cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the oxygen-dependent promoter of the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene in Escherichia coli

The gene coding for the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) molecule has been cloned and functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. By using a plasmid-encoded gene as well as single-copy integrants, the oxygen-dependent VHb gene (VHb) promoter was shown to be functional in E. coli. The promoter was maximally induced under microaerobic conditions (dissolved oxygen levels of less than 2% air saturation). Direct analysis of mRNA levels as well as the use of gene fusions with lacZ showed that oxygen-dependent regulation occurred at the level of transcription. Transcriptional activity decreased substantially under anaerobic conditions, suggesting the presence of a regulatory mechanism that is maximally induced under hypoxic but not completely anaerobic conditions in E. coli. Primer extension analysis was used to identify the existence of two overlapping promoters within a 150-base-pair region upstream of the structural VHb gene. The oxygen-dependent activity of both promoters was qualitatively similar, suggesting the existence of a common mechanism by which available oxygen concentrations influence expression from the two promoters. Analysis of promoter activity in crp and cya mutants showed that both cyclic AMP and catabolite activator protein were required for full activity of the promoter. The VHb promoter contained a region of significant homology to the catabolite activator protein-binding site near the E. coli lac promoter.
Visualizing the Inter-Domain Motions of a Pathogenic Protein using Sparse RDC Data

SpA-N is the N-terminal half of Staphylococcal protein A and it is composed of five protein binding domains. The five domains could bind to antibody, TNFR1 and von Willebrand factor and facilitate the evasion of Staphylococcus aureus into the human immune system. The functional plasticity is suggested to be the result of structural flexibility. Heteronuclear spin relaxation experiments demonstrated that the five domains of SpA-N are connected by four flexible linkers. In order to obtain additional dynamic information, we constructed a di-domain mimic of SpA-N with a lanthanide binding tag and measured residual dipolar couplings (RDCs). The di-domain construct can bind lanthanide ions and consequently be aligned in the presence of a strong magnetic field. By using different combinations of lanthanide ions and protein constructs, we obtained two orthogonal alignments, which have enough information content to determine a model with maximally 10 parameters. In addition, we designed a de novo method to extract dynamic information from RDCs. Instead of determining conventional structure ensembles, our method determines an inter-domain orientation distribution to describe the structure of a flexible protein using continuous probability distributions. By using continuous models, orientation distributions can be parameterized by a small number of variables and still remain general enough to describe a broad spectrum of inter-domain motions. As a result, the method can avoid the over-fitting problem even with sparse data. Because no force field is applied, the generated distribution is purely determined by RDC data and least biased. Using the method, we determined the inter-domain orientation distribution of the di-domain construct with only two orthogonal alignments. A strong correlation was observed in the distribution and conformations were well populated in a limited region.
Neoadjuvant therapy is associated with improved survival in resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapy has been used to improve survival in operable pancreatic cancer. The authors' objective was to compare long-term outcomes in patients receiving neoadjuvant versus adjuvant therapy for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: The California Cancer Surveillance Program for Los Angeles County retrospectively identified 458 patients with nonmetastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent definitive pancreatic resection and received systemic chemotherapy between 1987 and 2006. The cohort was grouped by timing of systemic therapy—neoadjuvant or adjuvant. Clinicopathologic characteristics and overall survival were compared. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the benefit of neoadjuvant therapy, independent of other significant factors. RESULTS: Of the 458 patients, 39 (8.5%) received neoadjuvant therapy, and 419 (91.5%) received adjuvant therapy. There was a significantly lower rate of lymph node positivity in the neoadjuvant group (45% vs 65%; P = .011) despite a higher rate of extrapancreatic tumor extension. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the neoadjuvant group had significantly better overall survival compared with the adjuvant group (median survival, 34 vs 19 months; P = .003). Overall survival was also improved in the neoadjuvant therapy patients with extrapancreatic disease (median survival, 31 vs 19 months; P = .018). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, neoadjuvant therapy was an independent predictor of improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.89; P = .013). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first population-based study to compare neoadjuvant versus adjuvant treatment strategies in resectable pancreatic cancer. Neoadjuvant therapy is associated with a lower rate of lymph node positivity and improved overall survival and should be considered an acceptable alternative to the surgery-first paradigm in operable pancreatic cancer. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society
Factors associated with healthy aging: The Cardiovascular Health Study

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated with remaining healthy in older adults. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Data were collected at the four Cardiovascular Health Study field centers. PARTICIPANTS: 5,888 participants age 65 years and older in the Cardiovascular Health Study. MEASUREMENTS: Presence of chronic disease was assessed at baseline and over a maximum 7-year followup period. Participants who were free of chronic disease (no cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or self-reported cancer, except nonmelanoma skin cancer) at the baseline examination were then monitored for the onset of incident cancer, cardiovascular disease, and fatal outcomes. RESULTS: A high proportion of these older adults was healthy at the initial examination and remained healthy over the follow-up period. Numerous behavioral factors were associated with continued health, including physical activity, refraining from cigarette smoking, wine consumption (women), higher educational status, and lower waist circumference. A number of CVD risk factors and subclinical disease measures were associated with continued health, including higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, lack of diabetes, thinner common carotid intimal medial thickness, lower blood pressure, lower C-reactive protein, and higher ankle-arm blood pressure ratio. Among the behavioral factors, exercise, not smoking, and not taking aspirin remained significant predictors of health even after controlling for CVD risk factors and subclinical disease in older adults. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that a number of modifiable behavioral factors (physical activity, smoking, and obesity) and cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, HDL cholesterol, and blood pressure) are associated with maintenance of good health in older adults.
Brucellosis in an Illinois abattoir.

Blood samples obtained from 551 employees of an abattoir were tested for brucellosis antibodies, and 12.9% were found reactive. This rate was 40% among workers who had contact with warm pork, 17% among these who had contact with only warm beef, and 5% among the administrative and clerieal staff. The greatest inerease in reactive sera occurred after one to three years of employment. Titers were present in 5% of those who wore glasses and in 19% of those who did not. There was no apparent difference in reactor rates by sex, but 31% of the non-white men had titers, compared with 6% of the white men. This was not a factor of work location. There was no apparent association between brucellosis titers and number of absences from work in the past 42 months.
Are We All Saussureans Now

SummaryThis paper addresses the question whether all of the most important linguistic theories of the 20th century are Saussurean. Beginning with Engler’s observation that there are so many interpretive possibilities in the Saussurean material which has appeared that it is even possible for opposing viewpoints to be Saussurean, the discussion ranges over European and American theorists from Bloomfield to Roy Harris, and questions to what extent each followed the Genevan master.ResumeCet article pose la question suivante: les plus importantes theories du XXe siecle s’inscrivent-t-elles dans une perspective saussurienne? Rappelant au debut le mot de Rudolf Engler, qui observa qu’il y a tant de possibilites interpretatives dans le Nachlass paru depuis la publication du Cours que meme des points de vue opposes peuvent se qualifier de saussuriens, la discussion s’etend sur les theoristes d’Europe et des etats-Unis de Bloomfield a Roy Harris, posant tous la meme question: dans quel mesure chacun de ces theoristes a-t-il suivi le maitre genevois?ZusammenfassungIn dem Beitrag geht es um die Frage, ob alle oder zumindesten die meisten sprachwissenschaftlichen Theorien des 20. Jahrhunderts auf Saussure zuruckgefuhrt werden konnen. Als Ausgangspunkt dient Englers Bemerkung, dass mit den Textpassagen Saussures, welche entdeckt worden sind, so viele Deutungsansatze begrundet werden konnen, dass es sogar moglich ist, entgegengesetzte Gesichtspunkte hiermit zu rechtfertigen. In der Diskussion geht es um europaische und amerikanische Theoretiker von Bloomfield bis Roy Harris, wobei die Frage gestellt wird, inwieweit sie dem Genfer Meister folgen.
The role of chemoradiation for patients with resectable or potentially resectable pancreatic cancer

Conflicting data and substantial controversy exist regarding optimal adjuvant treatment for those patients with resectable or potentially resectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Despite improvements in short-term surgical outcomes, the use of newer chemotherapeutic agents, development of targeted agents and more precise delivery of radiation, the 5-year survival rates for early-stage patients remains less than 25%. This article critically reviews the existing data for various adjuvant treatment approaches for patients with surgically resectable pancreatic cancer. Our review confirms that despite several randomized clinical trials, the optimal adjuvant treatment approach for these patients remains unclear.
Meteorite falls in China and some related human casualty events

Statistics of witnessed and recovered meteorite falls found in Chinese historical texts for the period from 700 B.C. to A.D. 1920 are presented. Several notable features can be seen in the binned distribution as a function of time. An apparent decrease in the number of meteorite reports in the 18th century is observed. An excess of observed meteorite falls in the period from 1840 to 1880 seems to correspond to a similar excess in European data. A chi sq probability test suggest that the association between the two data sets are real. Records of human casualities and structural damage resulting from meteorite falls are also given. A calculation based on the number of casualty events in the Chinese meteorite records suggests that the probability of a meteroite striking a human is far greater than previous estimates. However, it is difficult to verify the accuracy of the reported casualty events.
Mechanistic Comparison of Wide-Base Single Versus Standard Dual Tire Configurations

Wide-base tires are gaining renewed interest in the U.S. trucking industry as tire and rim technology and design continue to improve. First introduced in the early 1980s and termed "super-singles," new generation, wide-base tires have been developed to allow for lower inflation pressures and larger contact areas than their predecessors. Single tires are of interest to freight haulers because with fewer tires and lighter rims, cargo capacity can increase. Early theoretical and physical modeling studies of super-singles largely found them to be more damaging to highway pavement structures than standard dual tire configurations. However, in light of new tire advancements, the impact on pavement response and performance of the wide-base configuration should be reevaluated. In addition, the accuracy of theoretical models in predicting pavement response under the new wide-base tires should be evaluated because models are often used by agencies to determine single-tire weight limits and permitting. A conventiona...
Ribosomal aggregates in amebae exposed to the protein synthesis inhibitor emetine

Abstract Amebae were studied with the electron microscope after up to 5 days exposure to emetine, which inhibits protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. Clusters of particles, identified as aggregates of ribosomes, appeared in large numbers in the cytoplasm of emetine-treated cells. The clusters contained as many as 16 ribosomes, which appeared to be arranged in a helical pattern. Control cells and normal amebae from stock cultures contained a coarsely granular cytoplasmic matrix with scattered small clumps of ribosomes, but they lacked large ribosomal aggregates comparable to those found in emetine-treated cells. The results are discussed in relation to previous biochemical studies on the effects of emetine on ribosomes and protein synthesis.
Does drinking weaken resistance

Contrary to popular conception, alcohol ingestion reduces the impact of persuasive messages.
Hypervolemic hypernatremia in patients recovering from acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit

Background A high incidence of hypernatremia is often observed in patients recovering from acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care units.
Comparison of in Vitro Corticosteroid Response in Pigmentary Glaucoma and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

We used an in vitro assay utilizing corticosteroids to inhibit transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes to evaluate a group of 20 patients with pigmentary glaucoma. The pigmentary glaucoma patient group did not manifest the markedly increased cellular sensitivity to corticosteroids associated with primary open-angle glaucoma. If increased sensitivity to corticosteroids plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma, then pigmentary glaucoma appears to be etiologically, as well as clinically, a separate entity.
An eight-device extended-resonance power-combining amplifier

An extended resonance technique for designing power amplifiers is investigated. This technique provides a planar power-combining structure whose primary distinction from conventional structures is that it does not require quarter-wave or multiple quarter-wave spacing between devices. A theoretical analysis of extended-resonance combiners is presented, followed by experimental data from an eight-device power amplifier. This approach is adaptable to monolithic circuit-fabrication techniques and should be useful for millimeter-wave applications.
The Obesity Epidemic and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children

Childhood obesity is a worldwide health problem associated with an increase in the prevalence and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This review covers the progress made between 2005 and 2007 in understanding the epidemiology, histology, and treatment of pediatric NAFLD. The number of children with NAFLD presents a major public health crisis. Noninvasive diagnostic tools offer future promise, but currently are unable to grade and stage disease. Therefore, pediatric NAFLD remains a clinico-pathological diagnosis requiring direct demonstration of liver steatosis and the exclusion of other causes of fatty liver and/or hepatitis. There are currently no proven therapies for NAFLD in children; however, TONIC (Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children), the first multicenter clinical trial of pediatric NAFLD, is currently in progress. Such studies are imperative to address fundamental questions regarding cause and cure.
Lack of cross-tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of systemic and topical cannabinoids in morphine-tolerant mice.

Abstract Opioids and cannabinoids produce antinociception through activity at spinal, supraspinal and peripheral sites. Tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of both the opioids and the cannabinoids develop when these agents are administered chronically. Although mutual potentiation of antinociceptive effects have been reported between opioids and cannabinoids, the development of antinociceptive cross-tolerance between these systems has not been demonstrated consistently. In the present investigation, we explored the possibility of antinociceptive cross-tolerance between systemic or topical morphine and systemic or topical cannabinoids in mice. Mice were made tolerant to morphine either by the subcutaneous (s.c.) implantation of a morphine pellet or repeated topical administration and then challenged with the mixed CB 1 and CB 2 receptor agonist WIN55, 212-2 given s.c. or topically. Antinociception was indicated by increased tail-flick latencies to noxious radiant heat. Implantation with morphine pellets did not attenuate the antinociceptive potency of systemic or topical WIN 55,212-2. Moreover, twice-daily topical administration of morphine did not attenuate the antinociceptive potency of WIN 55,212-2 applied topically. These observations suggest that opioids and cannabinoids produce antinociception through mechanisms that are independent of each other at either the systemic or peripheral levels.
Aggregation of islet amyloid polypeptide: from physical chemistry to cell biology

Amyloid formation in the pancreas by islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) leads to β-cell death and dysfunction, contributing to islet transplant failure and to type-2 diabetes. IAPP is stored in the β-cell insulin secretory granules and cosecreted with insulin in response to β-cell secretagogues. IAPP is believed to play a role in the control of food intake, in controlling gastric emptying and in glucose homeostasis. The polypeptide is natively unfolded in its monomeric state, but is one of the most amyloidogenic sequences known. The mechanisms of IAPP amyloid formation in vivo and in vitro are not understood; the mechanisms of IAPP induced cell death are unclear; and the nature of the toxic species is not completely defined. Recent work is shedding light on these important issues.
Remotely accessible laboratory for MEMS testing

We report on the construction of a remotely accessible and interactive laboratory for testing microdevices (aka: MicroElectroMechancial Systems - MEMS). Enabling expanded utilization of microdevices for research, commercial, and educational purposes is very important for driving the creation of future MEMS devices and applications. Unfortunately, the relatively high costs associated with MEMS devices and testing infrastructure makes widespread access to the world of MEMS difficult. The creation of a virtual lab to control and actuate MEMS devices over the internet helps spread knowledge to a larger audience. A host laboratory has been established that contains a digital microscope, microdevices, controllers, and computers that can be logged into through the internet. The overall layout of the tele-operated MEMS laboratory system can be divided into two major parts: the server side and the client side. The server-side is present at Texas Tech University, and hosts a server machine that runs the Linux operating system and is used for interfacing the MEMS lab with the outside world via internet. The controls from the clients are transferred to the lab side through the server interface. The server interacts with the electronics required to drive the MEMS devices using a range of National Instruments hardware and LabView Virtual Instruments. An optical microscope (100 ×) with a CCD video camera is used to capture images of the operating MEMS. The server broadcasts the live video stream over the internet to the clients through the website. When the button is pressed on the website, the MEMS device responds and the video stream shows the movement in close to real time.
Buckle propagation and arresting in offshore pipelines

Abstract A summary is presented of recent developments that contribute to reliably predicting the magnitude of the buckle propagation pressure for deep-water offshore pipelines. The associated problem of buckle arresting is then addressed, and a study is made of the relationship between the external pressure and the buckle length for conditions representative of those involved in the arresting of a propagating buckle. Using energy methods, an analytical expression that defines that relationship is obtained, and it is shown that its predictions are in very good agreement with those of accurate finite element solutions. The relationship between the pressure and the buckle length reported herein could be useful in improving the understanding of the forces exerted by a buckle on an arrestor during a buckle arresting process. Furthermore, an examination is made of the magnitude of the dynamic effects induced on an arrestor by a propagating buckle, and it is demonstrated that such effects are usually small.
Molecular analysis of the alpha and beta dynein genes of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

We previously cloned portions of the alpha and beta dynein heavy chain genes of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by screening a genomic expression library with monoclonal antibodies (Williams et al.: Journal of Cell Biology 103:1–11, 1986). Here we provide further evidence of the identity of these clones and describe the selection of adjacent regions from a large insert genomic library. Southern blots indicate that only a single copy of each gene is present in the Chlamydomonas genome, while Northern blots show that both heavy chains are encoded by 13.5 kilobase mRNAs and that the corresponding transcription units each span approximately 20 kilobase-pairs of genomic DNA. No similarities were detected between restriction maps of the alpha and beta dynein genes, but extensive regions of sequence similarity were identified by the cross-hybridization of cloned gene fragments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE FOR ANDROGEN ASSAY BY THE CHICK COMB METHOD1

CLINICAL INVESTIGATIONS involving assays for androgenic activity have lagged behind those related to the estrogens because of the lack of a convenient and reliable bio-assay technique. Of all of the numerous methods which have been proposed from time to time, that of Gallagher and Koch (1), based on the capon’s comb as a quantitative indicator of the potency of injected androgenic material, has been used most extensively. During the past four years we have been engaged in developing a bio-assay method for androgenic activity in urine and tumors, which is relatively simple and of recognizable reliability (for preliminary reports on this work see 2, 3, 4). This investigation has finally been concluded and a detailed report on the work is now nearing completion. Along with a careful description of the proced-ure, this report will include the evidence, both historical and experimental, which guided us in the development of our method; it will contain also a minute statistical analysis of the data, collected o...
Specific gene blockade shows that peptide nucleic acids readily enter neuronal cells in vivo

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are DNA analogs that can hybridize to complementary sequences with high affinity and stability. Here, we report the first evidence of intracellular delivery of PNAs in vivo. Two CNS receptors, an opioid (mu) and a neurotensin (NTR-1), were targeted independently by repeated microinjection of PNAs into the periaqueductal gray. Behavioral responses to neurotensin (antinociception and hypothermia) and morphine (antinociception) were lost in a specific manner. Binding studies confirmed a large reduction in receptor sites. The loss of behavioral responses was long lasting but did fully recover. The implications of specifically and readily turning off gene expression in vivo are profound.
Effects of cadmium on trophoblast calcium transport

Maternal exposure to cadmium (Cd) during pregnancy has been linked to low fetal birthweight, which may be attributed to placental damage and/or dysfunction in nutrient transport. Previous studies have suggested that Cd is accumulated in the placenta, and that placental transport of calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) is perturbed by Cd. To investigate the mechanism of Cd perturbation of Ca transport, we used JEG-3, a human choriocarcinoma cell line which exhibits trophoblastic properties, to analyse Cd effects in vitro. Treatment with Cd at low, physiologically relevant concentrations (e.g. 0.04 μ m ) did not result in obvious changes in cell morphology or integrity, whereas higher concentrations (≥ 0.16 μ m ) affected cell integrity. With lower concentrations of Cd treatment for 24 h, activities of cellular Ca uptake and transport, and Ca 2+ binding were decreased, and intracellular [Ca 2+ ] ([Ca 2+ ] i ) profile was also altered; however, membrane-associated Ca 2+ -activated ATPase activity remained relatively unchanged. Interestingly, cellular Ca uptake activity was unaffected by short-term (30 min) Cd pretreatment. The 24-h Cd treatment also resulted in elevated expression of the metal-binding protein, metallothionein, whereas the expression of a trophoblast-specific cytosolic Ca 2+ -binding protein (HCaBP) was drastically reduced. These results strongly suggest that Cd exposure significantly compromises the Ca handling ability of trophoblastic cells; this effect is probably not due to perturbations in Ca channel or membrane Ca pump activities, but rather a consequence of alterations in subcellular, cytosolic Ca 2+ binding activities.
c-Src and cooperating partners in human cancer

The proto-oncogene c-src is rarely mutated in human cancers, and when overexpressed in normal cells is non- or weakly oncogenic. These observations have raised doubts about the involvement of c-src in the etiology of human tumors. However, recent studies have shown that c-Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, exhibits elevated protein levels and activity in numerous types of human cancers. Furthermore, it has been found to be a critical component of multiple signaling pathways that regulate proliferation, survival, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Because of its important role in these oncogenic processes, it represents a therapeutic target ripe for exploitation.
Relation Between Micellar and Serum Casein in Bovine Milk

Abstract Little or no additional casein dissolved when milk was diluted with large volumes of milk dialysate. Some dissolution of micellar to serum casein occurred when sedimented micelles were redispersed in ultra-filtrate mechanically, but the concentration of serum casein remained far below that of the original milk. It is concluded that micellar and serum casein do not form an equilibrium system controlled by the solubilities of the various caseins. α s -, β -, and κ-Casein dissolved in the serum when milk was cooled, with β -casein accounting for about 55% of the total increase in serum casein. Serum casein content decreased by addition of calcium, but was increased by addition of phosphate, by addition of acid in the range from pH 6.7 to 5.3, and by removal of colloidal calcium phosphate. The results suggest that, at a fixed level of calcium caseinate, the calcium phosphate content of the micelles and the degree of polymerization of temperature-sensitive casein components (mostly β -casein) are the major factors controlling the proportion of casein present in micellar form. Loss of either calcium phosphate or of temperature-sensitive casein from the micelle releases additional casein to the serum; loss of both has a more than additive effect.
Effects of Glucose on Neuroblastoma In Vitro and In Vivo

Because neuroblastoma cells in vitro are sensitive to changes in glucose levels in growth media, the effects of glucose levels and dietary carbohydrate on the sensitivity of neuroblastoma cells to chemotherapy were studied. In vitro, 20 μM bromoacetylcholine, 3 mM 1,3-diaminopropane, and 5 mM 5-fluorouracil were added to the growth medium of strain N2a neuroblastoma cells cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium with high glucose (4.5 g/L, HG), normal glucose (1.0 g/L, NG), or low glucose (0.1 g/L, LG). Diaminopropane and 5-fluorouracil had some cytotoxic effect on cells in all media. Bromoacetylcholine killed cells in all media, but at a concentration of 20 μM was most effective in LG medium. Mice (A/Jax) were inoculated with neuroblastoma cells for in vivo studies. Mice could not tolerate a carbohydrate-free diet, while a high-carbohydrate diet caused no change in survival time. When mice on a high carbohydrate diet were treated with cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg, ip) or 5-fluorouracil (125 mg/kg, ip), they died faster than drug-treated mice on a normal diet. Oral chlorpropamide or cimetidine did not prolong survival time. Analysis of blood glucose levels showed neuroblastoma significantly lowered blood glucose levels (p < 0.05), while chlorpropamide had no significant effect. It is proposed that manipulation of plasma glucose to lower levels will not be effective in enhancing the chemotherapy of neuroblastoma.
Gas discrimination by ZnO nanowire arrays with different metal oxide coatings

Three-dimensional (3D) metal oxide nanowire arrays have large surface area and numerous gas transport channels, which can significantly improve the gas sensing performance, such as sensitivity, response and recovery speed, etc. compared to their thin films counterparts. Furthermore, different metal oxide coatings can be used to diversify the chemical reactivity of the nanowires for gas discrimination. A general route to polycrystalline metal oxide nanowire array has been introduced by using ZnO nanowire arrays as structural templates. Two different metal oxide coatings (CuO and SnO 2 ) have been applied onto the ZnO nanowire arrays to modify the gas sensing properties. The polycrystalline metal oxide coatings showed high performance for gas detection. The electronic nose system consisted of these two types of gas sensors can discriminate air-diluted NO 2 and H 2 S.
Factors Affecting Levels of Physical Activity in Adults

A large proportion of adults in Western cultures are physically inactive, despite several decades of warnings about the potentially negative health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. Efforts to promote physical activity have focused on identifying its determinants and designing interventions that might effectively promote regular physical activity. The multitude of factors that induce adults to initiate and maintain programmes of physical activity have been divided into those that are invariable (age, gender, race, ethnicity) and those that are presumed to be modifiable (behavioural and personality characteristics, environmental circumstances and community settings). The lack of consistency in the design, analysis and reporting of interventions in the lives of inactive or sedentary individuals has produced equivocal results. However, several social and environmental factors have systematically emerged as determinants of physical activity in adults. In ethnic minorities, the removal of barriers such as unaffordable facilities and unavailable childcare, high crime rates, fear for personal safety and culturally inappropriate activities are of primary importance. Social support from family, peers, communities and healthcare providers has resulted in modest improvements across cultures, ages and genders in selected settings, but the definition of specific interventions and their outcomes deserve additional attention. Longitudinal studies indicate that components of physical fitness are relatively transitory, with low to modest correlations between physical activity and measures of physical fitness in childhood and adolescence and in adulthood. Attempts to explain the activity behaviour of adults by applying various theories in programmes of intervention have also produced mixed results. Successful interventions tailor programmes to individual needs, account for personal levels of fitness, allow for personal control of the activity and its outcomes, and provide for social support by family, peers and communities. The initiation and maintenance of regular physical activity in adults depends on a multitude of biological and sociocultural variables that demand attention across the lifespan.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Contractility by Activating MicroRNA-21 (miR-21), which Down-regulates Expression of Family of Dedicator of Cytokinesis (DOCK) Proteins

The bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) signaling pathway plays a critical role in the promotion and maintenance of the contractile phenotype in vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC). Misexpression or inactivating mutations of the BMP receptor gene can lead to dedifferentiation of vSMC characterized by increased migration and proliferation that is linked to vascular proliferative disorders. Previously we demonstrated that vSMCs increase microRNA-21 (miR-21) biogenesis upon BMP4 treatment, which induces contractile gene expression by targeting programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4). To identify novel targets of miR-21 that are critical for induction of the contractile phenotype by BMP4, biotinylated miR-21 was expressed in vSMCs followed by an affinity purification of mRNAs associated with miR-21. Nearly all members of the dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) 180-related protein superfamily were identified as targets of miR-21. Down-regulation of DOCK4, -5, and -7 by miR-21 inhibited cell migration and promoted cytoskeletal organization by modulating an activity of small GTPase. Thus, this study uncovers a regulatory mechanism of the vSMC phenotype by the BMP4-miR-21 axis through DOCK family proteins.
On a multiplicative hybrid problem

Abstract It is proved that if U ⊂ {N, N + 1,…, 2N} with | U | ⪢ N and B ⊂ {N, N + 1,…, 2N} with | B | ⪢ N, then there exist integers a, b, c with a ∈ U , b ∈ B , and |ab − c 2 | ⪢ (c log c) 1 2 so that ab is “near square.”
Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management for Postoperative Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Patients

Some patients are dissatisfied with the pain relief they receive in the immediate postoperative period (Donovan, 1990). Some researchers believe that non-pharmacologic nursing interventions, used in combination with analgesics, can help decrease pain. The purpose of this study was to document how frequently non-pharmacologic methods are being implemented and who is responsible for encouraging patients to use these methods.
Purification of rat chondrosarcoma xylosyltransferase.

Abstract The chondroitin sulfate chain-initiating enzyme, UDP- d -xylose:core protein β- d -xylosyltransferase has been purified over 600-fold from the high-speed supernatant fraction of a rat chondrosarcoma. The purification procedure involved differential centrifugation, gel chromatography on Sephadex G-200, and affinity chromatography on a matrix consisting of core protein bound to Sepharose. The purified enzyme was homogenous by electrophoretic and immunological criteria, had a molecular weight between 95,000 and 100,000 and contained approximately 10% carbohydrate. The Km value for UDP-xylose was 1 × 10−5, m and for the core-protein acceptor was 330 mg/liter.
From calculus to number theory

(1989). From Calculus to Number Theory. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 96, No. 2, pp. 140-143.
Ectomycorrhizal colonization of Quercus rubra seedlings in response to vegetation removals in oak and pine stands

Abstract Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) colonization of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L., NRO) seedlings in response to different degrees of overstory and understory removal was investigated in NRO and red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) stands in northern Lower Michigan. The experimental design consisted of two stand types (oak and pine), three blocks nested within stand type, four levels of canopy cover (clearcut, 25% first year), 75%, and uncut), and two understory treatments (shrub removal and untreated control). NRO acorns from a common seed source were sown in the spring of 1991 and the emerged seedlings were sampled to quantify their ECM during the first two growing seasons. Photosynthetically acitive radiation (PAR) transmittance was recorded during the second growing season. Soil moisture and temperature were also measured at two- to three-week intervals for the first two years. ECM colonization (%) was significantly greater in the 50% canopy cover treatment (37.5) than in the clearcut (22.3) and uncut (20.8) treatments during the first growing season. In contrast, during the second growing season, percent ECM in the 25% canopy cover treatment (45.8) was significantly greater than in the clearcut treatment (20.4), but did not differ from the 75% cover (40.4) and uncut (37.6) treatments. ECM number per gram dry root was also significantly larger in the 25% canopy cover treatment (4595) than in the clearcut treatment (2588). Significantly more ECM (number per three lateral roots) were found in the untreated understory of the pine stand type (121) when compared to the shrub-removal treatments (103 and 107 for oak and pine stands, respectively) and untreated understory of the oak stand type (104) during the second growing season. Our results indicated that intermediate canopy levels stimulated the development of ECM, whereas complete removal of overstory and understory reduced such development. These results may aid forest managers in manipulating the field mycorrhizal condition of oak seedlings through silvicultural practices.
An Integrated Framework for Multipollutant Air Quality Management and Its Application in Georgia

Air protection agencies in the United States increasingly confront non-attainment of air quality standards for multiple pollutants sharing interrelated emission origins. Traditional approaches to attainment planning face important limitations that are magnified in the multipollutant context. Recognizing those limitations, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has adopted an integrated framework to address ozone, fine particulate matter, and regional haze in the state. Rather than applying atmospheric modeling merely as a final check of an overall strategy, photochemical sensitivity analysis is conducted upfront to compare the effectiveness of controlling various precursor emission species and source regions. Emerging software enables the modeling of health benefits and associated economic valuations resulting from air pollution control. Photochemical sensitivity and health benefits analyses, applied together with traditional cost and feasibility assessments, provide a more comprehensive characterization of the implications of various control options. The fuller characterization both informs the selection of control options and facilitates the communication of impacts to affected stakeholders and the public. Although the integrated framework represents a clear improvement over previous attainment-planning efforts, key remaining shortcomings are also discussed.
Upper limits to the bleaching of rhodopsin by high intensity flashes

Abstract Digitonin solutions of cattle rhodopsin are irradiated with intense flashes of various durations. Upper limits to bleaching are found which depend upon (1) the duration of the flash, (2) the temperature of the solution at the time of the flash, (3) the presence or absence of u.v. light in the flash. All flashes bleach no more than ca. 50 per cent at low temperatures and no more than ca. 88 per cent at high temperatures. Empirical equations are presented which describe the maximum bleach possible at various temperatures and it is proposed that these equations may prove helpful to those who wish to estimate the bleaching effectiveness of their flashes.
Grid computing in the geospatial web: the role of standards

For millennia, philosophers and academicians have understood that location and the properties of location - or geography - dictate the form and function of human activity. Every human activity happens somewhere and "somewhen". More recently, scientists and researches have increasing relied on geospatial information, including observations from static and dynamic sensing systems, to better understand and model the complex global dynamics of the earth's atmosphere and oceans. The volume of location based content collected is increasing exponentially. Given the environmental and political issues facing humanity, the ability to discover, access, filter, and integrate geospatial data using standard interfaces and content models in support of simulation and modeling systems is more critical than ever. At the same time, there is a tremendous need for the computing power necessary to properly use and reuse these data in decision support and modeling applications. It is at this juncture where the work of the OGC community on geospatial standards and the work of the GRID community intersect. This presentation will discuss the issues and potential solutions for the integration of geospatial content and services into the GRID infrastructure to create a geospatially enabled GRID. Topics such as federated catalogues and registries, content interoperability, the integration of real time sensor systems, and authentication will be addressed.
Qualitative Changes in Creativity in the Second Half of life: A Life-Span Developmental Perspective

Research on the relationship between creativity and age has been based on two seemingly incompatible sets of assumptions. The deficit approach maintains and has demonstrated that creative productivity and age have a linear relationship—that is, creativity declines over the life-span. The alternate approach, upon which the present paper is founded, maintains that creative productivity and creative ability are not identical. Further, this life-span developmental approach posits that supposed declines in creativity actually may reflect qualitative changes in the underlying creative process. Thus, different stages of the life-span are characterized by different kinds of creativity. Empirical and theoretical literature on wisdom and mature forms of thinking will be used to further answer the central questions of this paper: what might creativity in the second half of life look like?
Qualitative decision theory via channel theory

We recast parts of decision theory in terms of channel theory concentrating on qualitative issues. Channel theory allows one to move between model theoretic and language theoretic notions as is necessary for an adequate covering. Doing so clarifies decision theory and presents the opportunity to investigate alternative formulations. As an example, we take some of Savage’s notions of decision theory and recast them within channel theory. In place of probabilities, we use a particular logic of preference. We introduce a logic for describing actions separate from the logic of preference over actions. The structures introduced by channel theory that represent the decision problems can be seen to be an abstract framework. This frame-work is very accommodating to changing the nature of the decision problems to handle different aspects or theories about decision making.
An intronic polymorphism associated with increased XRCC1 expression, reduced apoptosis and familial breast cancer

XRCC1 coordinates the activities of DNA polymerase-β and DNA ligase for base excision repair of oxidative DNA damage. In addition, there is some evidence that XRCC1 is a negative regulator of apoptosis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in XRCC1 have been inconsistently associated with breast cancer risk. We evaluated XRCC1 gene expression in breast cancer cell lines and carcinogen-induced apoptosis in benign breast epithelial cells in relation to XRCC1 genotypes. XRCC1 IVS10+141G>A was associated with increased expression of XRCC1 mRNA and protein, and reduced apoptosis in response to benzo-[a]-pyrene or ionizing radiation, but XRCC1 R399Q was not. These genotypes were also assessed in a clinic-based sample that included 190 breast cancer patients with a family history of breast cancer and 95 controls with no family history of breast cancer. Heterozygous XRCC1 IVS10+141G>A was associated with an increased breast cancer risk (O.R. = 1.7, 95% C.I. 1.016–2.827, P = 0.04) as was homozygous XRCC1 IVS10+141G>A (O.R. = 4.7, 95% C.I. 1.028–21.444, P = 0.03). XRCC1 R399Q was not associated with breast cancer (O.R. 1.00, 95% C.I. 0.61–1.64). The XRCC1 IVS10+141G>A locus is centered in a sequence that is nearly identical to the consensus binding site for the PLAG1 transcription factor. XRCC1 IVS10+141G>A is an intronic polymorphism that is associated with XRCC1 expression, apoptosis and familial breast cancer. It may occur within an intronic regulatory sequence.
Sulfur Variations in Glasses from Volcanic Rocks: Effect of Melt Composition on Sulfur Solubility

A worldwide data set of major element and sulfur analyses of undegassed lavas, pumices, and melt inclusions from 14 volcanic locations was selected to investigate the compositional effects on sulfur solubility in magmas. We utilized analyses on calc-alkaline, alkaline, and tholeiitic rocks, with a range of 3400 ppm S variation. There is a strong correlation between chemical composition and the sulfur concentration: the less silicic and the more alkaline the rocks are, the more dissolved sulfur they can carry. Also, sulfur concentration is higher in rocks that represent less polymerized melts. Elemental correlations between FeO and S, well-defined for tholeiites, do not hold for alkaline melts. The compositional effects are at least as important as the better-known pressure, temperature, and f(O_2) dependencies.
Supercritical Fluid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection of Phenols and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons

A self-contained electrochemical cell consisting of a working and a counter electrode coated with a thin poly(ethylene oxide) film containing lithium triflate has been evalulated as an on-line detector for supercritical fluid chromatography. Electrochemical detection of 11 priority phenols and 13 polyaromatic hydrocarbons separated on a packed diol column with neat and methanol-modified CO2 mobile phases is described. The detector is operated voltammetrically, which permits the simultaneous detection of both oxidizable and reducible components of individual mixtures. Quantitative aspects of the detector performace have been evaluated and compared to those of a downstream flame ionization detector. The electrochemical detector provides low-nanogram detection limits and responds linearly over two decades of injected quantities. An advantage of voltammetric detection is the selectivity derived from the range of applied potentials used. Overlapping elution profiles of chloro-, methyl-, and nitro-substituted p...
Sterics and Solvation Winnow Accessible Conformational Space for Unfolded Proteins

The magnitude of protein conformational space is over-estimated by the traditional random-coil model, in which local steric restrictions arise exclusively from interactions between adjacent chain neighbors. Using a five-state model, we assessed the extent to which steric hindrance and hydrogen bond satisfaction, energetically significant factors, impose additional conformational restrictions on polypeptide chains, beyond adjacent residues. Steric hindrance is repulsive: the distance of closest approach between any two atoms cannot be less than the sum of their van der Waals radii. Hydrogen bond satisfaction is attractive: polar backbone atoms must form hydrogen bonds, either intramolecularly or to solvent water. To gauge the impact of these two factors on the magnitude of conformational space, we systematically enumerated and classified the disfavored conformations that restrict short polyalanyl backbone chains. Applying such restrictions to longer chains, we derived a scaling law to estimate conformational restriction as a function of chain length. Disfavored conformations predicted by the model were tested against experimentally determined structures in the coil library, a non-helix, non-strand subset of the PDB. These disfavored conformations are usually absent from the coil library, and exceptions can be uniformly rationalized.