cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MESON PRODUCTION IN THE STATIC CHARGED-SCALAR THEORY

Meson production amplitudes in the charged-scalar theory are shown to satisfy integral equations which in the one meson approximation reduce to the Riemann-Hilbert boundary problem and the complete solution is given.
50 years of studying the scarlet tiger moth

A growing number of long-term studies in plant and animal ecological genetics is now rewarding the patience, perseverance and perspicacity of those involved. A handful have involved work spanning 30 years and more, with an initial major impact on the way the study of population biology has developed. It is 50 years since investigation of the medionigra form of the scarlet tiger moth began, and in spite of very low allele frequencies and population numbers the medionigra allele persists in the original population. It is only by such long-term studies that we will be able to obtain more than just a cursory understanding of what really happens in natural populations of plants and animals.
Image Analysis Method (IAM) for Measurement of Particle Size Distribution and Mass Availability on Carpet Fibers

Exposure to particles that have deposited on surfaces is common in occupational and residential environments. Lack of an accurate tool for assessing particle size distribution and loading (mass per unit area) on carpet fibers available for exposure contributes to the uncertainty associated with current risk assessment models. This research presents a new, direct image analysis method (IAM) for measuring particle size distribution and loading on carpet fibers. New and old carpet fibers loaded with Arizona Test Dust were used to test the method. Carpet fibers were removed from the bulk carpet, mounted on substrates, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were collected. Particle size distribution and total mass were calculated from the processed images. The Arizona Test Dust (ATD) size distribution on fibers from two different carpets had mass median diameters of 3.6 ( ± 1.2) and 4.1 (±0.7) μm, similar to that for bulk ATD, 4.0 (± 0.5) μm. Total ATD mass available on new carpet fibers calculated by I...
The atmospheric chemistry of Oxygenated fuel additives: t‐Butyl alcohol, dimethyl ether, and methylt‐butyl ether

The mechanisms for the Cl-initiated and OH-initiated atmospheric oxidation of t-butyl alcohol (TBA), methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE), and dimethyl ether (DME) have been determined. For TBA the only products observed are equimolar amounts of H 2 CO and acetone, and its atmospheric oxidation can be represented by (7), (CH 3 ) 3 COH+NP+OH→H 2 CO+((CH 3 ) 2 CO+HO 2 +NO 2 (7). The mechanism for the atmospheric oxidation of DME is also straight forward, with the only observable product being methyl formate, (CH 3 )OCH 3 +NO+OH→HCOOCH 3 +NO 2 +HO 2 (8). The mechanism for the atmospheric oxidation of MTBE is more complex, with observable products being t-butyl formate (TBF) and H 2 CO. Evidence is presented also for the formation of 2-methoxy-2-methyl propanal (MMP), which is highly reactive and presumably oxidized to products. The atmospheric oxidation of MTBE can be represented by (9) and (10), CH 3 OC(CH 3 ) 3 +NO+OH→0.6HCOOC((CH 3 ) 3 +0.4CH 3 OC(CH 3 ) 2 CHO+HO 2 +NO 2 (9); CH 3 OC(CH 3 ) 2 CHO+OH+2NO→CO 2 +H 2 CO+(CH 3 ) 2 HO 2 +2NO 2 (10). In terms of atmospheric reactivity, DME, TBA and MTBE all compare favorably with methanol. In terms of rate of reaction in the atmosphere, DME, MTBE, and TBA are 1.4, 0.40 and 0.28 times as reactive as CH 3 OH towards OH on a per carbon basis. With regard to chemistry, atmospheric oxidation of CH 3 OH yields highly reactive H 2 CO as the sole carbon-containing products. In contrast, only 25% of the carbon in TBA is converted to H 2 CO, with the balance yielding unreactive acetone. For DME, all the carbon is converted to methyl formate which is unreactive. Finally, for MTBE, 60% is converted to unreactive TBF while the remaining 40% produces highly reactive MMP. Final assessment of the impact of these materials on the atmopheric reactivity of vehicle emissions requires the determination of their emissions rates under realistic operating conditions
Models of stream habitat characteristics associated with tubificid populations in an intermountain watershed

Habitat assessments were conducted in an intermountain watershed at three spatial extents to explore ways to predict the presence of tubificid oligochaetes likely to support the parasite Myxobolus cerebralis, cause of salmonid whirling disease. Stream reaches with six different reach slope characteristics were selected using GIS. The aquatic habitat in 60 reaches selected at random was measured and classified into distinct habitat units. Within the habitat units, areas of microhabitat with depositional fine sediments were chosen, measured, and core samples were removed to characterize the sediments and benthic oligochaetes. Two tubificids, Tubifex spp. and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, were abundant and co-occurred in silt-clay and fine sand sediments in these habitats. Models were posed and tested to predict the presence and relative abundance of tubificids using habitat characteristics from the three spatial extents: reach, habitat unit, and microhabitat. At the reach extent, tubificids were associated with low-reach slope and with slow water habitats. Within habitat units, tubificids were associated with higher percentages of fine sediments and higher stream width:depth ratios. In microhabitat cores, the presence of silt-clay sediments was positively associated with higher average stream width:depth ratios. Since ecological relationships are often scale dependent and stream systems have a natural hierarchy, predictive habitat models such as these that use measures from several scales may help researchers and managers more efficiently identify and quantify aquatic communities at highest risk of infection by the M. cerebralis parasite.
Geochemical exploration for uranium in playas

Abstract Playas and closed-basin lakes represent unique geochemical environments for the entrapment and concentration of mobile chemical elements. For this reason, playas may be considered as potentially favorable areas for the accumulation of uranium. We investigated playa sediments to determine their value as possible sample media for determining the presence of accumulations of uranium in the basins and playas. Instrumental neutron activation analyses were made on near-surface [0–50 ft. (0–15 m)] sediments, pore fluids, and both surface and groundwater in closed basins at Winnemucca Dry Lake, Smoke Creek Desert, Roach Lake, Columbus Marsh, and Clayton Valley, Nevada, and Sevier Lake, Utah. Although playa sediments at spring discharge areas contain as much as 58 ppm uranium, evaporation and mobilization processes were found to limit the usefulness of playa sediments as geochemical sampling media for uranium. Other metals, however, such as zinc, tungsten, and gold may have a geochemical signature in the playas. Most playas have little potential for resources of uranium. However, there are certain conditions that would make some playas more favorable than others for the accumulation of uranium. These conditions include: (1) the presence of precursor carbonate-rich saline lakes; (2) nearby uranium-rich source rocks; (3) restricted groundwater discharge into the playa; (4) localized precipitation mechanisms or phases in the playa; (5) large drainage basin and adequate precipitation; and (6) stability of a hydrologically closed basin for a long period of time.
More Sensitive and Quantitative Proteomic Measurements Using Very Low Flow Rate Porous Silica Monolithic LC Columns with Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry

The sensitivity of proteomics measurements using liquid chromatography (LC) separations interfaced with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) improves approximately inversely with liquid flow rate (for the columns having the same separation efficiency, linear velocity, and porosity), making attractive the use of smaller inner diameter LC columns. We report the development and initial application of 10 microm i.d. silica-based monolithic LC columns providing more sensitive proteomics measurements. A 50-microm-i.d. micro solid-phase extraction precolumn was used for ease of sample injection and cleanup prior to the reversed-phase LC separation, enabling the sample volume loading speed to be increased by approximately 50-fold. Greater than 10-fold improvement in sensitivity was obtained compared to analyses using more conventional capillary LC, enabling e.g. the identification of >5000 different peptides by MS/MS from 100-ng of a Shewanella oneidensis tryptic digest using an ion trap MS. The low nL/min LC flow rates provide more uniform responses for different peptides, and provided improved quantitative measurements compared to conventional separation systems without the use of internal standards or isotopic labeling. The improved sensitivity allowed LC-MS measurements of immunopurified protein phosphatase 5 that were in good agreement with quantitative Western blot analyses.
Bidirectional alterations of hippocampal cannabinoid 1 receptors and their endogenous ligands in a rat model of alcohol withdrawal and dependence.

Background: The hippocampus is strongly implicated in memory processes and contains high concentrations of both cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands. Chronic alcohol consumption impairs a variety of cognitive and performance tasks, including memory and learning. As the activation of cannabinoid receptors by their endogenous ligands modulates hippocampal neurotransmission, we hypothesized that the impaired memory and learning in alcoholism may be due to alterations in the hippocampal endocannabinoid system. Methods: We used the rat chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) model for alcohol withdrawal and dependence which involves intermittent episodes of ethanol intoxication (60 doses) and withdrawal (approximating binge drinking episodes in humans). We measured the levels of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB 1 R) protein (Western blot using a C-terminal-directed antibody), CB 1 R mRNA (real-time RT-PCR), CB 1 R localization (immunocytochemistry), tissue levels of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine/anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and function (patch-clamp recordings of depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), as well as effects of CB 1 R agonist WIN 55,212-2 on inhibitory currents) in the hippocampus of CIE rats and their saline-treated controls. Results: Results were obtained in saline and CIE-treated rats after 2 and 40 days of withdrawal (DW) from their respective treatments. In 2 DW CIE rats, CB 1 R mRNA and protein levels were decreased by 27% (p<0.05) compared with saline controls. Surprisingly, in 40 DW CIE rats, CB 1 R mRNA increased by 100% and protein increased by 21%, confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Hippocampal [2-AG] increased in both 2 and 40 DW CIE rats; [AEA] increased only at 40 DW. Hippocampal DSI of CIE rats was significantly reduced at 2 DW but not at 40 DW. The CB 1 R agonist WIN 55,212-2 (0.5 μM) produced a significantly greater decrease in the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory currents from saline-treated rats compared with CIE rats at 2 DW, but not at 40 DW. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that CIE treatment and withdrawal transiently down-regulates hippocampal CB 1 Rs followed by a long-term up-regulation, including increased levels of endogenous cannabinoids. These findings are consistent with our hypothesis and suggest that long-term up-regulation of hippocampal CB 1 Rs may contribute to the long-term cognitive impairments in alcoholism. The data further suggest that the effectiveness of CB 1 R blockade in decreasing alcohol consumption may be greater after protracted abstinence from alcohol.
An Obituary for “Alienation”

In many intellectual circles, “alienation” has become the all-explaining catchword. Its popularity resembles those previously of “progress,” “evolution,” “trends,” and “identity.” It helps formula-peddling counselors rationalize their services. It becomes a device for convincing the individual that he alone or even working with others can do little about his social situation. Many assertions of “alienation” are simply and accurately translated as contentions that members of some “problem” group are at odds with the spokesman's value orientation or conception of societal legitimacy or ideas about appropriate social-action procedures. Some of the phenomena interpreted as “alienation” are more precisely seen in other lights that require greater knowledge of societal processes and of social history. Such terms as “relative isolation,” “relative deprivation,” and “marginality” explicitly suggest process rather than the static “alienated” category.
Acute short-term dim light exposure can lower muscle strength endurance

Abstract Background Since it has been shown that spending 18 h under dim light conditions can result in reduced handgrip endurance, it was questioned whether or not a shorter exposure to dim light (i.e., 1 h) would have similar influence upon muscular endurance. Therefore this study compared the number of weighted knee extension lifts that could be done after spending 1 h in either dim or bright light. Methods Participants (5 women, 11 men, college students 19–26 years) performed knee extension lifts to exhaustion with a load approximating 40% of their body weight. The lifts to exhaustion were measured immediately following 1 h of exposure to each of the following three conditions: dark (DL), room light (RL), and room light plus 5 mg melatonin (RLM). A minimum of 48 h separated each condition, and all participants started the exposures in a rested fed condition. Results Average (±SD) number of knee extension lifts for RL (62.0 ± 22.0) was significantly (p Conclusion It appears that light intensity can influence muscle endurance, however, at this time this effect cannot be directly related to endogenous melatonin production.
Nash Equilibrium for 2nd-order Two-Player Non-Zero Sum LQ Games with Executable Decentralized Control Strategies

Riccati equations are the basis to construct Nash equilibrium solutions for linear quadratic (LQ) non-cooperative games when players apply linear state feedback strategies. Diagonal-form solutions of the Riccati equation associated with a second-order two-player non-zero sum linear quadratic game is discussed and the Nash equilibrium can be implemented by decentralized control strategies. The result is also extended to a high order two-player linear quadratic game.
Regional citrate anticoagulation in continuous venovenous haemofiltration using commercial preparations.

SUMMARY: Aim: The aim of the present study was to test the feasibility of using commercial preparations of replacement and citrate anticoagulation solution in continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH) in a safe, efficient and simple manner. Methods: Retrospective review of the database of a large continuous renal replacement therapy programme that uses a standardized prescription of high ultrafiltrate CVVH with commercial solutions for replacement fluid and regional citrate anticoagulation was performed. Results: Records of 28 patients who underwent 91 CVVH sessions were analysed. Median circuit survival time was 37 (59.5–15.5) h and the 48 h survival probability was 40%. Bleeding or metabolic complications were not noted, and the procedure was simple to administer. Conclusion: Continuous venovenous haemofiltration using commercial preparations of replacement fluid and citrate anticoagulation can be safe, efficient and simple.
Bidirectional Regulation of Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation Element-Binding Protein Phosphorylation by Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II and Protein Phosphatase 1 during Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation

Induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) requires activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), whereas maintenance of LTP additionally requires protein synthesis. We recently reported that CaMKII stimulates protein synthesis in depolarized hippocampal neurons through phosphorylation of the mRNA translation factor cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein (CPEB), and this phosphorylation is rapidly reversed by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). Protein synthesis-dependent late-phase LTP (L-LTP) in the hippocampus requires calcium influx through the NMDA-type glutamate receptor (NMDA-R) to activate CaMKII as well as concomitant inhibition of PP1 mediated by protein kinase A. Therefore, we investigated the regulation of CPEB phosphorylation during L-LTP. Pharmacological stimulation of the NMDA-R in hippocampal slices to produce chemical long-term depression induced a brief dephosphorylation of CPEB. Modest LTP induction (once at 100 Hz), which induces a protein synthesis-independent early-phase LTP (E-LTP), resulted in a transient phosphorylation of CPEB. However, stronger stimulation (four times at 100 Hz), known to induce protein synthesis-dependent L-LTP, elicited a prolonged phosphorylation of CPEB. Furthermore, CPEB phosphorylation correlated with phosphorylation of PP1 inhibitor dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, a known substrate for protein kinase A. These results evoke the hypothesis that bidirectional regulation of CPEB phosphorylation by CaMKII and protein phosphatases may serve as a mechanism to convert E-LTP into protein synthesis-dependent L-LTP by stimulating protein synthesis and thereby stabilizing synaptic enhancement.
Multi-Pass Friction Stir Welding in Alloy 7050-T7451: Effects on Weld Response Variables and on Weld Properties

Abstract In some situations it may be necessary or desirable to perform a friction stir weld pass through material, which has already been friction stir welded. Examples include weld repair or crossing weld beads. In either case, one would like to know whether the control parameters used for welding require modification for passes through existing welded material and what is the effect of the multiple passes on the weld properties. To examine this issue, multiple weld passes (five) were performed in 6.4 mm thick 7050-T7451 plate at a tool rotation speed of 540 rpm and a welding speed of 6.77 mm s −1 . Results indicate that for this material and these conditions weld control parameters require no adjustment. The overall reduction from pass 1 to 5 in transverse tensile strength is 7%. In addition, weld metallurgy is only slightly changed in the heat affected zone (HAZ) due to overaging for each weld pass while there is no change in metallurgy in the nugget. Hardness in the HAZ reduces by 14 Vicker's hardness points from pass 1 to 5. The peak longitudinal residual stress is reduced with increasing number of passes.
Multiple Length DNA Molecules of Bacteriophage φX174

RUSH and Warner have suggested that circular double length DNA molecules1–3 of bacteriophage S13 arise during genetic recombination, presumably in a single reciprocal recombination event4–6 between two monomeric circles7. In other systems, however, circular molecules of multiple length are produced by errors in replication8,9. We now demonstrate that most circular multiple length DNA molecules of bacteriophage φX174 arise by replication and that, moreover, some catenated DNA molecules contain interlocked rings of two different parental types.
Differential fate of plastid and mitochondrial genomes in Petunia somatic hybrids.

The chloroplast (cp) and mitochondrial (mt) DNAs of Petunia somatic hybrid plants, which were derived from the fusion of wild-type P. parodii protoplasts with albino P. inflata protoplasts, were analyzed by endonuclease restriction and Southern blot hybridization. Using 32P-labelled probes that distinguished the two parental cpDNAs at a BamH1 site and at a HpaII site, only the P. parodii chloroplast genome was detected in the 10 somatic hybrid plants analyzed. To examine whether cytoplasmic mixing had resulted in rearrangement of the mitochondrial genome in the somatic hybrids, restriction patterns of purified somatic hybrid and parental mtDNAs were analyzed. Approximately 87% of those restriction fragments which distinguish the two parental genomes are P. inflata-specific. Restriction patterns of the somatic hybrid mtDNAs differ both from the parental patterns and from each other, suggesting that an interaction occurred between the parental mitochondrial genomes in the somatic fusion products which resulted in generation of the novel mtDNA patterns. Southern blot hybridization substantiates this conclusion. In addition, somatic hybrid lines derived from the same fusion product were observed to differ in mtDNA restriction pattern, reflecting a differential sorting-out of mitochondrial genomes at the time the plants were regenerated.
Arguing from the Evidence The Correct Approach to Intelligent Design’s Challenge in the U.S. Courts

In Kitzmiller v. Dover (2005), the only U.S. federal case on teaching Intelligent Design in public schools, the plaintiffs used the same argument as in the creation-science trials of the 1980s: Int...
The effect of column length, applied voltage, gel type, and concentration on the capillary electrophoresis separation of DNA fragments and polymerase chain reaction products

This work examines the effect of different parameters on migration time, resolution, and speed of analysis of DNA fragments and PCR products. These parameters include column length, applied voltage, gel type and concentration, and buffer ionic strength. Our results indicate that 1 cm capillary at an applied voltage of 185 V/cm, filled with commercial gel, was adequate for the separation of small DNA fragments in under 1 min. Resolution of large fragments is directly proportional to column length at the same field strength. Also, resolution of large fragments is higher (better) at lower field strength at constant column length. Analysis is fastest (high throughput) using a short capillary and moderate field strength (200 v/cm). CE using a single short capillary (2-7 cm) is comparable to slab gel in throughput, but more economical. The Sigma DNA buffer and hydroxyethyl cellulose liquid gel gave equivalent results in terms of resolution and reproducibility. The Sigma DNA replaceable gel gave reproducible results when used as received or diluted at 60%. In our hands hydroxyethyl cellulose gave more reproducible results than polyacrylamide gel.
A molecular orbital study of the difluorodiazine (N2F2) system

A semiempirical MO method (CNDO/2) with empirical constants adjusted to give agreement with ground state geometries has been used to study isomerization mechanism in the N2F2 system. Calculated transition states do not correspond to the simple postulated transition states.
Transcriptional Analysis of Latent and Inducible Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Transcripts in the K4 to K7 Region

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a gamma-2 herpesvirus with a genome containing a long unique coding region (LUR) flanked by GC-rich terminal repeat sequences. The LUR encodes approximately 90 annotated open reading frames (ORFs) with complex patterns of gene expression during viral latency, reactivation, and de novo infection. To identify unannotated KSHV genes, we examined the region between 21,500 and 30,000 bp of the KSHV LUR, representing approximately 8.5 kb of sequence. This region encodes seven known single-exon ORFs (K4, K4.1, K4.2, K5, K6, K7, and PAN), but previous computer analyses have failed to identify additional likely genes in the remaining 5.2 kb. We identified four novel transcripts using Northern blotting, phage library screening, and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends analysis in the region between ORFs K4.2 and K7. In vitro analysis of KSHV-infected primary effusion lymphoma cell lines in the presence of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and phosphonoformic acid suggests that one latent transcript is coterminal with the previously annotated K3 gene encoding an ubiquitin-ligase known to downregulate major histocompatibility complex class I expression. This alternatively spliced transcript may contribute to KSHV adaptive immune evasion during latent infection. Other transcripts are inducible, including a 6.1-kb transcript that is the largest transcript found in the KSHV genome to date.
Carotenoid accumulation in orange-pigmented Capsicum annuum fruit, regulated at multiple levels

The pericarp of Capsicum fruit is a rich dietary source of carotenoids. Accumulation of these compounds may be controlled, in part, by gene transcription of biosynthetic enzymes. The carotenoid composition in a number of orange-coloured C. annuum cultivars was determined using HPLC and compared with transcript abundances for four carotenogenic enzymes, Psy, LcyB, CrtZ-2, and Ccs determined by qRT-PCR. There were unique carotenoid profiles as well as distinct patterns of transcription of carotenogenic enzymes within the seven orange-coloured cultivars. In one cultivar, ‘Fogo’, carrying the mutant ccs-3 allele, transcripts were detected for this gene, but no CCS protein accumulated. The premature stop termination in ccs-3 prevented expression of the biosynthetic activity to synthesize the capsanthin and capsorubin forms of carotenoids. In two other orange-coloured cultivars, ‘Orange Grande’ and ‘Oriole’, both with wild-type versions of all four carotenogenic enzymes, no transcripts for Ccs were detected and no red pigments accumulated. Finally, in a third case, the orange-coloured cultivar, Canary, transcripts for all four of the wild-type carotenogenic enzymes were readily detected yet no CCS protein appeared to accumulate and no red carotenoids were synthesized. In the past, mutations in Psy and Ccs have been identified as the loci controlling colour in the fruit. Now there is evidence that a non-structural gene may control colour development in Capsicum.
Sterile abscess formation in response to two separate branded long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists

Abstract Background: Long-acting forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor agonists are commonly used for the treatment of central precocious puberty (CPP). Sterile abscess formation has been reported as a complication of leuprolide acetate, but not histrelin acetate. Objective: The aim of this study was to report an adverse drug reaction in a child with sterile abscess formation following treatment with 2 different branded long-acting forms of GnRH agonists. Case summary: An otherwise healthy 8-year-old white female (weight, 40.7 kg; height, 140.1 cm) with documented CPP and no known drug allergies developed a sterile abscess at the site of the monthly intramuscular injection of 15 mg of leuprolide acetate. Because of this site reaction, a 50-mg histrelin acetate insert was placed in the patient's left arm. A similar reaction occurred 2 weeks after insert placement on 2 separate occasions in different arms. At the time of the removal of the second insert, Gram stain and swab culture of the purulent wound discharge were negative. The child was subsequently treated with intranasal nafarelin (800 ug twice daily) and tolerated it well. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Causality Score was 10 (definite, ≥9). Conclusion: This report describes a case of sterile abscess formation definitely associated with 2 different forms of long-acting GnRH agonist treatment in a child.
Space-variant image motion degradation and restoration

A description of motion degradation in linear incoherent optical systems is presented. Given a mechanical description of the motion, an equivalent linear space-variant system containing all the motion effects is derived, and detailed examples of common types of variant and invariant motion are included. Following a review of restoration techniques for motion blur, a method for image restoration applicable to a large class of space-variant systems is presented. This method is based on the decomposition of the degradation into geometrical coordinate distortions and a space-invariant operation. A computer simulation of space-variant restoration is included.
Real-time telomerase activity measurements for detection of cancer

Since the hallmark report of the PCR-based telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) in 1994, there has been a flurry of investigations of telomerase activity on normal, benign, premalignant and cancerous samples representative of the various stages of tumorigenesis. Basic research and technological advances in human genetics, biochemistry and model systems have brought much progress towards the understanding of human infectious, hereditary and somatically acquired diseases. The knowledge of carcinogenesis has increased very rapidly in the past few years, particularly with the development of automated molecular biologic analysis of tumors and preneoplastic lesions. Despite the wide variety of studies on the potential use of telomerase as a cancer biomarker, the variability of reported telomerase activity and the lack of a transferable detection method have prevented it from becoming a routine clinical application. Real-time PCR is a clinically transferable method and the advancement of real-time measurements of telomerase will facilitate moving telomerase activity and technologies towards clinical validation. It is expected that the next 5 years will see telomerase integrated into the initial detection and follow-up monitoring of cancer patients. The hope is that the use of telomerase will finally translate into a diagnostic to help realize longer survival and a better quality of life.
Broad-scale ecological implications of ectothermy and endothermy in changing environments

Aim Physiology is emerging as a basis for understanding the distribution and diversity of organisms, and ultimately for predicting their responses to climate change. Here we review how the difference in physiology of terrestrial vertebrate ectotherms (amphibians and reptiles) and endotherms (birds and mammals) is expected to influence broad-scale ecological patterns. Location Global terrestrial ecosystems. Methods We use data from the literature and modelling to analyse geographic gradients in energy use and thermal limits.We then compare broad-scale ecological patterns for both groups with expectations stemming from these geographic gradients. Results The differences in thermal physiology between ectotherms and endotherms result in geographically disparate macrophysiological constraints. Field metabolic rate (FMR) is stable or decreases slightly with temperature for endotherms, while it generally increases for ectotherms, leading to opposing latitudinal gradients of expected FMR. Potential activity time is a greater constraint on the distributions of ectotherms than endotherms, particularly at high latitudes. Differences in the primary correlates of abundance and species richness for two representative taxonomic groups are consistent with the consequences of these basic physiological differences. Ectotherm richness is better predicted by temperature, whereas endotherm richness is more strongly associated with primary productivity. Finally, in contrast to endotherms, ectotherm richness is not strongly related to abundance. Main conclusions Differences in thermal physiology affect how organisms interact with and are constrained by their environment, and may ultimately explain differences in the geographic pattern of biodiversity for endotherms and ectotherms. Linking the fields of physiological and broad-scale ecology should yield a more mechanistic understanding of how biodiversity will respond to environmental change.
Integrating phenotypic and expression profiles to map arsenic-response networks

Background Arsenic is a nonmutagenic carcinogen affecting millions of people. The cellular impact of this metalloid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was determined by profiling global gene expression and sensitivity phenotypes. These data were then mapped to a metabolic network composed of all known biochemical reactions in yeast, as well as the yeast network of 20,985 protein-protein/protein-DNA interactions.
Hydrogen Generation from Noncatalytic Hydrothermolysis of Ammonia Borane for Vehicle Applications

Ammonia borane (AB) is a promising hydrogen storage material as it contains 19.6 wt % hydrogen. In this article, our recently developed hydrothermolysis approach to release hydrogen is studied over a wide range of AB concentrations (6–88 wt %), at pressure 14.7 and 200 psia, and temperature 85–135°C. It is shown that with increasing AB concentration up to 77 wt %, the H2 yield increases, and that the role of thermolysis, when compared with hydrolysis, increases. The maximum hydrogen storage capacity, obtained at 77 wt % AB and Treactor ∼ 85°C along with rapid kinetics, was 11.6 and 14.3 wt % at pressure 14.7 and 200 psia, respectively. To our knowledge, on a material basis, the AB hydrothermolysis process is the first one to provide such high hydrogen yield values at near PEM fuel cell operating temperatures without use of catalyst, and thus is promising for use in fuel cell-based vehicle applications. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Digital control strategy on decentralized large-scale actuator systems

The goal of this research is to develop a new control scheme for digital computer control of decentralized large-scale systems. Such a control system can be taken as a decentralized singularly-perturbed systems, because of the faster responses of the subsystems. Digital control of robust reduced-order controllers and reduced-order observer-based controllers are expected to be found for stabilization and reliable control of linear large-scale systems via decentralized control. The developed control techniques will be suitable for large-scale and high-dimension systems with strong potential for practical applications, such as power distribution and communication networks.
Hydrogen storage in hierarchical nanoporous silicon–carbon nanotube architectures

SUMMARY A porous silicon (pSi) wafer with a hierarchical, nanoporous architecture and pure single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been combined by electrophoretic infiltration to form a unique hybrid pSi-SWNT hydrogen storage system. The pSi architecture was fabricated by anodic etching of silicon wafers in alcoholic solutions of hydrogen fluoride. Direct hydrogen dosing to adsorb hydrogen on the pSi-SWNT hybrid, pure pSi, electrochemically charged pSi and SWNTs, and pure SWNTs, followed by temperature programmed desorption measurements, were used to quantify the hydrogen adsorption process. The results indicate an increased hydrogen storage capacity at a lower temperature in the pSi-SWNT system relative to that from pure pSi, and pure and charged SWNTs. In addition, hydrogen adsorption in pSi-SWNT is about a factor of 2 to 6 higher than that in pure and charged pSi, and pure and charged SWNTs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hemoglobin levels and coronary artery disease.

Background Anemia is a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes. However, there is limited information concerning the association of hemoglobin concentration and new onset of clinically recognized coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods An historical cohort study was conducted with patients from Veterans Affairs medical centers. Baseline hemoglobin determinations were evaluated with respect to CAD using data from records of 25 622 subjects with no known heart disease. Coronary artery disease was identified from a new diagnosis based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, coding or a new prescription for nitroglycerin. Models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine clearance, and use of statin or β-blocker. Results Among the cohort, 5297 (20.7%) subjects developed CAD over 73 895 person-years of follow-up. Compared with control hemoglobin levels of 15.0 to 17.0 g/dL, the multivariable-adjusted risk of CAD increased with lower hemoglobin levels: an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.47 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.18 to 1.84 for hemoglobin levels of 9.0 to 11.0 g/dL; an HR of 1.34 and 95% CI of 1.20 to 1.49 for 11.0 to 13.0 g/dL; and an HR of 1.07 and 95% CI of 1.01 to 1.13 for 13.0 to 15.0 g/dL. Hemoglobin levels ≥17.0 g/dL were also associated with increased risk for CAD (adjusted HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.37). Conclusions Hemoglobin levels ≥17 or
Sociotechnical Considerations for the Development of the Space Station: Autonomy and the Human Element in Space

This article addresses organization design and effectiveness with respect to sociotechnical systems (STS) applications to the development of space stations by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The author addresses the issues of how much autonomy those on the station should exercise with respect to ground control and the interaction between humans and machines, proposing that an STS approach is most appropriate for designing this sort of organization. The article discusses issues related to this application and concludes with the author's recommendations of areas in need offurther study.
An integrated view of oxidative stress in aging: basic mechanisms, functional effects, and pathological considerations

Aging is an inherently complex process that is manifested within an organism at genetic, molecular, cellular, organ, and system levels. Although the fundamental mechanisms are still poorly understo...
Physical and functional interactions between Runx2 and HIF‐1α induce vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression

Angiogenesis and bone formation are intimately related processes. Hypoxia during early bone development stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and increases angiogenic signals including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, stabilization of HIF-1α by genetic or chemical means stimulates bone formation. On the other hand, deficiency of Runx2, a key osteogenic transcription factor, prevents vascular invasion of bone and VEGF expression. This study explores the possibility that HIF-1α and Runx2 interact to activate angiogenic signals. Runx2 over-expression in mesenchymal cells increased VEGF mRNA and protein under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In normoxia, Runx2 also dramatically increased HIF-1α protein. In all cases, the Runx2 response was inhibited by siRNA-mediated suppression of HIF-1α and completely blocked by the HIF-1α inhibitor, echinomycin. Similarly, treatment of preosteoblast cells with Runx2 siRNA reduced VEGF mRNA in normoxia or hypoxia. However, Runx2 is not essential for the HIF-1α response since VEGF is induced by hypoxia even in Runx2-null cells. Endogenous Runx2 and HIF-1α were colocalized to the nuclei of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells. Moreover, HIF-1α and Runx2 physically interact using sites within the Runx2 RUNT domain. Chromatin immunoprecipitation also provided evidence for colocalization of Runx2 and HIF-1α on the VEGF promoter. In addition, Runx2 stimulated HIF-1α-dependent activation of an HRE-luciferase reporter gene without requiring a separate Runx2-binding enhancer. These studies indicate that Runx2 functions together with HIF-1α to stimulate angiogenic gene expression in bone cells and may in part explain the known requirement for Runx2 in bone vascularization.
Compact scanning laser ophthalmoscope with high-speed retinal tracker

The effectiveness of image stabilization with a retinal tracker in a multifunction, compact scanning laser ophthalmoscope (TSLO) was demonstrated in initial human subject tests. The retinal tracking system uses a confocal reflectometer with a closed-loop optical servo system to lock onto features in the fundus. The system is multifarious and modular to allow configuration for many research and clinical applications. Adult volunteers were tested without mydriasis to optimize the tracking instrumentation and to characterize imaging performance. The retinal tracking system achieves a bandwidth of greater than 1 kHz, which permits tracking at rates that greatly exceed the maximum rate of motion of the human eye. The TSLO system stabilized images to an accuracy of 0.05 deg in all test subjects during ordinary saccades with a velocity up to ∼500 deg/s. Feature lock was maintained for minutes despite subject eye blinking. Even when nearly 1000 frames were coadded, image blur was minimal. Successful frame coaddition allowed image acquisition with decreased noise in low-light applications. The retinal tracking system significantly enhances the imaging capabilities of the scanning laser ophthalmoscope.
Microbicidal effects of α- and θ-defensins against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens threaten public health. Because many antibiotics target specific bacterial enzymes or reactions, corresponding genes may mutate under selection and lead to antibiotic resistance. Accordingly, antimicrobials that selectively target overall microbial cell integrity may offer alternative approaches to therapeutic design. Naturally occurring mammalian α- and θ-defensins are potent, non-toxic microbicides that may be useful for treating infections by antibiotic-resistant pathogens because certain defensin peptides disrupt bacterial, but not mammalian, cell membranes. To test this concept, clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), including vancomycin heteroresistant strains, and ciprofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CipR-PA) were tested for sensitivity to α-defensins Crp-4, RMAD-4 and HNPs 1-3, and to RTD-1, macaque θ-defensin-1. In vitro, 3 μM Crp-4, RMAD-4 and RTD-1 reduced MRSA cell survival by 99%, regardless of vancomycin su...
Cosmogenic nuclide chronology of millennial-scale glacial advances during O-isotope stage 2 in Patagonia

The terrestrial glacial record reflects past snowline variability and atmospheric temperature changes. When combined with secure chronologies, these data can be used to test models of ice-age climate. We present new in situ cosmogenic 1 0 Be, 2 6 Al, and 3 He exposure ages, supported by limiting 4 0 Ar/ 3 9 Ar and 1 4 C ages, for seven of the youngest moraines east of Lago Buenos Aires, Argentina, 46.5°S, that were deposited by a large outlet glacier of the Patagonian Ice Cap. Following a major glaciation that deposited extensive moraines prior to 109 ka, paired 1 0 Be- 2 6 Al ages indicate that the next youngest complex of moraines was deposited from 23.0 ′ 1.2 to 15.6 ′ 1.1 ka (1σ). During the last glaciation, ice was at its maximum extent prior to 22 ka and at least five moraines were deposited in less than 10 k.y. These data are in good agreement with three 1 4 C ages of ca. 16 ka from varved sediment banked on top of the youngest of these five moraines and limiting 3 He ages, which range from ca. 33 to 19 ka. The most extensive ice marginal deposits preserved within the last 109 k.y. were formed during marine oxygen isotope stage 2; no moraines dating to stage 4 were found. For stage 2, the distribution of ages at Lago Buenos Aires is similar to cosmogenic nuclide-based glacial chronologies from western North America. In fact, the structure of the last mid-latitude South American ice age-specifically, the overall timing, a maximum ice extent prior to 22 ka, and deglaciation after 16 ka-is indistinguishable from that of the last major glaciation in the Northern Hemisphere, despite a maximum in Southern Hemisphere insolation during this period. The similar mid-latitude glacial history in both hemispheres implies that a global climate forcing mechanism, such as atmospheric cooling, as opposed to oceanic redistribution of heat, synchronizes the ice age climate on orbital time scales.
Automotive radar: A brief review

This paper surveys the field of automotive radar and represents an expansion of a previous paper, "Automotive Radar-Problems and Promises" [1]. Both the roadside environment in which the car and driver operate and on-board physical environments in which the electronics must function are treated. Applications involving speed sensing, predictive crash sensing, obstacle detection, braking, and station keeping are addressed. Current radar system state of the art is reviewed. Considerations relating to target discrimination, weather penetration, and basic radar system parameters are covered. Modulation techniques for range determination are examined, and radar system configurations are discussed in an effort to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each. It is concluded that although considerable development work remains before radar becomes a practical automotive system, significant progress has been made.
Ebola virus secretory glycoprotein (sGP) diminishes FcγRIIIB-to-CR3 proximity on neutrophils.

Previous studies have shown that Ebola virus' secretory glycoprotein (sGP) binds to Fc gamma RIIIB (CD16b) and inhibits L-selectin shedding. In this study, we test the hypothesis that sGP interferes with the physical linkage between CR3 and Fc gamma RIIIB. Neutrophils were stained with rhodamine-conjugated anti-CD16b mAb (which does not inhibit sGP binding) and fluorescein-conjugated anti-CR3 mAb reagents and then incubated in media with or without sGP. Physical proximity between fluorochrome-labeled CR3 and Fc gamma RIIIB on individual cells was measured by resonance energy transfer (RET) imaging, quantitative RET microfluorometry, and single-cell imaging spectrophotometry. Cells incubated with control supernatants displayed a significant RET signal, indicative of physical proximity (<7 nm) between CR3 and Fc gamma RIIIB. In contrast, cells exposed to sGP showed a significant reduction in the CR3-Fc gamma RIIIB RET signal using these methods. Interestingly, colocalization and cocapping of CR3 and Fc gamma RIIIB were not affected, suggesting that the proximity of these two receptors is reduced without triggering dissociation. Thus, sGP alters the physical linkage between Fc gamma RIIIB and CR3.
Predicting plaque rupture: enhancing diagnosis and clinical decision-making in coronary artery disease

Atherosclerosis is the process underlying coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular disease and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. The atherosclerotic plaque is often indolent and progressive and may destabilize without warning. Components of the atherosclerotic plaque, including structural, cellular and molecular characteristics, determine its vulnerability to rupture. The imaging techniques currently available utilize invasive and non-invasive methods to characterize coronary artery stenoses. Detection, however, usually occurs late in the course of disease after symptoms have presented. Much effort has recently been directed at early detection and in defining markers of atherosclerotic disease. Our challenge for the future is to find non-invasive imaging modalities that can predict plaque vulnerability before irreversible damage has occurred. Through early detection and a targeted treatment strategy we hope to reduce the burden of ischemic heart disease.