cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On a visual frequent itemset mining

Given a large, dense transaction database, generating interesting frequent patterns in a user friendly manner remains as an important issue in data mining. It is because the minimum support, the most popular statistical significance measurement, is not capable of reflecting the domain user's interest. This paper presents visual frequent itemset mining (VFIM) as an alternative to the traditional apriori-like frequent itemset mining. VFIM pushes the domain user's cognitive power into the data mining process. To this end, a formal visual data mining model is proposed and a prototype of the model is created. The effectiveness of the proposed model is demonstrated by showing that VFIM generates frequent patterns, by means of user interaction, that are compatible with those generated by traditional apriori-like algorithms without executing them.
Stability of Poly(ethylene glycol) Graft Coatings

Electrokinetic surface characterization is sensitive to both charge groups (pK and surface density) and neutral polymer coatings (molecular weight, surface density, grafting chemistry). It allows nondestructive, semiquantitative evaluation of coating stability, as regards alteration of the above parameters in relation to various environments. Characterization of surface electroosmosis versus pH (2 to 11) was used to evaluate poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) coatings of biotechnical significance following a 3-week 22 °C exposure to 0.5 M sodium phosphate solutions of pH 4−11. The coatings involved epoxide-functionalized PEGs of Mr 3400 (E-PEG 3400) covalently grafted to aminosilane-modified fused quartz capillaries. Coatings made from PEGs with an epoxide group at one end (mE-PEG 5000) were stable at pH 4−11 whereas those made from PEGs with epoxide groups at both ends (diE-PEG 3400) were only stable at pH 4−9. During storage at pH 11 the latter exhibited time-dependent generation of surface negative charge gro...
Browsing affordance designs for the human-centered computing education digital library

Browsing is a widespread user behavior in the digital library (DL) environment; there are an array of existing techniques that afford browsing and are readily applicable to digital libraries. We outline the designs of two such methods based on well-known techniques: treemaps and ScentTrails.
A fast method for computing the principal nth roots of complex matrices

Abstract Based on the generalized continued-fraction method for finding the nth roots of real numbers, this paper presents a fast computation method for finding the principal nth roots of complex matrices. Computation algorithms with high convergence rates are developed, and their global convergence properties are investigated from the viewpoint of systems theory.
FISMA compliance and cloud computing

This is paper focuses on FISMA compliance in cloud computing by taking a look at the history of FISMA and cloud computing. Briefly visiting cyber warfare as a premise to enforce the reasons for complying with government regulations for information systems. Also discussed are steps to compliance issues with FISMA compliance and cloud computing and a summary of the paper.
SIX FACTORS OF BEHAVIORAL COGNITION: UNDERSTANDING OTHER PEOPLE*

In her recent presidential address to the American Association for Higher Education, K. Patricia Cross (1974) pointed out that present models of education overemphasize the narrow band of human abilities that enable people to perform academic tasks. She suggested a three-dimensional model that prepares people to work with data, work with things, and work with people. In Cross' view the task of education is to develop the student's ability to the point of excellence in one area and to "prepare him or her to live in today's world by developing at least minimum competence in the other two areas" (p. 4). If these suggestions are to be implemented by educators, they require means of conceptualizing and measuring the abilities involved in each of these three areas so that appropriate curricula may be developed. More than fifty years ago, E. L. Thorndike (1920) suggested that human intelligence is composed of three aspects: abstract, mechanical, and social intelligence (paralleling the work skills outlined by Cross). Although both abstract and mechanical intelligence have been successfully measured, early attempts to develop independent measures of social intelligence had not been successful. Both R. L. Thorndike (1936) and Woodrow (1939) found that tests designed to measure social intelligence were loaded on factors defined by verbal-ability tests. The present study is one contribution to the conceptualization and measurement of some of the abilities involved in the task of working with people. In our view, Thorndike's "social intelligence" and Cross's "work with people" are too general to be of practical value over and above naming the domain of interest. Observing people interacting with other people suggests that there are a number of different ways of being socially intelligent. As Argyle (1972) has noted, "Clearly most people are better at some social tasks than others .... There are, for example, people who are better at handling audiences, or committees, than at dealing with individualsor vice versa" (p. 77). Some people are astute in understanding or cognizing what others think and feel, but for reasons of timidity or poor social training do not behave well in social situations. Others, while not particularly perceptive of others' feelings and thoughts, are socially poised and well-informed. Some individuals, such as successful statesmen, can produce many different solutions to a social problem. One of the few theories of human intelligence that includes social intelligence abilities is Guilford's (1967) Structure of Intellect (SI) model. The Structure of Intellect postulates 120 different factors of intellectual ability organized along three dimensions:
Target Test at Atlas Pulsed Power System

The Atlas capacitor driven pulsed power system is the world's first specifically designed to implode solid and near-solid density metal liners for use in pulsed power hydrodynamic experiments. One application of this technique is to test materials with designed damaged surfaces to validate material models with detailed spall and failure data. A rigorous development program using theory, computation (finite element analysis), and static hydrotesting of prototypical components is utilized to identify and solve manufacturing issues, address safety concerns, and, to the extent possible, ensure a successful experiment. The targets recently developed are pressurized with an inert gas and the target wall contains a "zero-strength" band of micron- sized tungsten powder that is to be projected toward the cylinder center upon liner impact. Finite element analysis was used to predict deformation of the target walls due to the internal pressure and evaluate a sealing joint for vacuum integrity. Prototype components were used to aid in diagnostic development of axial and radial x-rays and to verify the finite element analysis. It is hoped that this type of effort will result in reverse engineering the target walls to provide planer impact with the liner. The ultimate goal of this program is to eventually eliminate laboratory testing of prototypical components to save time and effort in target design.
Radial Line Discontinuities

Curves are given here showing the equivalent shunt capacitance for step-type discontinuities in radial transmission lines for cases with the larger spacing outside, the larger spacing inside, and the re-entrant or septum type discontinuities. Corrections for dimensions comparable with wavelength and the proximity of a short circuit termination are discussed in addition to application of the results to cases with thin diaphragm or with changes of dielectric at the radius of the discontinuity. The basis for the analysis of the curves also is discussed briefly.
Evaluation and comparison of radio-, fluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunoassays for serum thyroxine

We have compared three analytical systems for the measurement of serum thyroxine: enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA), fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) and a radioimmunoassay (RIA). These were evaluated with respect to their precision, accuracy, analytical sensitivity and sample throughput. The RIA is more sensitive than the EIA (10 microgram/L vs. 35 Ug/L. Both systems have excellent precision (X = 86 ug/L, C.V.RIA = C.V.EIA = 4.6%). Both the EIA and RIA demonstrate good accuracy with recovery of between 97-98% of added thyroxine. The FIA has an apparent sensitivity between that of the RIA and EIA (25 microgram/L), but a precision consistently lower than the other two systems (C.V. = 7.4%, X = 86 microgram/L). Patients' results by RIA compared well with those from EIA )r = 0.91, P less than 0.05), but a poor correlation was found with FIA (r = 0.865, P greater than 0.05). Although not fully automated, the EIA performed on the Abbott ABA-100 analyzer has a sample throughput equal to the automated RIA system (Micromedic, Concept 4).
Deconstructing p53 transcriptional networks in tumor suppression

p53 is a pivotal tumor suppressor that induces apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest and senescence in response to stress signals. Although p53 transcriptional activation is important for these responses, the mechanisms underlying tumor suppression have been elusive. To date, no single or compound mouse knockout of specific p53 target genes has recapitulated the dramatic tumor predisposition that characterizes p53-null mice. Recently, however, analysis of knock-in mice expressing p53 transactivation domain mutants has revealed a group of primarily novel direct p53 target genes that may mediate tumor suppression in vivo. We present here an overview of well-known p53 target genes and the tumor phenotypes of the cognate knockout mice, and address the recent identification of new p53 transcriptional targets and how they enhance our understanding of p53 transcriptional networks central for tumor suppression.
The Horrors of Catholicism: Religion and Sexuality in Gothic Fiction

In classic gothic fiction (between 1764 and 1820) a Mediterranean setting invites the expansion of Roman Catholic motifs, and indeed Catholicism itself becomes a standard and flexible trope in gothic fiction. The monastery, the convent, religious life, confessions and confessionals, nuns, monks, and friars are familiar features in gothic novels. “The Horrors of Catholicism” discusses the ways in which gothic writers use these materials to motivate their tales and what doing so means in the context of anti-Catholic eighteenth-century England. I explain how Catholic motifs can be understood in relation to other central gothic obsessions, such as sexual transgression and dysfunctional family life, and I demonstrate how these features aid novelists in exploring what would later be understood as personal sexual identity. In that way, these writers contribute to what we understand as the history of sexuality.
Multisource passive acoustic tracking: an application of random finite set data fusion

Multisource passive acoustic tracking is useful in animal bio-behavioral study by replacing or enhancing human involvement during and after field data collection. Multiple simultaneous vocalizations are a common occurrence in a forest or a jungle, where many species are encountered. Given a set of nodes that are capable of producing multiple direction-of-arrivals (DOAs), such data needs to be combined into meaningful estimates. Random Finite Set provides the mathematical probabilistic model, which is suitable for analysis and optimal estimation algorithm synthesis. Then the proposed algorithm has been verified using a simulation and a controlled test experiment.
Do Predators 'Shape' Fish Schools: Interactions Between Predators and Their Schooling Prey

Predation has long been considered a powerful selective force governing the evolution and maintenance of gregariousness. Membership in a stable aggregation may afford the individual with a reduction in the probability of being successfully attacked, when compared with isolated individuals. This mitigation of predation accrues passively through the effects of dilution and confusion, and actively through the differential value of spatial position and the evolution of group avoidance manoeuvres. The relative safety of a given spatial position can change drastically, depending on attack strategy. Aquatic vertebrate predators (fish, birds, and marine mammals) display a wide variety of strategies when attacking schooling prey, ranging from marginal and invasive to exploitative. Evolution of avoidance manoeuvres by the school is dependent on the individual correctly assessing the potential for danger and responding in a timely, coordinated fashion. Whether safety accrues differentially among school members, and between school members and isolates, depends on: the size and shape of the school, the individual member's behaviour, the 'behaviour' of the group, and, most importantly, the relative frequency and abundance of each predator type.
Indo-European and Uralic Tree Names

SUMMARYIn this paper similarities in tree names shared by Indo-European and Finno-Ugric (and Uralic) languages are presented which demonstrate an old historical connection between the two language families. These correspondences are due either to a genetic relationship or to language contact, or perhaps to both. This evidence should contribute towards determining ultimately the exact nature of the historical connection shared by Finno-Ugric and Indo-European.RESUMEL'article presente une liste de ressemblances entre les noms d'arbres dans les familles indo-europeenne et finno-ougrienne. Elle demontre qu'il y avait un rapport historique entre ces deux groupes de langues. La question se pose si ces ressemblances sont dues a une filiation genetique entre ces deux familles de langues, ou bien s'il ne s'agit, dans le present cas, qu'une question de contact entre ces langues. L'information fournie ici devrait au moins contribuer a une meilleure comprehension du rapport entre ces deux familles de langues.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGIn diesem Aufsatz werden Âhnlichkeiten zwischen den Namen fur eine Reihe von Baumen innerhalb indo-europaischer und finno-ugrischer (auch uralischer) Sprachen aufgewiesen, die eine alte historische Beziehung zwischen den beiden Sprachfamilien nahelegen. In der Tat sind diese Parallelen entweder auf eine gemeinsame Ursprache, auf Sprachkontakt oder auf beides zuruckzufuhren. Die vorgelegten Daten sollten dazu beitragen, ein besseres Verst andnis fur die genaue historische Beziehung zwischen diesen beiden Sprachfamilen zu vermitteln.
Neutron wave propagation in beryllium

The propagation of thermal neutron waves has been studied in four beryllium parallelepipeds. The transverse bucklings of these parallepipeds ranged from 0·0497 to 0·2572 cm−2, values which are greater than the critical buckling (0·00116 cm−2). From the space-time profiles, the dispersion law for beryllium was deduced over the frequency range 0 < ω < 1000 Hz. For the larger systems good agreement was found with calculations based on thermalization theory at frequencies less than 600 Hz. The effect of continuum contamination was apparent in all the systems but in the larger blocks this contamination had about the same magnitude and attenuation as the discrete modes. For the smaller systems, the continuum contamination was associated with neutrons having energies below the Bragg cut-off and was manifested by oscillations in the complex inverse relaxation lengths at the higher frequencies.
Comments on "analog FIR filters with an oversampled Sigma - Delta modulator

The commenters note that there is a large body of literature treating architectures similar to that in the above-titled paper by H. Qiuting and G.S. Moschytz (ibid., vol. 39), no. 9, pp. 658-663, Sept. 1992), and they provide a list of references thereto. >
Older People's Anxiety about Afterlife:

293 elderly persons in Los Angeles were administered an item on anxiety about afterlife and several measures of wellness to test the relationship between afterlife anxiety and well-being. Pearson c...
Circadian rhythm of luminance detectability in the rat

Rats lived in a visual detection test environment which allowed for around-the-clock measurement of the detectability of a 500 nm stimulus of low luminance. Daily trends in visual sensitivity were compared with a behavioral activity measure, the rate of trial initiations in the self-paced testing procedure. Both variables showed circadian rhythms with periods exceeding 24 hr in the absence of day-night cues. However, the two oscillations were phase-displaced, such that maximal visual sensitivity occurred earlier than did maximal behavioral activity, each day. The temporal organization of visual sensitivity may underlie well-known photic influence on circadian rhythms and photoperiodic behavior.
The spectral responses of algal chlorophyll in water with varying levels of suspended sediment

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the spectral responses of algal chlorophyll and water, under natural sunlight with varying suspended sediment concentrations (SSC). Twenty levels of SSC with each of two sediment types were generated, ranging from 50 to 1000 mgl−1, in 75101 of water containing chlorophyll-a concentrations of 718 μgl−1 and 295 μgl−1. Results indicate that suspended sediments do not eliminate the prominent spectral patterns of algal chlorophyll, even as SSC reached 1000 mgl−1. Between 400 and 900 nm, the relation between reflectance and SSC satisfies the expression: d2R(λ)/dS2<0. The effects of varying SSC on the positions and magnitudes of pronounced chlorophyll features were investigated. The ratio between the NIR and red wavelengths was totally independent of SSC. Thus, our finding supports using it as an index for measuring chlorophyll in natural surface water containing suspended sediments.
Evaluation and Management of Urinary Retention and Voiding Dysfunction After Sling Surgery for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Female urethral sling surgery is the most common procedure performed to treat stress urinary incontinence with cure rates in excess of 85 %. In a small minority of patients however, postoperative voiding dysfunction develops, in the form of: urinary retention; high post-void residual; poor urinary flow; urinary frequency; urinary urgency; urinary urge incontinence; or pelvic pain. This article reviews the occurrence of voiding dysfunction after sling surgery and outlines the current evaluation and management of patients with these complaints.
Biofunctionalization of a “Clickable” Organic Layer Photochemically Grafted on Titanium Substrates

We have developed a general method combining photochemical grafting and copper-catalyzed click chemistry for biofunctionalization of titanium substrates. The UV-activated grafting of an α,ω-alkenyne onto TiO2/Ti substrates provided a “clickable” thin film platform. The selective attachment of the vinyl end of the molecule to the surface was achieved by masking the alkynyl end with a trimethylgermanyl (TMG) protecting group. Subsequently, various oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) derivatives terminated with an azido group were attached to the TMG-alkynyl modified titanium surface via a one-pot deprotection/click reaction. The films were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle goniometry, ellipsometry, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We showed that the titanium surface presenting click-immobilized OEG substantially suppressed the nonspecific attachment of protein and cells as compared to the unmodified titanium substrate. Furthermore, glycine-arginine-glycine-aspartate (GRGD), a...
Selective removal of ovarian cancer cells from human ascites fluid using magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract A majority of ovarian cancer metastases result from the shedding of malignant cells from the primary tumor into the abdominal cavity. Free-floating cancer cells in serous effusions of late-stage ovarian cancer patients may spread to internal organs, making effective treatment extremely difficult. Selective removal of ovarian cancer cells from serous fluids may abate metastasis and improve long-term prognoses. We have already shown that superparamagnetic nanoparticles conjugated to an ephrin-A1 mimetic peptide with a high affinity for the EphA2 receptor can be used to capture and remove cultured human ovarian cancer cells from the peritonea of experimental mice. Here we demonstrate the potential clinical utility of the methodology by in vitro capture and isolation of cancer cells from the ascites fluid of ovarian cancer patients. From the Clinical Editor Ovarian cancer metastases usually are the result of shedding of malignant cells from the primary tumor into the abdominal cavity. In this paper, a novel nanotechnology-based method is demonstrated for the in vitro capture and isolation of cancer cells from the ascites fluid of ovarian cancer patients.
Genotoxic properties of municipal wastewaters in Ohio.

Wastewaters from six municipal wastewater treatment plants in Ohio were tested at different stages of treatment for mutagenicity in the Ames/Salmonella assay. The chlorinated secondary effluents were also evaluated for induction of sister chromatid exchanges in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Direct-acting microbial mutagenicity was observed for extracts of the effluents from all six plants for both an initial and a repeat sampling series. In some cases, the mutagenicity was greatly enhanced by S9 metabolic activation (MA). In general, the specific mutagenicity of the extracts increased following activated sludge treatment. Chlorination resulted in substantial increases in mutagenic activity for some of the Wastewaters but had no effect on others. SCE inducing activity was detected in five out of six extracts for the first sample series, and for two out of five extracts for the second sample series. There was no obvious correlation in the ability of the extracts from the chlorinated secondary effluents to induce SCE in CHO cells and to induce mutations in Salmonella.
Vitamin D depletion impairs hypertension resolution after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Abstract Background Morbid obesity is a risk factor for hypertension (HTN) and vitamin D (VitD) depletion. Gastric bypass (GBP) resolves HTN in many patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential role of VitD nutritional status on HTN resolution in patients undergoing GBP. Methods A retrospective review of morbidly obese patients taking antihypertensive medications and undergoing GBP from September 1, 2002, through February 28, 2006 was performed. Results At 1 year postoperatively HTN resolved in 53%, improved in 36%, and was unchanged in 11%. Sex, race, body mass index, and percentage of excess weight loss did not impact HTN resolution. Younger patients experienced a greater rate of HTN resolution. Patients with VitD depletion had significantly lower rates of HTN resolution compared to those with adequate levels of VitD (42% vs 61%; P = .008). Conclusions VitD nutritional status impacts the resolution rate of HTN after GBP. All morbidly obese patients undergoing GBP should be monitored and treated for VitD depletion.
Quantitative Research in Public Administration A Need to Address Some Serious Methodological Problems

Scholarly research in American public administration has been maligned by both academicians and practitioners. The criticisms range from dissatisfaction with research designs in doctoral dissertations to claims that refereed journal articles lack theoretical foundation. This article examines the application of quantitative methodologies in a random sample of four mainstream public administration journals over a 4-yearperiod. The evaluation reveals that a significant number of authors in the sample used inappropriate quantitative techniques. The implications of these findings are discussed within the broader context of policy prescription and evaluation.
An algorithm for shading of regions on vector display devices

The display of shaded polygons by line, cross-hatch, and dot patterns on vector devices is a task frequently used in computer graphics and computer cartography. In applications such as the production of shaded maps polygon shading turns out to be critical with respect to time requirements, and the development of efficient algorithms is of importance.Given an arbitrary polygon in the plane without self-crossing edges (simply-connected polygon), the task at hand is to shade this polygon with one or two sets of parallel lines where for each set a shading angle and a line distance are given. The basic concept of this new algorithm is to decompose the polygon into a set of mutually exclusive trapezoids (in special cases triangles) where the parallel edges of the trapezoids are parallel to the desired shading lines. These trapezoids and triangles are then shaded in a fast procedure. In its present form the algorithm handles regions with up to 300 islands. Possible extensions include the construction of dash and cross patterns.
Writer perception of reader preference

The lower echelons of management were surveyed to discover if they perceive that their reading preferences are the same as those of upper-level management. Eighty-two employees of high-tech companies were surveyed. Of those surveyed, 35% were engineers. Other job definitions represented were marketing, sales, accounting, and customer service. The differences and the similarities are detailed with comments from the employees surveyed. It is concluded that employees do not agree on what is clear and concise writing. Even if they agree on which letters are more understandable and faster to read, 50% prefer to read another style. Employees are more aware of their bosses' reading preferences than their CEO's reading preferences. As communication flows to higher levels of management, the employee writes longer sentences, bigger words, and uses passive voice in order to appear formal, respectful, and more educated. These choices lead to a more difficult reading experience. Perhaps the lower-level manager cannot identify as easily with the CEO and is overwhelmed with the need to impress. >
Single-molecule analysis reveals three phases of DNA degradation by an exonuclease

λ exonuclease degrades one strand of duplex DNA in the 5'-to-3' direction to generate a 3' overhang required for recombination. Its ability to hydrolyze thousands of nucleotides processively is attributed to its ring structure, and most studies have focused on the processive phase. Here we have used single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to reveal three phases of λ exonuclease reactions: the initiation, distributive and processive phases. The distributive phase comprises early reactions in which the 3' overhang is too short to stably engage with the enzyme. A mismatched base is digested one-fifth as quickly as a Watson-Crick-paired base, and multiple concatenated mismatches have a cooperatively negative effect, highlighting the crucial role of base pairing in aligning the 5' end toward the active site. The rate-limiting step during processive degradation seems to be the post-cleavage melting of the terminal base pair. We also found that an escape from a known pausing sequence requires enzyme backtracking.
Ecdysteroids in developing ovaries and eggs of the tobacco hornworm.

Abstract Ecdysteroids of ovaries and newly-laid eggs (0- to 1-hour-old) of the tobacco hornworm are present mainly as conjugates (>95%). Newly-laid eggs contain ecdysteroid conjugates equivalent to 21 μg of 26-hydroxyecdysone and 0.73 μg of ecdysone per gram of eggs. These levels are similar in ovaries of 93-hour-old adult females. In 1- to 18-hour-old eggs more than 63% of the ecdysteroids exist in the free form and the proportion is similar in 48- to 64-hour-old eggs. The ratio of 26-hydroxyecdysone to ecdysone in the conjugated form remains constant during oocyte maturation and embryogenesis. Though 26-hydroxyecdysone is without molting hormone activity in the house fly assay, the exceptionally high concentration of 26-hydroxyecdysone conjugate(s) in ovaries and newly-laid eggs, together with the fact that it is being released during embryogenesis, indicate some physiological role for 26-hydroxyecdysone.
Theory and Design Data for Continuous-Film Self-Acting Journal Bearings

Extensions to the theory for the continuous film journal bearing are presented. These analyses are used in conjunction with the results of other analyses to provide design data orf the complete operating range of a full circular journal bearing. Contributed by the ASLE Technical Committee on Bearings and Bearing Lubrication and presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Lubrication Engineers held in Detroit, Michigan, May, 1965.
London model for the levitation force between a horizontally oriented point magnetic dipole and superconducting sphere

The magnetic interaction between a point dipole of horizontally oriented moment and a superconducting sphere in the Meissner state is investigated in detail within London theory. It is demonstrated that the levitation force for this configuration is precisely one-half the value of the configuration with vertically oriented point dipole. An extension to other applied fields is presented. The results have application to models for magnetic levitation and magnetic force microscopy.
Stochastic Simulation of the Cell Cycle Model for Budding Yeast

We use the recently proposed Nested Stochastic Simulation Algorithm (Nested SSA) to simulate the cell cycle model for budding yeast. The results show that Nested SSA is able to significantly reduce the computational cost while capturing the essential dynamical features of the system.
The Michelson-Morley experiment: a case study on validation

The Michelson-Morley experiment can be examined, using standard mathematical concepts of error analysis, as a case study in validation. A few philosophical principles focusing on scientific confirmation help elucidate the formal logical concepts that result in a foundation for scientific validation. The author proposes two research directions.
New transition metal oxytrifluoromethanesulfonate salts

Abstract The reaction of (CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 O with salts containing a transition metal in a high oxidation state results in the formation of new transition metal oxytrifluoromethanesulfonate salts.
Forced expression and assembly of rat cardiac troponin T isoforms in cultured muscle and nonmuscle cells

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT), a tropomyosin (TM)-binding subunit of the troponin complex, undergoes a developmentally regulated isoform switch from embryonic form to adult form in the rat heart. To investigate the in vivo assembly of cTnT isoforms, we transiently transfected cDNA clones of either rat cTnT isoform into nonmuscle CHO cells and chick embryo myogenic (CEM) cells. As determined by Western blotting, both isoforms can be expressed in CHO and CEM cells. The expressed proteins had the same mobility as native rat cTnT proteins on SDS polyacrylamide gels and were recognized by anti-TnT antibodies. Conventional and confocal microscopy of transfected cells, double-labelled with antibodies against cTnT and against TM, revealed that neither isoform appears to associate with the nonmuscle TM in CHO cells, although both are able to colocalize with muscle TM-containing microfilament bundles in the myogenic CEM cells. There was no appreciable cTnT isoform-related difference in association with TM, suggesting that the functional significance of isoform variability in rat cTnT does not correspond to an assembly advantage for the maturing cardiac thin filament. To help determine whether cTnT nonassembly in CHO environment is primarily due to the nonmuscle nature of the endogenous TM, or if it involves the absence of other factors specific to muscle, we have isolated several stably-transfected clones of skeletal sTM-expressing CHO cells which incorporate this muscle TM onto stress fibres. When either isoform of cTnT was transiently expressed in these sTM-CHO cells, the strictly filamentous sTM staining pattern was no longer observed. Instead, sTM codistributed with cTnT in brightly staining aggregates not associated with the intact stress fibres. This suggests that both isoforms of cTnT are interacting with the sTM in the nonmuscle environment and that other muscle-specific proteins may indeed be required for stable assembly of cTnT onto microfilaments. It also suggests that the interaction between cTnT and muscle TM is stronger than that between muscle TM and nonmuscle microfilaments.
LOCAL ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION OR NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL GROWTH? A COMPARATIVE OVERVIEW OF SMALL BUSINESS POLICY IN JAPAN AND THE U.S.

Contrasts in small business policy are examined for Japan and the United States. The author argues that Japan's small business policy has been part of an industrial growth-oriented policy, while comparatively the U.S. small business policy has been mainly part of locally-based economic revitalization schemes. Recent trends in policy development indicate that the policies in the two countries are converging. The U.S. policymakers have become increasingly concerned with the small business sector becoming competitive in global markets, while widespread offshoring of large firms have prompted Japanese policymakers to focus on supporting small businesses in order to prevent further loss of manufacturing jobs.
Molecular biology of Alzheimer's amyloid—Dutch variant

Hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis, Dutch type (HCHWA-D) (or familial cerebral amyloid angiopathy) and familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) share several properties. Both are autosomal dominant forms of cerebral amyloidosis characterized by beta-amyloid (A beta) deposition. In HCHWA-D the A beta is predominantly found in blood vessels and in early parenchymal plaques, whereas in AD parenchymal A beta deposits in the form of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are a more prominent finding. Point mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) have recently been described, in both conditions. A G to C transversion at codon 618 (extracellular portion of APP695), producing a single amino acid substitution of glutamine instead of glutamine acid, occurs in HCHWA-D; whereas mutations at codon 642 in the intramembrane region of APP695 (phenylalanine, isoleucine, or glycine instead of valine) are associated with early onset FAD. This suggests that the site of particular mutations in the APP gene and the type of amino acid substitution in the APP holoprotein are more important in determining clinicopathological phenotype and age at which A beta is deposited. Thus FAD and HCHWA-D can be regarded as two sides of the same coin.
High Altitude Platforms for Disaster Recovery: Capabilities, Strategies, and Techniques for Emergency Telecommunications

Natural disasters and terrorist acts have significant potential to disrupt emergency communication systems. These emergency communication networks include first-responder, cellular, landline, and emergency answering services such as 911, 112, or 999. Without these essential emergency communications capabilities, search, rescue, and recovery operations during a catastrophic event will be severely debilitated. High altitude platforms could be fitted with telecommunications equipment and used to support these critical communications missions once the catastrophic event occurs. With the ability to be continuously on station, HAPs provide excellent options for providing emergency coverage over high-risk areas before catastrophic incidents occur. HAPs could also provide enhanced 911 capabilities using either GPS or reference stations. This paper proposes potential emergency communications architecture and presents a method for estimating emergency communications systems traffic patterns for a catastrophic event.
Some commonly fed herbs and other functional foods in equine nutrition: A review

Most herbs and functional foods have not been scientifically tested; this is especially true for the horse. This paper reviews some of the literature pertinent to herbal supplementation in horses and other species. Common supplements like Echinacea, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and yucca are not regulated, and few studies have investigated safe, efficacious doses. Ginseng has been found to exert an inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Equine studies have tested the anti-inflammatory effects of a single dose of ginger, post-exercise. Echinacea has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Yucca contains steroid-like saponins, which produce anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-spasmodic effects. However, some herbs have drug-like actions that interact with dietary components and may contain prohibited substances like salicylates, digitalis, heroin, cocaine and marijuana. Horses fed garlic at >0.2g/kg per day developed Heinz body anaemia. Drug-herb interactions are common and caution needs to be taken when implementing 'natural product' usage.
Mechanism of interferon action Expression of reovirus S6 gene in transfected COS cells and subsequent inhibition at the level of protein synthesis by type I but not by type ii interferon

Abstract The effect of interferon on the expression of the reovirus serotype 1 Lang strain S3 gene was examined in simian COS cells transfected with the expression vector pSVS3 containing the S3 gene under the control of the SV40 late promoter. When COS cells were treated with type I interferon-α 24 hr after transfection, the synthesis of the reovirus S3-encoded σNS polypeptide was inhibited about 10-fold as compared to that in untreated control cells. By contrast, under the same conditions, neither the plasmid DNA copy number nor the S3 gene mRNA levels were significantly affected by interferon treatment. Type II interferon-γ, unlike the type I interferons-α, did not affect the rate of synthesis of polypeptide σNS in pSVS3-transfected cells.
ACTR/AIB1 Functions as an E2F1 Coactivator To Promote Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Antiestrogen Resistance

Overexpression or amplification of ACTR (also named AIB1, RAC3, p/CIP, TRAM-1, and SRC-3), a member of the p160 family of coactivators for nuclear hormone receptors, has been frequently detected in multiple types of human tumors, including breast cancer. However, its role in cancer cell proliferation and the underlying mechanism are unclear. Here, we show that overexpression of ACTR not only enhances estrogen-stimulated cell proliferation but also, more strikingly, completely negates the cell cycle arrest effect by tamoxifen and pure antiestrogens. Unexpectedly, we found that ACTR directly interacts, through its N-terminal domain, with E2F1 and is recruited to E2F target gene promoters. Elevation of ACTR in quiescent cells strongly stimulates the transcription of a subset of E2F-responsive genes that are associated with the G(1)/S transition. We also demonstrated, by adenovirus vector-mediated RNA interference, that ACTR is required for E2F1-mediated gene expression and the proliferation of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer cells. Moreover, the ability of elevated ACTR to promote estrogen-independent cell proliferation depends on the function of E2F1 and the association between ACTR and E2F1, but not ER. Thus, our results reveal an essential role of ACTR in control of breast cancer cell proliferation and implicate the ACTR-E2F1 pathway as a novel mechanism in antiestrogen resistance.
DIFFERENTIAL PROCESSING OF NEUROPEPTIDES INFLUENCES DROSOPHILA HEART RATE

Peptides that play critical physiological roles are often encoded in precursors that contain several structurally-related gene products. Differential processing of a precursor by cell-specific processing enzymes can yield multiple messengers with diverse distributions and activities. We have reported the isolation of SDNFMRFamide, DPKQDFMRFamide, and TPAEDFMRFamide from adult Drosophila melanogaster. The peptides are encoded in the FMRFamide gene and have a common C-terminal FMRFamide but different N-terminal extensions. In order to investigate the processing of the FMRFamide polypeptide protein precursor, we generated antisera to distinguish among the structurally-related neuropeptides. Utilizing a triple-label immunofluorescent protocol, we mapped the distribution of the peptides. Each peptide has a unique, non-overlapping cellular expression pattern in neural tissue suggesting that the precursor is differentially processed. In order to identify a biological activity of the peptides, we established an in vivo heart rate assay. SDNFMRFamide decreases heart rate but DPKQDFMRFamide and TPAEDFMRFamide do not, indicating that the N-terminal residues are critical for this activity. SDNFMRFamide immunoreactivity is present in the aorta, implying that SDNFMRFamide acts locally to affect heart rate; DPKQDFMRFamide and TPAEDFMRFamide antisera do not stain cardiac tissue. Our data support the conclusion that Drosophila contains cell-specific proteolytic enzymes to differentially process a polypeptide protein precursor resulting in unique expression patterns of structurally-related, yet functionally distinct neuropeptides.
RF measurement of impact ionization and its temperature dependence in AlSb/InAs HEMTs

The RF characteristics of impact ionization in AlSb/InAs HEMTs were examined by measuring the behavior of S/sub 22/ in the frequency range from 300 kHz to 3 GHz. By varying the drain bias, the onset of impact ionization can be clearly observed. In the ionization region, high gate current, inductive output impedance, current instability with hysteresis, and an increase in low-frequency noise were observed. With decreasing temperature, these effects diminish. The results were compared with measurements made on InAlAs/InGaAs/InP HEMTs. In both transistors, impact ionization as well as deep-level trapping were observed. >
Analysis of Cell Membrane Characteristics of In Vitro-Selected Daptomycin-Resistant Strains of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT Our previous studies of clinical daptomycin-resistant (Dapr) Staphylococcus aureus strains suggested that resistance is linked to the perturbations of several key cell membrane (CM) characteristics, including the CM order (fluidity), phospholipid content and asymmetry, and relative surface charge. In the present study, we examined the CM profiles of a well-known methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain (MW2) after in vitro selection for DAP resistance by a 20-day serial passage in sublethal concentrations of DAP. Compared to levels for the parental strain, Dapr strains exhibited (i) decreased CM fluidity, (ii) the increased synthesis of total lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol (LPG), (iii) the increased flipping of LPG to the CM outer bilayer, and (iv) the increased expression of mprF, the gene responsible for the latter two phenotypes. In addition, we found that the expression of the dlt operon, which also increases positive surface charge, was enhanced in the Dapr mutants. These phenotypic and genotypic changes correlated with reduced DAP surface binding, mirroring observations made in clinical Dapr isolates. In this strain, serial exposure to DAP induced an increase in vancomycin MICs into the vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) range (4 μg/ml) in parallel with increasing DAP MICs. Also, this Dapr strain exhibited significantly thicker cell walls than the parental strain, potentially correlating with the coevolution of the VISA phenotype and implicating cell wall structure and/or function in the Dapr phenotype. Importantly, despite the overexpression of mprF and dlt, the relative net positive surface charge was decreased in the Dapr mutants, suggesting that other factors contribute to the surface charge alterations and that a simple charge repulsion mechanism could not entirely explain the Dapr phenotype in these strains.
Multiple system atrophy: the crime and the suspect.

Every physician remembers that first case of multiple [1]. This strongly suggests that the sympathetic defect in system atrophy. Mine was in 1967. We called it ShyParkinson’s disease may be more severe than was initially Drager syndrome in those days. I was a pre-medical believed. There are hints of this even in the early literature student in Nashville. A patient was brought in. He had where sympathetically stimulated plasma renin levels were been in the peak of health two years before and had reduced in Parkinson’s disease compared to normal substopped smoking. Then imperceptibly things began to go jects [2]. In more recent times, the N -nicotinic antagonist, N wrong. A foot began to drag. Balance became problematic. trimethaphan, has been found to profoundly lower blood Speech changed. His animation seemed to falter. His pressure in supine patients with MSA, a further indication grandchildren asked what was wrong. Fainting began to that the constitutive sympathetic activity occurring in such occur. Breathing became labored and irregular at night, patients is of considerable importance [3]. and finally his spirit itself became subject to precipitous Yet, in spite of these functional differences and the peaks and valleys. By the time I saw him, it seemed he increasing likelihood of distinct pathophysiologies, if we was a prisoner in his own body. It was certainly a tragedy stand back, the similarities emerging in many of the of biblical proportions and the analogy of Job’s suffering neurodegenerative diseases are present here as well. Alpha came to mind. He eventually volunteered his own sober synuclein has been identified in the glial cytoplasmic assessment: ‘I feel like I have been sentenced to death for inclusions of MSA and in the Lewy bodies of Parkinson’s something I did not do’. disease. Indeed, alpha synuclein is proving to be quite At first, the Shy-Drager syndrome seemed like a parwidespread in the brain in MSA and, while it may not ticularly malignant form of Parkinson’s disease. But soon itself be the culprit causing MSA, it may be only one or clinical differences began to emerge. The poor response to two steps away [4]. That offers much hope for understandlevodopa, the early autonomic involvement, the prominent ing MSA. In alpha synuclein, we may not yet have urinary tract symptoms, cerebellar involvement, apnea, discovered the perpetrator, but at least have apprehended emotional volatility, pyramidal tract involvement and one of the accomplices. peripheral neuropathy emerged as markers of MSA. Differences in physical findings soon emerged: the cold hands of the MSA patient. What has emerged in the past three Acknowledgements years has been functional correlations underscoring some of these differences. Supported in part by NIH grants RR00095, P01 In this issue of the journal, Hilz and co-workers HL56693, 1U01NS33460, NASA grant NAS 9-19483, and document dramatically different cardiac catecholamine a grant from the Nathan Blaser Shy-Drager Research functional characteristics in MSA and Parkinson’s disease Program.
Assessing the functional structure of genomic data

Motivation: The availability of genome-scale data has enabled an abundance of novel analysis techniques for investigating a variety of systems-level biological relationships. As thousands of such datasets become available, they provide an opportunity to study high-level associations between cellular pathways and processes. This also allows the exploration of shared functional enrichments between diverse biological datasets, and it serves to direct experimenters to areas of low data coverage or with high probability of new discoveries. Results: We analyze the functional structure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae datasets from over 950 publications in the context of over 140 biological processes. This includes a coverage analysis of biological processes given current high-throughput data, a data-driven map of associations between processes, and a measure of similar functional activity between genome-scale datasets. This uncovers subtle gene expression similarities in three otherwise disparate microarray datasets due to a shared strain background. We also provide several means of predicting areas of yeast biology likely to benefit from additional high-throughput experimental screens. Availability: Predictions are provided in supplementary tables; software and additional data are available from the authors by request. Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.