cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gradient feature matching for in-plane rotation invariant face sketch recognition

Automatic recognition of face sketches is a challenging and interesting problem. An artist drawn sketch is compared against a mugshot database to identify criminals. It is a very cumbersome task to manually compare images. This necessitates a pattern recognition system to perform the comparisons. Existing methods fall into two main categories - those that allow recognition across modalities and methods that require a sketch/photo symthesis step and then copare in some modality. The methods that require synthesis require a lot of computing power since it involves high time and space complexity. Our method allows recognition across modalities. It uses the edge feature of a face sketch and face photo image to create a feature string called 'edge-string' which is a polar coordinate representation of the edge image. To generate a polar coordinate representation, we need the reference point and reference line. Using the center point of the edge image as the reference point and using a horizontal line as the reference line is the simplest solution. But, it cannot handle in-plane rotations. For this reason, we propose an approach for finding the reference line and the centroid point. The edge-strings of the face photo and face sketch are then compared using the Smith-Waterman algorithm for local string alignments. The face photo that gave the highest similarity score is the photo that matches the test face sketch input. The results on CUHK (Chinese University of Hong Kong) student dataset show the effectiveness of the proposed approach in face sketch recognition.
Improved mapping policy for reducing error coefficient in CPFSK signals

An improved mapping policy is introduced that alternates between standard and inverted bit mapping functions at selected phase states to reduce the error coefficient of continuous phase frequency shift keying (CPFSK) signals. The proposed policy can be applied to many different forms of CPFSK signals. It is demonstrated that the mapping policy can significantly improve performance, particularly at lower to moderate SNR values.
Stable banana purée for long‐term refrigerated storage

Banana puree, containing 200 ppm potassium sorbate, was stored under simulated commercial conditions at 45° F. When the flavour quality of this puree was compared with that of puree lacking sorbate, it was found highly acceptable even after 6 months of storage. Sorbate-supplemented puree showed no gross signs of spoilage and had a low population of yeasts, the predominant spoilage organisms. This product is thus suitable for use in bakery, dairy, and other banana-flavoured specialty food products.
Virus Budding and the ESCRT Pathway

Enveloped viruses escape infected cells by budding through limiting membranes. In the decade since the discovery that HIV recruits cellular ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport) machinery to facilitate viral budding, this pathway has emerged as the major escape route for enveloped viruses. In cells, the ESCRT pathway catalyzes analogous membrane fission events required for the abscission stage of cytokinesis and for a series of "reverse topology" vesiculation events. Studies of enveloped virus budding are therefore providing insights into the complex cellular mechanisms of cell division and membrane protein trafficking (and vice versa). Here, we review how viruses mimic cellular recruiting signals to usurp the ESCRT pathway, discuss mechanistic models for ESCRT pathway functions, and highlight important research frontiers.
Effects of cholesterol on phospholipid membranes: Inhibition of the interdigitated gel phase of F-DPPC and F-DPPC/DPPC

Abstract Unlike the parent phospholipid, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), the monofluorinated analog, 1-palmitoyl-2-(16-fluoropalmitoyl)sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (F-DPPC), spontaneously forms an interdigitated gel phase (LβI) below the main transition temperature (Tm). We have examined the effects of introducing cholesterol to F-DPPC and 1:1 F-DPPC/DPPC membranes using a combination of DSC, optical density, fluorescence intensity and polarization, 31P NMR, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Cholesterol increases the fluidity of the gel phase, broadens the main transition, and decreases the main transition enthalpy. However, these results also reveal that there is an unusually large degree of phase coexistence between the LβI and non-interdigitated gel phases when cholesterol is added. Cholesterol encourages this phase segregation by partitioning into the thicker non-interdigitated domains. At higher cholesterol concentrations, the majority or all of the LβI phase of F-DPPC and 1:1 F-DPPC/DPPC is eliminated and is replaced by a non-interdigitated liquid-ordered (lo) phase with properties similar to DPPC/cholesterol. Consequently, cholesterol mitigates the influence the C F moiety has on the thermodynamic phase behavior of F-DPPC. Our findings demonstrate that there are multiple characteristics of cholesterol-rich membranes that disfavor interdigitation.
Optimum dynamic dampers for single‐degree‐of‐freedom systems

Reducing the vibration amplitude of mechanical systems is an on-going problem for engineers. This paper, which focuses on one aspect of the problem, discusses the design of optimum vibration absorbers for linear damped systems. After the optimum design problem is introduced, a numerical optimization strategy is implemented for the solution. The results are presented in the form of comprehensive design tables that can be readily used by designers since the parameters are given in terms of dimensionless variables. When the results of optimization are compared to the case of a system with no absorber, the comparison will show that the scheme presented in this paper significantly reduces the maximum vibration amplitude of the mechanical systems operating under the influence of harmonic excitation.
The 117, 119Sn(p, n)117, 119Sb reactions near 0+ analogue states

Abstract Differential cross sections were measured for the 117,119 Sn(p, n) 117,119 Sb reactions in the vicinity ( E p ≈ 4.5 MeV) of 0 + analogue states in the compound nuclei 118,120 Sb. Three techniques have been used to establish spin-parities of the states in 117,119 Sb: (i) the amount of on resonant enhancement for the neutron groups, (ii) the differential cross sections off resonance and (iii) the relative yields off resonance. Energies (in keV) and I π assignments for levels in 117, Sb are 1085 ( I ≧ 7 2 ), 1165 ( I ≧ 7 2 ), 1300 ( I ≧ 7 2 ) and 1355 ( 1 2 − ). Those for 119 Sb are 644 ( 1 2 + ), 700 ( 3 2 + ), 975 ( 5 2 − , I≧ 7 2 ) , 1337 ( 1 2 − ), 1416 ( 3 2 − ), 1482 ( 1 2 − ), 1547 ( 5 2 − , I ≧ 7 2 ), 1665 doublet ( 1 2 + and 1 2 + , 5 2 + ), 1745 ( 3 2 + ), 1822 ( 1 2 + ), 1880 doublet ( 3 2 + and 5 2 − , I ≧ 7 2 ), 1970 ( 5 2 − , I ≧ 7 2 ) and 2130 doublet ( 1 2 for one). It is suggested that the observed 1 2 − and 3 2 − states are due to coupling of d 5 2 and g 7 2 single particles to the 3 − core state. The ground state Q -values were found to be −2.525±0.020 MeV for the 117 Sn(p, n) reaction and −1.369±0.015 MeV for 119 Sn(p,n).
Fatigue induced by intermittent maximal voluntary contractions is associated with significant losses in muscle output but limited reductions in functional MRI-measured brain activation level

The main purpose of this study was to characterize brain activation patterns during a fatigue task involving repetitive maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of finger flexor muscles. Fourteen young, healthy human participants performed ∼100 handgrip MVCs (each 2-s contraction was followed by a 1-s rest) while their brain was imaged by functional MRI (fMRI). The handgrip force and electromyograms (EMG) of the finger flexors declined progressively to about 40% of the initial values at the end of the fatigue task, suggesting that significant muscle fatigue had occurred. In contrast, the level of the fMRI signal in the primary (sensorimotor), secondary (supplementary motor), and association (prefrontal and cingulate) motor-function cortices did not change significantly throughout the fatigue task (although the signal of the primary sensorimotor cortex showed a clear trend of decline). The fMRI data from the task of intermittent handgrip MVCs differed dramatically from those obtained in a 2-min sustained handgrip MVC published in a recent report, in which the overall fMRI-measured brain activation level was substantially lower and followed an increase-then-decrease pattern compared to the linear decreases in force and EMG. These results support the notion that the motor cortical centers control the tasks of repetitive and continuous muscle contractions differently and that there is a decoupling in the signal changes of the brain and muscles during muscle fatigue processes induced by maximal voluntary contractions.
The impact of language status as an acculturative stressor on internalizing and externalizing behaviors among Latino/a children: A longitudinal analysis from school entry through third grade.

This study examined the relationship between limited English proficiency status, and internalizing and externalizing behaviors among a sample of Latino/a children (N = 2,840) from the US Department of Education’s Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten (ECLS-K) data set. Results of cross sectional regression and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyses suggest that there is a positive relationship between limited English proficiency and externalizing symptoms, particularly by third grade. Additionally, sex and place of birth also helped to explain externalizing behaviors at various time points in the models. Place of birth and family poverty were significantly associated with internalizing symptoms. Implications for future research and interventions related to internalizing and externalizing behavior among the Latino/a school aged population are discussed.
Imaging a geomagnetic storm with energetic neutral atoms

Abstract The ring current during a geomagnetic storm on May 2, 1986 has been modeled using a bounce averaged kinetic equations for the phase space density of hydrogen ions, considering charge exchange and Coulomb losses along the drift path. The resulting equatorial pitch angle distribution is used to generate data simulating the medium and high energy neutral atom imagers to be flown on IMAGE. A method for deconvolving these images is described and applied to the simulated data. The results show that, when there are sufficient counts, the deconvolved distribution contains the main features of the original source and that the energy spectrum at a specific time as well as the total energy of the ring current as a function of time can be extracted from the energetic neutral atom images.
Alignment of the IS functions with the enterprise: toward a model of antecedents

Identifying the best way to organize the IS functions within an enterprise has been a critical IS management issue since the mid-1980s. Yet to date, MIS researchers have offered little empirical evidence on which to base guidelines for the practitioner. This study seeks to explain a firm's IS organization design decision for a decentralized, centralized, or "hybrid" locus of responsibility from an expanded set of environmental, overall organizational, and IS-specific antecedants as well as a larger concept of organizational alignment. Potential antecedents are selected from prior contingency research and the IS literature; other variables emerge from the data collection. Data collected via on-site interviews from IS and general managers in six multi-divisional firms, paired by industry, confirm that centralized, decentralized, and hybrid IS structures exist -- but often not in ''pure'' form -- and that industry type is not a strong predictor. Data was also collected via survey form on the importance of potential antecedents for a recent IS design change in each firm. Based on both qualitative and quantitative data, four configurations are discussed; patterns of antecedents that are associated with (1) highly centralized or (2) highly decentralized IS structures; and patterns of antecdents that explain a firm's choice to (3) decentralize of (4) recentralize systems development and application planning functions in particular. A model based on these configurations is then proposed. The article concludes with implications for researchers and practioners .
PCA observations of Cyg X-1 from RXTE using fast timing and high telemetry rates

The Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) spacecraft contains a very large area, high resolution timing experiment provided by the NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. This Proportional Counter Array (PCA) has an area of 7000 cm2 and a time resolution down to one micro second. A 450 Mbit memory on board the spacecraft allows science data acquisition at rates up to 512 kbps but a more typical high rate of ∼256 kbps can be continuously supported for up to 30 minutes. This performance far surpasses previous rocket and satellite timing experiments. Since the launch of RXTE several observations have been made of Cyg X-1 in this special high telemetry rate mode to specifically search for, and attempt to confirm, the existence of millisecond bursts. Such features were reported in several observations of Cyg X-1 in the mid 1970's. This paper briefly summarizes the PCA performance compared to earlier large timing experiments and then presents early results from the analysis of these data sets. Individual millisecond bursts do not seem to exist in the data examined so far.
Echocardiography was useful in evaluating unexplained syncope.

Source Citation Sarasin FP, Junod AF, Carballo D, et al. Role of echocardiography in the evaluation of syncope: a prospective study. Heart. 2002;88:363-7. 12231593 (All 2003 articles were reviewed ...
Area efficient architectures for information integrity in cache memories

Information integrity in cache memories is a fundamental requirement for dependable computing. Conventional architectures for enhancing cache reliability using check codes make it difficult to trade between the level of data integrity and the chip area requirement. We focus on transient fault tolerance in primary cache memories and develop new architectural solutions, to maximize fault coverage when the budgeted silicon area is not sufficient for the conventional configuration of an error checking code. The underlying idea is to exploit the corollary of reference locality in the organization and management of the code. A higher protection priority is dynamically assigned to the portions of the cache that are more error-prone and have a higher probability of access. The error-prone likelihood prediction is based on the access frequency. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes using a trace-driven simulation combined with software error injection using four different fault manifestation models. From the simulation results, we show that for most benchmarks the proposed architectures are effective and area efficient for increasing the cache integrity under all four models.
A macromolecular perspective on "The Material Basis of Evolution".

Comparisons of homologous proteins and nucleic acids in extant organisms allow us a routine and relatively objective access to much of an evolutionary picture previously clouded or utterly unknown. This increased clarity applies as much to the evolutionary processes involved as to the phylogenetic framework linking those organisms and, by implication, their fossilized progenitors. The particular virtues of the molecular comparative approach are several. First, the comparative material is ubiquitous — the homologous molecules are always present for any necessary comparison, and homologies are only rarely in question. Next, the unit of change, an amino acid or nucleotide substitution, is known. Third, the pattern of change is known — protein and nucleic acid evolution produce, in the main, differentiation. Finally, one need not have specialized knowledge of a particular group to work out its phylogeny — the various techniques available are rather routinely applicable. It then follows that the differences among modern organisms are measurable along a common scale in the same units and are patently derived characters. Thus, one is able to, in large part, simply to count the amino acid or nucleotide sequence differences among extant species and apportion them along a unique, derived phylogeny linking those species.
Least-squares joint imaging of primaries and multiples

Multiple reflections provide redundant, and sometimes additional, information about the corresponding primary reflections. I implement a least-squares inversion scheme to jointly image (by normal moveout) primaries and multiples, with the goal of enforcing consistency between the images and the input data. Furthermore, to effect noise (“crosstalk”) suppression, I introduce a novel form of model regularization which exploits kinematic similarities between imaged primaries and multiples, and which also preserves the amplitude-versus-offset (AVO) response of the data. In tests on synthetic data, my approach exhibits good noise suppression and signal preservation characteristics. Real data tests highlight the need for careful data preprocessing. Future work points toward use of migration as the imaging operators, to exploit cases where multiples actually exhibit better angular coverage than primaries, and thus add new information to the inversion.
Elastic Strings and Solitons

In science and engineering, quantitative modeling is always to be preferred. However, quantitative particle simulation requires a degree of experience which is more readily developed if one has already acquired some appropriate physical intuition. Indeed, good intuition is a major asset in any mathematical endeavor. Our objective, then, at present is the development of such intuition through the development of several qualitative models. Quantitative modeling will be pursued in Part III.
How good can our beamlines be

The accuracy of X-ray diffraction data depends on the properties of the crystalline sample and on the performance of the data-collection facility (synchrotron beamline elements, goniostat, detector etc.). However, it is difficult to evaluate the level of performance of the experimental setup from the quality of data sets collected in rotation mode, as various crystal properties such as mosaicity, non-uniformity and radiation damage affect the measured intensities. A multiple-image experiment, in which several analogous diffraction frames are recorded consecutively at the same crystal orientation, allows minimization of the influence of the sample properties. A series of 100 diffraction images of a thaumatin crystal were measured on the SBC beamline 19BM at the APS (Argonne National Laboratory). The obtained data were analyzed in the context of the performance of the data-collection facility. An objective way to estimate the uncertainties of individual reflections was achieved by analyzing the behavior of reflection intensities in the series of analogous diffraction images. The multiple-image experiment is found to be a simple and adequate method to decompose the random errors from the systematic errors in the data, which helps in judging the performance of a data-collection facility. In particular, displaying the intensity as a function of the frame number allows evaluation of the stability of the beam, the beamline elements and the detector with minimal influence of the crystal properties. Such an experiment permits evaluation of the highest possible data quality potentially achievable at the particular beamline.
Statins, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and regression of coronary atherosclerosis

ContextStatins reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and slow progression of coronary atherosclerosis. However, no data exist describing the relationship between statin-induced changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and disease progression.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between changes in LDL-C and HDL-C levels and atheroma burden.Design, Setting, and PatientsPost-hoc analysis combining raw data from 4 prospective randomized trials (performed in the United States, North America, Europe, and Australia between 1999 and 2005), in which 1455 patients with angiographic coronary disease underwent serial intravascular ultrasonography while receiving statin treatment for 18 months or for 24 months. Ultrasound analysis was performed in the same core laboratory for all of the studies.Main Outcome MeasureRelationship between changes in lipoprotein levels and coronary artery atheroma volume.ResultsDuring statin therapy, mean (SD) LDL-C levels were reduced from 124.0 (38.3) mg/dL (3.2 [0.99] mmol/L) to 87.5 (28.8) mg/dL (2.3 [0.75] mmol/L) (a 23.5% decrease; P<.001), and HDL-C levels increased from 42.5 (11.0) mg/dL (1.1 [0.28] mmol/L) to 45.1 (11.4) mg/dL (1.2 [0.29] mmol/L) (a 7.5% increase; P<.001). The ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C was reduced from a mean (SD) of 3.0 (1.1) to 2.1 (0.9) (a 26.7% decrease; P<.001). These changes were accompanied by a mean (SD) increase in percent atheroma volume from 39.7% (9.8%) to 40.1% (9.7%) (a 0.5% [3.9%] increase; P = .001) and a mean (SD) decrease in total atheroma volume of 2.4 (23.6) mm3 (P<.001). In univariate analysis, mean levels and treatment-mediated changes in LDL-C, total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and ratio of apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A-I were significantly correlated with the rate of atherosclerotic progression, whereas treatment-mediated changes in HDL-C were inversely correlated with atheroma progression. In multivariate analysis, mean levels of LDL-C (β coefficient, 0.11 [95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.15]) and increases in HDL-C (β coefficient, −0.26 [95% confidence interval, −0.41 to −0.10]) remained independent predictors of atheroma regression. Substantial atheroma regression (≥5% reduction in atheroma volume) was observed in patients with levels of LDL-C less than the mean (87.5 mg/dL) during treatment and percentage increases of HDL-C greater than the mean (7.5%; P<.001). No significant differences were found with regard to clinical events.ConclusionsStatin therapy is associated with regression of coronary atherosclerosis when LDL-C is substantially reduced and HDL-C is increased by more than 7.5%. These findings suggest that statin benefits are derived from both reductions in atherogenic lipoprotein levels and increases in HDL-C, although it remains to be determined whether the atherosclerotic regression associated with these changes in lipid levels will translate to meaningful reductions in clinical events and improved clinical outcomes.
Analysis of a Small, Vigorous Mesoscale Convective System in a Low-Shear Environment. Part II: Evolution of the Stratiform Precipitation and Mesoscale Flows

Abstract The evolution of the mesoscale flow and precipitation distribution are investigated for a small mesoscale convective system (MCS) that evolved in a nearly barotropic environment exhibiting moderate instability and weak wind shear. Observations primarily from a single Doppler radar detail the growth of the MCS from the merger of several clusters and lines of vigorous convective cells into a mature state consisting of a weaker convective line trailed by an expanding stratiform precipitation region. Analysis of radar reflectivity reveals that this stratiform region formed in situ in the presence of weak mesoscale updraft as decaying convective cores coalesced, rather than through rearward advection of ice particles directly from the convective region. In the absence of sufficient low-level shear, the MCS collapsed rapidly as it assumed the structure of the archetypal convective line and trailing stratiform precipitation region. Velocity–azimuth displays reveal mesoscale updrafts of about 70 cm s−1 d...
Genetics of Drought Adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana II. Qtl Analysis of a New Mapping Population, Kas-1 × Tsu-1

Despite compelling evidence that adaptation to local climate is common in plant populations, little is known about the evolutionary genetics of traits that contribute to climatic adaptation. A screen of natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana revealed Tsu-1 and Kas-1 to be opposite extremes for water-use efficiency and climate at collection sites for these accessions differs greatly. To provide a tool to understand the genetic basis of this putative adaptation, Kas-1 and Tsu-1 were reciprocally crossed to create a new mapping population. Analysis of F3 families showed segregating variation in both δ13C and transpiration rate, and as expected these traits had a negative genetic correlation (rg=− 0.3). 346 RILs, 148 with Kas-1 cytoplasm and 198 with Tsu-1 cytoplasm, were advanced to the F9 and genotyped using 48 microsatellites and 55 SNPs for a total of 103 markers. This mapping population was used for QTL analysis of δ13C using F9 RIL means. Analysis of this reciprocal cross showed a large effect of cytoplasmic background, as well as two QTL for δ13C. The Kas-1 × Tsu-1 mapping population provides a powerful new resource for mapping QTL underlying natural variation and for dissecting the genetic basis of water-use efficiency differences.
Role of Hyaluronidase in Subcutaneous Spread and Growth of Group A Streptococcus

Group A streptococcus (GAS) depends on a hyaluronic acid (HA) capsule to evade phagocytosis and to interact with epithelial cells. Paradoxically, GAS also produces hyaluronidase (Hyl), an enzyme that cleaves HA. A common assumption is that Hyl digests structurally identical HA in human tissue to promote bacterial spread. We inactivated the gene encoding extracellular hyaluronidase, hylA, in a clinical Hyl(+) isolate. Hyl(+) and an isogenic Hyl(-) mutant were injected subcutaneously into mice with or without high-molecular-weight dextran blue. The Hyl(-) strain produced small lesions with dye concentrated in close proximity. The Hyl(+) strain produced identical lesions, but the dye diffused subcutaneously. However, Hyl(+) bacteria were not isolated from unaffected skin stained by dye diffusion. Thus, Hyl digests tissue HA and facilitates spread of large molecules but is not sufficient to cause subcutaneous diffusion of bacteria or to affect lesion size. GAS capsule expression was assayed periodically during broth culture and was reduced in Hyl(+) strains relative to Hyl(-) strains at the onset and the end of active capsule synthesis but not during peak synthesis in mid-exponential phase. Thus, Hyl is not sufficiently active to remove capsule during peak synthesis. To demonstrate a possible nutritional role for Hyl, GAS was shown to grow with N-acetylglucosamine but not d-glucuronic acid (both components of HA) as a sole carbon source. However, only Hyl(+) strains could grow utilizing HA as a sole carbon source, suggesting that Hyl may permit the organism to utilize host HA or its own capsule as an energy source.
Dynamics of Homology Searching During Gene Conversion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Revealed by Donor Competition

One of the least understood aspects of homologous recombination is the process by which the ends of a double-strand break (DSB) search the entire genome for homologous templates that can be used to repair the break. We took advantage of the natural competition between the alternative donors HML and HMR employed during HO endonuclease-induced switching of the budding yeast MAT locus. The strong mating-type-dependent bias in the choice of the donors is enforced by the recombination enhancer (RE), which lies 17 kb proximal to HML. We investigated factors that improve the use of the disfavored donor. We show that the normal heterochromatic state of the donors does not impair donor usage, as donor choice is not affected by removing this epigenetic silencing. In contrast, increasing the length of homology shared by the disfavored donor increases its use. This result shows that donor choice is not irrevocable and implies that there are several encounters between the DSB ends and even the favored donor before recombination is accomplished. The increase by adding more homology is not linear; these results can be explained by a thermodynamic model that determines the energy cost of using one donor over the other. An important inference from this analysis is that when HML is favored as the donor, RE causes a reduction in its effective genomic distance from MAT from 200 kb to ∼20 kb, which we hypothesize occurs after the DSB is created, by epigenetic chromatin modifications around MAT.
Data-driven modeling of cellular stimulation, signaling and output response in RAW 264.7 cells

Background Understanding the relative importance of signaling pathway components which regulate a specific cellular response is a major focus of current efforts in biology. This interest, along with the inherit complexity of these systems, is driving the development of approaches capable of providing both quantitative predictions as well as guiding the design of future experiments. Of particular interest is the establishment of methods for the analysis of cellular-level input-output signaling relationships that have been characterized over time.
Extranuclear Estrogen-Regulated Destabilization of Xenopus laevis Serum Albumin mRNA

The present study examined 1) whether the estrogen-regulated destabilization of albumin mRNA occurs in the nuclear or extranuclear fraction of the liver cell, and 2) whether the selective posttranscriptional regulation of albumin mRNA stability might result from covalent changes introduced in the processing or polyadenylation of the primary transcript. The disappearance of albumin mRNA after estrogen is restricted to the extranuclear fraction of the cell. Transient changes in steady state levels of the mature nuclear transcript were observed that mirrored the transient estrogen-induced changes previously reported for albumin gene transcription. When assayed 24 h after estrogen (when albumin RNA is virtually undetectable in the extranuclear fraction) the steady state levels of both the primary and mature albumin transcripts found in the nucleus were the same as observed in control animals. Estrogen had no effect on the splicing or selection of polyadenylation sites on the 3'-UTR as determined by high resolution gel analysis of the 3'-UTR and DNA sequencing of cDNA clones isolated from a liver library from an estrogen-treated male Xenopus. Most eukaryotic mRNAs have poly(A) tracts several hundred residues in length, and recent studies have demonstrated that a change in the stability of a number of mRNAs correlates directly with the degree of polyadenylation. Albumin contrasts sharply with this, first because it has an exceptionally short poly(A) tail of 17 residues, and second because the degree of polyadenylation is totally unrelated to its destabilization in response to estrogen. These findings indicate that a unique pathway is involved in the regulation of albumin RNA stability by estrogen in Xenopus.
A memory GAP

Pavlovian conditioning of the response to fear has provided an important model for memory formation in mammals. Several studies have begun to identify the key signal-transduction components that provide the molecular basis for this complex neural process. A recent report has revealed that the Rho GTPase and its regulator p190 Rho-GTPase-activating protein (p190 RhoGAP) also play an important regulatory role in fear memory formation.
Enhanced Mitochondrial Gene Transcript, ATP, Bcl-2 Protein Levels, and Altered Glutathione Distribution in Ethinyl Estradiol-Treated Cultured Female Rat Hepatocytes

Ethinyl estradiol (EE) is a strong promoter and weak hepatocarcinogen in rats. Previously, we demonstrated that EE enhanced the transcript levels of nuclear genome- and mitochondrial genome-encoded genes and respiratory chain activity in female rat liver, and also inhibited transforming growth factor beta (TGF)induced apoptosis in cultured liver slices and hepatocytes from female rats. In this study, using cultured female rat hepatocytes, we observed that EE, within 24 h, increased the transcript levels of the mitochondrial genome-encoded genes cytochrome oxidase subunits I, II, and III. This effect was accompanied by increased mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, as reflected by increased mitochondrial superoxide generation, and detected by lucigeninderived chemiluminescence and cellular ATP levels. EE also enhanced the levels of Bcl-2 protein. Biochemical analyses indicated that EE significantly increased both the levels of glutathione (reduced [GSH] and oxidized [GSSG] forms) per mg protein in mitochondria and nuclei, while the percentage of total glutathione in the oxidized form was not affected. This finding was supported by confocal microscopy. These effects caused by EE may contribute, at least in part, to the EE-mediated inhibition of hepatic apoptosis.
Spectroscopic characterization of the matrix-silane coupling agent interface in fiber-reinforced composites

The copolymerizations of anhydride-cured epoxy resin on fiberglass surfaces treated with a N-methylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane coupling agent has been investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The structure of the interface of the silane and the resin in fiber-reinforced composites is composed of copolymers of the epoxy resin with the organofunctionality of the deposited silanes. The number of interfacial bonds formed depends on the amount of silane coupling agent deposited on the fiberglass and the reaction conditions. The silane induces additional esterification and increases the curing density of the epoxy matrix near the fiber surface by about 5–10% relative to the bulk resin.
Role-Set Configuration and Opportunity as Predictors of Unethical Behavior in Organizations

Role-set configuration is examined as a predictor of ethical/unethical behavior among two random samples of advertisers [corporate clients and ad agency account executives]. The specific reported behaviors analyzed are intraorganizational behaviors available to most employees. The conceptual framework is based on differential association theory and role set configuration analysis. The three dimensions of role-set configuration used to predict ethical/unethical behavior are organizational location, relative authority and referent others' beliefs and behaviors as perceived by the focal person. The focal person's opportunity to participate in unethical behavior is also a predictor variable. Eighty-nine corporate clients and 136 agency advertisers responded to a questionnaire [a 33% return rate] consisting of a slightly revised version of Newstrom and Ruch's ethics scale. Seven types of predictors of ethical/unethical behavior, "What I do," are developed through principal component factor analysis. These seve...
Loss of FilaminC (FLNc) Results in Severe Defects in Myogenesis and Myotube Structure

FilaminC (FLNc) is the muscle-specific member of a family of actin binding proteins. Although it interacts with many proteins involved in muscular dystrophies, its unique role in muscle is poorly understood. To address this, two models were developed. First, FLNc expression was stably reduced in C2C12 myoblasts by RNA interference. While these cells start differentiation normally, they display defects in differentiation and fusion ability and ultimately form multinucleated “myoballs” rather than maintain elongated morphology. Second, a mouse model carrying a deletion of last 8 exons of Flnc was developed. FLNc-deficient mice die shortly after birth, due to respiratory failure, and have severely reduced birth weights, with fewer muscle fibers and primary myotubes, indicating defects in primary myogenesis. They exhibit variation in fiber size, fibers with centrally located nuclei, and some rounded fibers resembling the in vitro phenotype. The similarity of the phenotype of FLNc-deficient mice to the filamin-interacting TRIO null mice was further confirmed by comparing FLNc-deficient C2C12 cells to TRIO-deficient cells. These data provide the first evidence that FLNc has a crucial role in muscle development and maintenance of muscle structural integrity and suggest the presence of a TRIO-FLNc-dependent pathway in maintaining proper myotube structure.
A new approach for trace analysis of guanidine compounds in surface water with resorcinarene-based ion chromatography columns.

Trace levels of pharmaceuticals have been detected in surface water and may pose a health risk to humans and other organisms. New chromatographic materials will help identify and quantify these contaminants. We introduce a new ion chromatographic (IC) material designed to separate cationic pharmaceuticals and report its ability to separate a group of guanidine compounds. Guanidine moieties are strongly basic and protonated under acid conditions, and therefore can potentially be separated on the newly designed stationary phase and detected by ion exchange chromatography. The new column packing material is based on glutamic acids bonded to resorcinarene moieties that in turn are bound to divinylbenzene macroporous resin. Detection limits in the range of 5–30 μg L−1 were achieved using integrated pulsed amperometric detection (IPAD) for guanidine (G), methylguanidine (MG), 1,1-dimethylbiguanide (DMG), agmatine (AGM), guanidinobenzoic acid (GBA) and cimetidine (CIM). Suppressed conductivity (CD) and UV-vis detection resulted in limits of detection similar to IPAD, in the range of 2–66 μg L−1, but were not able to detect all of the analytes. Three water sources, river, lake, and marsh, were analyzed and despite matrix effects, sensitivity for guanidine compounds was in the 100 μg L−1 range and apparent recoveries were 80–96%. The peak area precision was 0.01–2.89% for IPAD, CD and UV-vis detection.
Toxic megacolon. A surgical disease.

Abstract We have undertaken to demonstrate a standard method of treatment for toxic megacolon of ulcerative colitis. A methodology for the handling of these cases has not previously evolved, probably because of the protean nature of the disease and the varied responses of the patient to different forms of therapy. We evaluated the experience of thirty-five cases at the Henry Ford Hospital. Some of our patients responded very dramatically to the administration of corticosteroids to supplement the usual forms of treatment. We believe the results of this study support the assumption of certain guidelines for the treatment of toxic dilatation of the colon associated with ulcerative colitis. They are as follows: 1. 1. Patients with toxic megacolon who have received corticosteroids previously should be placed on these drugs for support, and operation performed as soon as possible within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. 2. 2. Such patients who have not received steroids should be given them. Their condition will improve dramatically. Delay in surgical intervention is beneficial in these instances and can be electively performed in four to six days. We have sixteen consecutive cases in this category with no failures.
Pondering the Pulvinar

While the function of the pulvinar remains one of the least explored among the thalamic nuclei despite occupying the most thalamic volume in primates, it has long been suspected to play a crucial role in attentive stimulus processing. In this issue of Neuron, Zhou et al. (2016) use simultaneous pulvinar-visual cortex recordings and pulvinar inactivation to provide evidence that the pulvinar is essential for intact stimulus processing, maintenance of neuronal oscillatory dynamics, and mediating the effects of attention.
Erythrocyte count in four inbred strains of mice

Since wide variation in the erythrocyte count for adult mice (Mus musculus) appears in the literature, the problem of whether this variation is genetic arose. It also seemed desirable to establish ...
Fiber Reduction and Lipid Enrichment in Carotenoid-Enriched Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles Produced by Secondary Fermentation of Phaffia rhodozyma and Sporobolomyces roseus

Carotenoid-enriched distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS) developed as a value-added animal feed to provide carotenoids from mono and mixed culture (Mx) fermentation of red yeasts Phaffia rhodozyma (PR) and Sporobolomyces roseus (SR) were evaluated for their nutritional composition and compared to the control (C) DDGS. Apart from providing carotenoids, all three fermentation treatments reduced fiber with best reduction of 77% in PR, enhanced crude fat with highest of 81% in Mx, and reduced protein, amino acids and nitrogen by 50% in PR. DDGS fiber reduction by 77% was achieved by P. rhodozyma in the absence of any pretreatment. Qualitative and quantitative differences in fatty acid profiles were seen among the treatments. Vaccenic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid produced in SR and Mx fermentation, was absent in C and PR. All these nutritional modifications are highly desirable in different DDGS-based animal feeds and can be explored to obtain tailor-made feeds/feed blends for specific animal diets.
Spectroscopic characterization of ion-implanted GaN

We investigate implantation of high purity HVPE GaN with Mg, Be, C, Zn, Cd, Ca, N, O, P, As, Ne, and Ar. After annealing at 1300 °C, the material is characterized using low temperature photoluminescence (PL). The Mg acceptors exhibit much better optical activation than Be, C, Zn, Cd, or Ca acceptors implanted and annealed under the same conditions. Acceptor-bound exciton peaks and well-resolved donor-acceptor pair bands are observed for both Mg and Zn. A broad peak centered near 2.78 eV is obtained for Cd, confirming that it is deeper than Zn. Isoelectronic As or P exhibit sharp no-phonon bound exciton lines at 2.952 and 3.200 eV, respectively. Defect-related bands centered at 2.2 and 2.35 eV are studied. Both Be and C strongly enhance the yellow (2.2 eV) PL band, but no other impurities do so, including O.
Are These Figures Oxymora

The century-old topic of point and line configurations straddles the fence between projective geometry and combinatorics. In this article we shall be concerned mainly with the geometric approach and will attempt to highlight certain aspects of such configurations that we find very interesting. We hope the reader will agree. These aspects seem not to be widely known, possibly because of the confusing nature of the usual terminology, and-even more-due to the general decline in familiarity with geometric facts. Also, although there is a great amount of known material, it is scattered in many papers, a large fraction of which appeared in rather inaccessible journals. Unfortunately, there is no book that would present a reasonable account of such material. It is remarkable that in an elementary topic such as configurations, there are still many unsolved questions, and that fruitful connections to other branches of mathematics and its applications are fueling a renewed interest. The reason for the following pages is the hope that they may help awaken in our students (and in other readers) an interest in geometry. The paper may also afford them a chance to "try their wings" in independently developing a nontrivial but easily accessible topic, and to experience the fact that "elementary" questions may be hard enough to have resisted solution even to this day. Although the material of this note traditiofally would appear in the context of projective geometry, the reader may consider that all the points and lines are in the ordinary Euclidean plane. Many of the references are given for the sake of historical interest and understanding of the development, and we do not expect the reader to spend much time looking for them.
Praja1, a novel gene encoding a RING-H2 motif in mouse development

As part of a cloning strategy to identify genes involved in early mouse liver development we have isolated Praja1, a gene with similar sequences to the Drosophila melanogaster gene goliath (gl) which is involved in the fate of mesodermal cells ultimately forming gut musculatures, fat body, and the heart. Praja1 is a 2.1 kb gene encoding a putative 396 amino acid ORF and includes a COOH-terminal RING-H2 domain. Using the Jackson Laboratory BSS panel, we have localized Praja1 on chromosome X at 36 cM, which may be a candidate gene for mouse sla (sex linked sideroblastic anemia), near the X inactivation center gene, Xist. Northern blot analysis demonstrated three transcripts (3.1, 2.6 and 2.1 kb) in mRNA from adult mouse tissues brain, liver, and kidney as well as in mRNA from developing mouse embryos (days 7, 11, 15 and 17 post coitus, p.c.). In vitro transcription/translation yielded a product with an Mr of 59 kD. Immunohistochemical staining of in vitro liver explant cultures using a heterologous antibody against praja1 demonstrated cytoplasmic staining of cuboidal cells that have hepatocyte morphology and organization. The presence of the RING-H2 domain, a proline-rich region at the COOH-end, and regions rich in acidic amino acids, leads to the hypothesis that the Praja1 product is possibly involved in mediating protein-protein interactions, possibly as part of a protein sorting or transport pathway. This is strengthened by the similarity of Praja1 to rat Neurodap1, whose product has been shown to localize to the endoplasmic reticulum and golgi in brain.
Low concentration hydrogen peroxide passivation technic

To expound the relationship with hydrogen peroxide density and passivation film.The economical and clean alkaline peroxide passivation technology is the certain trend of drum boiler chemical-cleaning's passivation technology.
Short-term outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy – a comparison between newly implanted and chronically right ventricle-paced patients

Abstract Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is considered as a standard adjunct therapy in symptomatic patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) who have a prolonged QRS. There is an increasing number of patients who do not receive de novo CRT devices but are upgraded from right ventricular (RV) pacing to biventricular stimulation. We wanted to evaluate the benefit of CRT in patients with chronic RV pacing in comparison to previously non-paced heart failure patients. Methods One hundred and sixty-five patients who had their device newly implanted (group I) and 116 who were upgraded from previously implanted RV pacing systems (group II) at Mayo Clinic Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and echocardiographic response to CRT was evaluated. Mean follow-up time was 290±250days. Results Baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups of patients. Clinical response rate was identical in Groups I and II (65 vs. 65%, respectively; P=0.98) and echocardiographic response rate was similar in both groups of patients (64 vs. 62%; P=0.80). Post-implant QRS increased in group I and was reduced in group II (5 (27.4) vs. −20.0 (33.9) ms; P Conclusions Chronically RV-paced patients who receive CRT have similar short-term benefits when compared with patients with new CRT implantations.
Structure Revision of Decurrensides A-E Enabled by the RFF Parametric Calculations of Proton Spin-Spin Coupling Constants.

Structure revision of the recently characterized natural products, decurrensides A–E, is described. The revision is aided by fast and accurate computations of proton spin–spin coupling constants. While the 13C chemical shifts calculations could reveal the misassignment of the original structures, the calculated spin coupling constants possess much higher structural information content, informing and guiding the process of structure reassignment. Together, calculations of 13C chemical shifts and spin coupling constants constitute a robust and now practical structure discovery tool.