cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Post-irradiation effects of photoreactivating light and caffeine on cultured marsupial cells exposed to ultraviolet light.

Cells from the kidney of the rat kangeroo (Potorous tidactylus) were used for in vitro studies of the postirradiation effects of photoreactivating light and caffeine. Survival curves indicated that the effect of post-uv exposure (100 ergs mm/sup -2/) to photoreactivating light for 30 min was dose modifying; the ratio of doses leading to any level of damage on the two curves was nearly constant with a value of approximately 2.3 plus or minus 0.2. Potorous cells were found to be resistant to the toxic effects of caffeine up to 4.0 mM with only moderate cell killing but long growth delay. Survival curves are presented for cells post-irradiation incubated in 1.0 mM, 1.5 mM, and 4.0 mM caffeine. Incubation for up to 60h showed no subtoxic level that significantly modifed cell survival. It is suggested that these in vitro studies indicate that the presence of photoreactivating enzyme discussed by Cooke, J. S., and Regan, J. D., (Nature 223, 1066-1067, 1969) phylogenetically parallels the presence of photoreactivation of lethal damage. (UK)
Soft QCD phenomena in events with high-ET jets at tevatron

Presented are results from the recent jet fragmentation and underlying event structure studies carried out by the CDF Collaboration. Multiplicities of charged particles in quark and gluon jets are measured and their ratio is compared to pQCD predictions. The results are compared to the earlier measurements obtained at e+ e– colliders. Average charged particle multiplicities and energy flow in the underlying event are compared to Pythia Monte Carlo event generator; the necessary tuning of Pythia parameters needed to make it match the data is discussed.
Spatial and temporal abundance patterns for the late stage copepodites of Metridia lucens (Copepoda: Calanoida) in the US northeast continental shelf ecosystem

The annual cycle of abundance for the calanoid copepod Metridia lucens and its interannual variability are described from 17 611 samples collected on 193 broad-scale plankton surveys of the US northeast continental shelf region from 1977 to 1999. The copepod's seasonal distribution is illustrated with bi-monthly geographic abundance plots. Abundance of M. lucens is compared with various environmental variables, abundance of the copepod Calanus finmarchicus, density of potential predators and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. Metridia lucens abundance increased throughout the ecosystem during spring warming and usually reached peak levels in late spring The highest mean densities were measured in the Gulf of Maine (GOM), where the copepod is usually found year round and exhibits a weak, decreasing west to east abundance gradient. The less dense populations located on Georges Bank and within the Middle Atlantic Bight are characterized by year-round onshore to offshore gradients that strengthen during the summer months when the copepod concentrates offshore where there is a cool layer of subthermocline water, the region often referred to as the cold pool. Interannual variability in abundance showed two persistent periods: above average values from 1979 to 1982, followed by very low levels from 1983 to at least 1987. Metridia lucens abundance in the 1990s has usually been at or above time series means. None of the environmental variables measured during the surveys could be correlated to this variability. The copepod's abundance in the GOM was not related to variation in the MAO index or to changes in predator abundance found in the region. The seasonal abundance cycle and interannual variability of M. lucens in the GOM were found to be very similar to those found for the dominant copepod, Calanus finmarchicus. Reasons for this coupling are discussed.
ncd and kinesin motor domains interact with both alpha- and beta-tubulin.

Abstract Motor domains of the Drosophila minus-end-directed microtubule (MT) motor protein ncd, were found to saturate microtubule binding sites at a stoichiometry of approximately one motor domain per tubulin dimer. To determine the tubulin subunit(s) involved in binding to ncd, mixtures of ncd motor domain and MTs were treated with the zero-length cross-linker 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl-carbodiimide) (EDC). EDC treatment generated covalently cross-linked products of ncd and alpha-tubulin and of ncd and beta-tubulin, indicating that the ncd motor domain interacts with both alpha- and beta-tubulin. When the Drosophila kinesin motor domain protein was substituted for the ncd motor domain, cross-linked products of kinesin and alpha-tubulin and of kinesin and beta-tubulin were produced. EDC treatment of mixtures of ncd motor domain and unassembled tubulin dimers or of kinesin motor domain and unassembled tubulin dimers produced the same motor-tubulin products generated in the presence of MTs. These results indicate that kinesin family motors of opposite polarity interact with both tubulin monomers and support a model in which some portion of each protein's motor domain overlaps adjacent alpha- and beta-tubulin subunits.
Evaluation of age, gender, heart rate and blood pressure changes and exercise conditioning on Doppler measured aortic blood flow acceleration and velocity during upright treadmill testing.

To evaluate the effect of upright exercise on aortic peak flow acceleration and velocity, 60 normal subjects between 15 and 74 years of age were evaluated by continuous wave Doppler during treadmill stress testing using the Bruce protocol. Subjects were divided into 3 age groups, each with 20 subjects: group 1, 21 +/- 4 years of age (mean +/- standard deviation), group 2, 36 +/- 5 years and group 3, 58 +/- 7 years. Periodic measurements of heart rate, blood pressure and Doppler blood flow velocity and acceleration were made before, during and after exercise. Continuous wave Doppler measurements were recorded from the suprasternal notch. The relation between Doppler aortic measurements and age, gender, normal heart rate and blood pressure responses during exercise, and exercise preconditioning, was evaluated. Age alone was significantly related (inversely) to immediate postexercise Doppler aortic peak blood flow peak acceleration (group 1, 55 +/- 15, group 2, 46 +/- 11 and group 3, 36 +/- 9 m/s2, p less than 0.05) and peak velocity (1.1 +/- 0.2, 1.0 +/- 0.2 and 0.8 +/- 0.2 m/s, respectively, p less than 0.01). Gender, heart rate and blood pressure changes during exercise, as well as preconditioning, had no significant effect on these flow characteristics. Consequently, the effects of normal aging must be considered when using Doppler measurements of peak aortic acceleration and velocity in the evaluation of left ventricular function, e.g., to detect or exclude the presence of coronary artery disease.
Relationship Status and Activated Kin Support: The Role of Need and Norms.

Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, we examined whether mothers' (N = 4,127) and fathers' (N = 3,405) relationship status influenced their activation of financial support from relatives over time. We found that relationship status influenced the activation of financial support from relatives but that the effects differed somewhat by gender. Mothers were significantly more likely to activate financial assistance if they did not reside with the focal father, whereas fathers had lower odds of activating support if they were no longer in a relationship with the mother. Thus, the need for assistance may encourage mothers to access support; fathers may be less likely to access support when they deviate from social norms.
The possible role of soluble salts in chemical evolution.

A model is proposed for a prebiotic environment in which concentration, condensation, and chemical evolution of biomolecules could have taken place. The main reactions expected of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and some of their precursors in this environment are examined.
Chylothorax after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair

Purpose: Chylothorax after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair contributes significantly to morbidity. Our aim was to identify factors contributing to chylothorax and effective treatment strategies. Methods: We reviewed 171 patients with CDH from 1997 to 2008 and analyzed hernia characteristics, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use, operative details, and treatment approaches for chylothorax. Results: Ten (7%) patients developed chylothorax; all were left sided. Using univariate analysis, prenatal diagnosis, ECMO use, and patch repair were associated with development of chylothorax. Logistic regression analysis showed that patch repair was the only variable predictive of chylothorax (P = .028; confidence interval, 0.032-0.823). Although survival was not affected, patients with chylothorax had a significant increase in ventilator days and length of stay (t = 3.57; P = .000; t = 2.74; P = .007). All received thoracostomy and total parenteral nutrition. Six patients received octreotide, 5 of whom required pleurectomy because of failed medical management; the remaining patient died of overwhelming sepsis. Conclusions: The incidence of chylothorax at our institution was relatively low. Patch repair was associated with the formation of chylothorax. Morbidity was substantial, but survival was not significantly affected. Total parenteral nutrition and thoracostomy were appropriate initial treatments. Octreotide was not an effective adjunct. Refractory cases were successfully treated with pleurectomy.
Cropping system effects on sorghum grain yield, soil organic carbon, and global warming potential in central and south Texas

There is an increased demand on agricultural systems in the United States and the world to provide food, fiber, and feedstock for the emerging bioenergy industry. The agricultural intensification that this requires could have positive and negative feedbacks in productivity and the environment. In this paper we used the simulation model EPIC to evaluate the impact of alternative tillage and management systems on grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) production in central and south Texas and to provide long-term insights into the sustainability of the proposed systems as avenues to increase agricultural output. Three tillage systems were tested: conventional (CT), reduced (RT), and no-tillage (NT). These tillage systems were tested on irrigated and rainfed conditions, and in soils with varying levels of structural erosion control practices (no practice, contour tillage, and contours + terraces). Grain yield differed only slightly across the three tillage systems with an average grain yield of 5.7 Mg ha−1. Over the course of 100-year simulations, NT and RT systems had higher soil organic carbon (SOC) storage (100 and 91 Mg ha−1, respectively) than CT (85 Mg ha−1), with most of the difference originating in the first 25 years of the simulations. As a result, NT and RT systems showed lower net global warming potentials (GWPs) (0.20 and 0.50 Mg C ha−1 year−1) than CT (0.60 Mg C ha−1 year−1). Irrigated systems had 26% higher grain yields than rainfed systems; yet the high energy needed to pump irrigation water (0.10 Mg C ha−1 year−1) resulted in a higher net GWP for irrigated systems (0.50 vs. 0.40 Mg C ha−1 year−1). Contours and contours + terraces had minimal impact on grain yields, SOC storage and GWP. No-till was the single technology with the largest positive impact on GWP and preservation or enhancement of SOC. Overall, the impact of individual tillage cropping systems on GWP seems to be decoupled from the productivity of a given location as determined by weather or soil type. When expressed per unit of output, high yield locations have a much lower GWP than low yield locations and would be therefore prime targets for production intensification.
GENETIC BASIS AND EVOLUTIONARY SIGNIFICANCE OF VENTRAL SKIN COLOR MARKINGS IN NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES (EUBALAENA GLACIALIS)

Approximately one third of the North Atlantic right whale population has white ventral skin patches. Most white-marked animals have both a belly and a chin patch, and the distribution of white pigment suggests that the patches represent a single ventral marking that varies in size and location. Population frequencies and cow-calf inheritance patterns indicate that the white mark is an autosomal recessive trait. There is no evidence to suggest that ventral coloration patterns are currently under selection. White-marked and black cows appear to experience similar levels of reproductive success based on calving intervals and length of sighting histories. Also, white-marked animals were equally common among cows and nulliparous adult females and among live vs. dead animals. Male reproductive success could not be tested because calf paternity is not known; white-marked and black males exhibit similar survival rates. White-marked cows were more common among females that took some or all of their calves to the Bay of Fundy summer nursery area compared to females that did not visit Fundy. This suggests that female habitat-use patterns may influence nuclear gene flow. Increased sample sizes and additional markers are needed to further investigate gene flow.
Evaluating acceptance and understanding of risk in the emergency department: are all risk statements created equally?

Objective To determine whether mathematically equivalent but conceptually different presentations of risk from radioactive isotope exposure might affect the rate of agreement to participate in a hypothetical research study. Methods This was a prospective study of consenting English-speaking subjects more than 18 years of age who were asked whether they would agree to participate in a mock study when presented with six mathematically equivalent statements of research-related risk. Participants were classified as recognizing the equivalence of the risk statements if they accepted all or refused all of the risk statements. Results Three hundred forty-six subjects were enrolled. There were 55 subjects (16%; 95% CI = 12% to 20%) who refused all of the six risk statements, and 23 participants (6.7%; 95% CI = 4% to 9%) who accepted all of the given risk statements. Most of the participants (77%; 95% CI = 73% to 82%) did not recognize that the six risk statements were equivalent and agreed to some, or did not understand some of the risk statements. In stepwise multivariate logistic regression, being white, being of older age, and having higher education were associated with a higher likelihood of accepting or rejecting all six of the risk statements. Conclusions Ethnicity, age, and education affected whether patients recognized the equivalence of six risk statements for a hypothetical study of low-dose radiation. Risk acceptance may be more likely when familiar concepts are used to express research risks. Researchers must focus on strategies that enhance the understanding of research risks and address the reasons for nonparticipation by subjects who are younger, of different ethnic or cultural background, or of lower education.
A multi-dimensional kinetic-based upwind solver for the Euler equations

A multidimensional kinetic fluctuation-splitting scheme has been developed for the Euler equations. The scheme is based on an N-scheme discretization of the Boltzmann equation at the kinetic level for triangulated Cartesian meshes with a diagonal-adaptive strategy. The resulting Euler scheme is a cell-vertex fluctuation-splitting scheme where fluctuations in the conserved-variable vector Q are obtained as moments of the fluctuation in the Maxwellian velocity distribution function at the kinetic level. Encouraging preliminary results have been obtained for perfect gases on Cartesian meshes with first-order spatial accuracy. The present approach represents an improvement to the well-established dimensionally-split upwind schemes.
Uric Acid Excretion by the Chick as an Indicator of Dietary Protein Quality

Abstract The objective of this investigation was to determine whether uric acid excretion could serve as an indicator of dietary protein quality. In the first study, 15% protein diets were formulated using either whole egg protein, soybean meal, safflower meal or casein, or the latter 3 proteins supplemented with their most limiting amino acid (methionine, lysine and arginine, respectively). Chicks fed diets supplemented with the limiting amino acid grew more rapidly and efficiently and excreted less uric acid. Good agreement was noted between uric acid excretion and protein efficiency ratio (PER) as indicators of protein quality. Two studies were conducted with chicks fed diets containing raw soybean flakes or flakes autoclaved for varying periods of time and fed with or without methionine and lysine supplementation. Similar chick performance, uric acid excretion and PER were noted with chicks fed the soybean flakes which had been autoclaved for 20, 40 or 120 min. Poorer chick performance and PER were noted with chicks fed raw soybean flakes or flakes autoclaved for 10 min. When the diets were supplemented with methionine and lysine, the negative effects of inadequate heating were partially alleviated. The results indicated that adequate heating and amino acid supplementation of soybean flakes were both essential for maximal chick performance, that the two factors influenced the utilization of the protein in different ways and that the two effects were additive.
Human issues influencing the successful implementation of advanced manufacturing technology

Abstract Approximately 50% to 75% of the advanced manufacturing technology implementations executed in the United States are believed to be failures in terms of flexibility, responsiveness, reliability, and quality. Improper attention to the human aspects of implementing technology has been identified as a primary cause of these failures. This paper focuses on the identification and analysis of the human issues influencing the successful implementation of advanced manufacturing technology. The resulting regression model can guide organizations in effectively allocating resources during the conceptual, planning, installation and start-up phases of the implementation process.
Self Humidifying Hybrid Anion–Cation Membrane Fuel Cell Operated Under Dry Conditions

Hybrid fuel cells composed of a low-pH proton conductive membrane in contact with a high-pH anion conductive membrane were investigated. The effect of relative humidity (RH), ionomer content in the anion-conductive electrode and the inlet gas flow rates were evaluated. The formation of water at the junction of the anion conductive member and proton conductive membrane is especially interesting because it can self-humidify the fuel cell when dry gases are used. In situ alternative current (AC) impedance spectroscopy was used as a diagnostic tool to understand the performance limitations under different test conditions. The cell output increased at low RH compared to a traditional proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The cell current under dry conditions was limited by the availability of oxygen in the catalyst sites due to flooding in the electrode layer. The ionomer fraction of the high-pH cathode plays a significant role in the cell performance. At high gas feed rates, water removal from the electrode layers increased and mitigated the effects of flooding. The hybrid cells were operated at steady-state operation at 0.58 V and 200 mA cm–2 using dry H2/O2 feeds at 80 °C.
Abstract 5634: Chemical antibodies for cancer immunotherapy

The absence of curative therapies for recurrent forms of metastatic cancer has prompted a vigorous search for novel treatment strategies. Cancer immunotherapy uses the host immune system, either directly or indirectly, to combat cancer. The more successful cancer immunotherapies are antibody-based. In this study we hypothesized that a chemical antibody (chembody) with an intact Fc region can be constructed by conjugating tumor cell specific peptidomimetic agents (ligands) to the Fab region of human IgG (hIgG). The ligand of interest, RGD, binds effectively to αVβ3 integrin expressed on tumor cells. The resultant chembody will have the ability to opsonize the tumor cells and elicit host immune response against cancer cells by recruiting the immune effector cells. In this study, we (1) conjugate naive hIgG with the ligand, (2) verify ligand conjugation, and (3) test the efficacy of the chembody. The 2-iminothiolane conjugation method was employed to conjugate the ligand to naive hIgG. The conjugation was verified by performing Western blot analysis, MALDI-MS assay, and cell binding assay. The Western blot and Coomassie blue staining showed that conjugation was successful while the MALDI-MS assay showed a 1:3 conjugation ratio. Colorimetric cytotoxicity assay will be used to test the efficacy of the chembody. We expect chembodies with intact Fc region to be tumor specific, and actively recruit immune cells to the tumor site and have low immunogenicity. This novel individualized medicine approach in cancer immunotherapy can be very effective in eliminating the remaining cells responsible for relapse after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5634.
Detecting transient intermediates in macromolecular binding by paramagnetic NMR

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to detect transient intermediates that occurred when the HOXD9 homeodomain was searching for its target sequence in a short DNA duplex, and determined that this transcription factor binds to non-cognate DNA sites to enhance the rate of specific association. Macromolecular complex formation is governed by two opposing constraints of specificity and speed1,2. Kinetic3,4,5,6 and theoretical considerations suggest that significant rate enhancement can be achieved either by reducing the dimensionality of the search process1,7 or by the creation of a short-range attractive potential around the target site2. This implies the existence of transient intermediates involving non-specific binding modes. Here we show that intermolecular paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) provides a means of directly detecting the presence of, and investigating the nature of, low population transient intermediates under equilibrium conditions. Applying this approach, we characterize the search process whereby a sequence-specific transcription factor (the homeodomain of HOXD9) binds to non-cognate DNA sites as a means of enhancing the rate of specific association. The PRE data in the fast exchange regime reveal the presence of transient intermediates formed in a stochastic manner at non-cognate sites whose structure is similar to that of the specific complex. Two distinct search processes involving intra- as well as intermolecular translocations can be delineated. The intermolecular PRE method is general and can be readily applied to investigations of transient intermediates in many other macromolecular binding processes.
Empirical constraints of supergalactic winds at z≳ 0.5

Under the hypothesis that Mg_(II) absorbers found near the minor axis of a disc galaxy originate in the cool phase of supergalactic winds, we carry out a study to constrain the properties of large-scale galactic outflows at redshift z_(gal) ≳ 0.5 based on the observed relative motions of individual absorbing clouds with respect to the positions and orientations of the absorbing galaxies. We identify in the literature four highly inclined disc galaxies located within 50 kpc and with the minor axis oriented within 45° of a background quasi-stellar object (QSO) sightline. Deep Hubble Space Telescope images of the galaxies are available for accurate characterizations of the optical morphologies of the galaxies. High-quality echelle spectra of the QSO members are also available in public archives for resolving the velocity field of individual absorption clumps. Three galaxies in our sample are located at ρ = 8–34 kpc and exhibit strong associated Mg_(II) absorption feature with W_r(2796) ≳ 0.8 A. One galaxy, located at an impact parameters ρ = 48 kpc, dose not show an associated Mg_(II) absorber to a 3σ limit of W_r(2796) = 0.01A. Combining known morphological parameters of the galaxies such as the inclination and orientation angles of the star-forming discs, and resolved absorption profiles of the associated absorbers at ρ < 35 kpc away, we explore the allowed parameter space for the opening angle θ_0 and the velocity field of large-scale galactic outflows as a function of z-height, v(z). We find that the observed absorption profiles of the Mg_(II) doublets and their associated Fe_(II) series are compatible with the absorbing gas being either accelerated or decelerated, depending on θ_0, though accelerated outflows are a valid characterization only for a narrow range of θ_0. Under an acceleration scenario, we compare the derived v(z) with predictions from Murray et al. and find that if the gas is being accelerated by the radiation and ram pressure forces from super star clusters, then the efficiency of thermal energy input from a supernova explosion is ∈ ≾ 0.01. In addition, we adopt a power-law function from Steidel et al. for characterizing the accelerated outflows as a function of z-height, a(z) ∝ z^(−α). We find a steep slope of α ≈ 3 for a launch radius of z_(min) = 1 kpc. A shallower slope of α ≈ 1.5 would increase z_(min) to beyond 4 kpc. We discuss the implications of these parameter constraints.
Representation, Language, and Theory: Georgescu-Roegen on Methods in Economic Science

Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen was hostile to work in economic theory that is based on the notion of a continuum of agents. In this essay, I use this hostility as a point of departure for an exploration of his views concerning representation, language and theory as they pertain to what he saw as economic science. In particular, I view his methodological stance to the "doing of economics," as expressed primarily in his epistemological writings, in the light of Richard Wollheim's reflections on "art and its objects."
Relaxation of selective constraint and loss of function in the evolution of human bitter taste receptor genes

Bitter taste perception prevents mammals from ingesting poisonous substances because many toxins taste bitter and cause aversion. We hypothesize that human bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) genes might be relaxed from selective constraints because of the change in diet, use of fire and reliance on other means of toxin avoidance that emerged in human evolution. Here, we examine the intra-specific variations of all 25 genes of the human TAS2R repertoire. Our data show hallmarks of neutral evolution, including similar rates of synonymous (d S ) and non-synonymous (d N ) nucleotide changes among rare polymorphisms, common polymorphisms and substitutions; no variation in d N /d S among functional domains; segregation of pseudogene alleles within species and fixation of loss-of-function mutations. These results, together with previous findings of large numbers of loss-of-function mutations in olfactory, pheromonal and visual sensory genes in humans, suggest surprisingly reduced sensory capabilities of humans in comparison with many other mammals.
Cognitive function at 10 years of age in children who have required neonatal intensive care.

Aim: To study cognitive function at 10 y of age in a cohort of children who required neonatal intensive care within the Uppsala Neonatal Follow-up Study. Methods: 226 children, who were born in 1986–1989 and had required neonatal intensive care (NIC) and 72 full-term, healthy control children were enrolled in the study. NIC children were grouped according to gestational age (group I, 23–31 wk; subgroup IA, 23–27 wk; IB 28–31 wk; group II, 32–36 wk; group III, >36wk), with infants with congenital malformation (IWCM) included and excluded from the main groups. The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) was administered and results were analysed in relation to the K-ABC global scales: sequential, simultaneous, mental processing composite and achievement. Results: The great majority of children had well-developed cognitive function, reaching scores at an average level or above. When groups were compared, full-term children that required NIC (group III) showed lower scores than controls on all scales measured by the K-ABC. Preterm children from all the studied groups (groups IA, IB, II) showed poorer performance than controls in the simultaneous processing scale, and group IA scored lower than controls in the achievement scale. The incidence of major cognitive impairment (IQ <70) was low in NIC children (<5%), but children from group IA showed significant higher frequency of impairment in the simultaneous, mental processing composite and achievement scales. Children from group IA presented a high frequency of discrepancy between the K-ABC scales, with lower simultaneous and higher sequential scores. Analysis with IWCM excluded from the main groups revealed identical results. Conclusion: Most children who needed neonatal intensive care had developed well their cognitive function at 10 y of age. The long-term effect of neonatal intensive care on cognitive function was more evident in extremely preterm infants (group IA), especially in tasks involving simultaneous ways of processing information.
Modeling coronal streamers and their eruption

Numerical solutions of the time-dependent MHD equations are used to generate ambient coronal streamer structures in a corona characteristic of that near solar minimum. The streamers are then disrupted by slow photospheric shear motion at the base of magnetic field lines within the closed field region, which is currently believed to be responsible for producing at least some CMEs. In contrast to several other simulations of this phenomena, the polytropic index is maintained at a value of 5/3 through the addition of coronal heating. Observations are used as a guide in determining the thermodynamic structure and plasma beta in the ambient corona. For a shear speed of 2.5 km/sec, the streamer configuration evolves slowly for about 65 hours before erupting outward with the formation of a CME. The bright CME leading edge travels outward at a speed of about 240 km/sec, and the sheared field lines follow at a somewhat slower speed. A closed magnetic field region is ejected as the magnetic field lines that were opened by the CME reconnect and reform the streamer.
Business negotiation and Taiwanese relationship building: mediated experiences in karaoke singing

This paper analyses how the social practice of singing in karaoke bars/KTV boxes has become a communicative ritual for Taiwanese in relationship building, which in turn redefines their business negotiation and practices. Enacted and performed through singing, eating and toasting, this social ritual involves specific occasions, participants and act sequences. It has become a major site for relationship building, one in which content-oriented face-to-face interaction must be reconfigured for the karaoke experience. Talk that allows parties to share their thoughts or negotiate business deals directly are no longer keys to business negotiation, but assume different meaning after people have 'sung together'. Performing such social rituals redefines Taiwanese relationships and business negotiation practices.
An algorithm for identification of bacterial selenocysteine insertion sequence elements and selenoprotein genes

Motivation: Incorporation of selenocysteine (Sec) into proteins in response to UGA codons requires a cis-acting RNA structure, Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) element. Whereas SECIS elements in Escherichia coli are well characterized, a bacterial SECIS consensus structure is lacking. Results: We developed a bacterial SECIS consensus model, the key feature of which is a conserved guanosine in a small apical loop of the properly positioned structure. This consensus was used to build a computational tool, bSECISearch, for detection of bacterial SECIS elements and selenoprotein genes in sequence databases. The program identified 96.5% of known selenoprotein genes in completely sequenced bacterial genomes and predicted several new selenoprotein genes. Further analysis revealed that the size of bacterial selenoproteomes varied from 1 to 11 selenoproteins. Formate dehydrogenase was present in most selenoproteomes, often as the only selenoprotein family, whereas the occurrence of other selenoproteins was limited. The availability of the bacterial SECIS consensus and the tool for identification of these structures should help in correct annotation of selenoprotein genes and characterization of bacterial selenoproteomes. Availability: The web server interface is freely accessible to users at http://genomics.unl.edu/bSECISearch/ Contact: vgladyshev1@unl.edu Supplementary information:http://genomics.unl.edu/bSECISearch/supplement.html (includes detailed Methods and Figures S1--S3).
Micromechanics study of thermomechanical characteristics of polycrystal shape-memory alloy films

Abstract In this paper a relaxed self-consistent model is developed to calculate the evolution of martensite plates in the constituent grains and the overall behavior of the polycrystalline shape-memory alloy (SMA) films. This relaxed model was developed based on the observation that, for a thin film whose thickness direction contains only a few grains, the geometrical constraint in this direction is lost and consequently the non-vanishing components of the internal stress exist only in the plane directions. Such an internal stress distribution is used to calculate the martensitic volume concentration of the individual grains at the considered temperature, and then by means of an averaging process the overall properties of the polycrystal SMA film. Several important characteristics are uncovered based on this relaxed constraint; they show that the properties of thin films can be distinctly different from those of the bulks. Most notable among these under a thermally-induced phase transformation is a narrower range of transformation temperatures for the films. Under a mechanical loading the stress–strain behavior of the films are found to exhibit a lower ‘work-hardening’ characteristic than the bulks due to the relaxed geometrical constraint.
Adaptive Coding for Wireless Spread-Spectrum Communication Systems

Protocols for adapting the rate of an error-control code in direct-sequence or frequency-hop spread-spectrum packet radio networks are evaluated for static channels and channels with time-varying parameters that are modeled as finite-state Markov chains. The performance of our protocols is compared with the performance of an ideal protocol that has perfect channel-state information and employs a set of capacity-achieving codes of the same rates as the codes available to our protocols. The statistics used by our protocols for adaptation are derived from the demodulator and decoder in the receiving radio, and they are provided to the transmitting radio by a few bits that are included in each acknowledgment packet.
New Developments in the Treatment of Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and therapies to treat this infection are associated with frequent and severe morbidity in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Mortality rates remain in the 20 to 40 percent range for severe episodes. Thus, less toxic and more effective therapies are needed. For mild-to-moderately severe episodes (PaO 2 >70 mm Hg or [A-a]Do 2 2 2 >35 mm Hg), recent studies have established that adjunctive therapy with corticosteroids reduces mortality approximately twofold. For patients who have failed conventional treatments and are unable to ingest oral medications, trimetrexate may be tried. Other compounds being tested may further expand the therapeutic armamentarium with safer and more effective drugs.
A Pattern Recognition Approach To Image Tracking In Cluttered Sequences

The use of an infrared imager in an air-to-ground tracking and guidance application is considered. The application requires tracking certain small distinct hot or cold spots in the presence of other potentially confusing objects. The target spot must be distinguished from the surrounding clutter. A tracking method based on pattern recognition techniques is used. Several approach sequences of IR imagery taken during captive flight were recorded digitally and used for this development. For each approach sequence, the tracker was initialized on a target spot. During each image frame, several feature measurements were made of the target spot. Confusing objects in the tracker search area were also identified, and the same features were measured for each detected clutter object. The target and nontarget feature measurements from all frames of all sequences were used to formulate a two-class pattern recognition problem. The classes were found to be well separated by both linear and quadratic discriminants. When the derived discriminants were used to classify the target spot from nontarget objects, high correct classification probabilities and small false alarm and miss probabilities were obtained. This resulted in more accurate tracking performance, even in scenes containing a high density of confusing clutter objects.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein variants in sporadic pituitary adenomas.

Context: Proximal pathogenesis of pituitary tumors remains largely unclear. Recently, three heterozygous germline mutations were reported in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) gene in Finnish and Italian families with pituitary tumor predisposition and in Finnish patients harboring sporadic pituitary tumors. Objective: The objectives of this study were to examine the frequency of the three AIP germline mutations in U.S. patients harboring sporadic pituitary tumors and to correlate clinical features of pituitary tumors with these mutations, if they exist in these patients. Design: Genomic DNA was extracted from lymphoblastoid cell lines established from patients with sporadic pituitary tumors. Three segments of the AIP gene that contain the reported mutation sites for Q14X, IVS3–1G>A, and R304X were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Setting: The study was conducted in a private nonprofit academic medical center. Patients: The subjects were 66 consecutive patients (including 52 with acrom...
The C‐terminal hydrophobic repeat of Schizosaccharomyces pombe heat shock factor is not required for heat‐induced DNA‐binding

The C-terminal hydrophobic repeat (CTR) of heat shock transcription factor (HSF) has been proposed to regulate DNA binding by intramolecular interactions with the leucine zipper motifs present in the HSF trimerization domain. Schizosaccharomyces pombe provides a useful model organism for the study of the regulation of HSF DNA binding because, unlike Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. pombe hsf is highly heat shock inducible for DNA binding and contains a clear homology to the CTR. We examined the role that the CTR plays in the regulation of S. pombe hsf by constructing isogenic strains bearing deletion and point mutations in the chromosomal copy of hsf. Surprisingly, we found that point mutation of key hydrophobic amino acids within the CTR, as well as full deletion of it, yielded factors that show normal binding at normal growth temperatures and full levels of heat-induced binding. Deletion of the CTR did, however, slightly lower the temperature required for maximal activation. In contrast, a large deletion of the C-terminus, which removes close to a third of the coding sequence, was deregulated and bound DNA at control temperature. Several of the deletion mutants were significantly reduced in their level of expression, yet they showed wild-type levels of DNA binding activity following heat shock. These experiments demonstrate that appropriate regulation of the DNA binding activity of S. pombe hsf is not solely dependent upon the CTR, and imply that a feedback mechanism exists that establishes proper levels of DNA binding following heat shock despite mutations that significantly alter levels of total hsf. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reporting science and conflicts of interest in the lay press.

Background Forthright reporting of financial ties and conflicts of interest of researchers is associated with public trust in and esteem for the scientific enterprise.
Multiclonal origin of polyps in Gardner syndrome

Electrophoretic analysis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was performed on polyp tissue from three black female patients with Gardner syndrome and who are heterozygous for the A and B forms of this enzyme. Polyp tissues from the three patients displayed the AB phenotype. This finding suggests a multiclonal origin of polyps in Gardner syndrome. Studies of tumors originating from such polyps may provide information about the sequence of cellular events leading to malignant transformation.
The effect of noble gases on the characteristics of the d.c. arc

Abstract For the past six years we have studied the effect of helium, argon, neon, and krypton on the d.c. arc. Some of these studies have been concerned with the effect of these gases on this system as a spectrochemical source. Other studies have concentrated on the fundamental properties of the d.c. arc as a physical system. It has been found that (1) argon and helium reduce the over-all background; (2) helium and argon selectively enhance certain spectral lines. These properties have been utilized in spectrochemistry. (3) The volatilization rates of elements in direct current arcs surrounded by these gases is markedly altered from their behaviour in air. In argon particularly, the volatilization time is markedly prolonged. It has been postulated that the decrease in the rates of volatilization of the elements results in greater efficiency of excitation of atoms liberated into the arc stream. Recent studies have shown that the enhancement in argon is attributable to a resonance phenomenon. Apparently, excitation in the presence of this gas occurs to some degree through collisions of the second kind. These studies have been extended by observation of the anode temperature by means of pyrometry. The results have shown systematic changes which are a function of the gas, the electrode diameter, the width of the gap and the properties of the material filling the anode crater. The status of this entire subject will be reviewed and recent investigations will be emphasized in our discussion.
Trust services: a framework for service-based solutions

It is well understood that using a software component methodology can simplify the development and maintenance of systems. Web services allow this vision to be extended allowing components to be made available on the Internet. This paper proposes the use of trust services as third party Web services that allow trust operations to be extracted from solutions and packaged as components. This has obvious advantages in simplifying the task of engendering trust in solutions-both during their creation and in simplifying the maintenance. The paper further argues that using a web service model supports reusability of not only the software but also the operational environment where the software runs. This operational environment is considered particularly critical in providing security and trust operations.
Preliminary studies on human aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) gene polymorphism, matrix metalloprotease-9, apoptosis, and carotid atherosclerosis plaque size by proton magnetic resonance imaging

Hypothesis. Aldosterone has direct or indirect effects on atherosclerosis, and polymorphisms occur in the gene encoding aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), the enzyme catalysing aldosterone biosynthesis. Genetic variations in aldosterone synthesis may influence progression of carotid atherosclerosis. Materials and methods. Ten subjects were genotyped through the use of the polymerase chain reaction for two diallelic polymorphisms in CYP11B2: one in the transcriptional regulatory region (promotor) and the other in the second intron. In vivo plaque size was estimated by H-1 magnetic resonance imaging using gradient echo pulse sequence. Mediaintima thickness and ex vivo plaque in endarterectomy samples were measured by histology. Matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9 was stained in endarterectomy histology sections and apoptosis index was counted in these sections. Results. The CYP11B2 promoter genotype patterns were associated significantly with the plaque size in carotid artery (r 2 =0.9987; p=0.001), MMP-9 levels (r 2 =0.9878; p=0.0001) and apoptotic indices (r 2 =0.9495; p=0.005) by multiple regression analysis. The media-intima thickness was not significantly correlated with genotype patterns. Conclusion. Genetic variations in aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) gene are associated with the progression of atherosclerotic plaque size, MMP-9 and apoptosis in the carotid artery.
Institutionalized children: The underprivileged

The focus of this article is on negative effects of institutionalization in children, which is based on findings of a descriptive study conducted in India. The author reviews related literature in order to discuss the effect of institutionalization in children and the importance of addressing those children's unmet social and emotional needs. The discussion includes significant findings of the author's study. The author explores strategies for improving these children's outcomes, including placing the children in adoption or foster care so that they will have a family environment.
Interactive effects of temperature and nutrient limitation on the response of alpine phytoplankton growth to ultraviolet radiation

We performed bag-enclosure experiments fo r7di n alake in the Beartooth Mountains (in Montana and Wyoming) using natural phytoplankton assemblages. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) (exposed or blocked), temperature (68C and 148C), and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and nitrogen plus phosphorus) were manipulated in a factorial design to determine how these factors interact to affect phytoplankton growth. Four major phytoplankton taxa (two diatoms, one chrysophyte, and one dinoflagellate) were found in the water samples across all treatments. Greater growth rates were observed at the higher temperature for all taxa, except the chrysophyte. UVR depressed the growth rates of all phytoplankton at 68C regardless of nutrient conditions. In contrast, at 14 8C, a negative effect of UVR was not observed for any species in the absence of nutrient additions; only with the addition of nutrients did UVR exposure depress the growth of one diatom species and the dinoflagellate. Our results suggest that in alpine lakes, the effects of UVR exposure on phytoplankton depend on temperature and nutrient availability, indicating that climate change and enhanced atmospheric nitrogen deposition are likely to alter UV‐temperature‐nutrient relationships of plankton in high-UV systems.
Interaction of hyperthermia and chemotherapy agents; cell lethality and oncogenic potential

Hyperthermia was combined with bleomycin, melphalan and cis-platinum in order to examine cell lethality and oncogenic transformation in C3H10T1/2 cells from the adjuvant use of heat with chemotherapy agents. When cells were exposed concurrently to 42·5°C and each of the three chemotherapy agents, heat enhanced both the cytotoxic and oncogenic potential of the drugs. Hyperthermia-enhanced ratios were largest for bleomycin-treated cells. Examination of transformation incidences expressed as a function of surviving fraction, i.e. the cytotoxicity of treatment and therefore drug-heat efficacy, showed that for a given level of cell killing the combination of heat and cis-platinum resulted in fewer transformants per surviving cell than for cis-platinum alone. Hyperthermia appears to reduce the oncogenic potential of low concentrations of melphalan but has no effect on bleomycin-induced oncogenic transformation.