cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photosynthesis and Photoprotection in Overwintering Plants

: Seasonal differences in the capacity of photosynthetic electron transport, leaf pigment composition, xanthophyll cycle characteristics and chlorophyll fluorescence emission were investigated in two biennial mesophytes (Malva neglecta and Verbascum thapsus) that grow in full sunlight, and in leaves/needles of sun and shade populations of several broad-leafed evergreens and conifers (Vinca minor, Euonymus kiautschovicus, Mahonia repens, Pseudotsuga menziesii [Douglas fir], and Pinus ponderosa). Both mesophytic species maintained or upregulated photosynthetic capacity in the winter and exhibited no upregulation of photoprotection. In contrast, photosynthetic capacity was downregulated in sun leaves/needles of V. minor, Douglas fir, and Ponderosa pine, and even in shade needles of Douglas fir. Interestingly, photosynthetic capacity was upregulated during the winter in shade leaves/needles of V. minor, Ponderosa pine and Euonymus kiautschovicus. Nocturnal retention of zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin, and their sustained engagement in a state primed for energy dissipation, were observed largely in the leaves/needles of sun-exposed evergreen species during winter. Factors that may contribute to these differing responses to winter stress, including chloroplast redox state, the relative levels of source and sink activity at the whole plant level, and apoplastic versus symplastic phloem loading, are discussed.
Ethnic characteristics of mental disorders in five U.S. communities.

The study examined the ethnic ratio of 16 DSM-III mental disorders among White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans. A total of 18,126 residents from 5 sites and 2,939 residents from the Epidemiological Catchment Area's Los Angeles site were studied separately. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Results showed that Blacks were significantly less likely than Whites to have major depressive episode, major depression, dysthymia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug and alcohol abuse or dependence, antisocial personality, and anorexia nervosa, but they were significantly more likely than Whites to have phobia and somatization. Lifetime prevalence rates of schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic, and drug abuse or dependence were significantly lower among Hispanics than among Whites. Asians also had significantly lower rates than Whites of schizophreniform, manic episode, bipolar disorder, panic, somatization, drug and alcohol abuse or dependence, and antisocial personality. Compared with the overall findings, ethnic differences at the Los Angeles site were lessened between Blacks and Whites, enhanced between Hispanics and Whites, and basically unchanged between Asians and Whites.
Holocentric chromosomes in Oncopeltus: kinetochore plates are present in mitosis but absent in meiosis.

Fine structure studies of Oncopeltus fasciatus, an hemipteran with diffuse kinetochores, shows the presence of a kinetochore plate extending for up to 75% of the length of the chromosomes during mitosis. During meiosis, microtubules entered all along the body of the chromosomes and the kinetochore plate was completely missing. It is suggested that in organisms with holocentric chromosomes the formation of the meiotic kinetochore apparatus may have to be suppressed to allow terminalization of chiasmata.
Evaluating a Hybrid Prognostic Diagnostic Model That Improves Wind Forecast Resolution in Complex Coastal Topography

Abstract The results from a hybrid approach that combines the forecasts of a mesoscale model with a diagnostic wind model to produce high-resolution wind forecasts in complex coastal orography are evaluated. The simple diagnostic wind model [Winds on Critical Streamline Surfaces (WOCSS)] was driven with forecasts (on a 9-km grid) from the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) to obtain detailed near-surface wind forecasts with 3-km horizontal spacing. Forecasts were produced by this hybrid model for four cold-season cases—two frontal and two nonfrontal—over the central California coastal region. They were compared with 3-km forecasts from the innermost COAMPS full physics model nest and with winds observed at 35 surface sites scattered throughout the study domain. The evaluation sought to determine the conditions for which the hybrid approach performs well and those for which it does not. The performance (in terms of bias and root-mean-square error) was evaluated 1) when there were...
The oncogenic fusion protein Pax3-FKHR has a greater post-translational stability relative to Pax3 during early myogenesis.

The childhood solid muscle tumor Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is characterized by the t(2;13)(q35;q14) chromosomal translocation, which results in the fusion of two transcription factors important for myogenesis, Pax3 and FKHR (FOX01a). The effects of myogenic differentiation on the stability of FKHR have been well characterized. However, similar studies have yet to be performed on Pax3 or the oncogenic fusion protein Pax3-FKHR. Therefore, we demonstrate in the physiologically relevant mouse primary myoblast system that the expression of Pax3 decreases nearly 95% during the first twenty-four hours of myogenic differentiation. In contrast, there is an aberrant persistence of expression of Pax3-FKHR during this same time period. These differences in protein expression levels do not result from changes on the transcriptional nor the translational level since we observed no concomitant decrease in the levels of Pax3 or Pax3-FKHR mRNA or in the ability of both proteins to be translated. Instead, a pulse-chase analysis determined that Pax3-FKHR has a half-life significantly greater than the half-life of wild type Pax3 demonstrating for the first time that Pax3-FKHR has greater post-translational protein stability relative to wild type Pax3 during early myogenic differentiation. Finally, the persistence of expression of Pax3-FKHR prevents the terminal differentiation of primary myoblasts demonstrating a biological consequence of its aberrant expression.
Analogue of surface reconstruction in a Heisenberg ferromagnet

Abstract When the exchange interaction between spins in the surface of a Heisenberg ferromagnet is antiferromagnetic in sign, the surface region may order in an anti-ferromagnetic manner, even though the bulk is ferromagnetic. We discuss the properties of a model which exhibits this behavior from a theoretical point of view. The properties of the model are examined to see if by this means one can understand some aspects of recent observations of spin polarized photoemission from the surface of EuO.
Authenticity and Spirituality in Higher Education: My Orientation

To be consistent with our emphasis on authenticity, in our book on Encouraging Authenticity and Spirituality in Higher Education (With Jon Dalton and Liesa Stamm, Jossey Bass, 2006), I thought it w...
Inhibition of UV and psoralen-plus-light mutagenesis in phage T4 by gene 43 antimutator polymerase alleles.

— Mutagenesis by UV light or psoralen-plus-light was measured by increases in the reversion of nonsense mutants of phage T4. In the presence of either of two gene 43 antimutator polymerase alleles, tsCB120 or tsCB87, UV-induced reversion was inhibited. Likewise psoralen-plus-light mutagenesis was inhibited when the tsCB120 allele was present. These results imply that the gene 43 DNA polymerase has a role in the formation of mutations from the DNA lesions induced by UV and psoralen-plus-light.
Calculation of the amplification coefficient in n-type InSb

Abstract We have calculated the amplification coefficient in n-type InSb using formulae derived by one of the authors and have found qualitatively good agreement with experiment.
Chemisorbed benzoate-to-benzene conversion via phenyl radicals on Cu(110) : Kinetic observation of conformational effects

The adsorption and decomposition of benzoic acid on the Cu(110) surface has been investigated using temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The benzoate species is found to exist in two conformations: a phase containing upright species at monolayer saturation and a phase containing many tilted species at lower coverages. Thermal decomposition begins to occur near 500 K, yielding benzene and CO2. It is found that phenyl radicals, generated preferentially from the tilted benzoate species, efficiently abstract H atoms from undecomposed benzoate species to produce benzene in a rate-controlling process with an activation energy of about 29 kcal/mol. Using deuterium atom substitution at the 4-C position on the benzoate ring, it is found that the hydrogen abstraction reaction is selective for 2-,3- and 5-,6-C−H bonds. This observation indicates that the mobile phenyl radical is surface bound and preferentially attacks C−H bonds which are nearest the Cu surface...
Open-Loop Control of Disk Wakes

Open-loop control in the near wake of a disk in subsonic air and water flows was investigated using particle image velocimetry at a Reynolds number based on the disk diameters of 67,000 and 20,000, respectively. The air model had tabs along the edge that were driven radially by electromagnetic actuators, and the water model had slots connected to a piston and cylinder external to the flow. In both systems, the frequency of actuation could be varied, and in air, the spatial extent of the forcing could be controlled. Symmetrical actuation produced a reduction in the recirculation-region length of 10% for both air and water. Additionally, a helical excitation at the fundamental natural vortex-shedding frequency in air caused a reduction of 15 % and caused the wake to oscillate strongly in phase with the excitation. The most effective symmetrical actuation frequencies correspond to twice the natural frequency of the asymmetric mode in the unforced wake. The effects of actuation on the instantaneous and mean velocity fields are presented and discussed in detail.
Ground Switching Load Modulation With Ground Isolation for Passive HF RFID Transponders

This paper presents a ground switching load modulation scheme for passive HF RFID transponders. The proposed modulation scheme allows HF transponders to communicate with the reader in the strong field with a higher modulation index using simple RF clamps, compared with conventional resistive and capacitive load modulation schemes. Also presented is a ground-isolated voltage doubler rectifier to eliminate effects of parasitic diodes in CMOS processes, thereby increasing the communication distance. A 13.56-MHz transponder prototype was implemented in a standard CMOS 0.35-process. Measurement results show that the proposed transponder achieves over 35-mV modulation depth for the magnetic field strength from 0.15 to 7.5 A/m.
Obstacles to ‘Catch-Up’: The Case of the Indonesian Aircraft Industry

This paper examines the development of the Indonesian aircraft industry. Despite the accumulation of considerable engineering and production capabilities, technical competence has not been a sufficient condition for commercial success. An important reason for the asymmetry between technical accomplishment and performance is underdeveloped managerial capacity. This case raises questions about the viability of policies intended to promote technological ‘catch up’ in complex industries.
The incidence, causes, mechanism, risk factors, classification, and diagnosis of pelvic fracture urethral injury

Abstract Background Pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) is an uncommon but potentially devastating result of pelvic fracture. It ranges in severity based on the cause and the mechanism of injury. Methods We reviewed previous reports to identify the incidence, causes, mechanisms of injury and risk factors of PFUI. In addition, we reviewed the current classification systems and diagnostic methods that have been described to assess the severity of PFUI, to identify optimal management strategies and evaluate outcomes. Results PFUI occurs more commonly in men, but is more likely to be severe in children. The most common cause is motor vehicle collisions, and the mechanism is typically a ligament rupture at the attachment to the urethra. There is no reliable classification system to differentiate partial and complete PFUI. Retrograde urethrography is the standard imaging method but it has its limitations. Conclusions Despite many reports describing this injury, there is still a need to further clarify the incidence, aetiology and mechanism of injury to better determine optimal management strategies and evaluate outcomes. Consensus in the diagnosis of PFUI is lacking, and outcomes of primary realignment and the role of flexible cystoscopy as a diagnostic method are still to be determined.
Developmental expression and molecular characterization of two gap junction channel proteins expressed during embryogenesis in the grasshopper Schistocerca americana.

Contract grant sponsor: NCI; Contract grant number: 5p30CA42014; Contract grant sponsor: NIH; Contract grant number: 2 R01 NS25387-10A1.
9-cis-Retinoic Acid Up-regulates Expression of Transcriptional Coregulator PELP1, a Novel Coactivator of the Retinoid X Receptor α Pathway

Retinoid X receptor α (RXRα), functioning as either a homodimer or a heterodimer with peroxisome proliferator receptors, is known to be involved in manifesting antiproliferative effects in cells. Consequently, studies of RXRα functions and its coregulators have been in the focus for therapeutic approaches against cancer. Here we have discovered that 9-cis-retinoic acid (9-cis-RA), a RXRα-specific ligand, up-regulated the expression of transcriptional coregulatory protein PELP1 (proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein 1). PELP1 functioned as a coactivator of RXRα, increasing its transactivation function in response to 9-cis-RA as evident by the retinoid X receptor response element-luciferase assays. PELP1 was found to be a binding partner of RXRα, and the binding interactions were confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed greater formation and stability of RXRα homodimers on consensus oligonucleotides in PELP1-overexpressing clones in comparison to the pcDNA clones. The presence of PELP1 in these oligonucleotide-bound RXRα homodimers was proved by the supershift of the complex when incubated with PELP1-specific antibody. PELP1-overexpressing stable MCF-7 cells exhibited a significantly higher extent of 9-cis-RA-induced apoptosis than the control pcDNA clones. Silencing of PELP1 expression in parental MCF-7 cells and PELP1-overexpressing clones using PELP1-specific RNA-mediated interference compromised the susceptibility to 9-cis-RA-induced apoptosis. PELP1 could also function as a coactivator of the RXRα-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) heterodimer as evident by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor response element-luciferase assay in response to both 9-cis-RA and PPARγ-specific ligands. This was reinforced by the higher propensity of PELP1-overexpressing clones to undergo differentiation in response to PPARγ-specific ligands. This study has revealed a novel facet of PELP1 functions and identified it to be an important potentiator of the antiproliferative effects of 9-cis-RA and PPARγ-specific ligands.
Electrical time domain reflectometry sensing cables as distributed stress/strain sensors in smart material systems

Electrical time domain reflectometry (ETDR) stress/strain sensing technique has been successfully demonstrated in geotechnical applications to detect rock deformation and longwall movement. The ETDR sensing method appears to be practical for health monitoring applications of civil engineering structures since durable sensor media can be used. To use the ETDR sensing technique for structural stress/strain measurements, the coupling mechanism between applied loads and TDR signal response of the sensors need to be understood and modeled accurately. In this paper a theoretical model capable of describing the relation between applied loads and TDR signal response of a coaxial cable was developed. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing theoretical results with those of finite element analyses. Parametric study to investigate the effects of the physical and structural parameters of the cable was also performed using the theoretical model.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Close Approximations of Percentage Points of the Chi-Square Distribution and Poisson Confidence Limits

Abstract Two tables of modest size and three relatively simple formulas provide all that is required to obtain percentage points of the X2 distribution at 25 significance levels with relative accuracy of at least .99995; and to obtain Poisson confidence limits of such accuracy at 13 confidence levels. For a small number of degrees of freedom or observed number of events, where the formulas are weak, the tables give exact X2 values or Poisson limits.
Factor analysis: a primer for asthma researchers.

used to examine the relationship between variables known to be associated with asthma health status including spirometry, atopy, inflammation, symptom frequency, quality of life, b-agonist use, and exacerbations. FA is a multistep analytic process that seeks to define the underlying latent constructs among a larger set of observed variables. Variables that correlate with one another but are distinct from other variables are combined into factors that are assumed to reflect the same underlying disease process. Thus, a primary advantage of FA is that it reduces a large number of disease features to a smaller, more manageable number of independentandanalyzablefactors.FAdoesnothaveanyapriori hypotheses about the data structure. As such, the specific variables includedinthe modelhighlyaffect theoutputof thefactor analysis and the interpretation of which latent constructs are represented. Moreover, there are multiple valid options for conducting FA, and there are no tests of significance. As a result, FA is dependent on the researchers’ judgment about (1) the consistency of results using different statistical approaches and rules of thumb, (2) the interpretability of the output, and (3) comparability with previous research. Herein lies the challenge
Differential protection against MPTP or methamphetamine toxicity in dopamine neurons by deletion of ppN/OFQ expression

Nociceptin (N/OFQ) is an endogenous neuropeptide that plays a role in the behavioral deficits associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). The purpose of the present study was to characterize the protective effects of prepro (pp)N/OFQ gene deletion against two dopamine toxins, MPTP and methamphetamine (METH). Results demonstrate that ppN/OFQ gene deletion attenuates the loss of both the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and loss of TH and vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT) immunoreactivity in the caudate putamen (CPu) of MPTP-treated mice. This protection was unaffected by age or gender, although, when loss of TH exceeded 90% in 5-6 month-old mice, the protective effect was greatly diminished. In contrast, METH administration preferentially damaged dopaminergic terminals in the CPu with little effect on dopamine neurons in the SNpc, an effect not reversed by ppN/OFQ gene deletion. To determine if N/OFQ and MPP+ act directly and synergistically on dopamine neurons, differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were incubated with N/OFQ and/or MPP+. N/OFQ did not increase MPP+-mediated cell loss, suggesting an indirect action of N/OFQ. These studies demonstrate that inhibition of the endogenous N/OFQ system may represent a new therapeutic target for prevention of neuronal loss associated with PD.
Risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease. A case control study.

Background and objectives Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is associated with major medical and economic consequences for women of reproductive age. Identification of the risk factors associated with PID is crucial to efforts for prevention of these consequences. Goal To identify risk factors and markers for symptomatic PID. Study design A case-control study of 234 women with PID treated at San Francisco General Hospital between October 1986 and August 1989 and 122 controls attending the Women's Clinic at the same institution. The two groups were comparable in sociodemographic, reproductive, sexual, and medical history. Results Risk factors and markers identified by univariate analysis were 0, parity > 0, spontaneous abortion > 0, lack of a birth control method, > 1 male sexual partner in the previous 30 days, younger than 18 years at age of first sex, history of gonorrhea, sex during the previous menses, douching, exposure to nongonococcal urethritis in the previous 30 days, and history of crack cocaine use. With multivariate analysis to control for confounders the risks still identified were parity > 0, (odds ratio [OR] 4.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.34 to 8.42), > 1 sexual partner in the previous 30 days (OR 11.08; 95% CI 4.31 to 28.5), sex during the previous menses (OR 5.22; 95% CI 1.88 to 14.48), and a lack of contraception (OR 7.6; 95% CI 4.10 to 14.09). Conclusions Findings indicated that certain reproductive behaviors could be targeted for public health attention and risk reduction interventions to reduce the incidence of PID. These include limiting numbers of sexual partners and encouraging the use of barrier methods of contraception for sexually transmitted disease prevention. Another finding was that it is probably best to avoid sexual intercourse during the menses. The question of douching as a risk factor for PID could not be answered by this study.
Method for the preparation of normal rabbit serum immunoglobulin M (IgM)

Abstract A method for isolating rabbit non-immune serum IgM has been described. Normal serum immunoglobulins were precipitated with 18% Na 2 SO 4 , and were partially resolved by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. A fraction eluted with 0.17 M phosphate-NaCl buffer, pH 6.9, subsequent to fractionation with buffers up to 0.15 M total salt, was enriched in IgM. This protein was rechromatographed on DEAE-cellulose, and IgM-enriched fractions were eluted with Tris-NaCl buffer, pH 8.6, at a total salt concentration up to 0.20 M . The material then was filtered through Bio-Gel P-200, which allowed a preparation comprising mainly IgM but contaminated with an 8 S component. Refiltration resulted in an antigenically pure preparation of IgM, and one which was contaminated slightly. The yield of the very pure IgM was about 0.025 mg/ml serum.
Infection and smoking are associated with decreased plasma concentration of the anti-aging protein, α-klotho.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine whether maternal plasma concentrations of soluble α-klotho are different between women with microbial invasion of the intra-amniotic cavity (MIAC) and those without MIAC among preterm labor and intact membranes (PTL) or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (pPROM). METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to include women in the following groups: i) PTL with MIAC (n=14); ii) PTL without MIAC (n=79); iii) pPROM with MIAC (n=30); and iv) pPROM without MIAC (n=33). MIAC was defined as a positive amniotic fluid culture for microorganisms (aerobic/anaerobic bacteria or genital mycoplasmas). Amniotic fluid samples were obtained within 48 h of maternal blood collection. Plasma concentration of soluble α-klotho was determined by ELISA. RESULTS i) The median plasma concentration (pg/mL) of soluble α-klotho was significantly lower in patients with MIAC than in those without MIAC (787.0 vs. 1117.8; P<0.001). ii) Among patients with PTL, those with MIAC had a lower median plasma concentration (pg/mL) of soluble α-klotho than those without MIAC (787.0 vs. 1138.9; P=0.007). iii) Among patients with pPROM, those with MIAC had a lower median plasma concentration (pg/mL) of soluble α-klotho than those without MIAC (766.4 vs. 1001.6; P=0.045). iv) There was no significant difference in the median plasma concentration of soluble α-klotho between PPROM without MIAC and PTL without MIAC (1001.6 pg/mL vs. 1138.9 pg/mL, respectively; P=0.5). v) After adjustment for potential confounders (maternal age, tobacco use, gestational age at venipuncture), soluble α-klotho remained significantly associated with MIAC (P=0.02); and vi) Among patients without MIAC, smoking was significantly associated with a lower median plasma concentration soluble α-klotho than in non-smokers (794.2 pg/mL vs. 1382.0 pg/mL, respectively; P<0.001); however, this difference was not observed in patients with MIAC. CONCLUSIONS Intra-amniotic infection occurring at preterm gestations (regardless of membrane status) was associated with a decrease in maternal plasma concentrations of soluble α-klotho. Moreover, among patients without infection, the plasma concentration of α-klotho was lower in smokers.
A viewpoint-based approach for interaction graph analysis

Recent innovations have resulted in a plethora of social applications on the Web, such as blogs, social networks, and community photo and video sharing applications. Such applications can typically be represented as evolving interaction graphs with nodes denoting entities and edges representing their interactions. The study of entities and communities and how they evolve in such large dynamic graphs is both important and challenging.While much of the past work in this area has focused on static analysis, more recently researchers have investigated dynamic analysis. In this paper, in a departure from recent efforts, we consider the problem of analyzing patterns and critical events that affect the dynamic graph from the viewpoint of a single node, or a selected subset of nodes. Defining and extracting a relevant viewpoint neighborhood efficiently, while also quantifying the key relationships among nodes involved are the key challenges we address. We also examine the evolution of viewpoint neighborhoods for different entities over time to identify key structural and behavioral transformations that occur.
MicroRNAs expressed by herpes simplex virus 1 during latent infection regulate viral mRNAs

Herpesviruses are characterized by their ability to maintain life-long latent infections in their animal hosts. However, the mechanisms that allow establishment and maintenance of the latent state remain poorly understood. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) establishes latency in neurons of sensory ganglia, where the only abundant viral gene product is a non-coding RNA, the latency associated transcript (LAT). Here we show that LAT functions as a primary microRNA (miRNA) precursor that encodes four distinct miRNAs in HSV-1 infected cells. One of these miRNAs, miR-H2-3p, is transcribed in an antisense orientation to ICP0-a viral immediate-early transcriptional activator that is important for productive HSV-1 replication and thought to have a role in reactivation from latency. We show that miR-H2-3p is able to reduce ICP0 protein expression, but does not significantly affect ICP0 messenger RNA levels. We also identified a fifth HSV-1 miRNA in latently infected trigeminal ganglia, miR-H6, which derives from a previously unknown transcript distinct from LAT. miR-H6 shows extended seed complementarity to the mRNA encoding a second HSV-1 transcription factor, ICP4, and inhibits expression of ICP4, which is required for expression of most HSV-1 genes during productive infection. These results may explain the reported ability of LAT to promote latency. Thus, HSV-1 expresses at least two primary miRNA precursors in latently infected neurons that may facilitate the establishment and maintenance of viral latency by post-transcriptionally regulating viral gene expression.
Chemistry of surface modification with UV/ozone for improved intercoat adhesion in multilayered coating systems

Surface modification using UV/ozone was explored as an approach towards ensuring robust intercoat adhesion in multilayered automotive coating systems. This study was directed toward reducing the variability in adhesion performance associated with changes in coating surface chemistry that can result from the surface migration of formulation additives. The evaluated coating system included a melamine-cross-linked polyester layer applied over a commercially available epoxy layer, which is known to become surface-enriched by a polyether-based crater-control additive (CCA) in its formulation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy established that UV/ozone treatment oxidizes the epoxy CCA overlayer and forms carboxyl species. Contact angle measurements identified a concomitant increase in surface wettability. Epoxy-to-polyester adhesion improved slightly after exposure to ozone alone and dramatically after exposure to UV/ozone. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of interfacial epoxy surfaces, exposed by delamination of the polyester coating, disclosed that bond-line fracture occurs within a CCA-enriched region, with a trend of decreasing CCA concentrations in proportion to the UV/ozone exposure time initially received by the epoxy. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Distinct MaoC-like Enoyl-CoA Hydratase Architecture Mediates Cholesterol Catabolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) igr operon plays an essential role in Mtb cholesterol metabolism, which is critical for pathogenesis during the latent stage of Mtb infection. Here we report the first structure of a heterotetrameric MaoC-like enoyl-CoA hydratase, ChsH1-ChsH2, which is encoded by two adjacent genes from the igr operon. We demonstrate that ChsH1-ChsH2 catalyzes the hydration of a steroid enoyl-CoA, 3-oxo-4,17-pregnadiene-20-carboxyl-CoA, in the modified β-oxidation pathway for cholesterol side chain degradation. The ligand-bound and apoenzyme structures of ChsH1-ChsH2(N) reveal an unusual, modified hot-dog fold with a severely truncated central α-helix that creates an expanded binding site to accommodate the bulkier steroid ring system. The structures show quaternary structure shifts that accommodate the four rings of the steroid substrate and offer an explanation for why the unusual heterotetrameric assembly is utilized for hydration of this steroid. The unique αβ heterodimer architecture utilized by ChsH1-ChsH2 to bind its distinctive substrate highlights an opportunity for the development of new antimycobacterial drugs that target a pathway specific to Mtb.
Piriprost pretreatment attenuates the smoke-induced increase in 99mTcDTPA lung clearance.

We studied the effects of acute smoke exposure on lung permeability, eicosanoids, and inflammatory cell activity. Thirty-five New Zealand white rabbits were anesthetized, paralyzed, and exposed to 60 tidal volume breaths of diesel fuel-polycarbonate plastic smoke or sham smoke within 10 min. At 1 h postexposure the rabbits were killed and their lungs were removed for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or pathologic procedures. Smoke exposure caused decreases in technetium-labeled diethylenetriamine pen-taacetate (99mTcDTPA, mol. wt. 492 Da) biological half-life (t1/2), BAL plasminogen activator, and BAL leukotriene B4 (LTB4). In addition, alveolar macrophage acid phosphatase enzyme activity increased in smoke-exposed rabbits. The leukotriene synthesis inhibitor, piriprost (U-60,257), given before smoke exposure, caused attenuation of the changes in 99mTcDTPA uptake and plasminogen activator, swelling of type I alveolar cell epithelium, a large increase in lung inflammatory cells, and decreases in BAL LTB prosta...
The quality of hormonally stimulated maternal behavior in ovariectomized rats.

Abstract Maternal behavior was induced in ovariectomized female rats through injections of estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin followed by continuous pup exposure. This behavior was compared with that of pup-exposed, vehicle-injected, ovariectomized females and of parturient females on a wide variety of measures. The hormone injections did not significantly reduce retrieval latency. However, the performance of hormone-injected females on other measures, especially measures of pup-directed behaviors and of nest building, was markedly superior to that of ovariectomized females and similar to that of parturient animals. These results suggest that the hormonal factors which normally facilitate rapid onset of maternal behavior may not be identical to those affecting the quality of the behavior displayed.
Defence by Smear: Supercooling in the Cornicle Wax of Aphids

THE cornicles of aphids, despite their definition in the Shorter Oxford Dictionary as the source of honey-dew, in fact secrete a lipid substance, and have a defensive function. Busgen1 seems to have been the first to have proposed their defensive function, but misconceptions as to their role have persisted. Hottes2, for example, considered their function to be excretory, and suggested that they released volatile substances derived from the plant sap on which the animals feed. Their defensive function has not been generally recognized; for example, Roth and Eisner3 neglected them in their review of arthropod defensive mechanisms.
Abstract 24: HFE genotype affects tumor progression and macrophage behavior in a mouse model

Introduction: Studies suggest that iron metabolism is associated with tumor progression, but a mechanism and the relative importance of different iron handling proteins still remain to be elucidated. We investigated the effects of the frequently polymorphic high iron gene (HFE), on tumor growth. This study is significant because of the ability of HFE mutant protein to alter iron handling and because our previous studies have shown the presence of this mutation is associated with altered cancer phenotype in cells. Hypothesis: Mutations in the HFE protein modify tumor progression and metastatic potential. Methods: C57BL/6 mice possessing either H67D/H67D (H63D in humans) or WT/WT HFE genotype, aged 18 months, were injected subcutaneously with 4x106 B16F10 cells. After 2 weeks, mice were sacrificed and the tumors were weighed and prepared for analysis of RNA, protein, and histology. At the same time, plasma was collected by cardiac puncture. Animal methods were approved by our IACUC, protocol 04-166. RT-PCR analysis of tumors was performed using the Mouse Cancer Pathwayfinder Array (SABiosciences). In parallel, bone marrow derived macrophages were cultured to determine how B16F10 cell cultures react to conditioned media from macrophages of each genotype. ELISAs were performed for ferroportin and ferritin. Secreted cytokine and chemokine content of macrophage media was assessed with an ELISA array (Qiagen). Results: H67D mice had significantly smaller tumors (t-test, P = 0.0166) after two weeks. The two-week time frame was selected because rapid tumor growth affected animal survival at longer incubations. Exploratory qRT-PCR analysis of tumors revealed that the H67D host may promote epithelial phenotype and suppress angiogenesis and growth. In culture, macrophages derived from H67D mice express higher levels of MCP1 (p = 0.0169). Conditioned media from the H67D macrophages was associated with significantly less B16F10 cell growth compared to WT (p Conclusions: Tumors grown in H67D mice are significantly lower in weight than control mice. Macrophages from H67D mice neither load iron nor support tumor cell proliferation as well as WT controls. Our data reveal the importance of HFE genotype on macrophage function and tumor growth. The H63D HFE allele is seen in approximately 15% of the human population so its impact on cancer studies is likely significant. Citation Format: Cody L. Weston, Ahmed Alkhateeb, William Hund, James R. Connor. HFE genotype affects tumor progression and macrophage behavior in a mouse model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 24. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-24
One Size Fits All? On the Feasibility of International Internet Governance

ABSTRACT One of the most important information policy questions that has yet to be answered is how, and by whom, the Internet will be governed. The U.S. has maintained a tight grip on governance since the inception of the Internet, but mounting and unified international pressure may very well result in the transitioning of governance duties over to an international body such as the United Nations. This international governance body is expected to attempt to implement a set of global information policies to address a number of information issues. By contrast, the current governance system overseen by ICANN controls a much smaller scope of Internet policies. This article argues that international Internet governance will likely fail in terms of its ability to elicit international agreement on information policies as a result of disparities among countries.
Dendritic growth on the die under hermetic high temperature operation

Electronic units that operate in outdoor environments, such as printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) in telecom, automotive, industrial, and aerospace applications, can experience a significant amount of humidity exposure over their lifetimes, which might exposes the PCBA to be susceptible to dendritic growth and electrical leakage during operation. However, even in the encapsulated PCBAs operated under high temperature condition, the dendritic growth could still occur and jeopardize the reliability performance of the field operation, which might cause serious financial loss. This study would demonstrate a physics of failure investigation on the electronics component (plastic encapsulated microcircuits) of encapsulated PCBA employed for hermetic high temperature operation. The silver dendritic growth on the die, induced by the excessive silver epoxy die attach material, has been detected and confirmed to be responsible for the current leakage occurring and result in the serious interruption during the field operation.
Questions of Lorentz Invariance in Field Theories with Indefinite Metric

It is pointed out that, contrary to the view expressed by Nakanishi, there is no real reason why one should rigidly follow the so-called "real space-momentum" prescription when "pinching" occurs in a field theory with indefinite metric. Since by adopting the modification introduced by Cutkosky et al., a relativistic and unitary $S$ matrix can be obtained, that should be the obvious choice.
Pathological study of mice with total deficiency of sphingolipid activator proteins (SAP knockout mice)

Sphingolipid activator proteins (SAPs) A to D are lysosomal factors required in degradation of sphingolipids with short hydrophilic head groups and are derived from a precursor protein. Sap-B deficiency causes a variant of metachromatic leukodystrophy and sap-C deficiency causes a variant of Gaucher disease. Human total SAP deficiency has been reported in two patients in a single family. In these cases, various inclusions were described in the liver, skin, muscle and peripheral nerves ultrastructurally, but there was no report on the pathological study of the central nervous system (CNS). With targeted disruption of the precursor protein gene, we have generated mice with total SAP deficiency. These mice developed progressive neurological symptoms around day 20 and could not survive beyond day 40. Their cardinal pathology is extensive neurovisceral storage. Neuronal storage was already detected in the dorsal root ganglia as early as postnatal day 1 and diffuse neuronal storage was detected in the CNS after day 10. This storage was immunoreactive with anti-ubiquitin antibody and ultrastructurally appeared as inclusions consisting of numerous concentric lamellar and dense granular structures in the perikarya as well as in dendrites and axons. Axonal spheroids containing electron-dense concentric lamellar bodies and neurofilaments were also conspicuous. The extent of neuronal storage, numbers of storage neurons and axonal spheroids increased with age, accompanied with hypomyelination, astrogliosis and increase of macrophages. After day 30, argyrophilic tangle-like structures, which were immunoreactive with an antibody to phosphorylated neurofilaments, were found in the perikarya of many spinal and some neocortical neurons. Inclusions with various ultrastructural features were also noted in the glial cells, choroid plexus epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, Schwann cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, hepatocytes, and renal tubular epithelial cells. Some inclusions in the visceral organs were closely similar to those described in human cases of total SAP deficiency. The ultrastructural features of these inclusions in SAP knockout mice appeared unique and were different from those of other known sphingolipidoses.
A finite element approximation for the initial-value problem for nonlinear second-order differential equations. II. Systems

We assume R(t) > 0, R E C2[a, b] and that f is continuous in t and Lipschitz continuous in X. Our setting includes the linear problem when f(t, x) = P(t) x(t) + g(t). In the above, A and B are constant n-vectors; R(t) is a positive definite n x n matrix for each t; x, y and fare n vectors in their respective variables; y(a) = y(b) = 0 and the symbol T denotes transpose. Smoothness conditions are described when needed. We note that Z(x, y) is linear in y and obtained by multiplying Eq. (1) by -y(t) and integrating by parts. A necessary condition for X(I) to satisfy (1) is that Z(x, y) = 0 for all test functions y(t). IfS(t, X) = P(t) x(t), where P is a symmetric 12 x n matrix in t, then (2) is also linear in x and Z(x, x) is a quadratic form. We believe the reader will find several topics of interest in this paper. Computationally, we will devise a finite element algorithm which yields a numerical approximation, am, to the solution x(t) of Eq. (1). We will prove that this algorithm has optimal h* pointwise convergence in each component of e(t) = xk(f) x(t). Because we use spline hat functions as basis elements our algorithm is stable and very efficient to use. Further-
Outcomes after auto-SCT in African Americans with multiple myeloma

To study the impact of auto-SCT on the outcomes in African Americans (AA) with multiple myeloma (MM), we evaluated 101 consecutive AA patients who underwent auto-SCT. The median PFS and OS were 15.6 and 50.8 months, respectively. The median OS from diagnosis was 60 months. Traditional pre and post transplant prognostic variables earlier examined in Caucasian Americans (CA), including beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), chromosome 13 deletion, CR status after auto-SCT, gender, stage, Ig subtype, time to transplant, number of prior regimens and presence of lytic lesions, were not predictive of improved PFS or OS on univariate analysis. Age, lower CD34 cell dose infused, history of palliative radiation therapy (XRT) prior to auto-SCT and refractory disease at the time of auto-SCT were predictive of inferior PFS. History of palliative XRT was the only predictive factor of inferior PFS and OS after auto-SCT on multivariate analysis. In conclusion, MM in AA tends to relapse early after auto-SCT. It is unclear whether early relapses impact OS. Common prognostic peritransplant variables known in CA with MM may not be applicable to AA with MM.
Suitability of metalorganic chemical vapor deposition‐derived PrGaO3 films as buffer layers for YBa2Cu3O7−x pulsed laser deposition

Phase‐pure thin films of the YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO) lattice matched and low loss tangent perovskite insulator PrGaO3 have been grown in situ on single‐crystal (110) LaAlO3 substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Films were grown at temperatures of 750–800 °C using β‐diketonate precursors M(dpm)3 (M=Pr,Ga; dpm =dipivaloylmethanate). YBCO films were then grown on the MOCVD‐derived PrGaO3 by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the PrGaO3 films have smooth, featureless surfaces. As assessed by x‐ray diffraction, the PrGaO3 films grow epitaxially on LaAlO3 with a high degree of (001) and/or (110) plane orientation parallel to the substrate surface, and the subsequent YBCO films grow with a (00l) orientation. Rocking curve and φ‐scan analyses reveal that the PrGaO3 and YBCO films grow epitaxially. Cross‐sectional high resolution electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopic selected area diffraction confirm that the PrGaO3 and YBCO layers grow e...
Rampant rickets: an old foe re-emerges

A 7 month old boy presented via the Paediatric Emergency Department with a 3 week history of intermittent “stiff hands and feet”. In the preceding 24 hours the symptoms were permanent and distressing. He was the only child of a non- consanguineous Asian marriage. He was an assisted vaginal delivery at term, requiring postnatal antibiotics for sepsis. He has since been neuro-developmentally normal with no other medical history. He is exclusively breast fed and weaning to solids. Examination revealed symmetrical and bilateral flexion of the wrists and MCP joints. Passive extension was possible and his toes were clawed. He demonstrated wrist joint swelling bilaterally. No other rachitic findings were obvious A clinical diagnosis was made of carpo-pedal spasm secondary to hypocalcaemia. Blood results showed WCC 3.5, lymphocytes 1.83, ALP 837, corrected calcium 1.24, phosphate 1.6, PTH 370, TSH 2.9, fT4 27. Chest and wrist xrays demonstrated classical rachitic changes. Treatment was commenced with oral colecalciferol, multi-vitamins, calcium supplements and iron supplements. The child improved immediately both biochemically and clinically. He was discharged with outpatient follow up. Serum vitamin D level was 5.8 ng/L confirming Vitamin D deficient rickets.. Conclusions Rickets, previously recognised as a disease of the industrial revolution and developing world, is re-emerging as a significant cause of morbidity in children in the UK. Most commonly the cause is dietary and associated with vitamin D deficiency. The risk factors are multi-factorial such as maternal vitamin D deficiency, prolonged breast feeding, decreased exposure to UV light, pigmented skin and low calcium diets. Aside from the classical skeletal changes, developmental delay, neuromuscular symptoms and cognitive changes are increasingly recognised. The treatment is vitamin D but at what dose?
Pain in language

Dr. Sullivan concentrates primarily on language, but emphasizes its social, as well as linguistic, aspects. Thus, he underscores the implications of the capacity for symbolization and it is this broader interpretation, encompassing language and culture, to which I will give attention. Culture and language are often thought of as something "inside the person," "carried in the head," and this is certainly not wrong. The capacity for all of this is a fundamental property of man, embracing "higher cortical functions," which was sculpted during evolution. Moreover, to the extent that persons of different societies enculturate differently and come to inhabit different behavioral worlds, the tissues and molecules of their brains must also differ in determinate ways.4,8 Sullivan leaves these brain-based conundrums aside, and concentrates on outer considerations: the shared aspects of language and culture. More specifically, he emphasizes the medium and interplay of situations endowed with symbolic meanings that allow actors to learn what pain is and does, how pain is configured as a symbolic, intersubjectively meaningful experience. An outer perspective on language and culture is influential in cultural anthropology todaio,13 It underscores the creative, negotiated, constructive feature of social life in general, rather than the more static, psychological approach (e.g., involving cognitive structures) that had been influential earlier, seemed driven by the study of the exotic, and overlooked how manifestations of lan-