cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Species of the Ghost Shrimp Family Ctenochelidae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Axiidea) from Japan

A new species of the ghost shrimp genus Ctenocheloides (Decapoda: Axiidea: Ctenochelidae), C. nomurai, is described on the basis of two male specimens from the shallow subtidal bottom of Arita Bay, Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The new species differs from its sole known congener, C. attenborougi Anker, 2010, in the structure of the carapace, the well developed crista dentata of the third maxilliped, the strongly asymmetrical chelipeds, and the chelate fifth pereopod. The two type specimens were found under a rock on soft bottom, suggesting that the new species is a burrower like other callianassoid species.
Retinoic-acid-induced limb malformations resulting from apical ectodermal ridge cell death.

Pregnant C57B1/6J mice were treated with single oral doses of 400 mg/kg 13-cis retinoic acid (RA, isotretinoin, Accutane) in sesame oil at 9 days, 12 hours postfertilization. Among the live 16-day fetuses from ten treated mothers, 46% (26/56) had limb malformations including small fifth digits, preaxial and/or postaxial oligodactyly, and preaxial or postaxial polydactyly. Fetuses with preaxial digit deficiencies also had absent or malformed radii. Scanning electron microscopic and light microscopic analyses of the sequence of developmental alterations leading to these malformations demonstrated abnormalities in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER). Excessive cell death in the AER of 27–30 somite enbryos (12 hours after treatment) appears to play a major role in the pathogenesis of the limb malformations observed. Previous investigations of retinoid-induced limb malformations have concentrated on later exposure times. Evidence from this study in addition to that from previous teratologic and clinical investigations has led to the hypothesis that 13-cis RA results in excessive cell death in regions of programmed cell death and subsequent malformations of affected regions.
Weak metal-metal interaction through the short, saturated bridge in (μ-1,4-dicyanobicyclo[2,2,2,]octane)bis(pentaammineruthenium)5+

Preparation du coordinat et des complexes de Ru(III). Mesures electrochimiques indiquant un tres faible couplage des atomes de Ru
Sculpting the proteome with small molecules.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) pervades the biology of eukaryotes. Because it depends on the activity of hundreds of different enzymes and protein-protein interactions, the UPS provides many opportunities for selective modulation of the pathway with small molecules. Here we discuss the principles that underlie the development of effective inhibitors or activators of the pathway. We emphasize insights from structural analysis and describe strategies for evaluating the selectivity of compounds.
Location and characterization of multiple glucocorticoid-responsive elements in the rat serine dehydratase gene

Abstract Transcription of the gene coding for serine dehydratase (SDH, EC 4.2.1.13) in the rat in vivo is dramatically increased by glucocorticoid hormones. To identify DNA elements mediating the glucocorticoid-regulated expression of the SDH gene, we transiently transfected 7AD-7 rat hepatoma cells with fusion genes consisting of various regions of the SDH 5′ flanking sequence linked to the coding sequence of the gene for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). Analysis of the CAT activities from these 5′ deletion mutants identified three closely associated glucocorticoid-responsive elements (GREs), located more than 5 kb upstream relative to the cap site. Two distal GREs act synergistically to confer strong glucocorticoid inducibility to the gene, whereas the proximal GRE functions independently of the distal GREs and confers only a weak hormone response to the gene. The purified DNA-binding domain of rat glucocorticoid receptor binds to the sequence of each GRE as shown by footprinting experiments. However, only one of these sequences contains the TGTTCT consensus sequence reportedly associated with many other GREs.
Parallel iterative S-step methods for unsymmetric linear systems

Abstract GCR (Generalized Conjugate Residual) and Omin (Orthomin) are iterative methods for approximating the solution of unsymmetric linear systems. The S-step generalization of these methods has been derived and studied in past work. The S-step methods exhibit improved convergence properties. Also, their data locality and parallel properties are enhanced by forming blocks of s search direction vectors. However, s is limited (to s ≤ 5) by numerical stability considerations. The following new contributions are described in this article. The Modified Gram-Schmidt method is used to AT A-orthogonalize the s direction vectors within each S-step block. It is empirically shown that use of values of s, up to s = 16, preserves the numerical stability of the new iterative methods. Finally, the new S-step Omin, implemented on the CRAY C90, attained an execution rate greater than 10 Gflops (Billion Floating Point Operations per sec).
Differences in the Character of C 6 to C 9 Hydrocarbons from Gaseous Methane in Low-Frequency Electric Discharges

Differences in the Character of C6 to C9 Hydrocarbons from Gaseous Methane in Low-Frequency Electric Discharges
Geophysics, Geology, and Economics in Deep Fields: ABSTRACT

O. C. Clifford last March concluded that our oil finding will pay off if directed to areas not presently producing. Morgan Davis in November stated that both old and new areas in the United States are contributing to new production. Also in November, L. F. McCollum contended the most pressing problem was economic, that of cost reduction, especially in development and lifting costs, but also in the 35% of total cost he classified as for exploration. All of these authors seemed concerned with the drilling-in and production of fields similar to those we now have, and did not appraise separately deeper prospective production, which will be the exclusive subject of this paper. To this end the physics of deeper rocks must be set forth, if different or distinct for production from those now exploited. Secondly, consideration must be given to the resolving power to find deeper structures by geophysics, and subsequently the aid possible from geophysics in development. Economics of both must be improved if the greater cost of each deep well is to be offset by reducing total number of development wells if possible, as advocated by McCollum. End_Page 1774------------------------------ Methods of effecting these ends include: (1) using physical measurements of larger rock units than cores, e.g., velocity surveys; (2) figuring back in time to date the epochs of diagenesis, of folding, and of fluid migration, and (3) predicting pressure reduction effects on sediments, to preclude production losses and extra costs, such as at Wilmington, California, described last March by U. S. Grant. This topic is a concrete phase of concurrent geologic-geophysic deductions, which seem to have been applied too meagerly in the past to development programs to assist cutting costs. Similar applications are indicated for water production. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1775------------
Failure to return for HIV posttest counseling in an STD clinic population.

Abstract This study assessed the extent of and characteristics associated with FTR for HIV posttest counseling in persons undergoing an HIV test during their visit to a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. The study population included all 101 newly diagnosed HIV-infected subjects and 411 matched HIV-uninfected subjects, identified over a 5-year period in a publicly funded STD clinic in the southeastern United States. Overall, 55% of subjects failed to return for their test results. HIV testing history, demographic characteristics, and STD diagnosis were associated with FTR. Of clients testing HIV-positive, 58% failed to return. A median of 12 days was required for disease intervention specialists (DIS) to locate HIV-infected subjects who failed to return. The proportion of persons returning for HIV antibody test results is low among patients tested while seeking STD services. Considerable time and effort is required to find and notify those subjects testing HIV-positive who fail to return. To maxim...
The influence of post-exposure temperature on the toxicity of insecticides to Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

The influence of post-treatment temperature on the toxicities of two pyrethroids (lambda- cyhalothrin and bifenthrin), a carbamate (methomyl) and a spinosyn (spinosad) to Ostrinia nubilalis (H¨ ubner) larvae was evaluated in laboratory assays. From 24 to 35 ◦ C, the toxicities of the pyrethroids decreased 9.5- and 13.6-fold while spinosad toxicity decreased 3.8-fold. The toxicity of methomyl did not change significantly. The results demonstrate that the most effective insecticide against a pest may vary with environmental conditions. In situations where comparable products from multiple insecticide classes are available, temperature should be included as a factor in the decision-making process.  2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterizing virtual populations in massively multiplayer online role-playing games

Understanding player distributions, sessions, and movements in a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) is essential for research in scalable architectures for these systems. We present the first detailed measurement study and the first models of the virtual populations in two popular MMORPGs, World of Warcrafttm and Warhammer Onlinetm. Our results show that while these two types of MMORPGs are significantly different in play style, the features of their virtual populations can be modeled similarly, allowing future researchers to accurately simulate these types of games.
Mate choice theory and the mode of selection in sexual populations

Indirect new data imply that mate and/or gamete choice are major selective forces driving genetic change in sexual populations. The system dictates nonrandom mating, an evolutionary process requiring both revised genetic theory and new data on heritability of characters underlying Darwinian fitness. Successfully reproducing individuals represent rare selections from among vigorous, competing survivors of preadult natural selection. Nonrandom mating has correlated demographic effects: reduced effective population size, inbreeding, low gene flow, and emphasis on deme structure. Characters involved in choice behavior at reproduction appear based on quantitative trait loci. This variability serves selection for fitness within the population, having only an incidental relationship to the origin of genetically based reproductive isolation between populations. The claim that extensive hybridization experiments with Drosophila indicate that selection favors a gradual progression of "isolating mechanisms" is flawed, because intra-group random mating is assumed. Over deep time, local sexual populations are strong, independent genetic systems that use rich fields of variable polygenic components of fitness. The sexual reproduction system thus particularizes, in small subspecific populations, the genetic basis of the grand adaptive sweep of selective evolutionary change, much as Darwin proposed.
The influence of metal exposure history and ultraviolet-B radiation on benthic communities in Colorado Rocky Mountain streams

AbstractInterest in understanding the influence of ultraviolet-B (UVB; 280–320 nm) radiation in aquatic ecosystems has increased since the early 1990s. Pollution from historic mining operations coupled with physicochemical characteristics of Rocky Mountain streams that increase exposure of benthic communities to UVB provided an opportunity to examine how UVB interacted with heavy metal contamination to structure stream communities. We integrated a series of UVB addition experiments done in stream microcosms with a large-scale UVB shading experiment to test the hypothesis that effects of UVB were greater on benthic communities from metal-polluted streams than from reference streams. Microcosm experiments involved short-term exposure (7–10 d) of natural benthic macroinvertebrate communities collected from reference and metal-contaminated sites to lamp-generated UVB. In all cases, abundance decreased in UVB-treated streams compared to controls. Moreover, effects of UVB addition were significantly greater on ...
Manipulation of flower structure in transgenic tobacco.

Genetic studies suggest that three homeotic functions, designated A, B, and C, act alone and together to specify the fate of floral organ primordia in distantly related dicotyledonous plant species. To test the genetic model, we have generated transgenic tobacco plants that ectopically express the AGAMOUS gene from Brassica napus, which is necessary for the C function. Flowers on the resulting plants showed homeotic transformations of sepals into carpels and petals into stamens. These phenotypes are consistent with predictions from the genetic model, show that expression of AGAMOUS is sufficient to provide ectopic C function, and demonstrate that the structure of flowers can be manipulated in a predictable manner by altering the expression of a single regulatory gene. Furthermore, the generation of the predicted transformations by ectopic expression of the Brassica gene in transgenic tobacco indicates that gene functions are interchangable between phylogenetically distant species.
Dynamic range of the detectable parameters for polynomial phase signals using multiple-lag diversities in high-order ambiguity functions

Two lag diversities in the high-order ambiguity functions for single component polynomial phase signals (PPS) was explored by Zhou and Wang (see IEEE Signal Processing Lett., vol.4, p.240-42, 1997 and Signal Processing, vol.65, no.2, p.1452-55, 1998). The lag diversity enlarges the dynamic range of the detectable parameters for PPS. In this paper, we first find a connection between the above multiple-lag diversity problem and the multiple undersampling problem in the frequency detection using discrete Fourier transform (DFT). Using the connection and some results on the multiple undersampling problem we recently obtained, we prove that the dynamic range obtained by Zhou and Wang is already the maximal one for the detectable parameters for single-component PPS. Furthermore, the dynamic range for the detectable parameters for multicomponent PPS is given when multiple-lag diversities are used. We show that the maximal dynamic range is reached when the number of the lags in the high-order ambiguity function (HAF) is at least twice of the number of the single components in a multicomponent PPS. More lags than twice the number of single components do not increase the dynamic range.
Attentional Limitations in the Sensing of Motion Direction

Attentional constraints in the perceptual analysis of motion direction were examined using two independent paradigms: redundant target visual search and the analysis of fluctuations in discrimination accuracy at threshold. Results from both methods implied that directions of object motion are analyzed in parallel when those motions are translations, independent of the observer's line of sight. The registration of rotation direction appears to be subject to a qualitatively different protocol, one that is highly capacity limited and serial-like. These results suggest that scene-based descriptions, as opposed to image-based descriptions of motion, mediate the allocation of attention.
Highly sensitive biological and chemical sensors based on reversible fluorescence quenching in a conjugated polymer

The fluorescence of a polyanionic conjugated polymer can be quenched by extremely low concentrations of cationic electron acceptors in aqueous solutions. We report a greater than million-fold amplification of the sensitivity to fluorescence quenching compared with corresponding “molecular excited states.” Using a combination of steady-state and ultrafast spectroscopy, we have established that the dramatic quenching results from weak complex formation [polymer(−)/quencher(+)], followed by ultrafast electron transfer from excitations on the entire polymer chain to the quencher, with a time constant of 650 fs. Because of the weak complex formation, the quenching can be selectively reversed by using a quencher-recognition diad. We have constructed such a diad and demonstrate that the fluorescence is fully recovered on binding between the recognition site and a specific analyte protein. In both solutions and thin films, this reversible fluorescence quenching provides the basis for a new class of highly sensitive biological and chemical sensors.
Effects of chemically induced maternal toxicity on prenatal development in the rat

The hypothesis that chemically induced overt maternal toxicity induces a characteristic syndrome of adverse developmental effects in the rat was investigated. Pregnant animals (Sprague-Dawley strain) were dosed by oral gavage with one of a series of compounds on days 6-15 of gestation. These chemicals were diquat (DIQ), ethylene-bis-isothiocyanate (EBIS), toxaphene (TOX), styrene (STY), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (2,4,5-Tr), triphenyl tin hydroxide (TPTH), and cacodylic acid (CAC). The compounds were chosen because they exhibited little or no developmental toxicity in previous studies. Dosage levels producing maternal weight loss and/or lethality were determined from preliminary toxicity studies. Significant maternal weight reductions were noted during the course of treatment with all compounds except CAC and 2,4,5-Tr. Maternal lethality was produced by EBIS, TOX, 2,4,-D, and 2,4,5-Tr. The main treatment-related developmental toxicity noted in litters at term consisted of increased lethality (EBIS, TPTH) and decreased fetal weight (EBIS and CAC). Treatment-related anomalies were seen in litters treated with 2,4-D and TOX (supernumerary ribs) and with EBIS and STY (enlarged renal pelvis). No significant developmental effects were produced with DIQ, or 2,4,5-Tr. This study indicates that overt maternal toxicity as defined by weight loss or mortality is not always associated with the same defined syndrome of adverse developmental effects in the rat.
From genes to pain: Nav1.7 and human pain disorders

Gain-of-function mutations or dysregulated expression of voltage-gated sodium channels can produce neuronal hyperexcitability, leading to acute or chronic pain. The sodium channel Na v 1.7 is expressed preferentially in most slowly conducting nociceptive neurons and in sympathetic neurons. Gain-of-function mutations in the Na v 1.7 channel lead to DRG neuron hyperexcitability associated with severe pain, whereas loss of the Na v 1.7 channel in patients leads to indifference to pain. The contribution of Na v 1.7 to acquired and inherited pain states and the absence of motor, cognitive and cardiac deficits in patients lacking this channel make it an attractive target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
High performance 0.1 /spl mu/m gate-length p-type SiGe MODFET's and MOS-MODFET's

High performance p-type modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFET's) and metal-oxide-semiconductor MODFET (MOS-MODFET) with 0.1 /spl mu/m gate-length have been fabricated on a high hole mobility SiGe-Si heterojunction grown by ultrahigh vacuum chemical vapor deposition. The MODFET devices exhibited an extrinsic transconductance (g/sub m/) of 142 mS/mm, a unity current gain cut-off frequency (f/sub T/) of 45 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency (f/sub MAX/) of 81 GHz, 5 nm-thick high quality jet-vapor-deposited (JVD) SiO/sub 2/ was utilized as gate dielectric for the MOS-MODFET's. The devices exhibited a lower gate leakage current (1 nA//spl mu/m at V/sub gs/=6 V) and a wider gate operating voltage swing in comparison to the MODFET's. However, due to the larger gate-to-channel distance and the existence of a parasitic surface channel, MOS-MODFET's demonstrated a smaller peak g/sub m/ of 90 mS/mm, f/sub T/ of 38 GHz, and f/sub max/ of 64 GHz. The threshold voltage shifted from 0.45 V for MODFET's to 1.33 V for MOS-MODFET's. A minimum noise figure (NF/sub min/) of 1.29 dB and an associated power gain (G/sub a/) of 12.8 dB were measured at 2 GHz for MODFET's, while the MOS-MODFET's exhibited a NF/sub min/ of 0.92 dB and a G/sub a/ of 12 dB at 2 GHz. These DC, RF, and high frequency noise characteristics make SiGe/Si MODFET's and MOS-MODFET's excellent candidates for wireless communications.
Shed preconceived ideas...look, listen... A response to Sheridan's position on the spontaneous play of handicapped children.

SUMMARY Sheridan's article concerning the importance of spontaneous play for learning in handicapped children reflects both a historical and a contemporary negative valuation of ‘handicapment’. Specifically, the authors suggest that contemporary views of handicapment fail to take into consideration the social and cultural concomitants of handicapment and in fact create an atmosphere wherein learned helplessness and self-fulfilling prophesies thrive. This state of affairs can only serve to perpetuate contemporary negative valuations of those individuals culturally labelled as ‘handicapped’.
Simultaneous switching noise suppression using hydrothermal barium titanate thin film capacitors

This paper reports the integration of hydrothermal barium titanate thin film embedded capacitors in organic printed wiring boards. These capacitors have 300 nm thick dielectrics with k>350, can attain capacitances of 1 /spl mu/F/cm/sup 2/ and are ideal for decoupling applications. In order to evaluate these films for simultaneous switching noise suppression, a clock distribution network was designed using a clock driver with one input and four differential outputs. The design consists of a clock driver and four pairs of impedance controlled transmission lines with embedded decoupling capacitors. In order to evaluate the effects of capacitance value and the type of capacitor /sub i/screte vs. embedded, coupons with different embedded capacitance values and discrete capacitors were fabricated on the same board. The fabricated structures were simulated using the transmission matrix method (TMM) in the frequency domain and a macromodeling method in the time domain. This paper demonstrates for the first time that the simple low-cost, aqueous based low-temperature film growth technique can provide the best solution for embedded decoupling capacitor problems in organic packages.
Effect of interfacial properties on the reactivity of a lipophilic ingredient in multilayered emulsions

Abstract The aim of this work was to investigate the location and reactivity of a lipophilic spin probe, 4-phenyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-imidazoline-1-oxyl nitroxide (PTMIO) in multilayered, biopolymer-based emulsions stabilized with a primary anionic layer (sodium caseinate) and a secondary cationic layer (lysozyme or diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) dextran). A broad range of ζ-potential values, from ca. −55 mV to 35 mV, was achieved. Emulsions with good physical stability were achieved when the magnitude of the net charge on the droplets was sufficiently great, otherwise some physical destabilization (flocculation) could be observed, especially in the case of caseinate-lysozyme-stabilized emulsions. The analysis of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of PTMIO in emulsion systems showed that probe molecules partitioned between the oil droplet core ( ca. 73%) and the aqueous phase ( ca. 27%), independently of the interfacial composition. Surprisingly, the rate of reduction of the nitroxide group of PTMIO by ascorbate anions remained unchanged when secondary interfacial layers were added, showing that the droplet surface charge was not the prevalent factor controlling the interactions between lipophilic compounds and aqueous phase reagents. Instead we argue that the reduction of PTMIO occurs in the aqueous phase.
Microbiological and physical quality changes in vacuum loader cups associated with the use of various sanitizing compounds

ABSTRACT Studies were conducted to determine the effects of various sanitizing compounds on the microbial and physical quality of shell egg processing vacuum loader cups. The sanitizing compounds used were as follows: sterile, distilled water; 200 μL/L of sodium hypochlorite; 200 μL/L of calcium hypochlorite; and 200 μL/L of peracetic acid. In the microbial inoculation study, cups were inoculated with Enterobacter cloacae because it was the most common isolate from a commercial study examining the flora found on vacuum loader cups. In all 3 replicates, aerobic plate counts and Enterobacteriaceae levels were similar for the clean control cups and the cups from the 2 chlorine treatments. Physical quality was measured via serial static compression testing using texture profile analysis. The serial compression mimicked the movement of the vacuum loader cups on the processing line. The strength of the vacuum loader cups was enhanced with exposure to any sanitizer treatment, including distilled water, compared with the controls throughout the 20 applications of the sanitizers. Durometer measurements were not consistent in monitoring vacuum loader cup quality and were determined to not be effective assessments for this application. The use of 200 μL/L of sodium hypochlorite or 200 μL/L of calcium hypochlorite successfully reduced microbial contaminants, had a positive effect on vacuum loader cup physical quality, and should be considered when developing sanitation programs for shell egg processing facilities.
Structural analysis for the conceptual design of the BPX vacuum vessel

The authors provide a summary of the vacuum vessel structural analyses performed in support of the BPX (Burning Plasma Experiment) Conceptual Design Review held in March 1991. They present descriptions of the vessel finite element model and analysis results for the principal loadings associated with electromagnetic forces induced in the vessel walls by plasma disruptions. The structural analysis performed with the U6M model indicates that the BPX vessel is adequate, except for the need to provide minor reinforcement in various local areas. >
Population differences in a lizard communicative display: evidence for rapid change in structure and function

Population differences in a communicative display can lead to reproductive isolation and speciation, and are an indicator of the potential for rapid change in the display. Herein, we describe differences in the push-up displays produced by three populations of sagebrush lizards, Sceloporus graciosus, in the field. Lizards from these three populations differ in the use of display body postures, the number of legs extended to produce the up-and-down motion of the display, and the number of headbobs produced in each of three segments of the display. In addition, there is at least one behaviour that is unique to one of the three populations (the 'nodding run'). These differences among populations suggest that both the structure and the function of the push-up display are undergoing far more rapid change than was previously thought. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
GIS, Prosopography, and History

This study of the early spread of Neo-Confucianism as an intellectual–social movement in southern China in the twelfth century applies geospatial analysis to a prosopographical study of the social networks of leading figures. By analyzing the spatial distribution of intellectual networks, we see that Neo-Confucianism was most successful in areas that had strong traditions of investment in education but that were generally marginal to the commercial economy of the times. The research draws on data from the China Biographical Database, which include data on the social associations, kinship, careers and addresses of over 40,000 Song dynasty figures and the China Historical GIS, a times-series database of administrative units from 221 BCE to 1911 CE. Intellectual history traditionally has focused on the transmission of ideas; network and spatial analysis helps explain why some areas were more receptive to certain ideas than others.
Hemodynamic Effect of Propafenone and the Experience in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

The effects of propafenone on left ventricular function and hemodynamics are presented in this study. In one group of 13 patients who underwent electrophysiological testing and subsequent chronic oral therapy with propafenone, eight had left ventricular ejection fractions determined by nuclear study before and during therapy with the drug. Initial measurements ranged from 22% to 39% (mean 30%), while those on chronic therapy showed no statistical difference and ranged from 22% to 48% (mean 30%). In a separate dose titration study of 14 patients, left ventricular ejection fraction showed a modest but significant decrease (52%± 9% to 48%± 11%; p < 0.05). This change was more marked in patients with an initial low ejection fraction. Propafenone appears to be safe in these patients but should be administered with caution in patients with particularly low ejection fractions.
Functional profiling of the gut microbiome in disease-associated inflammation

The microbial residents of the human gut are a major factor in the development and lifelong maintenance of health. The gut microbiota differs to a large degree from person to person and has an important influence on health and disease due to its interaction with the human immune system. Its overall composition and microbial ecology have been implicated in many autoimmune diseases, and it represents a particularly important area for translational research as a new target for diagnostics and therapeutics in complex inflammatory conditions. Determining the biomolecular mechanisms by which altered microbial communities contribute to human disease will be an important outcome of current functional studies of the human microbiome. In this review, we discuss functional profiling of the human microbiome using metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approaches, focusing on the implications for inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Common themes in gut microbial ecology have emerged among these diverse diseases, but they have not yet been linked to targetable mechanisms such as microbial gene and genome composition, pathway and transcript activity, and metabolism. Combining these microbial activities with host gene, transcript and metabolic information will be necessary to understand how and why these complex interacting systems are altered in disease-associated inflammation.
Effects of retinal detachment on rod disc membrane assembly in cultured frog retinas.

The authors compared rod outer segment (ROS) disc membrane assembly rates in detached and attached frog retinas to determine if there was a rapid impairment of membrane assembly in response to retinal detachment. Membrane assembly was quantified in vitro by incubating retinas in medium containing Lucifer yellow, which is entrapped by nascent discs. Video microscopy was used to detect incorporation of the dye. During the first 10 hr after separation of the retina from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), ROS-disc membrane assembly in isolated Xenopus laevis neural retinas continued at a near normal rate, 0.81 Mm/10 hr, a 13% reduction (P < .01), compared with the 0.93 Mm/10 hr observed in attached control retinas. The morphology of the OS appeared normal in most rod photoreceptors by transmission electron microscopy, although vesiculation of the most basal OS membranes was seen in a small population (25%) of rods. Approximately 90% of rod photoreceptors continued to assemble OS membranes for more than 10 hr after detachment, but by the end of 2 days, only 55% were still making new discs. The percentage of rods with normal basal OS membranes also decreased (to approximately 50%). Therefore, only 25% were assembling morphologically normal discs 2 days after detachment. In attached control regions, rod photoreceptors showed a comparatively minor response to culture conditions; assembly of morphologically normal discs continued for 2 days in about 85% and ceased in only 10%. These results indicate that the effects on disc membrane assembly of disrupting photoreceptor-RPE interaction in vitro initially are slight but become progressively severe with time. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 32:2873-2881,1991 Photoreceptors in the vertebrate retina normally are apposed to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE); this juxtaposition is essential for normal rod outer segment (ROS) membrane turnover. Membrane turnover is accomplished by the shedding of disc membranes from the apical end of the ROS, phagocytosis of these membranes by the RPE, and the morphogenesis of new discs at the basal end. 1 Detachment of the neural retina in vitro can disrupt the shedding-phagocytosis portion of the renewal process. 2 The degree to which separation of the retina from the RPE effects ROS membrane assembly is less clear. Although ROS degeneration after retinal detachment in vivo is extensive, there is morphologic 3 and autoradiographic 45
Dynamic Protein Pathway Activation Mapping of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Differentiation Implicates Novel Regulators of Adipocyte Differentiation

Next to embryonic stem cell research, adult stem cell research is providing a promising alternative for enhanced tissue regeneration and transplantation. The key biochemical networks controlling the differentiation processes regulating stem cell biology remain largely disputed and or undefined, contributing to a lack of knowledge of the principle phosphoregulatory events propagating signal transduction. To effectively monitor these events relative to adipocyte differentiation, this study utilized a high throughput reverse phase protein microarray platform and characterized adult adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) differentiation through the monitoring of ∼100 phosphospecific endpoints with 33 distinct time points examined across 14 days. This kinetic-based analysis showed time ordered signal transduction ultimately implicating pathways correlated with adipogenic differentiation. To further validate the causal significance of these network activations, pharmacological targeting was implemented to include the chemical inhibitors MAPK inhibitor PD169316, rapamycin, and HNMPA-(AM)3 yielding partial or complete disruption of adipocytic differentiation, as noted by a decrease or lack of lipid formation within the mature adipocytes. Based on this analysis, v-crk sarcoma virus CT10 oncogene homolog (CRKII) and c-abl oncogene 1, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (c-ABL) were implicated as novel key regulators of adipocyte differentiation, with v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and SMAD family member (SMAD) pathways being implicated as secondary regulators. This dynamic molecular profiling provides a novel insight into the signaling architecture of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and may be useful in the development of therapeutic modulators for clinical applications; in addition to advancing the collective understanding of key cellular processes, ultimately contributing to more confident stem cell manipulation.
Tell a Story About Anything

With the fast development of internet technology, people can have easy access to a massive amount of information. The goal of this project is to provide a personal assistant for helping people explore large network of information by using narrative technologies. We propose an automated narration system that takes structured information and tailors the presentation to the user. It is aimed at presenting the information as an interesting and meaningful story by taking into consideration a combination of factors including topic consistency, novelty, user interests, and the user’s preferences in exploration style. We present preliminary results of using this system for presenting information about the 2008 Summer Olympics Games, followed by discussion and future work.
IL-11 is a potent anti-melanoma factor

Interleukin 11 (IL-11) is a pleiotropic cytokine initially identified as a factor stimulating proliferation of IL-6-dependet murine plasmacytoma cell line T11651. Today IL-11 is known to interact with variety of haematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cell types (for review see ref. 2). Many of the biological effects of IL-11 are shared with IL-6 since both cytokines share a common receptor subunit s (gp 130).
Designing a mixture experiment when the components are subject to a nonlinear multiple-component constraint

This article presents a case study of developing an experimental design for a constrained mixture experiment when the experimental region is defined by single-component constraints (SCCs), linear m...
INSIGHT INTO SPECIATION FROM HISTORICAL DEMOGRAPHY IN THE PHYTOPHAGOUS BEETLE GENUS OPHRAELLA.

Speciation in phytophagous insects is commonly associated with shifts in host use. Using a phylogenetic framework to identify recently diverged taxa that have undergone a radical host shift, this study focuses on how reconstruction of the historical demography of a species, in conjunction with branching patterns between species, provides insight into mode of speciation. Analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequences indicate that the leaf beetle Ophraella commune exhibits significant population structure, as shown by patterns of genealogical rela- tionships among mitochondrial haplotypes and high FST-values. However, the absence of regional localization of old clades of haplotypes, negative Tajima's D, and unimodal rather than bimodal frequency distribution of the number of pairwise differences between sequences suggests an absence of long-term barriers to gene flow. Furthermore, we found no evidence of isolation by distance. This pattern of genetic variation is consistent with episodes of gene flow on a large geographic scale, perhaps owing to Pleistocene changes in climate. Ophraella communal and its sister species 0. bilineata diverged during the early Pleistocene. The evidence of dynamic population structure in 0. communal, potentially including episodic but massive gene flow, suggests that reproductive isolation evolved quite rapidly on a localized geographic scale, because speciation would probably have been reversed by gene flow if the evolution of reproductive isolation had been prolonged. That is, gene flow occasioned by range shifts during the Pleistocene would likely have interrupted speciation unless it occurred very rapidly. Sequence diversity implies a large effective population size (> 106) in both 0. communa and 0. bilineata. However, a model based on a drastic bottleneck did not have a lower likelihood than a model with no bottleneck, simply because the time since speciation has been great enough for coalescence to a single ancestor that existed after the speciation event. Sequence diversity in itself, without reference to the time since speciation, cannot provide evidence on the demography of speciation.
Blood Lactic Acid After Exercise with Particular Reference to Polycythemia Rubra Vera

Under normal resting states the concentration of lactic acid in venous blood of normal human beings varies from 10 to 20 mg per 100 cc of blood where the Friedman Contonio and Shaffer method is used. (Peters and Van Slyke).1 When normal individuals are submitted to mild exercise∗ a slight rise of the lactic acid concentration above the resting level occurs. (Table I.) The average concentration of the lactic acid values was 13.9 mg per 100 cc at rest while after mild exercise it rose to 16.3 mg per 100 cc of blood, an average increase of slightly more than 2 mg per 100 cc. In no instance did the lactic acid concentration exceed 21 mg %. In these 11 cases the hemoglobin concentration and red blood counts were in the normal range.In Table II we have recorded the resting and post exercise values of the blood lactic acid in 5 normal individuals with high hemoglobin and red counts including one diabetic with a high hemoglobin and red blood count. Excluding the latter the average resting value as well as the ave...
Magnetic properties of the S = 1 2 quasisquare lattice antiferromagnet CuF 2 (H 2 O) 2 (pyz) (pyz = pyrazine) investigated by neutron scattering

We have performed elastic and inelastic neutron scattering experiments on single crystal samples of the coordination polymer compound CuF${}_{2}$(H${}_{2}$O)${}_{2}$(pyz) (pyz = pyrazine) to study the magnetic structure and excitations. The elastic neutron diffraction measurements indicate a collinear antiferromagnetic structure with moments oriented along the [0.7 0 1] real-space direction and an ordered moment of 0.60 $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}$ 0.03 ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}/$Cu. This value is significantly smaller than the single-ion magnetic moment, reflecting the presence of strong quantum fluctuations. The spin wave dispersion from magnetic zone center to the zone boundary points (0.5 1.5 0) and (0.5 0 1.5) can be described by a two-dimensional Heisenberg model with a nearest-neighbor magnetic exchange constant ${J}_{2D}=0.934$ $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}$ 0.0025 meV. The interlayer interaction ${J}_{\mathrm{perp}}$ in this compound is less than 1.5$%$ of ${J}_{2D}$. The spin excitation energy at the (0.5 0.5 0.5) zone boundary point is reduced when compared to the (0.5 1 0.5) zone boundary point by $\ensuremath{\sim}$10.3$%$ $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}$ 1.4$%$. This zone boundary dispersion is consistent with quantum Monte Carlo and series expansion calculations for the $S=\frac{1}{2}$ Heisenberg square lattice antiferromagnet, which include corrections for quantum fluctuations to linear spin wave theory.
Intein-Triggered Artificial Protein Hydrogels That Support the Immobilization of Bioactive Proteins

Protein hydrogels have important applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biofabrication. We present the development of a novel self-assembling protein hydrogel triggered by mixing two soluble protein block copolymers, each containing one half of a split intein. Mixing these building blocks initiates an intein trans-splicing reaction that yields a hydrogel that is highly stable over a wide range of pH (6-10) and temperature (4-50 °C), instantaneously recovers its mechanical properties after shear-induced breakdown, and is compatible with both aqueous and organic solvents. Incorporating a "docking station" peptide into the hydrogel building blocks enables simple and stable immobilization of docking protein-fused bioactive proteins in the hydrogel. This intein-triggered protein hydrogel technology opens new avenues for both in vitro metabolic pathway construction and functional/biocompatible tissue engineering scaffolds and provides a convenient platform for immobilizing enzymes in industrial biocatalysis.
Coprecipitation for separation and enrichment with Cu(II)-DBDC for determination of Mn in urine using FAAS

Objective: To establish a FAAS method for the determination of manganese in urine.Methods:The procedure was based on coprecipitation of manganese in urine by the aid of Cu(II)-dibenzyldithiocarbamate precipitate.The precipitate was dissolved in 1 ml of concentrated HNO3,and made up to 25 ml with distilled water.The manganese were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometer.Results:The calibration was linear in the range of 0~10 μg/25 ml.The detection limits was 0.46 μg/L.The relative standard deviation for determination of samples was found in the range of 2.7%~5.4%.The standard addition recovery of manganese was 94%~99%.No interference was observed from coexistent substances in urine.Conclusion:The method is rapid,simple and satisfied with determination manganese in urine.
Test of the Rice Bacterial Blight Resistance Gene Xa21 Using Molecular Marker

The 28 high generation breeding materials of rice were tested using the molecular marker U1/I1 based on the gene sequence of Xa21.Results found that 18 materials contained Xa21 gene,but they were heterozygous in these loci;there was no Xa21 gene in other 10 materials.
Basic Computer Structure and the 6812

Computers and microcomputers are among the most useful tools that humans have developed. The computer has to be used with insight and consideration for its effects on society. A microcomputer is a kind of computer or more accurately, a kind of von Neumann computer, named after the scientist who invented it. A microcomputer is implemented using low-cost integrated circuits (ICs) and therefore, is cheap enough to be used in an incredible range of applications for which a large computer would be infeasible. All von Neumann computers have four components: memory, controller, data operator, which is sometimes called an arithmetic-logic unit, and input-output (I/O), which are connected by an address and data bus. The memory stores both the data and the program, and the I/O provides the communication with the outside world. The data operator performs arithmetic and logical operations on data, such as addition and ANDing. The controller controls the flow of information among the components by the means of control lines directing what computation is to be done. The I/O, controller, and data operator may themselves contain a small amount of memory in registers.
Early Life: Epigenetic Effects on Obesity, Diabetes, and Cancer

Abnormal intrauterine growth and other adverse early-life exposures may induce adaptations that in turn predispose the individual to chronic diseases later in life. This type of adaptation may be marked by changes in systems, organs, and tissues. The immediate benefits of early plasticity or adaptability may come at a cost with repercussions, such as increased susceptibility to diabetes, cardiovascular and other age-related diseases, as well as cancer, manifesting in adulthood. Some fetal adaptations may not necessarily be apparent at birth, but may be revealed later in life when invoked by cumulative environmental challenges (e.g., high fat or westernized diet). Early life exposures may represent the advancement of the normal decline of resistance to disease that occurs with aging. Developmental origin of adult disease may be viewed in the same framework of other progressive disorders defined by increasing epigenetic dysregulation, such as cancer and as such may have identifiable biomarkers. Assays that measure epigenetic changes hold great promise as biomarkers for disease states in which risk can be attributable to gene–environment interactions.