cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of the Neurospora crassa mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (CYT-18 protein) with the group I intron P4-P6 domain. Thermodynamic analysis and the role of metal ions.

Abstract The Neurospora crassa mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (CYT-18 protein) functions in splicing group I introns by promoting the formation of the catalytically active structure of the intron’s catalytic core. Previous studies suggested a model in which the protein binds first to the intron’s P4-P6 domain, and then makes additional contacts with the P3-P9 domain to stabilize the two domains in the correct relative orientation to form the intron’s active site. Here, we analyzed the interaction of CYT-18 with a small RNA (P4-P6 RNA) corresponding to the isolated P4-P6 domain of the N. crassa mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA intron. RNA footprinting and modification-interference experiments showed that CYT-18 binds to this small RNA around the junction of the P4-P6 stacked helices on the side opposite the active-site cleft, as it does to the P4-P6 domain in the intact intron. The binding is inhibited by chemical modifications that disrupt base-pairing in P4, P6, and P6a, indicating that a partially folded structure of the P4-P6 domain is required. The temperature-dependence of binding indicates that the interaction is driven by a favorable enthalpy change, but is accompanied by an unfavorable entropy change. The latter may reflect entropically unfavorable conformational changes or decreased conformational flexibility in the complex. CYT-18 binding is inhibited at ⩾125 mM KCl, indicating a strong dependence on phosphodiester-backbone interactions. On the other hand, Mg 2+ is absolutely required for CYT-18 binding, with titration experiments showing ∼1.5 magnesium ions bound per complex. Metal ion-cleavage experiments identified a divalent cation-binding site near the boundary of P6 and J6/6a, and chemical modification showed that Mg 2+ binding induces RNA conformational changes in this region, as well as elsewhere, particularly in J4/5. Together, these findings suggest a model in which the binding of Mg 2+ near J6/6a and possibly at one additional location in the P4-P6 RNA induces formation of a specific phosphodiester-backbone geometry that is required for CYT-18 binding. The binding of CYT-18 may then establish the correct structure at the junction of the P4/P6 stacked helices for assembly of the P3-P9 domain. The interaction of CYT-18 with the P4-P6 domain appears similar to the TyrRS interaction with the D-/anticodon arm stacked helices of tRNA Tyr .
Responding to the Psychological Impact of War on the Iraqi People and U.S. Veterans: Mixing Icing, Praying for Cake

The psychological impact of the war in Iraq stimulated major initiatives to build a modern mental health care system for the Iraqi people and to improve mental health services for U.S. veterans of the Iraq war. Although these two initiatives differ in important respects, they are both informed by general principles of psychology concerning the nature of social problem definition, the process of human adaptation to extreme stress and its aftermath, and the role and limits of mental health services. Building on these common themes and my own experiences, I describe how two nations are trying to address the colossal psychological damage wrought by the war in Iraq.
A discrete cohesive model for fractal cracks

Abstract The fractal crack model described here incorporates the essential features of the fractal view of fracture, the basic concepts of the LEFM model, the concepts contained within the Barenblatt–Dugdale cohesive crack model and the quantized (discrete or finite) fracture mechanics assumptions proposed by Pugno and Ruoff [Pugno N, Ruoff RS. Quantized fracture mechanics. Philos Mag 2004;84(27):2829–45] and extended by Wnuk and Yavari [Wnuk MP, Yavari A. Discrete fractal fracture mechanics. Engng Fract Mech 2008;75(5):1127–42]. The well-known entities such as the stress intensity factor and the Barenblatt cohesion modulus, which is a measure of material toughness, have been re-defined to accommodate the fractal view of fracture. For very small cracks or as the degree of fractality increases, the characteristic length constant, related to the size of the cohesive zone is shown to substantially increase compared to the conventional solutions obtained from the cohesive crack model. In order to understand fracture occurring in real materials, whether brittle or ductile, it seems necessary to account for the enhancement of fracture energy, and therefore of material toughness, due to fractal and discrete nature of crack growth. These two features of any real material appear to be inherent defense mechanisms provided by Nature.
X-ray spectrometric analysis of chlorine in concrete by borate fusion

Borate fusion over a propane flame has been successfully applied to the analysis of chlorine concentration in cement. Volitization and weight loss effects have proven to be negligible.
Path integrals on symmetric spaces and group manifolds

Invariant path integrals on symmetric and group spaces are defined in terms of a sum over the paths formed by broken geodesic segments. Their evaluation proceeds by using the mean value properties of functions over the geodesic and complex radius spheres. It is shown that on symmetric spaces the invariant path integral gives a kernel of the Schrodinger equation in terms of the spectral resolution of the zonal functions of the space. On compact group spaces the invariant path integral reduces to a sum over powers of Gaussian-type integrals which, for a free particle, yields the standard Van Vleck-Pauli propagator. Explicit calculations are performed for the case ofSU(2) andU(N) group spaces.
A comparative study of alternative extreme‐value volatility estimators

Recent advances in econometric methodology and newly available sources of data are used to examine empirically the performance of the various extreme-value volatility estimators that have been proposed over the past two decades. Overwhelming support is found for the use of extreme-value estimators when computing daily volatility measures across all assets: Daily extreme-value volatility estimators are both less biased and substantially more efficient than the traditional close-to-close estimator. In the case of weekly and monthly measures, the results still suggest that extreme-value estimators are appropriate, but the evidence is more mixed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 25:873–892, 2005
Anisotropic thermal expansion in molecular solids: Theory and experiment on LiBH 4

We propose a reliable and efficient computational method for predicting elastic and thermal expansion properties in crystals, particularly complex anisotropic molecular solids, and we apply it to the room-temperature orthorhombic $Pnma$ phase of ${\mathrm{LiBH}}_{4}$. Using density-functional theory, we find thermal expansion coefficients at finite temperature, and we confirm them by temperature-dependent, in situ x-ray diffraction measurements. We also consider the effects of volume and pressure, as well as energy barriers for ${\mathrm{BH}}_{4}$${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ rotations and collective motions. Our combined study validates the theory and provides a better understanding of the structural behavior of ${\mathrm{LiBH}}_{4}$.
The Role of the Family Environment and Computer-Mediated Social Support on Breast Cancer Patients’ Coping Strategies

Despite the importance of family environment and computer-mediated social support (CMSS) for women with breast cancer, little is known about the interplay of these sources of care and assistance on patients' coping strategies. To understand this relation, the authors examined the effect of family environment as a predictor of the use of CMSS groups as well as a moderator of the relation between group participation and forms of coping. Data were collected from 111 patients in CMSS groups in the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System "Living with Breast Cancer" intervention. Results indicate that family environment plays a crucial role in (a) predicting breast cancer patient's participation in CMSS groups and (b) moderating the effects of use of CMSS groups on breast cancer patients' coping strategies such as problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping.
Effect of activity of lateral cilia on transport of amino acids in gills of Mytilus californianus

The effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on influx of 14C-glycine in isolated gills of Mytilus was studied. 5-HT was observed to induce metachronal activity of lateral cilia in in vitro preparations of gills of M. californianus and M. edulis. Active lateral cilia were capable of increasing perfusion of isolated gills of M. californianus, as demonstrated by a significant reduction in the t1/2 for washout of 14C-inulin from gills treated with 5-HT. Application of 5-HT at a concentration of 10−5 M increased influx of 1 μM 14C-glycine in isolated gills of M. californianus from control values of less than 0.1 μmoles/(g-hr) to 0.5 μmoles/(g-hr). Influx of 1μM glycine in gills from M. edulis treated with 5-HT was more than 700% of control values. 5-HT had no effect on uptake of glycine in intact, actively pumping M. californianus, indicating that 5-HT's effect on transport in isolated gills is a result of activating lateral cilia rather than a direct effect on the transport process. The Michaelis constant for influx of glycine was reduced from a control value of 44 μM to 20 μM by treatment of gills from M. californianus with 5-HT. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that in vitro preparations of mussel gill have unstirred layers that introduce a significant bias into determinations of transport kinetics. Extrapolation of results obtained with isolated gills to intact animals is dubious.
Lyme Borreliosis in the Southern United States: A Review

Lyme borreliosis (Lyme disease) is the most often reported arthropod transmitted disease in humans in the U.S.A. Although it has been reported from 43 states, cases are especially abundant in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions. Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent, is transmitted primarily by the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) in far western North America, and by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in eastern North America. Although Lyme disease cases have been reported from southern states, some researchers doubt the presence of B. burgdorferi or of human Lyme disease in the south. However, new data show that B. burgdorferi is widely distributed in the south and that strains are genetically more varied than in the north. Moreover, B. burgdorferi enzootic cycles appear to be more complex and more tick species are identified as vectors of the spirochete in the southern states.
A VM 26-based regimen for patients with previously untreated non-Hodgkin-lymphoma : prolonged disease-free survival in patients younger than 60 years of age : a phase II trial of the eastern cooperative oncology group

Background The epidophyllotoxin VM 26 has been shown to have single-agent activity in patients with diffuse aggressive lymphoma. In an attempt to determine its activity in combination with other agents known to be effective in lymphoma, a Phase II trial of a novel chemotherapy regimen was conducted. Methods Forty-two patients with Stages II, III, and IV diffuse aggressive lymphoma were treated with teniposide, doxorubicin, prednisone, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and bleomycin (PA Ten-CPOB) as part of a Phase II trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. Fifty-five percent of patients had Stage IV disease, 21% Stage III, and 24% Stage II. Results The overall complete response rate was 64%. Of the 27 patients who had complete response, 19 (70% [45% of the entire group]) are still alive without disease (median follow-up, 5.7 years). No patient had a follow-up time of less than 5 years. On examination of factors that were predictive of survival and relapse, it was found that age younger than 60 years was predictive of long-term survival, as 76% of patients younger than 60 years of age were alive without disease. Forty patients were evaluable for toxicity. There were four (10%) early deaths, and six patients (15%) had Grade 4 hematologic toxicity. Conclusions This alternating combination chemotherapy regimen (PA Ten-CPOB) results in a complete response rate comparable to what has been reported previously in the literature, but 45% of patients in this series demonstrated long-term disease-free survival. When patients younger than 60 years of age with follow-up times of at least 5 years were considered, disease-free survival was 76%.
Mycotoxins : food contamination, mechanism, carcinogenic potential and preventive measures

Mycotoxins constitute a large number of naturally occurring fungal secondary metabolites with very diversified toxic effects in humans and animals. Among many mycotoxins discovered, aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin and several others are identified as carcinogens; several others were found to be mutagenic. Nevertheless, aflatoxin B1 has been found to be one of the most potent carcinogens and contamination of aflatoxins in the food supply is still a major concern. Whereas extensive studies have been made on aflatoxins, little is known about the mode of action of other carcinogenic and mutagenic mycotoxins. Recent progress on research for the carcinogenic and mutagenic mycotoxins is presented in this review with emphasis on their contamination in foods, their carcinogenic potential to humans, and the mode of action as well as possible preventive measures.
Punishment and the Strategic Structure of Moral Systems

The problem of moral compliance is the problem of explaining how moral norms are sustained over extented stretches of time despite the existence of selfish evolutionary incentives that favor their violation. There are, broadly speaking, two kinds of solutions that have been offered to the problem of moral compliance, the reciprocity-based account and the punishment-based account. In this paper, I argue that though the reciprocity-based account has been widely endorsed by evolutionary theorists, the account is in fact deeply implausible. I provide three arguments that suggest that moral norms are sustained by punishment, not reciprocity. But in addition to solving the problem of moral compliance, the punishment-based account provides an additional important theoretical dividend. It points the way for how theorists might build an evolutionary account of a feature of human groups that has long fascinated and troubled social scientists and moral philosophers – the existence of moral diversity.
Potent CNS action of calcitonin to inhibit cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rat.

Abstract Intracisternal injection of calcitonin (0.01–5 μg) dose dependently prevented the development of duodenal ulcers induced by cysteamine in female rats. By contrast, intravenous infusion of the peptide at a dose 50 times higher than an effective intracisternal dose, had no effect. Intracisternal injection of calcitonin increased by three fold the generation of 6-keto-PGF1∝, the stable hydrolysis product of PGI2, in the duodenal mucosa. These studies demonstrated that calcitonin acts within the brain to potently suppress duodenal ulcers induced by cysteamine. The mechanisms of the antiulcer effect may involve changes in prostaglandin generation along with alterations of gastrointestinal secretion and motility associated the central injection of calcitonin. Growing evidence suggests that salmon calcitonin may act as a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Specific binding sites have been demonstrated for calcitonin in the hypothalamus, brain stem and dorsal horn of the spinal cord using homogenate and membrane preparations or in vitro autoradiography methods (1,2). The peptide injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produces a wide spectrum of biological effects including analgesia (3), hyperthermia (4), changes in pituitary hormone release (5), decrease in food and water intake (6,7), locomotor activity (7), and blood pressure (8). Numerous studies also demonstrated that calcitonin acts within the brain to markedly influence gastrointestinal secretory and motor function in rats and dogs and gastric ulceration in rats (4,9–13). In particular, intracisternal injection of salmon calcitonin was found very potent to selectively inhibit gastric ulcers elicited by stress, aspirin and central thyrotropin-releasing factor but not by necrotizing agents (12,13). In the present study, we further investigated the antiulcer effect of salmon calcitonin using the well established cysteamine experimental model to induce duodenal ulcers in rats (14,15). Part of this work has been reported in abstract form (12).
XXXIX.—Descriptions and records of bees.—XXXVIII

(1911). XXXIX.—Descriptions and records of bees.—XXXVIII. Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 8, No. 44, pp. 283-290.
Improved method for hydroxyproline analysis in tissue hydrolyzates

Abstract The modifications of the procedures of Juva and Prockop (5) and of Kivirikko, Laitinen, and Prockop (10) described here have given quite satisfactory analysis of hydroxyproline radioactivity and content from only 1.0 mg of hydrolyzed tissue protein. The increased sensitivity of the modified method permits simultaneous determinations of other cell constituents as, for example, protein and DNA content of the same monolayer culture of fibroblasts, thus allowing for more meaningful studies on the mechanism of collagen biosynthesis in the tissue culture system.
Decreased proportion of type I myofibers in skeletal muscle of dogs with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND Whether biochemical and histological abnormalities of skeletal muscle (SM) develop in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) remains controversial. In the present study, dogs with chronic HF were used to examine potential alterations of SM fiber type, fiber size, number of capillaries per fiber (C/F), beta-adrenergic receptor density (Bmax), and fiber ultrastructural integrity. METHODS AND RESULTS HF was produced in 17 dogs by sequential intracoronary microembolizations. Biopsies of the lateral head of the triceps muscle were used in all studies. Type I and type II fibers were differentiated by myofibrillar ATPase (pH 9.4 or 4.2). Bmax was assessed by radioligand binding and SM ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy. Comparisons were made with biopsies obtained from nine control dogs. The percentage of SM type I fibers was reduced in HF dogs compared with control dogs (19 +/- 2% versus 32 +/- 5%) (p < 0.001), whereas the percentage of SM type II fibers was increased (81 +/- 2% versus 68 +/- 5%) (p < 0.001). The change in fiber type composition was not associated with a preferential atrophy or hypertrophy of either fiber type. There was no difference in SM Bmax (198.9 +/- 14.3 versus 186.8 +/- 17.3 fmol/mg protein) or in C/F (5.37 +/- 0.26 versus 5.84 +/- 0.21) between HF dogs and control dogs. No ultrastructural abnormalities were present in SM fibers of HF dogs. CONCLUSIONS In dogs with HF, there is a decrease in the relative composition of the slow-twitch type I SM fibers and an increase in fast-twitch type II fibers. The shift in fiber type composition is not associated with preferential atrophy of either fiber type or with a reduction in C/F, beta-adrenergic receptor density, or structural abnormalities of the myofibers.
Effect of vergence on the gain of the linear vestibulo-ocular reflex

We measured the linear vestibulo-ocular reflex (LVOR) and vergence, using binocular search coils, in 3 humans. The subjects were accelerated sinusoidally at 0.5 Hz and 0.2 g peak acceleration, in complete darkness, while performing three different tasks: i) mental arithmetic; ii) tracking a remembered target at either 0.34 m or 0.14 m distance; and iii) maintaining vergence at either of these distances by means of audio biofeedback based on vergence. Subjects could control vergence using the audio feedback; there was greater convergence with the near audio target. However, there was no significant difference in vergence between the near and far remembered target conditions. With audio feedback, the amplitude of smooth tracking was not consistently different for the near and the far conditions. However, the amplitude of tracking (saccades and smooth component) in the remembered target conditions was greater for near than for far targets. These results suggest that linear VOR amplitude is not determined by vergence alone.
Are patterns of density dependence in the Global Population Dynamics Database driven by uncertainty about population abundance

Density dependence in population growth rates is of immense importance to ecological theory and application, but is difficult to estimate. The Global Population Dynamics Database (GPDD), one of the largest collections of population time series available, has been extensively used to study cross-taxa patterns in density dependence. A major difficulty with assessing density dependence from time series is that uncertainty in population abundance estimates can cause strong bias in both tests and estimates of strength. We analyse 627 data sets in the GPDD using Gompertz population models and account for uncertainty via the Kalman filter. Results suggest that at least 45% of the time series display density dependence, but that it is weak and difficult to detect for a large fraction. When uncertainty is ignored, magnitude of and evidence for density dependence is strong, illustrating that uncertainty in abundance estimates qualitatively changes conclusions about density dependence drawn from the GPDD.
SISCO: a supply chain simulation tool utilizing Silk/sup TM/ and XML

We discuss SISCO, the Simulator for Integrated Supply Chain Operations, a Java-based tool that simplifies supply chain simulation model development. SISCO maps supply chain descriptions stored in the XML-based Supply Chain Modeling Language (SCML) format to a set of supply chain "building blocks" developed with ThreadTec's Silk/sup TM/ simulation classes. The resulting system combines the ease of a visual supply chain simulator, the power and flexibility of a full object-oriented programming language, and the unparalleled supply chain model detail of a new, open, information standard.
Disconfirming communication and self-verification in marriage: Associations among the demand/withdraw interaction pattern, feeling understood, and marital satisfaction

This study examines the link between communication and self-verification in marriage. A theoretical model that explains the relationships among disconfirming communication, perceptions of self-confirmation, and marital satisfaction is proposed and tested. The demand/withdrawal conflict pattern in marriage is hypothesized to result in the disconfirmation of the demanding spouse’s identity (i.e., feeling misunderstood). Furthermore, the affect of the demand/withdrawal interaction pattern is predicted to be mediated by perceptions of self-confirmation. Fifty-three married couples completed questionnaires that measured the perceived quality of the marriage, the perception that they are understood (or self-verified) by their spouse, and the degree to which the demand/withdrawal pattern of communication occurs during conflicts. Results indicate that both husbands and wives feel less verified by their partner when their partner withdraws from conflict. Results also indicate that the influence of demand/withdrawa...
Overcoming “Doom and Gloom”: Empowering Students in Courses on Social Problems, Injustice, and Inequality:

In this paper, I use principles of civic education and social psychology to identify four main classroom contributors to students' pessimistic appraisals of their ability to improve social problems: authoritarian teaching methods, a culture of “doom and gloom,” little attention to solutions to social problems, and no linkage of social problems to individual behavior. I then propose a five-step process to effectively teach about social problems while empowering students to help solve these problems: (1) identify the process through which social problems are constructed, (2) identify existence of the social problem, (3) identify core causes of the social problem, (4) identify structural solutions to the social problem, and (5) identify individual actions that contribute to structural solutions.
Controllable Peptide–Dendron Self‐Assembly: Interconversion of Nanotubes and Fibrillar Nanostructures

Aufrollbar: Ein Peptid-Dendron-Hybrid (PDH) kann selbstorganisiert entweder losliche Nanorohren oder amyloidartige Fasernetzwerke bilden. Die Strukturen wandeln sich ineinander um, wenn die Salzkonzentration oder der pH-Wert verandert wird. An den hydrophoben Grenzflachen lagern sich in Wasser effizient hydrophobe Molekule an, die durch Senkung des pH-Werts freigesetzt werden konnen.
Dense electrical map reconstruction from ECG/MCG measurements using a priori myocardial fiber structure and activation sequence information

Reconstruction of the current density in the myocardium from electrocardiography and magnetocardiography (ECG/MCG) measurements is an ill-posed inverse problem. If the current dipole model is used, 6 parameters must be determined per dipole: 3 for the dipole position, 3 for the dipole moment. Considering the small number of measurements it is not realistic to properly reconstruct a dense dipole field. A priori information is required. Our goal is to reconstruct a dense dipole field within a voxelized image of the heart at a particular instant of the cardiac cycle. A dipole is assigned to each voxel (therefore the position is known) and its orientation is given by the local muscle fiber direction eventually observed on an MR diffusion image of the heart. Only the dipole moment magnitude has to be determined. We constrain this simplified inverse problem using the knowledge of a standard activation sequence of the myocardium, thereby encouraging significant magnitudes in regions where the muscle is supposed to be activated at that time and discouraging non-zero magnitudes in other regions. This constraint is implemented using semi-quadratic regularization. The minimization of the regularized criterion is performed using a conjugate gradient algorithm. Preliminary results are provided using a homogeneous sphere.
Residual stress in swine iliac arteries

Arteries have been demonstrated to have residual stresses when there is no load acting on the vascular segment. It has been shown previously, that in the absence of external load in the form of transmural pressure, the stress-free state of the artery consists of open sector segments with widely varying opening angles depending upon the location of the segment in vivo. In order to assess the importance of the residual stress in characterizing the mechanical properties of the artery under physiological loading, it is necessary to compute the distribution of residual stress and strain in the vascular segment in its physiological configuration without any external load. This paper describes a finite element computation of strains and stresses in the wall of vascular segments when the segment is deformed from its stress-free state to the physiological cylindrical shape in the absence of external load.
High-Throughput Analytical Model to Evaluate Materials for Temperature Swing Adsorption Processes

In order for any material to be considered in a post-combustion carbon capture technology, it must have high working capacities of CO₂ from flue gas and be regenerable using as little energy as possible. Shown here is an easy to use method to calculate both working capacities and regeneration energies and thereby predict optimal desorption conditions for any material.
Keeping the engine primed: HIF factors as key regulators of cardiac metabolism and angiogenesis during ischemia

Myocardial ischemia, the most common cause of cardiac hypoxia in clinical medicine, occurs when oxygen delivery cannot meet myocardial metabolic requirements in the heart. This deficiency can result from either a reduced supply of oxygen (decreased coronary bloodflow) or an increased myocardial demand for oxygen (increased wall stress or afterload). Patients with stable coronary artery disease as well as patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction can experience episodes of severe ischemia. Although hypoxia is an obligatory component, it is not the sole environmental stress experienced by the ischemic heart. Reperfusion after ischemia is associated with increased oxidative stress as the heart reverts to aerobic respiration and thereby generates toxic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). During mild ischemia, mitochondrial function is partially compromised and substrate preferences adapt to sustain adequate ATP generation. With severe ischemia, mitochondrial function is markedly compromised and anaerobic metabolism must provide energy no matter what the cost in generation of toxic ROS adducts. Ischemia produces a variety of environmental stresses that impair cardiovascular function. As a result, multiple signaling pathways are activated in mammalian cells during ischemia/reperfusion injury in an attempt to minimize cellular injury and maintain cardiac output. Amongst the transcriptional regulators activated are members of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) transcription factor family. HIF factors regulate a variety of genes that affect a myriad of cellular processes including metabolism, angiogenesis, cell survival, and oxygen delivery, all of which are important in the heart. In this review, we will focus on the metabolic and angiogenic aspects of HIF biology as they relate to the heart during ischemia. We will review the metabolic requirements of the heart under normal as well as hypoxic conditions, the effects of preconditioning and its regulation as it pertains to HIF biology, the apparent roles of HIF-1 and HIF-2 in intermediary metabolism, and translational applications of HIF-1 and HIF-2 biology to cardiac angiogenesis. Increased understanding of the role of HIFs in cardiac ischemia will ultimately influence clinical cardiovascular practice.
DCT/DST and Gauss-Markov fields: conditions for equivalence

The correspondence addresses the intriguing question of which random models are equivalent to the discrete cosine transform (DCT) and discrete sine transform (DST). Common knowledge states that these transforms are asymptotically equivalent to first-order Gauss causal Markov random processes. We establish that the DCT and the DST are exactly equivalent to homogeneous one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) Gauss noncausal Markov random fields defined on finite lattices with appropriate boundary conditions.
The DeltaBlue algorithm: an incremental constraint hierarchy solver

Constraint programming allows the behavior of a program to be specified declaratively in terms of constraints. A constraint is a system-maintained assertion about the desired state of the program's data structures. To specify the behavior of a system of constraints more precisely, the authors have found it useful to separate constraints into levels according to their relative importance, creating a constraint hierarchy. Constraint hierarchies have been used effectively in such applications as interactive simulations and user interface construction. Future applications of constraint programming will make more frequent changes to the constraint hierarchy at runtime, placing stringent performance requirements on the constraint solver. Previous algorithms for solving constraint hierarchies analyzed the entire constraint hierarchy on each invocation and thus were not well matched to the job of resatisfying the hierarchy after small changes. The authors present an incremental constraint solver, DeltaBlue, that maintains a solution to the constraint hierarchy as constraints are added and removed. DeltaBlue minimizes the cost of finding a new solution after each change by utilizing its knowledge of the current solution. The DeltaBlue algorithm is designed to produce locally predicate-better solutions when the constraint hierarchy can be solved by local propagation. That is, it does not handle cycles in the constraint graph, but will detect them and can then call a more powerful algorithm. >
Remarks on pointed digital homotopy.

We present and explore in detail a pair of digital images with $c_u$-adjacencies that are homotopic but not pointed homotopic. For two digital loops $f,g: [0,m]_Z \rightarrow X$ with the same basepoint, we introduce the notion of {\em tight at the basepoint (TAB)} pointed homotopy, which is more restrictive than ordinary pointed homotopy and yields some different results. We present a variant form of the digital fundamental group. Based on what we call {\em eventually constant} loops, this version of the fundamental group is equivalent to that of Boxer (1999), but offers the advantage that eventually constant maps are often easier to work with than the trivial extensions that are key to the development of the fundamental group in Boxer (1999) and many subsequent papers. We show that homotopy equivalent digital images have isomorphic fundamental groups, even when the homotopy equivalence does not preserve the basepoint. This assertion appeared in Boxer (2005), but there was an error in the proof; here, we correct the error.
pT2 CLASSIFICATION FOR RENAL CELL CARCINOMA. CAN ITS ACCURACY BE IMPROVED

ABSTRACTPurpose:: The 2002 tumor classification for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) classifies pT2 tumors as more than 7 cm in greatest dimension, limited to the kidney. In this study we determined whether a size cutoff point exists within pT2 tumors and whether such subclassification would further improve the accuracy of the current tumor classification.Materials and Methods:: We studied 544 patients with unilateral, sporadic pT2 RCC treated with radical nephrectomy or nephron sparing surgery between 1970 and 2000. The association of tumor size with death from RCC was examined using martingale residuals from a Cox proportional hazards regression model to determine the optimal size cutoff point.Results:: There were 204 deaths from RCC a median of 3.8 years following nephrectomy. Univariately tumor size was significantly associated with death from RCC (risk ratio 1.08, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.13, p <0.001). A scatterplot of tumor size vs expected risk of death per patient suggested that a cutoff point between 9 and 10...
Women's Fear of Crime in Canadian Public Housing

That women have a greater fear of crime than men has often been termed irrational or paradoxical, but this article joins those who argue that the gendered nature of fear is well grounded. The authors investigate the extent to which various factors—including prior victimization, perceptions of neighborhood disorder, routine activities, and neighborhood satisfaction—predict women's perceptions of personal safety. Survey and semistructured interview data were collected from 219 women living in six urban public housing estates in eastern Ontario. Both disorder and neighborhood satisfaction have a moderately strong impact on perceptions of insecurity, whereas prior victimization is a negligible factor. One conclusion is that improving services (e.g., removing garbage, graffiti, vandalized items) may reduce fear as much as reducing crime.
Effects of Exercise Training Intensity on Nocturnal Growth Hormone Secretion in Obese Adults with the Metabolic Syndrome

Context: Abdominal adiposity is associated with reduced spontaneous GH secretion, and an increased incidence of the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Exercise training increases GH secretion, induces abdominal visceral fat loss, and has been shown to improve the cardiometabolic risk factor profile. However, little is known about the effects of endurance training intensity on spontaneous GH release in obese individuals. Objective: Our objective was to examine the effects of 16 wk endurance training on spontaneous 12-h overnight GH secretion in adults with the metabolic syndrome. Design and Setting: This randomized, controlled exercise intervention was conducted at the University of Virginia. Participants: A total of 34 adults with the metabolic syndrome (mean ± sem: age: 49.1 ± 1.8 yr) participated. Intervention: Participants were randomized to one of three groups for 16 wk: no exercise training (control), low-intensity exercise training, or high-intensity training. Main Outc...
Healing After Simple Gingivectomy

A few reports on healing following gingivectomy can be found in the literature. 1 5 On l y one investigation 1 , 3 included block sections of teeth and alveolar bone with the periodontal specimens, and in that instance the gingivectomy had been done to the alveolar crest. N o documented reports could be found on the postsurgical relationship between the tooth and the healing tissues in humans The experimental investigations in animals 6 1 2 have not paralleled the conditions of surgery and postoperative care received by patients. Deliberate notches have been made on the surfaces of the animal teeth at the level of the surgery, and there has been lack of surgical dressings, or dressings have been left on the wounds longer than is customary for humans.
Pyxine subcinerea in the Eastern United States

Pyxine subcinerea Stirton is newly reported for New York State. The distribution of Pyxine subcinerea in the eastern United States is established. Morphological and chemical differences between P. subcinerea, P. albovirens, and P. caesiopruinosa are recognized, clarified, and expanded upon.
Synthesis and Initial SAR Studies of 3,6-Disubstituted Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines: A New Class of KDR Kinase Inhibitors

We have synthesized and evaluated the activity of 3,6-disubstituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as a new class of KDR kinase inhibitors. Starting with screening lead 1, potency against isolated KDR was fully optimized with 3-thienyl and 4-methoxyphenyl substituents at the 6- and 3-positions (3g, KDR IC(50)=19 nM), respectively. The synthesis and SAR of these compounds are described.
G-Protein-Modulated Ca2+ Current With Slowed Activation Does Not Alter the Kinetics of Action Potential-Evoked Ca2+ Current

We have studied voltage-dependent inhibition of N-type calcium currents to investigate the effects of G-protein modulation-induced alterations in channel gating on action potential-evoked calcium c...
Efficient Privacy-Preserving Fingerprint-Based Indoor Localization Using Crowdsourcing

Indoor localization has been widely studied due to the inability of GPS to function indoors. Numerous approaches have been proposed in the past and a number of these approaches are currently being used commercially. However, little attention was paid to the privacy of the users especially in the commercial products. Malicious individuals can determine a client's daily habits and activities by simply analyzing their WiFi signals and tracking information. In this paper, we implemented a privacy-preserving indoor localization scheme that is based on a fingerprinting approach to analyze the performance issues in terms of accuracy, complexity, scalability and privacy. We developed an Android app and collected a large number of data on the third floor of the FIU Engineering Center. The analysis of data provided excellent opportunities for performance improvement which have been incorporated to the privacy-preserving localization scheme.
Saving our streams

Roger Bate explains the history of an unusual and remarkably effective 'environmental' organisation - the Anglers' Conservation Association (ACA). Founded in 1948, the ACA is a voluntary association of angling clubs and individual anglers which brings civil suits against polluters who harm fishing. Dr. Bate's original and instructive history explores how the ACA, using the common law, has operated to indemnify its members against the cost of litigation, bringing thousands of actions and being awarded hundreds of injunctions and millions of pounds in damages for plaintiffs. Most cases end in out-of-court settlement which, though efficient, brings little public recognition to the ACA. Dr. Bate argues that unlike other environmental groups, the ACA has not sought the limelight, though it is the most efficient and determined pollution prevention body in Britain. Its success demonstrates the value of private initiatives against polluters.
Characterization of Winery Wastewater for Reuse in California

More than thirty percent of the United States is currently in a drought that is expected to have profound social, economic, and environmental impacts. The intensification of drought conditions in southern and western regions of the country has spurred interest in wastewater reuse in agriculture, including in wine production. Presented here is the first data set of its kind to support California growers and vintners in the reuse of treated winery wastewater (WWW). The data provide a detailed description of California WWW, with particular emphasis on salinity, to enable the benefits and risks of land application to be assessed. Monthly samples were obtained over a 20-month period from 18 wineries in Ukiah, Napa, Lodi, King City, and Paso Robles. Samples collected before and after physicochemical and biological treatment were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation and anion concentrations, specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA 254 ), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and biological oxygen demand (BOD 5 ). The pH of the WWW varied widely (from 3 to 12). Organic parameters (SUVA 254 , DOC, and BOD 5 ) showed that treatment effectively decreased organic carbon to levels that would not have negative effects on plant growth or soil. Cation concentrations (Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ ) in WWW were not reduced by treatment. These baseline data confirm that dissolved salts pose a challenge to the reuse of WWW. However, total salinity of the WWW was moderate (mean EC of 1.0 dS/m) and usually below risk thresholds for common winegrape rootstocks and soil salinity hazards. The conditions under which WWW could be recommended as a water management option in California are described.
Septic Encephalopathy Characterized by Acute Encephalopathy with Biphasic Seizures and Late Reduced Diffusion and Early Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus

Infection, whether viral or bacterial, can result in various forms of brain dysfunction (encephalopathy). Septic encephalopathy (SE) is caused by an excessive immune reaction to infection, with clinical features including disturbed consciousness and seizures. Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) is usually accompanied by viral infection in children and is characterized by biphasic seizures and impaired consciousness. The initial neurologic symptom of AESD is typically a febrile seizure that frequently lasts longer than 30 minutes. However, the possible forms this seizure takes are unclear. For example, it is unknown if nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) could be an early seizure symptomatic of AESD. In addition, thus far no cases of combined SE and AESD have been reported. Here, we describe the first reported case of SE with AESD that notably demonstrated NCSE as an early seizure.
Ascorbyl-2-sulfate compared with ascorbic acid in Atlantic salmon: uptake and distribution confirmed by mass spectroscopy.

AbstractThis paper reports an in-depth approach that identifies ascorbyl-2-sulfate (AS) in gastric, blood, liver, and muscle tissues of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). To insure the identity of the AS, the study utilized the latest high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technology plus electron ionization mass spectrometry (EIMS). Just before saltwater adaptation stage, juvenile Atlantic salmon were force-fed AS, ascorbic acid (AA), and a molecular-equivalent combination of the two. After tissue analyses for AA and AS were performed by HPLC separation, the HPLC peaks were identified by EIMS.The data collected in this study indicate that Atlantic salmon can absorb AS through the gastric tissue when forced-fed AA and AS as described. The data also indicate that AS is transported through the blood to the liver. There is evidence to indicate that AS is converted to AA in the livers of these salmon. In addition, the muscle tissue contained a large portion of AA and AS.
Myths--and facts--about postop discomfort.

ing and could explode, "biting the bullet" damaged teeth, and striking a wooden bowl inverted on a patient's head with a mallet until the patient lost consciousness-well, let's just say it caused headaches. Granted, anesthesia and side effects go hand in hand, but misinformed patients may attribute more of them to anesthesia than is actually warranted. As a result, many people fear anesthesia unnecessarily and could certainly benefit from some sound information about it before and after
Relative Source Time Function Studies of Earthquakes along the Denali–Totschunda Fault System

Abstract We use the relative source time function method to estimate the source properties of aftershocks of the November 2002 Denali earthquake sequence to determine if there are systematic variations in scaling relationships of these events that can be related to seismic moment, focal mechanism, event date/time and location along the fault, and bedrock type. Our results show self‐similarity over earthquakes of magnitude less than five and stress‐drop dependence on focal mechanism. Strike‐slip events appear to have larger stress drops. We observed a clear stress‐drop decrease from west to east that correlates with changes in earthquake focal mechanisms along the Denali fault.
Involvement of PPC in visual attention: studied with TMS

Objective To resolve the role of posterior parietal cortex in conjunction tasks and in visual spatial search.Methods TMS was applied over the posterior parietal cortex of subjects while they were performing conjunction visual search tasks.Four similar conjunction tasks:slash,cross,circle and square tasks,were interleaved to tax the attention of subjects. Results Reaction times in the four interleaved tasks were longer compared with reaction times in tasks with two of them interleaved.And reaction times in tasks with two tasks interleaved were also longer than reaction times in tasks presented singly.The effect of TMS also increased with the number of kinds of tasks interleaved, and in addition, the TMS has no effect on the non-naive subjects.Conclusion The results suggested that posterior parietal cortex (PPC) was involved in the visual attention,or changing spatial locus of attention, which is important in conjunction search.The results highlight the role in visual attention for posterior parietal cortex.
A current picture of genetic counseling for familial pancreatic cancer

Introduction: Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes, including those with an increased risk for pancreatic cancer, has become more routine for patients and families with a personal and/or...