cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in biosynthesis of fatty acids derived products in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via enhanced supply of precursor metabolites

Fatty acids or their activated forms, fatty acyl-CoAs and fatty acyl-ACPs, are important precursors to synthesize a wide variety of fuels and chemicals, including but not limited to free fatty acids (FFAs), fatty alcohols (FALs), fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), and alkanes. However, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an important cell factory, does not naturally accumulate fatty acids in large quantities. Therefore, metabolic engineering strategies were carried out to increase the glycolytic fluxes to fatty acid biosynthesis in yeast, specifically to enhance the supply of precursors, eliminate competing pathways, and bypass the host regulatory network. This review will focus on the genetic manipulation of both structural and regulatory genes in each step for fatty acids overproduction in S. cerevisiae, including from sugar to acetyl-CoA, from acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, and from malonyl-CoA to fatty acyl-CoAs. The downstream pathways for the conversion of fatty acyl-CoAs to the desired products will also be discussed.
Cyclic Octatomic Sulfur: A Possible Infrared and Visible Chromophore in the Clouds of Jupiter

A brown polymeric material, produced under simulated Jovian conditions, is composed primarily of cyclic octatomic sulfur, although a range of complex organic compounds is also present. The polymeric sulfur, produced from the ultraviolet photolysis of hydrogen sulfide, exhibits its strongest band at 465 reciprocal centimeters, in fair agreement with the frequency of the unidentified Jovian absorber recently announced by Houck et al. Polymeric octatomic sulfur may be an important constituent of the Jovian clouds.
Mutating a critical lysine in ShK toxin alters its binding configuration in the pore - Vestibule region of the voltage-gated potassium channel, Kv1.3

The voltage-gated potassium channel in T lymphocytes, Kv1.3, an important target for immunosuppressants, is blocked by picomolar concentrations of the polypeptide ShK toxin and its analogue ShK-Dap22. ShK-Dap22 shows increased selectivity for Kv1.3, and our goal was to determine the molecular basis for this selectivity by probing the interactions of ShK and ShK-Dap22 with the pore and vestibule of Kv1.3. The free energies of interactions between toxin and channel residues were measured using mutant cycle analyses. These data, interpreted as approximate distance restraints, guided molecular dynamics simulations in which the toxins were docked with a model of Kv1.3 based on the crystal structure of the bacterial K+-channel KcsA. Despite the similar tertiary structures of the two ligands, the mutant cycle data imply that they make different contacts with Kv1.3, and they can be docked with the channel in configurations that are consistent with the mutant cycle data for each toxin but quite distinct from one a...
Polymeric integrated AC follower circuit with a JFET as an active device

Abstract In this paper, successfully combining UV lithography and ink-jet printing techniques, we have fabricated a polymer-based AC follower circuit, including a polymer junction field-effect transistor (JFET) as the active device, and an ink-jet printed conductive polymer resistor. The polymer JFET, using poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDT/PSS) as the channel and poly (2,5-hexyloxy p-phenylene cyanovinylene) (CNPPV) as the gate, was fabricated by the conventional ultraviolet (UV) lithography techniques. As measured, the JFET’s pinch-off voltage reaches 1 V that is in the applicable range, and the current is 13.8 μA at zero gate bias. By integrating the JFET and the polymer resistor, we tracked the frequency response of the follower circuit, and the circuit shows good frequency following features when the frequencies are higher than 10 kHz. Furthermore, the factors influencing the performance of the circuit, including the effects of load resistors, the JFET parameters, and the fabrication techniques, are discussed.
Spectral response evaluation and computation for pushbroom imaging spectrometers

We discuss issues associated with computation and measurement of the spectral response function and spectral uniformity of pushbroom imaging spectrometers. Methods for accurate computation are presented and advantages or pitfalls of particular approaches are identified. We demonstrate the effect to which partial coherence effects can be neglected or approximated through simpler incoherent computations. The results are illustrated with spectral calibration data from a complete sensor.
Plume dispersion from the MVP field experiment. Analysis of surface concentration and its fluctuations

Abstract Surface concentration and its fluctuations from plume dispersion under unstable conditions in a coastal environment are investigated using the model validation program field experimental data. The goal of this study is to better understand plume dispersion under such conditions. Procedures are described to derive the plume surface concentration from moving vehicle measurements. Convective boundary layer scalings are applied and cumulative density functions (CDF) are studied. The results indicate that the relative concentration fluctuation intensity ( σ c / C ( y ) ) decreases with the normalized downwind distance ( X ) and that it is relatively small at the plume central line and largely increased at the plume edges, consistent with other field and laboratory results. The relation between σ c / C ( y ) at the plume centerline ( σ c / C ) and X for elevated sources can be described by σ c / C = a + b / X . The crosswind plume spread ( σ y ) is found to satisfy Deardorff and Willis's (J. Appl. Meteorol., 14 (1975) 1451) form of σ y / h = a 1 X / ( 1 + a 2 X ) 1 / 2 scaled with convective layer depth h . For elevated sources, the normalized crosswind integrated concentration ( C y ) is found to satisfy a relation of C y = 16 X - 3 / 2 , with Yaglom's (Izr. Atmos. Oceanic Phys., 8 (1972) 333) scaling rule on the free convective layer being applied. Empirical CDFs based on the gamma and the clipped probability density functions show agreements with the experimental CDFs, with the former being better than the latter when ( c - C ) / σ c > 0.5 . A new clipped-gamma CDF form is proposed based on the analysis of the present data, showing a better agreement. We suggest that a parameter u 0 * ( 12 - 0.5 h / L ) 1 / 3 , with combined efforts of surface friction velocity ( u 0 * ), Monin–Obukhov stability length ( L ) and unstable boundary layer height ( h ), replace the convective velocity scale ( w * ) under weak convective conditions in a coastal environment.
Packing boxes with harmonic bricks

Abstract Given a box of integral dimensions and a supply of bricks all having the same integral dimensions, what is the largest number of bricks that can be packed in the box with the sides of the bricks parallel to the sides of the box? In this general form the question is very difficult. We can think of the box as being made up of unit cells and say that a set R of cells is a representing set for a brick of given dimensions provided every brick that can be placed in the box, sides parallel to the box, contains at least one of the cells in R. The maximum number of bricks that can be placed in the box is then less than or equal to the minimum cardinality of a representing set. In general, there is not equality. In the case of two dimensions and a harmonic brick, we prove there is equality always and exhibit a best packing. For three-dimensional boxes and a harmonic brick, there need not be equality. We derive several results which are of the nature that if certain inequalities relating the dimensions of the box and the brick are satisfied, then equality occurs. Our results are strong enough to imply, for example, that if the smallest face of the brick packs each face of the box perfectly, then there is equality. For a 1 × 2 × 4 brick, there is always equality if one of the dimensions of the box is even.
Necking of pressurized spherical membranes

Abstract T he necking of spherical membranes subject to a prescribed increase in enclosed volume is investigated. Attention is restricted to axisymmetric deformations. The materials considered are incompressible, isotropic, time-independent and incrementally linear. A complete set of axisymmetric bifurcation modes is considered and a simple relation is found to govern the critical stress for bifurcation into a given mode. The limiting critical stress and the corresponding mode for short wavelengths are investigated and related to the results obtained from an independent local-necking analysis. Two perturbation methods are employed to study the growth of initial imperfections: one is valid for arbitrary modes, but restricted to small deviations from sphericity, and the other is valid only for the local-necking mode, but is not restricted to small deviations. The effect of path-dependent material behavior on the onset of local necking is explored. Path-dependent material behavior is found to encourage the preferential growth of short wavelength imperfections. Path-independent materials are shown to exhibit significant sensitivity to initial imperfections in the localized-necking mode, although this sensitivity is far less than for a path-dependent material. When account is taken of initial material-property inhomogeneities as well as initial thickness imperfections, it seems that no definite conclusion can be drawn concerning the appropriateness or inappropriateness of an explanation of the onset of localized necking based on a smooth yield-surface plasticity theory and assuming the presence of such initial inhomogeneities.
Central anomaly magnetization high: constraints on the volcanic construction and architecture of seismic layer 2A at a fast-spreading mid-ocean ridge, the EPR at 9°30′–50′N

Abstract The central anomaly magnetization high (CAMH) is a zone of high crustal magnetization centered on the axis of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) and many other segments of the global mid-ocean ridge (MOR). The CAMH is thought to reflect the presence of recently emplaced and highly magnetic lavas. Forward models show that the complicated character of the near-bottom CAMH can be successfully reproduced by the convolution of a lava deposition distribution with a lava magnetization function that describes the variation in lava magnetization intensity with age. This lava magnetization function is the product of geomagnetic paleofield intensity, which has increased by a factor of 2 over the last 40 kyr, and low-temperature alteration which decreases the remanence of lava with exposure to seawater. The success of the forward modeling justifies the inverse approach: deconvolution of the magnetic data for lava distribution and integration of that distribution for magnetic layer thickness. This approach is tested on two near-bottom magnetic profiles AL2767 and AL2771, collected using Alvin across the EPR axis at 9°31′N and 9°50′N. Our analysis of these data produces an estimate of the relative thickness of the magnetic lava layer which is remarkably consistent with existing multichannel estimates of layer 2A thickness from lines CDP31 and CDP27. The similarity between magnetic layer and seismic layer 2A at the 9°–10°N segment of the EPR crest provides independent support to the notion that seismic layer 2A in young oceanic crust represents the highly magnetic lava layer, and that the velocity gradient at the base of layer 2A is related to the increasing number of higher-velocity dikes with depth in the lava–dike transition zone. The near-bottom magnetic anomaly character of the CAMH is a powerful indicator of the emplacement history of upper crust at MORs which allows prediction of the relative thickness and architecture of the extrusive lavas independent of other constraints.
Solution Photophysics, One-Electron Photooxidation, and Photoinitiated Two-Electron Oxidation of Molybdenum(III) Complexes.

Several six-coordinate Mo(III) complexes phosphoresce and undergo photooxidation in room-temperature solution. The phosphorescence of (Me(3)[9]aneN(3))MoX(3) (Me(3)[9]aneN(3) = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) in CH(3)CN at room temperature occurs with the following maxima, lifetimes, and quantum yields: X = Cl, 1120 nm, 1.0 ms, and 6.1 x 10(-)(5); X = Br, 1130 nm, 0.80 ms, and 9.6 x 10(-)(5); and X = I, 1160 nm, 0.40 ms, and 1.2 x 10(-)(4), respectively. The phosphorescences are assigned to the {(2)E(g), (2)T(1g)} --> (4)A(2g) transition. Solutions of HB(Me(2)pz)(3)Mo(III)Cl(3)(-) Me(2)pzH = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole) in CH(3)CN, and solid MoCl(3)(py)(3) and (Me(3)[9]aneN(3))WCl(3), also phosphoresce. (Me(3)[9]aneN(3))MoX(3) (X = Cl, Br, I) complexes undergo reversible one-electron photooxidation upon irradiation in the presence of acceptors such as TCNE and chloranil. (Me(3)[9]aneN(3))MoX(3) (X = Br, I only) are photooxidized irreversibly to [(Me(3)[9]aneN(3))Mo(IV)X(3)](+) by C(NO(2))(4) in CH(3)CN. In CH(3)CN-H(2)O (1:1 v/v), photoinitiated two-electron oxidation occurs: the primary photoproduct is Mo(IV), which disproportionates spontaneously to form [(Me(3)[9]aneN(3))Mo(V)OX(2)](+).
Inhibition of macrophage aggregation in vitro by actinomycin D and puromycin.

Abstract Aggregation of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) from Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-immunized guinea pigs in the presence of purified protein derivative was completely inhibited when actinomycin D or puromycin was added at the beginning of incubation. The addition of actinomycin D 5 hr after incubation of sensitive PEC with specific antigen no longer inhibited aggregation. When puromycin was added 1 hr before aggregation occurred, the reaction was inhibited. Moreover, the addition of puromycin to cells which had aggregated caused the disappearance of aggregates within 24 hr. The production of macrophage aggregation factor (MAF) by sensitive lymphoid cells appears to require DNA-dependent RNA and protein synthesis. In addition, aggregation of nonsensitive PEC in the presence of active MAF was completely inhibited when actinomycin D was added in the first hour or puromycin was added during the second hour of incubation. These observations suggest that protein metabolism of macrophages must remain intact in order for aggregation to occur in the presence of MAF.
Comparison of skin staples with sutures for anastomosis of the small intestine in dogs.

Objectives— To develop a technique for approximation of end-to-end intestinal anastomoses by using a disposable skin stapler and to compare the stapling technique with an interrupted hand-sewn approximating end-to-end anastomosis of the canine jejunum. Study Design— In vitro evaluation of the stapling technique, followed by an in vivo study of healing and clinical response in dogs. Animal Population— 18 mixed-breed adult dogs. Methods— The anastomotic technique was developed and tested in fresh canine jejunum. Fourteen stapled approximating anastomoses (SAA) and 14 hand-sewn approximating anastomoses (HAA) were performed in 6 cadavers under simulated surgical conditions. Anastomotic construction times, initial bursting strengths, initial lumen diameters, and gross appearance of the 2 techniques were compared. Healing and clinical response were evaluated in 12 purpose-bred dogs assigned to 2 groups of 6 animals each. Each dog had 1 SAA and 1 HAA performed in the jejunum, 50 cm apart. Six dogs were killed on postoperative day 4, and 6 dogs were killed on postoperative day 21. Anastomotic construction time, gross and histological healing, bursting strength, lumen diameter, and circumference were compared between techniques. Results— Mean construction time for SAA was significantly faster than for HAA (P= .0001). None of the anastomoses leaked, and there were no major clinical complications in any dog. Bursting strengths were not significantly different at any time for the 2 techniques. Initial bursting strength was 31% to 35% of the normal jejunum. A nonsignificant decrease in bursting strength was observed by postoperative day 4 (26% to 28% of normal), and a significant increase in bursting strength was observed by postoperative day 21 (100% to109% of normal). Neither technique decreased the initial lumen diameter. However, both techniques resulted in a similar degree of luminal stenosis as the anastomoses healed. Anastomotic lumen diameter was significantly decreased from normal in both groups at day 4 (86% to 88% of normal) and day 21 (90% to 91% of normal). There was no significant difference between the circumference of the anastomoses and normal jejunum at any time. Histological analysis showed similar healing for the hand-sewn and stapled techniques at 4 and 21 days after surgery. For both surgical techniques, day 21 anastomoses had significantly less inflammation and necrosis, significantly more fibrosis, and significantly better continuity of histological layers when compared with day 4 anastomoses. Conclusion— Approximating end-to-end intestinal anastomosis with a skin stapler is equivalent in bursting strength, lumen diameter, lumen circumference, and healing characteristics to the traditional hand-sewn technique, but it can be performed in significantly less time. Clinical Relevance— Skin stapling devices can be used to create technically simple, rapid, and safe end-to-end anastomoses in canine jejunum.
Purification and characterization of beef pancreatic asparagine synthetase

Abstract Bovine pancreatic asparagine synthetase has been partially purified using ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE ion-exchange, Cibacron Blue affinity chromatography, and HPLC anion-exchange chromatography to a specific activity of 170 nmol asparagine produced min −1 mg protein −1 , or 1400-fold, from a crude homogenate. Using HPLC size exclusion chromatography, an apparent molecular weight of 110,000–120,000 was determined. An aspartyl-adenylate intermediate was found to occur by demonstrating an 18 O transfer from [ 18 O]Asp to AMP that was detected with 31 P NMR. A number of divalent metals were found to be able to replace magnesium with retention of activity, but none produced as high an activity as Mg 2+ , and the stoichiometry of the ATP Mg 2+ ratio was found to be 1. The chloride ion was found to stimulate the glutamine-dependent and glutaminase reactions, but the ammonia-dependent reaction was inhibited. Chloride appeared to be a competitive inhibitor with respect to ammonia and produced negative cooperativity.
LEARNING BY TEACHING: A NEW AGENT PARADIGM FOR EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE

ABSTRACT This paper discusses Betty's Brain, a teachable agent in the domain of river ecosystems that combines learning by teaching with self-regulation mentoring to promote deep learning and understanding. Two studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this system. The first study focused on components that define student-teacher interactions in the learning by teaching task. The second study examined the value of adding meta-cognitive strategies that governed Betty's behavior and self-regulation hints provided by a mentor agent. The study compared three versions: a system where the student was tutored by a pedagogical agent, a learning by teaching system, where students taught a baseline version of Betty, and received tutoring help from the mentor, and a learning by teaching system, where Betty was enhanced to include self-regulation strategies, and the mentor provided help on domain material on how to become better learners and better teachers. Results indicate that the addition of the self-regulated Bet...
Global parametric sufficient optimality conditions for discrete minmax fractional programming problems containing generalized (θ, η, ρ)-V-invex functions and arbitrary norms

The purpose of this paper is to develop a fairly large number of sets of global parametric sufficient optimality conditions under various generalized(θ, η, ρ)-V-invexity assumptions for a discrete minmax fractional programming problem involving arbitrary norms.
Network security via private-key certificates

We present some practical security protocols that use private-key encryption in the public-key style. Our system combines a new notion of private-key certificates, a simple key-translation protocol, and key-distribution. These certificates can be administered and used much as public-key certificates are, so that users can communicate securely while sharing neither an encryption key nor a network connection.
Chemoprevention in Barrett's oesophagus

Increasing incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma along with poor survival entails novel preventive strategies. Agents that target pro-oncogenic pathways in Barrett's mucosa could halt this neoplastic transformation. In this review, we will use epidemiological associations and molecular mechanisms to identify novel chemoprevention targets in Barrett's oesophagus. We will also discuss recent chemoprevention trials.
Probability of radiation-induced complications for normal tissues with parallel architecture subject to non-uniform irradiation

A biologically based model is developed to predict radiation-induced normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) in inhomogeneously irradiated organs such as the lung or the kidney. The organ is assumed to be composed of independent functional subunits (FSUs) organized with a parallel architecture and it is assumed that the complication is produced only if a sufficiently large number of FSUs (the "functional reserve") are destroyed. A general expression for NTCP is derived, as well as simple expressions for the mean and standard deviation of the radiation damage to the FSUs. It is demonstrated that these results for inhomogeneous irradiation reproduce those of the serial and tumor control models when the functional reserve consists of one or all of the FSUs, respectively. When the number of FSUs is large, the dose response for organs with identical characteristics is very steep. Since clinical dose-response curves may arise from populations with varying functional reserves and radiosensitivities, we derive expressions for the NTCP for inhomogeneously irradiated organs that incorporate such variations.
Association of PAHs, PCBs, 137Cs, and 210Pb with clay, silt, and organic carbon in sediments

The association of PAHs, PCBs, 137 Cs, and 210 Pb with various components of sediments, i.e., clay, silt, and organic carbon is determined. The work is based on the data from 6 deep (2-3 m) vibra cores collected from a stretch of the Kinnickinnic River running through Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Priority organics were determined by extraction, clean-up, and gas chromatography with either a mass selective (PAHs) or an electron capture (PCBs) detector. Loss on ignition, porosity, and radionuclide analyses were carried out by standard techniques, and the association of the variables was investigated by principal component analysis. The results indicate that PAHs are associated with organic carbon, porosity and silt. Both 137 Cs and PCBs are associated with clay but not with organic carbon. 210 Pb is mainly associated with the organic fraction, but covaries also to some extent with clay.
A numerical approach to the Behrens-Fisher problem

Abstract The test of the hypothesis of equal means of two normal populations without assumption on the variances is usually referred to as the Behrens–Fisher Problem . Exact similar tests are known not to exist. However, excellent approximately similar “solutions” are readily available. Of these available tests and corresponding critical regions, those due to Welch, Aspin, and Trickett in the 1940s and 1950s come closest to achieving similarity. This article examines numerically the Welch–Aspin asymptotic series and the related Trickett–Welch integral equation formulations of this problem. Through examples, we illustrate that well-behaved tests can deviate from similarity by an almost incredibly small amount. Despite this, with much more extensive computation than was feasible a half-century ago, we can see irregularities which could be an empirical reflection of the known nonexistance of exact solutions.
Transfer as a function of shifts in task difficulty in verbal discrimination learning

This study investigated the relationship between transfer of training and shift in task difficulty for verbal discrimination learning. Also, it attempted to determine whether there are any differences in the tendency to make persistent errors in the two transfer conditions. Task difficulty was manipulated by varying the number of word alternatives, with either two words (easy task) or four words (hard task) in each word presentation set. Two lists, each with 26 sets of words, were presented for five trials. Each word set was shown for 1 sec, followed by 3 sec for response and 1 sec for feedback. A positive transfer effect in the hard-easy shift and a tendency toward negative transfer in the easy-hard shift were found.
Genetic and Anatomic Determinants of Enzootic Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Infection of Culex (Melanoconion) taeniopus

Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is a re-emerging, mosquito-borne viral disease with the potential to cause fatal encephalitis in both humans and equids. Recently, detection of endemic VEE caused by enzootic strains has escalated in Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador, emphasizing the importance of understanding the enzootic transmission cycle of the etiologic agent, VEE virus (VEEV). The majority of work examining the viral determinants of vector infection has been performed in the epizootic mosquito vector, Aedes (Ochlerotatus) taeniorhynchus. Based on the fundamental differences between the epizootic and enzootic cycles, we hypothesized that the virus-vector interaction of the enzootic cycle is fundamentally different from that of the epizootic model. We therefore examined the determinants for VEEV IE infection in the enzootic vector, Culex (Melanoconion) taeniopus, and determined the number and susceptibility of midgut epithelial cells initially infected and their distribution compared to the epizootic virus-vector interaction. Using chimeric viruses, we demonstrated that the determinants of infection for the enzootic vector are different than those observed for the epizootic vector. Similarly, we showed that, unlike A. taeniorhynchus infection with subtype IC VEEV, C. taeniopus does not have a limited subpopulation of midgut cells susceptible to subtype IE VEEV. These findings support the hypothesis that the enzootic VEEV relationship with C. taeniopus differs from the epizootic virus-vector interaction in that the determinants appear to be found in both the nonstructural and structural regions, and initial midgut infection is not limited to a small population of susceptible cells.
Distribution of nerve fibers in the basilar papilla of normal and sound‐damaged chick cochleae

Epifluorescent light microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were employed to visualize the distribution of nerve fibers in whole-mount preparations of normal and sound-damaged chick basilar papillae (BP). In normal cochleae, we identified a consistent pattern of nerve processes that ran transversely across the BP. The transverse processes increase in number from the proximal to the distal ends of the epithelium. However, when the processes are separated into populations of thin fibers and thick bundles, the thin fibers are more prevalent in distal regions whereas thick bundles are more extensive in proximal regions. Furthermore, the thick bundles form an elaborate longitudinal network in the border cell and hyaline cell region. Based on these data and on other previous studies, the thin fibers appear to be afferent nerves and the thick bundles represent efferent nerves. When birds are exposed to acoustic trauma, the normal pattern and number of nerve processes is not altered by levels of sound that produce moderate levels of damage, i.e., damage that leads to hair cell loss and regeneration. However, the nerve pattern is disrupted by severe levels of damage that destroy both hair cells and supporting cells. These findings indicate that the level of sound exposure that induces hair cell regeneration may damage the synaptic endings associated with the lost hair cells, but that the nerve processes that give rise to these endings remain intact within the sensory epithelium. In contrast, severe damage destroys both the hair cells and their associated nerve fibers. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Duration of subsegments within the intervocalic interval in stutterers and nonstutterers

Abstract Intervocalic intervals (IVI) from the contextual fluent speech of 14 stutterers and controls were examined at one-quarter speed on simultaneously prepared spectrograms and intensity x time displays. Seven subsegments within the IVI were identified and their durations compared between the two groups. Stutterers were slower than controls in transitional subsegments, corresponding to movements of the tongue and larynx, but not in steady-state subsegments. The results are interpreted as suggesting that stutterers are not able to move their laryngeal and supralaryngeal structures as quickly as nonstutterers.
Genomic loci with pleiotropic effects on coronary artery calcification

We measured 381 genomewide markers and performed genetic linkage analyses in search of loci influencing coronary artery calcification (CAC), a measure of atherosclerosis determined by electron beam computed tomography, in 948 non-Hispanic white siblings (mean age [+/-standard deviation] = 59.6 +/- 9.9 years; 73.7% hypertensive). Measured risk factors for atherosclerosis included body mass index, pulse pressure, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. After adjustment for sex and age, the logarithm transformed measure of CAC was heritable (0.40 +/- 0.08, P or= 1.30, on chromosomes 1p, 4p, 5q, 7p, 13q, and 14q. Bivariate linkage analyses of CAC with each risk factor provided evidence of two regions with pleiotropic effects on CAC and HDL-cholesterol on chromosomes 4p16 (MLS=3.03, P = 0.00084) and 9q12 (MLS = 3.21, P = 0.00056), and of a region with pleiotropic effects on CAC and body mass index on chromosome 17p11 (MLS = 3.04, P = 0.00082). Inasmuch as the chromosome 9 and 17 regions were not detected in the univariate linkage analysis for CAC, multivariate linkage analyses of CAC and genetically correlated risk factors may help localize genes for coronary atherosclerosis.
A direct renormalization group study of loops in polymers

Abstract A direct position space renormalization group approach is developed and used to study the effects of loops on the universal properties of models of ring polymers, linear polymers, branched polymers and gels. It is found that the presence or absence of loops does not change the critical exponents and other universal properties of the models studies.
Overcoming Limitations of Laguerre-FDTD for Fast Time-domain EM Simulation

Laguerre-FDTD is an unconditionally stable finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) scheme that uses Laguerre polynomials for transient simulation. Laguerre-FDTD has been shown to be significantly faster than conventional FDTD scheme. However, prior work on Laguerre-FDTD for EM simulation has the limitation of being able to simulate only for a certain time-duration and can only be applied to structures where fields decay to zero within a certain time-duration. In this paper, a solution has been proposed to overcome these limitations, so that transient EM simulation can be done accurately for all time and for all types of structures. An EM test-case in 2D has been presented to illustrate the extended Laguerre-FDTD method.
Moving heaven and earth: distances between distributions

This column comes in two parts. In the first, I discuss various ways of defining distances between distributions. In the second, Jeff Erickson (chair of the SoCG steering committee) discusses some matters related to the relationship between ACM and the Symposium on Computational Geometry.
The relationship between abortion in the first pregnancy and development of pregnancy-induced hypertension in the subsequent pregnancy

The relation between pregnancy-induced hypertension and reproductive history was assessed in 29,484 women receiving obstetric care at Parkland Memorial Hospital. The incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension was 25.4% in primigravid women, somewhat lower (22.3%) in women whose only previous pregnancy terminated in abortion, and much lower (10%) in women who carried two or more successive pregnancies to viability.
Carbon nanotube complementary logic based on Erbium contacts and self-assembled high purity solution tubes

Complementary logic gates based on chemically assisted directed assembly of solution carbon nanotubes with a high semiconducting purity (~91%) are demonstrated. Air stable, high quality carbon nanotube NFETs have been fabricated with low work function Erbium contacts, enabling an inverter gain of > 7 from transistors with 50 nm channel lengths. The substantial device yields of both NFET (~31%) and PFET (~44%) on the same chip allow us to construct and test a large number of CNT complementary logic gates for the first time. > 11% inverter yield from over 400 circuits tested along with fully functional NAND2 gates show promise of our fabrication scheme. This study points out several key directions for further yield enhancement, in which increasing the successful rate of CNT deposition into the trench plays a major role.
Orientational Kerr Effect For Millimeter-Wave Applications

We examine the saturation and time response properties of an orientational Kerr medium in arbitrarily strong electromagnetic fields. For the static response, an expression for the field-induced birefringence as a function of pump intensity is obtained in closed form. The dynamic response is obtained from a nonperturbative solution to the Planck-Nernst equation for the orientation density. For comparison with experiment, we examine recent phase shift measurements of the static birefringence and time response properties of a graphite rod suspension as functions of millimeter-wave intensity and show excellent agreement with theory. The predicted response to an electromagnetic grating is also obtained. For this case, we find an optimum field strength for spatial modulation of the birefringence, beyond which bleaching of the orientation grating occurs. Potential applications to four-wave mixing and optical bistability at millimeter wavelengths are discussed.
Handedness, Sex, Familial Sinistrality Effects on Spatial Tasks

Left-handed (N = 109) and right-handed (N = 115) undergraduates (99 males, 125 females) received the SIBT (a "mental rotation" test), the 3DD (3-dimensional drawing test), and a family sinistrality (FS) questionnaire. Left-handers were further separated into consistent left-handed (CLH) and inconsistent left-handed (ILH) subgroups, based on consistency of hand preference. On the spatial tests, males outperformed females, with no overall handedness effects. Also, for males, CLH's (but not ILH's) performed significantly worse than right-handers on the SIBT, but this difference was not found on the 3DD. For females, no handedness subgroup differences were found on either spatial tasks. Familial sinistrality was twice as common in left-handers as in right-handers. Among males, the incidence of FS+ in the CLH subgroup also was over twice that for ILH's. Thus, where left-handers report a greater incidence of FS+, and are inferior to right-handers in mental rotation skill, it is CLH's (particularly males) who contribute mostly to these effects. The results suggest that previous discrepant findings reported in studies of the cognitive correlates of left-handedness may be due in part to the mixing of two distinct left-handed subgroups. An understanding of the differences between them may be crucial for better understanding the genetic and neurobiological mechanisms underlying handedness.
Constituent quarks and total cross sections at LHC/SSC

Abstract A constituent quark model is shown to describe the phenomenology of σtot and the elastic dσ/dt at high energy in a natural way. Multiple scattering is found to be important. The model is used to predict σtot and the forward elastic slope B at energies of the LHC and SSC colliders. The predicted σtot is smaller than in most other models. Cross sections for single-diffractive scattering are also predicted.
Approximating Data in $$\mathfrak{R}^{n}$$ by a Quadratic Underestimator with Specified Hessian Minimum and Maximum Eigenvalues

The problem of approximating m data points (x i , y i ) in $$\mathfrak{R}^{n+1}$$ , with a quadratic function q(x, p) with s parameters, m ? s, is considered. The parameter vector $$p\in \mathfrak{R}^s$$ is to be determined so as to satisfy three conditions: (1) q(x, p) must underestimate all m data points, i.e. q(x i , p) ? y i , i=1,...,m. (2) The error of the approximation is to be minimized in the L1 norm. (3) The eigenvalues of H are to satisfy specified lower and upper bounds, where H is the Hessian of q(x, p) with respect to x. This is called the Quadratic Underestimator with Bounds on Eigenvalues (QUBE) problem. An algorithm for its solution (QUBE algorithm) is given and justified, and computational results presented. The QUBE algorithm has application to finding the global minimum of a basin (or funnel) shaped function with a large number of local minima. Such problems arise in computational biology where it is desired to find the global minimum of an energy surface, in order to predict native protein-ligand docking geometry (drug design) or protein structure. Computational results for a simulated docking energy surface, with n=15, are presented. It is shown that specifying a small condition number for H improves the ability of the underestimator to correctly predict the global minimum point.
COX-2 expression and function in the hyperalgesic response to paw inflammation in mice

Peripheral inflammation and edema are often accompanied by primary and secondary hyperalgesia which are mediated by both peripheral and central mechanisms. The role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated prostanoid production in hyperalgesia is a topic of substantial current interest. We have established a murine foot-pad inflammation model in which both pharmacologic and genetic tools can be used to characterize the role of COX-2 in hyperalgesia. Zymosan, an extract from yeast, injected into the plantar surface of the hindpaw induces an edema response and an increase in COX-2 expression in the hindpaw, spinal cord and brain. Zymosan-induced primary hyperalgesia, measured as a decrease in hindpaw withdrawal latency in response to a thermal stimulus, is long-lasting and is not inhibited by pre-treatment with the systemic COX-2 selective inhibitor, parecoxib (20 mg/kg). In contrast, the central component of hyperalgesia, measured as a reduction in tail flick latency in response to heat, is reduced by parecoxib. Zymosan-induced primary hyperalgesia in Cox-2-/- mice is similar to that of their Cox-2+/+ littermate controls. However, the central component of hyperalgesia is substantially reduced in Cox-2-/- versus Cox-2+/+ mice, and returns to baseline values much more rapidly. Thus pharmacological data suggest, and genetic experiments confirm, (i) that primary hyperalgesia in response to zymosan inflammation in the mouse paw is not mediated by COX-2 function and (ii) that COX-2 function plays a major role in the central component of hyperalgesia in this model of inflammation.
Nup98 regulates bipolar spindle assembly through association with microtubules and opposition of MCAK

During mitosis, the nuclear pore complex is disassembled and, increasingly, nu - cleoporins are proving to have mitotic functions when released from the pore. We find a contribution of the nucleoporin Nup98 to mitotic spindle assembly through regulation of microtubule dynamics. When added to Xenopus extract spindle assembly assays, the C-ter - minal domain of Nup98 stimulates uncontrolled growth of microtubules. Conversely, inhibi - tion or depletion of Nup98 leads to formation of stable monopolar spindles. Spindle bipolar - ity is restored by addition of purified, recombinant Nup98 C-terminus. The minimal required region of Nup98 corresponds to a portion of the C-terminal domain lacking a previously characterized function. We show association between this region of the C-terminus of Nup98 and both Taxol-stabilized microtubules and the microtubule-depolymerizing mitotic centrom - ere-associated kinesin (MCAK). Importantly, we demonstrate that this domain of Nup98 in - hibits MCAK depolymerization activity in vitro. These data support a model in which Nup98 interacts with microtubules and antagonizes MCAK activity, thus promoting bipolar spindle assembly.
A new implementation of high-throughput five-dimensional clone pooling strategy for BAC library screening

Background A five-dimensional (5-D) clone pooling strategy for screening of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones with molecular markers utilizing highly-parallel Illumina GoldenGate assays and PCR facilitates high-throughput BAC clone and BAC contig anchoring on a genetic map. However, this strategy occasionally needs manual PCR to deconvolute pools and identify truly positive clones.
On the relationship between the thermal structure of the stratosphere and the seasonal distribution of ozone

An attempt is made to put the phenomenon of Antarctic ozone hole in a global perspective by pointing out that there is a much larger and more persistent "hole" over the tropics. The thermal structure of the Antarctic lower stratosphere in winter is more similar to the tropical lower stratosphere than the Arctic lower stratosphere in winter. The dynamical transport that is responsible for creating the two column ozone minima has similar relationship to the thermal structure in the lower stratosphere in the two regions.
Reconfigurable micro-assembly system for photonics applications

The assembly of parts with dimensions several hundred microns or less is a challenging problem, and has received increasing attention for applications in areas such as telecommunication, automotive, and biotechnology. Current state of the art micro-assembly systems are often specialized devices and software. In this paper we present a reconflgurable assembly system designed to handle micro-parts in such a way that high precision actuation and sensing is used only in the subsystems where it is actually necessary. Aspects related to part gripping, fucturing, sensing, motion and bonding are discussed. Analysis and experiments are presented to show that this architecture can lead to a relatively low cost and flexible assembly solution.
Visualization by Immune Electron Microscopy of a 27-nm Particle Associated with Acute Infectious Nonbacterial Gastroenteritis

A 27-nm particle was observed by immune electron microscopy in an infectious stool filtrate derived from an outbreak in Norwalk, Ohio, of acute infectious nonbacterial gastroenteritis. Both experimentally and naturally infected individuals developed serological evidence of infection; this along with other evidence suggested that the particle was the etiological agent of Norwalk gastroenteritis.
Induction of Hepatic CYP3A Enzymes by Pregnancy-Related Hormones: Studies in Human Hepatocytes and Hepatic Cell Lines

CYP3A activity is induced by approximately 2-fold during the third trimester of human pregnancy. Placental growth hormone (PGH), estrogens (primarily 17β-estradiol), cortisol, and progesterone have the potential to modulate CYP3A activity. Therefore, we determined whether the elevated plasma concentrations of these hormones during pregnancy induce hepatic CYP3A expression. We incubated sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes (SCHH) from premenopausal female donors (n = 2) with the physiologic (unbound, 1× total) and the 10× total third trimester hormone plasma concentrations (individually and in combination) and determined their effect on CYP3A activity and the transcripts of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and the respective hormone receptors (growth hormone receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, and estrogen receptor alpha). Of all the hormones, cortisol was the most potent inducer of CYP3A activity and CYP3A4, CYP3A5 mRNA expression. The combination of PGH/growth hormone and cortisol induced CYP3A activity and expression significantly more than did cortisol alone. When incubated with the unbound or total plasma concentration of all the hormones, CYP3A activity in SCHH was induced to an extent comparable to that observed in vivo during the third trimester. These hormones had only a modest effect on the mRNA expression of the hormone receptors. The pattern of induction observed in SCHH was reproduced in HepaRG cells but not in HuH7/HepG2 cells. SCHH or HepaRG cells could be used to determine the mechanistic basis of CYP3A induction during pregnancy and to predict the magnitude of induction likely to be observed during the first and second trimesters, when phenotyping studies to measure in vivo CYP3A activity are logistically difficult to perform.
Randomized prospective trial of a novel local anesthetic technique for extensive prostate biopsy.

Abstract Objectives To determine the effectiveness of a novel technique of administering local anesthesia for extensive prostate biopsy. Little reported experience with local anesthesia for extensive prostate biopsy methods is available. Methods A prospective, randomized study was performed on 50 men undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy using the five-region technique. Patients were randomized into one of two groups. One group received 22 mL of a 1% lidocaine solution injected into the neurovascular bundles, the genitourinary diaphragm, and between the rectal wall and prostate. The second group received 10 mL of 2% intrarectal lidocaine jelly. A median of 12 biopsy cores was obtained from each patient. The patients were then asked by a urology nurse unaware of the anesthesia method to grade the discomfort using a 10-point linear visual analog pain scale. Results Twenty-three men received anesthesia with lidocaine jelly, and 27 received anesthesia with lidocaine infiltration. The mean pain scores were significantly different statistically between the lidocaine jelly and lidocaine infiltration groups with respect to overall pain (4.2 versus 0.5) and pain during the biopsy portion of the procedure (4.2 versus 0.5). Conclusions Extensive biopsy techniques may be comfortably performed by the urologist in an office setting using local anesthesia. The administration of 22 mL of a 1% lidocaine solution, injected at the prostatic pedicles, the genitourinary diaphragm, and the space between the prostate and rectum, allows the patient to comfortably undergo an extensive biopsy protocol in an office setting.
Response of the Western Spruce Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to Temperature and Humidity: Developmental Rates and Survivorship

Developmental rates of embryos, larvae, and pupae of the western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis , were determined over temperatures ranging from 10 to 31°C and RHs ranging from 10 to 100%. Humidity had a trivial influence on developmental rates of all these life stages, whereas temperature had major effects. Several nonlinear developmental rate models and a cubic polynomial model were fit to the data, all of which adequately described the data for each life stage. Development was minimal below 10°C for all stages, and maximum rates occurred from 26 to 29°C, depending upon sex and life stage. At temperatures above 29°C, the rates decreased sharply. Low temperatures induced melanin production in over 30% of the larvae and pupae. Survival of embryos and pupae was determined over temperatures and humidities as noted above. Embryonic survivorship decreased at the temperature extremes and as the humidity decreased. Survival was highest near 22°C and 100% RH. Pupal survivorship decreased at both temperature and humidity extremes. Rates were highest near 23°C and 75% RH. Survivorship of diapausing larvae decreased at the humidity extremes (10 and 100% RH) and decreased with the length of time in diapause (7 versus 9 months).