cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glycated hemoglobin is not an accurate indicator of glycemia in rainbow trout

Glycation occurs when glucose reacts non-enzymatically with proteins. This reaction depends upon time, ambient glucose concentration, and the molecular conformation of reactive amino acids. Little is known about protein glycation in fishes and the main objective of this study was to measure glycated hemoglobin (GHb) in rainbow trout, a glucose-intolerant species, under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions. We also identified GHb isoforms in vivo and analyzed the structural environment surrounding potential glycation sites. Despite similar glycemia to healthy humans, GHb was an order of magnitude lower in rainbow trout (0.6%) compared with humans (6%) and was not affected by long-term hyperglycemia. Species differences in GHb appear to be related to differences in erythrocyte glucose, and differential expression and glycation of hemoglobin (Hb) isoforms may explain intraspecific differences in rainbow trout GHb. Computer analysis of glucose isomers (ringed-open and α- and β-pyranoses) interacting with the β-chain of rainbow trout HbI and HbIV, and human HbA did not reveal structural or energetic constraints for glucose binding (the initial step of glycation) for rainbow trout Hbs. Overall, there are significant differences between Hb glycation in humans and rainbow trout, and GHb does not appear to be an accurate indicator of glycemia over time in rainbow trout.
The IMF, the World Bank, and U.S. Foreign Policy in Ecuador, 1956-1966:

Ecuador is rich in natural resources, but since its independence it has remained one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Historically dominated by a few wealthy landowning families, Ecuador's Indian peasants and mestizo workers were excluded from mainstream political, military, economic, and social institutions. Class divisions were paralleled by the regional schism between the agriculturally dependent indigenous people of the temperate highlands and the coastal population, whose livelihood emanated from plantation crops, light manufacturing, commerce, finance, and service industries (Hurtado, 1977:191; Schodt, 1987: 1-15; Blanksten, 1964: 28-31; Public Record Office, Foreign Office Archives [hereafter F.O.] 371148002, AS 2182/1, 18 February 1960). With almost 80 percent ownership of land, the oligarchy, which had investments in light industry, finance, and commerce and made up a tiny percentage of the 4.2 million people in 1960, dominated politics and determined the country's economic destiny. Because the state pursued policies that perpetuated the upper classes' privileged economic status, which is reflected in the grossly unequal income distribution of the second half of the twentieth century, workers have not experienced upward socioeconomic mobility comparable to that in Europe, Canada, or the United States. Foreign development and stabilization loans that the United States and the multilateral banks granted to Ecuador during the cold war perpetuated the uneven income distribution and dependency on foreign capital (Cardoso and Helwege, 1992; Pyne, 1973: 17). During the export-oriented growth period of 1948-1960 while the banana boom lasted, Ecuador enjoyed relative political and monetary stability. In the mid1950s, however, the prices of raw-material exports declined relative to prices of manufactured imports, forcing Ecuador to rely on foreign loans to
Peak points for algebras on circled sets

LetK be a compact, connected, circled subset of ℂ n . It is shown that each nonpeak point forH(K) lies on an analytic disc in the rational hull ofK. The peak points forH(K) that are disjoint from the coordinate axes are characterized in terms of the logarithmically extreme points of |K|.
Comparison of R5 and ASME NH Creep-Fatigue Damage Assessment Methodologies

The R5 volume 2/3 procedures [1] were developed by British Energy (now EDF Energy) to assess the high temperature response of uncracked metallic structures under steady state or cyclic loading. They contain the basic principles of:• Application of reference stress methods• Consideration of elastic follow up• A ductility exhaustion approach to calculate creep damage accumulation.These considerations represent a fundamental distinction from ASME BPVC Section III, Subsection NH [2].This paper draws on literature review and experience to explain the principal differences in the limits of application, cycle construction and damage calculation between these codes/procedures focusing on creep-fatigue damage determination. The implications of the differences between the codes and standards are explored.The output of this work is aimed at two groups of structural integrity engineers; those using these codes and standards to assess existing conventional and nuclear plant, and also those looking to ASME and R5 to design Generation IV PWRs with design temperatures much elevated from those of Generation III and III+.The conclusions from this paper offer some practical guidance to structural integrity engineers which may assist in selecting the more appropriate procedure to assess creep-fatigue damage for a particular situation.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Proenkephalin gene expression in the brainstem regulates post-exercise hypotension

The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone reverses the reduction in blood pressure following exercise. We have previously demonstrated that compared to genetically matched controls, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) have decreased proenkephalin mRNA levels in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), the caudal (CVLM) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) of the brainstem. We hypothesized that in SHR an acute bout of exercise would increase proenkephalin mRNA in the NTS and RVLM. Female 12-week-old SHR (n = 4/group) were randomly assigned to exercise and control groups. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate were recorded at rest and every 5 min for 30 min following: (1) 40 min of treadmill running at 30 m/min, 10% grade; or (2) 40 min of rest on the tredmill. Rats were sacrified 30 min post-exercise or post-rest. Exercise induced increases in MAP and heart rate. ∼ 18 mmHg and ∼ 140 beats/min, respectively, P 0.05. The pre- to post-exercise reduction in MAP after 40 min of treadmill running was from 164 ± 5.1 to 146 ± 2.0 mmHg (P < 0.001) as recorded 30 min post-exercise. At 30 min post-exercise proenkephalin mRNA levels in the NTS. CVLM and RVLM were increased: 97, 198 and 227%, respectively, P < 0.01. These data reconfirm the existence of post-exercise hypotension in SHR and suggest that increases in enkephalin synthesis and release in the NTS, CVLM, and RVLM may be involved in regulating post-exercise hypotension.
Effect of unknown relationships on linearity, steepness and rank ordering of dominance hierarchies: simulation studies based on data from wild monkeys.

Abstract The presence of unknown dyadic relationships is a common problem in constructing dominance hierarchies for groups of social animals. Although previously acknowledged, the influence of unknown relationships on hierarchy measures like linearity and steepness has not been studied in detail. Using real data-sets from four groups of wild monkeys, we illustrate how unknown relationships affect linearity and steepness of hierarchies and the consistency of rank ordering based on de Vries’ I&SI method. Monte Carlo simulations revealed significant negative linear relationships between the proportion of unknown relationships and both linearity and steepness. These simulations over-estimated steepness and linearity indices relative to additional real-data input matrices. Rank orders became inconsistent at 26–38% unknown relationships, depending on the group. Group size and the specific input matrix substantially affected how much unknown relationships influenced steepness and linearity, the values of these indices and the point at which rank order became inconsistent. We recommend caution in characterizing the dominance structure of a group with many unknown relationships, and in drawing conclusions about hierarchy linearity and steepness based on few input matrices, especially if they contain many unknown relationships. Quantitative characterizations of hierarchies are perhaps best viewed as a somewhat fluid range rather than fixed values.
Parent involvement in Head Start programs: the role of parent, teacher and classroom characteristics

Abstract The purposes of this study were to determine the extent and types of parent involvement in Head Start programs, and to examine the relations between parent participation and family, teacher and classroom characteristics. Parents (n = 1131) and teachers (n = 59) from four Head Start programs participated. Data were gathered through volunteer logs, parent interviews, teacher questionnaires, and classroom observations. The most frequent type of parent involvement activity was helping out in the classroom, followed by attendance at parent meetings. This pattern was consistent across the year (fall or spring), and across total amount of participation (i.e. parents participating one, two, three or more times in the year). Parent employment was the strongest predictor of parent involvement compared to other parent characteristics. Among teacher and classroom characteristics, classroom quality was the strongest predictor of parent involvement. Also, teachers with more years of experience in Head Start had more total hours of volunteering in their classrooms and had volunteers returning more times. Teachers’ reports of the involvement of parents in their classrooms were moderately correlated with volunteer logs, while parent self-reports of their involvement were only modestly correlated with volunteer logs, indicating that teachers may be more accurate than parents when reporting parent involvement activities.
Constructing Word Meanings: Strategies and Perceptions of Four Middle School Learners

Using verbal protocols as the major methodological tool, this qualitative inquiry investigated word meaning constructions of four middle school learners during self-selected reading events where learners targeted unfamiliar words. Interviews were also used to explore learner perceptions about vocabulary acquisition. Individual case study analyses and cross-case analyses unveiled similarities and differences in how focal learners constructed meanings for self-targeted words when forced to examine context. Focal learners used multiple strategies in single encounters with new words, were not inhibited by inaccurate word meaning constructions, focused on key words and phrases as they explored content, and relied on syntax to articulate definitions. Results indicate that these middle school learners were at least aware of ways to figure out unfamiliar words. Some readers in the study processed word meanings in flexible and diverse ways, whereas others exhibited a narrow band of strategies. Perceptions about wo...
Correlation of the Slosson Intelligence Test with the California Short-Form Test of Mental Maturity and the Shipley-Institute of Living Scale:

The purposes of the present study were to determine the validity of the Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT) relative to two other group tests of mental ability serving as criterion measures and to ascertain in light of the statistical outcomes whether the SIT can be used as an effective instrument in assessing the intellectual ability of college students.The selection of the criterion instruments—the California Short-Form Test of Mental Maturity and the Shipley-Institute of Living Scale—was based on their reliability and validity as well as on their rather wide usage in educational and institutional settings.The correlation coefficients obtained in this study between the SIT and the criterion instruments that ranged from .68 to .73 were significant beyond the .01 level.In light of these relatively high and significant coefficients, it was concluded that the SIT is a valid measure of intellectual functioning that may be used in a population of college students.
Normalized local theta correspondence and the duality of inner product formulas

We conjecture that local theta correspondence can be normalized by the leading coefficient of a weighted local period integral, and that there exists a duality of local and global inner product formulas. The conjecture is verified for the pair (\(\widetilde{SL}_2 \), PGL 2) and (SL 2, SO(2, 2)). As an application, global inner product formulas are obtained for liftings in the directions PGL 2 → \(\widetilde{SL}_2 \), GSO(2, 2) → GL 2.
Analytic expression for the transmission coefficient in quantum mechanical transition state theory

Abstract An analytic expression for the transmission coefficient in a recently formulated quantum mechanical transition state theory is derived. This formula is developed for a reaction coordinate having a general nonlinear potential energy barrier coupled to a linearly responding environment or “bath”. The final result has the same compact form as the classical Grote-Hynes transmission coefficient, but it also reflects important properties of the quantum mechanical tunneling. The present quantum transmission coefficient may be evaluated from a classical molecular dynamics simulation in conjunction with a quantum statistical mechanical variational principle.
Labor market trends with balanced growth

Abstract Well-known stylized facts have led to widespread use of the balanced growth concept. Recently, labor market trends including rising educational attainment and share of the labor force considered skilled have cast doubt upon balanced growth as an appropriate baseline. This paper develops a version of the neoclassical growth model that allows these labor market dynamics to occur jointly with balanced growth in output. Along the balanced growth path, skill-biased technological change drives rising skill and education levels. Relative prices of goods adjust so that growth in the value of total output is unaffected by these labor market changes. Several plausible foundations for skill-biased technological change are offered.
Immunoglobulin Structure and Function as Revealed by Electron Microscopy

Electron–microscopic (EM) analysis preceded crystallographic analysis [1, 2]of Igs by over a decade and was for a time the only direct w
Oscillation in a network model of neocortex

A basic understanding of the relationship between activity of individual neurons and macroscopic electrical activity of local field potentials, or electroencephalogram (EEG), may provide guidance for experimental design in neuroscience, improve development of therapeutic approaches in neurology, and offer opportunities for computer-aided design of brain-computer interfaces. We study the relationship between resonant properties of neurons and network oscillations in a computational model of neocortex. Our findings suggest that resonance is associated with subthreshold oscillation of neurons. This subthreshold behavior affects spike timing and plays a significant role in the generation of the network's extracellular currents reflected in the EEG.
Mechanisms of Kringle Fragment of Urokinase-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration

Background. Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is involved in vessel remodeling and mediates smooth muscle cell migration. Migration in response to uPA is dependent on both the growth factor binding domain at the aminoterminal end and the kringle (K) domain of the molecule. uPA is readily degraded in vivo into these constitutive domains. The aim of this study was to examine cell signaling during the migration of smooth muscle cell in response to the kringle domain of urokinase. Materials and methods. Murine arterial smooth muscle cells were cultured in vitro. Migration assays were performed in the presence of K with and without the plasmin inhibitors (aprotinin and e-aminocaproic acid), the Gαi inhibitor Pertussis toxin, the MMP inhibitor (GM6001), the PI3-K inhibitors, Wortmannin and LY294002, and the MAPK inhibitors PD98089 (MEK1 inhibitor) and SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor). Western blotting was performed for ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation after stimulation with K in the presence and absence of the inhibitors. Statistics were analyzed by one-way ANOVA (n = 6). Results. The kringle domain (K) induced a plasmin-independent, MMP-dependent increase in cell migration (2-fold, P < 0.05) compared to control. This migratory response to K was Gai mediated and dependent on both ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK activation. K induced time-dependent increases in the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 (3-fold, P < 0.05) and p38 MAPK (3-fold, P < 0.05). Activation of p38 MAPK and ERK 1/2 was completely inhibited by the PI3-K inhibitors. We explored a potential role for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). K induced EGFR phosphorylation and the presence of AG1478, the EGFR inhibitor, inhibited both cell migration and akt activation in response to K. Conclusion. Kringle domain of uPA induces smooth muscle cell migration through a G-protein-coupled PI3-K-dependent process involving both ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK and is mediated in part through EGFR. Defining the differences in response to key molecular domains of uPA is vital to understand its role in vessel remodeling.
Effects of Dimensional Reduction Techniques on Structural Damage Assessment Under Uncertainty

In this paper, we present a study of dimensional reduction techniques for structural damage assessment of time-varying structures under uncertainty. Discrete tracking of the frequency response and the mode shape curvature index method is employed to perform damage assessment. Assessment of spontaneous damage in deteriorating structures is important as it can have potential benefits in improving their safety and performance. Most of the available damage assessment techniques incorporate the usage of system identification and classification techniques for detecting damage, location, and/or severity; however, much work is needed in the area of dimensional reduction in order to compress the ever-increasing data and facilitate decision-making in damage assessment classification. A comparison of dimensional reduction techniques is presented and evaluated in terms of separating damaged from undamaged data sets under two types of uncertainty, structural deterioration and environmental uncertainties. The use of a recursive principal component analysis for detecting and tracking structural deterioration and spontaneous damage is evaluated via computational simulations. The results of this study reveal that dimensional reduction techniques can greatly enhance structural damage assessment under uncertainties. This paper compares multiple dimensional reduction techniques by identifying their weaknesses and strengths.
Affective correlates of alcohol and cocaine use

The affective correlates of alcohol and cocaine use were investigated in two studies. In the first, alcoholics (n = 50) and cocaine addicts (n = 40) were administered factors scales from the Inventory of Drinking Situations as well as the General Temperament Survey. Substance use in negative affect states was reported more often by alcoholics than by cocaine addicts, even when age and race differences were statistically controlled. Alcoholics also reported higher levels of negative temperament, and substance use in negative affect states was correlated with negative temperament across groups. In a study using subjects dependent on both drugs (n = 21), alcohol was more likely to be used in negative affect situations than was cocaine. Thus, the affective correlates of substance use are associated with both individual differences and drug-specific effects. Possible reasons for the differential association of alcohol with negative affect are proposed.
Osmotic regulation and salinity tolerance in the freshwater snail Pomacea bridgesi and the freshwater clam Lampsilis teres

Abstract Unionid clams ( Lampsilis teres) and apple snails ( Pomacea bridgesi ) were gradually acclimated to media ranging in osmotic concentration from fresh water to 400 mOsm. There was no mortality among L. teres in all media from fresh water to up to dilute sea water with an osmolality of 200 mOsm; mortality was 20% in dilute sea water with an osmotic concentration of 400 mOsm. The survival of P. bridgesi was 80–100% in media ranging from fresh water to 200 mOsm. All snails exposed to media of 400 mOsm died within a few days. L. teres is a hyperosmotic and hyperionic regulator when the ambient osmolality is less than 50 mOsm and an osmotic and ionic conformer when the environmental osmolality is above 50 mOsm. The hemolymph of P. bridgesi is hyperosmotic and hyperionic in animals acclimated to osmolalities below 100 mOsm; the animal is an osmoconformer in higher ambient osmolality. The concentration of Ca 2+ is higher in hemolymph from P. bridgesi than in blood from L. teres. Tissue hydration in L. teres does not change in animals acclimated to higher salinities, suggesting that the animals are good volume regulators. Tissue hydration is unchanged in P. bridgesi gills in animals acclimated to osmolalities from fresh water to 150 mOsm, but falls in animals acclimated to 200 mOsm. The amino acid content of the gills of both species increases with acclimation to high salinity, but in media of 200 mOsm, the increase in L. teres is larger than that in P. bridgesi . In L. teres , alanine, glycine and β-alanine are responsible for most of the increase; glutamic acid, alanine and glycine show the largest increases in gills from P. bridgesi . Our analysis of these data is consistent with the hypothesis that freshwater gastropods have a lower capacity for increasing the amino acid pool in response to increases in the ambient osmolality than do freshwater bivalves.
Critical role for white blood cell NAD(P)H oxidase-mediated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 oxidation and ventricular rupture following acute myocardial infarction

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is an oxidant-sensitive protease inhibitor that is inactivated by oxidation and has a critical role in ventricular remodeling post myocardial infarction (MI). PAI-1 knockout (KO) mice die within 7days of myocardial infarction post MI due to increased plasmin activity leading to ventricular rupture. The goal of this study was to assess the relevant pathways of leukocyte-derived oxidants post MI that alter PAI-1 activity. Transplantation of wild-type (WT) bone marrow into PAI-1 null mice prolonged survival after MI (WT marrow: 41.66% vs. PAI-1 KO marrow: 0% in PAI-1 KO mice at day 7 (p<0.02). To determine relevant enzyme systems, we transplanted marrow from mice with specific deletions relevant to leukocyte-derived oxidants (NAD(P)H oxidase, iNOS, myeloperoxidase (MPO)) to determine which deletion controls PAI-1 oxidative inactivation and prolongs survival. MI was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the incidence of cardiac rupture was monitored. PAI-1 KO transplanted with MPO KO, or iNOS KO bone marrow died within 9 days after MI. PAI-1 KO mice transplanted with p47(phox) KO marrow exhibited prolonged survival 21 days after MI (30% survival, p<0.03, n=10) compared to WT marrow (8.3%, n=12). Three days after MI, PAI-1 KO mice transplanted with p47(phox) KO marrow had increased PAI-1 activity and decreased nitration of PAI-1 in myocardial tissue compared to PAI-1 KO mice transplanted with WT marrow. These data suggest that modulating O(2)(•-) generation by NAD(P)H oxidase appears to be a therapeutically relevant target for increasing myocardial PAI-1 levels after MI, whereas downstream enzymes like MPO and iNOS may not be.
Production of Cold Polar Molecules by Photoassociation

We create NaCs molecules via photoassociation starting from a two-species MOT. We find Tmolecule~260 mK. Molecules have also been produced in a mirror magneto-optical trap that is part of an atom chip.
Site resolved adsorption dynamics of CO on Pt(111)

Abstract Site resolved sticking coefficients were measured by reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy for room temperature CO adsorbing on Pt(111) at 20 K where thermal diffusion was completely suppressed. CO adsorbed directly onto the top sites but not the bridge sites of the bare Pt(111) surface. Only through collisions between impinging CO and preadsorbed CO could bridge sites be occupied in the absence of thermal diffusion. Isotopes studies revealed two mechanisms for collisional occupation of the bridge sites: one in which impinging CO collisionally converts preadsorbed CO from top sites into bridge sites, and another in which occupation of bridge sites by impinging CO is facilitated by a scattering collision with preadsorbed CO. Cross sections for these two processes were large, σ T → B = 11 ± 2 A 2 and σ S = 20 ± 4 A 2 .
Collision strengths and Gaunt factors for highly ionized atoms of the copper isoelectronic sequence

Abstract Collision strengths have been computed in three approximations for electron-impact excitation of the 4s-4p resonance transition of ions in the copper isoelectronic sequence. Good agreement is observed between distorted wave and Coulomb-Born results at energies from two to twenty times threshold. In this range g is close to unity and a slowly varying function of energy. An analytic fit was made to the distorted wave data, and an effective Gaunt factor g was derived with the form g = A+B/x+C ln (x), where A,B and C are functions of Z, and where x is the ratio of the incident electron's energy to the excitation energy.
SINGULAR VALUE DECOMPOSITION OF THE VELOCITY-REFLECTOR DEPTH TRADEOFF, PART 2 : HIGH-RESOLUTION ANALYSIS OF A GENERIC MODEL

The symmetries of a block circulant matrix significantly reduce the computational expense of the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the variable velocity inverse problem for a generic reflection seismology model. As a result, the decomposition does not suffer from edge effects or parameterization artifacts that are associated with small model spaces. Using this approach, we study the eigenvector and eigenvalue characteristics for a generic model of a size as large as is used with a variety of iterative inversion techniques (>100 000 parameters). Singular value decomposition of the raypath inverse problem of a discretized generic seismic model having one reflector indicates that the eigenvalue distribution for the inverse problem is nonuniform, with a large concentration near 0 and a gap near 0.4. All but the long horizontal wavelength reflector‐depth variations cannot be uniquely resolved from velocity variations. Lateral velocity variations serve to significantly reduce the ability of seismic data to resolve reflector depth for most of the horizontal wavelength components shorter than twice the cable length. As a result, automatic velocity analysis methods may not be able to resolve reflector variations when the velocity field is allowed to take on an arbitrary structure.
Improving Core Strength to Prevent Injury

(2010). Improving Core Strength to Prevent Injury. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 81, No. 7, pp. 15-19.
Paraoxonase 1 polymorphisms and ischemic stroke risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) polymorphisms have been implicated as risk factors for coronary artery disease, but the results of genetic association studies on the related phenotype of ischemic stroke are inconclusive. We performed a meta-analysis of published studies investigating the association between ischemic stroke and two nonsynonymous PON1 polymorphisms, rs662 (p.Q192R) and rs854560 (p.L55M) in humans. Methods: We searched multiple electronic databases through June 30, 2009 for eligible studies. In main analyses, we calculated allele-based odds ratios with random effects models. In secondary analyses, we examined dominant and recessive genetic models as well, and performed subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Results: Regarding rs662, we identified 22 eligible studies (total of 7384 cases/11,074 controls), yielding a summary odds ratio of 1.10 per G allele (95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.17) with no evidence of between-study heterogeneity. For rs854560, 16 eligible studies (total of 5518 cases/8951 controls) yielded a summary odds ratio of 0.97 per T allele (95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.04), again with no evidence of between-study heterogeneity. For both polymorphisms, analyses with dominant and recessive genetic models yielded the same inferences as allele-based comparisons. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed similar results. Conclusion: In agreement with observations in coronary artery disease, PON1 rs662 appears to be associated with a small increase in the risk of ischemic stroke.
Holding the centre among the scatter-brained

Plenty of reaction to the Commentary from transgendered scientist Ben A. Barres in Nature of 13 July. He debunked the claim that differences in innate aptitude, rather than discrimination, were behind the failure of many women to advance in scientific careers. There's more reaction in Correspondence this week. Add your views to the news blog on http://tinyurl.com/kacrg .
Evaluation of the GIC rollover option

Abstract In order to persuade its customer with a maturing Guaranteed Investment Contract (GIC) to roll it over for another term, an insurance company may have to provide him with an incentive in the form of a call option. That is, if the customer commits himself now to reinvest the proceeds from his current GIC in a new GIC, the interest rate for the new GIC will be the maximum of today's interest rate and the interest rate on the day when the current GIC matures. This paper shows that there is a very simple formula for determining the interest-rate spread throughout the term of the new contract to pay for the option. The formula for the interest-rate spread is: Multiply by 0.4 the standard deviation of the yield rate of the underlying zero-coupon bond at the reinvestment date as estimated at the contract commitment date.
Spatial dependence of ion concentrations in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract Spatially resolved measurements of ion kinetic energies and densities have been obtained in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) by mass spectrometry (MS). Because of changes in the plasma potential, ion kinetic energies varied as the ICP was sampled in different locations. These changes were found to be similar to those reported by others, but caused problems in the interpretation of the measured ion densities. Nevertheless, spatial profiles compared favorably to those obtained by laser-excited fluorescence in the ICP, and axial distributions of BaOH+, BaO+, Ba+ and Ba2+ correlated well with the behavior of ICP-MS signals that occur when the inner gas flow rate is varied.
12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate stimulates release of arachidonic acid, prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2α from TPA nonproliferative variants of 3T3 cells

12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate is unable to stimulate DNA synthesis or cell division in the Swiss 3T3 variants 3T3-TNR-2 or 3T3-TNR-9. In contrast, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate stimulates release of arachidonic acid, prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2α from the variant and parental cell lines. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-stimulated release of these compounds is, therefore, not sufficient to stimulate mitogenesis. Although prostaglandin F2α is a potent mitogen for 3T3 cells, neither variant cell line responded to this compound.
Metabolism of Fructooligosaccharides by Lactobacillus paracasei 1195

Fermentation of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and other oligosaccharides has been suggested to be an important property for the selection of bacterial strains used as probiotics. However, little information is available on FOS transport and metabolism by lactic acid bacteria and other probiotic bacteria. The objectives of this research were to identify and characterize the FOS transport system of Lactobacillus paracasei 1195. Radiolabeled FOS was synthesized enzymatically from [(3)H]sucrose and purified by column and thin-layer chromatography, yielding three main products: glucose (G) alpha-1,2 linked to two, three, or four fructose (F) units (GF(2), GF(3), and GF(4), respectively). FOS hydrolysis activity was detected only in cell extracts prepared from FOS- or sucrose-grown cells and was absent in cell supernatants, indicating that transport must precede hydrolysis. FOS transport assays revealed that the uptake of GF(2) and GF(3) was rapid, whereas little GF(4) uptake occurred. Competition experiments showed that glucose, fructose, and sucrose reduced FOS uptake but that other mono-, di-, and trisaccharides were less inhibitory. When cells were treated with sodium fluoride, iodoacetic acid, or other metabolic inhibitors, FOS transport rates were reduced by up to 60%; however, ionophores that abolished the proton motive force only slightly decreased FOS transport. In contrast, uptake was inhibited by ortho-vanadate, an inhibitor of ATP-binding cassette transport systems. De-energized cells had low intracellular ATP concentrations and had a reduced capacity to accumulate FOS. These results suggest that FOS transport in L. paracasei 1195 is mediated by an ATP-dependent transport system having specificity for a narrow range of substrates.
Symposium on Multiple Sclerosis: new dimensions in basic research and their clinical applications. November 2, 1998. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Aims of the symposium The permanent acquirement and clinical application of exponentially growing new scientific discoveries are demanding tasks for academic neurologists. To facilitate the overview of recent developments in basic and clinical sciences of inflammatory demyelination we invited seven internationally recognized experts in multiple sclerosis (MS) to discuss their most recent works. These lectures allowed the audience to formulate a modern concept of MS by integrating data from studies on molecular pathogenesis, genetics, MRI characteristics and clinical trials. The audience was invited from the broader medical community including graduate and medical students, neurology residents, private practitioners, academic neurologists, clinical and research specialists of MS.
A simple version of the Malliavin calculus in dimension one

The solution X of a Lipschitz stochastic differential equation depends smoothly on parameters. In conjunction with Girsanov’s theorem this produces a simple and straightforward proof of the existence and smoothness of a density for the transition kernel of the Markov process X.
Characterization of a delayed early serum response region.

Abstract The proliferin (PLF) gene promoter provides a relatively simple model system for the study of growth-regulated gene expression in mouse cells. The promoter elements required for this serum-induced regulation have been identified and include an AP-1 site as well as an adjacent element comprised of three imperfect repeats that are similar in sequence to the simian virus 40 (SV40) Sph motif. Distinct protein complexes bound independently to the AP-1 and Sph elements, and both of these juxtaposed sites could be occupied simultaneously. Furthermore, serum stimulation of mouse fibroblasts resulted in similar increases in protein binding to the AP-1 and Sph elements. Consistent with this increase in AP-1 and Sph binding activity, the PLF AP-1 and Sph elements were independently able to confer serum responsiveness to a minimal promoter, and together these two elements acted synergistically in response to serum. Although several members of the AP-1 family were able to activate the PLF gene promoter in transient cotransfection experiments, the predominant AP-1 components interacting with the PLF gene promoter in serum-stimulated cells were Fra-1, JunB, and JunD. Analysis of the Sph element revealed that mutation of Sph repeats I or III abolished serum responsiveness of the PLF gene promoter, and mutation of Sph repeat III decreased protein binding to this element. Although the Sph element is similar in sequence to the SV40 element, the PLF Sph-binding factor is distinct from TEF-1, the factor that binds to the SV40 Sph motif.
Genetic Control of Wiring Specificity in the Fly Olfactory System

Precise connections established between pre- and postsynaptic partners during development are essential for the proper function of the nervous system. The olfactory system detects a wide variety of odorants and processes the information in a precisely connected neural circuit. A common feature of the olfactory systems from insects to mammals is that the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) expressing the same odorant receptor make one-to-one connections with a single class of second-order olfactory projection neurons (PNs). This represents one of the most striking examples of targeting specificity in developmental neurobiology. Recent studies have uncovered central roles of transmembrane and secreted proteins in organizing this one-to-one connection specificity in the olfactory system. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of how this wiring specificity is genetically controlled and focus on the mechanisms by which transmembrane and secreted proteins regulate different stages of the Drosophila olfactory circuit assembly in a coordinated manner. We also discuss how combinatorial coding, redundancy, and error-correcting ability could contribute to constructing a complex neural circuit in general.
In Vivo Detection of Fluctuating Brain Steroid Levels in Zebra Finches

This protocol describes a method for the in vivo measurement of steroid hormones in brain circuits of the zebra finch. A guide cannula is surgically implanted into the skull, microdilysate is collected through a microdialysis probe that is inserted into the cannula, and steroid concentrations in the microdialysate are determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In some cases, the steroids measured are derived locally (e.g., neural estrogens in males), whereas in other cases, the steroids measured reflect systemic circulating levels and/or central conversion (e.g., the primary androgen testosterone and the primary glucocorticoid corticosterone). A reverse-microdialysis ("retrodialysis") method that can be used to deliver pharmacological agents into the brain to influence local steroid neurochemistry as well as behavior is also discussed.
Odor Monitoring and Mitigation at the Hennepin County Waste to Energy Facility

Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) is a waste to energy facility owned by Hennepin County and operated by Covanta Energy. HERC has been in operation since 1989. The facility burns 365,000 tons of residential and commercial solid waste per year and generates about 34 mega-watts of electricity that is sold to Xcel Energy. HERC is located on the north side of downtown Minneapolis in the Historic Warehouse District, a neighborhood that is changing from industrial to a more commercial/residential mix with loft conversions and construction of new condominiums. The Minnesota Twins baseball team is also siting a new stadium in the parking lot immediately southeast of the facility. The potential for odors from the tipping floor of the facility affecting the neighborhood has become more of a concern due to the changes in the neighborhood. In March 2004 the County began an odor study. This included developing baseline information on odors from HERC and from the surrounding community by conducting daily odor monitoring at select points on the facility property and throughout the community: • Determining how far odors from HERC migrate into the community. • Quantifying detected odors using a Nasal Ranger. • Determining the factors that contribute to these odors. • Developing a method of controlling these odors. • Continued monitoring to determine the impact of mitigation methods. Odors detected were characterized as garbage odors, garbage-related odors, and neighborhood odors. Baseline data showed that while garbage odors from HERC were mostly undetectable beyond the perimeter of the property, there was room for improvement in decreasing the presence and intensity of these odors. The tipping hall was designed to operate under negative pressure to control odors, however the entrance and exit doors were always open and a negative pressure could not be maintained.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Hairpin DNA coated gold nanoparticles as intracellular mRNA probes for the detection of tyrosinase gene expression in melanoma cells

A new intracellular mRNA imaging probe has been developed that incorporates thiol-terminated hairpin oligonucleotides covalently bound to the surface of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles. The hairpin DNA-coated gold nanoparticles (hAuNPs) positively identifies tyrosinase mRNA in cultured melanoma cells.
Espousing Interactions and Fielding Reactions: Addressing Laypeople's Beliefs About Genetic Determinism

Although biologists and philosophers of science generally agree that genes cannot determine the forms of biological and psychological traits, students, journalists, politicians, and other members o...
Intrinsic 42Ca‐Labelling of Green Bean Pods for Use in Human Bioavailability Studies

A hydroponic growth procedure which enables the intrinsic 42 Ca-labelling of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) has been developed. Whole-plant Ca influx was measured from planting through the period of pod expansion for a crop of 60 plants grown hydroponically in a 3 m 2 area. Total Ca influx was 10.1 mmol per plant ; 35% of this influx occurred during the period of pod growth. Plants were labelled with 42 Ca via the nutrient solution during the period of pod expansion ; isotopic composition of harvested pods was nearly identical to that of the administered solution. Recovery of isotopic tracer at harvest was as follows : pods 8.4% ; leaves, 61.1% ; stems, 17.1%, roots, 9.0%. Pod yield was 98.8 g FW per plant. 42 Ca-labelled green beans can be used safely to investigate Ca bioavailability in humans.
Thermostable endogenous inhibitors of cathepsins B and H.

Separate thermostable inhibitors of cathepsins B and H (IB and IH) were found in every rat and human tissue that was analyzed. The inhibitors were separated from the cathepsins by heating at 80–90°C at pH 3. IB and IH from rat lung were purified and found to occur in multiple molecular forms. Rat lung IB and IH were very similar proteins with molecular weights of 14000. IB and IH from hog kidney were also purified and IH was obtained free of IB. These inhibitors also displayed microheterogeneity and had molecular weights of 11000. Hog kidney IH inhibited chymopapain, but did not inhibit bromelain, chymotrypsin or cathepsin D. Rat and human serum contained thermostable inhibitors of cathepsins B and H, but these molecules had relatively high molecular weights. Therefore the low-molecular-weight IB and IH from other tissues appear to be intracellular in origin. When extracts of kidney or liver were autolyzed at pH 3–6, there was a large increase in cathepsin B or H activity with a concomitant decrease in IB and IH. Inhibitor destruction was apparently catalyzed by a proteinase other than cathepsin D or E. Rat kidney, liver, and spleen were rich sources of cathepsins B and H, the kidney yielding three times as much activity per gram as liver or spleen. Hog kidney was rich in cathepsin H, but yielded little or no cathepsin B. IB and IH were also present in protozoa, luna fish, chicken and toad. The inhibitors from Tetrahymena pyriformis inhibited the thiol proteinase from this protozoan.
Muddy Prodeltaic Hyperpycnites In the Lower Genesee Group of Central New York, USA: Implications For Mud Transport In Epicontinental Seas

Abstract Recent studies of marine continental shelves show that hyperpycnal flows are responsible for offshore transport of large volumes of sediment. Detailed facies analysis and petrography of the lower Genesee Group in the Northern Appalachian Basin (NAB) shows a wealth of sedimentary textures and fabrics that indicate mud deposition by lateral transport across and along the shelf under energetic conditions. Intervals of silt-rich mudstones and muddy siltstones with internal scours, diffuse stratification, soft-sediment deformation, normal and inverse lamina-set grading, and a reduced intensity and diversity of bioturbation occur in multiple facies types and “interrupt” what appears to be the overall background sedimentation. These intervals and their sedimentary features are interpreted as products of high-density fluvial discharge events, which generated turbulent flows that carried fine-grained clastics several tens of kilometers offshore from the paleoshoreline. Recognizing these sediments as products of river-flood- and storm-wave-generated offshore-directed underflows challenges previous depositional models for organic-rich mudstones in the lower Genesee succession, which call for clastic starvation and suspension settling of clay and silt in a deep stratified basin. Rapid deposition of fine-grained intervals from hyperpycnal plumes in a setting favoring preservation of organic-rich mudstones calls for a reappraisal of the depositional setting of not only the Genesee Group, but also of comparable mudstone successions in the Appalachian Basin and elsewhere.
Robust and Efficient Parametric Linear Equalization

As 3G DS-CDMA cellular systems evolve to higher data rates, linear equalization is being used to address inter-symbol interference introduced by dispersive channels. When parametric designs are employed, elements of an impairment or data covariance matrix must be computed as part of equalizer weight calculation. The conventional approach is to express these elements in terms of path delays and path coefficients. This approach requires a significant amount of computation, and performance is sensitive to errors in the path delay estimates. In this paper, an alternative approach is developed, based on directly estimating net channel coefficients corresponding to an extended set of delays that includes the tap or finger delays of the equalizer. This avoids the need for path delay estimates, improving robustness. Also, the elements of the impairment or data covariance can be expressed in terms of efficiently computed convolutions of these net channel coefficients, even though these elements correspond to correlations of cyclostationary interference. Complexity estimates are used to show computational savings, and performance simulations are used to show gains in robustness.
Toward personalized prevention of obesity: can vitamin D negate the FTO effect?

According to the World Health Organization, the worldwide prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity increased from 4.2% in 1990 to 6.7% in 2010 and it is expected to reach 9.1% in 2020 (1). This is alarming because BMI in childhood is associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and mortality in adulthood (2). The obesity epidemic is no longer merely a problem in developed countries, but is now affecting developing countries as well. In fact, more than 30 million overweight children are living in developing countries compared with 10 million in developed countries (3). In the U.S., the Surgeon General issued the Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity (4) in 2001 and the reduction of overweight and obesity was an objective of Healthy People 2010 (5). However, the ensuing public health efforts to address the obesity epidemic by promoting healthy eating and physical activity have had limited success thus far, with overweight and obesity rates continuing to increase. At …