cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of the Zn(II) Site in the Copper-Responsive Yeast Transcription Factor, AMT1: A Conserved Zn Module†

The N-terminal metal-binding domains of the copper-activated yeast transcription factors, ACE1 and AMT1, bind to specific DNA sequences in a Cu-dependent fashion. Recombinant AMT1 and ACE1 metal-binding domains are isolated as Cu4Zn1-protein complexes. Site-directed mutagenesis of AMT1 was used in this study to map the ligands of the Cu(I) and Zn(II) ions. The results are consistent with the N-terminal halves of AMT1 and ACE1 consisting of two independent submodules, one binding a single Zn(II) ion and the second binding the tetracopper cluster. The basis of this conclusion is, first, that mutations of two cysteinyl codons and a histidyl codon in the first 42 residues of AMT1 do not alter DNA binding. In contrast, serine substitutions at four cysteine positions at codons 43, 61, 90, and 98 abolish DNA binding. We demonstrated previously that population of the Zn(II) site in AMT1 does not alter the ability of the protein to bind DNA but bound Cu(I) ions are essential for DNA binding [Thorvaldsen, J. L., et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 9566-9577]. Second, mutations in the N-terminal 42 residue segment reduce the Zn(II) content of purified mutant AMT1 molecules. Third, a synthetic peptide consisting of the N-terminal 42 residues in AMT1 forms a stable Zn(II) complex and substitution with Co(II) reveals an electronic spectrum identical to that of the Co-substituted intact Cu4AMT1 protein. 113Cd(II) NMR studies reveal that the divalent metal site consists of ligands provided by three cysteinyl thiolates and a single histydyl imidazole. The sequence homology between AMT1, ACE1, and MAC1 in the N-terminal 42 residues suggests that ACE1 and MAC1 will, likewise, contain N-terminal Zn modules. A 42-residue ACE1 synthetic peptide gives identical metal binding properties to the corresponding AMT1 synthetic peptide. Thus, AMT1 and likely ACE1 consist of two contiguous modules, residues 1-42 forming an independent Zn(II) module and residues 43-110 enfolding a tetracopper cluster.
Differential effects of anesthetics on neutral proteinase activity of rat brain regions according to time of day.

Abstract Microfluorometry of trypsin-like neutral proteinase activity in hypothalamus, head of caudate nucleus and occipital cerebral cortex of adult male rats was applied in a study on the effects of ether, Nembutal, anoxia in CO2 and confinement without anesthesia at two times of the day. Anesthesia starting 3 h after the daily start of light and with either ether or Nembutal caused significant increases in neutral proteinase activity in all three regions, but differing in degree and course of increase according to region. Ether anesthesia 5 h later led to a decrease in neutral proteinase activity. These effects are not likely to be due to changes in tissue levels of neutral proteinase inhibitor. The possible mechanisms and bases of these effects were discussed. The utility of the differences according to time of day of the responses of the brain tissue neutral proteinase system to anesthetics was discussed in relation to functional systems in which brain neutral proteinases have been thought to have a role.
Xbox 360 Hoaxes, Social Engineering, and Gamertag Exploits

In its most basic form, social engineering can best be summarized as the art of manipulation. By convincing another individual to divulge sensitive information or permit access to a restricted location, the hacker's ruses unsuspecting participants to achieve their goal. In his book, The Art of Deception, Kevin Mitnick, the infamous hacker and one time FBI fugitive, asserts that humans are the biggest threat to security. So, if humans are the Achilles' heel or weakest link in security, it is only logical that when trying to gather information or gain access, taking advantage of unsuspecting humans is the best place to begin. This research will discuss how the Kevin Mitnick style of social engineering might not be needed when most of the personally identifying information is online. Social engineering might not be able to obtain the same type of information from Data at Rest (DAR) and Data in Motion (DIM). Furthermore the paper will analyze the privacy and identity disclosure in virtual societies, specifically the Xbox 360. Swatting, stolen accounts, kicking, and identity theft will be discussed.
Molecular expression and functional involvement of the bovine calcium-activated chloride channel 1 (bCLCA1) in apical HCO3- permeability of bovine corneal endothelium.

Abstract Corneal endothelium secretes HCO3− from basolateral (stroma) to apical (anterior chamber) compartments. Apical HCO3− permeability can be enhanced by increasing [Ca2+]i. We hypothesized that the bovine calcium-activated chloride channel 1 (bCLCA1), shown previously by PCR screening to be expressed in corneal endothelium, is involved in Ca2+ activated apical HCO3− permeability. bCLCA1 expression in cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells (CBCEC) was examined by in situ hybridization analysis, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies were generated using a 14 aa polypeptide (417–430) from the predicted sequence of bCLCA1. The small interference RNA (siRNA) knock down technique was used to evaluate the functional involvement of bCLCA1 in apical HCO3− permeability. In situ hybridization confirmed prominent bCLCA1-specific mRNA expression in CBCEC. bCLCA1 antiserum detected the heterologously expressed bCLCA1 in HEK293 cells and a 90 kDa band in CBCEC, which was absent when using the pre-immune serum or antigen absorption of serum. Immunofluoresence staining with anti-bCLCA1 antibody and confocal microscopy indicates an apical membrane location in CBCEC. In CBCEC transfected with bCLCA1 specific siRNA, bCLCA1 expression was reduced by 80%, while transfection with siControl scrambled sequence had no effect. Increasing [Ca2+i] by application of ATPγS or cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) increased apical HCO3− permeability in siControl transfected CBCEC, while having no effect on apical HCO3− permeability in bCLCA1 specific siRNA transfected cells. Baseline HCO3− permeability, however, was not different between controls and siRNA treated cells. We conclude that the calcium-activated chloride channel (bCLCA1) is expressed in bovine corneal endothelial cells and can contribute to Ca2+ dependent apical HCO3− permeability, but not resting permeability, across the corneal endothelium.
Neuromuscular control following maximal eccentric exercise

Kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) analysis of a target-directed, maximal velocity movement was used to investigate the effects of high-force eccentric exercise on the neuromuscular control of elbow flexion. Ten non-weight-trained females [19.6 (1.6) years old] performed 50 maximal velocity elbow flexion movements from 0 to 1.58 rad (90°), as rapidly as possible in response to a light stimulus, while kinematic and triphasic EMG parameters were measured. This was done three times pre-exercise, immediately and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days following the 50 maximal eccentric elbow flexion actions. The eccentric exercise caused lengthening of kinematic parameters including total movement time and time to peak velocity. The EMG elements of the biceps brachii (b.) motor time, time to peak EMG, biceps b. burst duration, and the latency period between biceps b. and triceps b. bursts were lengthened post-exercise. These changes persisted for up to 5 days post-exercise. The exercise also caused a large increase in serum creatine kinase (CK) activity. It was concluded that high-force eccentric exercise in this population caused prolonged changes in neuromuscular control that were a function of exercise-induced disruption of the skeletal muscle. Compensation in the central motor program was such that the components of the triphasic EMG pattern were systematically lengthened.
Laser two-photon ionization of aniline in a molecular beam and the bulk gas phase

Abstract Laser ionization spectroscopy and mass analysis have been used to study fragmentation and absorption cross sections in the two-photon ionization of aniline. For excitation between 293 and 300 nm the process involves sequential absorption of two photons via the 1 B 2 state with cross sections α 1 = (1.0 ± 0.2) × 10 −17 cm 2 and α 2 = (3.5 ± 0.8) × 10 −17 cm 2 at 293.9 nm.
An evaluation of Radon transform computations using DSP chips

The Radon transform and its inverse (a filtered backprojection) are receiving increasing attention for applications in image reconstruction. As data collection capabilities and image reconstruction algorithms have become more sophisticated, the computational intensity of these problems has drastically increased. Parallel processing techniques are being used to implement highspeed hardware designs that will speed up this computationally burdensome task. Parallel arrays of digital signal processing (DSP) chips may be used to compute the Radon transform and back-projection for high-speed image reconstruction. In this paper we describe computation of the Radon transform and back-projection using a parallel pipelined processor architecture of DSP chips and evaluate the accuracy of the computations and quality of reconstructed images. To justify the computational approach selected, alternative procedures for computation of the Radon transform and back-projection are described and their performance using the 32-bit fixed-point arithmetic of the selected DSP chips are compared. We present, evaluate, and compare the simulated performances of implementations of these procedures on two fixed-point DSP chips: the TI TMS32020 and the AT&T DSP16.
Chloramphenicol: Effects on Mouse Myeloma Cells in Tissue Culture

Within 36 hours of being administered, chloramphenicol (50 micrograms per milliliter) inhibits by 50 percent the rate of protein synthesis in mouse myeloma cells grown in suspension culture. Although there is a decrease in the amount of globulin synthesized, the rate of synthesis per cell is unchanged; the observed decrease is traced to the inhibition of cell proliferation caused by chloramphenicol.
Theoretical study of the effect of anisotropy on the transport/catalytic behavior of an enzyme membrane

Abstract Enzyme membranes have had a large area of application in recent years. This work is a theoretical analysis of substrate diffusion and reaction in enzyme membranes with examination of several membrane structural patterns. In particular, a study of the effect of the distribution of enzyme molecules on emergent product flux, substrate facilitation, and product back-flux was carried out.On the basis of results, improved asymmetric membrane designs are suggested.
The 30th Donald Kern Award

The Donald Q. Kern Award for 2004 was conferred on Dr. Ramesh K. Shah at the Summer Annual Heat Transfer Conference, San Francisco, Calif., on July 19, 2005. Although editorials in Heat Transfer Engineering usually deal with heat transfer processes or heat exchangers, I would like to use this page to salute an outstanding practitioner of heat transfer. First, a few words about Don Kern.
Tidal peritoneal dialysis: Comparison of different tidal regimens and automated peritoneal dialysis

Tidal peritoneal dialysis: Comparison of different tidal regimens and automated peritoneal dialysis. Background The National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) clinical practice guidelines have suggested minimal weekly Kt/V urea and creatinine clearance goals for peritoneal dialysis patients maintained on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). Achieving these goals may present problems, particularly in larger patients whose residual renal function declines. Thus, modifications of the dialysis regimen, such as tidal peritoneal dialysis (TPD), have been developed. However, the ability of TPD to improve the efficiency of the dialysis procedure remains uncertain. Methods Stable, cycling peritoneal dialysis patients were placed into two groups to study the effectiveness of different TPD prescriptions on peritoneal clearances of urea and creatinine. The volume of dialysis solution used and the duration of therapy were fixed in the two groups. Comparisons were made to conventional APD using multiple hourly cycles in which spent dialysis solution was completely drained with each cycle. Group I patients received a total of 15 L of PD solution over 9.5 hours in the dialysis unit. These patients received 10, 25, and 50% TPD and APD on four separate days. Group II patients received 24 L of PD solution over 9.5 hours. These patients received 25 and 50% APD on separate days in the dialysis unit. Peritoneal dialysis clearances for urea (pKt/V) and creatinine (pC Cr ) levels were calculated for both groups. The results were then analyzed to determine whether there was any significant difference among the various prescriptions. Results The data in the group I patients indicated a mean daily pKt/V of 0.22 ± 0.03 with 10% TPD, 0.23 ± 0.02 with 25% TPD, 0.25 ± 0.02 with 50% TPD, and 0.26 ± 0.02 with APD. Paired t -test analysis for pKt/V demonstrated that 10 and 25% TPD resulted in significantly lower values than 50% TPD and APD ( P Cr L/24 h/1.73 m 2 was 6.03 ± 0.72 for 10% TPD, 6.34 ± 0.83 for 25% TPD, 6.65 ± 0.51 for 50% TPD, and 7.01 ± 0.96 for APD; these differences were not significantly different. The data in the group II patients demonstrated a mean daily pKt/V of 0.28 ± 0.03 with 25% TPD, 0.29 ± 0.05 with 50% TPD, and 0.30 ± 0.05 for APD. The mean daily pC Cr was 6.69 ± 0.47 for 25% TPD, 8.09 ± 1.30 for 50% TPD, and 7.63 ± 1.13 for APD. There were no statistical differences for pKt/V and pC Cr within the 24 L group. Conclusion When the duration of therapy and volume of dialysate volume are kept constant, TPD does not result in an improvement in clearances compared with conventional APD, at least with dialysate volumes up to 24 L.
Experimental study of laser–cheese interaction for making of thin cheese slices with complex shapes

Current cheese-handling machines are not flexible to cut thin cheese into complex shapes. It is desirable to have a single versatile and inexpensive tool that is capable of shaping thin cheese slices into customer-designed shapes for dairy industry. Ultraviolet (UV) laser photo-ablation (a low-temperature cutting process) could offer an advantageous solution. This paper studies the wavelength and energy fluence dependence of UV laser drilling and cutting of cheese with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser at wavelengths of 355 and 266 nm. While damages and burns occurred around and inside the cutting cross-section with the laser beam of 355 nm, the laser beam of 266 nm produced high quality cutting and drilling and much larger cutting depth. Complex patterns, transported from computer aided design (CAD), were fabricated on cheese with the laser beam of 266 nm. The cutting speed was still low since the repetition rate of the laser used in this study is only 20 Hz. With ultraviolet (UV) laser sources of higher repetition rate and higher power, the process can be improved significantly to become cost-effective.
Multilevel selection: the evolution of cooperation in non-kin groups

Hamilton’s (1964a, 1964b) landmark papers are rightly recognized as the formal basis for our understanding of the evolution of altruistic traits. However, Hamilton’s equation as he originally expressed it is simplistic. A genetically oriented approach to studying multilevel selection can provide insights into how the terminology and assumptions used by Hamilton can be generalized. Using contextual analysis I demonstrated that Hamilton’s rule actually embodies three distinct processes, group selection, individual selection, and transmission genetics or heritability. Whether an altruistic trait will evolve depends the balance of all of these factors. The genetical approach, and particularly, contextual analysis provides a means of separating these factors and examining them one at a time. Perhaps the greatest issue with Hamilton’s equation is the interpretation of r. Hamilton (1964a) interpreted this as relatedness. In this paper I show that what Hamilton called relatedness is more generally interpreted as the proportion for variance among groups, and that many processes in addition to relatedness can increase the variance among groups. I also show that the evolution of an altruistic trait is driven by the ratio of the heritability at the group level to the heritability at the individual level. Under some circumstances this ratio can be greater than 1. In this situation altruism can evolve even if selection favoring selfish behavior is stronger than selection favoring altruism.
Free to Learn: Helping Ex-Offenders with Reentry

Denver Public Library has taken an active role in providing services for people who have served time in prison or jail. The program Free to Learn focuses on providing resources and training to help ex-offenders with entering or reentering the workforce. Educating library staff on how to help felons also plays a critical role in the success of the program. This article provides information on how Denver Public Library helps ex-offenders apply for a job and respond to “the felony question.”
Solidification microstructure of supercooled Ti-Al alloys containing intermetallic phases

Abstract Titanium-aluminum alloys (45, 50 and 55 at.% Al) containing the intermetallic phases α2-Ti3Al and γ-TiAl were melted, supercooled and solidified in an electromagnetic levitation device. The thermal history was recorded with the aid of a fast-response two-color pyrometer and the supercooling achieved was determined from the thermal excursion during recalescence. Maximum supercoolings were 262, 286 and 348 K for the 45, 50 and 55 at.% Al alloys, respectively. Microstructural analysis reveals that the 45 at.% Al alloy selects the primary β-(Ti) phase at all supercoolings, while the 50 at.% Al alloy changes from primary α-(Ti) to primary β-(Ti) at supercoolings of the order of 85 K. The relative amount of second phase segregate (γ) decreases with increasing supercooling in the 50 at.% Al alloy, and is absent in Ti-45 at.% Al. The 55 at.% Al alloy microstructure consists of primary a dendrites in a matrix of γ segregate, but in this case the amount of γ increases with increasing supercooling. The primary β α dendrites normally transform upon cooling to an α2 + γ lath microconstituent, although the transformation is largely suppressed by increasing the cooling rate and/or decreasing the aluminum content.
Variance Component Analysis of a Multi-Site Study for the Reproducibility of Multiple Reaction Monitoring Measurements of Peptides in Human Plasma

Background In the Addona et al. paper (Nature Biotechnology 2009), a large-scale multi-site study was performed to quantify Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) measurements of proteins spiked in human plasma. The unlabeled signature peptides derived from the seven target proteins were measured at nine different concentration levels, and their isotopic counterparts were served as the internal standards.
A rationalization of tensile ductility and fracture in Alpha-Beta Ti-Mn alloys

Void nucleation and growth were studied in equiaxed α-gb Ti-Mn alloys, containing 1.8, 3.9, 5.8, and 8.0 wt pct Mn, in an attempt to understand why ductility tended to remain relatively constant, as both yield strength and fracture strength increased with increasing Mn content. In addition, measurements of volume fraction of voids,/,, and average void diameter,d v, in the minimum neck section were made to determine whether catastrophic void coalescence was a possible mechanism of fracture. The values ofv andd v at fracture were obtained by linear extrapolation of logv andd v vs true strain. These data indicated that the average distance between voids in the minimum neck section for Ti-3.9 Mn which contained the largest/, was most likely too large to permit catastrophic void coalescence to take place. These results supported earlier1,2,3 and current observations that fracture occurred, during tensile straining, when a critical relationship was reached between void length and the fracture stress corrected for necking, σfc. It was shown that the changes in this critical relationship with both microconstituent size and volume fraction of phases were balanced by a change in void growth rate to critical size, with the result that strain to fracture remained nearly constant.
Prophylactic and Therapeutic Targeting of the Neurokinin-1 Receptor Limits Neuroinflammation in a Murine Model of Pneumococcal Meningitis

There is increasing evidence that the tachykinin substance P (SP) can augment inflammatory immune responses within the CNS. We have recently demonstrated that resident CNS cells express high-affinity receptors for this neuropeptide (neurokinin-1 receptors [NK-1R]), and we have shown that SP can significantly augment glial inflammatory responses to clinically relevant Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, we provided evidence that endogenous SP/NK-1R interactions are an essential component in the initiation and/or progression of CNS inflammation following in vivo exposure to these pathogens. In this study, we demonstrate that SP similarly enhances inflammatory glial responses to the major Gram-positive causative agent of bacterial meningitis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and show that endogenous SP/NK-1R interactions play a critical role in the development of CNS inflammation in an in vivo model of pneumococcal meningitis. Importantly, we provide the first demonstration, to our knowledge, that pharmacological targeting of the NK-1R not only prevents the development of damaging inflammation when administered prophylactically, but can also limit or reverse neuroinflammation associated with an established streptococcal CNS infection when delivered therapeutically. We show that an NK-1R antagonist attenuates increases in CNS inflammatory cytokine levels and decreases in immunosuppressive cytokine production associated with an ongoing S. pneumoniae infection. Furthermore, we demonstrate that such a therapeutic intervention reverses infection-associated gliosis and demyelination in the absence of changes in CNS bacterial burden. Together, these results suggest that targeting SP/NK-1R interactions is a strategy worthy of further study for the treatment of microbially induced neuroinflammation.
Dissecting the effects of behaviour and habitat on the locomotion of a lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)

Locomotion is one way that organisms interface with their environment, and this relationship can be affected by the structural habitat and behavioural context associated with each movement. Previous studies have examined the effects of habitat or behaviour on locomotion individually, but have not addressed the potential interaction between these factors. In addition, studies often use induced behaviours or manipulated habitats to examine the effects of habitat and behaviour on locomotion. Although valuable, these approaches provide little information on the range of natural behaviours and habitats that animals occupy. To address these issues, we examined the effects of structural habitat, behavioural context, and their interaction on undisturbed locomotor speeds in the ornate tree lizard, Urosaurus ornatus. Detailed video analysis revealed that both habitat and behaviour affect locomotion individually; locomotor speed decreases with increasing perch height when animals move on woody substrates and while displaying and capturing prey. Surprisingly, we found no relationship between speed and perch diameter or substrate incline. Additionally, we show that the interaction between perch diameter and feeding behaviour results in a negative relationship between speed and perch diameter during feeding but not during other behaviours. In light of these findings, we suggest that the relationship between habitat, behaviour and speed is affected by the level of locomotor performance (maximal versus submaximal) that animals routinely use during undisturbed activity.
Analysis of Immunomodulatory Activities of Aqueous Humor from Eyes of Mice with Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis

Aqueous humor (AqH) contains immunosuppressive factors, especially TGF-β2, that contribute to the immune privileged status of the anterior chamber. However, this may not be true when the blood-ocular barrier is compromised by ocular inflammation. To determine the immunosuppressive status of AqH from murine eyes afflicted with experimental autoimmune uveitis, B10.A mice were immunized with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein. AqH was collected from eyes of affected mice periodically after immunization and then evaluated for content of TGF-β, proinflammatory cytokines, and the capacity to suppress anti-CD3-driven T cell proliferation. mRNA expression of selected cytokines in iris and ciliary body from inflamed eyes was analyzed by ribonuclease protection assay. We found that TGF-β levels were significantly increased in AqH from EAU eyes on days 11, 17, and 28. AqH collected on day 11 (onset of disease) failed to suppress T cell proliferation and contained large amounts of locally produced IL-6 that antagonized TGF-β. In contrast, AqH collected at 17 days (when ocular inflammation was progressively severe) re-expressed the ability to suppress T cell proliferation, in this case due to high levels of blood-derived TGF-β1 and eye-derived TGF-β2 in the absence of IL-6. Thus, during the onset of experimental autoimmune uveitis, the ocular microenvironment loses its immunosuppressive properties due to local production of IL-6. But as inflammation mounts, AqH IL-6 content falls, and the fluid reacquires sufficient TGF-β eventually to suppress immunogenic inflammation. The paradoxical roles of IL-6 in antagonizing TGF-β, while promoting TGF-β accumulation during ocular inflammation, is discussed.
Code-search for optimal TSC binary sequences with low cross-correlation spectrum

It has been shown that signature (multi) sets that meet Welch's lower bound on the total squared correlation (TSC), maximize the sum capacity of the synchronous code division multiple access (CDMA) channel with equal average input energy constraints. However, a signature set that is TSC-optimum (i.e. achieves the lower bound on TSC), doesn't necessarily have a low cross-correlation spectrum. Hence, for various system loads there may be users that experience high probability of error due to high cross-correlation of their assigned signature to others in the set. In this paper we present a search method to obtain new optimum TSC binary signature sets with low cross-correlation spectrum. We also show, based on our search method, that if we relax the TSC optimality constraint, codes with better cross-correlation spectrum may be found. In addition, a catastrophic binary code (i.e. a code having complementary codewords) can be TSC-optimal. Therefore, practically speaking, it is important that the TSC-optimality be sought along with the minimization of the cross-correlation spectrum. Finally our codes are tested on fully-loaded and overloaded synchronous CDMA systems, and simulation results show that they are a promising alternative to the Hadamard-Walsh codes, since they offer higher capacity.
The Freshwater Fishes of Madagascar: A Study of an Endangered Fauna with Recommendations for a Conservation Strategy

: The native Madagascan fish fauna, and most particularly the endemic freshwater community, has undergone severe attrition throughout the surveyed area The decline of the native fauna is strongly correlated with two primary factors: the presence of exotic species, which are now widespread and habitat degradation resulting from extensive forest clearance. In an attempt to document ichthyofaunal changes through time, we compare our collections with historical distribution records (based on museum collections and literature records) from the same areas. The results of this study reveal a pressing need to consider the islands ichthyofauna, watersheds, and river drainages if design of natural areas and parks is to be effective. Resumen: La fauna de peces natiua de Madagascar y en particular de las comunidades de agua dulce, ban sufrido una severa reduccion a lo largo del area estudiada. Esta disminucion de la fauna nativa esta fuertemente correlacionada con dos factores primarios; la presencia de especies exoticas que estan ahora ampliamente distribuidas y la degradacion del habitat como resultado de la extensa desforestacion. En un intento para documentar los carnbios de la ictiofauna a traves del tiempo, comparamos nuestras colecciones con registros historicos de la distribucion (basados en las colecciones de museos y registros en la literatura) para las mismas areas. Los resultados de este studio revelan la apremiante necesidad de incluir consideraciones sobre la ictiofauna, las cuencas y los rios de la isla, en el diseno de parques naturales, si se quiere que el diseno sea efectivo.
Developing techniques for determining sperm morphology in today's andrology laboratory.

Purpose: To investigate three areas: the staining of spermatozoa; the Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA); and the variability of technicians. Methods: Staining experiment: sperm from 15 beef bulls were randomized to one of three staining protocols. CASA experiment: slides were evaluated using the Integrated Visual Optical System and compared to technician results. Variability of technicians: five laboratorians analyzed the same set of 20 slides six different times. Results: Staining experiment: the size of the sperm increased in proportion to increased time and heat associated with each successive protocol. CASA experiment: coefficient of variation ranged from 18.3 to 101.7% (12 slides). Variability of technicians: the mean sperm morphology results ranged from 7.3 to 15% normal forms. Conclusions: Until laboratories adhere to the universal standard set by the World Health Organization to evaluate sperm morphology, a laboratory must rely on its own quality control to insure repeatable results.
The Use of Scales to Estimate the Prey Size of Nearctic River Otters (Lontra canadensis) and Other Piscivores

Abstract Estimating the size of fish prey requires the use of relationships between the size of non-digestible fish remains (recovered as prey in scats or digestive tracts) and fish length. The applicability of scales for estimating the size of fish prey eaten by river otters (Lontra canadensis) or other piscivores was evaluated by conducting a linear regression analysis of scale size and fish length for 22 species and six multi-species groups from the Red River of the North tributaries of eastern North Dakota. Analyses included six scale measurements, and separate models were constructed for lateral line and non-lateral line scales. Positive relationships existed between scale size and fish length in most (42 of 44) single species models, with lateral line scales (r2 ranging 0.317–0.994) typically producing better relationships than non-lateral line scales (r2 ranging 0.136–0.959). Body-scale relationships also existed when including multiple species in a model (r2 ranging 0.471–0.984 and 0.305–0.953 for...
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Preceded by β-Cell Dysfunction, Insulin Resistance, or Both in Older Adults The Cardiovascular Health Study

Insulin resistance (IR) and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We tested whether risk factors would differ for DM that was preceded predominantly by IR, β-cell dysfunction, or both among 4,384 older adults (mean age, 72.7 (standard deviation, 5.6) years) in the Cardiovascular Health Study, which was conducted in North Carolina, California, Maryland, and Pennsylvania (1989-2007). When evaluating established risk factors, we found older age, greater adiposity, higher systolic blood pressure, a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, a higher triglyceride level, and a lower alcohol intake to be independently associated with greater IR but, conversely, with better β-cell function (P < 0.001). The prospective associations between some risk factors and incident DM varied significantly depending on whether DM was preceded predominantly by IR, β-cell dysfunction, or both. For example, obesity and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were positively associated with DM preceded predominantly by IR (hazard ratio (HR) = 5.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.81, 9.00; and HR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.93, respectively), with a significant association with and an insignificant trend toward a lower risk of DM preceded predominantly by β-cell dysfunction (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.80; and HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.43, 1.39, respectively). In conclusion, among older adults, DM risk factors were differentially associated with DM preceded predominantly by IR or β-cell dysfunction. Biologic and clinical implications of putative subtypes of DM require further investigation.
Multi-unit auctions with budget-constrained bidders

We study a multi-unit auction with multiple bidders, each of whom has a private valuation and a budget. The truthful mechanisms of such an auction are characterized, in the sense that, under standard assumptions, we prove that it is impossible to design a non-trivial truthful auction which allocates all units, while we provide the design of an asymptotically revenue-maximizing truthful mechanism which may allocate only some of the units. Our asymptotic parameter is a budget dominance parameter which measures the size of the budget of a single agent relative to the maximum revenue. We discuss the relevance of these results for the design of Internet ad auctions.
Characterization of Fe(III) Reduction by Chlororespiring Anaeromxyobacter dehalogenans

Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans strain 2CP-C has been shown to grow by coupling the oxidation of acetate to the reduction of ortho-substituted halophenols, oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, or fumarate. In this study, strain 2CP-C was also found to grow by coupling Fe(III) reduction to the oxidation of acetate, making it one of the few isolates capable of growth by both metal reduction and chlororespiration. Doubling times for growth of 9.2 and 10.2 h were determined for Fe(III) and 2-chlorophenol reduction, respectively. These were determined by using the rate of [ 14 C]acetate uptake into biomass. Fe(III) compounds used by strain 2CP-C include ferric citrate, ferric pyrophosphate, and amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide. The addition of the humic acid analog anthraquinone 2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) increased the reduction rate of amorphous ferric iron oxide, suggesting AQDS was used as an electron shuttle by strain 2CP-C. The addition of chloramphenicol to fumarate-grown cells did not inhibit Fe(III) reduction, indicating that the latter activity is constitutive. In contrast, the addition of chloramphenicol inhibited dechlorination activity, indicating that chlororespiration is inducible. The presence of insoluble Fe(III) oxyhydroxide did not significantly affect dechlorination, whereas the presence of soluble ferric pyrophosphate inhibited dechlorination. With its ability to respire chlorinated organic compounds and metals such as Fe(III), strain 2CP-C is a promising model organism for the study of the interaction of these potentially competing processes in contaminated environments.
Priming by “predictive” context stimuli in visual classification

Subjects participated in visual character- and word-classification tasks for which spatially contiguous context stimuli were exposed 100 or 1,000 msec prior to target onset. These context stimuli were physically identical to the target on 75% of the trials. Substantial facilitation of RT occurred for “valid” trials at both SOA levels. When the target differed from the context stimuli, evidence for priming the response category, as well as the semantic category of the target (letters vs. digits; metal names vs. furniture names), was obtained at the 100-msec SOA, but these effects were attenuated with the 1,000-msec SOA. With a full second to process a stimulus-predictive cue, subjects appear to develop a stimulus-specific expectation of the target that does not involve maintaining the category or response-mapping codes that are active with shorter delays.
Mining and analyzing digital archive usage data to support collection development decisions

We demonstrate a "collection development decision support tool" that mines digital archive usage data. We want to better understand the University of Southern California (USC) Digital Archive's collection structure by analyzing the objects' characteristics, by analyzing the relationships between viewed objects, and by understanding usage trends over time. By relying on implicit patterns of usage data, such as co-retrievals, rather than explicit data, such as hit counts, we believe we can make more informed decisions about where to expend our resources.
Discovery of Novel Targets

Ovarian cancer has the highest case fatality rate of any gynecologic can- cer. Thus, intense efforts are being dedicated to identifying new therapeutic targets and pathways which will provide new therapeutic approaches. Historically, this approach has involved the empiric testing of agents in clinical trials attempting to identify one with global activity against cancers. This process has been difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. For ovarian cancer, it has produced a homogenous approach to all forms of ovarian cancer. More recently, however, with the revo- lution in molecular technologies there has been a major change in our ability to rationally identify therapeutic targets in these tumors. This chapter will review the application of these new technologies to ovarian cancer. Genomic discoveries have revealed a remarkable heterogeneity within ovarian cancers and the diverse molec- ular pathways found in these tumors provide a molecular underpinning of their clinicopathologic characteristics. Using a systematic assessment of these molecular details with an algorithm of filtering and biomarkers validation, it will be possible to identify and eventually exploit new and novel therapeutic targets within these cancers. This will ultimately deliver more individualized care.
Fidelity of dynamics in integrated displays

The design of graphical analogs based on ecological information processing attempts to integrate presentation requirements by providing a context in which process states are made visible to the user by inspection of the interface. The dynamics of the system are presented as transformations between process states. Both the dynamics and the state are designed to be "intuitive" with respect to the interface by choosing a display context that is consistent in structure to the underlying process and that utilizes a user's attunements to (expectations of) physical events. The user develops these expectations by virtue of their nature as physical beings in a physical world, and by interacting with objects that have physical properties. Thus an interface is intuitive if the behaviors and appearance of the objects presented are consistent with the user's expectations.
Discretized Laplacian Smoothing by Fourier Methods

Abstract An approach to multidimensional smoothing is introduced that is based on a penalized likelihood with a modified discretized Laplacian penalty term. The choice of penalty simplifies computational difficulties associated with standard multidimensional Laplacian smoothing methods yet without compromising mean squared error characteristics, at least on the interior of the region of interest. For linear smoothing in hyper-rectangular domains, which has wide application in image reconstruction and restoration problems, computations are carried out using fast Fourier transforms. Nonlinear smoothing is accomplished by iterative application of the linear smoothing technique. The iterative procedure is shown to be convergent under general conditions. Adaptive choice of the amount of smoothing is based on approximate cross-validation type scores. An importance sampling technique is used to estimate the degrees of freedom of the smooth. The methods are implemented in one- and two-dimensional settings. Some i...
Synoptic and Regional Circulation Parameters Associated with the Degree of Convective Shower Activity in South Florida

Abstract Radar and synoptic data obtained during the Florida Area Cumulus Experiment have been used in an exploratory study to investigate the effects of synoptic and regional circulations on the development of convective activity in south Florida. The radar data were used to stratify the days into four groups according to their degree of shower coverage. Mean soundings and typical synoptic maps were constructed for each group. These products were then analyzed to identify and quantify the principal factors that are associated with the production of convective showers. In general, the overall differences in activity among the four groups are a result of the influence of large-scale regional and synoptic flow patterns on the underlying local mesoscale and sea-breeze circulations. This influence is reflected in the properties of the air mass in which the convection is developing, as well as in the additional large-scale dynamic effects that are provided.
Impact of surgical treatment on survival in patients with primary rectal melanoma

19001 Background: Reports of melanoma of the lower GI tract, especially in the rectal area, were often grouped with diseases from the anal canal region. Outcome and pattern of care regarding primar...
Speech, Song, and the Minor Third: An Acoustic Study of the Stylized Interjection

This paper describes the first laboratory study of an idiosyncratic linguistic form that represents a crucial point of contact between speech and song: what is referred to here as the stylized interjection . The stylized interjection, as described throughout the musicological and linguistic literature, is associated with a particular intonational formula—the calling contour —and intriguingly, with a purportedly cross-cultural musical fingerprint: the interval of the minor third. A reading task was used to systematically compare the stylized interjection to four other linguistic forms, and to compare spoken to called production. Analysis of several acoustic variables (involving pitch, duration, intensity, and timbre) demonstrates many significant effects of sentence-type and production, which together establish the characteristics of the English stylized interjection and suggest its interpretation as sung speech . The unique sound-meaning correspondence of the stylized interjection is thereby elucidated. Implications for music-language studies (especially vis-a-vis the minor third) are also discussed.
Scalings of Alfvén‐cyclotron and ion Bernstein instabilities on temperature anisotropy of a ring‐like velocity distribution in the inner magnetosphere

Here, a ring-like proton velocity distribution with ∂fp(v⊥)/∂v⊥>0 and which is sufficiently anisotropic can excite two distinct types of growing modes in the inner magnetosphere: ion Bernstein instabilities with multiple ion cyclotron harmonics and quasi-perpendicular propagation and an Alfven-cyclotron instability at frequencies below the proton cyclotron frequency and quasi-parallel propagation. Recent particle-in-cell simulations have demonstrated that even if the maximum linear growth rate of the latter instability is smaller than the corresponding growth of the former instability, the saturation levels of the fluctuating magnetic fields can be greater for the Alfven-cyclotron instability than for the ion Bernstein instabilities. In this study, linear dispersion theory and two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations are used to examine scalings of the linear growth rate and saturation level of the two types of growing modes as functions of the temperature anisotropy T⊥/T|| for a general ring-like proton distribution with a fixed ring speed of 2vA, where vA is the Alfven speed. For the proton distribution parameters chosen, the maximum linear theory growth rate of the Alfven-cyclotron waves is smaller than that of the fastest-growing Bernstein mode for the wide range of anisotropies (1≤T⊥/T||≤7) considered here. Yet the corresponding particle-in-cell simulations yield a higher saturation level of themore » fluctuating magnetic fields for the Alfven-cyclotron instability than for the Bernstein modes as long as inline image. Since fast magnetosonic waves with ion Bernstein instability properties observed in the magnetosphere are often not accompanied by electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, the results of the present study indicate that the ring-like proton distributions responsible for the excitation of these fast magnetosonic waves should not be very anisotropic.« less
Novel kappa opioid receptor agonists as improved PET radiotracers: Development and in vivo evaluation

5 Objectives The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) is involved in depression, alcoholism and drug abuse. The current agonist tracer 11C-GR103545 is not ideal for imaging KOR in humans due to its slow tissue kinetics. The aim of our project was to develop novel KOR agonist tracers with improved imaging properties. Methods Novel compounds were synthesized and assayed for in vitro binding affinities. Ligand candidates were then selected for radiolabeling and evaluation in rhesus monkeys. Baseline and blocking scans with specific blocking agents were conducted on a Focus-220 scanner to assess the ligand’s binding strength, specificity and selectivity. Metabolite-corrected arterial activity curves were measured and used as input functions in the analysis of brain time-activity curves and calculation of binding parameters with kinetic models. Results Ligand FEKAP was found to have high KOR binding affinity (Ki=0.43 nM) and selectivity in vitro. 11C-FEKAP was prepared in high specific activity and radiochemical purity of >99% (n=16). In monkeys 11C-FEKAP metabolized fairly fast with ~31% of parent fraction at 30 min post-injection. In the brain it exhibited fast and reversible kinetics with peak uptake time of Conclusions The novel KOR agonist tracer 11C-FEKAP demonstrated binding specificity and selectivity in vivo, and exhibited the dual attractive properties of fast tissue kinetics and high specific binding. Assessment of this radiotracer in humans is currently underway. Research Support NIH: 4R21MH092664 & 4R33MH092664
Engineering Calculation of Surface Insulation in SF6 Gas

In the SF6 insulated high voltage power transmission and transformation apparatuses,such as GIS and GIL,the dielectric strength of interior supporting insulators is an important factor for equipments' safe and stable operation.In this paper,a cone-plate electrode assembly is built to simulate the electric field distribution of coaxial cylindrical structure inside the GIS/GIL,and a formula with seven influencing factors is chosen for calculation of flashover voltage in SF6.Then some epoxy resin insulators are selected to calculate the surface insulation in SF6 under DC voltage.Calculation results are compared with test ones to determine the applicable scope of the formula.Conclusions are drawn that the formula is appropriate for engineering calculation of surface insulation in SF6 under DC voltage on the premise that the average surface roughness of electrodes can not exceed the grade of 12.5 μm,and the maximum depth of surface roughness in the triple junction area can not exceed 200 μm.
Retirement Incentive Programs

Retirement incentive programs, also called early retirement incentive programs (ERIPs), are an important tool for managing staffing levels in organizations. Managing these programs such that the overall benefits outweigh the costs can present a significant challenge. The primary features of ERIPs include benefit level, eligibility requirements, benefits, and phased retirement options. While these features will influence acceptance of early retirement, several other variables are also important (e.g., age, marital status, expected earnings). The features of ERIPs, steps for designing and planning them, and the effects of these plans on employer and employee outcomes are discussed. Keywords: adult development psychology; aging and development psychology; retirement