulated by peptide hormones include ion flux, enzyme activity, RNA and protein synthesis, steroid synthesis and secretion, protein secretion, cell division and motility, and cell-cell communication. In general, hormone-controlled events can be separated into primary and secondary effects. Primary effects occur within minutes and include the short-term regulation of steroid and protein secretion, ion flux and cell shape. All of these events are initiated at the cell surface and are potentiated by transient alterations in the intracellular concentrations of cyclic nucleotides or free Ca 2+ . The secondary or longterm events include trophic responses which involve increased RNA and protein synthesis as well as hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the tissue. These events also appear to require hormonal interaction with cell-surface receptors but the precise series of events leading to the trophic responses remains speculative. Many hormones affect their target cells by causing alterations in both the cyclic nucleotide and free Ca 2+ concentrations. The interaction of these second messengers in the control of cellular activity as mediated by peptide hormones has been the subject of several recent reviews (Berridge, 1975; Rasmussen et al., 1976; Dedman et al., 1979; Means et al., 1979). The purpose of the present article is to discuss the roles of Ca 2+ in regulation of various primary responses of endocrine cells to a variety of stimulants (Fig. 1).
Immune Therapy in GI Malignancies: A Review

The balance between tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing immune responses and the difference between them ultimately determine whether a cancer escapes immune recognition mechanisms. Defining the complex relationships between the tumor itself, the tumor environment, and the immune system has been critical in facilitating the development of successful immunotherapies. This review explores the role of oncogenes in inducing cancer-associated inflammation, the local and systemic factors that lead to immune suppression, and immunotherapy approaches to overcome immune privilege.
Adiponectin and adiponectin receptor gene variants in relation to resting metabolic rate, respiratory quotient, and adiposity-related phenotypes in the Québec Family Study

Background : Despite adiponectin's presumed role in fatty acid oxidation and energy homeostasis, little is known about the effect of gene variants on substrate oxidation, energy expenditure, and adiposity-related phenotypes. Objective : We examined the effects of genetic variation in adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) on resting metabolic rate, respiratory quotient (RQ), and adiposity-related phenotypes. Design : We studied the associations of ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1, and ADIPOR2 polymorphisms with resting metabolic rate, RQ, and body mass index, percentage body fat, sum of 6 skinfold thicknesses, waist circumference, and total, subcutaneous, and visceral fat in 759 participants in the Quebec Family Study. Results : The ADIPOQ 45T→G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was significantly (P = 0.0002 to 0.04) associated with overall adiposity and abdominal adiposity; the rare homozygotes (G/G) had a leaner phenotype than did the carriers of the common allele. One SNP each in the putative promoter of ADIPOR1 (ie, -3882T→C) and ADIPOR2 (ie, IVS1 -1352G→A) was associated with RQ (P = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively), and the association was even stronger in nonobese persons (P = 0.02 and 0.003). Carriers of the common alleles (ADIPOR1 T and ADIPOR2 G alleles) had a lower RQ than did the rare homozygotes. A significant genotype-by-genotype interaction (P = 0.0002 to 0.02) was found between SNPs in the promoters of ADIPOQ (-3971A→G) and ADIPOR1 (-3882T→C). Subjects carrying the minor ADIPOQ allele (G allele) who were rare homozygotes (C/C) for the ADIPOR1 SNP had a higher RQ (P = 0.003) and greater overall (P < 0.03) and abdominal (P < 0.05) adiposity than did persons with other genotype combinations. Conclusions : Previous findings that the ADIPOQ 45T→G variant contributes to overall fatness and abdominal obesity are confirmed. Moreover, variants in the promoter region of both ADIPOR genes contribute to substrate oxidation.
“Bucket auctions” for charity

Donations in-kind can be a mixed blessing for charities, who are often more adept at solicitation than resale. Many organizations rely on raffles to turn donations into cash, but auctions are also common. Theory predicts that all-pay mechanisms should produce more revenue than winner-pay mechanisms, but the empirical literature is thin and inconclusive. Drawing on both theoretical insights and behavioral intuition, we examine another all-pay mechanism, the “bucket auction,” and show that it generates more revenue than other standard mechanisms, both in theory and in the lab. We hope, therefore, that this format, and others like it, will attract the interest of fundraisers.
Payoff equivalence in sealed bid auctions and the dual theory of choice under risk

Abstract This paper considers single item auctions in the private values framework, with buyers whose preferences satisfy the axioms of Yaari’s [Econometrica 55 (1987) 95] dual theory of choice under risk. It is shown that when their valuations are independently distributed, risk averse buyers are indifferent among all the auctions contained in a large family of mechanisms that includes the standard auctions.
Genetic Association Studies

With the completion of the HapMap project1 and the development of technology that allows the examination of ≥1 million genetic polymorphisms at once, genetic association studies are becoming more comprehensive. This article first provides a brief overview of the rationale for genetic association studies; it then discusses the primary features differentiating genetic from standard association studies and emphasizes these differences with an example. Finally, this article reviews methods for addressing 2 of the main pitfalls of genetic association studies: population stratification and multiple testing. The principal focus of this primer is population-based association studies using unrelated individuals. A future article will address family-based linkage and association studies. Traditional epidemiological studies focus on assessing the impact of specific risk factors on disease risk in populations. The goal of a genetic association study is to establish statistical associations between ≥1 genetic polymorphisms and phenotypes or disease states and thus to identify genetic risk factors that can later be studied in a more comprehensive manner using traditional epidemiological methods. Ideally, the statistical analyses brings us to the point where 1 or several genetic variants are identified as the potential functional variants within a gene, so that laboratory scientists can then use experimental methods to determine what functional purpose the variants have and how it might relate to the phenotype. Historically, the term polymorphism has been used to refer to genetic mutations that occur with a frequency ≥1% in the population. This article refers to genomic locations with multiple alleles interchangeably as genetic variants or polymorphisms. Pollex and Hegele2 describe many types of genetic variants found in the human genome and review the current state of knowledge concerning copy number variants and cardiovascular disease. This article focuses on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), although much of what is presented is relevant to all types …
Water sources used by riparian trees varies among stream types on the San Pedro River, Arizona.

Variation in the sources of water used by tree species has important ramifications for forest water balances. The fraction of tree transpiration water derived from the unsaturated soil zone and groundwater in a riparian forest was quantified for Populus fremontii, Salix gooddingii, and Prosopis velutinaacross a gradient of groundwater depth and streamflow regime on the San Pedro River in southeastern Arizona, US. The proportion of tree transpiration derived from different potential sources was determined using oxygen ( 18 O) and hydrogen (D) stable isotope analysis in conjunction with two- and three-compartment linear mixing models. Comparisons of 18 O and D of tree xylem water with that of potential water sources indicated that Salix gooddingii did not take up water in the upper soil layers during the summer rainy period, but instead used only groundwater, even at an ephemeral stream site where depth to groundwater exceeded 4 m. Populus fremontii, a dominant ‘phreatophyte’ in these semi-arid riparian ecosystems, also used mainly groundwater, but at the ephemeral stream site during the summer rainy season this species derived between 26 and 33% of its transpiration water from upper soil layers. Similarly, at the ephemeral stream site during the summer rainy period, Prosopis velutinaderived a greater fraction of its transpiration water from upper soil layers, than at a perennial stream site where groundwater depth was less than 2 m. Measurements of transpiration flux combined with stable isotope data revealed that Populus fremontiitranspired a greater quantity of water from upper soil layers at the ephemeral stream site than at the perennial stream site. These results imply that transpiration from groundwater and unsaturated soil layers by riparian vegetation may depend on the interaction between site conditions and species assemblage. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Does Greater Accountability Improve the Quality of Public Service Delivery? Evidence from Uganda

Summary It is now widely realized that in many developing countries, the low quality of public services and governance can limit the scope for poverty reduction and growth. Empirical micro-level evidence on the scope for improved accountability to help reduce corruption and improve the quality with which critical public services are provided is, however, limited. Using a large data set from Uganda to address this issue, we find that household knowledge on how to report inappropriate behavior by bureaucrats and unsatisfactory quality of services does help to not only reduce the incidence of corruption but is also associated with significant improvements in service quality.
A First Look at Chorioamnionitis Management Practice Variation among US Obstetricians

Objective. To examine practice patterns for diagnosis and treatment of chorioamnionitis among US obstetricians. Study Design. We distributed a mail-based survey to members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, querying demographics, practice setting, and chorioamnionitis management strategies. We performed univariable and multivariable analyses. Results. Of 500 surveys distributed, 53.8% were returned, and 212 met study criteria and were analyzed. Most respondents work in group practice (66.0%), perform >100 deliveries per year (60.0%), have been in practice >10 years (77.3%), and work in a nonuniversity setting (85.1%). Temperature plus one additional criterion (61.3%) was the most common diagnostic strategy. Over 25 different primary antibiotic regimens were reported, including use of a single agent by 30.0% of respondents. A wide range of postpartum antibiotic duration was reported from no postpartum treatment (34.5% after vaginal delivery, 11.3% after cesarean delivery) to 48 hours of postpartum treatment (24.7% after vaginal delivery, 32.1% after cesarean delivery). No practitioner characteristic was independently associated with diagnostic or therapeutic strategies in multivariable analysis. Conclusion. There is a wide variation in contemporary clinical practices for the management of chorioamnionitis. This may represent a dearth of level I evidence. Future prospective clinical trials may provide more evidence-based practice recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of chorioamnionitis.
Cakes and Oil: Technology Transfer and Chinese Soybean Processing, 1860–1895

Economists have increasingly recognized that one of the main sources of economic development is technological change.1 Since it is much easier to borrow than to invent new technology, an important source of technological change has been the diffusion of new technology from its place of origin to subsequent users. When such diffusion involves movement between two countries, it is usually referred to as technology transfer. Given the obvious importance that technology transfer has played in the economic development of all countries, including that of the first industrial nation, Great Britain, it is surprising how little has been written on the subject. One reason for this, perhaps, lies in the nature of neoclassical economics, especially in its preoccupation with static analysis and its relative lack of interest in institutions and institutional change. Another reason may be that economists and economic historians have concentrated on the historical experience of the successful developers-i.e., certain countries of Western Europe, Canada, the United States, and Japan.2 Many of these countries have political and economic institutions which are similar or, at least, not sufficiently different to have been major impediments to the transfer of technology. The history of the rest of the world, however, has been quite different. In neoclassical economics, the theory of technology transfer relies heavily on the study of comparative costs and is simply a special case of the general theory of the profit-maximizing firm. It assumes that at least some entrepreneurs will be well enough informed about foreign technology to consider its use and that they will do so, providing it is more profitable than the indigenous technology they are already using. Usually discussions of profitability
The Clinical Significance of an Empty Renal Fossa on Prenatal Sonography

Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize the significance of an empty renal fossa on prenatal sonography. Methods A hospital database was reviewed retrospectively to find all fetuses with an empty renal fossa diagnosed on prenatal sonography between 1989 and 2003. For each case, prenatal and postnatal data were recorded. Results Ninety-three fetuses had an empty renal fossa: 49 on the left, 41 on the right, and 3 unspecified. Forty-four fetuses were male and 29 were female. For 20, the sex was not recorded. The average gestational age at diagnosis was 29.5 weeks. Final diagnoses were made on the basis of prenatal and postnatal imaging. The missing kidney was ectopic in 39 cases (42%): 34 in the pelvis, 4 fused to the contralateral kidney, and 1 in the thorax due to a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The absent kidney was never located in 44 cases (47%) and presumed to be congenitally absent. Ten kidneys (11%) originally thought absent were normally located, 7 of which were dysplastic, 2 normal, and 1 infiltrated by a tumor. In 39 patients (42%), other anomalies were identified, sometimes involving multiple systems, most commonly genitourinary (29) and cardiovascular (13). Of the 77 cases with the number of umbilical cord vessels recorded, 68 (88%) were normal and 9 (12%) had only 2 vessels. Conclusions If a kidney is not found in the renal fossa, most are either ectopic (42%) or congenitally absent (47%). An empty renal fossa is often (42%) associated with other congenital anomalies.
Basolateral cycling mediated by a lumenal domain targeting determinant

All identified basolateral sorting signals of integral membrane proteins are cytoplasmically disposed, suggesting that basolateral targeting is mediated exclusively by direct interaction with vesicle coat components. Here, we report that GPP130, a cis-Golgi protein that undergoes endosome-to-Golgi retrieval using the late endosome-bypass pathway in nonpolarized cells, cycles via the basolateral membrane in polarized MDCK cells. Significantly, the membrane-proximal lumenal domain of GPP130, which mediates GPP130 localization and trafficking in nonpolarized cells, was both necessary and sufficient for basolateral cycling in MDCK cells. The use of lumenal determinants for both basolateral cycling and endosome-to-Golgi retrieval suggests that a novel receptor-mediated mechanism operates at both the trans-Golgi network and distal sites to sort GPP130 along the late-endosome-bypass retrieval pathway in polarized cells.
Financial Statements Are About To Get A New Look

In October 2008, The FASB and the IASB issued a discussion letter for comment proposing a complete redesign of financial statements. This was the result of a project that began for both boards in 2001. More than 200 comment letters were received from individuals, accounting firms, professional societies, corporations, and others from the business community. The FASB and IASB have analyzed the input, and are currently preparing an exposure draft scheduled for release in early 2011. This paper reviews the proposed changes to the financial statements, summarizes the favorable and unfavorable responses contained in the comment letters, and examines the implications that the changes will have on the business community, the accounting profession, educators, and investors.
Ion sources for high and low energy extremes of ion implantation

Various types of ions, but mostly B, P, Sb, and As, are implanted, over a wide range of energies into some of the materials used in the construction of semiconductors. These energies range from as low as approximately 100 eV for shallow implantations, to as high as multi-MeV for deep implantation into the substrate. State of the art ion sources meet industry needs for the energy range of about 10 keV to about 300 keV. But, at the two extremes (100's of eV and multi-MeV) of the energy range, source improvement is needed, due to space charge limitations at the low energy range and due to inefficiency in acceleration at the higher energy range. A joint research and development among HCEI, Tomsk, Russia, ITEP, Moscow Russia and BNL collaboration is focusing on meeting industry needs for steady state, intense ion sources has been in progress. Originally, the collaboration started to develop pulsed metal vapor ion sources, to enhanced charge states, with an external electron beam in two ion sources provisionally dubbed E-MEVVA. Lead and Bismuth, which previously achieved doubly charged ions, were ionized to ion charge states of Pb+7 & Bi+8 with ion currents exceeding 200 mA. The natural next step was to adapt these charge enhancement characteristics to ion sources that generate steady state multi-charged B, P, As, and Sb ions. These technical enhancements can be adapted to DC ion implanters in order to improve upon present day high- energy ion implanters that use rf accelerators. This endeavor has resulted in record steady state output currents of higher charge state Antimony and Phosphorous ions: P2+(8.6 pmA), P3+(1.9 pmA), and P4+(0.12 pmA) and 16.2, 7.6, 3.3, and 2.2 pmA of Sb3+ Sb4+, Sb5+, and Sb6+ respectively. However, the semiconductor industry has greater needs in the area of low energy (100's of eV) ion implantation, where space charge problems associated with lower energy ionbeams limit implanter ion currents, thus leading to low production rates. To tackle the space charge problem, two approaches were followed: using molecular ions and ion beam deceleration with space charge compensation. To date, 1 emA of positive Decaborane ions were extracted at 10 keV and a somewhat smaller current of negative Decaborane ions were also extracted. Some simulations of a novel gasless/plasmaless ion beam deceleration method were also performed. Finally, a spin-off result of a Bernas-Calutron ion source, from which over 70% of the extracted ion beam consists of singly charged Boron, was achieved (compared to the 20% of current implanters). This paper is a synopsis of an extensive ion source R&D program designed to address industry needs.
Persistent pain following trauma.

Persistent pain following trauma can lead to long-term disability. This article reviews the pain syndromes most commonly seen following trauma. These include myofascial pain, sympathetically maintained pain, and phantom pain syndromes. Early diagnosis and treatment is emphasized in order to minimize the development of secondary problems of physical dysfunction, emotional deterioration, and substance abuse. Treatment modalities appropriate to these syndromes are reviewed and include medical, anesthesiological, rehabilitative, and behavioral medicine approaches. With prompt diagnosis and referral to a multidisciplinary pain treatment center, most patients will experience significant decreases in their pain, allowing them to return to the workforce and resume a normal life. Language: en
A 200-GHz triple-push oscillator in 65-nm CMOS with design techniques for enhancing DC-to-RF efficiency

In this paper, new design techniques for improving the DC-to-RF efficiency for sub-THz triple-push oscillators in CMOS technology is presented. We investigate the effect of the bias of transistors and the impedance seen by each transistor on the overall performance of triple-push CMOS oscillators in terms of DC-to-RF efficiency. By optimizing the harmonic generation and harmonic extraction in a triple-push oscillator fabricated in 65-nm CMOS, output power of −8.75 dBm is achieved at 200-GHz while 28.8-mW of DC power is consumed. This translates into a DC-to-RF efficiency of 0.46%.