cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Nef-specific interferon-γ secretion responses in HIV-1 B/C recombinant virus infectors

Objective To analyze characteristics of Nef-specific T lymphocyte responses in Chinese HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C infectors. Methods 19 HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C infectors infected within 1 year, 40 chronic infectors infected for more than 3 years were enrolled in this cohort study. Elispot assay was used to observe HIV-1 specific T lymphocyte responses in HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C infectors. Results Nef-specific T lymphocyte responses of interferon-gamma secretion were identified in 15 Chinese HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C infectors infected within 1 year. The specific T lymphocytes were mainly targeted at four peptides which span from Nef 83 to 135: EVA7081.1, EVAT081.5, EVA7081.6 and EVAT081.48. Responses were identified in 29(75. 2%) infectors with more than 3 years of infection and the specific T lymphocytes were mainly targeted at three peptides which span from Nef 63 to 101 : EVA7081.43, EVA7081.44, EVAT081.45, EVA7081.47, EVA7081.48 and EVA7081.49. The average magnitude of response in infectors with less than 1 year of infection was 284. 13 SFC/106 PBMC. The average magnitude of response in infectors with more than 3 years of infection was 152. 44 SFC/106 PBMC. There was a significant difference between the two groups (U = 91. 000, P = 0. 002). Conclusions HIV-1recombinant subtype B/C infectors at different stages of diseases (less than 1 year and more thank 3 years) can recognize central region of Nef. The magnitude of Nef-specific IFN-γ secretion T lymphocyte responses in this cohort gradually decrease with disease progression. Key words: HIV infections; HIV-1; Nef Gene products,human immunodeficiency virus; T-lymphocytes; Interferon type Ⅱ
The Disease That Is Obesity

Obesity represents a modern epidemic and an ever-growing problem for individuals, healthcare systems, and societies. As it is presently defined, the incidence and prevalence of obesity continue to grow at alarming rates and, with it, the physical and psychosocial ramifications that negatively influence health, longevity, and productivity. While history is replete with examples of obesity that long predate the modern period, more recently available longitudinal assessments of anthropometrics and metabolic illness demonstrate that the distribution of this disease is weighted toward the developed world. Consequently, much work toward elucidating the etiologies of obesity has focused on those factors peculiar to developed nations, their cultures, their food supplies, and their resources. While the origins of obesity have proven to be multifaceted and complex, it is perhaps not surprising that the efforts to address the disease have been limited in effectiveness, scope, and durability. Here we present a review of the current epidemiology of obesity in adults and offer a discussion on contemporary and evolving theories of the origins of this disease. We offer insights into the consequences of obesity on multiple scales. Finally, we call attention to the need for ongoing multidisciplinary study so that efforts at mitigating and ultimately reversing this unfortunate trend can be better assessed, improved, and distributed.
From the War Against Errors to Mathematics After the War: Public Discourses on a New Mathematical Dictionary

In 1917 George Abram Miller proposed to the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) the creation and publication of a mathematical dictionary. By then, American mathematics had a history of contributions to celebrate and important prospects for the future on the national scale and beyond, though critical infrastructural aspects were lacking. Although the project was never realized, the context and discussions surrounding it highlight not only calls to “warfare against mathematical errors” but the nationalism underlying the desire of key MAA members to serve the development of mathematics, bolster research activity, and transfer aspects of the “apparatus of research” to American soil.
Texas Annual Survey: Securities Regulation

The Texas Legislature passed Sunset Legislation that distinguished between securities dealers and investment advisors that allowed the Texas Securities Act (“TSA”) to comply with national trends in securities regulation. The court struggled with definitions of “control person” and “evidence of indebtedness.” However, the Sunset Legislation allowed the expanded Board to submit emergency cease and desist orders and to conduct surprise inspections of registered dealers and sellers of securities. Violation of a cease and desist order became a criminal offense. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act increased the existing statute of limitations under the federal securities laws for private causes of action involving claims of fraud, deceit, manipulation, or contrivance in contravention. The Act added provisions for fraud, recognizing knowledge and recklessness as suitable culpability requirements under the federal law. The breadth of culpability could create litigation over whether any fraud relating to an issuer constitutes a libelous relationship for the purposes of the enhanced provisions. Furthermore, the Act elevated attempts and conspiracies for these crimes to the same level as committing the offense.
Semi-automated luminance map re-projection via high dynamic range imaging and indoor space 3-D reconstruction

Abstract Luminance-based metrics have been used in visual comfort studies that leverage high dynamic ranging imaging (HDRI) techniques. This paper presents a semi-automated robust framework for monitoring luminance within the FOV of occupants using a HDRI camera installed in a non-intrusive position. A new HDRI pipeline is presented, and a Structure-from-Motion and Multi-View-Stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetry framework is employed to automatically reconstruct the 3D room geometry and estimate occupant head-poses. The only required “commissioning” effort is to capture a short video of the room and take a few photos from the occupant position using a smartphone. Retrieved 3D context enables the back-projection of the camera-captured luminance distribution into 3D spaces, which is re-projected to occupant FOVs with the estimated head poses. The framework was implemented in a real daylit office and showed reasonable performance in re-projected indoor luminance map as perceived from the occupant position, except for sunlit projections from unshaded windows.
Transarterial Embolization for the Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review of Indications, Safety, and Efficacy.

Objective The study objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial "embolization" (TAE) in the treatment of chronic "musculoskeletal pain" refractory to standard therapy. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for original research articles evaluating TAE in patients with musculoskeletal conditions from database inception to January 21, 2020. Search terms employed were as follows: "embolization", "pain", "knee osteoarthritis", joint replacement, epicondylitis, tenderness, inflammation, WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), microspheres, Embozene, geniculate artery, neovascularity, transcatheter, embolic, imipenem/cilastatin sodium, angiogenesis, and "musculoskeletal". Studies involving particle "embolization" for painful musculoskeletal conditions were included. Studies of TAE for hemarthrosis or malignancy-related "musculoskeletal pain" were excluded. Results The primary search yielded 1,099 sources; 7 articles and 4 abstracts were included for data extraction. All were cohorts or case series, with low risk of bias and moderate to poor level of evidence. Heterogeneity between studies was high, precluding meta-analysis. The reviewed studies reported the safety and efficacy of TAE for the treatment of "knee osteoarthritis"; adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder; tendinopathy/enthesopathy of the knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle; and cervical myalgia. All TAEs were reported as technically successful without major complications or subsequent serious adverse events, including no reported osteonecrosis, cutaneous ulceration, limb ischemia, cartilage degeneration, or myotendinous injury. TAE significantly reduced pain and improved function for all of the treated conditions, with durable response up to 24 months post procedure. Conclusion TAE appears to be a safe and effective treatment for some types of chronic refractory "musculoskeletal pain". Randomized placebo-controlled studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Chapter 18 Embryo Culture

Publisher Summary The excision of embryos from the ovules and seeds of higher plants and their culture in a defined media allows to investigate the factors that influence embryonic growth under controlled conditions and to define in chemical terms the milieu of the embryo sac, which nurtures the developing embryos. Culture in vitro of embryos also facilitates experiments to determine the factors that regulate the growth of the primordial organs of the seedling plant and to study the metabolic and biochemical aspects of germination, which is difficult to undertake in embryos enclosed within seeds without interference from accessory tissues. The culture of embryos is divided into two categories: (1) the culture of relatively mature and differentiated seed embryos and (2) The culture of immature, early division phase proembryos. The culture of seed embryos analyzes the various parameters of embryonic growth and the metabolic and biochemical aspects of dormancy and germination.
Chartreusin, a glycosidic antitumour antibiotic from Streptomyces.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a comprehensive review of chartreusin, its chemistry, biosynthesis, biological action and drug potential. Spurred on by its activity in mouse leukemias as well as in solid tumour test systems, the present interest in chartreusin is centered on its potential as a cancer chemotherapy drug. Chartreusin is a biologically active parent structure on which to base an analogue synthesis effort. The structure of the antibiotic is not complex and should be amenable to an analogue synthesis programme. The chemical explorations that lead to total syntheses of the aglycone should prove to be useful in the generation of analogues. Because chartreusin is rapidly and efficiently excreted in the bile, the antibiotic could be used to study the process of biliary excretion. Phenolphthalein has been used in such studies, but conjugation with glucuronic acid is a complicating factor.
Failure of the International Normalized Ratio to Generate Consistent Results Within a Local Medical Community

Use of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) has been recommended as a means of standardizing prothrombin time (PT) results for management of oral anticoagulant therapy. During the evaluation of a new lot of thromboplastin reagent, however, INR values were obtained that were inconsistent with results obtained with the prior lot of reagent from the same manufacturer. A local normalized ratio (LNR) was substituted for the INR for the new reagent, based on a calculated local sensitivity index (LSI). Validation of the LSI was performed at the three hospitals in the medical community by testing an identical panel of aliquots from 64 plasmas obtained from patients who were chronically receiving oral anticoagulants. Each test result was classified according to the INR value as low, low therapeutic, high therapeutic, or high. Local normalized ratio values obtained at one hospital in the community were in reasonable agreement with INR determinations in the other two hospital laboratories. Classification mismatches occurred using the INR, however, in 84 of 280 (30%) of the paired samples. Thus, the inability to generate consistent INR values within a local medical community raises serious concern about the reliability of the INR concept in its current form.
Domestic market power and foreign trade

Abstract This paper develops a conjectural variation model to include foreign trade and applies it to the Swedish industry. The main conclusions emerging from the empirical application are that the degree of implicit collusion is generally very low in Sweden, and further, that while high seller concentration exerts a positive influence on this degree, there is strong and counteracting competitive pressure from foreign trade. A more general conclusion is that it is important to include foreign trade in analyses of market power in open economies.
Speech recognition in impulsive noise

This paper presents experimental results on the use of noise compensation schemes with hidden Markov model (HMM) speech recognition systems operating in the presence of impulsive noise. A measure of signal to impulsive noise ratio is introduced, and the effects of varying the percentage of impulsive noise contamination, and the power of impulsive noise, on speech recognition are investigated. For the modelling of an impulsive noise process, an amplitude-modulated binary sequence model and a binary-state HMM are considered. For impulsive noise compensation a front-end method and a noise-adaptive method are evaluated. Experiments demonstrate that the noise compensation methods achieve a substantial improvement in speech recognition accuracy across a wide range of signal to impulsive noise ratios.
Exploring the Transition to Practice for the Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainer: A Programmatic View.

Context: Some newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) pursue a postprofessional degree with a curriculum that specifically advances their athletic training practice. It is unknown how those pos...
Stable isotope incorporation triples the upper mass limit for determination of elemental composition by accurate mass measurement

By comparing electrospray ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectra and collision-induced dissociation (CID) FT-ICR mass spectra of a phospholipid (851 Da) extracted from natural abundance and 99%13C bacterial growth media, we are able to reduce its number of possible elemental compositions (based on ±10 ppm externally calibrated mass accuracy and biologically relevant compositional constraints) from 394 to 1. The basic idea is simply that the mass of a molecule containingN carbon atoms increases byN Da when12C is replaced by13C. Once the number of carbons is known, the number of possible combinations ofother atoms in the molecule is greatly reduced. We demonstrate the method for a stored-waveform inverse Fourier transform-isolated phospholipid from an extract of membrane lipids fromRhodococcus rhodochrous hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria grown on either natural abundance or 99%13C-enriched mixtures ofn-hexadecane andn-octadecane. We project that this method raises the upper mass limit for unique determination of elemental composition from accurate mass measurement by a factor of at least 3, thereby extending “chemical formula” determination to identification and sequencing of larger synthetic and bio-polymers: phospholipids, oligopeptides of more than three to four amino acids, DNA or RNA of more than two nucleotides, oligosaccharides of more than three sugars, etc. The method can also be extended to determination of the number of other atoms for which heavy isotopes are available (e.g.,15N,34S,18O, etc.).
Hemocompatibility of Chitosan/poly(acrylic acid) Grafted Polyurethane Tubing.

The activation and adhesion of platelets or whole blood exposed to chitosan (CH) grafted surfaces is used to evaluate the hemocompatibility of biomaterials. The biomaterial surfaces are polyurethane (PU) tubes grafted with an inner poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and an outer CH or quaternary ammonium modified CH (CH-Q) brush. The CH, CH-Q and PAA grafted layers were characterized by ellipsometry and fluorescence microscopy. Material wear tests demonstrate that CH (CH-Q) is stably grafted onto PU tubes upon exposure to saline solution for 7 days. Using quartz-crystal microbalances with dissipation (QCM-D), in situ adsorption of blood plasma proteins on CH and CH-Q compared to a silicon oxide control was measured. The QCM-D results showed that the physically adsorbed plasma protein layer on CH-Q and CH surfaces is softer and more viscous than the protein layer on the SiO2 surface. The CH-Q layer thus has the weakest interaction with plasma proteins. Whole blood and platelet adhesion was reduced by ∼92% on CH-Q, which showed the weakest interaction with plasma protein but more viscous adsorbed plasma protein layer, compared to SiO2. Last, to examine the biologic response of platelets and neutrophils to biomaterial surfaces, CH (CH-Q)/PAA, PAA and PU tubes were tested using a Chandler Loop apparatus as an ex vivo model and flow cytometry. The blood adhesion and biologic response results showed that CH and CH-Q reduced adhesion and activation of platelets and neutrophils and improved hemocompatibility relative to other surfaces (PU and PAA). Our studies demonstrated that the properties of physically adsorbed plasma protein layer on biomaterial surfaces correlates with blood coagulation on biomaterial surfaces.
Educating the Elderly: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Decisions before and after Intervention

Considering the limited success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in achieving survival to hospital discharge in older persons, it is appropriate to educate, discuss and determine patients' wishes at a time when they are able. Sixty-four ambulatory, non-depressed, non-demented veterans greater than 74 years of age were interviewed and educated. Knowledge of CPR at baseline was variable and most overestimated their survival chances. Most subjects desired routine CPR discussions with physicians. Only 17% had previously discussed their CPR preferences, and none had done so with physicians. Knowledge of CPR increased (P = 0.01) after educational intervention. There was no change in subjects' CPR decisions after education and presentation of current CPR outcome data. In considering five hypothetical scenarios, 9% never wanted CPR, and 17% always wanted CPR. Those who never wanted CPR were more realistic about their suspected survival chance (P = 0.003) and had higher educational levels (P = 0.03) Folstein (P = 0.03) and Geriatric Depression Scale (P = 0.04) scores. With the dependent variable being the number of hypothetical situations in which the patient desired CPR, a regression analysis (adjusted r2 = 0.72) limited significant variables to the patient's current CPR decision, Folstein score, religion, marital status, and previous ICU admissions. This study emphasizes that most elderly male veterans are willing and want to discuss their CPR attitude with physicians and that most have fixed CPR decisions which may be elicited under stable clinical conditions.
Cost Information Model for Managing Multiple Projects

Construction companies must deal with several projects at once, but a system to manage multiple projects is not fully developed yet. The first step towards developing such system is to design an information model that is suitable for managing multiple projects. This paper presents the cost-based project modeling (CBPM) method in contrast to the traditional activity-based project modeling methods. The CBPM uses cost as a core of the model along with other project information organized around it. The CBPM serves as a platform for integrating project information from multiple projects. Various types of construction costs are hierarchically modeled to generate corporate-wide information such as project performances, cash flows, and other predictive indicators. Based on the information model, an object-oriented database was developed to contain cost data across several projects. In the model, a module that connects to external systems is built into the model to enhance interactivity with the legacy systems and...
An opinion survey of computer applications in 149 hospitals in the USA, Europe and Japan

A survey of computer usage and hospital utilization was conducted by means of a questionnaire to hospital administrators. Administrative applications predominate, followed by laboratory and patient-care applications: computers were used more widely than expected. Reasons for success and failure were analysed: the similarity of applications in different countries indicates similar requirements.Une etude sur l'utilisation d'informatique dans les hbpitaux a ete faite aupres des administrateurs graˇce a des questionnaires. Les applications administra-tives predominent. Elles sont suivies par celles qui concernent les laboratoires de biologie clinique et les soins. D'une facon generale, I'informatique est plus largement utilisee gue I'on pourrait ne penser. Les raisons des succes et des echecs sont analyse Quelles que soinet les regions, les applications rencontres sont similaires; cela nientre que les besoins et exigences sont partout les měmes.
SU‐E‐U‐05: Adaptive Metal Artifacts Correction in 3D TRUS Image Guided Prostate Brachytherapy

Purpose: A metallic instrument usually has much higher acoustic impedance than the surrounding tissue. Thus the reflections from instrument appear as high intensity pixels in the ultrasoundimage. Acoustic shadows, attenuation and other artifacts can also locally obscure the continuous appearance of the instrument. Moreover, specific instrument such as a needle with hole inside used in prostate brachytherapy, can generate strong reverberation artifacts. The reverberation artifacts stemmed from metal interference adversely affect the ultrasoundimage quality and lead to erroneous placement of needle. Reduction of artifacts will improve signal‐to‐noise ratio and the quality of seed implant in prostate brachytherapy. Methods: In this work, we present an algorithm that adaptively applies automatic time‐gain compensation (ATGC) and Reverberation Artifacts Elimination (RAE) strategies to correct the metal artifacts of needles in the proximity of region of interest during implant procedure. This algorithm includes five steps: 1. Use our automatic needle tracking algorithm to estimate the needle position; 2. A RAE filter is generated through an optimization procedure rendering a filter with an appropriate frequency response as well as good locality properties; 3. An ATGC filter is also generated through comparisons of intensity histgram in the region below the estimated needle position before and after needle insertion; 4. Estimate the new needle position from the corrected images; 5. Repeat from step 2 until the difference between two iterations is less than a threshold. Results: The ATGC and RAE strategies are used to correct ten 2D ultrasoundimages of prostate phantom with 19 needles. The needle tracking algorithm applies on the images before and after the correction. Conclusions: The variance in spatial geometry of needles before and after implementing ATGC and RAE strategies addresses the magnitude of improvement in signal‐to‐noise ratio and the quality of needle tracking.
Changes in the Financial Structure of the Farm Sector and the Implications for Research

F OR the past two decades the big story in commercial agriculture has been that of dramatic technological change. That change promises to continue, but adjustment to rapid change has really become a part of "normalcy" in farming. Unobtrusively, but as certainly as the technological changes, changes have taken place in the business and financial organization of farm production. The possibilities for further change are profound. These changes threaten to alter traditional patterns of resource ownership and use, distribution of income from farming, traditional roles of farmers, and even the traditional image of farming. The changes that are taking place are reflected in the uneasiness of the "agricultural establishment" and by the attempts of the various groups within that establishment to "find themselves" and identify their roles in today's integrated economy. It is crucial, therefore, to identify the underlying causes of changes that are taking place in farming and to clarify the rationale and implications of those changes. Thus, the first purpose of this paper is to identify changes in the financial structure of commercial farming-the changes related to control and management of financial resources and services. The second is to evaluate the implications of these changes for research.
Abstract 5239: MiR-148a promotes apoptosis in urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder cells in part by targeting DNMT1

Introduction: MiRNAs are now recognized as major players in cancer. MiR-148a has been shown to be a tumor suppressor in the context of several cancers including prostate, gastric, and lung but a study investigating its role in bladder cancer has never been performed. Here we characterized the expression and role of miR-148a in bladder cancer. Methods: Real time PCR was used to assess the levels of miR-148a across several bladder cancer cell lines. MiR-148a mimics were employed in T24 and UM-UC-3 cells to assess proliferation by CCK-8 proliferation assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry. Mimics were also used to assess apoptosis by immunoblot and annexin-V staining coupled to flow cytometry. Immunoblot was used to probe for targets of miR-148a and siRNA was used to knock-down DNMT1 to phenocopy miR-148a treatment results. CCK-8 proliferation assays and crystal violet staining were used to assess the additive effects of miR-148a with either cisplatin or doxorubicin on T24 and UM-UC-3 cells and CCK-8 proliferation assays were also used to assess the role DNMT1 plays in cisplatin sensitivity. Results: All bladder cancer cell lines had significantly reduced expression of miR-148a than that of a control immortalized urothelial cell line. MiR-148a mimic treatment of T24 and UM-UC-3 cells led to large decreases in viability. Flow cytometry demonstrated an increase in S-phase and no major G1 or G2/M arrests in miR-148a mimic treated cells versus control oligo treated cells suggesting that the effects observed on viability were due to increased apoptosis. Immunoblots for cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP along with annexin-V staining coupled to flow cytometry showed as expected a strong induction of apoptosis in miR-148a mimic treated cells. Immunoblots demonstrated that miR-148a targets DNMT1 and DNMT1 knock-down was able to partially phenocopy results from miR-148a mimic treatment suggesting DNMT1 is downstream of miR-148a. Finally, we found that miR-148a can be used with either cisplatin or doxorubicin for an additive effect in inducing apoptosis and that DNMT1 targeting is involved in sensitivity to cisplatin. Conclusions: Our work demonstrates for the first time that miR-148a plays a tumor suppressive role in bladder cancer and suggests it could be used as a novel therapeutic agent either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapeutics. Citation Format: Alan Lombard, Ben Mooso, Steve Libertini, Rebecca Lim, Nicole Costanzo, Paramita Ghosh, Maria Mudryj. MiR-148a promotes apoptosis in urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder cells in part by targeting DNMT1. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5239. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5239
An ill wind: the Foehn in Leukerbad and beyond

The Foehn is a warm, dry, downslope wind found on the lee side of mountains; the type-location for this adiabatic wind is the European Alps. In the Swiss village of Leukerbad, residents are quite familiar with the Foehn, which sweeps regularly through the main Rhone valley from the southeast. Leukerbad, located in a side valley, rarely experiences the full force of the Foehn, but the effects of this wind are well known: people say that the Foehn brings headaches, makes them depressed, invites suicide, and generates a feeling of ill health. In contrast, another wind occurring in this valley, the Gemmiwind – which comes over the Gemmi pass into Leukerbad from the north – is known only as a cold wind. Drawing on ethnographic data and literary representations as well as biomedical and meteorological analyses, we consider the meanings of the Foehn as it has penetrated the bodies and minds of mountain inhabitants in Switzerland and beyond.
Infectious positive- and negative-strand transcript rnas from bacteriophage Qβ cDNA clones

Abstract Plasmids containing full-length cDNA copies of the Qβ RNA phage genome and flanking T7 promoters were constructed. Positive-strand Qβ RNA, generated by in vitro transcription of these plasmids with T7 RNA polymerase, was infectious to Escherichia coli spheroplasts. The Oft replicase gene from the cloned DNA was subcloned and expressed in E. coli cells by means of a thermoinducible plasmid. Full-length, negative-strand Qβ transcripts were infectious when transfected into spheroplasts containing the induced replicase gene.
Macroeconomic consequences of the size of third world nations: With special reference to the Caribbean

Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to determine whether, and if so how, small developing countries differ from their larger counterparts with regard to the underlying determinants of key macroeconomic variables. Analysis indicates that major differences do exist, particularly with regard to the overall rate of growth, the share of investment and savings in GDP, external public sector debt, and the share of government expenditures in GDP. Ultimately these differences appear to stem from the obvious feature of small countries' relative openness and susceptibility to external shocks. Governments in this environment appear more inclined to increase their economic role than do governments in larger countries. This expanded role is not without costs, the most important one being consistently negative impacts of public sector expenditures on the more important macro aggregates.
Low-Level Flows over the GATE Area during Summer 1972

Abstract An assimilation of satellite low-cloud vector data and conventional meteorological data is presented in this paper. The domain of the study is the GATE A-scale area. The period is the summer months of 1972. Objective analysis of the data for 93 individual days was carried out for this entire domain. One of the important climatological findings of this study is the presence of a velocity maximum in the southeast trades along the Brazilian coast. Mean speeds for three months exceed 10 m/s in this region; daily values occasionally are as large as 25 m/s. Besides showing the monthly mean motion field, we have examined in detail one-level barotropic energy exchanges and fluxes in the GATE A-scale domain. The number of conventional plus non-conventional wind observations are about 400 per day. This is more than has been used in most previous studies. Some of these results of the energetics, especially with regards to the period when Hurricane Agnes formed, are thus of considerable interest.
Some Practical Simulations of Impractical Parallel Computers

Abstract Many popular theoretical models of parallel computers suffer the drawback of being highly impractical. The aim of this paper is to examine simulations of two impractical parallel machine models (shared memory machines and networks of sequential processors) by two more practical models (uniform circuits and feasible networks). We give a single basic simulation theorem which epitomizes a number of related results in this area.
The Folding Pathway of α-Lactalbumin Elucidated by the Technique of Disulfide Scrambling ISOLATION OF ON-PATHWAY AND OFF-PATHWAY INTERMEDIATES

Abstract The technique of disulfide scrambling permits reversible conversion of the native and denatured (scrambled) proteins via shuffling and reshuffling of disulfide bonds. Under strong denaturing conditions (e.g. 6 m guanidinium chloride) and in the presence of a thiol initiator, α-lactalbumin (αLA) denatures by shuffling its four native disulfide bonds and converts to an assembly of 45 species of scrambled isomers. Among them, two predominant isomers, designated as X-αLA-a and X-αLA-d, account for about 50% of the total denatured structure of αLA. X-αLA-a and X-αLA-d, which adopt the disulfide patterns of (1–2,3–4,5–6,7–8) and (1–2,3–6,4–5,7–8), respectively, represent the most unfolded structures among the 104 possible scrambled isomers (Chang, J.-Y., and Li, L. (2001)J. Biol. Chem. 276, 9705–9712). In this study, X-αLA-a and X-αLA-d were purified and allowed to refold through disulfide scrambling to form the native αLA. Folding intermediates were trapped kinetically by acid quenching and analyzed quantitatively by reversed phase high pressure liquid chromatography. The results revealed two major on-pathway productive intermediates, two major off-pathway kinetic traps, and at least 30 additional minor transient intermediates. Of the two major on-pathway intermediates, one takes on a native-like α-helical domain, and the other comprises a structured β-sheet, calcium binding domain. The two major kinetic traps are apparently stabilized by locally formed non-native-like structures. Overall, the folding mechanism of αLA is essentially congruent with the model of “folding funnel” furnished with a rather intricate energy landscape.
LNCaP produces both putative zymogen and inactive, free form of prostate-specific antigen.

BACKGROUND Our objective was to investigate the presence of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) mRNA and protein in prostate cancer cell lines, and the complexing characteristics of expressed PSA. METHODS RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blots were employed. Trypsin treatment of PSA was performed to establish the possible presence of an activatable form of PSA. RESULTS ACT mRNA and protein were detected in LNCaP, PC-3, and DU 145 by RT-PCR and by immunohistochemistry, respectively. Only LNCaP cells were positive for PSA mRNA and protein. LNCaP expressed approximately 30% active PSA, approximately 40% putative zymogen form of PSA, and approximately 30% stably inactive PSA. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that the majority of PSA expressed by LNCaP cells is present in free, noncomplexed forms in the conditioned media. A portion (40%) can be activated by trypsin, while the rest is stably inactive PSA. LNCaP cells may serve as a source of the "unreactive" PSA present in prostate cancer patients' serum.
Oligonucleotides Tethering Hoechst 33258 Derivatives: Effect of the Conjugation Site on Duplex Stabilization and Fluorescence Properties

A series of DNA conjugates have been prepared in which two different derivatives of Hoechst 33258 have been tethered to a sequence containing a 5‘-GAATTC-3‘ target site. The two derivatives differ only in the length of the tether between the DNA and the Hoechst fluorophore. By using a DNA backbone labeling protocol, one in which the Hoechst dye is tethered to an internucleotide phosphoramidate residue, it was possible to easily vary the site of attachment with respect to the A-T rich binding site. When tethered outside the GAATTC sequence, little if any helix stabilization results upon hybridization of the conjugate to its complementary sequence. As the site of conjugation is moved to one end of the target sequence and finally within the AATT sequence, more effective helix stabilization results. When tethered between the two A residues, or between the A and T residue, a ΔTm of at least +20 °C is observed. Upon hybridization and formation of the B-form DNA, binding by the tethered Hoechst dye results, and ...
Mechanisms Underlying Fructose-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Cytosol and Mitochondria

High levels of dietary fructose are increasingly recognized as an important nutritional factor in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and intestinal inflammation in both humans and animal models. The signals linking excessive fructose intake on one hand and the onset of these pathologies are not known. We have employed genetically encoded biosensors sensitive to changes in superoxide anion (O2- ) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations to test the hypothesis that fructose metabolism increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hepatocytes or intestinal cells. The data indicate that acute treatment with physiological concentrations of fructose (1 - 10 mM) significantly increased the formation of mitochondrial O2- as well as mitochondrial and cytosolic H2O2. The xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol, inhibited fructose-induced increases in cytosolic H2O2, but was unaffected by apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor. These data are consistent with the well known effects of acute fructose treatment to reduce ATP levels and stimulate the breakdown of purines. Fructose-induced ROS production in the mitochondria was not altered by allopurinol treatment, whereas apocynin strongly suppressed mitochondrial derived ROS. Fructose administration transiently increased ROS formation in all mitochondria regardless of the subcellular localization and this was paralleled by a sustained rise in mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in pyridine nucleotide fluorescence. The activation of mitochondrial metabolism was followed by large amplitude O2- bursts in a subset of mitochondria. The addition of mitochondrial respiration inhibitors blocked the effects of fructose on mitochondrial, but not cytosolic ROS production. Taken together, these data indicate that fructose treatment stimulates mitochondrial metabolism leading to an increase in ROS production through an apocynin sensitive pathway. Finally, we show that chronic consumption of fructose results in markedly higher baseline levels of mitochondrial ROS in hepatocytes.
The Impact of Negative Campaigning: Evidence from the 1998 Senatorial Primaries

We investigate the amount of negative campaigning in the 1998 senato- rial primaries and the ramifications of negative campaigning on primary turnout and general election outcomes. A large literatu...
The transition state and barrier heights for the reaction O(3P) +HCl→OH+Cl

Abstract The transition state structure and associated energetics are investigated for the reaction O(3P+HCl→OH+Cl, using high quality ab initio electronic structure theory. All levels of theory in which correlation corrections are included predict the transition state to be bent, in agreement with experimental observations that the product OH is rotationally hot. At the highest level of theory, CCSDT-1 with the MC-311G(2df, 2pd) basis set, the forward and reverse classical barrier heights are predicted to be 11 and 9 kcal/mol, respectively.
Dynamic mechanical signatures of Viton A and plastic bonded explosives based on this polymer

The complex shear moduli of the fluoroelastomer Viton A and four plastic bonded explosives LX-04, LX-07, LX-10 and LX-11, which use this polymer as a binder, have been investigated. LX-10, LX-07, LX-04 and LX-11 are composites of 94.5, 90, 85 and 80% 1, 3, 5, 7-tetranitroazacyclooctane (HMX) explosive, respectively, and Viton A. Viton is a random copolymer of 7 vinylidene fluoride and 2 perfluoro-propene monomers. In the temperature range from -150 to 120°C, two relaxations, the β relaxation at -80°C and the glass transition at -22°C, were observed as peaks in the loss modulus in Viton A at 0.1 Hz. A third relaxation, T α , was found above T g in all four explosive formulations. The plastic bonded explosives (PBXs) showed antiplasticization phenomena. T g of the explosives increased 2-3°C as the concentration of binder was reduced in 5% steps. Samples from the same original lot of LX-04 were evaluated after 20-23 years of service. The alpha relaxation occurred at 60°C as a peak in the loss modulus at 1 Hz. Both the beta and alpha relaxations were very broad and an accurate maximum for these relaxations was difficult to determine.
Nanotechnology with atom optics

A brief review of atom optics is presented, with emphasis on how it can be applied in the field of nanotechnology. Two specific examples are discussed: laser-focused atomic deposition and deterministic production of single atoms. Results are summarized for these two techniques, and discussion is presented on how they can impact progress in the development of nanotechnology.
Influence of FGF4 on Digit Morphogenesis during Limb Development in the Mouse

Much of what we currently know about digit morphogenesis during limb development is deduced from embryonic studies in the chick. In this study, we used ex utero surgical procedures to study digit morphogenesis during mouse embryogenesis. Our studies reveal some similarities; however, we have found considerable differences in how the chick and the mouse autopods respond to experimentation. First, we are not able to induce ectopic digit formation from interdigital cells as a result of wounding or TGFbeta-1 application in the mouse, in contrast to what is observed in the chick. Second, FGF4, which inhibits the formation of ectopic digits in the chick, induces a digit bifurcation response in the mouse. We demonstrate with cell marking studies that this bifurcation response results from a reorganization of the prechondrogenic tip of the digit rudiment. The FGF4 effect on digit morphogenesis correlates with changes in the expression of a number of genes, including Msx1, Igf2, and the posterior members of the HoxD cluster. In addition, the bifurcation response is digit-specific, being restricted to digit IV. We propose that FGF4 is an endogenous signal essential for skeletal branching morphogenesis in the mouse. This work stresses the existence of major differences between the chick and the mouse in how digit morphogenesis is regulated and is thus consistent with the view that vertebrate digit evolution is a relatively recent event. Finally, we discuss the relationship between the digit IV bifurcation restriction and the placement of the metapterygial axis in the evolution of the tetrapod limb.
A systems approach for quality and reliability of chip scale package assembly

This paper reviews many factors that affect interconnect reliability of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) chip scale package (CSP) assemblies. These include: package type, package build, board design, and assembly variables. Methods of accelerated environmental testing were discussed and reasons for unrealistic life projections for CSP assembly reliability by numerous modelers is also examined. Preliminary thermal cycling test results in the range of -30/spl deg/C to 100/spl deg/C for test vehicles, especially a double sided assembly were also presented. It was concluded that availability of meaningful assembly reliability test results are needed to accelerate implementation of this technology. The JPL-led CSP consortia are addressing many of these issues.
Proteasome Active Sites Allosterically Regulate Each Other, Suggesting a Cyclical Bite-Chew Mechanism for Protein Breakdown

In eukaryotes, the 20S proteasome contains two chymotrypsin-like, two trypsin-like, and two active sites shown here to have caspase-like specificity. We report that certain sites allosterically regulate each other's activities. Substrates of a chymotrypsin-like site stimulate dramatically the caspase-like activity and also activate the other chymotrypsin-like site. Moreover, substrates of the caspase-like sites inhibit allosterically the chymotrypsin-like activity (the rate-limiting one in protein breakdown) and thus can reduce the degradation of proteins by 26S proteasomes. These allosteric effects suggest an ordered, cyclical mechanism for protein degradation. We propose that the chymotrypsin-like site initially cleaves ("bites") the polypeptide, thereby stimulating the caspase-like sites. Their activation accelerates further cleavage ("chewing") of the fragments, while the chymotrypsin-like activity is temporarily inhibited. When further caspase-like cleavages are impossible, the chymotryptic site is reactivated and the cycle repeated.
Genetic evidence that mutants of the methoprene‐tolerant gene of Drosophila melanogaster are null mutants

The Methoprene-tolerant (Met) mutation of Drosophila melanogaster results in resistance to juvenile hormone (JH) or JH analogs and appears to alter JH reception during late larval development. Several alleles of Met have been recovered from methoprene selection screens after mutagenesis with ethyl methanesulfonate, X-rays, or transposable genetic elements. The phenotype of files carrying any of these alleles is similar-resistance to the toxic and morphogenetic effects of methoprene-but otherwise is essentially wild-type. Understanding the function of the Met gene requires that we know whether these alleles are hypomorphic, producing some functional gene product, or amorphic, producing no functional gene product. This determination was made by comparing the methoprene-resistance phenotype produced by representative Met alleles with that produced by a chromosome carrying a deficiency that deletes the Met gene. The level of resistance to either the toxic or the morphogenetic effect of methoprene was similar among files heterozygous for either the deficiency chromosome or for any of the alleles. The results provide genetic evidence that the Met alleles recovered to date are amorphic and suggest that the Met gene may not be mutable to a more severe Met allele that affects the viability, development, or reproduction of the flies.
High gain current readout method for MWCNT infrared sensor

Infrared(IR) sensor was widely used in industrial, scientific and medical area. The currently IR sensors in IR camera are mostly temperature dependent, so that a cryogenic cooled system needed to maintain IR imaging system work.In nano material, carbon nanotue (CNT) based IR sensor has good performance in room temperature. However, the photocurrent in CNT IR sensor is especially small within range of nano ampere. In this paper, a high gain current to current converter was designed to read nano scale photocurrent in carbon nanotube based IR sensor. The results show that the proposed method can make the current response reach to 1uA, and make CNT based IR sensor available in infrared imaging system.
Lipase-catalyzed acidolysis of olive oil and caprylic acid in a bench-scale packed bed bioreactor

Abstract Lipase-catalyzed acidolysis of olive oil and caprylic acid was performed in a bench-scale packed bed bioreactor to produce structured lipids (SL). A 1,3-specific lipase, IM 60 from Rhizomucor miehei was used as the biocatalyst. Reaction products were analyzed by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography, with an evaporative light scattering detector. Olive oil is characterized by four major clusters of triacylglycerol species with equivalent carbon number (ECN), C44, C46, C48, and C50. Three monosubstituted products and two disubstituted products were detected after the reaction. Monosubstituted products had ECN of C36, C38, and C40, and disubstituted products had ECN of C30 and C32. The effect of solvent, temperature, substrate mol ratio, and flow rate/residence time were studied. Optimal solvent-free production of SL was obtained at a substrate flow rate of 1 ml/min, residence time 2.7 h, temperature 60°C, and mol ratio 1:5 (olive oil/caprylic acid). Fatty acid distribution at the sn-2 position of olive oil was determined by pancreatic lipase hydrolysis as 74.8% oleic acid and 25.2% linoleic acid. SL produced at optimal conditions had 7.2% caprylic acid, 69.6% oleic acid, 21.7% linoleic acid and 1.5% palmitic acid at the sn-2 position.